Wildlife Preservation


Feature Writer: Dawn M. Smith
dawn.jan.07, I Robinson

In 2006, the number of endangered species rose to more than 16,000 worldwide. Habitat loss, pollution and human-animal conflict all play a part when species are threatened with extinction. Introductions of non-native species devastate local native populations and alter ecosystems, often creating unexpected changes.

From elephants, tigers and bears to monk seals, sea turtles and whales we'll explore wildlife conservation issues and find some reasons to be encouraged. With new species being discovered every day, interest in protecting some of the world's unique habitats is growing.

Wildlife conservation issues cross international borders. Working cooperatively across cultures and ideologies, people are making a difference to many species, including our own.

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Asian Elephant, I Robinson, IFAW
feature articles
Dawn M. Smith

Checkerspot Butterfly Endangered?

In: Wildlife Conservation

USFWS may be forced to determine whether Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly should be listed as endangered as agricultural pesticide use is proposed for the area. more...

US Border Issues Threaten Wildlife

In: Endangered Species

Endangered species including Sonoran pronghorn, jaguar, ocelot, and long nose bats are likely to be affected by controversial extensions of the US-Mexico border wall. more...

GuyLian Supports Project Seahorse

In: Ecosystem Preservation

Famous Belgian chocolate company's seashell truffle profits help Project Seahorse protect vital coastal environment, support sustainable fisheries and monitor trade. more...

Brazilian Amazon's Two New Monkeys

In: Ecosystem Preservation

Controversial biologist Marc Van Roosmalen's discovery of two more species of titi monkey are another reason conservation groups call for better rainforest protection. more...

Monarch Butterfly Migration

In: Endangered Species

Both Mexico and the United States are contributing to the potential extinction of the monarch butterfly despite the creation of a biosphere reserve to protect them. more...

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Dawn M. Smith

May 4, 2008

New Buoys Monitor Ocean Noise

Buoys being deployed in the Stellwagon Banks National Marine Sanctuary to record sound levels in important feeding ground for migrating whales and dolphins


Until now, there have been no organized efforts to quantify day-to-day ocean noise levels and their effects on marine mammals. But with new bouys being used at the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagon Bank National Marine Sanctuary, that is about to change.

Several years ago shipping lanes into the city of Boston were moved to reduce the amount of traffic within the marine sanctuary in an effort to protect the highly endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, a slow moving surface feeding whale which forages in the area during spring and fall migrations.

The next step in the protection of this whale is to look at the effects of ocean noise within this critical feeding area. Humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales and several species of dolphin, porpoise and seal also frequent Stellwagon Banks. So do fishermen, both commercial and sport, and whale watch boats. When added to the shipping traffic that’s a lot of activity.

Marine mammals are dependent on sound for many things, including predator avoidance, navigation and communication. Ship traffic noise may interfere with those daily activities, but how much noise and what types of noise are a problem is unknown. The buoys are being used to find some of those answers. And that help guide efforts to effectively protect marine mammals from too much ocean noise. We all know how important a little peace and quiet can be.

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