Wildlife Preservation
- Endangered Sea Turtles: Good News
- Endangered Cats and Habitat Loss
- The Struggle to Save Polar Bears
- Caribbean Monk Seal Now Extinct
- Saving Local Frogs and Amphibians
- Time Again for Great Turtle Race
- Your Chance to Name a New Species
- Unexpected Threats Endanger Bats
- Preventing Blue Whale Ship Strikes
- New Buoys Monitor Ocean Noise
Endangered Sea Turtles: Good News
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Dylan, an endangered loggerhead sea turtle was released back to the wild after ten years in captivity. Malaysian conservation groups work to stop sea turtle egg poaching.
Last fall I wrote about Dylan, a loggerhead sea turtle found as a hatchling on Jekyll Island off of Georgia. Originally taken to the Georgia Aquarium, she was being transferred to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which had recently opened on the island. The plan was to release her back to the wild.
And that has now happened. Dylan was released on June 30th wearing a satellite transmitter. Now nine years old, Dylan is expected to stay at sea for another 20 years before returning to Jekyll Island to lay eggs.
To follow Dylan’s progress visit Seaturtle.org. You can learn more about several sea turtle tracking projects there and even adopt one of the endangered sea turtles to help support the program.
In Malaysia a campaign is underway to end a tradition. The Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group is asking people to Say No to Turtle and Terrapin Eggs. Malaysians are asked to sign a pledge that they will not eat turtle eggs for the rest of their lives.
Beyond the obvious hope of ending sea turtle nest poaching in the country, the campaign helps raise awareness of the plight of the four species of sea turtles found on Malaysia’s beaches. Which will hopefully pave the way for other actions such as managing coastal development and controlling local fisheries which are also needed if endangered sea turtle are to survive.
And that has now happened. Dylan was released on June 30th wearing a satellite transmitter. Now nine years old, Dylan is expected to stay at sea for another 20 years before returning to Jekyll Island to lay eggs.
To follow Dylan’s progress visit Seaturtle.org. You can learn more about several sea turtle tracking projects there and even adopt one of the endangered sea turtles to help support the program.
In Malaysia a campaign is underway to end a tradition. The Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group is asking people to Say No to Turtle and Terrapin Eggs. Malaysians are asked to sign a pledge that they will not eat turtle eggs for the rest of their lives.
Beyond the obvious hope of ending sea turtle nest poaching in the country, the campaign helps raise awareness of the plight of the four species of sea turtles found on Malaysia’s beaches. Which will hopefully pave the way for other actions such as managing coastal development and controlling local fisheries which are also needed if endangered sea turtle are to survive.
Endangered Cats and Habitat Loss
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Human encroachment into critical habitat, loss of food sources and exposure to disease from domestic animals contribute to wildcat population declines.
When you think of endangered wild cats, tigers are probably the first species that comes to mind. And tigers are indeed endangered. Their populations are declining rather than increasing. But there are plenty of lesser-known wild cats that may be facing extinction as well.
In Spain and Portugal, the Iberian lynx is hanging on by a thread, with habitat and prey base restoration work providing some slight hope for recovery. In the United Kingdom, the Scottish wildcat is facing similar threats. In the United States, the Florida panther, while better known than the Iberian lynx and the Scottish wildcat, is no better off.
Habitat loss is the biggest issue for all endangered wild cats. The very reclusive nature of these animals makes them unlikely to do well near human habitation. Protecting critical habitat and reducing the number of feral cats in the area reduces the risk of diseases such as Feline Leukemia from spreading to the wild cats. It also reduces the incidence of interbreeding.
The Iberian lynx, the Scottish wildcat and the Florida panther each exist on the fringes of areas with significant human population. Having survived, albeit marginally, in these areas for some time these wild cats will be a good indicator of our ability to learn to co-exist with our wild neighbors.
In Spain and Portugal, the Iberian lynx is hanging on by a thread, with habitat and prey base restoration work providing some slight hope for recovery. In the United Kingdom, the Scottish wildcat is facing similar threats. In the United States, the Florida panther, while better known than the Iberian lynx and the Scottish wildcat, is no better off.
Habitat loss is the biggest issue for all endangered wild cats. The very reclusive nature of these animals makes them unlikely to do well near human habitation. Protecting critical habitat and reducing the number of feral cats in the area reduces the risk of diseases such as Feline Leukemia from spreading to the wild cats. It also reduces the incidence of interbreeding.
The Iberian lynx, the Scottish wildcat and the Florida panther each exist on the fringes of areas with significant human population. Having survived, albeit marginally, in these areas for some time these wild cats will be a good indicator of our ability to learn to co-exist with our wild neighbors.
The Struggle to Save Polar Bears
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Despite threatened status for polar bears in the US, habitat is not protected and Iceland uses human safety as excuse to kill the first bear seen there since the mid 90s
The ongoing battle to protect ANWR, not just for polar bears, but for all arctic species, has just taken one step up and two steps back. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has finally been listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
But in the same breath the US government also allowed for oil exploration in prime polar bear habitat. Getting the polar bear listed under the ESA, should have protected critical habitat in areas like ANWR That hasn’t happened.
In Iceland, the return of thick pack ice resulted in a polar bear arriving on land and being shot. Whenever the ice becomes thick in the area between Greenland and Iceland, there is a chance of a polar bear, caught on a drifting floe, to end up in Iceland. Last time it happened was in the mid 90s.
There is no doubt that polar bears can be dangerous but in this case people, coming out of curiosity to see the bear, were allowed to get too close. Rather than controlling them, the decision was made to shoot the bear.
At some point we are going to have to find a way to strike a better balance between our needs and those of wildlife. We can’t claim to care about endangered species and not be willing to make compromises to save them.
Let your government, be it Icelandic or American, know that what has happened/is happening to the polar bear(s) is not acceptable. Don’t let fear mongering-the price of gas or the dangers presented by a wild animal- be used to allow governments to make bad decisions.
But in the same breath the US government also allowed for oil exploration in prime polar bear habitat. Getting the polar bear listed under the ESA, should have protected critical habitat in areas like ANWR That hasn’t happened.
In Iceland, the return of thick pack ice resulted in a polar bear arriving on land and being shot. Whenever the ice becomes thick in the area between Greenland and Iceland, there is a chance of a polar bear, caught on a drifting floe, to end up in Iceland. Last time it happened was in the mid 90s.
There is no doubt that polar bears can be dangerous but in this case people, coming out of curiosity to see the bear, were allowed to get too close. Rather than controlling them, the decision was made to shoot the bear.
At some point we are going to have to find a way to strike a better balance between our needs and those of wildlife. We can’t claim to care about endangered species and not be willing to make compromises to save them.
Let your government, be it Icelandic or American, know that what has happened/is happening to the polar bear(s) is not acceptable. Don’t let fear mongering-the price of gas or the dangers presented by a wild animal- be used to allow governments to make bad decisions.
Caribbean Monk Seal Now Extinct
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
This declaration is a formality. No living Caribbean monk seals have been seen since the early 60s. But the three other marine mammals are heading in the same direction
It was a bit of a surprise to read that the Caribbean monk seal is just now being officially declared extinct by the National Marine Fisheries Service. After all, the last confirmed sighting of this species was back in the 60s, so most of us were already calling them extinct. But it is a good opportunity to highlight some other marine mammals that are heading in the same direction.
The list includes the Mediterranean monk seal, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the vaquita, a small porpoise found in the Sea of Cortez. All are endangered because of human activities.
Entanglement is a big problem. And while fishing gear leads the list, other marine debris is also a problem. Junk dumped from pleasure boats, freighters and even from land, entraps these curious creatures.
Then there’s just the simple presence of humans. All three marine mammals tend to be reclusive. The more we spend time near and on the water, the fewer places these animals have left where they can be undisturbed.
So what can we do to help?
The usual litany of conservation applies here- reduce, reuse, recycle means that less debris ends up in the oceans.
For those who are fish eaters, making informed choices and eating only seafood from sustainable fisheries will both decrease entanglement chances and help ensure food remains for the monk seals and vaquita.
Finally, support efforts to establish marine protected areas which will ensure critical habitat for the monk seals and the vaquita.
The list includes the Mediterranean monk seal, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the vaquita, a small porpoise found in the Sea of Cortez. All are endangered because of human activities.
Entanglement is a big problem. And while fishing gear leads the list, other marine debris is also a problem. Junk dumped from pleasure boats, freighters and even from land, entraps these curious creatures.
Then there’s just the simple presence of humans. All three marine mammals tend to be reclusive. The more we spend time near and on the water, the fewer places these animals have left where they can be undisturbed.
So what can we do to help?
The usual litany of conservation applies here- reduce, reuse, recycle means that less debris ends up in the oceans.
For those who are fish eaters, making informed choices and eating only seafood from sustainable fisheries will both decrease entanglement chances and help ensure food remains for the monk seals and vaquita.
Finally, support efforts to establish marine protected areas which will ensure critical habitat for the monk seals and the vaquita.
Saving Local Frogs and Amphibians
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Personal encounter with new (for me) species enhances awareness of local frogs and amphibians and the need to protect the whole ecosystem.
Last night I rescued a frog from my kitchen. Which got me thinking about how little I knew about local frogs. As avid birders we have multiple bird books, know which birds in our area are threatened or endangered and what is critical habitat for them. But aside from the voices of spring peepers and bullfrogs, I am pitifully uneducated on frogs and other amphibians.
Behind a maze of odds and ends on the counter I found a small and, very handsome, grayish green and black frog. After letting him go in the backyard, a quick internet search found the grey tree frog (Hyla versicolor) was the most likely match. I had added a new species to my wildlife knowledge.
And had been reminded of the importance of campaigns like Five for Frogs which is working to educate all of us about the threats to frogs and other amphibians everywhere. They keep us informed about new species being discovered and ways that each of us can help.
If someone like myself, who has been involved with wildlife issues for many years, is so lacking in knowledge about a species that lives in my backyard, it is likely that others are as well.
And while my gardening (or lack thereof) is wildlife friendly there are probably things I can do to make it better for frogs and other amphibians. Let’s all make it a point to learn about one species a week in our own neighborhood. And then do something to protect it and its habitat.
Behind a maze of odds and ends on the counter I found a small and, very handsome, grayish green and black frog. After letting him go in the backyard, a quick internet search found the grey tree frog (Hyla versicolor) was the most likely match. I had added a new species to my wildlife knowledge.
And had been reminded of the importance of campaigns like Five for Frogs which is working to educate all of us about the threats to frogs and other amphibians everywhere. They keep us informed about new species being discovered and ways that each of us can help.
If someone like myself, who has been involved with wildlife issues for many years, is so lacking in knowledge about a species that lives in my backyard, it is likely that others are as well.
And while my gardening (or lack thereof) is wildlife friendly there are probably things I can do to make it better for frogs and other amphibians. Let’s all make it a point to learn about one species a week in our own neighborhood. And then do something to protect it and its habitat.
Time Again for Great Turtle Race
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Great Turtle Race II is part of Tracking Of Pacific Predators (TOPP) efforts to learn about endangered species and their ocean habitat. Other species also being tracked.
There’s a lot going on in the ocean right now and you can be part of it all. Last year the first Great Turtle Race made it possible to learn about the challenges facing leatheback sea turtles and to contribute to their protection.
And it was fun, celebrities got involved and everyone could follow their favorite leatherback turtle as she (they are females leaving the nesting beaches to return to feeding areas) made her way across the Pacific.
This year the leatherback sea turtle race will go live online on June 2. Be there for the start of the race and learn about these amazing (and ancient) sea creatures.
But if leatherback sea turtles are not your thing, there are plenty of other marine animals being monitored by Tracking of Pacific Predators which is a part of the Census of Marine Life. This ten year project will finish in 2010, having gained tons of information about the ocean and its inhabitants.
The TOPPs website lets you follow sharks, whales, seals, fish and seabirds in their travels around the ocean. Follow albatross on their mutlti-year flights over open ocean or dive deep under the sea with elephant seals and whales. Information on the site is presented with an eye to getting basic information out there.
But the data section also provides those of us who have a slightly deeper interest with real-time maps and access to scientific publications on the work being done to understand ocean habitats.
That ocean covers 70% of our planet. It is crucial to the health of the earth. Learn more about it from TOPP and have fun doing it.
And it was fun, celebrities got involved and everyone could follow their favorite leatherback turtle as she (they are females leaving the nesting beaches to return to feeding areas) made her way across the Pacific.
This year the leatherback sea turtle race will go live online on June 2. Be there for the start of the race and learn about these amazing (and ancient) sea creatures.
But if leatherback sea turtles are not your thing, there are plenty of other marine animals being monitored by Tracking of Pacific Predators which is a part of the Census of Marine Life. This ten year project will finish in 2010, having gained tons of information about the ocean and its inhabitants.
The TOPPs website lets you follow sharks, whales, seals, fish and seabirds in their travels around the ocean. Follow albatross on their mutlti-year flights over open ocean or dive deep under the sea with elephant seals and whales. Information on the site is presented with an eye to getting basic information out there.
But the data section also provides those of us who have a slightly deeper interest with real-time maps and access to scientific publications on the work being done to understand ocean habitats.
That ocean covers 70% of our planet. It is crucial to the health of the earth. Learn more about it from TOPP and have fun doing it.
Your Chance to Name a New Species
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Winning bidder will name a new ‘walking frog’ species and may visit endangered amphibians in the wild. Bidding closes on May 29 so hurry.
Its not every day you get to name a new species, so take the opportunity now. The privilege does not come cheaply but since all proceeds go to saving some of Ecuador’s most endangered amphibians, it is well worth every penny. And if its celebrity recognition you want -how about a personalized Thank You letter from Jeff Corwin?
What you get when you win:
The frog to be named, found in the Andes, is distinguished by the fact that it doesn’t hop but rather ‘walks’ on the forest floor. To add to their uniqueness, walking frogs don’t produce tadpoles. Froglets come directly from the hatched eggs.
Amphibian Ark is a partnership effort between zoos and two IUCN specialist groups to develop short term captive management programs for amphibian species which can’t be adequately protected in the wild right now.
Can’t afford to join in the auction fun? Check out Five for Frogs for other ways to help.
What you get when you win:
- The chance to name the new frog species
- A photo of the frog engraved with your chosen name
- The letter of thanks from Jeff Corwin
- The chance to visit Ecuador and see endangered frogs in their natural habitat
The frog to be named, found in the Andes, is distinguished by the fact that it doesn’t hop but rather ‘walks’ on the forest floor. To add to their uniqueness, walking frogs don’t produce tadpoles. Froglets come directly from the hatched eggs.
Amphibian Ark is a partnership effort between zoos and two IUCN specialist groups to develop short term captive management programs for amphibian species which can’t be adequately protected in the wild right now.
Can’t afford to join in the auction fun? Check out Five for Frogs for other ways to help.
Unexpected Threats Endanger Bats
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Mysterious fungus affecting east coast bats while disturbance from southwest border wall construction and surveillance affect major colonies. Pesticides harm food sources
Bats in the US are being hit from all directions yet, since very few people really comprehend their importance, efforts to protect them are limited. Probably the single biggest danger to bats is the excessive use of pesticides. Most US bats are insectivores which eat many pest species. Food sources for bats are destroyed when insects are killed with pesticides. And bats may be directly harmed by pesticide spraying schedules.
In the northeast white-nose syndrome has had a significant effect on bat colonies, and the problem is spreading. There is some speculation that, with less food available, the bats are more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as the fungus which is behind white-nose syndrome.
And few people would have predicted that the US Mexico border wall would affect bats. After all, bats can fly, can’t they? But bat colonies are easily disturbed by activity and noise. Startled young bats may lose their grip, fall to the cave floor and be unable to return to their mothers. Some new sections of the wall are being constructed near key bat caves. In addition, border surveillance equipment emits sounds that may interfere with the echolocation that bats depend on for finding their way around and locating food.
The situation bats face is not uncommon. Humans rarely think about the impact their activities may have on other species. We often realize after the fact that we could have done things differently and saved some animals, like bats, in the process. We will need to start doing more proactive assessment of our impacts on other species if we are ever going to slow the extinction landslide we have started.
In the northeast white-nose syndrome has had a significant effect on bat colonies, and the problem is spreading. There is some speculation that, with less food available, the bats are more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as the fungus which is behind white-nose syndrome.
And few people would have predicted that the US Mexico border wall would affect bats. After all, bats can fly, can’t they? But bat colonies are easily disturbed by activity and noise. Startled young bats may lose their grip, fall to the cave floor and be unable to return to their mothers. Some new sections of the wall are being constructed near key bat caves. In addition, border surveillance equipment emits sounds that may interfere with the echolocation that bats depend on for finding their way around and locating food.
The situation bats face is not uncommon. Humans rarely think about the impact their activities may have on other species. We often realize after the fact that we could have done things differently and saved some animals, like bats, in the process. We will need to start doing more proactive assessment of our impacts on other species if we are ever going to slow the extinction landslide we have started.
Preventing Blue Whale Ship Strikes
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
Loss of five blue whales in fall of 2007 sparks efforts to prevent recurrence of this tragedy before annual migration brings them into Southern California’s waters again
A reader has asked what is being done to protect the endangered blue whales in southern California where 5 died last year. This is what is happening so far:
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary(CINMS) has taken the lead in developing plans to prevent this from happening again. Their Scientific Advisory Committee has put together a working group to develop plans for reducing blue whale mortality in and near the sanctuary.
Possible solutions include:
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary(CINMS) has taken the lead in developing plans to prevent this from happening again. Their Scientific Advisory Committee has put together a working group to develop plans for reducing blue whale mortality in and near the sanctuary.
Possible solutions include:
- Increased monitoring of blue whales during migration-a similar plan has helped reduce North Atlantic Right whale ship strikes. Overflights by researchers during migration provide an ‘early warning system’ to let ships know where the right whales are so it is easier to avoid them
- Alterations of shipping channels-the same right whales have been helped in this way as they migrate through the Stellwagon Banks feeding grounds near Boston harbor.
- An observer program on-board ships in the area during migration-this would help ensure that whales are sighted and that speed limits are enforced.
- Education-Informing the shipping industry and local media will help ship captains to be aware of the locations of the whales with public awareness through the media putting pressure on all to follow the guidelines.
Posted by
Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith
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.
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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