Lesser Flamingo Conservation
The Lesser Flamingo breeds in only four places in Africa, including the large wetland in South Africa known as Kamfers Dam. The area supports the most substantial South African population of Lesser Flamingos, with as many as 60,000 birds at a time. The flamingos are attracted to Kamfers Dam primarily because of the high concentration of blue-green algae, their favored food source.
As well, the Lesser Flamingos bred and produced about 9,000 chicks in 2007-2008, on a purpose-built island on Kamfers Dam that was constructed by an award-winning mining company.
The Lesser Flamingos found in Kamfers Dam have both ecotourism and economic value for the surrounding area. According to Save the Flamingo, the flamingo has become a symbol used by many businesses in their logos, including real estate companies. People all over the country make the trip to see these spectacular pink birds.
However, the Lesser Flamingo is currently listed as “near-threatened” in national and international red data books. This is due to them having few breeding sites, a declining population, infrequent breeding and human induced threats to breeding sites, as reported by Save the Flamingo. Human induced threats include toxic materials, disturbance by low flying aircraft and collisions with the overheard powerlines. An oversized housing development is to be built nearby Kamfers Dam. Untreated sewage is flooding into the area, making both flamingos and people living nearby ill.
In order to help save this species, and the people in nearby suburbs, Save the Flamingo has come up with some solutions for the challenges facing Kamfers Dam. However, in order to achieve success, the NGO must reach out and find support from all over the world. Together, supporters can help persuade local South African authorities to take the threats against the species seriously and take immediate action to prevent the dam from being further polluted.
Save the Flamingo is a South African NGO trying to make a difference. To show your support for the Save the Flamingo Association, please feel free to visit the website and sign the petition or kindly make a monetary donation.
Tags: birdwatching, breeding, Conservation, ecotourism, flamingos, Kamfers Dam, Lesser Flamingo, Save the Flamingo, South Africa
Update from the Gulf
Devastation in the Gulf
As oil continues to seep into the Gulf of Mexico, aggressive awareness campaigns and protection efforts are vital in order to save what’s left of the delicate balance of life in the ocean. The devastating effects of the BP oil spill on wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico can be witnessed in an exhibit at the National Mississipi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa. According to KTTC, the exhibit was originally planned to display the beauty of the Gulf, but after the April 20 Deep Water Horizon rupture it will now showcase what is perhaps the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. The aquarium exhibit includes a 40,000 gallon tank laden with dark window stickers resembling the oil that covers aquatic life in the Gulf. It allows visitors to face the effects of the tragedy.
The reality is that the ecosystems surrounding the Gulf may never be the same, as countless plants and animals have died or been forced from their habitats. Veterinarian news DVM 360 estimates that out of the approximately 1,812 birds that have been collected in the area, only 766 have been found alive. Similarly, only 128 of the 539 sea turtles collected, and 5 of 52 dolphins, were reported as living.
The New York Times reports that dozens of heavily oiled sea turtles were recently found near a site where workers were burning off oil, raising the possibility that the turtles had been burned.
Good News From the Gulf
Luckily, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts shine a ray of hope over the murky depths of the Gulf. More than 63 cleaned and rehabilitated brown pelicans were set free at Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas, which was picked due to its ideal coastal habitat for the pelicans.
Also, the Center for Biological Diversity has advised that conservation groups, BP and the Coast Guard agreed Friday (in court) that efforts will be taken to rescue sea turtles from the water’s surface before setting fire to oil slicks in the Gulf. A shrimp boat captain noticed turtles, including the endangered Kemp’s ridleys, were being burned when fire-resistant booms were drawn together to form a “burn box” that was then burned. Turtles were being caught in the box and killed. Now qualified scientists and observers will attend every burn to make sure that all turtles are identified and removed before the burning starts.
Thank You and Good Luck to all the people rescuing and rehabilitating animals and cleaning up the oil. Efforts as rapid and forceful as the leaking oil are needed.
Tags: aquarium, Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge, birds, BP, Center for Biological Diversity, Coast Guard, devastation, dolphins, exhibit, fire, Gulf, Kemp's Ridley, Mississippi River, museum, oil, rehabilitation, sea turtles, wildlife rescue
Creating Wetlands for Birds
The U.S. Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative has announced that they are willing to pay up to $20 million to Gulf of Mexico area landowners to flood their fields in hopes of attracting migrating birds to the clean water. An estimated 1 billion birds will soon be migrating through the oil polluted area, and the land lakes would give them safe rest and nesting grounds.
The Initiative will pay for up to 150,000 acres of farm and ranch lands along the southern border of the US that lines the Gulf of Mexico, advises the LA Times. Landowners are being asked to flood their fields and promote bird-friendly plants, or improve any wetlands they have on their property.
The farmers who are already participating in conservation programs such as soil erosion control, pest management and water quality improvement, are expected to lead the sign ups. Hopefully other farmers/ranchers will also sign up for the program, which is expected to last for 3 to 5 years.
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and is involved with establishing new waterfowl refuges as well as setting the price for any land and/or water areas that the Service is interested in purchasing.
One example is on June 16th, the US government announced that the Commission has approved a total of $35.7 million for acquiring over 319,000 acres of lands and wetlands in the United States and Canada. In addition to protecting birds, preserved wetlands provide storm protection and prevent flooding, cleanse water, and provide people with recreation and wildlife viewing arenas.
Tags: Conservation, Gulf, habitat, Migratory Bird, oil, US Fish and Wildlife, Wetlands
Success in Indiana
The state of Indiana is set to become a national leader in wetlands and wildlife protection, as two landmark conservation projects were recently announced. According to the Chicago Tribune, Indiana in partnership with the federal government and private conservation groups will buy and preserve more than 25,600 acres along the Muscatatuck River which will ensure the protection of one of the state’s largest and most intact bottomland forest.
Along with the Muscatatuck Bottoms plan, the state announced the Wabash project, the largest conservation initiative ever undertaken by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The Nature Conservancy explains that the state will acquire 43,000 acres in the floodplain of the Wabash River and Sugar Creek from willing sellers, which will benefit wildlife, public recreation and the environment. The area involved spans 94 miles along the river, and according to Governor Mitch Daniels it will be one of the largest continuous wildlife and waterfowl habitats in the eastern United States.
The Tribstar reports that the state will use $21.5 million from the Lifetime License Trust Fund, a state trust fund dedicated to conservation purposes, and $10 million from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to begin the necessary land acquisitions. Additional funding will come from Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Dept of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Wabash is biologically diverse and increased protection means that migratory birds such as ducks and geese will be able to find vital resting areas in Indiana while on their way to Mexico for the winter. Although the ultimate goal of the initiative is to protect habitats and threatened species, the project will also bring significant flood control advantages to the area, according to Governor Daniels in the Tribstar. Sounds like a win/win situation for all species!
Tags: Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, Governor Mitch Daniels, Indiana, Muscatatuck River, Nature Conservancy, Sugar Creek, Wabash, waterfowl
Saving UK Seas
The Marine Conservation Society, UK’s leading charity for the protection of the sea, wants to designate new Marine Conservation Zones and new Marine Protected Areas off the coast of their island nation. The Society is calling for scientific criteria to be used to select these zones, and laws to help fully protect 30% of the seas. Further, the Marine Conservation Society believes that if commercial interests are allowed a say in what areas are to be designated as protected, then so should the public.
The Marine Conservation Society reports that currently only about 5 square kms (less than 1%) of the UK seas are fully protected from detrimental activities including oil and gas extraction, fishing, and dredging. That’s far less than the 10% to 40% that science reveals needs to be protected. The 1% includes three Marine Reserves – there are 148 other places classified as Marine Protected Areas which receive only partial protection from activities such as dredging, fishing and construction.
Seas possess such extreme diversity that it makes it crucial to save these areas. And they recover well. The variety of life increases by 21% while the volume of life increases by 466% once damaging or extractive activities are stopped inside marine reserves.
The Marine Conservation Society has been campaigning for more effective protection of the UK seas and marine wildlife for over 25 years. Recently, they introduced a voting contest for UK residents who can vote for the protection of a specific area, using an online map with 73 nominated sites based on 20 years of dive research. Voters are allowed to nominate their own site as well. Altogether, it’s an opportunity for UK residents to show they care about their seas, shores and wildlife.
With the successful creation of UK and Scottish Marine Bills, different UK governments are now working towards establishing a network of marine protected areas by 2012. The Marine Conservation Society wants these sites to be chosen based on the best scientific advice. When sites are ecologically equal, then social and economic interests should be considered. The voices of UK citizens can help make the decision. It has been 25 years in the making – now is the time to act.
Tags: Conservation, Marine Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Zone, Marine Protected Area, marine reserve, marine wildlife, MCS, sea, UK, vote
Big Butterfly Count
Butterflies and moths are more than just fascinating insects – their sensitivity to our environment makes them an excellent indicator. With almost half of Britain’s butterflies being in decline, Butterfly Conservation and Marks & Spencer have teamed up to try to save these beautiful creatures.
As part of the leading conservation group and retailer’s efforts, people across Britain will be counting butterflies this summer in The Big Butterfly Count. For 15 minutes during sunny weather from July 24th through August 1st, Britishers are to count the number of species and members of species in their garden, and then report the number online to the organizers. Participants can download a butterfly chart to help them identify species , and their numbers will be taken as an indicator. This is likely one of the largest public trust-based conservation initiatives ever undertaken in Britain.
Meanwhile, Butterfly Conservation is providing support to Marks & Spencers farmers to promote the health of butterflies on their farms. Over three-quarters of UK butterflies and moths depend on farmland, and birds and other wildlife depend on caterpillars for food. Their loss would result in a reduction of some crop yields. Butterfly–friendly recommendations include leaving some tall, uncut areas within the grass margins immediately alongside the hedgerow to allow for young butterflies to successfully survive the winter. Also, re-seeding grass margins with a simple wildflower/grass mix is advised.
Sir David Attenborough, President of Butterfly Conservation, has suggested that these activities will help reverse the declines in the butterfly population.
Marks & Spencers will also launch a range of new butterfly adorned accessories to help raise awareness among the general public. These efforts are part of the company’s overall Plan A, launched in January 2007, which has the ultimate goal of becoming our world’s most sustainable major retailer.
Tags: Big Butterfly Count, Britain, Butterflies, butterfly conservation, butterfly jewellery, caterpillars, Conservation, farms, Marks & Spencer, moths, Plan A, Sir David Attenborough, UK
Gwaii Haanas
On June 7 of this year, the Canadian government tabled (for a subsequent vote) an agreement that establishes a Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in B.C.’s Gwaii Haanas (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands). Following 25 years of discussion between the government and the Haida Nation, a co-managed interim management plan has been agreed upon.
As WWF Canada reports, National Marine Conservation Areas aim to protect marine ecosystems while allowing the area to be used in ecologically sustainable ways. To date, the Gwaii Haanas has been poorly managed, with a noticeable lack of consideration for ecological, cultural, and social values. The new Reserve will be co-managed with Parks Canada, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, and the Haida Nation, as well as local stakeholders.
The Gwaii Haanas is an important area ecologically, with over 3,000 species in a fairly untouched area. Gray and humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins and other mammals migrate through the area which is home to a variety of fish, seabirds and other marine life.
This particular area has been faced with rapidly declining numbers of sea life ranging from herring to prawns. However, after years of discussion between the Haida Nation and the Government, they have finally come to an agreement that will close approximately three percent of this area to fishing, as reported by the Times Colonist. As progress continues, environmental groups hope that these no-fishing areas will be expanded.
Parks Canada reports that the National Marine Reserve and Heritage Site will preserve approximately ten kilometres off the Reserve’s shore. In combination with the preexisting national reserve, the conservation area will set out to protect more than 5,000 square kilometres ranging from mountaintops to deep sea.
The shared responsibility model in Gwaii Haanas is unique in its effort to treat land and sea as a single system. As such, it provides a role model for other conservation and sustainability agreements across North America.
Also, as WWF suggests, our oceans are exposed to a triple threat consisting of poor management, overexploitation, and climate change. These are the primary causes for the reduction in the number of fish to what is believed to be beneath a sustainable level, which has negative impacts on coastal communities. The Gwaii Haanas agreement represents a trickle of hope for renewal and sustainability in our oceans. Now we are left to hope that the success of this National Marine Conservation Area will spur the development of many more!
Tags: Gwaii Haanas, Haida Heritage Site, Marine Conservation Area, Parks Canada, Queen Charlotte Islands, sustainability, WWF Canada
The Great Outdoors
President Obama recently launched the Great Outdoors Initiative, a plan that aims to conserve land while encouraging Americans to get outside and relish nature.
The program is a bottom-up initiative to have the input of local Americans into a national America’s Great Outdoors plan to be launched later this year. It is an effort by the Environmental Protection Agency, White House Council on Environmental Quality and the departments of Agriculture and Interior. The first phase of the initiative involves listening sessions across the country, where communities can air grievances and offer ideas for the action plan.
The first of these listening sessions occurred in early June in Missoula, Montana, and drew a crowd of over 300 people. The state of Montana was the perfect place to start due to its recent success preserving land in north-western Montana’s “Crown of the Continent”, an excellent example of successful conservation collaboration within local communities. According to the Missoulian, the discussion focussed on how to replicate successful conservation models in urban areas as well as the role of the federal government in local conservation efforts. Locals expressed that, with over 80 percent of Americans living in urban areas, it is vital that partnerships are forged across the country and that land conservation ideas from big cities are not “forced down the throats of rural residents”.
According to MSNBC, Obama believes that conservation is an integral part of economic growth, and is confident that his new program will also create jobs. Indeed, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar challenged the Interior bureaus to increase youth employment opportunities and unveiled the Bureau of Reclamation Youth Conservation Program. The program will help youth learn and contribute to Reclamation goals of delivering water for agriculture and municipal users, providing renewable energy for America’s future, focusing on 21st Century Water Management and a commitment to Native American Tribes.
The listening sessions will culminate in a multi-agency report that will be delivered to President Obama in November 2010, after which final policy decisions will be made.
Tags: Crown of the Continent, EPA, Great Outdoors, Initiative, Montana, Obama, Youth Conservation Program
Snails vs Bushmeat
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN reports that people in many African countries eat bushmeat, which tends to be more readily available and cost less than other forms of protein-based foods. Modern hunting methods including rifles and poison are used, and the hunters target any animal they find including endangered animals. Due to human population growth and related hunting, many species are liable to go extinct.
A glimmer of hope has appeared, and it’s centered around one of the smallest animals in Africa – the snail. The Wildlife Conservation Society is working near Nigeria’s Cross River National Park, where bushmeat poachers have been killing endangered gorillas. The Wildlife Conservation Society has helped local people establish snail farms, which gives the residents alternative food and livelihood options.
In fact, farming snails is likely to bring in more money for the local people than does the bushmeat trade, which makes it a favorable alternative. One reason some Africans hunt for bushmeat is that they have limited sources of income and food. The Society is testing several alternative livelihoods, of which the snail farming seems the most promising. Once built, the farms require little maintenance and quickly produce results.
Snails are considered a delicacy and delicious, which competes well with the people who like the taste of bushmeat, or think it’s more healthy.
Hopefully the snail farming will save the local animals, including the Cross River gorillas. A third of the Cross River gorillas live in the Takamanda National Park - unfortunately this does not save them from bushmeat poaching. Solutions including alternative income and food sources need to be found, then spread throughout Africa. So it may be time for us to develop a taste preference for snails, both in Africa and here at home, to fuel the market for this potential solution to the African bushmeat crisis. My apologies to the 100 Mile Diet. Does anyone want to comment on this?
Tags: 100 Mile Diet, bushmeat, Cross River, Food and Agriculture, gorilla, snails, Takamanda, UN, Wildlife Conservation Society
Saving Grizzlies
Last Thursday the Alberta government made a positive move forward in wildlife preservation. Grizzly bears officially joined species including peregrine falcons and trumpeter swans on the list of threatened species. This marks the Alberta government’s commitment to granting the grizzly bear some much needed support, without which the bears are likely to become endangered.
As the provincial government works to protect this species, it must discover ways to limit access to grizzly bear habitats by industry workers, hunters and ATV riders, reports the CTV News. Fortunately, there has been strong co-operation seen in related industries.
Currently, there are believed to be approximately 760 grizzly bears found on both federal and provincial lands in Alberta, says the Calgary Herald.
By declaring grizzly bears a threatened species in Alberta, the government is required to execute a recovery plan within a year.
Progress is evident with the legally sanctioned grizzly hunt having been suspended as of 2006. The main issue now is believed to be access roads and, more specifically, the human-grizzly bear contact. Bears become dependent on grain that trains accidently leak into bear habitats. This dependency must be controlled in order to reduce habitat disturbance.
A statement made by a coalition of conservation organizations reports that limiting access to bear habitats in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho has tripled the grizzly bear count in a single generation.
Potential solutions are seen in the Idaho case. According to The Nature Conservancy in Idaho, a 647-acre conservation easement has been created to protect grizzly bear habitat in northern Idaho. The easement enables the state to conserve the grizzly bear habitat while sustaining the rural economy. However, in order to protect the grizzlies, timber is not harvested when bears are present and forest buffers are maintained along streams and roads to better protect the wildlife.
The solution seen in Idaho is only one example of what can be done to help the grizzly bears in Alberta. The creation of such an easement demonstrates how conservation organizations can work with the government, private landowners and public agencies to support conservation. While Alberta is only just beginning its journey towards such success, placing grizzly bears on its threatened species list is a step that must be celebrated.
Tags: Alberta, Conservation, Grizzly Bear, Idaho, Nature Conservancy
