We were once a tribe. We were called the golden ones. The golden mole survives as does the golden lion tamarin monkey and the golden tanager. But there were more of us. We were the golden ones.
Thursday 20 May 2010
Tuesday 23 March 2010
No 78 - Red-headed Vulture
The Red-headed Vulture, Sarcogyps calvus, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its red head, jet-black body, red folds of skin on its throat and wingspan of over two metres make this vulture a striking creature. Sadly, there are currently less than 10,000 of these vultures in the wid.
The cause for the massive decline in numbers of Red-headed Vultures is the consumption of livestock treated with the veterinary drug diclofenac. The drug causes kidney failure in vultures has been shown to be responsible for the huge declines in populations of vultures of the genus gyps.
Fortunately, the manufacture of diclofenac has been banned in India, Nepal and Pakistan, and its use is being replaced with a drug that is not poisonous to vultures. As it may be a while before diclofenac is completely removed, captive breeding programmes will ensure the survival of this critically endangered vulture.
Friday 19 March 2010
Thursday 18 March 2010
Tuesday 16 March 2010
No 73 - Chinese Crested Tern
The Chinese Crested Tern, Sterna bernsteini, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This seabird was previously thought to be extinct but was re-discovered in 2000. Exclusively coastal, the Chinese Crested Tern only breeds in China and Taiwan on offshore islets and tidal mudflats.
Tragically, the total population is estimated to be at less than 50 individuals. The future of this species is threatened by egg-collection, human disturbance and the loss of coastal wetland habitats. Other threats include the introduction of predatory species such as rats and water pollution that affect the terns’ food sources.
This Chinese Crested Tern is nationally protected in China and Thailand and nesting habitat is patrolled in the breeding season. This has served as an effective deterrent to egg collectors. Programmes to raise local awareness of this bird and address socio economic factors relating to its conservation are being developed.
Monday 15 March 2010
No 71 - Chinese Giant Salamander
The Chinese Giant Salamander, Andrias davidianus, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. It is the largest of all amphibian species, sometimes growing to more than one meter in length. The Chinese Giant Salamander is widespread in central, southern and southwestern China.
This was once a common species but there has been a drastic population decline of more than 80% over the last three generations largely due to over-harvesting, as it is considered to be a luxury food. Furthermore, the Chinese Giant Salamander habitat has suffered from the construction of dams and local pesticides, fertilizers and pollutants. Although the Chinese Giant Salamander is commercially farmed, the vast majority being traded is believed to originate from the wild.
Fourteen nature reserves have been established for the conservation of the Chinese Giant Salamander, however there are concerns that development around reserves, and tourism plans within the reserve, will disrupt healthy rivers and habitats. Captive rearing of Chinese Giant Salamander has achieved some success, but these projects are mainly to meet the market demand.
Sunday 14 March 2010
No 66 - Harlequin Frog
The Harlequin Frog, Atelopus varius is listed as a ‘Critically Endangered’ species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. It is found in protected areas in Panama and Costa Rica, and can often be seen sitting on rocks or logs around streams or hiding in rock crevices relying on the spray from small fast-flowing streams for moisture. At night it sleeps in crevices or on large leaves in low vegetation near streams. Even within the same population, the colour of this species can greatly vary. Most individuals are black with yellow markings but lime green, orange and red are also fairly common.
In the 1970s, the Harlequin Frog was collected in the thousands as part of the international pet trade. But more recently, the major threat to the Harlequin Frog has been the spread of chytrid fungus. This devastating fungus appears to have been dramatically accelerated by climate change, as the rise in air temperature and precipitation optimizes chytrid vitality. Additionally, the Harlequin Frog is being threatened by newly introduced trout within its range, habitat alteration due to the destruction of natural forests, and the potentially detrimental effects of inbreeding.
Measures are being taken to remove a number of Harlequin Frogs from their threatened habitats to a new location to ensure its future survival. In addition, a captive-breeding program has also been initiated. Whilst recent testing indicates that the remaining populations of Harlequin Frogs are free of chytrid infection, monitoring is carried out twice a year to ensure that future transmission is avoided.
No 65 - Rufous-headed Hornbill
The lovely Hannah Beatrice; illustrator, designer and photographer has drawn this Rufous-headed Hornbill. Thank you!
Red Listed: Critically Endangered
No 63 - Biscutella Rotgesii
The Biscutella rotgesii is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species grows on rocky grassland and serpentine rock in Corsica, managing the high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and surviving on a limited supply of water.
Only several hundred individuals exist and sadly, these numbers are diminishing rapidly. As the Biscutella rotgesii is not internationally protected by any conventions, it is vulnerable to urbanization in its various forms, particularly the construction of roads and dams. In addition to these direct human pressures, flooding and fires also threaten this species’ existence.
The botanical garden of Porquerolles in France is storing and cultivating seeds. This important work should ideally be implemented by other botanical gardens. In addition, a management plan for the Natura 2000 site "Défilé de l'Inzecca" is being drafted and implemented as a way of raising awareness and saving this species.
No 62 - North Atlantic Right Whale
The North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis, is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. Despite its bulky size, the North Atlantic Right Whale is able to perform acrobatic acts such as jumping out of the water. Unfortunately, this made them an easy target for whalers. Whilst they were once frequently seen, it is currently one of the rarest large whales in the world, having been drastically reduced to critically low numbers of less than 250 mature individuals. Historically, the North Atlantic Right Whale was common on both sides of the Atlantic. Today, this whale appears to be effectively extinct in the eastern North Atlantic.
Whilst the North Atlantic Right Whale is no longer hunted, decades of exploitation have left a tragic legacy. The main threats to the North Atlantic Right Whale are collision with ships and entanglement in commercial fishing gear. Other threats include loss of habitat due to human activity, oil spills, man-made noise (which may interfere with communication), intensive commercial fishing (which effects prey availability), and global climate change. As the North Atlantic Right Whale relies heavily on a very specific combination of water currents and temperature for feeding, changes in ocean temperatures and currents, caused by global climate change could be the ultimate threat that pushes this species over the brink into extinction.
The most immediate conservation need for the North Atlantic Right Whale is the elimination of deaths and injuries from ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. Both the US and Canada are doing their utmost to meet these conservation needs. Sadly, there is no indication as to whether the measures are having a sufficient impact on the populations of North Atlantic Right Whales. The extinction of this great whale in the next century is a very real possibility.
Saturday 13 March 2010
No 60 - The Bamboo-zling Giant Panda
Today's profile comes from Adrian McLeod a writer, journalist and friend. The Bamboo-zling Giant Panda
Pandas are officially* the cutest endangered species. They are a type of bear and like other bears, they have the digestive system of a carnivore. But at some point, pandas decided to become vegetarian. These days, their diet is 99% bamboo.
It takes a lot of bamboo to keep a 150kg carnivore alive. Each week pandas need to eat their own body-weight of the stuff. Try it. It’s not pleasant.
The panda’s bamboo has been disappearing - half of it went in the fifteen years between 1974 and 1989. Humans are tearing down bamboo forests for agriculture, for roads and construction, and for housing.
But the good news is that conservation efforts seem to be working. In 2006, there were 40 panda reserves in China compared with just 13 in 1986. They are still an endangered species but scientists estimate that there may now be as many as 3000 pandas in the wild.
*According to Ade’s index cuteness.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Tuesday 9 March 2010
An apology
I'm sorry I have been away for so long. I have been inspired by Austin Kleon's blackout poetry. Like me he is a writer who draws.
A small blackout apology.
Sorry. I missed this.
Monday 8 March 2010
Sunday 7 March 2010
Monday 1 March 2010
Thursday 25 February 2010
No 55 - European Bison
The European Bison is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. It is smaller in size and less shaggy than its North American relative but it is in fact the largest herbivore in Europe. The European Bison previously roamed throughout western, central and southeastern Europe. With the advances in agriculture and human expansion it suffered under unlimited hunting and lost much of its natural habitat. It also suffered under unlimited hunting. By the beginning of the 20th Century it only roamed freely in two protected forests in Poland and the former Soviet Union. By 1927, it had disappeared from the wild altogether and only 54 individuals survived in Zoos.
Re-introductions to forests in Belarus, Poland, Russia, Lithuania and the Ukraine, have been extremely successful. As a result of captive breeding, and intensive conservation management, the total population of free-ranging bison now stands at 1,800 with over 1,400 individuals in captivity.
Wednesday 24 February 2010
No 54 - Egyptian Tortoise
The Egyptian Tortoise, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. The Egyptian tortoise is a small, desert-living tortoise of the Middle East, recognised for its high-domed, golden-coloured shell and minute size. Once more widespread, its numbers are now so small that it could realistically face extinction in less than 20 years if degradation of landscape and trade is not stopped. This species historically suffered from collection for the national and international pet trade in Egypt, once the species was exhausted from this region, the trade moved its attention to Libyan stock. Currently, the main threats endangering the Egyptian Tortoise are intensive commercial collection and habitat destruction, which have already led to the disappearance of the species from much of its former range. Agricultural expansion, cultivation, overgrazing and urban encroachment have put enormous pressure on the Egyptian Tortoise’s fragile and dwindling habitat, dramatically reducing available vegetation for food and cover. The Libyan government does not currently offer the Egyptian Tortoise protection, but it is protected from international trade, sadly these laws are often flouted. The establishment of more protected areas and better enforcement of trade laws would greatly enhance the survival prospects of the entire species.
No 53 - Polynesian Ground Dove
The Polynesian Ground Dove, Gallicolumba erythroptera, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. This beautiful dove can be found in the forests, scrubland, plantations, and rural gardens of French Polynesia. It can be identified by its low melancholic moan and a splash of white over the males’ chest, throat and eyebrows. Today, there are less than 200 Polynesian Ground Doves left in the wild. Historically there are two main reasons for the decline in numbers of this species: hunting and newly introduced predators to the islands such as cats and rats. More recently this shy dove has struggled with human expansion into its habitat.
No 51 - No-eyed Big-Eyed Spider
Have a big eyed look: Kauai Cave Wold Spider (its other name!)
This Hawaiian Spider is Endangered: Red List
For more photos: ARKive
Friday 19 February 2010
Thursday 18 February 2010
Wednesday 17 February 2010
No 48 - Ash-breasted Tit-tyrant
This is perhaps the best named bird.
Small but potent.
Grey but colourful.
Loved yet endangered...
Small but potent.
Grey but colourful.
Loved yet endangered...
Interesting Fact: Its call is soft; a rolling series of nasal, repeated crriu notes.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Monday 15 February 2010
No 44- Mindoro Bleeding-Heart
The Mindoro Bleeding-heart Gallicolumba platenae, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. The Mindoro Bleeding-heart is a shy, ground dwelling pigeon that feeds on seeds, fallen fruit and worms found on the forest floor. It is native only to the island of Mindoro, in the Philippines. The Mindoro Bleeding-heart has an extremely small, severely fragmented population that is undergoing a continuing population decline owing to lowland forest destruction, hunting and capture for pet-trade.
Lowland forest destruction has eradicated almost all Mindoro Bleeding-heart habitats. More of this bird’s habitat, in the forests at Siburan and Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, is being threatened by encroaching shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn agriculture and occasional selective logging; whilst the collection of Rattan climbing palms disturbs the forest undergrowth. In forests at Puerto Galera, the Mindoro Bleeding-heart faces destruction from dynamite blasting which goes on for marble extraction. This beautiful pigeon also faces the threat of being hunted for food and pet trade.
Continuing studies that assess the Mindoro Bleeding-heart’s requirements for breeding and foraging will help conserve and increase its survival rates. Other conservation activities include: the elimination of logging activities, regulating hunting and forest-product extraction, and continuing support for Mt Iglit-Baco National Park.
Saturday 13 February 2010
Friday 12 February 2010
No 41 - Namdapha Flying Squirrel
He flies at night under the cover of darkness. Rarely seen so little is known about him. A thing of mythology? No. He is believed to live in the Himalayas... the Super Namdapha Flying Squirrel!
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Monday 8 February 2010
No 39 - White-eyed Starling
This starling was once wide-eyed; eyes filled with innocence and wonder. He would be found in the the warm fold of friends. They would soar into the sky and dance. They would sweep across the sky with their long tail-streamers tracing their movements behind them.
Today he stares into the hill forest and realizes he is a solitary figure. He feels lost yet this is his home, his forest, his country. He alone has long tail-streamers, the other males have lost theirs or they are broken. The forest is smaller. When did he make enemies with these machines? He looks out into the world white-eyed.
Sunday 7 February 2010
Friday 5 February 2010
No 36 Brownstripped Grunt
Thursday 4 February 2010
No 35 - Nuragica Columbine
The Nuragica Columbine is a flower that hints of the daffodil and whispers of Spring. It is an Italian secret, as it is only found in Sardinia. This delicate flower grows in a gorge along the seasonal Flumineddu River on the nearly vertical limestone cliffs. The number of individuals is very low and they appear to be declining; only 10 -15 individuals are believed to exist. A truly unique population.
The beautiful Nuragica Columbine is facing a high extinction risk due to natural factors rather than human impact.
There is no current legal protection in place Nuragica Columbine, but an action plan is being developed.
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Monday 1 February 2010
No 32 - The Titicaca Water Frog
The Secret:
The Facts:
It is found in the lakes of the Titicaca Basin in Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest aquatic frog, reaching lengths of 50cm and weighting up to one kilogram. This remarkable frog spends its entire life underwater and is thought to breathe through its loose fitting skin.
The number of Titicaca Water Frog has declined dramatically in recent years as a result of degradation of its habitat and the extraction of water from the lakes. The harvesting of adults and the predation of larvae by introduced trout species are also major problems.
Habitat management and protection is present at the Lake Titicaca Reserve but further action and better enforcement is desperately needed. Whilst captive-breeding programmes are taking place they have so far been unsuccessful.
The Black and White Truth:
The Facts:
It is found in the lakes of the Titicaca Basin in Peru and Bolivia. It is the largest aquatic frog, reaching lengths of 50cm and weighting up to one kilogram. This remarkable frog spends its entire life underwater and is thought to breathe through its loose fitting skin.
The number of Titicaca Water Frog has declined dramatically in recent years as a result of degradation of its habitat and the extraction of water from the lakes. The harvesting of adults and the predation of larvae by introduced trout species are also major problems.
Habitat management and protection is present at the Lake Titicaca Reserve but further action and better enforcement is desperately needed. Whilst captive-breeding programmes are taking place they have so far been unsuccessful.
The Black and White Truth:
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