Articles tagged with: Extinction
Posted in Animals, Earth on 4 August 2008
You are lucky in case you are able to spot an exotic langur/ monkey in your area. By the time your children will grow up, primates might become an ancient relic- one found only in books and folklores! The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently evaluated the status of primate species world over and has found that those representing the vestiges of once abundant exotic monkeys and great apes will soon vanish from the Earth’s surface. The report compiled after a study involving the work of hundreds of scientists, reveals that, nearly half of world’s primate population face extinction threat and their situation is worsening day by day. This study has been the most comprehensive analysis done in recent times. The fall in their numbers is evident as the “red list” (by IUCN) reports an increase in the number of primate species and sub-species in the three highest threat categories - vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered, from 39% to 48% in just one year! As of now, some 303 of the 634 species and sub-species of primate face survival threats in the wake of an increasing trend of poaching for bushmeat trade.
Posted in Animals, Earth, Environment, Global warming on 3 July 2008
Tuatara, the ancient reptile found in New Zealand is under survival threat from none other than global warming. Also, known as a “living fossil” / “living dinosaur”, this reptile has lived on our planet from the past 220 million years! That’s quite a long time. But now, this endangered animal known for its “spiny back” is facing extreme pressure on survival front due to rising global temperatures. The phenomenon of climate change has started showing its true colors in various parts of the world now. In wake of an impending threat to humans due to catastrophic events popping out as a result of both global warming and climate change, one can only imagine what little chance a reptilian species has! Tuatara is one of the oldest and relatively un-evolved species alive today. Commonly mistaken for lizards or mini crocs this animal is very different from the two and has a very primitive bone structure.
Reptiles as such are known for their sensitivity to thermal changes. Mostly being endothermic or cold-blooded creatures, the population of reptiles faces a challenge when their breeding cycles get disturbed owing to fluctuations in temperature. Something similar is happening with this New Zealandian reptile as well. Australian researches predict that with every 3-4 degree rise in air temperature the tuatara will only be able to produce male offspring by 2085. This means complete wipeout of females of the species! The researchers say their finding highlights the need for ways to predict climate change impacts in animals where sex of the offspring is determined by temperature.
Posted in Animals, Environment on 29 June 2008
All is not well for the Japanese firefly. So far, it was considered that only big bats, great apes, whales and other big animals were being hunted and poached by humans. Now, even insects are not safe. The news from Japan confirms this. Fireflies in Japan are being facing an extinction threat posed not by predatory birds, pesticides and insecticides but by human poachers.
In Japan, the insect is regarded more than just a tiny creature. It’s a source of inspiration for Haiku (traditional poem of Japan). The firefly is kept as a pet by children and the ancients believe it to be the souls of dead Kamikaze pilots. In a country known for its artistically sensitive people, fireflies are known to be a cultural symbol.