DOCSLIB.ORG

Briefly As They Could from the Affected Area

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Briefly As They Could from the Affected Area rescued as many viable coral colonies Wanted: heat missing from oceans Briefly as they could from the affected area. In contrast to the planet as a whole it Divers then attached the salvaged coral seems that the oceans have been cooling polyps onto the reef base using hy- down during the last 2 years. A network draulic cement or epoxy putty. In cases of 3,000 free-floating buoys, which moni- where the reef was severely damaged tor the world’s oceans, have yielded data International reef balls, concrete hemispheres riddled showing that the upper 750 m of ocean with large holes, were constructed, onto lost enough energy between 2003 and which surviving coral colonies were 2005 to cause an overall drop in tem- grafted. The problem of obtaining suffi- perature of c. 0.02˚C. Although this Trees not so rude after all cient numbers of starter colonies is being sounds small, the energy lost is enough The revelation early in January 2006 that addressed elsewhere; researchers in to melt all of the world’s sea ice several trees were belching methane came as a Israel have established a coral nursery times over. Thankfully, researchers are shock to many, and lead to calls that the in the Red Sea, using ‘nubbins’ collected sure that this is not occurring, but where use of trees to offset carbon emissions from local reefs and growing them in the energy is going is still a mystery. should be rethought. However, two new trays on nets anchored to the sea bed. It is speculated that the heat is being studies have shown that it is more of a The success of this project has prompted radiated back into space, possibly hiccup than a belch, as the researchers the creation of more coral nurseries near because of the release of aerosols into take issue with the way in which the ailing reefs in other areas. the atmosphere from volcanic eruptions, original data were scaled up from Source: New Scientist (2006), 191(2559), or because of annual changes in cloud laboratory rates of methane production 28. cover. to global production rates. The new Source: New Scientist (2006), 192(2572), calculations suggest that the benefits of Arctic Ocean’s salt content 14. carbon storage by trees are 100 times as declines Adult salmon pass on unsuitable great as the disadvantages of methane Global warming caused the Arctic lice to juveniles emissions. Ocean to become less salty during the Before the era of farmed salmon, juve- Source: New Scientist (2006), 191(2560), last half century, and this trend looks set niles did not meet adult salmon during 12–13. to continue. The reasons for the decrease their migration from rivers to the ocean, are the faster melting of sea ice and Global warming sinks to ocean because the adults lived far out at sea. glaciers and an increase in rainfall over floor Now research shows that salmon farms, the Arctic. Between 1965 and 1995 which hold adult salmon in pens just off Deep sea ecosystems rely on nutrients increased rain and river flow alone the coast, are transferring sea lice to carried to the ocean floor from the resulted in an extra 20,000 km3 flowing juvenile salmon as the latter pass the shallow seas above. These nutrients, into the Arctic Ocean, equivalent to 40 pens on their way to the sea. Researchers consisting of sediment and organic years’ flow of the Mississippi. The found that juvenile salmon migrating matter, are funnelled through huge decrease in salinity raises fears that along the coast of British Columbia had submarine canyons, in a process pre- ocean currents may become affected in viously thought to be triggered by land- low levels of infestation by sea lice until the future as they rely on the sinking of slides and river floods. It has now been they reached the first fish farm, after dense, salty water at high latitudes. discovered that seasonal ocean currents which the infestation levels rose signifi- Changes in ocean currents may cause also play a role in the movement of these cantly. The researchers estimated that, temperatures in northern Europe to fall nutrients through the formation, at based on the infestation levels they dramatically. continental margins, of dense water as observed, sea lice from fish farms kill Source: New Scientist (2006), 191(2567), a result of cooling by wind and eva- between 9–95% of migrating juvenile 14. poration. Dense water formation will salmon. decrease if projected sea surface tem- Source: New Scientist (2006), 192(2572), peratures are correct, which will in turn Four times as many sharks killed 17. significantly reduce the frequency and for fins as reported in official intensity of seasonal currents, thus figures Sooty shearwaters’ record affecting the deep sea ecosystems that Data collected from inventories of shark migration depend on nutrients carried along with fin sales at auction have revealed that at Electronic tags attached to a small the currents. least four times as many sharks are Pacific sea bird, the sooty shearwater, Source: New Scientist (2006), 192(2578), killed for their fins as are reported by have revealed that its migration from 21. the Food and Agriculture Organization breeding sites in New Zealand to winter (FAO). Around 1.7 million t of shark fins feeding grounds in Japan, Alaska or Damaged coral reefs can be glued are sold globally each year, which California is the longest ever recorded back together equates to 73 million sharks per year. by such a method. The annual trip of Research carried out in Florida has This figure is much higher than the 64,370 km covers the entire Pacific shown that coral reef restoration follow- FAO’s estimate of 0.39 million t. The region, and takes about 200 days, with ing mechanical damage is possible. FAO cannot be blamed for the discre- the birds making a prolonged stop- Over the past 10 years the reefs around pancy in the data, but these figures do over at only one location to refuel. The Florida have had eight major ship illustrate the inaccuracies that may be shearwaters traveled up to 910 km each groundings. After each event marine inherent in fisheries data. day, and dived to depths of 68 m while biologists assessed the damage and Source: New Scientist (2006), 191(2571), 7. feeding on route. The epic nature of the 3 ß 2007 FFI, Oryx, 41(1), 3–12 doi:10.1017/S0030605307001664 Printed in the United Kingdom Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. IP address: 170.106.35.229, on 01 Oct 2021 at 05:39:41, subject to the Cambridge Core terms of use, available at https://www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605307001664 4 Briefly shearwaters’ migration means that the coordination across regions, as well as most concern; 62% of waterbird popula- birds may be useful indicators of the action against illegal fishing. Although tions were found to be decreasing or effects of climate change or overfishing delegates from the world’s five tuna have become extinct. in the Pacific region. bodies called the plan a first step Source: BirdLife News (2007), http:// Source: BBC News (2006), http://news. towards arresting a decline in stocks, www.birdlife.org/news/news/2007/01/ bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5242360.stm conservationists said the measures were waterbird_declines.html not enough, blaming illegal and unre- World’s thirst needs action gulated fishing and unsustainable quo- WWF has reported that some of the tas for tuna’s dramatic decline. WWF world’s most developed countries are has stated the delegates failed to agree facing water shortages, with economic on concrete action, and that their only Europe wealth not automatically guaranteeing a agreement was to gather more data and sufficient water supply. Some cities, talk more often. such as Houston and Sydney, are using Source: BBC News (2006), http://news. Knots in decline as food webs more water than can be replenished, bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/asia-acific/ unravel whereas others, such as London, are 6301187.stm Many marine protected areas permit leaking huge quantities of water from some exploitation of their resources, aging water mains. Meanwhile, wealthy UK in anti-whaling recruitment but the complex food webs in these countries continue to use up water from drive areas cannot always sustain this. One the developing world because most of The UK is stepping up attempts to quarter of Europe’s red knots have the goods supplied to developed coun- secure an anti-whaling majority on the starved since 1998 because their refuel- ling grounds, Europe’s supposedly pro- tries, such as food, clothes and even International Whaling Commission tected intertidal mudflats, have been jewellery, require water for their pro- (IWC). In 2006 pro-hunting nations affected by cockle fishing in the duction. WWF has called on rich coun- gained their first IWC majority for 20 Netherlands’ Wadden Sea. Until 2004 tries to set an example by tackling years. The British government is pub- 24 cockle boats were allowed to dredge leaking mains and pollution, as well as lishing a brochure aimed at encouraging the Wadden Sea, despite only small encouraging more international coop- nations opposed to whaling to join economic benefits. The dredging made eration over water. the Commission. Japan, Iceland and the mud coarser, and thus less suitable Source: BBCNews (2006), http://news.bbc. Norway, the principal pro-whaling for cockles, with the result that their co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4796909.stm nations, believe that many stocks are meat-to-shell ratio fell by 11% per year large enough and that hunting can be for 5 years.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ecosystem Profile Madagascar and Indian
    ECOSYSTEM PROFILE MADAGASCAR AND INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS FINAL VERSION DECEMBER 2014 This version of the Ecosystem Profile, based on the draft approved by the Donor Council of CEPF was finalized in December 2014 to include clearer maps and correct minor errors in Chapter 12 and Annexes Page i Prepared by: Conservation International - Madagascar Under the supervision of: Pierre Carret (CEPF) With technical support from: Moore Center for Science and Oceans - Conservation International Missouri Botanical Garden And support from the Regional Advisory Committee Léon Rajaobelina, Conservation International - Madagascar Richard Hughes, WWF – Western Indian Ocean Edmond Roger, Université d‘Antananarivo, Département de Biologie et Ecologie Végétales Christopher Holmes, WCS – Wildlife Conservation Society Steve Goodman, Vahatra Will Turner, Moore Center for Science and Oceans, Conservation International Ali Mohamed Soilihi, Point focal du FEM, Comores Xavier Luc Duval, Point focal du FEM, Maurice Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Point focal du FEM, Seychelles Edmée Ralalaharisoa, Point focal du FEM, Madagascar Vikash Tatayah, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Nirmal Jivan Shah, Nature Seychelles Andry Ralamboson Andriamanga, Alliance Voahary Gasy Idaroussi Hamadi, CNDD- Comores Luc Gigord - Conservatoire botanique du Mascarin, Réunion Claude-Anne Gauthier, Muséum National d‘Histoire Naturelle, Paris Jean-Paul Gaudechoux, Commission de l‘Océan Indien Drafted by the Ecosystem Profiling Team: Pierre Carret (CEPF) Harison Rabarison, Nirhy Rabibisoa, Setra Andriamanaitra,
    [Show full text]
  • Madagascar Sacred Ibis Conservation
    FINAL REPORT Conservation Threskiornis bernieri in CMK Mahavavy kinkony December 2019 By M. Renel BEMARO President and Founder NGO AIDEM AND CLUB CPN Adress: Lot 0206N0070 Ambondrona 401 Mahajanga MADAGASCAR Tel: +261 32 44 559 60 ou 261347554894 E-mail: [email protected] SUPPORTED BY: AFRICAN BIRD CLUB FUND I) Summary The Madagascar sacred ibis species has a limited distribution, occurring in in the saline coastal zone and inland fresh water zone of western of Madagascar and Seychelles (R. Rabarisoa in litt. 2007, Andrianarimisa and Razafimanjato 2011) .Due to its restricted range, little conservation activity about this wetland Madagascar sacred ibis species has been undertaken. Previous studies on this species focused only on specimen collection and identification of habitat distribution. It has been reported that the current population of the Madagascar sacred ibis is about 2000 adult individuals. Thus, the Madagascar sacred ibis species has been upgraded to Endangered according to the IUCN category since 2004 until now. The New Protected Area of the Mahavavy-Kinkony Complex (CMK), in western Madagascar, is home to a large number of threatened bird species including the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vociferoides, the Endangered Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri, Madagascar Heron Ardea humbloti, Madagascar Pond Heron Ardeola idea, and Madagascar Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis bernieri as well as the Vulnerable Madagascar Plover Charadrius thoracicus; Critically Endangered endemic fish are also present. II) Introduction The goal of this project is to prevent the extinction and conservation the endangered Madagascar sacred ibis, for training and educate local community, civil society, local government and stakeholders at New Protected Area Complex Mahavavy Kinkony situate in western part of Madagascar The gaols of the project: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    Introduction Waterbirds1 occur on wetlands, often in spectacular concentrations, and are one of the most obvious indicators of the richness and diversity of these productive ecosystems. The long migrations of some waterbirds, and the fact that some species are the prized quarry of hunters, have made these birds a favoured subject for research, survey, education and recreation throughout the world. Networks of experts on every continent contribute to co-ordinated waterbird monitoring programmes, making waterbirds one of the most comprehensively studied groups of animals on earth, and the first to be mentioned in the title of an important inter-governmental treaty: “The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat”, now better known as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Objectives of Waterbird Population Estimates The first edition of Waterfowl Population Estimates (Rose and Scott 1994) provided a first global overview of the status of the world’s waterbird populations. It was prepared with four objectives, and these objectives have not changed in subsequent editions: (i) to assist in the identification of wetlands of international importance using waterbirds as bio-indicators, and especially to provide the basis of the so-called 1% criterion, whereby any site which regularly holds 1% or more of a waterbird population qualifies as being internationally important under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; (ii) to identify priorities for conservation and research to maintain global waterbird biodiversity; (iii) to identify gaps in knowledge of the world’s waterbird populations; and (iv) to support the development of the Ramsar, Bonn and Biodiversity Conventions. Background to the Fourth Edition The third edition of Waterbird Population Estimates (Wetlands International 2002) included much the same information as the first and second editions (Rose & Scott 1994, 1997) but more information was provided in the tables, particularly about the sources of information.
    [Show full text]
  • Africa's Most Endangered Birds
    he IUCN threat category of Critically on the brink T Endangered is the last resting place for many spe- AFRICA’S MOST ENDANGERED BIRDS cies before they pass through the final gateway to extinc- tion – gone forever. Critically Endangered species are those defined as facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Today, worldwide, 190 bird species fall in this category, 27 of which breed in Africa. One of the strategies that has been put in place (by BirdLife International) to help conserve rare birds is the establishment of Important Bird Areas (IBAs). In Africa there are 1 228 IBAs; however, 43 per cent of them have no legal re cognition or protection and one half of them are threatened by agriculture. PHIL HOCKEY explores the factors that are responsible for driving the 27 Critically Endangered African bird species to the brink of extinction. Tristan Albatross. The world breeding population (about 1 500 pairs per year) of this Critically Endan- gered species is confined to Gough and Inaccessible islands and is decreasing. The main threats it faces are predation of chicks by introduced mice and mortality at longliners. Prognosis: poor. PETER RYAN AFRICA’s ENDANGERED BIRDS 55 o far as is known, not one bird species In recent years, rigorous management on These super-rare island birds have interesting Alectroenus nitidisima had their fates sealed by has become extinct in mainland Africa Mauritius has risen to new heights, with a histories. The Madagascar Pochard was com- direct persecution, coupled with the introduc- since 1600, a continent-level record habitat-restoration and predator-removal project mon at Lake Alaotra up until at least the 1930s, tion of predators.
    [Show full text]
  • Schnaitman, Rachel.Pdf
    A REVIEW OF THREATS TO ISLAND ENDEMIC RAILS by Rachel Schnaitman A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the University of Delaware in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation with Distinction. Spring 2010 Copyright 2010 Rachel Schnaitman All Rights Reserved A REVIEW OF THREATS TO ISLAND ENDEMIC RAILS by Rachel Schnaitman Approved:______________________________________________________________ W.Gregory Shriver, Ph.D. Professor in charge of the thesis on behalf of the Advisory Committee Approved:______________________________________________________________ Jacob L. Bowman, Ph.D. Committee member from the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology Approved: _____________________________________________________________ K. Kniel, Ph.D. Committee member from the Board of Senior Thesis Readers Approved:_____________________________________________________________ Ismat Shah, Ph.D. Chair of the University Committee on Student and Faculty Honors ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank the Undergraduate Research Program for allowing me to be involved with the research program. I would also like to thank my advisor, Dr. Greg Shriver for supporting me and guiding me through this process. Furthermore I would like to thank my committee, Dr. J. Bowman and Dr. K. Kniel. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... vi LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Download E-Book (PDF)
    OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Biodiversity andConservation April-June 2021 ISSN 2141-243X DOI: 10.5897/IJBC www.academicjournals.org About IJBC The International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation (IJBC) is a peer reviewed open access journal. The journal commenced publication in May 2009. The journal covers all areas of biodiversity and conservation of the natural environment such as climate change, Marine biodiversity and conservation, pollution and impact of human impact on the environment, green technology and environmental conservation, health environment and sustainable development and others, the use of information technology and its applications in environmental management. Indexing AgBiotech News and Information, AgBiotechNet, Agricultural Economics Database, Agricultural Engineering Abstracts, Agroforestry Abstracts, Animal Breeding Abstracts Animal Production Database, Animal Science, Biocontrol News and Information, Biofuels Abstracts, Botanical Pesticides, CAB Abstracts, CABI’s Global Health Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Crop Physiology Abstracts Crop Science Database, Dimensions Database, Environmental Impact, Environmental Science Database, Field Crop Abstracts, Forest Science, Google Scholar, Grasslands and Forage Abstracts, Horticultural Science, Horticultural Science Abstracts, Irrigation and Drainage Abstracts, Leisure Tourism, Leisure, Recreation and Tourism Abstracts Maize Abstracts, Matrix of Information for The Analysis of Journals (MIAR), Microsoft Academic, Nutrition Abstracts
    [Show full text]
  • Do Endemism and Threatened Species Remain Useful Criteria for Site Selection ?
    MADAGASCAR CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 1 — JUNE 2010 PAGE 35 Protected area surface extension in Madagascar: Do endemism and threatened species remain useful criteria for site selection ? Jeanneney RabearivonyI, Russell ThorstromII, Lily- Correspondence: I I Arison Rene de Roland , Marius Rakotondratsima , Jeanneney Rabearivony Tolojanahary R. A. AndriamalalaI, The Seing SamI, The Peregrine Fund, BP 4113 Gilbert RazafimanjatoI, Daniel RakotondravonyIV, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar Achille P. RaselimananaIII,IV and Michel RakotosonI E - mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Mandrozo et une espèce récemment redécouverte, le Fuligule The ‘hotspot approach’ considers that endemism and threat- de Madagascar (Aythya innotata) à Bemanevika. La stabilité ened species are key factors in protected area designation. de plusieurs autres espèces menacées ainsi que la diversité Three wetland and forest sites have been proposed to be biologique de ces sites justifient leur inclusion dans le SAPM. included into Madagascar’s system of protected areas (SAPM Les sept associations locales, deux à Manambolomaty, deux à – Système des Aires Protégées de Madagascar). These sites Bemanevika et trois à Mandrozo, ont supporté le programme are Manambolomaty (14,701 ha) and Mandrozo (15,145 ha) in de suivi de ces sites ainsi que de ces espèces indicatrices en the west and Bemanevika (37,041 ha) in the north. Biodiversity montrant ainsi leur engagement dans le processus de création inventories of these three sites recorded 243 endemic species des aires protégées. Le Peregrine Fund a travaillé dans ces sites comprised of 44 reptiles, 54 amphibians, 104 birds, 23 small en vue de mettre en synergie ses objectifs de conservation avec mammals, 17 lemurs and one fish.
    [Show full text]
  • Annotated List of Wetlands of International Importance Madagascar
    Ramsar Sites Information Service Annotated List of Wetlands of International Importance Madagascar 21 Ramsar Site(s) covering 2,147,911 ha Barrière de Corail Nosy Ve Androka Site number: 2,285 | Country: Madagascar | Administrative region: Région de Atsimo-Andrefana (Sud-Ouest), ainsi que les districts de Toliary II et d’Ampanihy Area: 91,445 ha | Coordinates: 24°34'06"S 43°52'22"E | Designation dates: 02-02-2017 View Site details in RSIS The Ramsar Site is a cluster of eight areas along the southern coast of Madagascar. It includes a network of coral reefs and marine habitats, such as deep shoals with deep coral reefs and beaches. It hosts about 140 species of corals, 240 species of fish, molluscs, echinoderms and marine phanerogams. There are also rare species such as the critically endangered coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae, five species of marine turtle (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea, Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea), dugongs, dolphins and whales. There are three species of damselfish (Pomacentrus sulfureus, Pomacentrus trilineatus and Abudefduf sparoides) which are endemic to the western Indian Ocean. The Site is also the only breeding place for an endemic colony of red-tailed tropicbird. The ecological and economic values of the coral reefs support the human population of the south-western region, particularly through fishing and tourism. However, anthropogenic pressures threaten their integrity, as do droughts that have caused agro-pastoralists to take up fishing as an alternative livelihood. Complexe des lacs Ambondro et Sirave (CLAS) Site number: 2,224 | Country: Madagascar | Administrative region: Menabe Area: 14,481.5 ha | Coordinates: 20°54'24"S 43°56'10"E | Designation dates: 02-02-2015 View Site details in RSIS The Complexe des lacs Ambondro et Sirave (Complex of Lakes Ambrondo and Sirave, or CLAS) features a variety of habitats including dune lakes, mangrove forests, intertidal zones and marshes.
    [Show full text]
  • Oil Spill Sensitivity of the Western Indian Ocean Islands: Coastal Data from the Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles
    IV OIL SPILL SENSITIVITY OF THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS Coastal Data from the Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles Compiled by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre Editednby Dr. Edmund Green WORLD CONSERVATION MONITORING CENTRE Prepared by: Neil Cox, Edmund Green, Igor Lysenko, Balzhan Zhimbiev April 1998 The World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC), based in Cambridge, UK is a joint-venture between the three partners in the World Conservation Strategy and its successor Caring For The Earth: IUCN - The World Conservation Union, UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme, and WWF - World Wide Fund for Nature. WCMC provides information services on conservation and sustainable use the world's living resources, and helps others to develop information systems of their own. Prepared with funding from AEA Technology pic WORLD CONSERVATION MONITORING CENTRE Copyright: World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK. Copyright release: Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non- commercial purposes is authorised without prior permission from the copyright holders. Reproduction For resale or other commercial purpose is prohibited without the prior written permission of the copyright holders. Disclaimer: The designations of geographical entities and the presentation of material in this report do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever by WCMC and its collaborators and other participating organisations, concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory, or area or of its authorities; or concerning the delineation of its frontiers or boundaries. Citation: WCMC, 1998. Oil spill sensitivity of the western indian ocean islands: coastal data from the Comoros islands, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles. Edited by E.P.
    [Show full text]
  • Vision 2050: a Strategic Plan for 2018-2022
    THE PEREGRINE FUND Vision 2050 A Strategic Plan for 2018-2022 Table of Contents 1 The Peregrine Fund Table of Contents Strategic Plan, 2017 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 4 CONSERVATION STRATEGIES ................................................................................................................ 25 Global Raptor Impact Network: ............................................................................................................ 26 Recovering the Northern Aplomado Falcon ......................................................................................... 40 Golden Eagle Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 52 Propagation at the World Center for Birds of Prey .............................................................................. 62 California Condor Propagation ............................................................................................................. 66 California Condor Reintroduction Program .......................................................................................... 71 North American Non-Lead Program ..................................................................................................... 81 American Kestrel Partnership ............................................................................................................... 87 Gyrfalcon and Tundra
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Surveys of Mariarano and Matsedroy Tropical Dry Forests and Associated Wetlands, Western Madagascar
    Biodiversity surveys of Mariarano and Matsedroy tropical dry forests and associated wetlands, Western Madagascar June-August 2017 Final Report Dr Peter Long University of Oxford [email protected] Executive summary The 2017 field season at Mahamavo saw scientific research conducted for a period of six weeks. The main focus of the research was the continuation of the long term ecological monitoring programme which has now been conducted since 2010. Preliminary results suggest that although Mahamavo holds high biodiversity across all taxonomic groups studied, continued anthropogenic disturbance of the forest may have a detrimental effect in the future especially for the more sensitive species and those with specific habitat requirements. We recommend that scientific research, in collaboration with DBCAM (Development, Biodiversity and Conservation Action for Madagascar), continues in Mahamavo in order to gain a clearer understanding of the functioning of the ecosystem, animal ecology, and the effects of human activities. Introduction The Mahamavo region in Western Madagascar contains relatively large blocks of intact western dry forests and wetland ecosystems. A consortium comprising Development and Biodiversity Conservation Action for Madagascar (DBCAM), Operation Wallacea and the University of Oxford has been conducting a programme of biodiversity surveys and monitoring in this area since 2010. DBCAM is a grass- roots Malagasy conservation NGO, Operation Wallacea is an international volunteer- based NGO which supports conservation research through academic partnerships and The University of Oxford is a research intensive university. The Mahamavo region has received relatively little study, yet supports considerable biodiversity including globally threatened flowering plants, reptiles, birds and mammals. Flagship species in the area include the Madagascar Fish Eagle, Coquerel’s sifaka and Angel’s and Oustalet’s chameleons.
    [Show full text]
  • MADAGASCAR: the Endemics of the ‘8Th Continent’ a Tropical Birding Custom Tour
    MADAGASCAR: The Endemics of the ‘8th Continent’ A Tropical Birding Custom Tour October 10—November 2, 2012 Guide: Ken Behrens Participants: Musse Björklund, Rob Hutchinson, Markus Lagerqvist, & Jonathan Newman All photos taken during this trip. All photos by Ken Behrens unless noted otherwise TOUR SUMMARY When Rob Hutchinson and friends began discussing this trip with Tropical Birding, the original idea was to try to find ALL of Madagascar’s endemics on one trip. Unfortunately, most of the participants simply didn’t have enough vacation time to visit all the requisite sites to achieve such a goal. Eventually, we settled on a shorter itinerary that still gave a chance at nearly all of Madagascar’s endemic birds. The final itinerary was a fairly frantic one that was just over 3 weeks long. We knew that bad luck in the field, or more likely, with the national airline, Air Madagascar, could result in missed birds. But since 3 of the guys were also trying to fit in a visit to the Comoros, we had maxed out the available time for this trip. This itinerary added several sites to the normal Tulear to Tana route visited on Tropical Birding tours, namely the Bemenevika Lakes (the ‘pochard site’), Lac Kinkony (for Sakalava Rail), and Anjozorobe (for Slender-billed Flufftail). We also spent several days on the Masoala Peninsula, a place where Tropical Birding offers an extension to its normal set departure. Perinet was not officially part of the itinerary, but was visited by all the participants for varying amounts of time either before or after the tour proper.
    [Show full text]