Oceans
The
oceans are a very large biodiversity hotspot, consuming over
two-thirds of the earth's surface. They also play an important role
to humans in climate, recreational use, food sources, transportation,
and a number of other factors. It is also the home to many species of
fish, animal and plant life. They are considered a biodiversity
hotspot for the many ecosystems they hold (such as coral reefs in
tropical waters, estuaries, lagoons, etc.) They are also considered a
hotspot due to the extinction of the life within these ecosystems.
For
example, sea turtles have been swimming the oceans for well over
100,000 years. However, today they are becoming extinct due to human
impact. Factors such as fishing accidents cause sea turtles to get
caught in nets or lines and destroy their populations. They're also
hunted for their treasured shells or to make jewelery, exotic food
dishes, oil and leather. Pollution and pathogens impact their
survival, as we dump waste into rivers and runoff water or straight
into the ocean. Pollution from factories and boats get into the air
that pollutes the rain when it falls over the ocean. Climate change
also factors into the survival of turtles and other species as the
ocean temperature changes and sea levels rise or lower.
Corals
are effected by humans as well. Coral reefs are the homes to many
ocean creatures and other plant life. They are found all over the
world, as the sea turtles are. But over-fishing, pollution, climate
change and even excess tourism and recreation destroy them. They
become bleached by oil runoff. Extra carbon dioxide threatens their
existence. Coral reefs provide not only homes to sea life or a
beautiful recreational area for scuba diving or adventures in
tropical waters, but they home marine food for humans as well.
Socio-economic
issues are at large with the ocean as tourism on both the shore and
on the waters destroys them. Heavy cruise ship traffic and the desire
to have a little home on the beach has created a problem as humans
strive for that tropical vacation or beautiful beach front hotel
view. These expensive expeditions are a factor in themselves with the
money brought in from expensive hotels or underwater expeditions for
fun.
As
humans, we could fix our mistakes or reverse our destruction the best
we can to save both of these species. By not consuming or purchasing
sea turtle products, supporting ocean life preservation funds and
organizations, reducing carbon emissions and keeping our rivers,
streams and oceans clean from polluted runoff water, we can keep
these species among others alive and healthy.
Organizations
such as Sea Turtle Flagship Program (STFP), Conservation
International (CI), Turtlevision, Oceaneers, and other groups are in
action to spread awareness of the issues faced with the oceans.
Partnerships have been made with McDonald's and Walmart to spread the
word to the population for support in keeping the oceans clean and
healthy.
It is
important to be concerned in species extinction. Not only do coral
reefs make beautiful and exotic places to visit for small
recreational use, they are the home to other life. Some of the life
they hold later becomes home for the human population as well. They
house food for other animals and creatures. The circle of life become
relevant in the preservation of species. Even in other regions than
oceans, life in my region is important.
One
threatened species in Arizona to be specific is the bat. The winged
creatures are found all over the state in about 28 species. They face
loss of habitat as recreational cave mining and vandalism in caves
destroys their roosting sites. They can also roost in old abandoned
buildings or in one's home, where they can be killed when considered
“pests”. Abandoned mines can also collapse, killing colonies of
bats at a time.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn15083-how-vampires-evolved-to-live-on-blood-alone.html
Bat
conservation groups such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department,
North American Bat Conservation Partnership (NABCP) and Arizona Bat
Resource Group (ABRG) research bat habitats, management,
conservation. They partner together and help to spread research and
awareness in order to help manage new bat habitats and reserve the
species.
I
think it is important to worry about and partake in conservation of
other hotspots in the world, regardless of how far away they are. All
biodiversity hotspots are homes to ecosystems and the organisms
within. The species contained create recreational use and food for
survival of the humans that live there and of the other organisms
that live there.
