Posts

Endangered Place: Oyster Reefs

Image
Critically Endangered: The Oyster Reef Ecosystem  Overview The Southern and Eastern Australian (SEA) oyster reefs are located along the coastlines of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. These reefs are characterized by their extensive beds of native oyster species like the Sydney rock oyster (Saccastrea glomerata) and the native flat oyster (Ostrea angasi). Significant features include their role in coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for various marine species, and playing a crucial part in nutrient cycling.  Its Uniqueness SEA oyster reefs are unique in their historical abundance and specialized ecological functions. Their historical significance is due to their once extensive, complex structures that supported diverse marine life. However, they have become rare due to overharvesting and habitat loss, and the patches left are precious.  Biodiversity  Oyster reefs support many species, including over 60 marine invertebrates, fish, and algae types. Their compl...
Post a Comment
Read more

Endangered Plants: White Molokai Hibiscus

Image
 White Molokai Hibiscus  Hibiscus Arnottianus ssp. immaculatus Hibiscus arnotttianus, also known as the White Molokai hibiscus, is a rare and endangered subspecies of the Hawainn white hibiscus. The perennial shrub can grow up to 10 meters tall but averages 9 meters in height. It has many Hawaiian names, including Aloalo, Hau hele, Kokio kea, Kokio Keeokeoo, and Pamakani. This subspecies stands apart from other subspecies of Hibiscus because of its white petals and white staminal column.  Habitat Hibiscus arnottianus ssp immaculatus is endemic to the island of Molokai in Hawaii and grows in mesic to wet forests. Its current range is extremely limited, with only a few known locations on Molokai.  The range is highlighted in dark green on the island The island of Molokai, Hawaii, is in red Role and Decline The White Molokai hibiscus plays an integral role in its native ecosystem in Hawaii. It is a pollinator flower, providing nectar for native Hawaiian birds and insect...
Post a Comment
Location: 5QWM93C8+49
Read more

Endangered Animals: The Sumatran Orangutan

Image
Captive Sumatra Orangutan      The Sumatran Orangutan is a critically endangered species that lives in tropical rainforests and originated from the island of Sumatra. They are arboreal beings, meaning they travel exclusively by way of trees; only males will rarely travel by ground. The World Wildlife Organization estimates a population of 14,614 orangutans left.  Sumatra Orangutan Habitat and Range      Sumutra orangutans provide many benefits to their ecosystems. They contribute heavily to the functioning of their rainforests through seed dispersal, forest structure, and plant composition. Seed dispersal is essential throughout the rainforest. The orangutans help to spread these seeds by disposing of them from their fruit, or often, the seeds need to travel through the orangutans' digestive system to germinate. They also contribute to maintaining forest structure by creating pathways and gaps in the canopies. These gaps allow sunlight to properly grow...
Post a Comment
Read more