“I’m ready for my close up, Mr. Demille”

Photo id software for wildlife conservation

Understanding movements of individual animals is vital to biologists  and can lead to a better understanding of “social interactions, migratory routes, preferred habitats, behaviors within certain settings, life spans, and reproduction rates of various species” (GNB, 2013).

Some of the methods used include radio tagging, banding, notching, branding, and photo id. Most of the methods are labor intensive, expensive and are not guaranteed to stay in place due to outside circumstances.  Photo id is noninvasive and causes no behavioral changes that can occur with the other methods. However, getting good photos that can be compared is not easy.

A new software program, StripeSpotter, is becoming more widely used and more readily available. “With StripeSpotter, a computer program is able to identify individual zebras from a single photograph, field ecologists simply upload a digital photo of a particular animal’s flank. StripeSpotter then analyzes the pixels and assigns a “stripecode.” When a future photo of a zebra is uploaded, it’s run against the stripecode” (GNB, 2013).  The software is highly accurate and is currently being used in Kenya to track zebra.

According to researchers, the software is very useful because it is “tolerant of different sizes of animals in the images, exposure and mild perspective skews. It can be applied to any animal that has a coat with distinct markings. It provides feedback to the user about matching results”(Staeder, 2013).

The article related to the research of this type of photo id can be found here.

References:

( GNB) Good Nature blog, 2013. Online. Available at: http://goodnature.nathab.com/could-new-animal-id-software-aid-in-conservation-efforts/

M. Lahiri, C. Tantipathananandh, R. Warungu, D.I. Rubenstein, T.Y. Berger-Wolf. Biometric Animal Databases from Field Photographs: Identification of Individual Zebra in the Wild. Proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Multimedia Retrieval (ICMR 2011), Trento, Italy, 2011.

Staeder, 2013. MSNBC news. Online. Available here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42500680/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/new-animal-barcode-scanner-earns-its-stripes/#.UQALcPLq3Tq

Image credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Plains_Zebra_Equus_quagga.jpg

Stop bugging me!

Current Water testing for insecticides show shortcomings

A current study conducted by the Landau-based Institute of Environmental Sciences of the University of Koblenz-Landau, reveals that current monitoring methods for insecticides in water resources is inaccurate. Due to staffing, funding and time constraints, most water samples are regularly taken on fixed dates throughout the year.  This leads to inaccurate measures because “insecticides enter water resources very irregularly and, even though their concentrations exceed the threshold levels only for a short time, their harmful effect is present” (SD, 2013).

Fungicides and herbicides are used on a regular basis; unlike insecticides which are used in cases of acute insect infestation. Very High doses are applied. Even though insecticides often have very short half-lives in the environment; they can still have a harmful effect on aquatic insects and other invertebrates. This in the long run may alter the community composition of the water (SD, 2013).

Testing of water resources should be done when these large volumes of insecticides are being used or when heavy rains wash these chemicals into the water resources. According to the study even daily sampling at fixed times detected on 2 of six peaks. On the other hand, event related sampling measures all the peaks. “ Current practice wastes considerable sums of money, as many of the fixed intervals do not coincide with periods of high insecticide concentrations” (SD, 21013).

This inaccurate testing gives a false sense of safety. Tests that reveal no contaminates should be discarded, according to researchers. The article offered the following suggestions to help minimize effects of pollution. “The environmental pollution of water resources could be reduced with a number of cost-effective and efficient measures: For example, the border strips between area used for agricultural purposes and water resources would have to be widened and effectively structured. Hedges at the edge of the field would reduce the spray drift. Furthermore, constructed wetlands should be furnished with plants, which according to previous studies of the Institute of Environmental Sciences in Landau are capable of reducing pesticide exposure up to 70 per cent” (SD, 2013).

You can read the entire article here http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114092523.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29

Find more articles on environmental contaminants by using our online databases here.

References:

SD (Science Daily), 2013. Online. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114092523.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29

Sebastian Stehle, Anja Knäbel and Ralf Schulz. Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Insecticide Concentrations in Agricultural Surface Waters: A Critical Appraisal. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 12 December 2012

Image credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1264_Rogator_Spraying_Corn.JPG

Read it and weep

How willow trees are invading Florida waterways

Florida has its share of problems with invasive species. Lionfish, pythons, iguana and feral hogs are only a few. There are also several invasive plant species. Why is this important? According to FPL, “Florida's ecosystems are unique. Exotic species alter the landscape of Florida and render habitats unsuitable to native species. This reduces biodiversity and puts additional strain on endangered species, of which Florida has more than any other state in the continental U.S.” (FPL, 2013).

University of Central Florida researchers have completed a study showing the Carolina willow may be thriving because of water-management projects initiated in the 1950s. These man made canal systems that dominate the Florida landscape have  unforeseen consequences. The canals were built to control runoff and provide water for farming. This very stable water environment has allowed the willow to thrive.

Reported by Science daily, willow trees now cover thousands of acres. “Willows form impenetrable thickets that prevent boating and eliminate duck habitat. Willow thickets also use tremendous amounts of water, leaving less available for wildlife and people” (SD, 2013). in the past fluctuating natural water tables kept the trees under control with dry and wet seasons, making it hard for the trees to survive. The Carolina willow is now taking over parts of the St. John's River Basin.

Other countries (i.e. Australia, Korea) have planted willow trees as a source of erosion control and are now facing similar issues (SD, 2013).

To learn more about exotic and invasive species, check out the library’s online databases and research the many topics related to these environmental issues. You can also check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife website for an overview of non-native species in Florida at this link: http://www.myfwc.com/nonnatives

 

References:

FPL, 2013. http://www.fpl.com/environment/exotic/exotic_and_invasive_species_index.shtml

 

Pedro F. Quintana-Ascencio, John E. Fauth, Luz M. Castro Morales, Kimberli J. Ponzio, Dianne Hall, Ken Snyder. Taming the Beast: Managing Hydrology to Control Carolina Willow (Salix caroliniana) Seedlings and Cuttings. Restoration Ecology, 7 JAN 2013 

SD (Science daily, 2013) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130108151208.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29

Image credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Salix_alba_Morton.jpg

Here is a short animation from Steve Cutts on vimeo to kick off our new semester of science postings. Art can be a valuable tool for conservation awareness.Welcome back and hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break.


MAN from Steve Cutts on Vimeo.
http://vimeo.com/56093731

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish:

A look at the aquarium industry in Hawaii

“Over 5000 known species of marine plants and animals find their homes in Hawaii's coastal reefs, 25% of which are found nowhere else in the world” (HCRI, 2012). Yet the aquarium industry is taking an alarming number of these fish yearly to support private profit (EJ, 2012).

All coral reef ecosystems are complex and very unique. Most of the fish taken for the aquarium industry in Hawaii are predominantly herbivorous, reef dwellers. These fish help control the growth of algae with can kill off corals if not kept under control. Research has shown that altering the biodiversity (numbers and types of fish) of coral reefs can lower the reef ecosystem’s ability to respond to disturbances and pressures such as global climate change (EJ, 2012).

In efforts to help conserve dwindling reef health, Earth Justice, has filed a complaint under the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act in the First Circuit Court asking the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources to protect Hawaiʻi’s reefs and coastal areas from unlimited collection of fish and other wildlife for the aquarium trade. According to Earthjustice, “DLNR has not conducted any studies showing how its policy of handing out permits for the asking will affect Hawaiʻi’s reefs over time”, (EJ, 2012)

You can read more about the complaint filed and more about coral reefs here:

http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2012/citizens-and-conservation-groups-file-suit-to-protect-hawai-i-s-reef-ecosystems

http://www.hcri.ssri.hawaii.edu/about/about.html

Students: please note our holiday hours here . As a result next week's blog post may not occur. See you all next year!! Don't forget you can research coral reef ecosystems, biodiversity and Hawaii at our searchwise link here.   Happy holidays.

References

Earth Justice (EJ), 2012. Online. http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2012/citizens-and-conservation-groups-file-suit-to-protect-hawai-i-s-reef-ecosystems

HCRI (Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative), 2012 online. http://www.hcri.ssri.hawaii.edu/about/about.html

Image credit: Brooke Everett. http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2012/citizens-and-conservation-groups-file-suit-to-protect-hawai-i-s-reef-ecosystems

It’s not easy being green

Ecotourism

 

Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people" (TIES, 1990). Nature, low impact, bio, and green tourism are often interchanged with ecotourism, but do not usually meet the principles defined by organizations dedicated to Ecotourism (Briney, 2012).

According to the International Ecotourism Society, “ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles”:

                Minimize impact

                Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

                Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

                Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

                Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

                Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

If ecotourism is heavily monitored, it can be a good thing and help save bio-sensitive areas by providing income, alternative food opportunities and education for indigenous people; however it can also contribute to the destruction of vital biodiverse areas. Tourism is a rapid destabilizer for healthy ecosystems (Nash, 2009). Poorly managed programs and increased populations in sensitive areas are drivers for biodiversity loss and may be the “last nail in the coffin” (Sandilayan, 2012).

Attitudes of tourists toward the animals, and environment have a large impact. Animals are harassed, plastic and trash is left behind. Cups left behind with sugary drinks attract bees, which become death traps for the bees. Plastic bags can clog the aerial roots of sensitive mangrove trees, resulting in poor air circulation and sometimes leading to the death of young plants.  Bags in tree branches produce a uncharacteristic sound during wind flow, annoying and driving away the foraging waterbirds. Boat noise, sunbathing and various other human activities have sometimes subtle but devastating effects on wildlife and ecosystems (Sandilayan, 2012).

Ecotourism is a rapidly growing industry. Careful assessment and continuous monitoring are needed (Sandilayan, 2012). To learn more about ecotourism and how it can be effective; check out the web links below (note not all web resources are peer reviewed).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism

http://www.ecotourism.org/

http://www.conservation.org/learn/culture/ecotourism/Pages/ecotourism.aspx

http://www.ecotourismconference.org/

http://geography.about.com/od/locateplacesworldwide/a/ecotourism.htm

References:

Briney, A., 2012. Online. http://geography.about.com/od/locateplacesworldwide/a/ecotourism.htm

Nash, S., 2009. Ecotourism and Other Invasions. BioScience 59(2):106-110. 2009

http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1525/bio.2009.59.2.3 (must be logged into FAU network to access)

Sandilyan, S. 2012. Online. Available at: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/ecotourism-last-nail-in-the-coffin-of-biodiversity/article4130989.ece

(TEIS) The International Ecotourism Society http://www.ecotourism.org/

Image credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fernando_noronha.jpg