Mexico and America Align to Conserve Nature

By: Jessica Robertson

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation just released the result of two decades of environmental cooperation in North America – the long-awaited Big Bend-Río Bravo Conservation Assessment. This binational collaboration highlights 29 specific areas in the Mexican-American borderland, all of which are home to a beautifully diverse ecosystem. The arid and semi-arid habitats of the region support some endangered plants and animals and are vital to the migratory paths of many birds and animals. The conservation plan is designed to protect these species and the grassland, mountainous, aquatic, and riparian habitats in which they live. The conservation efforts even include parts of the Rio Grande.

            The communities in the conservation zone are being encouraged to increase their sustainability and environmental quality, and also to raise up local leaders and educators who will promote the project on both sides of the border. The conservation assessment holds promise for the better management of natural resources for both Mexican and American communities, and should stand as an example for other international conservation efforts.

            This effort marks a special time for Big Bend National Park; from its establishment in 1944, hopes were that the park’s existence would one day culminate in the unification of the entire region for conservation, regardless of national borders. 

France’s Newest Enemy

By: Jessica Robertson

France has recently been invaded by a surprising foe – the New Guinea flatworm. Platydemus manokwari, as it is also known, is the only terrestrial flatworm on the list of the 100 most invasive alien species in the world, published by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). The list details species that, due to the modern increase of globalization and worldwide trade, have entered a new habitat and caused harmful disruption in the ecosystem.

The New Guinea flatworm was found recently in a greenhouse of the Jardin des Plantes de Caen, and was definitively identified by its notable appearance and through special molecular analysis. These findings are no less than startling, considering this is the first instance of the species’ presence in all of Europe, not in France alone.

Snails are the main diet of this flatworm, which has been introduced in over fifteen Pacific territories, sometimes deliberately and sometimes not. The snail population in these Pacific territories has decreased significantly, causing a huge reduction in the genetic diversity of the numerous snail species. In the past, the flatworm was supposed to eradicate one particular harmful species of snail, promising better results in agriculture.  However, the serious threats of this invasive flatworm species far outweigh any ecological benefits it may previously been thought to have.

While the flatworm originates from the tropical country of New Guinea, it most often inhabits the cool mountain regions of the country, meaning it may easily adapt to the European climate. It is known to consume European snails, and, in the absence of snails, to consume earthworms. These predictions boast a surprising threat to biological diversity in France and all of Europe, where hundred of species of snails currently thrive. Now, before the flatworm continues in its conquest, is the time to eradicate the New Guinea flatworm from its new desired kingdom. 

Conservation of Our Reefs

By: Kate Serrano

Many problems have plagued Philippine beaches. With the rise in globalization of the country, one cannot help but think about its altering effects to not only to locals but more importantly to the marine life down under. Over the years, the beautiful coral reefs have sadly been depleted by dynamite fishing as local fishermen regard it as a faster way of earning the big bucks. Little do they know that coral reefs serve as sanctuaries and spawning grounds of fish and other marine life? Luckily the government has taken a stand.

 The Philippine government has taken measures to get local fisher folks informed and provided aid in finding alternative ways of generating income. By educating fishermen of the important roles coral reefs play in protecting the country from typhoons and hurricanes (which have recently become a phenomenon) dynamite fishing have slowly become a thing of the past. In addition, the government has stressed out protecting coral reefs as having a positive impact on local tourism –it means more attraction for divers and snorkeling tourists; in a country where tourists abound not only because of the inexpensive travel and the hospitality of the locals, it pays to take care of natural resources.

The Philippines boasts of a vast 7,107 islands and countless majestic beaches. It takes more time repairing than taking care of each one. While we marvel at the site of a glorious sunset by the beach, the question remains – how can we make these be available for the generations to come?

Wolves on the Prowl

By: Daniela Silva
Mexican grey wolves are claiming territory once again as their population increases, 83 wolves were found spread across new mexico and Arizona; Which is a excellent amount being that only in 1976 they were introduced in the federal endangered species list. Seven out of the fourteen packs that were reintroduced into the wild have new pups that have joined and are avoiding human contact, which really is fantastic for the conservation of the species.

Unfortunately with this being said the population is still very much experimental, and the genetic diversity of the wolves may lead to inbreeding, which is a problem for the pups we may be seeing in the future. There must be a greater amount of wolves reintroduced in order to boost the gene pool of these animals, until then scientists continue to study the behavior of the Mexican grey wolves to find various ways of preserving the elegant creature.

Extinct... and stolen?

By: Daniela Silva

It has been a dreadfully long week for the smallest and critically  fragile species of water lily, which has been stolen from the royal botanic gardens in London. This lily is widely believed to be extinct in the wild  due to a laundry that had opened up and acquired the water source the lily flourished in, since then only 50 in the world are carefully preserved  within facilities.

With the obliteration of this species Mr. Fischer had kept careful precautions, and keeping the flowers in fair condition had given him time to figure out how the species procreated and flourished. It was a dreadfully timely process that was sure to eradicate the rare and elusive water lily; suddenly  Carlos Magdalena had resurrected the dying species.

Carlos Magdalena had helped the procreation of the 50 in captivity today; and back in africa it seems as though the tiny water lily had braced through the toughest of times and made a comeback. Hopefully the naturally germinated seeds will flourish in the mud a few hundred  feet away from its native home.

Police unfortunately have no insight as to where the previously captive flower would have been taken and further report that there is likely no chance of recovering the lily; dubbed as a priceless and crucial part of the conservation of the species.