The Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Act, also known as the ESA, provides programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants, animals, and the habitats in which they are found. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service are the lead federal agencies for implementing the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains a worldwide list of endangered species that include birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees.(1) The law requires federal agencies to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species. The law also prohibits any action that causes a “taking” of any listed species of endangered fish or wildlife. Likewise, import, export, interstate, and foreign commerce of listed species are all generally prohibited.(1)

The ESA was enacted in 1973 by Congress. Under the ESA, the federal government has the responsibility to protect(2):

Endangered Species - species that are likely to become extinct throughout all or a large portion of their range.

Threatened Species - species that are likely to become endangered in the near future.

Critical habitat - vital to the survival of endangered or threatened species.

To view the listed species by state, please visit this website -> www.fws.gov

In accordance with section 1(c) of the Endangered Species Preservation Act of October 15, 1966 (80 Stat. 926; 16 U.S.C. 668aa(c)) and after consulting the States section, interested organizations, and individual scientists, the following native fish and wildlife are listed as threatened with extinction(3):

Mammals:

Indiana Bat - Myotis sodalis

Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel - Sciurus niger cinereus

Timber Wolf - Canis lupus lycaon

Red Wolf - Canis niger

San Joaquin Kit Fox - Vulpes macrotis mutica

Grizzly Bear - Ursus horribilis

Florida Panther - Felis concolor coryi

Caribbean Monk Seal - Monachus tropicalis

Guadalupe Fur Seal - Arctocephalus philippi townsendi

Florida Manatee or Florida Sea Cow - Trichechus manatus latirostris

Key Deer - Odocoileus virginianus clavium

Sonoran Pronghorn - Antilocapra americana sonoriensis

Birds:

Hawaiian Dark-Rumped Petrel - Pterodroma phaeopygia sandwichensis

Hawaiian Goose (Nene) - Branta sandvicensis

Aleutian Canada Goose - Branta canadensis leucopareia

Tule White-Fronted Goose - Anser albifrons gambelli

Laysan Duck - Anas laysanensis

Hawaiian Duck (or Koloa) - Anas wyvilliana

Mexican Duck - Anas diazi

California Condor - Gymnogyps californianus

Florida Everglade Kite (Florida Snail Kite) - Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus

Hawaiian Hawk (or Ii) - Buteo solitarius

Southern Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus t. leucocephalus

Attwater’s Greater Prairie-Chicken - Tympanuchus cupido attwateri

Masked Bobwhite - Colinus virginianus ridgwayi

Whooping Crane - Grus americana

Yuma Clapper Rail - Rallus longirostris yumanensis

Hawaiian Common Gallinule - Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis

Eskimo Curlew - Numenius borealis

Puerto Rican Parrot - Amazona vittata

American Ivory-Billed Woodpecker - Campephilus p. principalis

Hawaiian Crow ( or Alala) - Corvus hawaiiensis

Small Kauai Thrush (Puaiohi) - Phaeornia pulmeri

Nihoa Millerbird - Acrocephalus kingi

Kauai Oo (or Oo Aa) - Moho braccatus

Crested Honeycreeper (or Akohekohe) - Palmeria dolei

Akiapolaau - Hemignathus wilsoni

Kauai Akialoa - Hemignathus procerus

Kauai Nukupuu - Hemignathus lucidus hanapepe

Laysan Finchbill (Laysan Finch) - Psittirostra c. cantans

Nihoa Finchbill (Nihoa Finch) - Psittirostra cantans ultima

Ou - Psittirostra psittacea

Palila - Psittirostra bailleui

Maui Parrotbill - Pseudonestor xanthophyrys

Bachman’s Warbler - Vermivora bachmanii

Kirtland’s Warbler - Dendroica kirtlandii

Dusky Seaside Sparrow - Ammospiza nigrescens

Cape Sable Sparrow - Ammospiza mirabilis

Reptiles and Amphibians:

American Alligator - Alligator mississippiensis

Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard - Crotaphytus wislizenii silus

San Francisco Garter Snake - Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia

Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander - Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum

Texas Blind Salamander - Typhlomolge rathbuni

Black Toad, Inyo County Toad - Bufo exsul

Fishes:

Shortnose sturgeon - Acipenser brevirostrum

Longjaw Cisco - Coregonus alpenae

Paiute Cutthroat Trout - Salmo clarki seleniris

Greenback Cuttthroat Trout - Salmo clarki stomias

Montana Westslope Cutthroat Trout - Salmo clarki

Gila Trout - Salmo gilae

Arizona (Apache) Trout - Salmo sp

Desert Dace - Eremichthys acros

Humpback Chub - Gila cypha

Little Colorado Spinedace - Lepidomeda vittata

Moapa Dace - Moapa coriacea

Colorado River Squawfish - Ptychocheilus lucius

Cui-ui - Chasmistes cujus

Devils Hole Pupfish - Cyprinodon diabolis

Commanche Springs Pupfish - Cyprinodon elegans

Owens River Pupfish - Cyprinodon radiosus

Pahrump Killifish - Empetrichythys latos

Big Bend Gambusia - Gambusia gaigei

Clear Creek Gambusia - Gambusia heterochir

Gila Topminnow - Poeciliopsis occidentalis

Maryland Darter - Etheostoma sellare

Blue Pike - Stizostedion vitreum glaucum

There are countless lists on the website that show you what has been delisted (taken off), candidates for listing (looking to see if they are a right fit to be put onto the list), and ones that have special rules for listing. Please take the time to look over those listed as endangered in your state to see what you can do to help increase the population in hopes that someday, they will no longer be listed as endangered. 

When deciding whether a species should be added to the Endangered Species List, the following criteria are evaluated:

Has a large percentage of the species vital habitat been degraded or destroyed?

Has the species been over-consumed by commercial, recreational, scientific or educational uses?

Is the species threatened by disease or predation?

Do current regulations or legislations inadequately protect the species?

Are there other manmade factors that threaten the long-term survival of the species?

If scientific research reveals that the answer to one or more of the above questions is yes, then the species can be listed under the Endangered Species Act.(4)

The MOST important question one can ask is “Why should we protect Threatened and Endangered species?” The answer to this question is quite simple: because it saves our native fish, plants and wildlife from going extinct. Once they are gone, they are gone forever. Losing even a single species can have disastrous impacts on the rest of the ecosystem, as the effects will be felt throughout the entire food chain. From providing cures for deadly diseases to maintaining natural ecosystems and improving the overall quality of life, the benefits of preserving threatened and endangered species is invaluable.(4)

Looking for a fun way to learn more information or to get the word out to those around you? Then enjoy Endangered Species Day! What is it you ask? Every third Friday of each May, Endangered Species Day celebrates endangered species SUCCESS stories and learn about species that are still in danger. You can support Endangered Species Day by raising awareness in your community about a local threatened species or by helping to clean up a wildlife refuge or park.(4)

To learn more about the ESA and all the information listed, please visit the Endangered Species Act of 1973  -> here

Ian’s Birthday message

I can’t believe it—I’m turning 33! When I came into this beautiful crazy world in 1978, things were a little different…the cost of a gallon of gas was only 63 cents! Unfortunately, there are some parts of history that have repeated themselves..for example, in 1978 the oil tanker Amoco Cadiz ran aground and caused a massive ecological disaster on the coastline of Brittany. And now in 2011, we are still suffering from the incomprehensible effects of the Gulf Oil Spill. This is why we believe in YOU fully as the catalyst we need for real change! So that when we reflect back 33 years from now, we can take in a big deep breath of clean air and smile knowing we made the difference.

IAN SOMERHALDER HONORED AT THE CARMEL ART AND FILM FESTIVAL

Actor and activist Ian Somerhalder awarded first World of Good Award for his environmental work

09.28.2011– The third annual Carmel Art and Film Festival will award its first ever “World of Good Award” to actor and activist Ian Somerhalder on Saturday, October 15. The award, conceived by festival founders and created by famed jewelry company Tiffany, will be awarded each year to an influential actor, filmmaker or artist who is using their notoriety to “do good work.”

Best known for starring as ‘Damon Salvatore’ in the hit CW drama “The Vampire Diaries” and for his role as ‘Boone Carlyle’ on the critically acclaimed drama series “Lost,” Ian Somerhalder is also the driving force behind an environmental foundation committed to sustainable change. Through the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF), Somerhalder is mobilizing an army of young people who are promoting a better path forward for the planet and its creatures. Somerhalder says his team views the environment as an interconnected organism where there should be no differentiation between all living things: trees, rivers, animals and humans. Somerhalder challenges all like-minded organizations to work together to find sustainable solutions to our environmental problems. For more information on ISF go to: www.isfoundation.com

The Carmel Art and Film Festival will recognize Ian Somerhalder during its Founders’ Party on Saturday evening, October 15, at the Carmel Art Association. The party, which is for Patrons of the festival and invited guests only, is part of the public five day festival showcasing independent film and contemporary art as well as music concerts, art auctions, photo exhibits, “Art in the Park” and the “Conversations and Encounters” lecture series. Festival passes are available online at www.carmelartandfilm.eventbrite.com or by calling (831) 625-3700. Individual tickets to film screenings and lectures can be purchased at Festival Headquarters in Carmel Plaza on the 3rd floor and at the door ten minutes to start time if space permits. For a complete festival schedule visit www.carmelartandfilm.com

11 Most Threatened Sea Turtle Species Identified

A new study was recently released and published in PLoS ONE that illustrates the current status of sea turtle populations around the globe and identifies the species most at risk. It is the first comprehensive status assessment, and with it we can better understand where conservation efforts will be most effective.

Given the massive numbers of olive ridleys that nest in a few places in India each year, it might seem hard to believe that these olive ridleys are among the most endangered populations in the world. However, due to extremely intense pressures from trawl bycatch and consumption of turtle eggs and meat, the seemingly abundant ridleys have declined dramatically region-wide. © M. Muralidharan

We know sea turtles are in serious trouble around the world. Caught as bycatch by fishing boats, poached for their meat, their eggs gathered up and sold, marine pollution and so many more threats plague these gentle animals. However, exactly what is the status of different turtle populations globally and where can conservation efforts be concentrated? A new study by 30 experts in more than 20 countries details answers to these questions.

There are seven species of sea turtles around the world — six of which are threatened with extinction — which form 58 separate populations. Each of these populations are important as they’re biologically distinct. The problem with practically all turtles under threat is that conservation efforts can be scattered or concentrated in areas that maybe don’t need help as much as others. This study looked at all the populations and set up something of a priority list.

North Pacific loggerheads nest exclusively in Japan and forage across the Pacific Basin. This endangered population is currently most threatened by severe bycatch in Mexico and Japan as well as coastal development in Japan. © Wallace J. Nichols

The most at-risk turtle populations include Olive ridley turtles in the West Indian Ocean and Northeast Indian Ocean; Loggerhead turtles in the Northeast Indian Ocean, Northeast Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean, and West Pacific Ocean; and Hawksbill turtles in the Northeast Indian Ocean, East Atlantic Ocean, East Pacific Ocean, and West Pacific Ocean.

© Conservation International for “Turtles in Trouble: 11 Most Threatened Sea Turtle Populations in the World Identified”

According to the report, almost half of these threatened populations are found on nesting beaches within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

“The report confirms that India is a home to many of the most threatened sea turtles in the world,” said Dr. B. C. Choudhury, head of the Department of Endangered Species Management at the Wildlife Institute of India and a contributor to the study. “This paper is a wake -up call for the authorities to do more to protect India’s sea turtles and their habitats to ensure that they survive.”

This poorly studied, small population nests at only a few sites scattered along the West African coast. It is also under severe threat from coastal net bycatch and consumption of eggs and meat, as well as exploitation of shell material for handicrafts and jewlery. © Jacques Fretey

As mentioned, turtles face many threats, not the least of which is being caught up in nets as bycatch. In fact, a report released in September detailed that over 4,600 sea turtles are currently killed each year by fishing boats. However, that number is down by 90% thanks to a boost in technologies for fishing such as “turtle excluders” that help release turtles from nets.

Other major problems include the consumption of turtles as meat, for crafting trinkets, and collection of their eggs. This might even be more damaging than bycatch to turtle populations. However, it is just this collection of data that Conservation International and other organizations are working on providing. It could be possible to work out programs that are sustainable and benefit both the economy of local communities as well as the recovery of the species, such as is trying to be worked out with the legal collection of sea turtle eggs in Ostinal.

“This assessment system provides a baseline status for all sea turtles from which we can gauge our progress on recovering these threatened populations in the future,” explained Roderic Mast, Co-Chair of the MTSG, CI Vice President, and one of the paper’s authors. “Through this process, we have learned a lot about what is working and what isn’t in sea turtle conservation, so now we look forward to turning the lessons learned into sound conservation strategies for sea turtles and their habitats.”

Despite decades of conservation efforts, leatherbacks in the East Pacific have declined by 90% in the past 20 years due to egg consumption and bycatch. Coastal development looms as the next threat to their survival. © Jason Bradley/BradleyPhotographic.com

Not all the news from the report is dire. There are 12 populations of turtles that appear to be the most healthy and they are “generally large populations with increasing trends under relatively low threats. Five species have populations among these dozen thriving habitats, which include nesting sites and feeding areas in Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. Other areas that harbor healthy turtle populations included the Southwest Indian Ocean, Micronesia and French Polynesia.”

They include Loggerhead turtles in the Northwest Indian Ocean; Green turtles in the Southeast Indian Ocean, Southwest Atlantic Ocean, East Pacific Ocean, Southwest Pacific Ocean, South Central Pacific Ocean; Hawksbill turtles in the Southeast Indian Ocean, Southwest Indian Ocean and Southwest Pacific Ocean; Leatherback turtles in the Southeast Atlantic Ocean and Northwest Atlantic Ocean; and Olive ridley turtles in the East Pacific Ocean.

Stray Dogs and Cats Being Burned Alive in Ukraine

 Ukraine and Poland won the bid to host the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship. Government officials knew that major preparations needed to be arranged in the Ukraine in order to accomodate the thousands of people that attend the tournanment every year, but citizens were not aware that part of the preparation would include slaughtering stray animals.

For years, animal activists in Ukraine have been protesting against the inhumane practices used to solve the stray animal problem. But their pleas have virtually gone unheard. And with the football tournamnent rapidly appraching, things have taken a turn for the worse.

Stray dogs and cats were previously killed using an illegal poison called ditiline. The strays are shot with the poison and their respiratory muscles are paralyzed. In other words, their lungs freeze, collapse and fail to function. Now, the shootings have merely become the means to an end.

Ukraine has made the strays a problem of urgency because of the tournament. According to authorities, they are now using a “more modern, environmentally safe” way of taking care of this problem. After the strays are captured, they are taken to a mobile crematorium. Essentially, the animals are thrown into a 900 degree oven and burned alive.

Ukranian animal rights activists have been protesting this practice for more than a year, and operations director of the UEFA, Martin Kallen, has publicly said that he does not approve of any methods of animal control that constitute animaly cruelty. However, nothing has been done to investigate the burnings. In fact, less than a week ago, UEFA president Michel Platini visited the Ukraine and said he was pleased with Ukraine’s progress.

Animal Activists in Ukraine are furious that nothing is being done about these mass animal killings. Foreign fans are trying to mobilize and boycott Ukraine’s involvment in the tournament, but no moves have been made to do so. Activists are desperately trying to save the stray dogs and cats of the Ukraine.

You can help them by signing this petition calling on Ukraine to stop burning animals alive.

LifeStraw Saves Those Without Access to Clean Drinking Water

 More than a billion people don’t have reliable access to clean drinking water. Boiling kills most germs in water, but requires fuel and doesn’t remove dirt. In recent years, sand and ceramic filters have become more common, but these tend to be more expensive and usually don’t catch all the microbes.

So many of the poor worldwide simply drink dirty water. As a result, about 1.5 million children die of diarrhea each year.

A new generation of cheap and effective water purifiers including Pureit (made by Unilever) and Swach (made by an Indian company, Tata, with a novel rice-husk ash filter) can remove nearly all water-borne pathogens without electricity.

But LifeStraw, produced by the Swiss company Vestergaard Frandsen, was designed for the poorest of the poor. The personal version works like a chunky drinking straw and can filter about 1,000 liters, enough to keep a person hydrated for a year. The family version — which looks something like an IV drip that ends in a water cannon — can purify 18,000 liters, serving a typical family for about three years.

Until now these filters have mainly been given away through aid groups aftersuch disasters like the Haitian earthquake and in chronically poor countries like Mozambique and Myanmar. Nearly a million of the family-size LifeStraw have been donated in Kenya alone this year. In exchange, the company will receive carbon credits for reduced emissions from wood-burning fires often used to boil water.

The personal LifeStraw entered the market as a consumer product last week in North America, and a new version of the family purifier will be sold next year in India.

Meanwhile, LifeStraw creators are working on something that might be considered designer water for the poor: a filter that dispenses clean water fortified with zinc. 

Repulsive Or Recycled? Dress Of 3,000 Yak Nipples Sparks Outrage

If Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress wasn’t enough to faze you, then Rachel Friere’scollection of dresses made of yak nipples may do the trick.

The Liverpool-based designer recently unveiled a collection of dresses at London’s Fashion Week crafted out of 3,000 yak nipples, arousing the ire of animal rights activists and members of the British parliament. They vilified her creations as “sickening”, “grotesque”, “repulsive”, “disturbing” and a “runaway freak show.” But Friere gives another surprising side to the story.

According to Friere, the yak nipples were given to her by tanneries, which would have thrown them out. In all, the 32-year-old’s odd collection included two dresses as well as a bra featuring “protruding” yak nipples. People UK quotes her as saying:

I create fashion using material that would otherwise end up on the scrap heap. What I am doing is recycling. The people criticising are clearly clueless about the amount of leather wasted on a daily basis.

It appears that Friere, who’s worked with stars like Courtney Love and Christina Aguilera, is making the best out of a less-than-ideal situation. The leather industry, which often uses by-products from the meat industry for its supply of raw material, is not exactly an environmentally-friendly process by any means. In addition to the array of fungicides and chemicals that are applied to leathers, apparently parts that are not desirable for say, a leather jacket, are discarded — something that ultimately inspired Friere’s dresses.

So what’s an eco-hopeful fashion designer to do? In the end, knowing that neither the meat nor leather industries is going to disappear anytime soon, is it acceptable to recycle some of its by-products, even if it is (ahem) yak nipples? After all, even Lady Gaga’s line of discarded meat dresses won the approval of animal-rights group PETA.

So an interesting debate arises: is this dress irredeemably cruel and ghastly — or does it deserve credit for re-using something that would have been thrown out?

Why do leaves change color?

Ever wonder why the leaves change according to the seasons?

Click here to find out!