Photo credit: www.conservation.org
Efforts to safeguard the environment must be grounded in scientific understanding. Here’s a summary of recent findings from experts at Conservation International that underline this connection.
1. The Vital Importance of Tropical Reforestation
A recent study highlights the significance of reforestation in tropical regions as a means to protect endangered wildlife and combat climate change. Researchers revealed that habitat loss and climate shifts have placed over one million terrestrial species at risk of extinction, as pointed out in a UN report from 2019. The study conducted by Conservation International researchers Pamela Collins and David Hole, along with Arizona State University, investigated how restoring forests could potentially alleviate this crisis.
By analyzing maps of degraded forests with restoration potential and the geographic territories of threatened species, they discovered a substantial overlap in these areas. This suggests that targeted reforestation endeavors could play a critical role in wildlife conservation. The total area identified for potential restoration equals over 3.69 million square kilometers, approximately the combined size of India and Vietnam.
Collins emphasized that while reforestation cannot replace existing forest conservation, it can serve as a vital component of a broader strategy for biodiversity protection. Such restoration efforts could also absorb nearly half of the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities, including logging, agriculture, and urban expansion. Hole, vice president of global solutions at Conservation International, called for an immediate commitment to protecting tropical forests, especially in light of escalating deforestation rates.
2. Record-Breaking Depths of Reef Manta Rays
A groundbreaking study has documented the deepest dive ever recorded by a reef manta ray, surpassing the previous record by over 200 meters (approximately 656 feet). This remarkable specimen reached depths of 672 meters (2,204 feet) in the waters around New Caledonia, an area where the species’ behavior had previously gone unobserved.
Researchers, including Conservation International’s Mark Erdmann, utilized satellite tags to monitor the movements of nine reef manta rays, shedding light on the previously unknown diving habits of this species. Erdmann pointed out the alarming decline in global manta ray populations due to fishing practices that exploit them for their gills, which are utilized in traditional medicines across Asia. He noted that this decline not only threatens the rays but also negatively impacts local economies that depend on ecotourism.
Although reef manta rays in New Caledonia currently face no fishing threats, the research suggests they may be diving deeper due to a lack of food on the surface. François Tron, country director for Conservation International in New Caledonia, emphasized the necessity of protecting deeper waters adjacent to coral reefs, as these habitats are crucial for sustaining manta rays and other marine species.
3. A Comprehensive Approach to Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation
A recent global framework has emerged to protect freshwater ecosystems, which are disappearing at an alarming rate—at least three times faster than forests, as detailed in a study. Despite covering only 1% of the Earth’s surface, these ecosystems, which include rivers, lakes, and wetlands, are vital as they host about 10% of all species. Worryingly, populations of freshwater vertebrates like turtles and sturgeons have dramatically decreased by over 80%, while one-third of wetland ecosystems have vanished since 1970 due to human activities.
Research spearheaded by Conservation International’s Robin Abell and Ian Harrison, alongside a team of global freshwater experts, has proposed a strategic plan to reverse these trends. The strategies outlined include enhancing water quality, managing invasive species, and combating overfishing.
Abell underscored the critical role of freshwater ecosystems in supporting human life, including water security and food provisions for vulnerable populations. Harrison expressed that the findings should be interpreted as an optimistic action plan that outlines specific measures for overcoming the challenges faced by freshwater ecosystems. It offers a path forward to mitigating biodiversity loss while supporting both planetary health and human livelihoods.
Source
www.conservation.org