Mariana Fruit Bat - Esther Medina

Species: Mariana Fruit Bat

Date: 03/30/2010    Threaten

Pacific Region

Ecology and General Information of the fruit Bat
The Mariana fruit bat is a subspecies that is endemic to the Mariana Islands. They usually live close to the coast where the area has not been disturbed by humans. It can be found in mangroves, coastal strands and the native tropical forest. The fruit bats roost along cliffs where they get some protection from wind. They are a medium size fruit bat and weigh from 0.66 to 1.15 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males. The bat usually has bright golden brown neck, their head is brown or dark brown and their abdomen is dark brown or black with gray hair. Their canine face like appearance has given them the nick name of “Flying Foxes”.(U.S Fish and Wildlife)

So why are they threatened?

The Mariana Fruit bats live in less than 5 locations. And because they do not have a big range of habitat it is difficult for them to move around and reproduce. This is specially a problem since they live in very fragmented areas and have small populations spread apart. The bats are also hunted illegally because they are considered a delicacy so their population keeps on decreasing. And if that wasn't enough to threaten their existence, humans have introduced species that have declined the quality of its habitat as well as brown tree snakes that predate the young..

 Because of this their population continuously keeps on decreasing. In the Northern Marina Islands no more than 7,475 individuals were estimated to inhabit the island in 200,1  but that number is outdated(Allison). From 1983 to 2000 there was a 40% decrease in the population in the islands of the Marinas. In Guam the current population is about 1000 individuals and it is expected to extirpate within 10 years.(Allison)

Recovery Plan

Estimated De-listing is 2030 if the criterion has met.

There are 6 main points to be addressed. First the population and distribution, to fix this problem it is proposed that stable populations be distributed to other of the surrounding islands so they have a bigger range and the populations grow in different places. Next point to address is post-delisting monitoring. To detect population trends, a monitoring program has been developed. Since habitat loss and degradation has been a great problem for the fruit bats there will be specific actions to restore the habitat. These actions include ungulate control as well as control of invasive plants. The fourth point to address is the hunting. The illegal hunt of the fruit bats needs to be stopped so the species is not endangered.  The fifth point is the Brown Tree Snakes. Because the bats are going to be moved to new islands to reproduce there, the goal is to prevent brown tree snakes from getting there so they can’t predate on the bats. And last, the sixth point to address is the development of military activities. As of now the development of military training in the habitat has been successfully been avoided.(U.S Fish and Wildlife)

Sources
1.  Allison, A., Bonaccorso, F., Helgen, K. & James, R. 2008. Pteropus mariannus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.1

2. U.S Fish and Wildlife Service  http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/100330.pdf

Pictures 

1.www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

2..http://maps.iucnredlist.org/map.html?id=18737

3.www.pacaf.af.mil

Killer Whales: The World's Largest Dolphin

By: Laura Meert

 Southern Residents Killer Whales (Orcinus orca)

Dates:

2005 Endangered Listing

2006 Critical Habitat

2008 Recovery Plan

Description: 

Killer whales are the world's largest dolphin belonging to the Delphinidae family. They are easily identified by their black and white markings. Male killer whales can reach 32 feet long and weigh up to 22,000 pounds. Female killer whales are slightly smaller and are easily distinguishable from males based on their markings. Killer whales are one of the most geographically disbursed mammals on earth and are found in all seven oceans. Southern Residents killer whales population consists of three pods labeled J, K and L pods. While killer whales are found in all of the oceans around the world this population resides in the coastal waterways of Washington, Oregon, and California. There are three critical elements that are essential to the conservation of this population:

1. water quality to support growth and development

2. prey species of sufficient quantity, quality and availability 

3.  passage conditions to allow for migration, resting, and foraging

Population:

There is little information of the population trends of Southern Residence killer whales before the 1970s. However it is estimated that the population was greater than 200 whales in the 1800s. 

1975: 71

1985: 77

1995: 98

2005: 88

2012: 85

  

Threats to population:

Researchers have been unable to identify the biggest threat to killer whale extinction so it remains a combination of the following factors:

1. Environmental degradation
2. Changes in food availability due to overfishing and habitat degradation
3. Increased exposure to pollutants (oil spills)
4. Human disturbance including noise disturbance, boat collisions, and some whale watching activities

Recovery Plan:

The recovery plan for Southern Residence killer whales addresses all of the threats listed above. The ultimate goal of the recovery plan is to increase the population by 2.3% annually for 28 years. The  key elements in the plan include:

1. Increased Prey availability (salmon habitat restoration and hatcheries) 

2. Pollution/ contamination (cleanup of existing contaminated sites and monitor of future                       contamination levels that are harmful to whales), 

3. Vessel Effects (minimize the harmful effects of vessels with necessary regulations) 

4. Prevent oil spills and prepare for improved response if one were to occur.

5. Minimize potential impacts from acoustic effects 

References:

NNOA Fishers (2015). Killer Whale (Orcinus orca). Retrieved: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/killer-whale.html

US Fish and Wildlife Service (n.d.). Killer Whale (Orcinus orca). Retrieved: http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=A0IL

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/whale_killer.pdf

The Florida Manatee: Cow of the Sea

 The West Indian Manatee

 by: Tori Mau

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/west-indian-manatee/

The West Indian Manatee, trichechus manatus, is an endangered marine mammal protected by both the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The Florida Manatee is the subspecies T. manatus latirostris of trichechus manatus. (savethemanatee.org). 

They are one of the four living species of the mammalian order of Sirenia. West Indian Manatees are native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean surrounding Florida. Florida manatees are gentle migratory creatures and are known for their grey coloring and paddle-shaped tails. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 

The West Indian Manatee was listed as endangered on April 15th, 1980. Its recovery plan has been revised several times and most recently on October 30th, 2001. Currently, the status of the West Indian Manatee is vulnerable (IUCN).

 At a Glance:

• Florida manatees can live up to 60 years
• On average, Florida manatees are 10 feet long
• They typically weigh 800-1000 pounds
• They are primarily herbivorous 
• Florida manatees consume 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation every day
• They generally swim at 3-5 mph but can reach speeds of up to 20 mph
• They have earned the nickname the "sea cow," but are most closely related the the elephant
• It has been estimated that there are currently 4,800 Florida manatees (savethemanatee.org)
  
  

Why is the Florida Manatee Endangered?  

The Florida Manatee faces many threats to their population, the main ones being: 

• Injury and death from boat and boat motor strikes:
• Accounts for a quarter of known manatee deaths
• Humans often do not see the grey mammals and hit them on accident
• Cold water temperatures and man-made blockages (floodgates) of canals and rivers
• Human development on coastlines intrudes on manatee habitat  
• Low reproduction rates:
•  Manatees are not sexually mature until around the age of 5 years
• Gestation can last up to 14 months
• Calves are dependent for up to 2 years
• Birth intervals are on average 2.5 years
•  (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)  

 

Where do Florida Manatees like to live?

They can be found in a range of habitats, such as shallow rivers, estuaries, bays, canals, and coastal areas. In the summers, they can be found as far north as Rhode Island and as far west as Texas. Manatees are migratory animals and follow warm waters during the winter; typically manatees concentrate in waters around Florida in the colder months and depend on natural springs for warmth (savethemanatee.org).

 

(http://travel4wildlife.com/where-to-see-manatees-wild/) 

Population: 

The Florida manatee is a difficult species to quantify, despite major efforts made. Direct counting methods have proved unreliable, however the minimum estimate in the 1980's was 1,200 and in 2001, it was estimated that there were at least 3,200 manatees. Today, the number of Florida manatees is around 4,800. (U.S.Fish and Wildlife Services and savethemanatee.org)

Helping the Florida Manatee: The Recovery Plan

The first part of the recovery plan is to minimize the causes of manatee disturbance, harassment, injury, and mortality. 

• The State of Florida has implemented four County Manatee Protection Plans, which include strict boat speed laws.
• Manatee sanctuaries and refuges have been established.

Secondly, it is essential to determine and monitor the Florida manatee populations. The ideal population benchmarks are:

• An annual adult survival rate of 90%.
• At least 40% of adult females with calves in the winter.
• Population growth greater than or equal to zero.

Third, we must protect, identify, evaluate, and monitor manatee habitats.

• Rehabilitation of distressed manatees that were compromised due to man-made factors is necessary.
• Since 1973, over 180 manatees have been helped by veterinary staff.

Lastly, we must facilitate manatee recovery so that they are "delisted." This can be done through public awareness and education efforts. 

• Many groups have aided in the awareness of the status of the Florida Manatee.
• Save The Manatee Club (SMC) provides free information for students.

The ultimate goal is to assure long-term viability of the Florida manatee. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

To Learn More and Help:

To see the complete recovery plan, go here.

To adopt a manatee and support conservation efforts, please visit SaveTheManatee.org

To see manatees live in action, visit the SaveTheManateeCam here.

 

Sources:

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22103/0

http://www.savethemanatee.org

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/011030.pdf

 

Blue Whales: The Largest Animals to Live on Earth

Blue Whales: The Largest Animal to Live on Earth

By: Kyla Miller

Balaenoptera musculus

Photo found from: "Blue Whale." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web.

All About the Blue Whale

The Balaenopetra Musculus, commonly known as the Blue whale, is considered to be the largest and heaviest animal to ever live on earth! A baby whale when born is born somewhere around 23 feet weighing between 5 and 6 thousand pounds. A full-grown whale eventually averages somewhere between 70 and 90 feet and weighing between 100 and 150 tons! 

Photo found from: Alearned -Learn Somthing New Daily. N.p., 31 Oct. 2013. Web.

Typically blue whales appear a very clear blue under the water, hence the name, but are actually a bluish grey color with a yellowish belly. Notice the difference in coloring when submerged in water and when the true color is exposed out of water.

Notice the difference in colors!

Photos from: Aerial Image of a Giant Blue Whale. N.d. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, n.p.

   

Diet and Living Space

Blue whales are Baleen whales meaning that they have large plate like hairs attached to their jaw that allow them to suck in large amounts of water while filtering out food and then pushing the water back out with their massive tongues. This method allows them to eat almost 2-4 tons of krill and plankton during feeding season, which is almost all blue whales eat. 

Photo from: "Natural Wonders of Krill for Pets." All Natural Pet Care Blog RSS. N.p., 30 Sept. 2011. Web.

Blue whales concentrate on feeding in the polar summers in areas such as the Monterey Bay, Channel Islands and other places along the coast but also migrate to warmer areas such as Mexico during the colder months in California. Blue whales were once spotted in all of the oceans across the world but now it is much more uncommon for them to be spotted.

Photo from: http://6storiesfromthe7continents.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-blue-recovery.html

Blue Whales don’t reach sexual maturity until the age of 10 years old and even then, female whales only give birth every 2 to 3 years, with a 10-12 Gestation period. If a threat is posed on low reproductive species such as, because they are not rapid producers, they can almost immediately become endangered.

Beginning of Endangerment

Blue whales were fairly good at escaping endangerment up until the 1900s. In the early 1900s a tool called the harpoon cannon was created to catch whales. The invention of this tool sparked the beginning of Blue Whales continuous endangerment. By 1931, 29,649 whales were taken (marine mammal center) and killed. Blue whales were found in oceans all over the world at one point and are now only known to mostly occur in a few states. By the late 1960’s it was illegal to commercially hunt Blue Whales. In 1970, Blue Whales were officially listed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as an endangered species. 

Photo from: "Photos: Rare First-Generation Swivel Whaling Harpoon Gun - The Firearm Blog." The Firearm Blog. N.p., 30 July 2014. Web.

“The long-term goal of this Plan is to promote the recovery of blue whale populations so that it becomes appropriate to remove them from the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act.”

Road to Recovery

Humans tend to be one of the biggest reasons why Blue Whales have become listed as endangered. Therefore a huge part of the recovery plan was to stop humans from interacting with Blue Whales habitat in a way that was negatively affecting them. Although in the early 1900's Blue Whales started showing signs of endangerment, it wasn't until June 2nd 1970 when Blue Whales were officially listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Conservation Act in the entire world, protecting them from being commercially hunted.

The current recovery plan for Blue Whales was documented July 28th 1998, yet Blue Whales continue to be one of the many endangered species listed.The first step of the recovery plan, like most recovery plans, was to understand the Blue Whale’s habitat, diet, population size, and all factors related to their ecosystem. According to research conducted in the late 1900s, approximately 11,000 Blue Whales were hunted and killed, causing the Blue Whale population to eventually drop to the low hundreds. Once this is done the next step is to protect the whales habitat and make sure it is not being further harmed. Once a good understanding of the Blue Whale’s surrounding environment was obtained, the next step in the recovery plan was to promote protection and avoid all human caused fatalities of Blue Whales. This involved outlining areas where there is possible fatal ship and vessel collisions with the whales. Once the plan is implemented, the next steps are to ensure a world wide effort to raise Blue Whale population size to the point that the criteria for being delisted has been met they can be delisted from endangerment. 

So what does that all mean?

Breakdown of plan:

1.  Learn about the Blue Whales body, habitat, what they eat, where they migrate, and any other factors needed to become an expert on the subject.
2. Research what the population size once was and what it is now
3. Promote awareness and protect the habitats imperative for the plans success
4. Minimize all injury and mortality due to human caused actions
5. Get the whole world on board with the protection Plan
6. Have criteria mapped out that would allow for the Blue Whale to come off the Endangered Species list

To Learn more about Blue Whales watch this video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFFOpM2mxCA

Feeling like you want to help? Donate here! To Help Save whales!

http://www.greatwhaleconservancy.org

Work Cited for Text

"Blue Whale." The Marine Mammal Center. © 2015 The Marine Mammal Center, n.d. Web.

Reeves, Randall R., Phillip J. Clapham, Robert L. Brownell, Jr., and Gregory K. Silber. "RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE BLUE WHALE." RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE BLUE WHALE (n.d.): n. pag. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Endangered Species. Web.

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