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Endangered Place Blog: Tropical Rainforests

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Tropical Rainforests Description of place: Tropical Rainforests are located in regions near the equator that receive more than 70 inches of rain annually. They cover about 6 percent of the world's land surface. They have  four main characteristics: 1. Very high annual rainfall 2. High average temperatures 3. Nutrient-poor soil 4. High levels of biodiversity Biodiversity: Rainforests are home to half of all the living animal and plant species on the planet. 2/3 of all flowering plants can be found in rainforests. A single hectare of rainforest may contain 42,000 different species of insect, up to 807 trees of 313 different species, and 1,500 species of higher plants. Rainforests also produce about 20 percent of our oxygen and store a huge amount of carbon dioxide, drastically reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. They also absorb massive amounts of solar radiation. All together, these processes help to stabilize Earth's climate.  Pictures: Historical Comparison: One...
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Endangered Plant Species Blog: Florida yew

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 Florida Yew Taxus Floridana Species Description:      The Florida Yew is a small evergreen bushy tree or shrub. It can grow up to 26 feet and has purplish brown bark. The leaves are needlelike, flat, and linear, and grow up to an inch long. The branches grow irregularly, with long branches often growing at nearly a right angle from the trunk. It produces small cones.  Species Habitat and Range:     The Florida Yew is essentially only found within a fifteen square mile span in ravines along the Apalachicola river in northwestern Florida. They rarely occur as individuals, rather they appear in small clumps. The terrain primarily consists of steep, sandy slopes and spring-fed waterways.  Species Role in Ecosystem: The Florida Yew's role in its ecosystem includes being a a food source for wildlife, such as beavers and white-tailed deer; acting as a habitat for small birds and insects; and as a source of medicine that is used to help treat cancer....
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Endangered Animal: Hawksbill Sea Turtle

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  The Hawksbill Sea Turtle Species Description:      The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as critically endangered. They are named for their narrow, pointed beak. They have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that are in high demand for being used to make jewelry. They are also the only species of sea turtle that can survive on a diet primarily made up of sponges. Species Habitat and Range:      Hawkbills are found throughout tropical oceans world-wide. As hatchlings, they begin their lives in the open sea for up to five years until they migrate to coastal feeding grounds, such as coral reefs, where they live out the rest of their lives. Coral reefs offer them a food source, as well as shelter for protection when resting.  Species Role (Niche) in Ecosystem:      Hawkbills feed on sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish. By feeding on these organisms, they provide better access for reef...
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Endangered Animal Species: Hawksbill Turtle

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The Hawksbill Sea Turtle Species Description:      The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as critically endangered. They are named for their narrow, pointed beak. They have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that are in high demand for being used to make jewelry. They are also the only species of sea turtle that can survive on a diet primarily made up of sponges. Species Habitat and Range:      Hawkbills are found throughout tropical oceans world-wide. As hatchlings, they begin their lives in the open sea for up to five years until they migrate to coastal feeding grounds, such as coral reefs, where they live out the rest of their lives. Coral reefs offer them a food source, as well as shelter for protection when resting.  Species Role (Niche) in Ecosystem:     Hawkbills feed on sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish. By feeding on these organisms, they provide better access for reef fish to fee...
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Introduction Post

Hello, my name is Tyler and I'm a history major. My favorite animal is the tortoise. I'm interested in wildlife conservation because as a history major, I understand the impact that legislation can have in changing a potential outcome. If there had more/better enforced legislation, we wouldn't be in the position that we are today. 
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