The Global 200 : a representation Approach to Conserving the Earth’s Distinctive Ecoregions
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- Eastern Indo-Pacific
Tropical UpwellingSimilar to the Temperate Upwelling MHT, high productivity resulting from the upwelling of nutrient rich bottom waters characterizes Tropical Upwelling habitats. These regions are distinct from other tropical waters in that the bottom waters bring cool water and nutrients to the surface. Contrasted with the warm, highly saline, and nutrient poor waters typical of tropical marine ecosytems, the resulting habitats support distinctive species and systems. The combination of high productivity and tropical climates produce unique communities that often harbor endemic species. In addition, large numbers of fish and sea birds are found here, as are a diversity of sea turtles and marine mammals. Central Indo-Pacific W estern Australian Marine [212] – Australia Geographic Location: Off western Australian coast Biodiversity Features: Coral reefs extend for over 3,000 km along the western coast of Australia, with numerous reef systems. A wide variety of reefs are found, ranging from open ocean atolls to fringing and barrier reefs. The reefs contain a great diversity of fish, corals, and other invertebrates. Ten percent of the world’s dugong (Dugong dugon) population occurs at Shark Bay in this ecoregion. Shark Bay also contains excellent examples of the colony-forming cyanobacterium, also known as stromatalites. the largest barrier reefs in the indian ocean with some endemism and globally outstanding diversity. ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST SPECIES DIVERSE SEAGRASS MEADOWS IN THE WORLD Selected Species: Some common fish species include damselfish (Parma spp.), wobbegong shark (Orectolobus spp.), and long finned sea pike (Dinolestes lewini). Among the endemic species found here are red crab (Gecarcoidea natalis), and a species of starshell, Astraea tentoriiformis. Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), dugong (Dugong dugon), saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), flatback turtle (Narator depressa), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), sooty tern (Sterna fuscata), and twelve species of sea snakes have been recorded. At least three whale species are regularly sighted around the reefs and lagoons during migration seasons. They are the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and the minke whale (B. acutorostrata). General Threats: Habitat destruction and siltation, mainly resulting from agricultural activities and from dredging or mining reef rock for sand, are adversely affecting the reef. Dredging for shipping access and the subsequent dumping of dredge spoil represent a serious threat to reefs in some areas. Another cause of reef destruction comes from the introduction of material pollution in the water, usually arising from the use of adjacent land, waterholes or waterways. Degradation and destruction of habitat as a result of recreational and tourist activity around the reefs is another factor. Traditional fishing practices have some impact on the fauna and flora (e.g., birds are killed for food in large numbers, birds and turtle eggs are taken, and turtles and dugongs are killed). Oil spills have also occurred in the area and oil exploration poses a major potential threat. Eastern Indo-PacificP anama Bight [213] – Colombia, Ecuador, Panama Geographic Location: Northwest South America Biodiversity Features: Estuaries of major river systems dominate the pacific coastline of these countries. On the offshore islands in areas away from the influence of freshwater, there are limited coral formations. Coral diversity here is lower than on the Caribbean side, but coral cover, tends to be much higher. Ninety percent coverage is common, a level of coverage rarely found in the Caribbean. Selected Species: Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), common rorqual (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm whale and (Physeter catodon), red-footed booby (Sula sula) and Black storm-petrel (Oceanodroma melania) live here. Numerous species of fish, including those in the families Isophoridae, Serranidea and Scaridae inhabit these waters, as do decapod crustaceans, including many that are endemic to the area. General Threats: Bleaching and coral mortality, assumed to be associated with El Niño events, has been recorded in many areas. Outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) have reduced coral populations. Domestic pollution, massive deforestation, and destruction of the reefs associated with fishing and spearfishing are general threats. Siltation produced by soil runoff has destroyed many coral areas. Other threats include mining, dam construction, transshipment of oil spills and pesticide use. G ulf of California [214] – Mexico Geographic Location: Eastern Pacific between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula Biodiversity Features: This was once an enormously rich region, with major nutrient influxes from the Colorado River. It remains a globally important site with high level productivity and endemism. Highly productive subtropical sea with unusual endemism in vertebrates and invertebrates Selected Species: The gulf supports an endemic porpoise species, the endangered vaquita (Phocoena sinus), and is a vital breeding area for the Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri). Other species include blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), resident populations of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), California gull (Larus californicus), Mexican rockfish (Sebastes macdonaldi), roughjaw frogfish (Antennarius avalonis), Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens), and the endemic totoaba fish (Cynoscion macdonaldi). Marine turtles include black (Chelonia agassizi), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley, (Lepidochelys olivacea) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta). General Threats: Sedimentation from and diversion of the Colorado River for irrigation has seriously altered the ecology of the gulf. Overfishing poses a threat to species such as the endemic and threatened totoaba fish (Cynoscion macdonaldi). Further, bottom trawling destroys eelgrass beds and kills shellfish. Pollution and mining represent other important threats to biodiversity in this region. G alápagos Marine [215] – Ecuador Geographic Location: Marine ecosystems around the Galápagos Islands in the eastern tropical Pacific Biodiversity Features: The marine ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands, like their terrestrial counterparts, include a diverse flora and fauna, with high levels of endemism. A number of rare and endangered species occurs here, including endemic flightless cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi) and marine iguanas (Amblyrynchus cristatus). This productive ecoregion has An unusual level of endemism for marine ecosystems And rare adaptations of species Selected Species: The area contains a mixture of central and eastern Pacific faunas with a distinct Galápagos endemic component. Some species present in this area include an endemic black coral (Anthipates panamensis), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), flightless cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi), Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), waved albatross (Diomedea irrorata), and lava gull (Larus fuliginosus) and marine iguana (Amblyrynchus cristatus). California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), an endemic fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), minke whale (B. acutorostrata), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), killer whale (Orcinus orca), and false killer (Pseudorca crassidens) comprise a portion of the mammalian fauna in these waters. General Threats: The reefs are under the pressure from human activities, especially exploitation of marine resources. Overfishing poses a significant threat to these ecosystems. Increasing tourism and associated activities could be a problem if not properly regulated. Eastern Tropical Atlantic C anary Current [216] – Canary Islands (Spain), Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Western Sahara (Morocco) Geographic Location: Off northwestern coast of Africa Biodiversity Features: Driven by prevailing winds, the Canary Current flows southwestward along the coast of West Africa, bringing cool water towards the equator. As the wind moves the surface water, nutrient rich water from below the surface moves upward. This upwelling creates a highly productive region, especially for deep-sea fish and lobsters. The Banc d’Arguin and Bijagos Archipelago are highly productive, shallow water ecosystems that support millions of Palearctic migratory birds during their journey. The Bijagos also support an unusual population of marine hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius). one of the richest and most productive upwelling areas of the eastern tropical atlantic ocean Selected Species: One of the few places where the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) ventures into the sea. Other species include green turtle (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis). Some fishes are the sardine (Sardinops ocellata), the pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), the Spanish sardine (Sardinella aurita), the horse mackerel (Tracharus sp.) and hake (Merluccius spp.). Marine mammals include the breeding humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). General Threats: Overfishing poses a serious threat to the area. Licensed foreign vessels exploit the fisheries, but do little for the local economy since profits are exported. Further environmental problems are urban development, runoff as a product of soil erosion, release of agrochemical products, sewage discharge and oil pollution. Directory: downloads downloads -> Northern England’s set-jetting locations downloads -> Dynatest 3031 lwd light Weight Deflectometer downloads -> Forth coming competitive exams downloads -> Brush High School Morning Announcements Friday, September 05, 2014 all school downloads -> Year 9 The Arts — Music downloads -> Years 7 and 8 standard elaborations — Australian Curriculum: Music draft downloads -> Chris Young sets 2016 “I’m Comin’ Over” Tour headlining dates downloads -> Slavery and Abolition: the Plymouth Connection Introduction downloads -> Summer Assignment Download 2.75 Mb. Share with your friends:
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