The Global 200 : a representation Approach to Conserving the Earth’s Distinctive Ecoregions
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AfrotropicalN amib-Karoo-Kaokeveld Deserts [124] – Angola, Namibia, South Africa Geographic Location: Southern Africa Biodiversity Features: This ecoregion includes the semi-desert vegetation of the Nama and Succulent Karoo, as well as the Namib and Kaokoveld deserts. These two zones support roughly 5,000 plant species, of which about a third are endemic. This includes the highest diversity of succulent plants in the world. VERY distinctive and floristically rich desert ecoregion of Africa, with highly diverse communities and paleo-endemics. Selected Species: Species include the primitive plant welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis), and an extraordinary diversity of succulent plant species, including the illegally traded kokerboom (Aloe dichotoma) and halfmens (Pachypodium namaquanum). Mammals include mountain zebra (Equus zebra), short-eared elephant shrew (Macroscelides proboscideus), and desert golden mole (Eremitalpa granti). Birds include Karoo bustard (Eupodotis vigorsii), Ludwig’s bustard (Neotis ludwigii), Karoo chat (Cercomela schlegelii), dune lark (Certhilauda erythrochlamys), and dusky sunbird (Nectarinia fusca). Reptiles include Karoo dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion karrooicum), rough thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus rugosus), Karoo sand snake (Psammophis notostictus), coral snake (Aspidelaps lubricus),and Péringuey’s adder (Bitis peringueyi). Amphibians include Namaqua caco (Cacosternum namaquense) and desert rain frog (Breviceps macrops). General Threats: Poor land management has resulted in the conversion of marginal lands for cultivation, and ostrich, goat, cattle, and sheep ranching in the Karoo. Goat and cattle ranching, especially when overstocking occurs, is particularly problematic in the Namib. A number of other land use problems result from unsustainable groundwater extraction and alteration of surface/subsurface flow in the Namib for town development and dam construction; mining; and illegal extraction of selected succulents for black market trade. Taken together, these pose a suite of threats to the biodiversity of this ecoregion.
adagascar Spiny Thicket [125] – Madagascar Geographic Location: Southern and southwestern Madagascar Biodiversity Features: The South and southwestern portions of Madagascar contain an extraordinary vegetation formation of succulent and spiny plants in a semi-arid environment. Members of an endemic family, the Didiereaceae, dominate this highly distinctive area. Globally distinctive ecoregion with high endemism at species, genera, and family levels, high levels of local endemism and beta diversity, unique community structure, the only xeric ecosystems in Madagascar, biogeographically the seventh continent Selected Species: Endemic birds include Verreaux’s coua (Coua verreauxi), running coua (C. cursor), Lefresnaye’s vanga (Xenopirostris xenopirostris), and long-tailed ground roller (Uratelornis chimaera). Spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides), radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata), and Charlarodon madagascariensis are a few of the endemic reptiles. Characteristic mammals include ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), white-footed sportive lemur (Lepilemur leucopus), Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi), and the recently described Grandidier’s mongoose (Galidictis grandidiensis). Characteristic plant species include Pachypodium geayi, Euphorbia alluaudia, Xerosicyos danguyi, Alluaudia procera, A. comosa, and the monotypic Decaryia madagascariensis. Spectacular members of the endemic Didiereaceae include the octopus tree (Didierea madagascariensis), as well as Songo be (Alluaudia ascendens), which can reach heights of 15 m. General Threats: The principle threats to Madagascar's biodiversity come from the small-scale, but widespread clearance of habitats, primarily for firewood and charcoal production. Secondary threats are posed by subsistence agriculture, livestock grazing, and invasive species. Despite some recent improvements, Madagascar's protected area system does not yet encompass all of the country's critical sites.
ocotra Island Desert [126] – Yemen Geographic Location: Island off the Northeast coast of Africa (Horn of Africa) Biodiversity Features: The island of Socotra is an important site of local endemism for reptiles, plants, and birds. Noted for its botanical uniqueness, the island has approximately 215 endemic species of plants, 85 of which are nearly extinct. Distinctive insular desert biota with many endemics and relict species Selected Species: Socotra houses many unusual plants, including the Socotran pomegranate (Punica protopunica) and the cucumber tree (Dendrosicyos), the only representative of Cucurbitaceae known to grow as a tree. For centuries the island has been noted for its aloes as well as “dragon’s blood,” a brilliant red resin extracted from the endemic dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari). The island is also home to nine endemic plant genera , including Ballochia, Trichocalyx, Duvaliandra, Socotranthus, Haya, Lachnocapsa, Dendrosicyos, Placoda, and Nirarathamnos. Some animals of note include Socotra leaf-toed gecko (Hemidactylus forbesii), Guichard's rock gecko (Pristurus guichardi), Blanford's rock gecko (P. insignis), and Socotra rock gecko (P. sokotranus). The island is also home to six endemic bird species, including island cisticola (Cisticola haesitatus) and Socotra bunting (Emberiza socotrana). There are no amphibians on the island. General Threats: A long history of settlement has given people ample of time to degrade much of the habitat. Overgrazing by goats, fuelwood cutting, and potential new development projects threaten the native biota.
rabian Highland Woodlands and Shrublands [127] – Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen Geographic Location: Arabian Peninsula Biodiversity Features: This region includes fog woodlands of the Jabals Qamar, Qara, and Samhan. These islands of moisture attract a greater number of species than the surrounding deserts. The southwestern highlands are an important stopover site for migrating birds. A UNIQUE example of ARABIAN fog woodlands THAT SUPPORTS HIGH LEVELS OF BIODIVERSITY AND PROVIDES AN IMPORTANT STOPOVER SITE FOR MIGRATING BIRDS Selected Species: Notable species include endemic Arabian tahr (Hemitragus jayakari), Arabian gazelle (Gazella gazella), Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), wild cat (Felis sylvestris), and leopard (Panthera pardus). Although Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is extinct in the wild, there are efforts to reintroduce it to the region. Representative bird species include yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos), graceful warbler (Prinia gracilis), brown woodland warbler (Phylloscopus umbrovirens), Yemen linnet (Carduelis yemenensis), Gambage dusky flycatcher (Muscicapa gambagae), Arabian partridge (Alectoris melanocephalia) and black kite (Milvus migrans) General Threats: Major threats include overgrazing by cattle, deforestation for fodder, timber, and firewood, off-road vehicle use on the coastal plain and in the mountains, and human population growth. Australasia C arnavon Xeric Scrub [128] – Australia Geographic Location: Western Australia Selection Criteria & Distinguishing Features: Habitats in this ecoregion support a vast diversity of species adapted to the harsh desert conditions. High levels of species richness and endemism are prevalent in a number of taxa, particularly for birds and reptiles. A number of localized centers of endemism are present in the ecoregion as well. Perhaps first among these are the Cape Range caves and gorges—an extensive area of karst topography—home to over 400 caves that support numerous unique plants and animals. RICH DESERT FLORA AND FAUNA, PARTICULARLY FOR BIRDS AND REPTILES, WITH HIGH LEVELS OF ENDEMISM. INCLUDES MANY LOCAL ENDEMICS. Selected Species: Mammal species whose entire ranges are restricted to this xeric ecoregion include red-eared antechinus (Dasykaluta rosamondae), Wongai ningaui (Ningaui ridei), and the banded hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus). The endangered burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur), the vulnerable black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) and ghost bat (Macroderma gigas), northern mastiff-bat (Chaerephon jobensis), Hill's sheathtail-bat (Taphozous hilli), common planigale (Planigale maculata), and common wallaroo (Macropus robustus) are some of the numerous other mammals found here. Rock parrot (Neophema petrophila), red-tailed black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), pallid cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus), tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), sacred kingfisher (Todirhamphus sanctus), rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus), and chestnut-rumped thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis) are just a few of the many birds supported by the habitats of this ecoregion. They also support a tremendous diversity of reptile species, including a number of species found nowhere else, such as spinifex gecko (Diplodactylus savagei), Wombey's gecko (Diplodactylus wombeyi), beaked legless lizard (Aprasia rostrata), elegant scalyfoot (Delma elegans), black-striped legless lizard (Pletholax gracilis), Australian striped ctenotus (Ctenotus australis), and Pilbara red skink (Egernia pilbarensis). Relatively few amphibian species persist here; some of those that do are the desert Treefrog (Litoria rubella), the endemic blotched toadlet (Uperoleia glandulosa), trilling frog (Neobatrachus centralis), and orange-crowned toadlet (Pseudophryne occidentalis). General Threats: Habitat degradation related to cattle and sheep grazing is the most prevalent threat to this ecoregion. Mining is also problematic in portions of the ecoregion. A number of potential threats include the spread of invasive plant species and feral animals, such as cats and goats, particularly on some of the nearby offshore islands.
reat Sandy-Tanami Deserts [129] – Australia Geographic Location: Northwestern Australia Biodiversity Features: Despite its name and its dramatic, remarkably parallel linear sand dunes, Australia's Northwestern sandy desert is actually slightly wetter than the central part of the country. The northwestern desert supports many unique plant and animals species specially adapted to the hazardous conditions. These deserts support the richest lizard communities in the world, with many regional endemic reptiles and amphibians. The richest deserts in Australia, tHESE AREAS EXHIBIT high levels of local endemism. IN ADDITION, THESE HABITATS SUPPORT the richest desert reptile fauna in the world Selected Species: Livistonia palm is one of the spectacular xeric adapted plant species in this region. Among the numerous species of reptiles found here are desert cave gecko (Heteronotia spelea), desert death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus), the woma (Aspidites ramsayi), and the endemic red dragon (Ctenophorus rufescens). A number of mammals survive here, including red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), the endemic little red antechinus (Dasykaluta rosamondae), marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops), and bilby (Macrotis lagotis). Birds include emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), white-fronted honeyeater (Phylidonyris albifrons), variegated fairywren (Malurus lamberti), red-backed kingfisher (Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia), and Port Lincoln parrot (Barnardius zonarius). Desert treefrog (Litoria rubella), sandy burrowing frog (Limnodynastes spenceri), and desert spadefoot toad (Notaden nichollsi) are able to withstand the harsh conditions of this arid climate. General Threats: Fire management, feral animals, and overgrazing pose threats to this ecoregion. Nearctic
onoran-Baja Deserts [130] – Mexico, United States Geographic Location: Southwestern North America & Baja Peninsula Biodiversity Features: The cactus scrub communities of the northern Sonoran desert have some of the most diverse and unusual desert plants and animals in the world. Forests of giant cacti are notable here and are associated with a rich variety of plant and animal species. Neotropical deserts with high endemism at species and higher taxonomic levels and globally distinctive communities dominated by massive columnar cacti Selected Species: Boojum tree (Fouquieria columnaris), saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), cholla cactus (Opuntia fulgida), organ pipe cactus (Lemaireocereus thurberi), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), and ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) are just a few of the plants adapted to withstand the arid climate in this ecoregion. Mammals include ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus), black-tailed jack-rabbit (Lepus californicus), desert kangaroo rat (Dipodomys deserti), the endemic Arizona pocket mouse (Perognathus amplus), round-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus tereticaudus), Lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), coyote (Canis latrans), and the endangered pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Bird species here include cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), black-tailed gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura), phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis), Costa’s hummingbird (Calypte costae), five-striped sparrow (Aimophila quinquestriata), and rufous-winged sparrow (Aimophila carpalis). The threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), the giant Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), and tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) comprise a small portion of unusual herpetofauna found in the ecoregion. General Threats: Irrigation, cattle ranching, fuelwood extraction, intensive recreational use, introduced species, and exploitation of wildlife and plants by hunters and collectors threaten the region.
hihuahuan-Tehuacán Deserts [131] – Mexico, United States Geographic Location: Southern region of North America Biodiversity Features: This ecoregion has an exceptionally rich desert flora and fauna, with subregional endemism in some taxa and unusual floristic communities. The richest cactus communities in the world are found in the southern Chihuahuan desert. Some of the world’s richest desert mammal and reptile faunas also occur here. The most diverse desert in the Neotropical and Nearctic region, with globally outstanding levels of desert plant, reptile, and mammal diversity Selected Species: Plant species include the resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), tarbush (Flourensia cernua), whitethorn acacia (Acacia neovernicosa), and numerous species of cacti, including several Opuntia species. The ecoregion supports a number of grass species such as bush muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and in the bottomlands, big sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii). Animals include the desert pocket gopher (Geomys arenarius), Nelson’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nelsoni), desert shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi), desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), jaguar (Felis onca), collared peccary or javelina (Pecari tajacu), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni). Other components of this desert’s fauna include the rare zone-tailed hawk (Buteo albonotatus), scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), Texas banded gecko (Coleonyx brevis), reticulated gecko (C. reticulatus), greater earless lizard (Cophosaurus texanus), Mexican blackheaded snake (Tantilla atriceps), and the Trans-Pecos ratsnake (Elaphe subocularis). General Threats: Grazing, extraction of salt, gypsum, and lime, clearing of riparian vegetation, and exploitation of water resources are threats to the area. Neotropical
alápagos Islands Scrub [132] – Ecuador Geographic Location: Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean Biodiversity Features: The Galápagos Islands are widely known for the remarkable adaptive radiation shown by their plants and animals. Both the flora and fauna display a high degree of endemism, as would be expected in such an isolated tropical archipelago. Numerous communities, ecological interactions, and species adaptations are unique to these islands. Globally distinctive island biota with unique evolutionary and ecological phenomena Selected Species: Species include Lechoso tree (Scalesia pendunculata), Galápagos giant tortoise (Geochelone elephantropus), land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus), Galápagos hawk (Buteo galapoensis), and the 13 Darwin's finches (Geospiza spp., Camarhynchus spp., Certhidea olivacea, and Platyspiza crassirostris). General Threats: Threats include overgrazing by domestic and feral livestock, predation by exotic species, anthropogenic fires, poaching, overharvesting of marine resources, tourism, population pressures, and agriculture. A tacama-Sechura Deserts [133] – Chile, Peru Geographic Location: Pacific Coast of South America Biodiversity Features: This ecoregion, comprised of the Atacama and Sechura deserts, forms a continuous strip of desert for almost 3,500 km along the coast of Chile and Peru. This region features some of the driest areas in the world, some of which receive essentially no rain. Nevertheless, this ecoregion contains approximately 1300 species of plants and high levels of endemism. 60% of Atacama and 40% of Sechura plants are endemic. Only 68 species are found in both regions. Other South American xeric regions, such as the Caatinga of eastern Brazil, and Guajira/Falcón region of northern South America are distinctive but share more affinities with surrounding ecoregions. Highly distinctive desert biota with high endemism Selected Species: Recently discovered rare and endemic plant species include members of the Copiapoa genus, Griselinia carlomunozii, and Tillandsia tragophoba. Birds include three endemic finches: slender-billed finch (Xenospingus concolor), great Inca-finch (Incaspiza pulchra), and Raimondi's yellow-finch (Sicalis raimondii), and the endemic Pied-crested tit-tyrant (Anairetes reguloides). Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and sea lions (Otaria byronia) are some of the characteristic mammals. General Threats: Urbanization, mining, pollution, road construction, livestock grazing (especially by goats), fuelwood collection, commercial plant collection, and erosion constitute the major threats to this ecoregion. Palearctic
entral Asian Deserts [134] – Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan Geographic Location: Central Asia Biodiversity Features: A mosaic of clay, stone, salt and sandy deserts supports the highest level of biological richness of all the Eurasian deserts. Plants and animals here have developed certain physiological mechanisms to help them survive the combination of extremely cold winter temperatures and blistering hot summers. These specialized adaptations contribute to the unusually high level of endemism for which the area is well known. Forest galleries along the floodplains of major rivers such as Amur Darya, Syr Darya, provide a moister habitat for many local species. THE CENTRAL ASIAN DESERTS FEATURE THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM AMONG ARID LANDS THROUGHOUT EURASIA. Selected Species: Sand acacias (Eremospartan) form localized endemic plant communities and the saksaul (Arthrophytum) creates "keystone" ecosystems in these deserts. The area is rich in reptile life, with an impressive variety of agama, gekko, lizard and snake species. The gray monitor (Varanus griseus) is the largest reptile in Europe. Rare and endangered mammal species include the honey badger (Mellivora capsensis), sand lynx (Felis caracal), desert cat (Felis margarita), onager (Equus hemionus), and gotred gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa). General Threats: Diversion of water for the irrigation of cotton and other crops represents the most serious threat to the region. Localized population growth and associated resource use is also of concern. Mangroves Found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, Mangrove forests form along coastlines. These forests are comprised of twelve genera of salt-tolerant trees that evolved from terrestrial species over time to invade these dynamic areas. Associated with the tree species are a whole host of aquatic and salt-tolerant plants. Together they provide important nursery habitats for a vast array of aquatic animal species. Afrotropical AtlanticG ulf of Guinea Mangroves [135] – Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria Geographic Location: Western Africa coast Biodiversity Features: This ecoregion contains mangroves of the Niger Delta, which is the single most extensive mangrove systemin Africa, and thirdworldwide after India and Indonesia. These mangroves play an important role as nursery areas for fishes and shrimp; moreover, they are important factors in stabilizing the shoreline. Mangroves are found discontinuously from Senegal to northern Angola, with important areas in the Niger delta, Cameroon, and Gabon. complex of keystone habitats along west and central african coast Selected Species: Vegetation is dominated by Rhizophora racemosa. Other residents include a variety of fishes, birds, and invertebrates,as well as West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis), African slender-snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus), Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), Cuvier's fire-footed squirrel (Funisciurus pyrropus), African fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), and African skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris). General Threats: The threats of greatest concern include urbanization, industrialization and agriculture, as well as impacts from timber and petroleum exploitation. Oil spills and development projects have led to large mortalities of invertebrates and fishes. Other threats include the use of dynamite and poison for fishing, canalization, discharge of sewage and other pollutants, siltation, sandmining, erosion, construction of embankments - all effects of growing population pressure in the coastal zone. Afrotropical IndianE ast African Mangroves [136] – Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania Geographic Location: East African coast Biodiversity Features: Compared to Southeast Asia, African mangroves support relatively low species diversity. However, the East African mangroves support the greatest flora and faunal diversity of African mangroves, as well as provide critical habitat for maintaining nearby coral reefs and populations of fish and birds. The Tana River Delta has one of the most extensive mangrove systems in this region. Many migratory bird populations rely on the delta and wetlands as stopover and wintering habitat. THESE MANGROVES REPRESENT A Complex of keystone habitats in eastern africa. Selected Species: In addition to the many fish and invertebrates that find refuge, breeding grounds, and nursuries in mangroves, other local residents include mangrove kingfisher (Halycyon senegaloides), dugong (Dugong dugon), and migrants such as, greater sand plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) and grey plover (Pluvialis squatarola). Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is also known to visit. General Threats: Mangroves in the region area being lost through conversion to rice farms, salt pans, aquaculture, and urbanization. They also ultimately receive all untreated wastes discharged upstream, as well as oil and industrial pollution, silt, and pesticides. Damming of some of the rivers threatens mangroves by increasing salinity during the dry season. Construction of a dam upstream on the Tana River has already decreased riverine forest regeneration in the region and placed severe pressure on the survival of mangrove species. Such destruction may also lead to increased siltation of nearby coral reefs.
adagascar Mangroves [137] – Madagascar Geographic Location: Island off the eastern coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean Biodiversity Features: Mangrove forests stretch almost the entire length of the western Coast of Madagascar. Their productivity is ecologically and biogeographically significant, and they also provide important habitat for numerous species, some of which are a major portion of the local diet. Selected Species: Characteristic trees are mangrove species typical throughout the Indian Ocean: Sonneratia alba and Avicennia marina. Fishes capable of surviving in the often-brackish water conditions include members of the Cichlidae and Mugilidae families. Of particular conservation concern are endemic birds such as the the rare and critically threatened Madagascar fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) and the Madagascar heron (Ardea humbloti). General Threats: In comparison with other areas on the island, these habitats have suffered less impact from increasing human populations. Howevever, little has been done to protect mangroves, which are sensitive to urban development, and may be affected by overfishing. In some areas, introduced fish species may threaten native species. AustralasiaN ew Guinea Mangroves [138] – Indonesia, Papua New Guinea Geographic Location: Deltaic and coastal regions on the island of New Guinea Biodiversity Features: Like most mangrove forests in Papua New Guinea, the mangroves in the Sepik Delta are sparsely populated and relatively intact. The mangroves of Irian Jaya, Indonesia's portion of the island of New Guinea to the west, are presently the largest in the world. New Guinea mangroves are the most extensive in the world with many unusual species Selected Species: Species include black palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterimus), Papuan hanging-parrot (Loriculus aurantiifrons), the endemic red-breasted paradise-kingfisher (Tanysiptera nympha) and red-billed brush-turkey (Talegalla cuvieri), and saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). General Threats: Although largely intact, mangroves on Irian Jaya have recently come under threat of exploitation, and possible destruction, related to wood chip production. Indo-Malayan Indo-PacificS undarbans Mangroves [139] – Bangladesh, India Geographic Location: Southern Asia Biodiversity Features: The Sundarbans is a vast complex of intertidal and estuarine areas situated on the border of India and Bangladesh where the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mehgna rivers converge in the Bengal Basin. The Sundarbans, the most extensive area of mangroves in continental Asia, supports 32 mangrove and 10 seagrass species. The area provides nursery grounds for many species of fish and invertebrates, including exploited species such as tiger prawns. The productivity of the Sundarbans plays a major role in supporting fisheries along the east coast of India. Despite the heavy use of the forest for timber, pulpwood, and fuelwood, the Sundarbans continues to support a diverse fauna of 35 species of reptile, over 270 birds and 42 mammals. The Sundarbans conserve the last population of tigers inhabiting mangroves in the world. the largest block of mangroves left on continental asia. Selected Species: Tiger (Panthera tigris), saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), water monitors (Varanus salvator), Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), and jackal (Canis aureus) are among the many wingless inhabitants found in this ecoregion. Bird species include little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger), open-bill stork (Anastomus oscitans), common pochard (Aythya ferina), white stork (Ciconia ciconia), and common redshank (Tringa totanus). Giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) is another native to this area. Although they once roamed here, today the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) and the wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) have been extirpated. General Threats: The harmful effects of sewage and industrial pollution plus continuing deforestation threaten the integrity of the Sundarbans. Another problem is the effect of expanding agriculture, namely mangrove forests are cleared and irrigation canals are constructed in their place. Heavy pressure on the fisheries, including fishing along riverine tracts, also causes serious problems. The threat from offshore oil spills is also a serious one. reater Sundas Mangroves [140] –Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei
Geographic Location: Southeast Asia Selection Criteria & Distinguishing Features Greater Sundas mangroves were little affected by large-scale forest exploitation until 1975, but they are now the most threatened forests in the archipelago. Sumatra has extensive mangroves along the eastern coast, but the island continues to lose its natural vegetation faster than any other region in Indonesia. Kalimantan's mangroves are somewhat more intact, but are also threatened by agriculture, development, and human settlement. Recent surveys revealed the importance of this region for some of the world’s rarest waterbirds. Common among all mangroves is the importance of these ecosystems as nursing grounds for several species of fish and shrimp. these mangroves are the most diverse, not to mention some of the most extensivE mangrove ecosystems in the world. Selected Species: Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans), common redshank (Tringa totanus), Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), false gharial (Tomistoma schlegeli), spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), stork-billed kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), and several other species of reptiles, amphibians and fishes. General Threats: Most mangrove destruction results from conversion of the land for agriculture, shrimp ponds, brackish water fishponds (tambak), salt ponds, human settlement, and cutting of trees for wood chips or for export to Japan. Poaching and illegal trade represents an important threat, especially for saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Neotropical AtlanticG uianan-Amazon Mangroves [141] – Brazil, French Guiana (France), Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela Geographic Location: Northern South America Biodiversity Features: This vast mosaic of mangroves, permanent freshwater swamps, and seasonally flooded palm savanna is uniquely adapted to the high and powerful tides common to the area. They support a great diversity of wildlife, including large populations of migratory birds and fish. vast mangrove complex, the largest in the neotropics, adapted to high tidal fluctuations General Threats: The development of chemical complexes, oil refineries, sedimentation from agriculture, and urban and recreational facilities represent an important threat to the area. Mangrove leveling for development represents another general cause of habitat destruction. Selected Species: Characteristic species include Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Caribbean manatee (Trichetus manatus), American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), and giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis). Neotropical PacificP anama Bight Mangroves [142] – Ecuador, Panama, Colombia, Peru Geographic Location: Northwest South America Biodiversity Features: The Esmeraldas area contains one of the most important intact mangroves in the world, and the trees here are the tallest mangrove specimens in the Neotropics. Tallest mangrove forests in the world, most extensive mangroves in the eastern pacific ocean Selected Species: Species include Rhizophora mangroves, mangrove yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia bryanti), mangrove cuckoo (Coccyzus minor), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). General Threats: Destruction of mangroves through siltation from excessive soil runoffs. Other threats include dam construction, transshipment of oil, pesticide use and shrimp farming. 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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