Crocodile Population Study to be Conducted in the Philippines' Agusan Marsh

A Philippine crocodile

It has been recently announced that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will conduct a series of studies on the crocodile population of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. Ramon J. P. Paje, the department's secretary, stated that this is going to be a scientific study which will not only include experts from DENR itself but also other groups. These include representative experts from the sanctuary's Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), local academic institutions, non-government organizations, and the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines, Inc. (CPPI). Out of these groups, the CPPI is a private organization consisting of six legitimate crocodile breeders who base their stock from the Palawan Rescue and Conservation Center which is managed by the DENR.

A saltwater crocodile

Mr. Paje hopes that this study will provide the department necessary information on the abundance of crocodiles within the marsh. From that information, they will set up their short and long term management program for the reptiles. He further explained that the study will also involve education and information campaigns to raise community awareness on preventing any crocodile attacks in the area. He also added that the study hopes to form a local expertise on crocodile monitoring and habitat evaluation. In addition to that, the government of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur has shown full support of for the study and has joined forces with the DENR in establishing management measures for a crocodile named Lolong. These measurements include establishing an appropriate facility or improving an existing one, visitor management, crocodile health maintenance, community training, record-keeping, and reporting.

Lolong; a 21-foot saltwater crocodile captured early this month

I'm very proud to see what the people in the Philippines are doing regarding the crocodile conservation, especially in the area where the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary stands. This is the largest freshwater wetland in the nation, covering 14,836 hectares and is home to the largest concentrations of Philippine crocodiles and the infamous saltwater crocodiles. Incidentally, the area had witnessed early this month when a monstrous discovery when a 21-foot-long saltwater crocodile was captured. Named Lolong, this 2,370-pound male is currently spending his time in captivity where he will remain. However, he is one of several crocodiles making their home in Bunawan. With so many crocodiles, the local people would definitely be in grave danger. This is why it was crucial to conduct a study on these reptiles and to ensure public safety. It is slated to begin in November and end in April 2012. All in all, I'm happy to see the people are taking this initiative instead of persecuting these creatures. Because as far as their bloodthirsty reputation as man-eaters goes, they play a major role in sustaining their wetland ecosystem.

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Assam's Forest Guards and Workers Quit Over Unpaid Salaries

An Indian one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park

It has been recently reported that forest guards and workers of Assam's national parks have quit their jobs because the state government has not paid them their seven months' salaries. Many of these employees come from Assam's top national parks. These include the famed Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, both of which are World Heritage Sites. Others include Orang National Park, Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Nameri National Park, and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Many of these wild places house some of the rich variety of wildlife in northeast India, including its iconic creature the Indian one-horned rhinoceros. But now, they have lost a great deal of workers who are crucial for the protection of these majestic beasts against poaching. Kaziranga has already lost thirty people, and more are expected to follow. In Orang National Park, 25 out of 68 guards and 45 casual workers left. One forest guard explained how the government kept making promises about paying him and others their funds in August, but switching to days before holidays such as Eid and the Durga Puja. As a result, neither he nor anyone else received their salaries. Assam's State Minister of Finance Rockybul Hussain said that the delay for funds is a recurring problem every year. He further added that it has to be removed from the finance department, but the procedure is long. However, he said that the situation is not as critical as it seems, since there are permanent staff members present in these national parks.

My opinion about this news is that it is definitely critical for the lives of both workers and the wildlife. Without the forest guards, the wildlife in these wild places are vulnerable to the threat of poachers. Some like Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are labeled as World Heritage Sites, and if poaching continues to ravage, then they will lose their prestigious status. Incidentally, the last few days had seen high activity in poaching in the parks. But now, with more and more forest guards quitting their jobs, it will allow poachers to gain advantage. I deeply feel that the state government of Assam should respond and act fast before any of this goes further. It has been said that before the festive seasons of Diwali, Durga Puja, and Dussehra, poachers try to make their fast money through their illicit activities. This is why the situation is crucial. The lack of manpower in protecting the biodiversity of Assam is the same as in any other region. With forest guards giving up their positions, they are making way for poachers to do what they do best.

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South Korea to Turn Demilitarized Zone into a Biosphere Reserve



An Amur leopard is one of several animal species found in an untouched demilitarized zone between North and South Korea

 Recently, South Korea has filed an application with the UNESCO to convert a part of a demilitarized zone between itself and North Korea into a biosphere reserve. Out of 580 UNESCO biosphere reserves worldwide, South Korea currently has four. This zone, which spans 250 kilometers from coast to coast and measures about four kilometers wide, has been in place since 1953. The application aims to 425 square kilometers of the zone closest to South Korea, as well as an extra 2,554 square kilometers of its territory. It has been left alone for more than fifty years, and yet the area is full of land mines. Despite this, the zone has become a sanctuary for many rare species. A statement from the Republic of Korea Ministry of Environment found that 2,716 species live within the zone, many of which are endangered. A survey released in 2010 showed that the species are almost extinct in other parts of South Korea. These include creatures like the Amur leopard cat, the Japanese crane, and the Siberian musk deer. Others include the white-naped crane, the Asiatic black bear, and even the elusive Amur leopard. In addition to that, some scientists suspect there might even be a few Siberian tigers, but no conclusive proof has been found.


An Asian black bear is also found to make its home in the zone


This, to me, is a very amazing and incredible moment for South Korea. The idea's roots date back to the 1990s when it was first proposed. At that time, scientists feared that any reunification of North and South Korea could lead to problems for wildlife in the zone. In 2005, media mogul Ted Turner proposed turning the zone into a "peace park" and a World Heritage Site. It is hoped that if South Korea is given the UNESCO biosphere designation, it will protect the region under its Wetland Conservation and Cultural Properties Protection acts. In addition to that, it will also revise its Natural Environment Conservation Act to provide funding for the area and promote ecotourism.


Japanese cranes have also been sighted

 I also hope that South Korea will be given this designation. Because the nation and its northern neighbor have gained notoriety for environmental issues ranging from acid rain, to water and air pollution. A 2003 report by the United Nations revealed a large scale of deforestation, polluted rivers, and poor air quality. Also, North Korea had accepted a shipment of endangered species from Zimbabwe, many of which are put to fight against each other and captured on tape to be sold both to local and foreign consumers. Some had even leaked into South Korea. This is why I firmly believe that both the Koreas should team up together, in order to combat such environmental catastrophes or forever be labeled as places of peril for the global wildlife.

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South Africa and Vietnam Join Forces to Curb Rhino Poaching

A southern white rhinoceros

It has been recently reported that South Africa has now joined hands with Vietnam in an effort to stem rhino poaching. South Africa, which is home to 93 % of Africa's rhino population, had witnessed a mass murder of 333 animals last year. This year, 309 have been killed. Representatives from both nations said that they will work together on matters relating to the illegal wildlife trade, information sharing, and procedures on law enforcement and prosecution. South Africa met with Vietnam to call on the increasing demand for rhino horns in Asia, which are believed to contain medicinal properties. According to Kien Nguyen, Counselor at South Africa's Vietnamese Embassy, Vietnam needs to wake up and realize that a rhino's horn does not contain such remedies to cure illnesses such as cancer. In addition to that, Mike Knight, chairman of a rhino-monitoring group established by the Southern African Development Community, stated that Africa's rhino population would decline in the next couple years if poaching continues at its current rate.


Rhino horns were believed to contain remedies against several types of illnesses, including cancer

I'm amazed to see that South Africa has now started to partner up with one of the nations where the threat of illegal wildlife trade looms large. Before that, South Africa was strictly relying on its own methods in order to combat poaching that had decimated its rhino population. But now, it has taken a step further and allied with Vietnam in this ongoing battle. In addition to that, the article also reported that the next phase will be to involve China and Thailand in the war. This means there will be an increased cooperation between nations that are major centers of illicit activities concerning wildlife both local and exotic.
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Rare American Crocodile Sighted in Central Florida

An American crocodile

Among the reptiles that inhabit Florida, the most common and well-known is the American alligator. This majestic cold-blooded behemoth is found all over the state, with its range covering the majority of the South. But it is only in Florida where this scaly beast of the bayous shares its habitat with its larger and rarer cousin: the American crocodile. Unlike the alligator, the American crocodile's range is strictly limited to South Florida, including around the Florida Keys and its population is estimated to be around 1,500 individuals. However, this changed recently when one was spotted resting near a lake in St. Petersburg further up north. Upon its sighting, the eight-foot-long monster was safely captured by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Officials plan to release it in the nearby Tampa Bay, hoping that the new habitat would prevent it from returning to the neighborhoods. According to Lindsey Hord, the commission's crocodile response coordinator, it was possible that this was the same crocodile that was sighted three years ago. She further added that the animal had been feeding on ducks in the lake.

I think one reason for this sudden discovery is that the crocodile probably made its way up when the availability of waterfowl was scarce in its former place. The second reason maybe that the population of these reptiles in South Florida must have reached its capacity, and individuals are seeking out new places to settle. Whatever the reason, this discovery clearly illustrates how the conservation of the American crocodile has helped sustain its population and has allowed it to grow steadily over the years. Like the alligators, these reptiles are crucial in sustaining the local ecosystems especially the estuaries (alligators are chiefly associated with freshwater). And I feel that as long as these reptiles continue to receive protection, they will recolonize their former haunts where they had once disappeared.

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Exotic Fish Species Turning Up in Texas Waterways

A red-bellied piranha caught in Texas' Tom Bass Park

When most people think about the exotic pet trade in the U.S, what comes in their mind is Florida. This warm tropical paradise has been a major hub for this lucrative business for decades. However, the business has spelled disaster to the Sunshine State as many of these exotic creatures escape out into the native wild lands and even the suburbs. These animals range from giant rats to giant snakes, who affect the local communities and ecosystems through predation and even disease-spreading. This idea gives a clear example of how the demand for exotic pets has made threatened the lives of both the native residents and the wildlife.

A tilapia

While Florida still remains the center of exotic pets, further west is another state that has gained a similar notoriety for such invasive species: Texas. But instead of rats, snakes, and other creatures which unexpectedly turn up in people's backyards, the animals in this case are fish. And these aquatic exotic species have been turning up in the Lone Star State's waterways. One particular case was reported on August 27th when a red-bellied piranha was caught in a 23-acre lake at the Tom Bass Park in Harris County. This was the second piranha to be reported in Texas' waters. The first one documented was in 1982 at the Boerne City Reservoir in Kendall County. But piranhas are not the only exotic fish with a fearsome reputation to suddenly show up in Texas. Other potentially dangerous fish include freshwater stingrays and snakeheads.

An Asian white carp caught in the Galveston Bay watershed

The number one reason for this appearance is the aquarium trade, in which people would purchase the fish off the Internet and then release them into the water bodies once they outgrow their tanks. Despite the penalty for possessing and releasing live exotic fish, more and more are being discovered in the waterways. Robert Goodrich, an assistant chief for fisheries law enforcement of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), is one of several authorities who has seen the increased number of fish being brought in. He further added that he and other wardens regularly come across individuals who simply ignore the consequences of owning and releasing such fish. In addition to that, several fisheries are worried about competition in which the exotic species would dominate over the native species. Among the exotic species, it has been said that the armored catfish, the tilapia, and the grass carp have already set up self-sustaining populations in Texas.

An armored catfish

My opinion about this article is that it gives a clear idea about how the exotic pet trade has been threatening the local wildlife of the U.S. When people think of various disastrous issues related to this business, Florida is the ultimate place of such mayhem. Scores of exotic reptiles suddenly show up in people's neighborhoods after escaping from their enclosures, and even wind up out in the surrounding ecosystems competing against the native wildlife. But now, there is a similar sinister situation occurring in Texas where exotic fish are swimming about in the waterways. Some like the piranha, the snakehead, and the freshwater stingray are notorious for being dangerous to humans. Like reptiles in Florida, these fearsome fish are carelessly released out into the waters by some reckless individuals who never think about the consequences of committing such deeds. Not only are these people attempting to destroy the native wildlife, but are also endangering lives of other people. This is why I firmly believe it is crucial to control the populations of these fish, in order to prevent them from any further damage to the ecosystems.

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China's Demand in Ivory Revives Illegal Trade

An African bush elephant

The months of July and August had witnessed some of the biggest seizures of illegal ivory destined for China. These confiscations occurred in three separate nations: Tanzania, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. During these seizures, a total of nearly 3,600 tusks from an estimated 1,800 elephants were confiscated. However, despite the affirmative and swift action taken, China still refused to back down with growing demand from ivory from newly prosperous consumers. According to the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), a London-based non-governmental organization, ivory prices in China have increased to as high as $7,000 per kilogram in 2011 from $157 per kilo in 2008. Other researchers and NGOs estimated the prices to be as low as $300 to $750 per kilo, but that has gone up by 100 % over three years. A report released by the Center for the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) indicated that more than 6,500 kilograms of ivory was seized in China and Hong Kong from 2009 to June 2011. This has made China the world's largest consumer of market for illegal ivory after Japan.

A news report like this just disgusts me to hear about the lives of elephants lost in this ongoing bloodshed fueled by greed and a lust for power. In China, ivory is perceived as a traditional symbol of wealth and power. This is why the growing demand for ivory has been increasing with extremely tragic results since the late 1970s. During that time period, numbers of elephants had plunged from 1.2 million animals to between 472,000 and 690,000 in present day. And it is still brewing with simply no regard to life. I feel that the world should wake up, and realize how this carnage is continuing to exploit our planet of its natural treasures and take action to prevent it from further extending its tentacles. Several consumers who buy ivory either do not realize or do not care about the horrors of the procedure to produce such elaborate works of arts. This, to me personally, is the main reason the demand for ivory continues to grow. And it is the reason why further action is crucial to keep the fight against illegal ivory going.

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