RID 5030 - SEATTLE UNIVERSITY ROTARACT CLUB

Texas Horned Lizards (Horny Toads):

The Texas horned lizard, though not a federally recognized endangered species, is becoming increasingly rare in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico. 

It is only one of 13 different North American species of horned lizards. Though this reptile is most commonly referred to as a toad or frog, it is actually a lizard. Its body is short and round with many spines on the head and back, though the only real horns are the two on the head, while the others are specialized scales used for protection against predators. Texas horned lizard also protects itself from predators with its coloring, which differs depending on the color of the area’s soil, used as camouflage, puffing up to look bigger and harder to swallow and running fast for short distances and then stopping to disorient the other animal. In addition, they can shoot streams of blood out of their eyes, though this is not used as defense but is an uncontrollable reaction when frightened.

Texas horned lizard is a predator itself, preying mainly on harvester ants, though they also eat beetles and spiders. Their form of hunting for food is the patient method, where they will sit and wait a few yards away from an ant colony to avoid being swarmed until a lone ant wanders nearby. They then take a few fast, short steps, capture the ant with its tongue and swallow it whole. In response to their environment, Texas horned lizard has adapted to have a high conservation of water. Most of their water can be consumed through the 70 ants they eat per day, however they can also collect and drink water from off of their backs. They are most commonly seen at temperatures ranging from 80°-90° during the months of March-September, and hibernate in holes in the ground from October-February.

This animal has become endangered for many different reasons:

• The use of pesticides, killing off harvester ants, the lizard’s main source of food.

• The use of herbicides, which reduces the harvester ant’s source of food, thereby reducing the harvester ant population.

• The poisoning of ants in residential areas. Though harvester ants are fairly harmless, these colonies are easily visible and targeted.

• Droughts, which have become increasingly common in these areas.

• Increased numbers of roads and vehicles. Texas horned lizards like to lie on the roads in order to increase their body temperature with the heat of the pavement, and are susceptible to being run over.

• Increased numbers of predators, such as feral cats, cattle egrets and grackles.

• The collection of Texas horned lizards as pets. It was very common from 1900-1980 to capture these lizards and sell them as pets to Europe and eastern-US, though this was not a sustainable practice due to their very specific diet. This has been outlawed, though some populations of lizards have yet to recover.

• Increased human development.

Seattle University Rotaract Club – RID 5030 UNITED STATES

RID 9010 - ROTARACT CLUB OF CASA ELFIDA

Barbary Macaques:

Known for being one of the most caring species, the Barbary macaque or Maccaca Sylvanus is one of the world’s old monkey species. Originated from Europe, Barbary macaque today is restricted to isolated forest fragments in Morocco and Algeria. The specie today is threated and its population is estimated to only 10000 individuals between both countries.

The Maccaca Sylvanus is classified as the only African representative of the 19 extant species. It is the only surviving primate in Africa. In Morocco, the Maccaca sylvanus can be found in Northen mountains of the country and in the Middle and High Atlas mountains., more specifically in the Bou Tferda Valley through Demnate all the way to the Ourika Valley. Because of its small number and major habitat reduction, the Barbary macaque lives in groups of up to 80 individuals of both sexes, surrounded by a highly promiscuous mating system. Its diet consists mostly of oak and cedar as major component, and then comes fruits, tree leaves and other plant parts.

The Barbary macaque has been formally recognized by the World Conservation Union in 2012 as a vulnerable taxon. In the early 1980’s, it was estimated that 65- 75% of the world’s remaining population of Maccaca Sylvanus lived in the cedar forest area of the central Middle Atlas, which represents the largest refuge of the North African ecosystem. But over the last years, the population’s density of Maccaca Sylvanus decreased at a very high rate. In 2005, surveys showed an average of 15 to 20 individuals in the Middle Atlas per km 2. By 2006, surveys conducted a massive decline in the density by 80%, allowing 0 to 1 specie km 2. The national forestry department in Morocco today works to raise public awareness about this animal, trying to reduce illegal trades and commercial issues of this specie.

Rotaract Club of Casa Elfida – RID 9010 MOROCCO

RID 4610 - ROTARACT CLUB OF SAO PAULO ESPRO

Here in Brazil there are many endangered animals like, deer-in-marsh, Jaguar, Mono-Collier, red-yellow-faced, blue macaw, Mutum-the-northeast among others.

All they need protection and a place where they are housed properly or does not occur where the direct interference of man over nature, since it is driven only by their own interests, of course the place of every animal is in nature, but unfortunately due to the major problems facing today came, jungles, forests and other habitats outdoors, is no longer considered safe enough, due to the presence of hunters, smugglers and etc.

I think that in order to help them and make sure our animals have more freedom and a better life, without having to hide or fight to the death to escape, would create more departments animal protection, stricter laws against maltreatment, there should be an audit also stronger and less corrupt compared the trafficking of animals in Brazil and indeed the culprits should be punished and jailed for making an innocent animal a prisoner.

People can also help with small and punctual actions, no matter what they do as long as they do, when they realize denouncing any risk or if they know of any person who uses this practice.

Each of us doing our part now mobilizes people to join the cause of protecting the animals and make our world a safer place for them!

Rotaract Club of Sao Paulo ESPRO – RID 4610, BRAZIL

RID 2470 - ROTARACT CLUB OF GLYFADA

Sea Turtles:

Fossil records lead to the conclusion that sea turtles are contemporaries of the dinosaurs. Although dinosaurs disappeared, turtles continue to survive to the present date.

Out of the seven species in the world, only three can be regularly found in the Mediterranean (loggerheads - Caretta caretta, green turtles - Chelonia mydas and leatherbacks - Dermochelys coriacea). Of these three only the loggerhead sea turtle nests in Greece. The most important nesting beaches are in Zakynthos (Bay of Laganas), Peloponnesus (Bays of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and Koroni) and on Crete (Rethymno, Bay of Chania and Bay of Messara). The beaches of Zakynthos have an extremely high nesting density. The density on one beach (Sekania) may reach about 1500 nests per km, one of the highest in the world.

The loggerheads’ carapace is heart-shaped and has five pairs of costal scutes. The colour of the carapace is reddish brown but can be obscured by a covering of green algae. The plastron is pale yellow. Loggerheads tagged in Greece have been recovered over a wide area, up to 1500 km away, in Italian, Tunisian, Libyan waters suggesting purposeful non-random movement. Most of the recoveries are from the Gulf of Gabes in Tunisia and the northern part of the Adriatic Sea which probably indicate that these are the preferred wintering areas for loggerhead turtles. The most serious threats to loggerheads in the Mediterranean are tourist development of nesting beaches and incidental catch in fishing gear.

Threats to Survival:

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has declared 6 species of sea turtles as endangered or critically endangered. The threats for sea turtles are both natural and man-induced.

Natural Threats: There are of course natural threats to the survival of sea turtles, their hatchlings and eggs. Weather is a prime factor. Wind, rain and cold and unnaturally high tides, all take their toll on turtles at all stages of their lives. Temperatures below 14°C stun even adult turtles. Beach erosion destroys nesting beaches. The natural enemies of eggs and hatchlings vary depending on geographical location. In Greece, foxes, dogs and occasionally jackals may dig up the eggs. Hatchlings racing for the sea are sometimes eaten by those animals as well as by martens and rats, or by birds like crows, gulls and cormorants. Once the hatchlings have reached the sea they may be devoured by large fish such as sharks.

Threats from Man:

1. Capture by fishermen for exploitation purposes (meat, accessories)

2. Poaching of eggs for consumption

3. By-catch in fishing gear resulting in drowning or being killed by fishermen.

4. Nesting beaches are dramatically shrinking because of development, especially tourist development.

a) Lights shining on the beaches disorient both nesting females and hatchlings trying to get to the sea.

b) Sand compaction due to vehicular traffic may disturb the balance of gases and their absorption by the eggs.

c) Beach furniture on the nesting areas often make an impenetrable wall that denies access to the back of the beach for nest construction.

d) Heavily trafficked beach paths, planting shade trees, or setting up umbrellas result in lower sand temperatures which has an impact on the incubation of the nest.

e) Human presence on the nesting beaches at night scares sea turtles trying to nest.

f) Sand castles and vehicle tracks may trap hatchlings in their race to the sea.

5. Pollution of the seas is yet a further threat. Turtles often mistake discarded plastic bags for jellyfish, tar balls or a chunk of polyethylene for something to eat. If they consume these foreign substances their intestines may become clogged and they may die.

Reference:
- http://www.archelon.gr/

Rotaract Club of Glyfada – RID 2470, GREECE

RID 2483 - ROTARACT CLUB OF NIS-CONSTANTINE THE GREAT

Griffon Vulture:

Serbia abounds in diverse flora and fauna. However, that natural treasure rapidly dwindles and gets depleted with time. We are the main cause of it, and we are also the only ones to stop it, and prevent the irreversible and inestimable losses that occur due to our negligence and irresponsibility. There are 215 plant and 429 animal species in Serbia which have been put under our country’s strict protection as natural rarities. Among the endangered animal species there are 273 bird species, as well as 66 mammal species. The protection also extends to 41 species of invertebrates, 34 insect and 15 fish species. Out of 6 bio-regions that exist in Europe, 5 are present in Serbia. That fact alone tells a lot about the richness of biodiversity that exists here. At present, the survival of many plant and animal species is at risk, as many species face extinction, and a great number had already become extinct. Like most other countries, Serbia has its Red Books where there are lists of extinct and critically endangered species. Some of the rare and endangered animal species are the following:

• Apollo butterfly

• Saker falcon

• Alpine salamander

• Western capercaillie

• Ferruginous duck

• Griffon vulture

• Eastern imperial eagle

There is also the Black Book of flora and fauna, which contains the list of several thousand species, sadly, forever destroyed by man. Serbia too can be found in it, with 4 species, endemic to Serbia, irretrievably lost from the world’s gene pool. Some of the species that can no longer be found in our country are the black vulture, white scavenger vulture, little bustard, bearded vulture, black grouse and many more.

The Griffon vulture is a large scavenger bird, from the Accipitridae family, which inhabits the areas of southern Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa. It is 93-110 cm long, and weighs 6 to 13 kg. In appearance, it is a typical Old World vulture, with a bare, white head and neck, yellow bill, broad wings and short tail feathers. Its chicks are nakedat hatching. Like other vultures, it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks.It often grunts and hisses, especially when feeding. It nests on mountain cliffs, laying one egg.

Breeding: The Griffon vulture breeds in gorges, on steep limestone rocks. The female lays only one egg in the period from the end of January to the beginning of April. The parents take turns sitting on the egg for 52 to 57 days. The chick is able to fly at three months, but it is still dependent on its parents, so it keeps close to them and the nest until the age of one, when it starts to roam freely until it reaches full maturity.

Habitat: It inhabits the subtopic climate zone, the Mediterranean area, from the Maghreb to the Himalayas. The northern borders of its habitat are the Caucasus and Crimea, while the southern are the Sahara, the Arabian Desert, and the Deccan Plateau in India. Its nesting territories in Serbia are the gorges of the rivers Uvac, Milesevska, and Tresnjica, to the west and south-west of the country. Full grown birds colonially concentrate on a wider nesting space, while the younger ones wander in great distances. In the past, it was often hunted and poisoned in Serbia, but its numbers are now on the rise, owing to the improvements in conservation and feeding. In Serbia, there are currently about 60-65 pairs of the Griffon vulture in the western parts of the country, around Zlatar mountain, and also 35 birds in the gorge of the river Tresnjica. The species is also under legal protection from hunting.

Is there a way to prevent further extinction of the endangered species?

We know that there is more than one way to do that, but the most effective and beneficial must be changing our attitude towards the environment and our surroundings. We are a part of nature, and without it we cannot survive. That is why we have to use it properly, and not more than is needed. The process of reusing materials can help to a great extent, because it reduces the exploitation of natural resources, and in that way keeps the whole ecosystem healthy and diverse. Already endangered species are meticulously recorded in the aforementioned Red Book, after which their condition and numbers are regularly followed.

It is also necessary to pass laws which would protect the habitats and establish strict natural reserves, where the activity of man must be reduced to a minimum. Establishing national parks represents the most comprehensive way of protection in our country. In them, man’s harm to nature is reduced to the lowest possible level and as such, they represent the greatest chance for the preservation of unpolluted nature and for an undisturbed development of a large number of plant and animal species.

Rotaract Club of Nis-Constantine the Great – RID 2483, SERBIA

RID 2225 - INTERACT CLUB OF NOVOSIBIRSK INITIATIVE

Przewalski’s Horse:

Przewalski’s horse is stockily built in comparison to domesticated horses, with shorter legs. Typical height is about 132 cm, length is about 2.1 m. Their weigh around 300 kilograms. The coat is generally dun in color with pangaré features, varying from dark brown around the mane (which stands erect) to pale brown on the flanks and yellowish-white on the belly and around the muzzle. The legs of Przewalski’s horse are often faintly striped, also typical of primitive markings. The tail is about 90 cm long, with a longer dock and shorter hair than seen in domesticated horses.

In the wild, Przewalski’s horses live in small, permanent family groups consisting of one adult stallion, one to three mares and their common offspring. Offspring stay in the family group until they are no longer dependent, usually at two or three years old. Bachelor stallions and sometimes old stallions, join bachelor groups. Family groups can join together to form a herd that move together.

The World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species listed the Przewalski’s horse as extinct in the wild until 2008. Causes of extinction were hunting, harsh climate, loss of habitat, and loss of water sources to farm animals. However, successful re-introductions qualified this species for reassessment in 2008 and they are now classified as critically endangered. Currently, there are around 1500 animals remaining in zoos and breeding facilities, carrying genes from 14 founders. Because loss of genetic diversity threatens their continued survival, the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center and other institutions around the world maintain breeding populations that serve as a source of animals for re-introduction in Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. Thanks to their effort nearly 400 horses now roam in re-introduction sites in Mongolia and China.

Cool Facts:

• Przewalski’s horses have never been tamed for riding, which means that they are the last truly wild horse in existence today.

• Przewalski’s horses have 66 chromosomes, two more than domestic horses.

• The Mongolian name for these horses is "takhi," which means "spirit". Horses are central to Mongolian culture and takhi are a symbol of their national heritage. The Chinese call the Przewalski’s horse "yehmah".

• These horses were scientifically described in the late 19^th century after Polish naturalist Colonel Nikolai Przewalski obtained a skull and hide of this seldom-seen animal and shared them with scientists at a museum in St. Petersburg.

Interact Club of Novosibirsk Initiative – RID 2225, RUSSIA

RID 3271 - ROTARACT CLUB OF IoBM

Rotaract Club of IoBM joined to this project by talking about "Animal World" project that is run by them.

Who are we?

We are a team of young students, working for social action project under “ACTIVE CITIZEN PROGRAM” of British Council and The Visionary Foundation of Pakistan. 

What is “Active Citizens Program”?

Active Citizens Program is a non-profit program run by the British Council in partnership with civil society organizations who share our vision. The program works with those people who have demonstrated they have local social responsibility, including students, youth workers, women’s groups, educators and faith leaders. Working together, these local influencers build trust and understanding, develop skills and deliver projects on urgent themes such as poverty, literacy, democracy and climate change, and connecting local and international agendas through the program.

What is “Animal World”?

Each day hundreds of animals die because of ignorance. The project “Animal World” aims to create awareness regarding animal welfare in the society so that we can make this world a better place for them to live because earth is their home too. We use animals for our own benefit daily and also abuse them. We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves

School Workshops:

We initiated school workshops because we wanted to develop a sense of responsibility in children and teach them that how they can care and protect animals. Through our initial survey we got to know that poor children are more involved in animal abuse that’s why we targeted non-profit schools first. We have conducting fun learning workshops at Creek School of IoBM and Government School of NawabShah in January, 2013. We received great response from student and school’s administration helped us well as encouraged us. We didn’t have funds but we were full of passion and enthusiasm. We tried a lot for sponsors but failed because of short period of time. This even didn’t discourage each of us and we gathered our pocked money and invested for this great cause. When we give little love, we get little love for our own self and we think that is the best return on investment. We inspired and encouraged 60 students so far through this project and have planned to do more.

Rotaract Club of IoBM – RID 3271, PAKISTAN

RID 2450 - ROTARACT CLUB OF LAU BYBLOS

Siberian Tiger:
In a capitalist world, the move towards industrialization and development seems to dominate over the importance of the ecosystem. As a result, deforestation and extinction of a lot of animals took place. In an effort to stop this phenomenon from recurring, global efforts are made to protect the various species that are now on the endangered list.

For example, the Siberian Tiger, also known as Amur Tiger is one of the many animals that are highly declining in numbers. In 2005, there were 331-393 adult sub-adult Siberian tigers in this region, with only a breeding adult population of about 250 individuals. The population has been stable for more than a decade due to intensive conservation efforts, but partial surveys conducted after 2005 indicate that the Russian tiger population is declining! The Siberian tiger is reddish-rusty or rusty-yellow in colour, with narrow black transverse stripes. The fur of the Siberian tiger is moderately thick, coarse and sparse compared to that of other felids living in the former Soviet Union. It is mainly found in Russia with some found in China and it is the largest living felid and ranks among the biggest felids to ever exist. 

Siberian tigers reach sexual maturity at four years of age. They mate at any time of the year. Two or four cubs are usually born but there can be as many as six. The cubs are born blind in a sheltered den and are left alone when the female leaves to hunt for food. Cubs are divided equally between genders at birth. However, by adulthood there are usually two to four females for every male. The female cubs remain with their mothers longer, and later they establish territories close to their original ranges. Male cubs, on the other hand, travel unaccompanied and range farther making them more vulnerable for attacks.

The decline of this extraordinary species is mainly caused by poaching; the illegal hunting of tigers in the area is the reason they are at risk of extinction. Plus, in the past, the building of railroads seemed to cut off the population in specific parts thus confining it to a limited area and number.

Recommendations for Conservation:

Awareness on the effects of poaching and the risk of extinction of this species is the key solution to save these amazing animals. Plus, further measures have been taken to ensure the survival of tigers and their safety.

Tigers are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, banning international trade. Furthermore, in 1992, the Siberian Tiger Project was founded, with the aim of providing a comprehensive picture of the ecology of Siberian tiger and the role of tigers in the Russian Far East through scientific studies. By capturing and outfitting tigers with radio collars a lot of data is gathered concerning the way they live. These data compilations will hopefully contribute toward minimizing poaching threats due to traditional hunting. The Siberian Tiger Project has been productive in increasing local capacity to address human-tiger conflict with a Tiger Response Team, part of the Russian government’s Inspection Tiger, which responds to all tiger-human conflicts.

In August 2010, China and Russia agreed to enhance conservation and cooperation in protected areas in a Tran’s boundary area for Siberian tigers. China has undertaken a series of public awareness campaigns including celebration of the first Global Tiger Day in July 2010, and International Forum on Tiger Conservation and Tiger Culture and China 2010 Hunchun Siberian Tiger Culture Festival in August 2010.

In December 2010, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Russia) and Phoenix Fund initiated a project in co-operation with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to improve the protection of tigers and prey species in four key-protected areas. 

Rotaract Club of LAU Byblos – RID 2450, LEBANON