Indigenous to the lush South American tropical rain forests, the Toucan is recognized throughout the Americas, especially in the United States. Known for their unusual but unforgettably unique beaks, the function still has scientists puzzled. Scientists and researchers have studied the different functions, but have not been successful in determining it purpose, although they have determined it is not used as a weapon nor is it used to gather food.
Toucans primarily feed on fruit while snacking on an occasional lizard or insect. The bodies are compact as the wings are too. Scientists have determined that the wings were built to fly shorter distances than other birds in the rainforest.
Toucans are often paired off or travel in small groups. Determining the sex of a toucan has been difficult as the male and female bodies are practically identical.
Toucans have become one of the most popular birds in American popular culture. Many companies use it as a marketing tool as they have friendly dispositions, are aesthetically pleasing and embody a unique blend of characteristics. Moreover, they are starting to emerge as one of the most unique choices for bird pets. Additionally, they are often featured in various magazines, newspapers, advertisements, as well as many product lines such as in the Wild Jungle Chick greeting card line.
Vibrant colors, acumen, and the amusing traits these birds contain, have made toucans one the most admired birds in both the rain forest and American pop culture.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Endangered Species: How to Save the Florida Manatees
Known as sea cows, manatees are large gray mammals that inhabit shallow tropical waterways in Florida among other locations throughout South America and the western part of Africa. They have become icons throughout Florida as they are endangered.
As herbivores, they feed on vegetation such as turtle grass, manatee grass, shoal grass, mangrove leaves, and various strains of algae for an average of six to eight hours a day. However, there are times manatees feed on red algae, which is a toxic form of algae. Approximately 3,200 are in existence today, yet the number is decreasing significantly every year, even though federal and state laws have been established for their protection. Manatees have become endangered species from natural causes, American tourism, chemical pollution, water activities, motorized boats, and sports, entanglement in fishing lines, as well as the fishing industry. The destruction of habitat is the greatest threat.
Several laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 have been passed to protect manatee survival and protect their habitats. The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was developed in 1973 to regulate trade of wildlife animals and protect their survival. Even though these laws are great, they do not seem to provide enough protection as the manatees are slowing becoming extinct. Natural causes of manatee fatalities include the consumption of toxic algae such as red tide, diseases, predation, and cold water.
Human related causes of death are motorized boats, chemical pollution, harassing manatees, American tourism, and the fishing industry. However, the ways individuals can help protect endangered species are by traveling through manatee zones with non-motorized boats or turning the engines off. Manatees are slow moving and often submerged in the water, which result in collisions with motorized boats. Because motorists don't pay attention, boat propellers cause deep wounds on their backs that lead to nasty viral infections and/or scarring.
Coastal Florida residents can help researchers establish protected manatee areas by reporting manatee sightings. Researchers will be able to establish the different routes manatees travel and will be able to have those areas labeled as manatee zones.
Donate to a reputable manatee charity such as Save the Manatee Club. They offer a variety of ways to raise money to help with injured manatees. Sea World is also another large organization that is committed to the conservation of manatees. The staff consists of biologists and veterinarians. They rescue and rehabilitate injured manatees.
Don't litter. Help keep the beach and coastal areas clean by picking up trash or debris. Fish hooks, fishing lines, or fishing nets contribute to endangering manatees as they often get entangled.
Swimmers should not commingle with manatees. Feeding manatees is another area of concern. Manatees feed on vegetation.
Visiting zoos is a way that funds are raised for the preservation of manatees as well as manatee research.
Many different companies have created manatee products that raise public awareness and educate the public about the preservation of the Florida manatee.
As herbivores, they feed on vegetation such as turtle grass, manatee grass, shoal grass, mangrove leaves, and various strains of algae for an average of six to eight hours a day. However, there are times manatees feed on red algae, which is a toxic form of algae. Approximately 3,200 are in existence today, yet the number is decreasing significantly every year, even though federal and state laws have been established for their protection. Manatees have become endangered species from natural causes, American tourism, chemical pollution, water activities, motorized boats, and sports, entanglement in fishing lines, as well as the fishing industry. The destruction of habitat is the greatest threat.
Several laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 have been passed to protect manatee survival and protect their habitats. The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was developed in 1973 to regulate trade of wildlife animals and protect their survival. Even though these laws are great, they do not seem to provide enough protection as the manatees are slowing becoming extinct. Natural causes of manatee fatalities include the consumption of toxic algae such as red tide, diseases, predation, and cold water.
Human related causes of death are motorized boats, chemical pollution, harassing manatees, American tourism, and the fishing industry. However, the ways individuals can help protect endangered species are by traveling through manatee zones with non-motorized boats or turning the engines off. Manatees are slow moving and often submerged in the water, which result in collisions with motorized boats. Because motorists don't pay attention, boat propellers cause deep wounds on their backs that lead to nasty viral infections and/or scarring.
Coastal Florida residents can help researchers establish protected manatee areas by reporting manatee sightings. Researchers will be able to establish the different routes manatees travel and will be able to have those areas labeled as manatee zones.
Donate to a reputable manatee charity such as Save the Manatee Club. They offer a variety of ways to raise money to help with injured manatees. Sea World is also another large organization that is committed to the conservation of manatees. The staff consists of biologists and veterinarians. They rescue and rehabilitate injured manatees.
Don't litter. Help keep the beach and coastal areas clean by picking up trash or debris. Fish hooks, fishing lines, or fishing nets contribute to endangering manatees as they often get entangled.
Swimmers should not commingle with manatees. Feeding manatees is another area of concern. Manatees feed on vegetation.
Visiting zoos is a way that funds are raised for the preservation of manatees as well as manatee research.
Many different companies have created manatee products that raise public awareness and educate the public about the preservation of the Florida manatee.
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