The year 2006 brought with it a wide range of wildlife headlines.
31. 'Wings Over Wetlands' Project Set to Protect Flyways
Photo © Mapes / Stock.xchng.
November 30, 2006. The UN recently launched a project to protect the migratory flyways of waterbirds throughout Africa and Eurasia. The project, Wings Over Wetlands, is the largest international conservation effort to date and is aimed at protecting critical habitat used by migratory wetland and water birds. The initiative highlights the importance of protecting all habitats used by migratory species, breeding, wintering, and stop-over points. It strives to address the complex task of coordinating conservation efforts at the local, national, and international levels.
32. New Species Discovered in French Frigate Shoals
Photo © Joel Martin / NOAA.
December 5, 2006. On October 8, a group of researchers set sail from Honolulu aboard NOAA's research vessel the Oscar Elton Sette en route to French Frigate Shoals, the largest atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The crew included taxonomists, marine biologists, oceanographers, dive specialists, and photographers—all eager to document the species that team in the waters that surround the shoals.
33. Vast Area of Brazilian Rainforest Receives Protection
December 7, 2006. More than 37 million acres of Brazilian rainforest are to receive protection under a new conservation initiative. The announcement of the new program was made earlier this week by the governor of Para, a state in the northern part of Brazil. The benefits of such a preserve are immense. Sensitive ecosystems and species will be protected and harmful land use practices such as mining, logging, and development are to cease.34. Yangtze River Dolphin Thought To Be Extinct
December 16, 2006. The Yangtze River dolphin, a freshwater river dolphin that is unique to China, is feared to be extinct after a recent expedition to find any individuals of the species failed. The Yangtze River dolphin population has plummeted over recent years in the face of severe pollution, habitat destruction, and overuse of the Yangtze river. The river dolphin relies on sonar to find food but the heavy traffic on the river and pollution confuse the animal's senses, making it difficult to locate food.35. Polar Bear Under Review for Endangered Status
Photo © Inga Brennan / iStockphoto.
December 27, 2006. The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced recently that they will consider whether to place the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) on the list of species protected under the US Endangered Species Act. The news was welcomed by the conservation groups Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council, who in December 2005 joined forces to bring a lawsuit against the US Government for its negligence to acknowledge global warming and the threats it poses to the species.
