iPledge: [Low Priority] iPledge - Green Tip #94 - Know the Endangered

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Dear iPledgians,

 

We have been circulating the Green Living tips for a while now and to ensure some interests in the reading material that comes to your inbox every week, The Green Team is going to Start a Special Series of Green Tips or rather Green Information starting this week. We welcome all suggestions and improvements in the material or types of tips that would interest people. Our first focus will be Endangered Animals and Birds.

 

 

 

Green Tip # 94 White-bellied Heron Conservation status The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), also known as the Imperial Heron, is a species of large heron found in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas in India, northeastern Bangladesh, Burma and Bhutan. There are records from Nepal. It is mostly all dark grey with white throat and under parts. This heron is mostly solitary and is found on undisturbed riverside or wetland habitats. The global population has declined and the species is threatened by disturbance and habitat degradation. Description This large heron is plain dark grey above with a long neck (relatively the longest neck of any heron). The crown is dark and there are no black stripes on the neck as in the Grey Heron. In breeding plumage, it has a grayish-white nape plume and elongated grey breast feathers with white centers. The bill is black, greenish near the base and tip and the face is greenish grey. The chin is whitish. The legs are dark. In flight, it has a uniform dark grey upper wing and white under wing-coverts contrasting with dark grey flight feathers. The rump appears paler grey. At 127 cm (50 in), it appears to be the second largest heron on earth, after the Goliath Heron. One estimate of body mass was relatively low at 2–2.6 kg (4.4–5.7 lb), however a deceased juvenile of the species reportedly weighed much more at 5.6 kg (12 lb). Another dead juvenile heron stood 1.58 m (5.2 ft) tall and weighed 8.51 kg (18.8 lb). These extremely high weights require verification, since they indicate this species can exceed even the typically larger Goliath Heron in mass. On the ground it walks slowly, moving its neck slowly while looking from side to side. The Goliath species, beyond the average size difference, is distinguished by its chestnut neck while the slightly smaller Great-billed Heron is solid grey necked with the underside of the wings all grey. The usual call given when disturbed is a deep croak. Taxonomy and Systematics This heron was first noted as the "Great Indian Heron" in JE Gray's Zoological Miscellany of 1844 based on Brian Houghton Hodgson from Nepal. Allan Octavian Hume noted its distinctiveness and pointed out the differences between it and Ardea sumatrana. The alternate name of Ardea imperialis was suggested by Stuart Baker, since Hodgson's name was a nomen nudum and this was used in Peter's Checklist.[9] This was used until 1963, when Biswamoy Biswas commented on Sidney Dillon Ripley's synoptic list and noted: Habitat and distribution The White-bellied Heron is found in the wetlands of tropical and subtropical forests in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas of India and Myanmar. It is also spotted in Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan's sub tropical areas and was once found in Nepal. The major threats the heron faces are poaching (both the bird itself and its eggs) and habitat destruction (the cutting of nesting trees and the disappearance of wetlands). This species is rarer than previously believed; indeed, it appears close to extinction. It has therefore been uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered status in the 2007 IUCN Red List. In Bhutan, white bellied herons are found in the low elevation riparian habitat below 1700 m, particularly in the Punatsang Chhu (river)basin. About 30 individual birds are known within the river valley of Bhutan in the Punakha-Wangdiphodrang district in west central part of the country. It is under grave threat of extinction in Bhutan due to accelerated development of large-scale hydro-power projects in the basin. Rising water levels force the nesting birds to search extensively for fish, leaving the eggs or chicks exposed to predators such as the Crested Serpent Eagle.                                                                     Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardea_insignis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks and regards,

Green Team  

www.theipledgefoundation.org

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

Green Tip # 96 The addax (Addax nasomaculatus), also known as the screwhorn antelope, is an antelope of the genus Addax, that lives in the Sahara desert. It was first described by Henri Blainville, a French zoologist and anatomist, in 1816. As suggested by its alternative name, this pale antelope has long, twisted horns. It is closely related to the oryx, but differs from other antelopes by having large square teeth like cattle and lacking the typical facial glands. It mainly eats grass, and leaves of any available shrubs, leguminous herbs and bushes. These animals are well-adapted to exist in their desert habitat, as they can live without water for long periods of time. Addax form herds of five to twenty members, consisting of both males and females. They are led by the oldest female. Breeding season is at its peak during winter and early spring. The addax can be easily hunted by its predators due to its slow walking pace. The natural habitat of addax are arid regions, semi desserts and sandy and stony deserts. Addax is a critically endangered species of antelope, as classified by the IUCN. Although extremely rare in its native habitat due to unregulated hunting, it is quite common in captivity.[1] They are sometimes hunted as trophies on ranches in the United States. Physical description Male addax stand from 105 to 115 centimetres (41 to 45 in) at the shoulder, with females at 95 to 110 centimetres (37 to 43 in). The addax are sexually dimorphic, as the females are smaller than males.[2] The head and body in both sexes measure from 120 to 130 centimetres (47 to 51 in), with a 25 to 35 centimetres (9.8 to 14 in) tail. The weight of males varies from 100 to 125 kilograms (220 to 280 lb), and of females from 60 to 90 kilograms (130 to 200 lb). The coloring of their coat varies with the season. In the winter it is greyish brown with white hind quarters and legs, and long brown hair on the head, neck, and shoulders. In the summer, the coat turns almost completely white or sandy blonde.[3] Their head is marked with brown or black patches that form an ‘X’ over their nose. They have a scraggly beard and prominent red nostrils. Long black hairs stick out between their curved and spiralling horns, ending in a short mane on the neck.[4] The horns, which are found on both males and females, have two to three twists and are typically 55 to 80 centimetres (22 to 31 in) in females and 70 to 85 centimetres (28 to 33 in) in males, although there have been occasional records of longer horns. The lower and mid portions of the horns are marked with a series of thirty to thirty five ring-shaped ridges.[3] Their tail is short and slender, ending in a puff of black hair. The hooves are broad with flat soles and strong dewclaws to help them walk on soft sand.[4] All four feet possess scent glands.[3] The life span of addax can be extended to 25 years under captivity.[2] Threats and conservation In ancient times, addax occurred from Northern Africa through Arabia and the Levant. Pictures from Egyptian tombs show them being kept as domesticated animals in around 2500 BC. More recently, addax were found from Algeria to Sudan, but due mainly to overhunting, they have become much more restricted and rare.[1] The dama gazelle and scimitar oryx are also found in the same region. These are easy to hunt due to their slow movements, particularly using motorized vehicles and automatic weapons. Moreover their meat and leather are highly prized. Other threats include chronic droughts in the deserts, habitat destruction due to more human settlements and agriculture. It is believed that less than 500 individuals exist in the wild today, most of the animals being found between the Termit area of Niger and the Bodélé region of Western Chad. In Israel, the Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve breeds addax in order to restore them to the wild. Although enormous reserves, such as the Ahaggar National Park and Tasilli in Algeria, the Ténéré in Niger, the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim in Chad, and the newly established Wadi Howar National Park in Sudan cover areas where addax previously occurred, some do not keep addax any more due to less resources. Addax have been introduced in Tunisia and Morocco, firstly in Bou Hedma National Park (Tunisia).                                                                Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 95 The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), also known as the Amur tiger, is a tiger subspecies inhabiting mainly the Sikhote Alin mountain region with a small subpopulation in southwest Primorye province in the Russian Far East. In 2005, there were 331–393 adult-subadult Amur tigers in this region, with 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.[1] The Siberian tiger is the largest living felid and ranks among the biggest felids living today.[2] Phylo geographic analysis with extant tiger subspecies suggests that less than 10,000 years ago the ancestor of Amur and Caspian tigers colonized Central Asia via the Gansu−Silk Road corridor from eastern China then subsequently traversed Siberia eastward to establish the Amur tiger population in the Russian Far East.[3]   Siberian tiger Conservation status Endangered (IUCN 3.1)[1] Ecology and behavior Siberian tigers are known to travel up to 1,000 km (620 mi), a distance that marks the exchange limit over ecologically unbroken country.[4] In 1992 and 1993, the maximum total population density of the Sikhote-Alin tiger population was estimated at 0.62 individuals in 100 km2 (39 sq mi). The maximum adult population estimated in 1993 reached 0.3 individuals in 100 km2 (39 sq mi), with a sex ratio of averaging 2.4 females per male. These density values were dramatically lower than what had been reported for other subspecies at the time.[16] Between January 1992 and November 1994, 11 tigers were captured, fitted with radio-collars and monitored for more than 15 months in the eastern slopes of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range. Results of this study indicate that their distribution is closely associated with distribution of red deer. Distribution of wild pigs was not as strong a predictor of tiger distribution. Although they prey on both Siberian roe deer and sika deer, overlap of these ungulates with tigers was low. Distribution of moose was poorly associated with tiger distribution. The distribution of preferred habitat of key prey species was an accurate predictor of tiger distribution.[14] In 2004, dramatic changes in land tenure, density, and reproductive output in the core area of the Sikhote-Alin Zapovednik Siberian Tiger Project were detected, suggesting that when tigers are well protected from human-induced mortality for long periods, female adult density may increase dramatically. When survivorship of adult females was high, the mothers divided their territories with their daughters once the daughters reached maturity. By 2007, density of tigers was estimated at 0.8±0.4 individuals in 100 km2 (39 sq mi) in the southern part of Sikhote-Alin Zapovednik, and 0.6±0.3 individuals in 100 km2 (39 sq mi) in the central part of the protected area.[17] Conservation Tigers are included on CITES Appendix I, banning international trade. All tiger range states and countries with consumer markets have banned domestic trade as well.[27] At the 14th Conference of the Parties to CITES in 2007, stronger enforcement measures were called for, as well as an end to tiger farming.[28] In 1992, the Siberian Tiger Project was founded, with the aim of providing a comprehensive picture of the ecology of the Amur tiger and the role of tigers in the Russian Far East through scientific studies. By capturing and outfitting tigers with radio collars, their social structure, land use patterns, food habits, reproduction, mortality patterns and their relation with other inhabitants of the ecosystem, including humans is studied. 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; by continuing to enhance the large database on tiger ecology and conservation with the goal of creating a comprehensive Siberian tiger conservation plan; and training the next generation of Russian conservation biologists.[29] In August 2010, China and Russia agreed to enhance conservation and cooperation in protected areas in a transboundary area for Amur 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 Amur Tiger Culture Festival in August 2010.[30] 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, namely Lavovsky Nature Reserve, Sikhote Alin Nature Reserve, Zov Tigra National Park and Kedrovaya Pad - Leopardovii Protected Area. The project consists of the following components: 1) monitoring patrol routes and law enforcement results with the patrol monitoring system MIST which is based on GIS-technique, 2) support for patrol teams (fuel, spare parts, maintenance for vehicles and ranger outfits) and 3) bonuses for patrol teams that perform well. The first project results indicate a success. Patrol efforts (measured by total time spent on patrols and distance of foot patrols) in the two protected areas where the project started first (Kedrovaya Pad - Leopardovii and Lazovsky protected areas) have increased substantially. This was established by comparing the patrol data of the 1st quarter of 2011 with the 1st quarter of 2012. Patrol law enforcement results (confiscated fire arms, citations for poaching and other violations as well as fines) have also increased markedly (this was established by comparing the results of the two protected areas in 2011 to previous years).                                                                     Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_tiger

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 97   Concerted action is needed to reverse the present trends of overconsumption, pollution, and rising threats from drought and floods. The Conference Report sets out recommendations for action at local, national and international levels, based on four guiding principles. Principle No. 1 Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource, essential to sustain life, development and the environment Since water sustains life, effective management of water resources demands a holistic approach, linking social and economic development with protection of natural ecosystems. Effective management links land and water uses across the whole of a catchment area or groundwater aquifer.                                                          Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 98

Concerted action is needed to reverse the present trends of overconsumption, pollution, and rising threats from drought and floods. The Conference Report sets out recommendations for action at local, national and international levels, based on four guiding principles.

Principle No. 2 Water development and management should be based on a participatory approach, involving users, planners and policy-makers at all levels. The participatory approach involves raising awareness of the importance of water among policy-makers and the general public. It means that decisions are taken at the lowest appropriate level, with full public consultation and involvement of users in the planning and implementation of water projects.                                                          Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 99

Concerted action is needed to reverse the present trends of overconsumption, pollution, and rising threats from drought and floods. The Conference Report sets out recommendations for action at local, national and international levels, based on four guiding principles.

Principle No. 3 Women play a central part in the provision, management and safeguarding of water. This pivotal role of women as providers and users of water and guardians of the living environment has seldom been reflected in institutional arrangements for the development and management of water resources. Acceptance and implementation of this principle requires positive policies to address women’s specific needs and to equip and empower women to participate at all levels in water resources programs, including decision-making and implementation, in ways defined by them.                                                        Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

Green Tip # 100

Concerted action is needed to reverse the present trends of overconsumption, pollution, and rising threats from drought and floods. The Conference Report sets out recommendations for action at local, national and international levels, based on four guiding principles.

Principle No. 4 Water has an economic value in all its competing uses and should be recognized as an economic good. Within this principle, it is vital to recognize first the basic right of all human beings to have access to clean water and sanitation at an affordable price. Past failure to recognize the economic value of water has led to wasteful and environmentally damaging uses of the resource. Managing water as an economic good is an important way of achieving efficient and equitable use, and of encouraging conservation and protection of water resources.                                                          Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

Green Tip # 101                                                          Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 102                                                                                       Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

Green Tip # 103                                                                                      Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

Green Tip # 104                                                                                          Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 105 Grey Water Treatment   Household waste water can be classified as follows:   Black water: (containing urine and faeces) usually from the toilet Grey water: All other household waste water, essentially from the kitchen sink, clothes wash area , bathroom and other taps.   Waste water can be “recycled” which means it is purified and reused.   But even before that it can be “cycled” or reused which means that the same water can be used for multiple activities before it is allowed to flow down the drain.                                                                                      Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

 

 

Thanks and regards,

Green Team  

www.theipledgefoundation.org

 

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[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 107 Water recycling   Reed bed or planted filter: The waste water is passed through a sand bed which contains plant species such as bamboo, canna and reeds. The roots of these plants utilize the nutrients present in waste water thus reducing the BOD (biological oxygen demand) and COD (chemical oxygen demand). The sand bed further purifies the water and the end result is clear filtered water. The obvious advantages of such a system are: No power consumption Low maintenance Aesthetically appealing: It can be incorporated as part of the garden.                                                                                        Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 106 Water cycling   Given below are two examples of water cycling. Use your imagination to figure out other ways to “cycle” household water!   Using washing machine water for toilet flushing. If we look at the water consumption of an individual, we find that about 40% of the daily water demand is for toilet flushing. This means that if the other 60% is adequately captured, it will suffice for toilet flushing and there will still be some water left over for gardening. Using bath water for gardening: Bath water has a negligible amount of soap and can safely be used for watering plants and trees. Using organic soaps will further help the cause.                                                                                        Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 108   Why Rainwater Harvesting? "Are we condemned to be largely spectators? Can we affect the course of events? Can we claim 'compassion fatigue' when we show no sign of consumption fatigue?" —Sebastião Salgado   Water availability per capita has been on the decline in India. Two reasons have been the increasing demand for water and the increasing population. The quantum of water available to the country being fixed the increasing demand reduces per capita water availability. Agriculture continues to be the single largest consumer of water however industrial demand for water shows the fastest growth. Especially South India and in particular Karnataka is a drought prone region. The state enjoys the dubious distinction of having the second largest area prone to drought next only to Rajasthan. Bangalore gets most of its drinking water from a distance of 95 kms. and a depth of 500 mts. It makes ecological and financial sense not to waste a pure natural resource available in large quantity on one’s roof. In the case of a homebuilder, at an initial stage of construction, investments in time, design and money are minimal for adopting roof rainwater harvesting. Ground water sources are increasingly getting depleted or are getting polluted. Bore wells are either silting up, getting short of water or are drawing polluted water. Private purchase of water from tankers is unreliable in quality and is also expensive. It encourages water conservation and self-dependence. it is being recognized that people from various sectors have to become partners in the solution process and not remain simply as institutional beneficiaries. India is blessed with adequate rainfall as a whole, yet there are large swathes of dry, drought prone area. In many other places the quality of groundwater is not good. In such places rainwater harvesting can provide lifeline water for survival and more.                                                                                   Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 109   Potential for rainwater harvesting: One acre of land in Bangalore for example, with about 900 mm of rain receives nearly 36 lakh liters of water as endowment. A small 100 square meter of roof area would receive 90,000 liters of rainwater in an average year of rain. You can calculate what is the potential of rainwater harvesting in your area and have one appropriate for you. Rainwater harvesting has tremendous potential and it is up to each one of us to push this technique further for a sustainable water situation for India.                                                                                     Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 110   With severe drought being experienced in several parts of the world, rainwater harvesting, an ancient technique is fast reemerging on the development sector front as a potential weapon for ‘water security’ of people, villages and industries. Components of rainwater harvesting Any rainwater harvesting system has three components Catchment Conveyance Storage Rainwater harvesting is further categorized based on the catchment for the rainwater as rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting from paved and unpaved area called storm water harvesting, rainwater harvesting from water channels or streams called flood water harvesting   Catchment: Any surface can act as the catchment for rainwater harvesting. Rooftops are favored because of the large coefficient of run-off generated from them and the relatively less likelihood of their contamination. Paved areas, footpaths and roads are also good rainwater runoff generators and with adequate catchment management strategies can provide good quantity and adequate quality of runoff water for use. Unpaved areas also generate runoff during heavy storms and can be modified to act as rainwater catchment.                                                                                     Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 111

With severe drought being experienced in several parts of the world, rainwater harvesting, an ancient technique is fast reemerging on the development sector front as a potential weapon for ‘water security’ of people, villages and industries. Components of rainwater harvesting Any rainwater harvesting system has three components Catchment Conveyance Storage Rainwater harvesting is further categorized based on the catchment for the rainwater as rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting from paved and unpaved area called storm water harvesting, rainwater harvesting from water channels or streams called flood water harvesting

Conveyance: Conveyance systems can be the catchment surface itself acting as a sheet runoff. For rooftops rainwater gutters and rainwater down pipes are conveyance systems, which need to be designed appropriately so as to manage the severest intensity of rain as well as not to lose any water during the conveyance process. Storm water drains, French drains with pebbles are also conveyance systems.                                                                                     Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 112

With severe drought being experienced in several parts of the world, rainwater harvesting, an ancient technique is fast reemerging on the development sector front as a potential weapon for ‘water security’ of people, villages and industries. Components of rainwater harvesting Any rainwater harvesting system has three components Catchment Conveyance Storage Rainwater harvesting is further categorized based on the catchment for the rainwater as rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting from paved and unpaved area called storm water harvesting, rainwater harvesting from water channels or streams called flood water harvesting

Storage: From the simplest ground level tank, to underground sumps, surface lined ponds and large lakes storage options are many depending on the context of the rainwater harvesting design. In many a case the soil profile may also permit artificial recharge of rainwater to open wells and bore wells where water can be stored to be retrieved later for productive use.                                                                                     Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

Green Tip # 113

With severe drought being experienced in several parts of the world, rainwater harvesting, an ancient technique is fast reemerging on the development sector front as a potential weapon for ‘water security’ of people, villages and industries. Components of rainwater harvesting Any rainwater harvesting system has three components Catchment Conveyance Storage Rainwater harvesting is further categorized based on the catchment for the rainwater as rooftop rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting from paved and unpaved area called storm water harvesting, rainwater harvesting from water channels or streams called flood water harvesting

How to Harvest Rainwater? ·         Collect water from the rooftop. ·         Draw it down from pipes. ·         Filter the water. ·         Store in a sump or tank for later use. ·         Charge the groundwater through a soak pit. ·         Lead the water into a well to increase ground water content.                                                                                     Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

Green Tip # 114   Ideally rainwater harvesting is for any person planning to build a house or who is in the process of building a house on an independent plot in Bangalore.

It makes ecological and financial sense not to waste a pure natural resource available in large quantity on one’s roof. In the case of a homebuilder, at an initial stage of construction, investments in time, design and money are minimal for adopting roof rainwater harvesting. Ground water sources are increasingly getting depleted or are getting polluted. Bore wells are either silting up, getting short of water or are drawing polluted water. Private purchase of water from tankers is unreliable in quality and is also expensive. It encourages water conservation and self-dependence.

Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm

[Green @ iPledge Foundation]

 

 

Green Tip # 115   The average number of rainy days in Bangalore is 67. Over the last 5 years it has rained as follows: Total Rainfall (mm) No. of Rainy Days Volume of water collected (in litres) - 100 sq. mtr. roof 587.10 107 46968.00 1072.20 116 85776.00 1173.30 118 93864.00 717.40 88 57392.00 1431.80 115 114544.00   It is possible to collect rainwater in Bangalore throughout the year and use the same for: a.    only gardening purpose b.    gardening, car washing and domestic non-potable purpose like washing clothes, dishes, bathing, toilet, swabbing the floor, etc c.    For all purposes including potable purpose i.e. drinking and cooking but only after boiling and filtering the water.                                                                                      Source: http://www.rainwaterclub.org/bangalore_waters.htm