Planet Watch - Environmental News

BIODIVERSITY – In this section we explore the intricate and truly magical connection between all living things in our eco system and the relationship of the various eco systems on all of our entire biosphere. We also explore the critical need to preserve and enhance our bio diversity as part and parcel of a plan for the survival of mankind. Defined as the "totality of genes, species, and ecosystems of a region"., biodiversity is essential to the survival of life on this planet . Here we explore the three levels at which biodiversity is identified:
Genetic Diversity is the diversity of genes within a species. The genetic variability among the populations and the individuals of the same species. Species Diversity is the diversity among species in an ecosystem. "Biodiversity hotspots" are excellent examples of species diversity. Ecosystem Diversity is the diversity at a higher level of organization, the ecosystem. This is the relationship of the variety of ecosystems on Earth.

Here we look at biodiversity as a prime indicator of the health of our overall biosphere.

Killer Whales Go To Court To Defend Critical Habitat

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Written by Contributor Saturday, 18 October 2008 22:18

Killer Whale Goes to Court - On October 8, 2008, the David Suzuki Foundation, along with seven other environmental organizations, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for failing to legally protect the critical habitat of one of B.C.’s most iconic animal, the killer whale. Under Canada’s Species at Risk Act the government can legally protect an endangered species’ critical habitat, however, for killer whales, the government has chosen not to. This is a precedent setting case that begs the question: if the government can legally opt out of protecting an endangered species’ critical habitat then what is the utility of having a Species at Risk Act? Killer whales are threatened by lack of food (Pacific salmon), noise, and toxins. Maintaining killer whale populations on the Pacific Coast will require a concerted effort by the public and all levels of government. We will keep you posted on the status of the court case. For additional information, visit Ecojustice.

Birds In Decline - Global Report

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Written by Contributor Sunday, 05 October 2008 00:02

Common birds are in decline across the world, providing evidence of a rapid deterioration in the global environment that is affecting all life on Earth – including human life, according to a new report released today at BirdLife International’s World Conference in Buenos Aires.

The State of the World’s Birds publication and website highlight population declines of more than 50% over the last 40 years for 20 of North America’s most common bird species. These include boreal breeders (such as Evening Grosbeak, Greater Scaup and Boreal Chickadee) and numerous grassland species (Eastern Meadowlark, Loggerhead Shrike, Field Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow).

Search for Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes

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Written by Mark Rupke Thursday, 18 September 2008 22:24

Local Report - Hog-nosed snakes can reach lengths of just over one metre. Seach For ELNS

They have a thick body and are usually olive coloured with noticeable blotches on the body. The Hog-nosed snake, sometimes referred to as a “Puff Adder,” is completely harmless despite its bizarre and often frightening defence behaviour. It convincingly mimics a cobra when disturbed, often scaring people who may end up harming the snake in self-defense. This is why education about the Hog-nosed is so important.

Our Relationship With Biodiversity

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Written by Sid Andrews Wednesday, 17 September 2008 00:00

Our relationship with biodiversity begins with a sense of place. My childhood was spent on a former dairy farm in what could barely be called a hamlet known as Willowbank. The farm had only 27 acres and so in the era of the Milk Marketing Board’s start-up in Ontario; it was too small to maintain a quota. To me and the family mutt, Sally, it was paradise. Oh the adventures that funny little dog and I had!

There was a field behind the barn and a windrow of apple and hawthorn along the east fence. Across the highway was another field, a small pond completely full of cattails, and the prized part of all—a dock on a ‘crick’ with a very oozy marsh on the other side.

Oh, the days and early evenings spent across the road were countless it seemed. No matter the weather or the season, Sally and I would be out exploring. Spring was particularly fun when the snow would melt and the runoff would trip over itself to get down to the creek to eventually spill, within a quarter mile, into the St. Lawrence. Damming the culvert was an annual enterprise.