Take Friday to Think About Endangered Species
Last week, the Senate passed a resolution declaring today, May 15, as Endangered Species Day. It's a day for all of us wildlife enthusiasts (and those who are still joining the party) to learn about endangered species and their habitats.
I was talking with my colleague and fellow blogger Danielle this morning, and she brought up a great point:
"Everyone knows that panda bears and African elephants are endangered. But do we ever think enough about the Virginia big-eared bat?"
So I did some research and found more than twenty wildlife species that live in my neighborhood, all threatened with extinction.
Today, in honor of Endangered Species Day, @wildlifeaction is tweeting for the Red-cockaded woodpecker, native to the DC-area, and already extinct in nearby Maryland. #speciesday
What animal are you thinking of today?
I'm going to turn this over to Danielle (@nwf & @starfocus) now, so she can give you some more facts.
What does Endangered Species Day mean to me? Julia mentioned my pet peeve -- everyone seems to know everything about endangered species that are cute, large and very often cuddly-- but they also live very far away. I think it's equally important to know about the animals in YOUR area. Yes I know, some people don't think they have to care about endangered clams in Virginia--but the truth is-- you should. These are the animals that we have an effect on and that have an effect on us.
The sad truth is that we can't even go to America.gov and get an exclusive look at our nation's endangered species, and believe me we have plenty of them to fill a page. But that's ok. Now that we know there are plenty of local animals let's work to protect them! NWF offers lots of ways.
I think that Endangered Species Day is about ALL of these animals, and that we should never underestimate the importance of protecting even animals far away.
I want to challenge our readers to learn at least ONE new species that is endangered in your area. I think just by being aware of these animals and learning how to protect them, we can be better stewards of the earth. To me, Endangered Species Day reminds me that while it's important to save what we love it's equally important to protect what we may not understand.
Just a heads up: "There are currently 1317 species listed in the U.S.: 746 plants and 571
animals. To find out what endangered species are near you, and how you
can help, please visit www.fws.gov/endangered."
I'll be tweeting for the Gray Bat! (pic above).
At the National Wildlife Federation- we want to know about the endangered species you care about, whether you tweet it, share it on facebook, post a blog or even a comment below! Share with us a species you learned about or want to protect and if you are on twitter, hashtag it #speciesday. We look forward to hearing about them.
(Also- be sure to join the fun even if you aren't in the US! We would love to hear from you too)
If you are on Twitter, help us spread the word! Copy and paste this into your "tweet" window:
| I'm tweeting for (Enter your species here) with @NWF in honor of Endangered Species Day! #speciesday |
I'm tweeting for the Gray Bat!
Posted by: Danielle | May 15, 2009 at 07:52 AM
I am supporting and educating about 3 endangered species today from my area! The Karner Blue Butterfly and the Sprague's Pipit and the Narrow Leafed Milkweed. All great beneificial species that are losing the battle because of habitat loss in grasslands.
The Karner Blue is dependent on the wild Lupine, Sprague's Pipit on grasslands but their habitat is disappearing partly due to gravel pits in our area and the Narrow Leafed Milkweed is almost lost in MN and a host plant for Monarchs.
Plant for Wildlife, Plant Natives and learn about beneficial species that should be in your 'backyard'.
Posted by: Mat Paulson | May 15, 2009 at 09:36 AM
I'm tweeting for the Shenandoah salamander, which was "listed as Federally Endangered in 1989. This is due to its restricted range, limitations on range expansion and potential threats within defined population areas. Although its range falls entirely within a National Park where protection might be assumed, there are many threats to this species. Periodic infestation of park forests by non-native insects and disease that result in defoliation and tree mortality alter habitat for the salamander. Acid deposition is believed to be altering park soil conditions. This, in turn, could alter hydro-chemical conditions that the Shenandoah Salamander needs, could alter forest vegetation growth and develop thus changing habitat, and could affect soil organisms that are consumed. Finally, human use (hiking, camping, trail maintenance, etc.) could have impacts on the salamander."
http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/shenandoah_salamander.htm
Posted by: Kristin Johnson | May 15, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I picked the Shiny Pigtoe, a species of mussel. Someone's got to represent the endangered invertebrates!
Posted by: David Mizejewski | May 15, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I'm tweeting for ALL endangered species as each and every one has it's place in our eco system! From the small to the large they all play vital roles in our world!
Posted by: TheGreenNag | May 15, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I'm tweeting for the Wood Stork. I really had an enlightening moment yesterday when I found they are on the endangered species list - never realized that!
Posted by: flmom | May 15, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Do I h have to choose? I'm in love with the Piping Plover and the Least Tern, even though neither are in my area - I just think they're beautiful birds, and I never realized they were endangered!
Posted by: phoenix | May 15, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I blogged about my choice as well. Didn't leave my Twitter link before - http://twitter.com/aussiemamma (2 m's)
Posted by: flmom | May 15, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I am tweeting - http://twitter.com/bigcat_C - and I blogged. My endangered species is the Florida Panther!
Posted by: bigcatcentral | May 15, 2009 at 01:10 PM
What a wonderful post! It is so true that most of us do think of only the fuzzy cute endangered animals when we can probably make the most difference if we think more locally.
I'm currently learning about the endangered desert pupfish living in Arizona.
Thanks,
Gina
Posted by: Gina Buss | May 15, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Tweeting & making known our beloved Florida manatee:
http://twitter.com/oceangrant
Posted by: oceangrant | May 15, 2009 at 02:37 PM
WOW I knew there were a lot of animals on the list...
THAT is TOOO many. will spread the word.
Posted by: Rickbischoff | May 15, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Great article and Great idea!
I'm tweeting for ALL http://twitter.com/Mysticle
We recently posted a blog on the endangered California Condor http://rickbischoff.blogspot.com/2009/04/california-condor.html
Thank You ~
Posted by: Mysticle | May 15, 2009 at 04:03 PM
We are tweeting this week for the North Cascades grizzly bear as part of Bear Awareness week! http://twitter.com/conservationnw With only 10-20 bears left in the Cascades, very little chance for natural genetic influx, and a recovery plan that has been sitting on the shelf unfunded for nearly 15 years, they really need our help!
NWF rocks!
Posted by: Barbara, Conservation Northwest | May 15, 2009 at 04:35 PM