How to Work on a Non-endangered Species and Contribute to Cetacean Conservation: An Example by the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program

The world’s most endangered small cetaceans are found in countries many miles from Sarasota Bay and its common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Information on the ecology and threats to many of these endangered cetaceans is often far more limited than that on bottlenose dolphins, with the IUCN Red Data List describing many species as “data deficient.” In many developing nations where these rare species occur, resources for research and monitoring are scant, and logistical challenges further limit research into marine mammal health and population status and their threats. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) has tackled this problem by using the bottlenose dolphin as a model for cetacean species in other parts of the world and using its resources to assist scientists working with more endangered species of cetacean. The celebration of 50 years of study by the SDRP exemplifies how using long-term data on known individuals can advance the fields of cetacean behavior, ecology, life history, physiology, toxicology, and medicine, all providing information for informing certain conservation actions. The Sarasota team has used their work to inform conservation policy both home and abroad.

Flora dan fauna pada ekosistem lahan gambut dan status perlindungannya dalam hukum nasional dan internasional

Ekosistem gambut sangat berperan dalam kehidupan bumi dan memiliki beberapa fungsi penting seperti ekologis, ekonomi dan sebagainya. Keanekaragaman hayati (flora dan fauna) ekosistem gambut cukup tinggi. Beberapa jenis flora seperti ramin dan jelutung rawa, serta jenis fauna seperti buaya, orang utan dan ikan ditemukan di ekosistem gambut. Status perlindungan terhadap flora dan fauna diatur dalam perangkat hukum nasional (Undang-undang dan Peraturan pelaksanaan). Perangkat hukum internasional yang bersifat hard law seperti Convention on International on Trade in Endangered Species for Wildlife Flora and Fauna (CITES 1973) mengatur flora dan fauna yang diperdagangkan. Perangkat non hukum seperti International Union Conservation for Nature (IUCN) Red Data List mengatur status flora dan fauna. Artikel ini menggambarkan status flora dan fauna pada ekosistem gambut serta upaya perlindungannya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif analisis. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa pohon ramin dan buaya diatur dalam CITES 1973. Beberapa jenis flora dan fauna lainnya termasuk dalam IUCN Red Data List dengan berbagai status seperti terancam, langka, dan sebagainya. Harapan dari penelitian ini adalah dapat menggambarkan keberadaan flora dan fauna di ekosistem lahan gambut terutama dari aspek hukum nasional dan internasional.

Marine Animals Protected by the IUCN Red Data List and CITES 1973 on Seagrass Ecosystems

Seagrass beds are important for providing ecological functions and ecosystem services, including its role as habitat for marine animals. In spite of their significance, they remain in decline. The change of seagrass beds will affect the associated animals. Some animals that live on seagrass beds protected by IUCN Red Data List and CITES 1973. Yet the data have not been properly recorded. The aim of this study was to find out the existence of marine animals protected by the Red Data List and CITES 1973 IUCN, especially in seagrass ecosystems in Indonesia. The method used in this research is mix method with desk study approach and presentation of data analyzed through review. The results of the study show that changes in seagrass ecosystems will affect the presence of migratory marine animals and those who live and settle in this ecosystem. The provisions in the IUCN Red Data List and CITES 1973 supported by national legislation in Indonesia will have significant impact on the protection of marine animals in seagrass beds.

Distribution, Behavioral Ecology and Present Status of Varanus flavescens (a literature review paper) in Nepal

Golden monitor lizard is a reptilian with long slender body, long neck, flexible head movable in all directions, feature that is not possessed by any other reptile. It is protected on international scale; listed in CITES appendix 1, the IUCN red data list, and categorized as protected reptile under national park and wildlife conservation act of Nepal. Even if distribution is wide it is threatened to extinction in much of its inhabitant range because of habitat destruction along with hunting for its hides, exploited for food and skin values. Exported illegally through northern Nepal to china as its skin is used in traditional Chinese medicine. To maintain their number as of this circumstances; habitat conservation and civic consciousness from stakeholders in integrated mode to minimize hunting, possibly will be the plausible way. This carnivore reptile is oviparous can grow up to 90 cm in length and tail measures about 49 cm. Becomes sometimes dangerous, if threatened, rises high on its legs , hisses loudly, sways its body and lashes its razor like sharp tail and ready to cut offender and defend itself. So this paper reveals with distribution, ecological behavior and present status on Golden Monitor Lizard in Nepal. Key Words: Protected, Threatened, Oviparous, Carnivorous, Medicine, Juveniles DOI: 10.3126/init.v2i1.2523 The Initiation Vol.2(1) 2008 pp49-54