A Journey into Endangered Species and Coral Reefs
Sharing Our Planet
In a world bustling with human activity, it's easy to forget that we share this planet with an array of incredible living creatures, from majestic mammals to tiny, mysterious marine organisms. However, many of these fascinating species are on the brink of extinction, and the fragile ecosystems that support them, like coral reefs, are facing unprecedented threats.
At African Pewter, our mission is to shed light on these critical issues, educate our readers, and inspire action to protect our precious wildlife and the Earth we all call home.
The Plight of Endangered Species
Beneath the Waves
Lets dive into the mesmerizing world of coral reefs.
Coral reefs are often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," as they support millions of species of marine life like sea stars, oysters, various sponges, and a myriad of different species of fish. Coral reefs are one of the most divers eco systems in the world. Colonies of tiny sea animals called polyps, build the coral reefs which grow very slowly and take mega years to "blossom" into their full potential. Ecologically, coral reefs are linked to nearby mangroves and seagrass, which helps to control the impact of storms and waves and protects the "intricate web" of "rainforest" biodiversity.
It's the same old story......humans are often ignorant or they just don't care! It sound brash and cruel, but honestly, it IS the reality we live in. We can only have immense gratitude for those who DO CARE enough to be pro active and for those who DO CARE enough to be the "fixers" of problems.
Pollution and marine debris is a REAL THING and a big issue in our oceans! Discarded fishing gear, bottles, and trash entangle and kill MANY reef organisms or break and damage the beautiful corals. Plastic bags easily block the sunlight needed for photosynthesis needed for coral growth and reproduction.
Destructive fishing practices, like using cyanide or dynamite is another big enough threat that causes the dying of coral reefs. Overfishing leads to population decline and causes algae overgrowth, leading to coral death.
Another biggy which grates the scales on my tail, is the aquarium market, which calls for the collection of live corals. Fish DO NOT belong in a tank anyway. Please leave the fish and the coral in their natural habitat.
The threat of increased ocean temperatures is a massive global threat to the coral reef ecosystems. This is caused by warmer atmospheric temperatures and increasing levels of carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater.
These vibrant ecosystems are under severe threat from so many factors but if we all do our tiniest little bit, it can and will make A DIFFERENCE!
Here are a few guidelines that will be discussed in greater depth in a dedicated blog post later on.
- Dispose of trash and marine debris in the proper way.
- Reduce storm water run offs.
- Fertilizers wash into waterways and end up in the ocean and are very harmful to coral reefs. Please think and think again before using fertilizers.
- DON'T support shops that ignorantly sell aquarium fish. As I've mentioned before, fish don't belong in a TANK, they belong in the ocean!
- SPREAD THE WORD!
Thank you National Geographic for your abundance of videos to make us aware and to educate us!
Fascinating Facts about Earth's Inhabitants
Our blog is not just about the dire state of endangered species, coral reefs and rainforests. We also strive to celebrate the wonder of Earth's creatures. From the curious behaviors of exotic animals to the astounding adaptations of reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. We will share captivating tidbits that will leave you in awe of the natural world.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
At African Pewter, we believe that awareness is the first step toward change. Through our blog we will provide actionable tips and resources on how you can contribute to the preservation of endangered species and the environment. Small actions can have a significant impact, and we are committed to empowering our readers to play their part in safeguarding our wildlife and the Earth.
Thank you WWF for this amazing eye opening video!
Join Us.......
Join us on a journey of discovery and conservation as we explore the incredible world of endangered species, coral reefs, and the wonders of our planet's wildlife. Through education and awareness, we can all be stewards of Mother Earth and work together to protect the magnificent creatures and ecosystems that make our world so unique and beautiful.
Together, we can make a difference, no matter how small our individual roles may seem.
Thank you Karliene for sharing your passion and creating the AWARENESS we so desperately lack!
"For in the end we will conserve only what we love, love only what we understand, understand only what we are taught" - Baba Dioum