The Mediterranean Sea; more like the empty sea

Currently, there are over 40 fish species endangered in the Mediterranean Sea.  If you are interested to see a list, click on the link below:

List of Endangered Fish

So, what's the big deal? We live on land; who cares about fish! Well, in small countries like Malta, it actually hurts tourism.   The reason why fish populations are declining is mainly due to over fishing from European countries that face the Mediterranean waters.  Since there are less fish, jellyfish populations have been growing rapidly.  Jellyfish, with the universally accepted name,  Cotylorhiza tuberculata, dwell in various parts of the Mediterranean sea.  Their natural predator are fish such as tuna and bass that also live in the Mediterranean.

Now why is the tourism on little paradise islands, like Malta, being hurt? This is because these jellyfish have taken over the most beautiful beaches on the island.  I, myself, was a victim of a jellyfish stinging back in  the summer of 2006.  Below is a video to show you how they swim through the water.  They move quite quick!

The sting from that jellyfish is quite painful.  They release their toxic chemicals right onto the skin; it feels like a hot iron pressing onto the human skin.  I was lucky enough because someone else on the beach was able to treat it right away; no not with expensive medications.  He came over with this transparent fluid, which at first stung even worse in the area when he applied to the area.  However, within 30 seconds or so, the pain was really subdued.  I asked the guy what he used; in the Maltese language, told me, "white vinegar"! 

Yes, I was shocked to hear that this household food product can be used to treat stings from this type of jellyfish.  I now think about it and still wonder why people are over fishing in these areas. Not only are fish on the low, but even various exotic turtle species.  Only 1% of the Mediterranean sea is naturally protected by environmentalists.  Is there regulations/fines for illegal fishing? Absolutely, but we know poachers still want to make the pretty penny.  Well, that is all for today.   

Current status of monarch butterflies

The Monarch Butterfly

I wanted to discuss about a unique species called the monarch butterfly.  Our group and I in our science educational graduate class will be presenting a podcast based on this popular milkweed species at the end of the semester.  I thought it would be a nice idea to share some insight about this insect.

The monarch butterfly, or Danaus plexippus , is quite famous not only for its beautiful coloring, but also for its migration cycles from one part of the world to another.  Monarchs are residents of Western Europe, but are more prominent in North America.  They will complete a migration from Canada all the south to Mexico in just 3 or 4 generations; their life span is approximately 2-3 months, however.   They are even known for migrating across the Atlantic ocean!

Their migration begins in August of a the given year.  They hibernate along the way.  Their mortality rate is exceedingly high due to natural predators, such as birds, that they have to face.  Not only due they have to deal with environmental stresses of finding food, mates, and shelter, but currently, their population is at an all time low from the past 20 years.  Below is a link explaining possible reasons why this is so:

Monarch Butterfly Survey Indicates Lowest Number in 20 years

 The major reason ecologists hypothesize why their numbers are decreasing is due to decrease in the population of their natural food source; the milkweed plant.  This,again, ties in with a loss of biodiversity.  Private owners and government leaders who own acres of lands across North America are removing forests to build homes and/or buildings for thriving businesses.  The decline of the milkweed plant may not only cause that plant to become endangered but can cause a domino effect due to its recent fall.  Monarch butterflies may become endangered as well since their primary food source is now scarce. 

Monarchs will either have to adapt to other food sources or compete for minimal milkweed plants in certain areas.  This will drive out monarchs that are least fit for survival as our science friend, Charles Darwin, would say.  Just another story about how biodiversity is being adversely affected.

In our podcast, which is catered to 7th-8th grade science students, will discuss topics such as hibernation, migration, latitude/longitude and reproductive cycles of monarch butterflies.  It should be a good one.

Hurricane sandy misplaces many cats; sad, but yet bad

When the major hurricane last year hit the northeastern coast, many domesticated animals were displaced from their homes.  There are various shelters that have taken in lost pets that were found in states like New York and New Jersey; it's a sad thing.  According to Russia Today, over 14 million cats were involved in hurricane sandy.  The amount of cats actually lost currently is not available.  However, this loss, even if it is small, will have substantial effects on the environment.  Below is a link to pictures of some lost pets that were found by rescue teams:

Lost Animals from Sandy 

The domestic cat, which has the universally accepted name, Felis catus, descends from a wild cat in Africa and Asia called Felis silvestris libyca.  Cats are a part of the feline family as their genus (or first name) shows. They are actually a nonnative species actually introduced to Europe initially about 2000 years ago and have made there way here from European trade starting in the early 19th century. Below is a picture of my cat, Paprika, who is now 7 years of age and got through hurricane sandy.  She is a spayed outdoor cat and survived hurricane sandy.

                                          Paprika is a wonderful pet, but this species is hurting
                                          the biodiversity level on this continent.

Since the time of introduction, their population has grown tremendously; US populations estimate anywhere from 60 to 100 million.  This number includes not just pet cats, but also stray cats that live across the states.  There are more stray then pet cats on this in the US.  Now, you are probably wondering; how do they do so well?

The fact is, Felis catus is considered an invasive species in the US.  Invasive species cause not only environmental harm but also economic harm.  Domesticated cats make wonderful pets but have a negative effect on the environment and when it comes to biodiversity. Below is a just a small list of negative effects:

1) They do very well in our ecosystems because they eat anything from canned food to litter.  The average cat could live to approximately 12 years.  Since they do live well, female cats produce countless litters of kittens.  This increases their population tremendously; the gestation period of cat is only less than 6 weeks!

2) They also are responsible for killing millions of birds every year; they are aggressive predators.  This can lead to the endangerment or extinction of native bird species to the US; thus a loss of biodiversity.      

3) Since they do very well, they compete with native US species for food, shelter and mates and occupy the niches of many native species. This can also drive native species to extinction due to the environmental stresses of cats; yet another decreased in biodiversity.

Now, if you think about all the cats misplaced from hurricane sandy, each domesticated or strayed cat have the ability to carry out these bad affects.  So, yes, sad but bad for the loss of cats due to hurricane sandy.  If you see lost cats or any misplaced pet, report them to agencies such as Animal Rescue or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA).  That goes a long to way to curb the negative effect of cats have on maintaining biodiversity.