Leigh Woods

July 4, 2023

Conservation, Climate Change, Nature, Wildlife

Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future: Conservation Lessons from the Mesozoic Dinosaur Era

Leigh Woods

July 4, 2023

Conservation, Climate Change, Nature, Wildlife

The Mesozoic Era, spanning over 180 million years, witnessed the rise and fall of the dinosaurs, showcasing the intricacies of ancient ecosystems. While our knowledge of this bygone era is based on scientific research and paleontological discoveries, it offers valuable lessons that can inform modern conservation efforts. By examining specific examples from the age of dinosaurs and the subsequent events, we can gain scientific insights to shape our approach to preserving biodiversity and addressing contemporary conservation challenges.

Adaptive Radiation and Species Interactions

The age of dinosaurs exemplifies an era of remarkable adaptive radiation, where various species diversified to occupy ecological niches. An iconic example is the coevolutionary relationship between dinosaurs and early flowering plants. The appearance and proliferation of flowering plants likely influenced the evolution of dinosaurs, leading to new feeding strategies and habitat preferences. This underscores the importance of understanding species interactions and coevolutionary dynamics in conservation biology, as preserving ecosystems as a whole is crucial for the long-term survival of species.

Geological Events and Environmental Changes

The Mesozoic Era experienced significant geological events that impacted ecosystems and biodiversity. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea resulted in the formation of new landmasses, changing oceanic currents, and altering climatic patterns. For instance, during the Late Cretaceous, rising sea levels caused by tectonic activity led to the fragmentation of landmasses, creating new island habitats and influencing the distribution of species. Recognizing the influence of geological events on ecosystems provides insights into the dynamic nature of our planet and emphasizes the need for adaptive conservation strategies in response to environmental changes.

Mass Extinction Events

The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event, which marked the end of the Mesozoic Era, resulted in the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and numerous other species. The catastrophic impact event, possibly an asteroid or comet collision, caused widespread devastation, including wildfires, global climate disruption, and the release of toxic gases. This event highlights the vulnerability of even the most dominant species and the importance of understanding and mitigating the factors that can lead to mass extinctions. Lessons learned from the K-Pg event emphasize the need for proactive conservation measures to prevent similar ecological catastrophes.

Fossil Record and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction

Paleontological discoveries provide invaluable insights into the ancient ecosystems of the Mesozoic Era. Fossilized remains of dinosaurs, plants, and other organisms allow scientists to reconstruct past environments and understand the interplay between species and their habitats. By analyzing fossil assemblages, scientists can determine the composition and structure of ancient ecosystems, informing our understanding of modern biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. This knowledge helps us identify key areas for conservation efforts, target endangered species, and develop appropriate management strategies.

Public Engagement and Education

The fascination with dinosaurs and their extinction has captured the public's imagination for generations. Paleontological research and discoveries have inspired and educated people of all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for Earth's history and the importance of conservation. Public engagement and education initiatives that highlight the significance of paleontological findings can raise awareness about conservation issues, promote responsible environmental stewardship, and encourage support for conservation programs.

Exploring the scientific aspects of the Mesozoic Era offers us valuable lessons in conservation biology. By studying examples of adaptive radiation, geological events, mass extinctions, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and the impact of public engagement, we gain scientific insights to guide modern conservation practices. Understanding the intricate web of species interactions, recognizing the role of geological events, mitigating mass extinction risks, leveraging paleontological data, and engaging the public are crucial components in safeguarding biodiversity and preserving our planet's

Leigh Woods

November 23, 2020

Animals, Conservation, Ecotourism, Nature, NGO, Tourism, Volunteering, Travel, Wildlife

The Tatra Bears

Leigh Woods

November 23, 2020

Animals, Conservation, Ecotourism, Nature, NGO, Tourism, Volunteering, Travel, Wildlife

This article was originally published in Oko! Magazine

Think of wildlife tourism, and what is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps you picture yourself on safari watching a herd of trumpeting elephants march across the open savannas of the Serengeti. Maybe trekking through the dense forests of the Amazon basin in hopes of spotting the highly elusive jaguar is more your cup of tea. Whatever and wherever you imagine, it probably doesn’t belong on this continent. In the Czech Republic, we tend to believe that the greatest wildernesses and creatures are half a world away. So it may come as a surprise to learn that Europe is actually home to some of the most fascinating animals to roam the planet, with some species inhabiting places located practically on our doorstep.

Travel to Bodø or Tromsø in northern Norway and you’ll have the opportunity to witness an incredible variety of marine life, including orcas, sperm whales, humpbacks, porpoises, and even the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, the blue whale. Head southwest to the Andalusia region of Spain and you might spot ibex and flamingos, or perhaps even be lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse of one of the world’s rarest cats, the Iberian lynx.

But a little closer to home lies a real gem. The Tatras (specifically the High Tatras) occupied the top spot on Lonely Planet’s list of ten essential European destinations for 2019. Situated around 550km east of Prague, the almost mythical landscape comprises a towering realm of jagged peaks and tumbling waterfalls, with a spectacular array of flora adorning the rugged terrain and formidable beasts, including the iconic European brown bear, roaming the fertile forests.

By the end of the 20th century, hunting, deforestation and human-wildlife conflicts had caused brown bear populations to disappear from much of their original range in Europe. Conservation efforts succeeded in halting the decline and in some parts of the continent, bear populations are now recovering. Slovakia has become somewhat of a stronghold, hosting a growing population of around 1,500 bears, with around 130 residing in the Tatras National Park. This has led to a boom in wildlife tourism in the Tatras and now, spotting brown bears in their natural habitat has never been easier. Visitors also frequently observe other native species, including wild boar, deer, marmots, and the endemic and critically endangered Tatra chamois. Those with good fortune may even observe the elusive wolf, lynx, or wildcat.

The health of the ecosystem and great biodiversity in the Tatras is predominantly down to the conservation work being carried out there. One of the organisations operating in the area is the Slovak Wildlife Society (SWS) – a non-profit that focuses on the brown bear, grey wolf, and Eurasian lynx. Established in 1998, and now an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Bear Specialist Group, the SWS’s work entails developing effective measures to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and fostering greater understanding and acceptance of native predators within the surrounding communities.

The increase in the number of brown bears in the area has naturally led to a rise in human-wildlife conflicts, with interactions occurring more frequently due to reasons such as poor storage of refuse. Rare cases in which bears display threatening behaviour are often sensationalised in the media, leading to a heightened sense of fear among the general public. The SWS responded to this situation by launching the B.E.A.R.S (Bear Education, Awareness, and Research in Slovakia) Project in 2003 (www.medvede.sk).

The B.E.A.R.S Project has been providing expert knowledge and assistance to locals in implementing non-lethal measures to prevent conflicts, including livestock-guarding dogs, electric fences, and bear-proof bins. Further, the scientific research carried out has provided authorities with a sound basis for effective management decisions, in addition to contributing information for educational purposes and awareness campaigns. In fact, the SWS has played a big role in introducing conservation to the community, helping to encourage children and young people to take an active interest in nature at “Bear Camps” and other outdoor activities, hosting photographic exhibitions, and organising seminars and workshops.

But the work of the SWS extends further than small community projects. Tourists venturing to this increasingly popular destination have the opportunity to book walking and biking tours where they can witness the bears and other wildlife amid the stunning scenery of the Carpathians.

Tourists are guided by locally based wildlife experts with decades of experience combining responsible ecotourism with conservation research. As specialists in large carnivores, the SWS guides provide guests with detailed insight into the lives of animals and the challenges they face. Visitors exploring the extensive forests, mountains, and meadows will learn about their ecology and the conflicts with human interests that threaten their long-term survival. Participants can even play an active role in conservation through helping with fieldwork, which includes measuring and recording the tracks of bears, wolves, and lynx; collecting samples for genetic analysis; and monitoring animals with trail cameras.

Tours typically last six hours and cost €90 (around 2,300Kč) per person (based on two people booking a one-day tour together). The fees go directly to fund conservation and support the SWS’s continued efforts to protect wildlife and habitats from the growing pressures of development. It is the belief of the SWS that sustainable tourism can help demonstrate to local communities the value of the natural environment around them. These efforts, combined with their intensive education work, can help change the negative perception of bears and wolves from being animals that should be feared and reviled to being animals that local people can be proud of and want to preserve.

Sustainable tourism is all the rage these days, and for good reason. The industry has committed to making a smaller impact on the environment and local culture and ensuring that development is a positive experience for surrounding communities, tourist companies, and tourists themselves. By planning a trip to the nearby Tatras and booking wildlife tours with conservation groups such as the SWS, not only can you enjoy an unforgettable vacation in glorious settings, but you’ll also be doing your own small part to help conserve some of the flora and fauna that make the natural world so wondrous.

Wildlife of the Tatras National Park

Photo by Uryadnikov Sergey / Adobe Stock

European Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)

Diet: Bears are omnivorous, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods – from grass, fruit, insects, roots and bulbs of plants to carrion.

Population: Around 130 in the Tatras National Park and surrounding areas (approximately 1,500 in Slovakia).

Life Expectancy: Maximum 30 years in the wild.

Size (adult): Height 70-150cm (at shoulder) / Weight 80-350kg

The European brown bear is one of the most common subspecies of brown bear and can be found across much of Eurasia. Large territories and a secretive lifestyle make it hard to determine their exact number, but there are estimated to be around 1,500 individuals distributed mostly across the central and northern mountains of Slovakia. Besides females with young, they usually lead a solitary life, but sometimes gather to feed at seasonally abundant food sources such as fruit trees. Bears start hibernating around November and are inactive from December to February or March, so now might be your last chance to see them this year.

Eurasian Wolf (Canis lupus lupus)

Diet: Predominantly red deer, roe deer, and wild boar. Occasionally also prey on livestock.

Population: Around 50 individuals in the Liptov region.

Life Expectancy: On average 6-8 years. Maximum 13 years.

Size (adult): Height 80-85cm / Weight 36-45kg

Native to Europe and the forest and steppe zones of the former Soviet Union, the Eurasian wolf is a subspecies of grey wolf, which can also be found in North America. The population of Eurasian wolves in Slovakia is estimated at around 400 individuals, with many of the packs forced to subsist largely on livestock and refuse in areas with dense human activity. They are a highly social animal whose basic social structure consists of a mated pair and their adult offspring. Packs are typically made up of a family of five to 11 animals, but large packs with numbers exceeding 40 wolves have been recorded in some parts of the world.

Photo by JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ / Adobe Stock

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

Diet: Mostly roe deer and brown hares, but may also take chamois, foxes, rodents, and birds.

Population: Around 15-20 in the Tatras.

Life Expectancy: Up to 14 years

Size (adult): Height 70cm / Weight 18-30kg

The Eurasian lynx is a widely distributed medium-sized wild cat that inhabits forests up to an altitude of 5,500m in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. Its range also extends to Central Asia and Siberia, the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. With an estimated global population of 10,000, approximately 200-300 Eurasian lynx prowl the mixed forests of Central and East Slovakia. These stealthy felines are incredibly secretive and their quiet nature has caused their presence in an area to go unnoticed by humans for years.

Tatra Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica)

Diet: Mainly grass, herbs, and leaves in summer, plus sprouts and bark of trees as well as lichens in winter.

Population: 1,300-1,400

Life Expectancy: Up to 15-17 years

Size (adult): Height 70-80cm / Weight 25-45kg

The critically endangered Tatra chamois is a subspecies of Alpine chamois and inhabits all parts of the Tatras. They are protected by the national parks in both Poland and Slovakia. From 1999-2000, populations of these slender bovids dropped below 200 individuals, but a five-year programme initiated in 2001 to save them has since seen the species recover. Today, the population stands between 1,300 and 1,400 individuals, which are the highest numbers of Tatra chamois in recorded history. They tend to frequent alpine meadows, cliffs, and boulder fields above the treeline at 1,700m.

Leigh Woods

November 10, 2020

Animals, Birds, Conservation, Nature, Wildlife

10 Awesome Animals on the Brink of Extinction

Leigh Woods

November 10, 2020

Animals, Birds, Conservation, Nature, Wildlife

Human beings won the evolutionary race so long ago that it’s almost hard to believe any genuine competition as the world’s most dominant species ever existed. As self-appointed custodians of the beautiful planet we inhabit, it is our duty to look after the welfare of all species that call the Earth home.

The term “social responsibility” is one that I hear almost on a day-to-day basis. Most who embrace this ethos consider the positive impact they can contribute to human society, but many forget about the flora and fauna that play a pivotal role in balancing the delicate ecosystems our lives depend upon.

In 2020, it is fairly common knowledge that the human race depends heavily on nature. Despite this, our rainforests are being cut down at an alarming rate, carbon emissions are melting sea ice, and plastic and other harmful waste is being dumped into the oceans, in some cases literally choking marine life to death. These are just a few of the terrible consequences of irresponsible human activity.

While scientists warn that our destructive and unsustainable practices will eventually come back to haunt us, the effects of our actions are already proving to be catastrophic to many other species. The vast majority of people already know about the plight of iconic animals such as the tiger, orangutan, and Asian elephant, but this article serves to bring attention to some of the lesser-known species threatened with extinction.

Kakapo

The only parrot incapable of flight, the Kakapao was once widespread on all three main islands of New Zealand and at one time was considered the third most numerous of all species residing in the Oceanian nation. However, since human settlement, the Kakapao population has plummeted to around only 126 birds, making them extremely susceptible to extinction. The ground-dwelling birds were once hunted for food and their feathers which were turned into cloaks, but recent conservation efforts have helped them to become a protected species.

Baiji

Also known as the Chinese River Dolphin, the Baiji is a functionally extinct species of freshwater cetacean. As China began to industrialize, their population declined emphatically due to factors such as fishing, transportation and hydroelectricity. The last know living Baiji was spotted back in 2002, but after a number of unofficial sightings including a video tape caught by a Chinese man in 2007, it has been somewhat tentatively confirmed that there may be up to 20 individuals still living somewhere in the Yangtze River.

Amur Leopard

With an estimated figure of only 57 individuals prowling the southeastern regions of Russia between Vladivostok and the Chinese border, the Amur Leopard is the rarest big cat on the planet. Threats to these critically endangered felines include poaching, forest fires, encroaching civilization, and habitat loss. Due to their alarmingly small population, they are also at risk from inbreeding depression.

Javan Rhinoceros

As one of the most recognizable species on the planet, most, if not all know of the rhinoceros. The more zoologically curious will probably also be aware of the black and white rhino that reside in sub-Saharan Africa, both of which are endangered. What many don’t realize, however, is that three other species walk the grasslands, forests and swamps of southeast Asia. The trio are severely threatened with extinction, but none more so than the Javan Rhinoceros. They are continuously poached for their horns which can reach as much as $30,000 per kilo on the black market. Sadly, it is estimated that only 56-68 individuals remain in the wild today.

Cross-river Gorilla

Estimated at between 200-300 individuals, the Cross-river Gorilla is very similar in appearance to the Western Lowland Gorilla. They live in a region heavily populated by humans around the borders of Cameroon and Nigeria. The large ape’s low numbers are due to deforestation for timber and clearing space for agriculture and livestock. Human encroachment plays another crucial factor in their survival, with individuals being highly vulnerable to the diseases and viruses that we carry.

Giant Ibis

By far the largest of the world’s ibises, the Giant Ibis is considered critically endangered on the IUCN Red List with less than 100 pairs left in the wild. Primary causes include clear-cutting of forests for rubber plantations and drainage of wetlands for cultivation. Human warfare and local droughts - possibly in relation to global climate change - have severely compromised the behavior and breeding habitats of the Giant Ibis in Cambodia, Laos and possibly Vietnam.

Leatherback Sea Turtle

On a global scale Leatherback Sea Turtles are considered vulnerable, but there are many sub-populations which are critically endangered. The largest of all sea turtle species, Leatherbacks are also one of the most migratory. Despite their wide distribution, Leatherback numbers have diminished in the past century owing to irresponsible human activities. This includes intense egg collection, entanglement in lobster pot ropes, bycatch, and physical and chemical pollution. Many Leatherbacks also die from malabsorption and intestinal blockage whilst ingesting plastic bags they mistake for their jellyfish prey.

Saola

Often referred to as the “Asian Unicorn”, Saola are so rare and elusive that they have only been categorically documented by scientists in the wild on four separate occasions. Their restrictive habitat in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos and aversion to human proximity make the Saola highly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation. Closely related to bovines, goats, and antelopes the species also suffer losses through illegal hunting for their meat and fur. Only discovered in 1992, it is not yet known exactly how many Saola exist, but the species is widely considered to be critically endangered.

Chinese Giant Salamander

Giant Chinese Salamander / Photo: Shutterstock

Of all the animal classes, Amphibians are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and therefore the greatest indicators of the health of the surrounding environment. The Chinese Giant Salamander was once widely distributed across China, but human interventions such as over-hunting for food and medicine, destruction of habitat, and global warming have all contributed to their downfall. Most Chinese Giant Salamanders stop feeding at water temperatures in excess of 20 °C and with rates rapidly rising, it may well spell the demise of the world’s largest amphibian.

Vaquita

Only discovered in 1958, the Vaquita is a tiny porpoise considered to be the world’s rarest marine mammal. Almost 60 years after the first sighting, the species is now on the brink of extinction with only 30 individuals swimming off the coasts of the northern regions of the Gulf of California. Their plight is mostly down to illegal fishing operations, with many individuals caught and drowned in gillnets. Unfortunately, the future of the Vaquita looks very bleak.

This article was originally published by Youth Time International Magazine on 20.12.2017