Wildlife Extinction - A Great Disaster to Mankind

by BioDivLibrary

What does life mean to you? Have you ever asked questioned yourself about treasuring wildlife? Saving wildlife has to be the core purpose of every man. Why? because animal population is melting from the earth at an unbelievable rate. But there is a reason for us to smile because even amidst such exigency organizations like WWF are creating a better life for wild animals every day. We have to save wildlife because they inspire us and make mother earth a healthy planet for us to dwell. It is extremely important for us to harp on such ideas.

The United States havens a diverse variety of landscapes from polar ice to semi tropical jungles, from wind-blown prairies to temperate rainforests, from alpine peaks to deserts and coral reefs. Wondrous and diverse wildlife continue to still boom in the country which includes bald eagle, moose, musk ox, caribou, elk, wolverine, bison, grizzly bear, mountain lion, polar bear, and wolf. Thousands of species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds also live here. Wildlife can be practically found in all ecosystems. Victimization of wild population has remained a feature of modern man since our exodus from Africa. Actually the rate of extinction has been so drastic in the last few hundred years that it is widely considered that we are in the sixth great extinction event on this planet; the Holocene Mass Extinction. It is painstaking to note that 875 extinctions have occurred between 1500 and 2009. Why do these extinctions happen and how do they happen? Let's try and answer these questions in order to get to the core of this issue. The two main theories to extinction are climate change and human hunting.

Some of the other factors are Deforestation, genetic drift, over-exploitation, diseases, natural disasters, Human impact, and pollution.

Extinction can happen because of a number of reasons. The planet is completely evolving and the habitats are changing constantly. If this is a natural phenomenon then that's not a cause of worry but if the changes are induced drastically, then it becomes a cause of worry. The worst part is that we human beings are the primary forces of destruction. We are catalysing the process because almost every region of the earth is influenced by human activity. We are the reason for the loss of microbes in soil which support the tropical forests and we have induced water pollution because of which aquatic life has been destructed and the changes in the global climate has been brought about by us by releasing green house gases and thereby depleting the ozone layer.

Do we even know the path of a dying species? When we listen to the term extinction, most of us usually think of the quandary of the rhino, tiger, panda or blue whale. But these sad sagas are only small pieces of the extinction puzzle. The overall picture is terrifying. From what we know so far five great extinction periods have reshaped this earth with each extinction leading to the end of 95 percent of the lives including the dominant life forms. The most unforgettable event was the extinction of the dinosaurs. Some of the ten most endangered species are the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, Amur Leopard, Javan Rhinoceros, Greater Bamboo Lemur, Northern Right Whale, Western Lowland Gorilla, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Siberian Tiger, Chinese Giant Salamander, and Kakapo Parrot.

What we don't realize here is that it will take at least another 5 million years to rebuild the biodiversity that we destroy in this century. The dying species are of large economic value. Most Americans watch wildlife more than they watch movies or sports. Eco-tourism generates revenue of 500 billion per year. Programs about wildlife are aired on various networks such as Verizon FiOS TV.

It's time to stand up and lend a helping hand to protect wildlife habitat. Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.!

Tina is a writer and she has a passion for wildlife conservation. During my free times, I love to munch cookies watching my favorite programs on Verizon FiOS TV.

Extinct In Our Lifetime: 11 Species We Have Lost Forever

by twesener

Sometimes we forget how interwoven humans are to nature and how our decisions have a ripple effect on all living creatures. It is heartbreaking to see some of the beautiful creatures weve lost recently in just the last 40 years. The question is what you can do to prevent more extinctions.

Javan Tiger (1979)

Similar in appearance to the Sumatran tiger, the Javan tiger was native to the Indonesian island of Java. In the 1800s they were so common they were considered pests by island natives, but as the island was developed their population dwindled. By the 1950s, only 20 tigers remained.

Cause of extinction: Loss of habitat and agricultural development led to severe population decline. Conservation efforts in the 1940s and 50s were unsuccessful due to a lack of adequate land and planning.

Golden Toad (1989)

The golden toad is not the only species to disappear in the past 40 years, but it might just be the brightest. This fluorescent amphibian was found in the high-altitude ridges of Costa Rica.

Causes of extinction: pollution, global warming and fungal skin infections, the species became extinct in 1989.

Zanzibar Leopard (1996)

One of several subspecies of leopard, the Zanzibar leopard made its home on the Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania. Its still unclear whether this large cat is technically extinct there are occasional unconfirmed sightings.

Cause of extinction: Locals believed the leopards were kept by witches, and aggressively hunted them. The animals were seen as evil predators that must be exterminated and even the government was in on the campaign. In the mid-90s there was a short-lived conservation effort but it was deemed too little, too late.

Poouli (2004)

A native of Maui, Hawaii, the Poouli, or Black-faced Honeycreeper, was only discovered in the 1970s. The birds inhabited the southwestern slope of Haleakala volcano. But the population declined rapidly, and by 1997 there were only three known Poouli left. Efforts to mate the remaining birds failed and the species was formally declared extinct seven years later.

Cause of extinction: Habitat loss, along with disease, predators and a decline in its food source native tree snails are all seen as reasons for the birds demise.

Madeiran Large White (2007

The stunning Madeiran Large White butterfly was found in the valleys of the Laurisilva forests on Portugals Madeira Islands. The butterflys closest relative, the Large White, is common across Europe, Africa and Asia.

Cause of extinction: Loss of habitat due to construction as well as pollution from agricultural fertilizers are two major causes of the species decline.

Tecopa Pupfish (1982)

The Tecopa pupfish, a native of the hot springs of the Mojave Desert, has the distinction of being the first animal declared extinct under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

causes of extinction: The pupfishs decline was precipitated when its natural habitat was encroached upon by developers.
Cause of extinction: Destruction of natural habitat

Pyrenean Ibex (2000)

The last Pyrenean ibex died in 2000. However, a cloned ibex, created from skin samples taken from the last Pyrenean ibex, was birthed in 2009. It died shortly after birth from lung complications.

Cause of extinction: Hunting of the ibex had caused the animals numbers to seriously dwindle and conservationists blame the Spanish government for failing to act in time to save it.

West African Black Rhinoceros (2006)

The majestic West African black rhino was declared extinct in 2006, after conservationists failed to find any in their last remaining habitat in Cameroon. The West African black rhino was one of four subspecies of rhinoceros.

Cause of extinction: Poachers hunted the rhino for its horn, which is believed by some in Yemen and China to possess aphrodisiacal powers.

Spixs Macaw (2004)

Spixs Macaw, also called the Little Blue Macaw, was known for its beautiful blue feathers. While some still exist in captivity, these tiny blue birds are extinct in the wild.
Cause of extinction: Habitat destruction and illegal trapping and trade contributed to the macaws dwindling numbers.

Round Island Burrowing Boa (1975)

Native to Round Island, a tiny island off the coast of Mauritius, the Round Island Burrowing Boa preferred to live on the topsoil layers of volcanic slopes. It was once found on several other islands around Mauritius, but its population had dwindled by the 1940s, and it could only be found on Round Island after 1949. It was last seen in 1975.

Cause of extinction: The introduction of non-native species of rabbits and goats to the island destroyed vegetation and upset the boas habitat.

Dutch Alcon Blue Butterfly (1979)

This Dutch butterfly a subspecies of the Alcon Blue was found mainly in the grasslands of The Netherlands. While closely related species (pictured here) still exist in parts of Europe and Asia, the last Dutch Alcon Blue was seen in the wild in 1979.

Cause of extinction: Increases in farming and building had a negative impact on the Alcon Blues habitat and caused it to lose its main food source.

When will we understand that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we must work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We must do so through science, law and creative media. We must focus on protecting the lands; waters and climate that species need to survive.

The biggest question we must ask is do we want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive? All of these animals have become extinction largely because of mans influence on nature through industrialization, hunting, illegal trade and carelessness. It must stop.

Ian McCoy
Author
The fastest growing environmental news service on the internet
www.just4theplanet.com

Will Gorillas Become Extinct

by BioDivLibrary

Gorillas are large, quiet, gentle apes that can be found in Africa. Although gorillas are sometimes portrayed as out of control, they are in fact vegetarians. Because of unbelievable reduction in habitat, these beautiful primates are in great danger of going extinct.

There are 3 subspecies of gorillas living in parts of Africa. The differences between them are hard to spot, the 3 subspecies are.

· Western Lowland Gorilla (gorilla gorilla)

· Eastern Lowland Gorilla (gorilla graueri)

· Mountain Gorilla (gorilla berengei)

As with many differences between animal species the differences between the mountain and lowland gorilla are the result of their changing to the surroundings they live in, the high altitude of the mountain gorilla necessitate longer body hair for added warmth, higher foreheads, larger nostrils to aid more effective breathing at high altitudes, broader chests to enclose the larger lungs, they also have shorter arms, shorter, wider hands and feet possibly as a result there being less dense forest at the higher altitude.

Extensive efforts have been made to attempt to ensure the continued survival of the gorilla in the wild but the loss of habitat and poaching is a cause of grave concern, gorilla numbers are only approximate but the 3 species have only 15,000 - 30,000 animals left.

The breakdown between species is along the lines of

Western gorillas- A total of approximately 10,000-25,000 in Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, and Zaire .

Eastern gorillas - A total of approximately 4,000, in eastern Zaire.

Mountain gorillas - A total of approximately 620 in 285, and in danger of becoming less, square miles in the rain forests of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire.

Gorillas are social animals in as much as they live in social groups of 3-30, in a typical group you will find one dominant mature silverback and he is the alpha male of the group, there are 3-4 adult females, an immature silverback, one immature male and three to six youngsters under 8 years old.

To reduce fighting within the group the males usually leave after sexual maturity and start their own group, although from time to time a challenge is made to the silverback alpha male for dominance of the group, this can lead to one of the gorillas being forced out of the group.

The gorillas only predator is us, this should be good news as you would think that we would say to ourselves lets protect these amazing animals and help them survive but the problem is we are destroying the habitat they are living in and poachers are destroying them too.
Some dedicated groups are attempting to help halt this, money is the main driver behind the clearance of the habitats, so using the land for echo tourism is a great way to convince the local people to preserve the land and animals that live on it.

What eco tourism aims to do is allow people to see the gorillas and other animals in their own habitat and educate and inspire these people to spread the word about the amazing experience and the danger these gorillas are in.

Sean Cravenplan works with Volcanoes safaris, we specialise in organising gorilla safaris great trips you will remember forever.

Polar Bears Versus Extinction - Humanity's Effort to Save a Species

by leeno

The Arctic is a vast, ice-covered sea surrounded by treeless, frozen tundra teeming with wildlife - including organisms living in the ice, fish and marine mammals, birds, land animals, and human societies. And, for thousands of years before the presence of humans, the polar bear reigned as the highest predator in the food chain of the frozen Arctic.

Threats of Hunting and Melting Sea Ice

Today, there is an effort underway to place the polar bear on the Endangered Species list. In July 2006, the House of the United States voted on and approved a U.S.-Russia treaty to protect polar bears from over hunting by native populations and creates a commission to study the loss of Arctic sea ice. Due to melting sea ice - polar bears sometimes drown swimming the increased distance between ice islands as they search for food.

This treaty was prompted by dwindling numbers of polar bears. The World Conservation Union (WCU) of Switzerland estimates the number of Arctic polar bears has decreased from 25,000 to 20,000. It is estimated that 15,000 polar bears live in Greenland and Norway - while 5,000 live in Alaska, Russia and Canada. Documentation of a defrosting Arctic came in 2004 in the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA). The ACIA was an unprecedented four-year study by an international team of 300 scientists.

Support for polar bears being listed as endangered made headlines when three groups took legal action in 2005. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Center for Biological Diversity, and Greenpeace, filed suit in U.S. courts to prompt placement of polar bears on the Endangered Species list.

Eating High on the Food Chain

Bioassays of the Arctic's wildlife and people have verified the presence of high levels of toxins.

Today, the Arctic's indigenous people and predator animals are considered some of the most chemically contaminated life forms on our planet.

Due to location, polar bears and indigenous people eat animals high on the food chain. By doing so - they ingest chemicals that are concentrated in the fat of animals such as seals, whales, walruses, and other animals.
Beluga whales, for instance, serve as a food source for polar bears and indigenous people of the Arctic. While Arctic natives have their long established methods and rituals for hunting whales, polar bears have evolved their own unique methods for capturing beluga whales.

Arctic beluga whales have food in abundance. However, when the Arctic freezes - the whales need to surface every ten to twenty minutes to breathe. Over millions of years, whale pods have developed ways for keeping breathing holes open in the ice. By swimming in a continuous vertical circle to the surface - the whales prevent ice from forming in their breathing hole. When the hole is large - many whales may surface for air at the same time. However, as thickening ice and extreme subzero temperatures reduce the size of the hole - the whales organize themselves to take turns. Eventually, as the long Arctic winter sets in, and the whales become stressed and tired - an opportunity for the polar bear presents itself.

Polar bears wait along the edge of the air hole; when a whale surfaces, the bears leap in and slash the whale with their long sharp claws. Eventually, the weakest and most injured of the whales will succumb and die in the air hole, giving the polar bears a substantial feast.

Even though beluga whale blubber is a high-energy source - it also contains about 80 parts per million (ppm) of the PCB chemical. By contrast - most people have less than 1 ppm. In 1987, high levels of PCBs were found in the milk of nursing Inuit mothers. This discovery caused international concern and raised awareness of the migration of toxic chemicals by ocean currents, sea life, and atmospheric deposition.

The International Threat of Chemicals

Since the Arctic is a region of international interest and overlapping ecosystems, a group known as the Arctic Council was formed. The Arctic Council is composed of members from Iceland; Canada; Denmark; Russia; Sweden; the United States, and Norway.

Studies released in 2004 by the Arctic Council report that "legacy contaminants" such as PCBs and DDT are the dominant chemicals found in Arctic wildlife. DDT and PCB's are considered some of the world's most toxic contaminants. Other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) found in Arctic wildlife and indigenous people include dioxin, PBDEs (flame retardants), and PFOS (stain repellent chemicals).

Flame retardants are found in consumer products such as fabrics, computers, and certain building materials, while stain repellents are found in consumer products such as fabrics used for clothing, furniture and automobile seats.

A paragraph in one study states:
"Environmental contaminants such as persistent organ pollutants (POP) pose an additional area of increased concern for polar bears. Recent documentation of baseline contaminant levels in the circumpolar environment and in key species has dramatically expanded the knowledge of regional presence and levels of these pollutants over the past 10 years. Polar bears, as an apical predator, tend to amplify the bioaccumulation of organochlorine compounds, and are a perfect candidate for studies in evaluating trends. We now know that polar bears inhabiting certain areas of the Arctic exhibit elevated levels of organochlorines, particularly PCB's (poly chlorinated biphenyls) while populations inhabiting other areas have lower levels. Laboratory experiments involving elevated levels of organochlorines have been associated with a range of effects including neurological, reproductive, and immunological changes. Studies continue to evaluate the effect of persistent organic pollutants on essential life functions of polar bears and other marine animals with an emphasis on evaluating immune and hormonal systems."

International Efforts and Action

1. In May 2004, 151 countries signed the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This international treaty plans to phase out use of 12 of the world's most dangerous persistent organic chemicals as-soon-as-possible.

2. In an ongoing basis - the Arctic Council is assessing the socioeconomic, human health, and environmental impacts of polluting chemicals, including oil and gas development and expected increased shipping as a result of Arctic sea melt.

3. The Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans is assessing the presence and dangers of toxic chemicals in the Arctic wildlife and human populations.

4. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is considering placement of polar bears on the Endangered Species list.

5. On 11 July 2006, the United Nations (UNEP) launched a two-year scientific expedition to probe Arctic climate change.

William E. Marks http://www.watervoices.com

Water researcher/speaker since 1970; Editor/Publisher of Water Voices from Around The World (October 2007) - a new tabletop book created in conjunction with the United Nations' decade of water project – contains 400 color photos and over 100 articles; recipient of many awards; founder/owner (14 years) of a State-Certified water testing lab; founder of environmental research institute (17 years); in college had major polluting industry indicted by grand jury in precedent-setting case under the Refuse Act; lived outside for 2 years while traversing 7,000 miles across America from coast-to-coast on horseback for his RIDE FOR NATURE project; founding publisher Martha's Vineyard Magazine and Nantucket Magazine; author: The Holy Order of Water, Healing Earth's Waters and Ourselves; author: "The History of Wind Power on Martha's Vineyard"; Martha's Vineyard's only official elected to serve on the Board of Massachusetts Assoc. of Conservation (MACC) for saving wetlands in over 300 communities statewide.

Bringing Back Glory to Rhinos from the Brink of Extinction

by BioDivLibrary

The only way to save a rhinoceros is to save the environment in which it lives, because there's a mutual dependency between it and millions of other species of both animals and plants. This is a famous quote by David Attenborough. Such is the sad plight of rhinos which are fast disappearing away to a land of nowhere. The odd-toed ungulates need a place on earth for their survival. With the level of atrocities human beings have committed in the past few years, their number is dropping down at an alarming rate. Little do we realize the effects of such deeds. You might get to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures only in zoos if hunting and deforestation persists.

These magnificent creatures once dominated the earth in Europe, Asia and Africa. During ancient history, they wandered in the African savannas and the tropical forests of Asia. This is depicted by early Europeans in their cave paintings. Prominently known for their thick skin and long horns, they are one of the five surviving species in the family Rhinocerotidae. Out of the five surviving species, the Javan Rhinoceros, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Black Rhinoceros are on the brink of extinction. The other surviving species are the white rhinos and the Indian rhinos. They are animals with hoofs but again their number of toes is reduced. The bulk of their weight is balanced using the middle toe present in each foot. Rhinoceroses are extremely large and very thick skinned. They are capable of growing up to 3 and a half feet to 6 and half feet tall at the shoulder. They are extremely heavy and can weigh between 1 to 2 tonns.

There is a saying that goes,” For an actress to be a success, she must have the face of a Venus, the brains of a Minerva, the grace of Terpsichore, the memory of a MaCaulay, the figure of Juno, and the hide of a rhinoceros.” Yes that is very much true.

The most interesting aspect of the skin is that it is around 1.5 to 5 centimeters thick. It protects the rhinos against thorns and sharp grasses. The skin also shelters a lot of external parasites such as crabs. But their brain is much smaller when compared to their Brobdingnagian size. The brain of a rhino weighs only about 400 - 600 grams.

Do you know the key reason why they are hunted? Yes! It’s for their horns. To be precise, the horn of the rhino is not actually a real horn but thick matted hair. It is all because of Keratin which is found in the hair and finger nails of human beings. These horns continue to grow throughout their lives until they die. The longest rhino horn in record so far is around five feet long. Wow! Unbelievable isn’t it? People kill them for their horns which are sold in black markets. Some people believe that these horns have a medicinal value and can cure fevers. They also have ornamental values.

In spite of their horrendous size, rhinos are animals which feed on only plants and vegetation. So they are actually herbivores. They do not have teeth at the front of their mouths. They use their premolar and molar teeth to grind their food. They never approach human beings. It might happen occasionally when they are triggered to aggression. However it is very easy to elude these creatures as their eyesight is poorly developed. They are incapable of making targeted attacks. However they do have a very well sense of smell and hearing capability. I have watched a couple of streaming videos of these astounding creatures on xfinity internet. Actually to be honest, we human beings are their only threat. But thanks to their rescuers who have made this earth a better place for these wondrous creations of God.

I am a freelancer. I have a passion for wild animals like rhinos and I love to write about them. In my past time, I research on how to bring about security for both wild animals and humans by reading a lot of articles about wild animals on my Xfinity Internet.

Go for Gorilla trekking Before They Go Extinct

Uganda and Rwanda are known for gorillas which are about to become extinct. A huge damage to their population was done during the civil strife that gripped the region in the early part of the 1990s – there was no safety cover that could protect gorillas from poachers. There were nearly 700 gorillas in 2002 which has been reduced to 260 in 2008. The curiosity to see the endangered gorillas forces travelers from around the world to come and know the close ancestors of human from close – they share 97% genetic material with human beings.

Increasing Popularity of Gorilla Trekking

The ORTPN Park is known to have rare Giant primates or the Legendary Mountain Gorillas in Africa. Travelers who do Safari at the park can have an opportunity to see these gorillas; however, a major problem is that the creature does not often come out and it depends a lot upon the time and luck that a traveler can have a view of them. Generally, gorillas come out when they are hungry and that too at the nearest food.

The endangered gorillas are also found in Africa’s Virunga Volcanoes Mountains. Another species that attracts travelers is Golden Monkey which is found in Thousand Hills. The subspecies of blue monkey, Golden Monkey are common sites in the bamboo forests of the volcanic mountain chain that is spread in the parts of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwenzori trekking

Rwenzori Trekking offers exciting adventurous traveling experience to travelers with its terrain and wildlife. Also called the Mountains of the Moon, Rwenzori Mountains are a mountain range of central Africa.

Located between Uganda and the DRC, the mountain has an height of 5,109 m. Most of the time, the peaks of Rwenzori Mountain are snow-capped which can be considered ideal for mountaineering and trekking. Travelers from far countries come to expedite the tough terrain and feel victorious after reaching atop the hill.

The range of mountain has diverse flora and fauna that attract travelers and enchant them a lot. Vegetation, ranging from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows to snow can be considered a major attraction; such diversity is unparallel and unfound anywhere in the world. Nonetheless, the animals found in the range of mountain can be considered exquisite ones. Animals ranging from forest elephants to giant heathers to senecios and lobelias, etc. amongst others can be seen anytime at these mountains.

Uganda Safari at Safaritoeastafrica.com, offers Uganda Tours , Rwanda tours, Uganda safari, destination Jungle, Vacations to Uganda, Gorilla Trekking and rwenzori trekking.

Find More Extinct Animals Articles

Ecuadorian "no drill" deal and near extinct toads

by BioDivLibrary

Between April and July 1987 over 1500 adult Golden Toads were counted within a small area in the Monteverde Cloudforest region of Northern Costa Rica. The following year barely 10 Golden Toads were counted and on the 15 May 1989 the last Golden Toad ever to be seen was recorded. No one is really sure what has happened to this, now, emblematic animal. One theory is that a particularly harsh El Niño year in 1987 dried up the ponds where the eggs were spawned resulting in very few tadpoles and affecting the adult toads. Another theory is that the toads have gone underground until a time when the climate may return to a more agreeable state for them. Numerous species of toads and frogs have also fallen to a fungal infection, chyrtridiomycosis, which has been spreading further and further, in particular creeping south in Central America. The only certainty is that no member of the Golden Toad has been seen in over 21 years and the species was officially declared extinct by the IUCN in 2004.

But hope is not lost. A team from the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group has just embarked on a massive amphibian search in 14 countries. Every species they are looking for has not been seen in years and many are thought to be extinct, including the Golden Toad of Monteverde. Amphibians are an important indicator of the health of the environment and any discovery of these disappeared species would be a great indication of hope.

The Ecuadorian government has signed a historic deal to not drill for oil in the Yasuni National Park, the ancestral home of the Huaorani indigenous people.
 
The Ecuadorian Amazon has very rich oils reserves.

It is estimated that under the Yasuni National Park lies around 900 million barrels of crude. Yasuni, covering 2.5 million acres of primary tropical forest is also a remote part of the Amazon, is an area of extreme biodiversity with what is thought to be the highest density of trees and insects in the world. It is also the ancestral home of the Huaorani people, an indigenous group that had virtually no contact with the outside world until the arrival of missionaries in the late 1950s.
 
The deal brokered by the UNDP has lead to the creation of a trust fund into which foreign governments will place money to compensate Ecuador for the loss of revenue from not exploiting the oil reserves under the National Park. France, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Spain are amongst the countries that have already committed to the scheme pledging, collectively, GB£1.1 billion, about half of  the amount the Ecuadorian government is asking for.
 
Oil prospecting and extraction is the single greatest threat to the rich biodiversity of the area and to the traditional way of life of the Huaorani people. Not only will this deal help protect the National Park and its inhabitants, but will also, hopefully, prevent some 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere. This could be a precursor to similar schemes in other countries including Guatemala, Vietnam and Nigeria.

Steppes Travel specialise in holidays to Peru, China holidays and South Africa safari.

Sanci Paat ? An Almost Extinct Writing Craft Saved

by BioDivLibrary

Vishnuram Handique from Assam, India is the saviour of a traditional knowledge and technique of making writing materials. This old version of paper called "Sanci Paat" is made up of the inner bark of the Agar or Aloe tree. Vishnuram accidently got some manuscripts describing how the Sanci Paat writing material is made. He was not aware of the content information until one day he decided to read the manuscripts and by chance he knew Brajaboli, the language in which the manuscript was written. Vishnuram showed interest in trying out this age old technique of making paper. He did a lot of experiments and finally succeeded in making the Sanci Paat.

The paper is linked with the Assamese cultural heritage and it was used by the monarchs for issuing sermons and diktats. These papers were also used by the saints and priests for writing down scriptures. These saints used to say that the use of Agar tree made papers are coming from time since immemorial and have great religious importance.

Process of preparing Sanci Paat

The process of making the paper first involve dipping the Agar bark in water for a day and then it is taken out for drying during night as the daylight cramps the bark edges. The bark pieces are pressed under the wooden press for 2-3 days and again the pieces are wetted and dried. The barks surface are then painted with an organic dye locally called "Hengool" and is not used for next 15 days after which the edges of the bark pieces are painted and it is done by using another organic dye called "haital". After 2-3 days the bark becomes ready for writing. First a proper shape is given to the bark layers by cutting them into a definite size.

Writing on these leaves is done using pointed material and then they are rubbed so that the lines get visible.

The Paat is susceptible of cracking on the edges and so it tried at the centre. The way of preparation makes Paat resistant to insects and gives it a long life.

Recognition for the Effort

National Innovation Foundation, India (NIF) has recognised the efforts of Vishnuram in protecting this almost extinct technique of paper making and writing on it and it has awarded him with special honour in its biennial national competition for unaided green grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge.

Ashish Kumar is a student at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He likes to write articles on grassroots innovations and other related topics.

To know the story of "Sanci Paat" in deatil, please visit

http://www.nif.org.in/?q=dying_craft