Ecosystems
View allAll Photos Tagged ECOSYSTEMS
More and more wanted in our fragile Ecosystem.
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Dear friends,
unfortunately, I didn't have much time for Flickr lately.
...My thoughts and wishes go to the people in regions hit by a horrible heatwave lately ( North America) and the regions in my country (North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate),
parts of Benelux Union, Denmark and Austria ,
hit by a devastating flood disaster some days ago..Fingers crossed.
From tomorrow on, I will be away now for about 10 days.
Many thanks for your kind visits and comments.
Looking forward to watch your lovely images after may return.
Wishing you a safe and happy weekend.
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Ein Traum von einer Wildblumenwiese
Mehr und mehr gewünscht und praktiziert für unser fragiles Ökosystem.
Liebe Flickr Freunde,
Meine Gedanken und mein Mitgefühl gehen zu den Menschen ,
die kürzlich von einer extremen Hitzewelle (Nordamerika) heimgesucht wurden und den Opfern und ihren Angehörigen in den Gegenden von Deutschland (Nordrhein-Westfalen und Rheinland-Pfalz), Teilen der Benelux-Staaten und Österreich, die von einer fürchterlichen Flutkatastrophe überrascht wurden. Viele stehen schlichtweg vor dem Nichts...
Leider hatte ich kürzlich wenig Zeit für Flickr und werde nun ab heute für ca. 10 Tage abwesend sein.
Ich freue mich auf Eure neuen Bilder nach meiner Rückkehr.
Danke für Euern Besuch und Eure Kommentare.
Auf bald.
•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*¨*•.•*¨*•♫♪•*¨*•♫♪¸¸•♫♪•*¨*•♫♪¸¸*¨**
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
Music:
"Repeat" by CHRIS COMBETTE, in 'Les Enfants de Gorée' (2010)
open.spotify.com/track/5ErThqPZNKTeyITR3fYNL9?si=hRygwwzP...
A rainforest is an area of tall, mostly evergreen trees and a high amount of rainfall. Rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years. They are incredibly diverse and complex, home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species—even though they cover just 6% of Earth’s surface. This makes rainforests astoundingly dense with flora and fauna. Rainforests’ rich biodiversity is incredibly important to our well-being and the well-being of our planet.
Native Cockroach (Balta family, poss B. epilamproides)
Our native Cockroaches are not like regular indoor Cockroaches. They are a valuable part of the ecosystem, and do not venture into homes.This is the first I have seen and photographed. I was amazed by its 'lacy' wings.
Happy Wing Wednesday!
Spring of the Pita River.
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In a biogeographic definition, paramo is any intertropical mountain ecosystem, characterized by shrubby vegetation that generally occurs from altitudes of about 3,000 to 4,000 meters or up to 5,000 meters, that is, in regions above the forest line. continuous but still below the permanent snow line. It is found in East Africa, New Guinea, and Central and South America. However, since in each of these regions this ecosystem has a specific name, when discussing Paramos, we refer specifically to Andean Paramos.
In this strict sense of the term, all Paramos are located in the neotropical zone, mainly in northwestern South America, present in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. The ecosystem occupies over 30,000 km² of South America and represents 7% of Ecuador's territory. In absolute terms, Colombia is home to 50% of the extent of Paramos (in its three branches of the Andes) and the largest Paramo in the world (Sumapaz).
Paramos' climate is characterized by wide daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity. In general, cold and humid, can undergo a sudden and drastic change in which temperatures fluctuate from below freezing to 30 ° C plus in a daily freeze-thaw cycle. High altitude in tropical locations produces a special, cold, low air density atmosphere that allows for greater dispersion of ultraviolet radiation (light and heat). This climate can be summed up in the phrase "winter every night and summer every day."
In Paramo ecosystems, soils are generally recent, of glacial and volcanic origin, and many are still in formation. Its structure is a combination of organic material that decomposes very slowly in cold weather with volcanic ash. They usually have low pH (acidity) because of the abundance of moisture and high content of organic matter. These characteristics contribute to soil water retention, which in turn is the basis of an essential environmental service: the constant storage and distribution of clean water to lower places.
The largest and most known area is the Páramo grass, which covers large areas of the mountain ranges. It extends from approximately 3,500 to 4,100 m in height, and is mainly composed of grasses and small shrubs.
this young eagle is looking at an adult at the other side of a floodplain in Enonkishu Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem, Kenya
Haliaeetus vocifer
Afrikaanse Zeearend
Pygargue vocifer
Schreiseeadler
Pigargo Vocinglero
Aquila pescatrice africana
pigargo-africano
Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.
All rights reserved.
Fons Buts©2025
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission.
Paracas National Reserve - Perù 20221118
The Paracas National Reserve is a Peruvian protected area that protects desert and marine ecosystems for their conservation and sustainable use. Within the reserve there are also archaeological remains of the Paracas culture.
The reserve is located in the region of Ica, 250 km south of Lima and a few kilometres from the city of Pisco. It covers an area of 335,000 hectares, 65% of which correspond to marine ecosystems. The maximum altitude of the reserve is 786 metres.[3]
The reserve includes coastal geographical elements such as: the Paracas Peninsula, Independencia Bay, San Gallán Island and Paracas Bay.
Zerene Stacker 120 subs. Two speed lights - snoot to the right and reflector bowl with grid about 30 degrees off-axis to left. The shell is 2.25 inches in greatest dimension.
We found this beautiful shell several years ago in Myakka State Park, which consists mostly of a freshwater marsh. My semi-educated guess is that this is an Apple Snail shell. The Florida apple snail is 2-3 inches in size, consistent with this specimen of 2.25 inches. There are four exotic species that are highly invasive, and are now widespread throughout freshwater ecosystems in Florida. They were introduced in the 1980s through the aquarium trade.
This male had been in a fight with the male in the image
" Lions, a mating pair " shown in the first comment box and posted 2 weeks ago. This one was lost the fight and had some injuries, mainly on his back.
During the 3 days that I was in the area he kept on following the mating couple
Lemek Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem , Kenya
Many thanks for your views, favorites and supportive comments.
All rights reserved. Fons Buts©2024
My photos may not be used on websites, blogs or in any other media without my written and explicit permission
Amid the misty embrace of Cameron Highlands, this striking bird perches on a moss-laden branch, a silent sentinel of its pristine montane forest habitat. The rich biodiversity of this region provides a sanctuary for countless species, showcasing the delicate balance of nature in this cool highland ecosystem. A true gem of Malaysia's natural heritage.
生態系の話は別として、とりあえず僕はメジロの写真がいっぱい撮れて満足しました。
Aside from the topic of ecosystems, I was satisfied because I was able to take a lot of pictures of white-eye.
In the beginning, the seed of the tree was just a small and inconspicuous object, hidden away in the soil. However, with time, it started to grow roots, pushing its way deeper into the earth, seeking nourishment and stability. Slowly but steadily, it began to sprout, breaking through the surface of the soil and reaching towards the sky.
As the tree grew taller and wider, it became a vital part of its ecosystem, providing shelter and food for various creatures. It survived through harsh weather conditions, enduring the scorching heat of the sun and the biting cold of winter.
Now, as we see it surrounded by dense fog, the tree appears like a wonder from another world, as if it has emerged from a mythical forest of dreams. The rays of the sun filter through the mist, casting the tree in a hazy glow, making it seem otherworldly and surreal.
The tree's silhouette appears ghostly, with some parts highlighted with a brighter and clearer intensity while others are shrouded in darkness and obscurity. This contrast between the light and shadows enhances the tree's magnificence and mystery.
Bing Image Creator (powered by Dall-E)
The National Geographic Society considers the coastal area of southern Peru to be part of the Atacama Desert and includes the deserts south of the Ica Region in Peru. However, other sources consider that the part of the desert in Peru is a different ecosystem, and should properly be named as Pampas de la Joya desert.
A wonderful desert and landscape for a Peaceful Travel Tuesday!
Thanks a lot for your visits, comments, faves, invites, etc. Very much appreciated!
© All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written explicit permission. All rights reserved. Please contact me at thelma.gatuzzo@gmail.com if you intend to buy or use any of my images.
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A bridge, and many species of birds, trees, grasses and aquatic plants in, around, and over Creekfield Lake in Brazos Bend State Park, Needville, TX.
For the Remote theme of Flickr Friday.
Voilà ce que l'on voit à marée basse dans la baie du Mont St Michel.
Espèce ingénieur de son écosystème, l'hermelle donne naissance à une bioconstruction dont les individus coloniaux érigent des tubes formant le massif ou récif d'hermelles. Les tubes de sable ont une section circulaire de 5 à 10 mm de diamètre, cimentés par une glande du ver, sont droits et forment un ensemble à l’allure buissonnante.
This is what you see at low tide in the bay of Mont St Michel.
An engineer of its ecosystem, the hermella gives rise to a bioconstruction whose colonial individuals erect tubes forming the hermella mass or reef. The sand tubes have a circular cross-section of 5 to 10 mm in diameter, cemented by a gland of the worm, are straight and form a bushy-looking whole.
“Urban Ecosystem Restoration” mural painted by Millo for Street Art For Mankind
From the Street Art For Mankind instagram post:
It features the artist’s signature clumsy character in a surreal setting, attempting to reclaim his space in an urban jungle that has forgotten our primary needs. It poetically and powerfully underscores the importance of green spaces in urban environments. The character demonstrates the strength of these spaces, their transformative impact on our reality, and how they enhance our well-being. It’s a clear invitation to reconnect with nature in our cities.
Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, located just south of Murrells Inlet, in South Carolina. The 9,100-acre (37 km2) property includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures placed in them, the Lowcountry Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems in nature reserves on the property. It was founded by Archer Milton Huntington, stepson of railroad magnate Collis Potter Huntington, and his wife Anna Hyatt Huntington to feature sculptures by Anna and her sister Harriet Randolph Hyatt Mayor along with other American sculptors. Brookgreen Gardens was opened in 1932, and is built on four former rice plantations, taking its name from the former Brookgreen Plantation.1124
Another coastal ecosystem resident is this Black Oystercatcher.
From the Cornell Lab:
"Among the mussel- and barnacle-covered rocks of the Pacific Coast lives this stout shorebird with a gleaming reddish bill, yellow eyes, and pink legs. Black Oystercatchers spend their entire lives in view of the Pacific Ocean or adjacent bays, in rocky marine habitats that provide both nesting and foraging areas."
This one was foraging on the jetty in Crescent City, California.
Continuing my coastal ecosystem series with this preening Brown Pelican.
Brown Pelicans live in estuaries and coastal marine habitats along both the east and west coasts. This one was found perched and preening atop a weathered wharf pole near a fish cleaning station in Lamar, Texas.
Brittle stars, an alternate common name is the 'serpent stars', are a species-rich class of echinoderms with outstanding regenerative abilities. Living under rocks or in crevices with only the tips of the arms exposed, they are known to be seafloor ecosystem engineers. They reshape the seafloor sediment surface and influence the distribution of other seafloor species. They also provide nutrition to fish, sea stars and crab predators.
Their presence in a sediment sample is one indicator of a healthy benthic community. They embody nature's fragility and resilience.
Shot from the Three Pools shoreline during low tide.
Last in my coastal ecosystem series is this Pigeon Guillemot. Pigeon Guillemots nest on the rocky coastlines of the Northern Pacific and feed fairly close to shote.
This one and its mate were hanging out on a small Washington beach along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Les insectes du monde entier sont en voie d'extinction , Plus de 40 % des espèces d'insectes sont en déclin et un tiers sont menacées, selon les chercheurs. Leur taux de mortalité est huit fois plus rapide que celui des mammifères, oiseaux et reptiles. Au cours des trente dernières années, la masse totale des insectes existant dans le monde a diminué de 2,5 % chaque année. A ce rythme, s'inquiètent les scientifiques, ils pourraient disparaître d'ici à un siècle. « C'est très rapide. Dans dix ans, il y aura un quart d'insectes de moins, dans cinquante ans, plus que la moitié, et dans cent ans, il n'y en aura plus » Les insectes sont « essentiels » au bon fonctionnement de tous les écosystèmes, expliquent les chercheurs. Ils pollinisent les plantes, recyclent les nutriments et servent de nourriture de base aux autres animaux. Leur disparition « aura des conséquences catastrophiques à la fois pour les écosystèmes de la planète et pour la survie de l'humanité » L'un des impacts majeurs concerne les nombreux oiseaux, reptiles, amphibiens et poissons qui se nourrissent d'insectes. « Si cette source de nourriture leur est enlevée, tous ces animaux mourront de faim » , « Si nous ne changeons pas nos méthodes de production alimentaire, les insectes dans leur ensemble s'engageront sur la voie de l'extinction dans quelques décennies », écrivent les chercheurs, pour lesquels l'agriculture intensive est la cause principale du déclin des populations d'insectes, en particulier la forte utilisation des pesticides. L'urbanisation et le changement climatique sont également des facteurs importants.
Image prise dans un milieu naturel .
Pokhara, Nepal
Embracing the beauty of our planet's natural jewels! Mountains, home to 15% of the world's population and half of its biodiversity hotspots, face threats like climate change, overexploitation, and contamination.
These challenges impact us all — from melting glaciers affecting freshwater supplies to rural mountain communities facing food insecurity. On International Mountain Day 2023, let's unite to restore mountain ecosystems.
Did you know mountains contribute to our food diversity? Six crucial plant species, including maize and apples, originated in these majestic landscapes. Yet, pollution, even reaching the heights of Mt. Everest, poses a grave danger.
Let's reduce our carbon footprint, spread awareness, and advocate for nature-based solutions. Join the cause and safeguard our natural treasures! #RestoreMountains #InternationalMountainDay2023
The organisms in the riparian zone respond to changes in river channel location and patterns of flow. The ecosystem of rivers is generally described by the river continuum concept, which has some additions and refinements to allow for dams and waterfalls and temporary extensive flooding. The concept describes the river as a system in which the physical parameters, the availability of food particles and the composition of the ecosystem are continuously changing along its length. The food (energy) that remains from the upstream part is used downstream.
The general pattern is that the first order streams contain particulate matter (decaying leaves from the surrounding forests) which is processed there by shredders like Plecoptera larvae. The products of these shredders are used by collectors, such as Hydropsychidae, and further downstream algae that create the primary production become the main food source of the organisms. All changes are gradual and the distribution of each species can be described as a normal curve, with the highest density where the conditions are optimal. In rivers succession is virtually absent and the composition of the ecosystem stays fixed in time.
TMI: your ART & NATURE
October Contest - Fresh Water Wonder
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~ai/pixlr
The Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingii) was photographed in the cloud forests of Cañon del Combeima, Tolima, Colombia. This stunning male, perched at an elevation of 2627 meters, showcases its iridescent emerald plumage and elongated tail against the vibrant yellow flowers. Capturing this moment required patience and careful attention to lighting, as the diffused natural light emphasized the bird’s vivid colors while maintaining a soft, natural background.
As a photographer, this image represents a blend of technical precision and deep appreciation for the region’s biodiversity. The unique setting and elevation added an extra layer of challenge and reward to the shot. The Long-tailed Sylph’s presence in this high-altitude habitat, slightly above its typical range, highlights the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems. This photograph is a tribute to the remarkable beauty and diversity found in Colombia’s cloud forests.
©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
It is a wonderous time of year on Vancouver Island, where all of the Garry Oak ecosystems are exploding with colour. These are Camas flowers.
Il nuovo servizio ARS Altomann gestito da Rail Traction Company / Lokomotion da Verona QE per Monaco è da poco ripartita dal passo del Brennero verso Innsbruck al traino della 189.917 ed è qui ripreso sul celebre curvone di St Jodok. (10/3/16)
The new ARS Altmann train from Verona QE to München has just letf the Brennerpass station pulled by the Br189.917. (2016/3/10)