View allAll Photos Tagged ECOSYSTEMS
Through a Green Fund investment, each Rweru Green Village household receives a pregnant cow. The cow provides milk for the family and the manure will be used to power biogas systems being installed in August 2016. The cow sheds were also built as a result of the fund's investment.
Under a project with support from the GEF, Timorese students are learning the value of healthy coastal ecosystems. Photo credit: UNDP Timor-Leste
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
The ‘Ecosystem-based Adaptation South’ project seeks to help the Seychelles, Nepal and Mauritania to adapt to climate change, in part by restoring natural habitats across all types of ecosystems. In the Seychelles, on-the-ground ecological restoration will rehabilitate 29 hectares of mangrove and wetland forests, thus providing natural flood barriers.
Photo credit: UNEP
Daintree back country, where the rainforest gives way to tall open forest and eventually to savannah.
Ecosystem based adaptation and wildlife conservation in mountain landscapes interactive session. Global Landscapes Forum Bonn 2019.
Photo by Pilar Valbuena/GLF
news.globallandscapesforum.org
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The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
Within the Yasuni National Park, the Kichwa Añangu community has been recognized nationally and internationally for its work on behalf of the preservation of the ecosystem and the environment.
In 1998 a group of members of the community decided to build up the Napo Wildlife Center to attract tourists to their lands and the most importantly, to preserve their region which is rich in fauna and flora, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the World.
This community from the Amazonia Rainforest in Ecuador realized that ecotourism is an excellent alternative for local development, for improving the quality of life, preserving their traditional activities and the most important for preserving the nature.
The Kichwa Añangu community built the Napo Wildlife Center on the surroundings of the Añangucocha Lagoon. The hotel began operations in 2004 and then in 2007 the community took 100% control of the Lodge, management and administration. There are approximately 80 people working in this and other projects of the community, doing different activities in all areas.
Thanks to the Napo Wildlife Center and other ecotourism projects, the Kichwa Añangu community has a source of employment near their homes and they are now in a process of continuous training for improving the quality of life of the community. The incomes the community receives from tourist projects are always reinvested in productive, social and cultural projects.
Ambyvalley rd.,Lonavala,Mah.,India
"King of Medicine" in Ayurveda ...fruits at different stages of maturity.
(2015) archival pigment print, 12 x 40 inches, ed. of 10.
This view is about 100 yards south of the stream monitoring site, from a paved 'trail to nowhere' constructed in compliance with Federal environmental regulations that required funding to be invested in such an amenity when the highway was being built. However, it merely follows the bank for a short distance and peters out. You can also see the stream bank modifications (the strip of light-colored rocks along the banks) that were built at the same time. I can't help but feel that the 18th-century etcher Giovanni Battista Piranesi, who documented the ancient ruins of Rome, would have appreciated the complex geometry of the construction of the highway overpass and the stream banks below, along with the imposing white columns reminiscent of an ancient Roman temple.
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
Paracas National Reservation
Perú
Considered one of the strangest and richest ecosystems in the world. Home to such things as: dolphins, purple crabs, seals, penguins, flamingos, condors, pelicans, desert foxes, and vultures... among other things of course.
"The only marine reservation of Perú. Protection unit that has for objective the conservation of the marine ecosystem and of the characteristic formations of a portion of tropical sub desert, protection of the cultural and historical patrimony of the pre-Inca Paracas culture, and to promote the rational use of the marine resources."
Multiple forms of Ecosystems can be found in Nature possessing remarkable efficiencies. Jones (2008) explains that the term Ecomimicry describes the mimicking of natural Ecosystems and translating it to the human scale.
An Ecosystem represents the interaction between a living organism and its environment creating systems to improve the living conditions of its community additionally increasing the amount of outputs from the same inputs. ‘The more that Ecosystems mature, the more they enhance their environment and allow greater diversity,’ (Pawlyn, 2011). Ecosystems create cycles to recirculate waste using a minimum of energy.
Sustainability is the concept of durability consisting in creating a positive evolution over time, having the capacity to endure without destroying itself. To achieve Sustainability it is essential to restore the relationship between Nature and the environment that we build. ‘Sustainability is as much about keeping buildings in existence as it is about constructing new low-impact efficient designs’ (Kellert, 2008). ‘Sustainability goes hand-in-hand with a new respect for Nature coming from biophilia’ explains Kellert. In term of Architecture, Sustainability begins with taking care of the existing buildings. Including the notion of Sustainability in new Architecture could improve the quality of life. ‘As humanity’s expectations and population have grown, our vision of environmental Sustainability must radically evolve into a different picture than the snapshot from pre-industrial times’ ad Kellert (2008).
In Nature we can find great insect builders such as the habitat of the Thermites. They developed a system for natural air circulation powered by the sun to regulate the varying temperatures in different areas of their mound explains Senosiain (2003). Those underground megacities are built with a zero-waste method of construction. Adapted to the human scale we can compare those mounds to cathedrals. ‘The form of termite mounds can be explained as elaborate systems for thermal control in order to create optimum egg-laying conditions for the queen termite and ideal temperatures for fungus farming’ (Pawlyn, 2012). This ingenious control of air circulation is created by ventilation tubes that thermites can open or close depending of the temperature inside the mound. Thermites also create thermal storage build in strategic areas of the mound.
On the outside, thermites build external shading devices to protect their habitat against the sun and prevent overheat.
The architect Mick Pearce (2012) describes a building he designed called Eastgate Development Harare in Zimbabwe (fig. 22) were he used passive ventilation to regulate the temperature in based on ‘the way that termites construct their nest to ventilate, cool and heat’.
Ecosystems are largely represented in forests such as the tropical forests described as ‘Incubator of life’ by National Geographic. Tropical rainforests can be seen has a complete Ecosystem representing a large biodiversity. It manages to keep the same temperatures all year long and produces a large amount of oxygen from carbon dioxide for the species living in it. The evaporation of water coming from trees is transformed to rain forming a cycle. Tropical forests are arranged in four layers. The emergent layer consists of gigantic and strong trees that protect those under. The next layer consists of trees forming a canopy and protecting from the strong sunlight. The next one is found between the canopy and the forest ground called the understory and creating a dark and cool area. Finally, the forest ground is composed of plants and trees in decomposition creating resources, habitat and food for the insects. Grimshaw architects designed in 2005 a project called Eco-Rainforest that ‘aims to recreate a piece of Amazonian rainforest as faithfully as possible’. The project had to respond to the demand of a client asking for a carbon-neutral botanical visitor attraction.
www.academia.edu › WHY_DOES_THE_HUMAN_BRA...
A building only constituted in straight lines do not invite the brain to creativity. How can we be inspired by nature? Is it possible to adapt those habitats to human?
The essay has demonstrated a large variety of application from the natural world generated by the science of Biomimicry. It presented the status of technologies that architects are currently using. Creating a bridge between science and Architecture could be seen as the beginning of a new era improving both the environment and human life quality.
Wild Bengal Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) also known as the ashy slow loris, Bengal loris, or northern slow loris, is found in southeastern Asia, specifically the countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia (west of the Mekong River), China (southern and western Yunnan Province and possibly southwestern Guangxi Province), northeastern India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Bengal slow loris has the largest geographic range of any slow loris species!
Within these countries, the Bengal slow loris can be found in both evergreen forests, and deciduous forests (those whose trees lose their leaves during the colder months), and have also been found in bamboo groves. They have a particular preference for rainforests with dense canopies, and their presence in their native habitat indicates a healthy ecosystem.
The Bengal slow loris measures 10-15 inches (26-38 cm) from head to (stubby) tail, and weighs between 2.2-4.6 lbs (1-2.1 kg). They are, in fact, the largest slow loris species!
Males and females are relatively the same size and look alike. The only way to tell them apart is by their genitalia. Otherwise, the Bengal slow loris exhibits no sexual dimorphism (noticeable physical differences between genders).
Their lifespan in the wild is 15-20 years.
The Bengal slow loris is covered in dense, wooly gray-brown fur on the back and white fur on the underside. A dark stripe runs from the center of the back up to the top of the head. Arched “eyebrows” in a brown fur pattern encircle each eye, evoking an expression of mild surprise. A narrow white strip of fur separates the eyes and extends to a short, faintly pink snout. The forearms and hands are almost white in color. The hindlimbs vary in coloration, ranging from brown to nearly white, while like the hands, the feet are pale. Molting may cause seasonal color variations along the backside.
The Bengal slow loris shares a number of characteristics with other loris species. These include: a wet nose (more on that in the Fun Facts section), a barely-visible vestigial (no longer of use, but still present) tail, a round head with a broad, flat face, short ears, needle-like teeth, and large, saucer-like eyes which reflect a bright orange eye shine.
The big toe on each hind foot faces opposite the other toes, enhancing the “handy-dandy” (haha) gripping power. In addition, the second toe on each hind foot has a curved “toilet claw” which is used for scratching and grooming, while the other toenails are straight.
An omnivore, the Bengal slow loris’s diet primarily consists of fruit, but also includes insects and their larvae, tree gum, snails, spiders, bird eggs, nectar, honey, and small vertebrates such as birds and lizards.
They are especially dependent on sap and tree gum during the winter months.
The Bengal slow loris is nocturnal (active at night) and arboreal, spending most of the time in the trees. They move through the forest quadrupedally (on all fours) with deliberate movements as they forage. That is, they change direction or move between supports without much noise or change in speed. Their hands are supremely adapted to climbing, thanks to their fingers and opposable thumbs which, when clenched together, allow them a pincer-like grip (like a crab or lobster!)
Daytime hours are spent sleeping curled up in a ball in dense vegetation or tree holes. Starting at sunset, nighttime is dedicated to foraging for food. This is where those amazing eyes come in: forward-facing, each eye has stereoscopic vision; in other words, each eye sees a slightly different image of a single perception. Their specialized eyesight gives them an increased awareness of objects through greater depth perception and enhanced “night vision.”
Predators of the Bengal slow loris include pythons, monitor lizards, birds of prey such as hawk-eagles, large cats, and even orangutans! To avoid predators, the Bengal slow loris moves quietly through the trees and can hide within the surroundings. They can also curl into a defensive position, mimic a cobra by swaying back and forth with the arms above the head, or use the markings around the eyes to appear like an even bigger nocturnal predator. If all else fails, Bengal slow lorises use… venom! Yes, that’s right! VENOM! All slow lorises have a special brachial gland near their elbow which produces a toxic oil. When mixed with their saliva, the result is venom, which, while primarily used for communication, can also be used to deliver a dangerous, deadly bite!
Bengal slow lorises use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with one another. Infants use “clicks” to get Mom’s attention or to call her to their parked location if she is out foraging. Upon hearing her baby’s call, the mother will immediately return.
High-pitched whistles are used to attract a mate. These whistles are primarily used by females in estrus (sexually receptivity), but may also be used by males. Females will also supplement their whistling by scent-marking a spot with urine to increase her chances of attracting a male.
Pants ending with a distinct growl precede an attack (that is, before biting the threatening individual). “Chitters” lasting one to two seconds or longer are used in defensive situations when encountering members of the same species (such as two rival males encountering one another).
Like most nocturnal primates, Bengal slow lorises rely on olfactory (scent) cues. Urine is the primary means of communication for the species. Additionally, scientists believe that the brachial gland secretions may be used to mark home ranges, deter predators, or warn other lorises of potential danger.
Bengal slow lorises use their dental combs to groom one another, a tactile (touch) activity that helps to strengthen social bonds. Playtime, particularly between mothers and their babies, also reinforces social bonds.
Bengal slow lorises are polygynandrous (promiscuous) meaning both males and females have multiple partners during the breeding season.
Females attract males by whistling and scent marking when in estrus, and reproduce every 12-18 months. They have a gestation (pregnancy) period of six months, eventually giving birth to one offspring, though rarely, twins may be born. Upon attracting a potential mate, the female will usually hang from a branch by all four limbs to solicit mating. The male positions himself around the female while hanging on the branch with his feet, and clings to the female’s waist with his hands. Upon mating with the female, his task is done, as he plays no role in rearing the offspring.
Bengal slow lorises are year-round breeders, and because of their non-seasonal breeding patterns, females can become pregnant when their offspring are around six months old. This makes it possible for them to produce two offspring per year (if they haven’t already produced twins, obviously).
Infants are born with their eyes open and are covered in fur. The mother carries her young for about three months before they become independent, although they may be temporarily left on branches while the mother forages for food. Weaning usually occurs at six months, and sexual maturity is reached at approximately 20 months of age. The bond between mother and infant is close, as they will bond by playing, and by Mom grooming her infant to reinforce their connection.
As frugivores (fruit-eaters), Bengal slow lorises aid in the regeneration of their forest habitats by dispersing seeds through their feces as they move around the habitat. As a prey species, they also play a role in feeding local predators within the habitat. They additionally play a role in pollination. Like bees and butterflies, they collect pollen from flowers while drinking nectar. They then deposit it on each flower they visit, thereby pollinating the plants. Finally, they can also be considered pest controllers, thanks to their diet consisting of insects and their larvae.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the Bengal slow loris as Endangered (IUCN, 2020), appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Bengal slow loris faces numerous threats to the species’ survival.
Despite being found in numerous protected areas throughout their range, poaching and illegal logging are rampant in these areas, while conservation measures are not species-specific. The most severe threats facing the Bengal slow loris are the wildlife trade (trapping for exotic pets, sport, and use in traditional medicine) and deforestation. Habitat destruction has also occurred through slash-and-burn agriculture (a technique involving the cutting and burning of plants in a forest to create agricultural space). Additional factors in their decline include road construction, dams, soil loss and erosion, and power lines. Hunting has been found to be most severe when nearby human urban populations increase.
One unique threat facing slow lorises is due to a combination of their adorable appearance and the “photo prop trade” marketed toward tourists. The use of slow lorises as “adorable accessories” for photo opportunities among tourists causes unnecessary stress for the poor animals. This trade occurs in some of the Bengal slow loris’s range (especially Thailand), but it is also extending into Europe, in countries such as Turkey, which import the Bengal slow loris for this purpose.
The Bengal slow loris is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an international agreement between governments whose goal is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Specific wildlife protections have been enacted on behalf of the Bengal slow loris within all of the countries where they reside. However, as is often the case with endangered species, laws created to protect them are largely ignored and difficult to enforce.
While they are found in numerous protected areas, exact population numbers are unknown. Actual surveys, rather than anecdotal reports, are necessary to determine their true abundance in the wild.
Researchers have attempted to draw attention to and reduce the photo prop trade involving Bengal slow lorises. Ongoing campaigns combat the number of illegal social media videos, in which the lorises are heavily exploited. Although conservation education programs exist across parts of their range, in most areas these are sporadic or even non-existent. A more coordinated effort among conservation organizations within their range would be immensely helpful. Currently, no education programs are known in Laos or Myanmar.
Rescue centers across their range maintain facilities for confiscated animals, particularly in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Attempts have been made to release these rescued lorises, although they are often unmonitored, and therefore, it is difficult to assess the success of these releases, and their contribution to Bengal slow loris conservation. Following the protocols set forth by the IUCN Reintroduction Specialists Group is critical to assess the impact of these reintroductions. Furthermore, considering that the Bengal slow loris can be found near human settlements, translocating lorises should not be done without a proper understanding of their distribution and ecology in an area.
Ultimately, more strictly enforced laws and protection of (and within) the lands in which the Bengal slow loris resides, along with increased public awareness, education, and communications are critically needed. These actions, alongside additional research regarding the Bengal slow loris’s population size, distribution, and trends, and monitoring of population trends are needed to save the species from the threat of extinction.
Photo by Nick Dobbs 23-12-2024, Koh Yao Yai Island, Thailand
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
Diego Molano Vega, Minister of Information and Communications Technologies of Colombia at The Innovation Ecosystem Session. Copyright by World Economic Forum / Benedikt von Loebell
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
Moss and lichens on the roof of my little greenhouse.
I haven't used this one for a year or two, so it hasn't had a regular tidy-up.
Braddock Bay, Rochester, NY, August 13, 2020.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District's project to restore the Braddock Bay ecosystem in Greece, NY was completed on November 15, 2018. The project tackled two major issues affecting the Braddock Bay ecosystem: the loss of wetland habitat caused by wave driven erosion, and degradation of the existing habitat due to invasive species.
For more information visit: www.lrb.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/District-Proj...
Ambyvalley road,Lonavala,Mah.India
insectovirous!
Lentibulariaceae(bladderwort family)
annual/herb
synonym:Utricularia purpurascens
source::flowersofindia
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
The hustle and bustle of Melbourne coupled with Melbourne's biggest ScaleUps. Photos by Tim Carrafa.
Fisheries catches increasingly originate from deep areas. Over the years due to depletion in fish stocks the fishing industry has resorted to fishing at greater depths and increasing the damage to fish stocks and the ocean floor.
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This photo has been graciously provided to be used in the GRID-Arendal resources library by: Philippe Rekacewicz, Emmanuelle Bournay, UNEP/GRID-Arendal