Ecosystems
View allAll Photos Tagged Ecosystem
The Yellowstone River curls around Bumpus Butte and Calcite Springs on it's way north into Montana.
For me it is typical of the beautiful landscapes one finds in the wonderfully varied ecosystem that is Yellowstone.
Enjoy your Sunday!
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.
Numbers 26:65 “For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.”
DE VOLHARDING, Texel - The Wadden Sea is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. The site covers the Dutch Wadden Sea Conservation Area, the German Wadden Sea National Parks of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, and most of the Danish Wadden Sea maritime conservation area. It is a large, temperate, relatively flat coastal wetland environment, formed by the intricate interactions between physical and biological factors that have given rise to a multitude of transitional habitats with tidal channels, sandy shoals, sea-grass meadows, mussel beds, sandbars, mudflats, salt marshes, estuaries, beaches and dunes. The area is home to numerous plant and animal species, including marine mammals such as the harbour seal, grey seal and harbour porpoise. Wadden Sea is one of the last remaining large-scale, intertidal ecosystems where natural processes continue to function largely undisturbed.
Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
a small non-aquatic kingfisher found in woodland, bushed savanna and coastal forests. I had seen it a few times over the years but this was the first time I was able to photograph it.
This bird was looking for prey in the grass below its perch.
They eat spiders, grasshoppers and many other types of insects but will also take small lizards and frogs.
Ispidina picta
Afrikaanse dwergijsvogel
Martin-pêcheur pygmée ou Martin-chasseur pygmée
Natalzwergfischer
Martín Pigmeo Africano
Martin pescatore pigmeo africano
Pica-peixe-pigmeu / guarda-rios-pigmeu-africano
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.
we saw this blond male a few times in Mara North Conservancy, while he was in the company of a female of a small pride. Initially she refused to mate with him but we heard afterwards that they were seen while mating.
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
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.
Standing 18 metres (59 feet) tall and 200 metres (656 feet) long, the walkway affords a stunning bird’s eye view across the Gardens as well as offering an opportunity to experience the ecosystem of the forest canopy.
Designed by the team behind the London Eye, the construction has been deliberately aged and weathered to blend with its surroundings and to ensure that it enhances the landscape rather than detracting from it. As result, the supporting steel columns with their rust colours take on the form of the surrounding tree trunks.
The walkway itself is designed to move slightly in the wind, so visitors will experience a certain amount of ‘bounce’ as they immerse themselves in the foliage of chestnut, beech and oak trees of different species. Visit in early spring or late autumn and your views are unimpeded by foliage.
visitworldheritage.com/en/eu/the-treetop-walkway/592885ba...
There are 118 steps to the walkway’s platform and a lift is available for the visitors who are unable to use stairs easily, or for customers in wheelchairs. Buggies or strollers are not permitted on the walkway so must be left in the designated area on the ground.
this male Lion had been in a fight with another male earlier that day. This huge male won and was seen with a female for a number of days ( see posted image in first comment box ).
The male that lost the fight over the mating rights was seen following the couple at a distance all the time. I have also posted an image of that one.
On my last day also the third male of the coalition was trailing the mating couple. On the image I have posted of that third lion a fresh injury is visible so more fighting had taken place.
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.
🌐 Paraje Mora, Corrientes, Argentina
🇦🇷 Jote cabeza amarilla
🔬 Cathartes burrovianus
🇵🇾 Yryvu-akâ-sa'yju
🇺🇸 Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
🇧🇷 Urubu-de-cabeça-amarela
A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood control, carbon sink and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Source Wikipedia.
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
[Explore 15/11/2015]
This is a classic view of Maya Bay, made famous by the movie 'The Beach' starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Controversy arose during the making of the film due to 20th Century Fox's bulldozing and landscaping of the natural beach setting of Ko Phi Phi Leh to make it more "paradise-like". The production altered some sand dunes and cleared some coconut trees and grass to widen the beach. Fox set aside a fund to reconstruct and return the beach to its natural state; however, lawsuits were filed by environmentalists who believed the damage to the ecosystem was permanent and restoration attempts had failed. The lawsuits dragged on for years and in 2006 Thailand's Supreme Court upheld a ruling that the filming had harmed the environment and ordered that damage assessments be made. Defendants in the case included 20th Century Fox and some Thai government officials.
The insanely picturesque bay is now protected as a National Park.
By the way, the Flickr map is not quite right in terms of naming!
Parque Nacional Las Tablas de Daimiel, Villarrubia de los Ojos, Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, España.
El parque nacional de las Tablas de Daimiel es un espacio natural protegido español que protege el humedal homónimo. Se encuentra situado en los términos municipales de Daimiel y Villarrubia de los Ojos, en la provincia de Ciudad Real, comunidad autónoma de Castilla-La Mancha. Es además una zona de especial protección para las aves (ZEPA) y parte de la Reserva de la Biosfera La Mancha Húmeda. Con 192 025 visitantes anualmente (2015), las Tablas de Daimiel es el decimotercer parque nacional más visitado de España.
Las Tablas son uno de los últimos representantes de un ecosistema denominado tablas fluviales que se forman al desbordarse los ríos en sus tramos medios, favorecidos por fenómenos de semiendorreísmo y la escasez de pendientes. El humedal se forma en la confluencia del río Guadiana y su afluente Cigüela y es uno de los ecosistemas acuáticos más importantes de la península ibérica por la variedad y calidad de la fauna y flora que habitan en ella, así como por aquellas aves que la emplean en los pasos migratorios. Las Tablas sirve de refugio a más de 2.000 especies (plantas, aves, insectos, peces, réptiles... ).
Las Tablas son el último representante de un ecosistema denominado tablas fluviales que se forman por los desbordamientos de los ríos en sus tramos medios, favorecidos por fenómenos de semiendorreísmo y por la escasez de pendientes.
El parque cuenta con unos humedales formados a partir de la confluencia del río Guadiana y su afluente Gigüela y es uno de los ecosistemas acuáticos más importantes de España debido a la fauna y flora que habitan en ella. También es importante por el gran número de aves migratorias que pasan por la zona como los ánades y los ánsares.
Las Tablas de Daimiel pueden considerarse, dentro de una clasificación hidrológica-estructural de los humedales, como un "hidrohumedal de recarga"; en teoría, con disposición plurianual de agua superficial, que recarga constantemente el acuífero infrayacente. Aunque en los tiempos actuales, a veces se asemeja más a un "higrohumedal", de recarga temporal.
Las Tablas de Daimiel están formadas por las aguas de dos ríos de diferente naturaleza, lo que las convierte en un ecosistema privilegiado: el agua del río Gigüela que procede de los páramos de Cabrejas en la serranía conquense aporta aguas salobres, mientras que el río Guadiana aporta aguas dulces que surgen de sus ojos aproximadamente a unos 15 km al norte del parque nacional, en el término municipal de Villarrubia de los Ojos.
The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a protected natural area in Spain that protects the wetland of the same name. It is located in the municipalities of Daimiel and Villarrubia de los Ojos, in the province of Ciudad Real, autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. It is also a special protection area for birds (ZEPA) and part of the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve. With 192,025 visitors annually (2015), the Tablas de Daimiel is the thirteenth most visited national park in Spain.
The Tablas are one of the last representatives of an ecosystem called river tables that are formed when rivers overflow in their middle sections, favoured by semi-endorrheism phenomena and the lack of slopes. The wetland is formed at the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary Cigüela and is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula due to the variety and quality of the fauna and flora that inhabit it, as well as the birds that use it for migratory passages. Las Tablas serves as a refuge for more than 2,000 species (plants, birds, insects, fish, reptiles...).
Las Tablas is the last representative of an ecosystem called river tables, which are formed by the overflow of rivers in their middle sections, favoured by semi-endorheism phenomena and by the lack of slopes.
The park has wetlands formed from the confluence of the Guadiana River and its tributary Gigüela and is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems in Spain due to the fauna and flora that inhabit it. It is also important because of the large number of migratory birds that pass through the area, such as ducks and geese.
The Tablas de Daimiel can be considered, within a hydrological-structural classification of wetlands, as a "recharge hydro-wetland"; in theory, with a multi-year supply of surface water, which constantly recharges the underlying aquifer. Although in current times, it is sometimes more similar to a "hygro-wetland", with temporary recharge.
The Tablas de Daimiel are formed by the waters of two rivers of different nature, which makes them a privileged ecosystem: the water of the Gigüela river that comes from the Cabrejas moors in the Cuenca mountain range provides brackish water, while the Guadiana river provides fresh water that emerges from its springs approximately 15 km north of the national park, in the municipality of Villarrubia de los Ojos.
Genesis 19:17 “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”
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)
A micro-ecosystem of mushrooms and lichens nestled in the bark of a red maple tree in Eagle River, Vilas County, northern Wisconsin
SE203576m
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.
“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.
Dunas de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Dunes), a mixture of desert and oasis located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.
The Maspalomas Dunes are a Protected Natural Area with the category of Special Natural Reserve since 1994, but it was first declared a protected area in 1987. This immense sea of sand occupies almost 404 hectares. Together with the Oasis of Maspalomas and the Pond of the same name, they form a group whose differentiated ecosystems have a unique natural and scenic value in the world.
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias
The rocky shores of Olympic National Park ,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
in Explore 2022-08-16 (#123)
Sally Lightfoot crabs are rumoured to have been named after a Caribbean dancer, due to their agility in jumping from rock to rock, their ability to run in four directions and their capacity to climb up vertical slopes. This extreme agility makes them very difficult to catch.
They are brightly-coloured coastal scavengers, found in the Galapagos Islands and across the western coast of South and Central America. They have an extremely generalist diet, feeding on anything from sea lion placenta to other crabs. This makes them an important part of the ecosystem, as they provide services such as keeping the shore clean of any organic debris and eating ticks off marine iguanas. . Adult crabs show characteristic intense blue and red colouring on their shells, with a white or pale blue underbelly. Younger crabs have darker colouration with red spots, providing a higher degree of camouflage. Every time the crabs moult their shell, the spots become gradually larger, until they obtain the adult colouring.
Female Sally Lightfoot crabs carry their eggs around with them on their stomachs until they hatch into the water. The larvae then swim out to deeper waters, where they consume phytoplankton and undergo a rapid series of moults. Eventually they undergo metamorphosis to become juvenile crabs and swim to shore, where they start to scavenge, becoming bigger and more colourful with each moult. These juveniles tend to travel in large groups until they reach maturity, after which they become largely solitary when not mating. When they are not mating or feeding, the crabs spend their time hiding in cracks in rocks. If they are disturbed, they may spray water or shed one of their legs as a defence mechanism.
Their scientific name is Grapsus grapsus.