Patrick Raney, Ph.D.’s Post

Manatees are dying at an alarming rate: Declining seagrass has led to an ongoing mortality event — almost 20% of the entire Florida population perished in just two years. These gentle giants are starving to death. But there's hopeful news: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently proposed to protect nearly 2 million acres of critical habitat for manatees under the #EndangeredSpeciesAct. If the proposal is finalized, the Act's safeguards will ensure that #manatees will have warm, safe places to swim and eat seagrass for generations to come. But the proposal leaves important waterways unprotected. Join us in urging the Service to protect all the critical areas manatees need to recover — as soon as possible.➡️ https://bit.ly/4eADzuH

Manatees, often referred to as “gentle giants,” are more than just iconic symbols of aquatic life—they are essential to the health of our coastal ecosystems. Manatees, are also often called “ecosystem engineers,” as they play vital roles in maintaining the health and balance of local ecosystems. However, their populations are declining due to habitat loss, water pollution, and collisions with boats. This decline threatens not only the species but also the ecosystems they help sustain. Here are some of the vital roles manatees play in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity: 1. Grazing on Seagrass: 🌱 Manatees consume large amounts of seagrass, preventing overgrowth and promoting the health of seagrass beds. This grazing helps maintain biodiversity by allowing sunlight to reach the seabed, benefiting various marine species. 2. Nutrient Cycling: 🔄 By feeding on aquatic vegetation and excreting waste, manatees contribute to nutrient cycling. Their waste acts as a natural fertilizer, supporting the growth of seagrass and other plants. 3. Sediment Redistribution: 🪨 As manatees move through shallow waters, their movements stir up sediment, which can help prevent the buildup of organic matter that might otherwise smother seagrass beds. 4. Habitat Creation for Other Species: 🐟 The maintenance of healthy seagrass beds by manatees provides habitat and feeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and other marine organisms. 5. Indicator Species: 🌎 Manatees serve as indicators of ecosystem health. A thriving manatee population often signals clean, healthy water and balanced aquatic ecosystems. 6. Preventing Algal Blooms: 🦠 By keeping aquatic vegetation in check, manatees help reduce the risk of algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen in the water and harm marine life. 7. Promoting Biodiversity: ☮️ Their role in maintaining seagrass beds indirectly supports a wide range of marine life, fostering biodiversity within the ecosystem. By protecting manatees, we’re also safeguarding the ecosystems that countless other species—and we—depend on. Let’s work together to ensure these incredible animals thrive for generations to come. #manatees #biodiversity #ecosystems #protect #support

Exciting news for conservation efforts in the northeastern U.S.! NFWF today announced $2 million in grants to restore and sustain New England forests and rivers that provide habitat for eastern brook trout, river herring, Atlantic salmon, New England cottontail, black-throated blue warbler and American woodcock. https://loom.ly/lNPJx94 The grants were awarded through the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund, a partnership between NFWF and USDA’s NRCS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USDA Forest Service and Sylvamo. 📷: American woodcock

🛑 National Wildlife Refuges are facing an unprecedented crisis 🛑 Staff cuts, reduced public programs, and even closed refuge areas are the result of severe underfunding, leaving critical habitats and wildlife vulnerable. This #RefugeWeek, we ask for your help in raising awareness about the importance of protecting the National Wildlife Refuge System. These lands don’t just support wildlife—they protect our communities and provide opportunities for recreation and conservation education. Find out how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/gpFYPpNU #WildlifeCrisis #WildlifeRefuge #SaveOurRefuges

It's #NationalWildlifeRefugeWeek! Did you know the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the only federal agency dedicated solely to wildlife conservation? With the biodiversity crisis accelerating —21 species declared extinct last year and 2 million at risk—they are critical partners in building wildlife and habitat resiliency. But it’s not just about protecting wildlife; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also committed to expanding equitable access to nature. Their Urban Wildlife Conservation Program is making strides in improving green space access in cities across the country. With over 560 national wildlife refuges, including 101 urban ones close to major cities, there’s still more work to do. Local communities are calling for action to protect more land from development and climate impacts.

Great things happen when organizations pool their efforts. The Dugdown Mountain Corridor is coming together as one of Georgia’s most critical wild animal pathways. The multi-player project – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, transportation agencies, The Nature Conservancy, the Conservation Fund, county governments, and private landowners – would include nearly 100,000 acres of protected and conserved land. About 13 percent is already in conservation, including wildlife management areas, private easements, longleaf pine and hardwood forests, hatchery-stocked streams, and hike, bike, and canoe trails. #conservation

Australian Wildlife Conservancy: we know you are doing everything you can to stem this alarming increase in Australia's Threatened Species List. However, AWC needs everyone who can, to help in avoiding vulnerable species extinction. If you are in a position to give a contribution toward construction, please be a person of conviction & distinction, & reverse the acceleration of native wildlife destruction:

A week ago we launched this appeal and today we sit having exceeded our target. This is wonderful and will help not only buy the land but also, as we have a bit more money, it will accelerate the pace at which we can transform the biodiversity and habitat. The most moving thing for me is the power of focus. There is a clear goal here, which resonated with enough people who were willing and able to donate. And although we had some very generous donations (which are just amazing .. thank you so much) the vast majority were much smaller, some suggesting they may be kids donating their pocket money ... all of these small acts of kindness have added up to making a big big difference which will benefit so many people, as well as the nature that will now not be disturbed and which will increase and grow as a result. Never doubt for one moment that a small act can make a big difference. It's not too late to donate and if you're not able to do that, don't worry, just sign up for the free email newsletter to help us raise awareness and get involved where you can. Nature needs us more than ever, and some of the solutions are behavioural and free.. there are some great top tips in the newsletter 👍 So why not sign up for a "wildly different inbox" here: www.durhamwt.com (scroll down the page)

NFWF today awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to restore or enhance grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats for birds in 4 states. The grants were awarded through the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, a partnership between NFWF and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and ConocoPhillips. https://loom.ly/VFv91rY 📷: Roseate spoonbill

Great news that will help Maryland make progress towards its 40% by 2040 #landpreservation goal. A new wildlife refuge in Southern Maryland is the Chesapeake Bay’s first in over 25 years via #TheBaltimoreBanner. The Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge would protect up to 40,000 acres spread across a large area spanning Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. https://ow.ly/H6ua50Us4OE