NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’ Post

🦜 On National Threatened Species Day, we’re turning our attention to the Mallee Emu-wren (Stipiturus mallee), a tiny but critically important bird found in the South Australian Murray Mallee region. This bird is not only one of Australia's smallest species, weighing just 6.5 grams, but also one of the most endangered. Its habitat, dense spinifex grasslands, has been significantly reduced due to large-scale fires and habitat destruction. Captured beautifully by the talented Tom Hunt @moth_nut 📸 🔥 The Mallee Emu-wren relies heavily on spinifex for cover and nesting, and with the increasing threat of bushfires, their future remains uncertain. 🌱 We can all support biodiversity by planting native species that recreate and protect these crucial habitats. By incorporating plants like spinifex into garden designs, we can do our small part in contributing to the conservation of vulnerable species like the Mallee Emu-wren. #EndangeredSpecies #BiodiversityMatters #Conservation #ProtectOurPlanet #EverGreenGardening #AdelaideWildlife

In the latest installment of our Species Awareness Series, we look into the fascinating world of the Glass Eel. These slender, bony fish embark on an incredible journey between saltwater and freshwater as part of their life cycle. However, this remarkable species faces a dire threat: illegal harvesting and trafficking. Often referred to as elvers, these baby eels are coveted in illicit markets, driving both the American eel and European eel to endangered status, as classified by the IUCN. The Glass Eel's plight is exacerbated by poaching, overfishing and the loss of crucial freshwater habitats, leading to a severe decline in their populations. At Focused Conservation, we're dedicated to shedding light on lesser-known species like the Glass Eel that desperately require protection from trafficking and exploitation. Join us as we continue our mission to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of our planet's precious wildlife. Together, we can make a difference for species like the Glass Eel and ensure a sustainable future for all. #FocusedConservation #WildlifeProtection #GlassEel #Conservation #SpeciesAwareness #StopWildlifeTrafficking #IllegalWildlifeTrafficking

🌊An innovative project is underway in Wairewa/Lake Forsyth, Canterbury aimed at improving fish passage and helping species like tuna (longfin eel) and inanga navigate this critical waterway. A new system to monitor water levels and open the lake to the sea, when necessary, gives hope to these migratory species. This effort helps restore their access to spawning habitats, which are vital for their survival. This article highlights how changes can significantly impact water quality and the importance of innovation in conservation to protect our native species and local ecosystems. 🐟🌱 https://lnkd.in/gqRWkyJR You too can help revive our waterways and improve habitats for our most endangered fish species by getting our Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream kete today🐟💙 https://lnkd.in/gkeqWWxp #EndangeredSpeciesNZ #ProtectOurWaterways #DrainsAreStreams #FishPassage #InnovativeConservation #WaterQuality

🌸 Cape Floral Kingdom Bursts into Bloom 🌿 Spring has arrived, and South Africa's Cape Floral Kingdom is a sight to behold! Home to over 9,000 plant species, this biodiversity hotspot is now in full bloom. Conservationists are emphasizing the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems, which are under threat from urban expansion and climate change. 🌍💐 #CapeFloralKingdom #Biodiversity #GreenCrate #SpringInSA 2. Migratory Birds Return to South Africa’s Wetlands 🦅 Migratory Birds Make Their Spring Return 🌍 Spring in South Africa brings the return of migratory birds to the country's wetlands, marking a critical time for conservation efforts. With wetlands under pressure from drought and development, protecting these habitats is more important than ever to ensure the survival of these species. 🌾🦩 #MigratoryBirds #WetlandsConservation #GreenCrate #SpringInSA 3. Spring Brings Renewed Hope for Rhino Conservation 🦏 Spring Brings New Hope for Rhino Conservation 🌱 As the Spring season breathes new life into South Africa's landscapes, conservationists are optimistic about the ongoing fight to save the country’s rhino population. With recent successes in anti-poaching efforts, there’s hope that these majestic animals will continue to thrive. 🌍💪 #RhinoConservation #WildlifeProtection #GreenCrate #SpringInSA 4. Water Conservation Efforts Intensify in Drought-Stricken Areas 💧 Spring Calls for Water Conservation Amidst Drought 🌦️ As South Africa welcomes Spring, several regions continue to battle severe drought conditions. Water conservation measures are being ramped up, with communities being urged to use water sparingly as the country heads into a critical period. 🌱💧 #WaterConservation #DroughtRelief #GreenCrate #SpringInSA 5. Invasive Species Threaten South Africa's Spring Flora 🚫 Invasive Species Pose a Threat to Spring Flora 🌿 Spring’s arrival has highlighted the ongoing battle against invasive plant species in South Africa. These species threaten to outcompete native flora, leading to reduced biodiversity and altering local ecosystems. Conservationists are urging action to protect South Africa's unique springtime landscapes. 🌍🌾

🦅 World Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign that educates and promotes conservation efforts for migratory birds and their journeys across borders. It raises awareness about the challenges birds face and encourages conservation actions worldwide to safeguard migratory birds and their habitats. 🌳 🌿 During 2024, the focus is on the importance of insects for migratory birds. Present in almost all the world’s ecosystems, insects are essential food sources for migratory birds on their long journeys. The stark reality uncovered over recent years is that insect populations are declining, correlating with a decline in bird species reliant on insects for survival. 🌎 Source: https://lnkd.in/diHf3fA #Soroptimist #soroptimistgbi #soroptimistinternational #soroptimistchaguanas #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #Soroptimists

The importance of Islands to the biodiversity Here are some key reasons why islands are important for biodiversity as shown in the attached photo which taken by me: 1-Diverse Habitats:  Islands frequently have a diversity of environments, including beaches, that are home to a variety of animals. A small area's varied landscapes produce microhabitats that can support a variety of ecological populations. A turtle nests which seen in the orange arrow in the picture, along with many more turtle nests. Turtle track is also shown by the red arrow. 2- Important Bird Areas: Many islands are critical for bird conservation, particularly for migratory species. Islands provide key breeding, feeding, and resting sites for seabirds and other migratory birds. The isolation of islands often protects bird colonies from mainland predators and human disturbances as seen in the photo. #RedSea #Conservation #Monitoring #Environment #Beacharea #Turtle #Nesting

🔔Today is #AngelSharkDay!   Angelsharks are flat-bodied sharks which can grow up to 2.4m in length and are normally found submerged in sandy habitats in coastal waters.   Once a very common species, it is now #CriticallyEndangered due to targeted fishing, bycatch and habitat loss.   Angelsharks act as umbrella species. By conserving them and their crucial habitats, numerous other species that rely on the same environments can also benefit and thrive.   A new CMS Single Species Action Plan for the Angelshark in the Mediterranean Sea was recently adopted at #CMSCOP14 and provides the tools for urgent conservation action.   https://lnkd.in/dAJ6SzGz

Reintroduction is a conservation tool that can return a species to its historical habitat, restoring meaningful ecological connections. A 2022 USFWS assessment concluded that sea otter reintroduction to their historical range would benefit marine ecosystems and play a crucial role in helping the population recover. Two methods exist for sourcing individual animals for a potential sea otter reintroduction: 1) translocating wild-caught, free-ranging sea otters to one or more new sites; 2) transporting surrogate-reared or rehabilitated sea otters from a facility like a zoo or aquarium to one or more new sites. Both methods come with various risks and advantages. How would a potential reintroduction then proceed? Considerable work is needed to identify the scientific, logistical, and socioeconomic aspects of a potential sea otter reintroduction and to initiate positive engagement with stakeholders and communities who might be affected. Check out our #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek page for more! https://dfnd.us/47DpNp2

The sea otters! What a cute species 🤗 Here is a good summary of a reintroduction process (the factors involved in it). An interesting point here that few studies mention is the analysis of the socioeconomic aspects. Great work and example! #animalreintroduction #marinelife #seaotter #wildlife

No matter where you live, you likely enjoy the companionship of one of the world’s most ubiquitous birds: the sparrow. For World Sparrow Day, we’d like to highlight a Sparrow you’re likely less familiar with than your typical backyard buddies. Meet the Sierra Madre Sparrow! Because its population is now restricted to just a few small patches of habitat in Mexico, the Sierra Madre Sparrow is listed as Critically Endangered and is one of American Bird Conservancy’s priority species in Mexico. Much of the Sierra Madre Sparrow's remaining habitat falls on communal lands, known as ejidos, so increased local buy-in could work wonders for this vanishing songbird. ABC works with the Mexican government's National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) to advance the conservation of Mexican Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) species, which are threatened species that only exist in one area. CONABIO supports a community-based monitoring and conservation team, the Monitoreo Biológico Milpa Alta, to lead habitat conservation and restoration activities for the Sierra Madre Sparrow. The team monitors the bird's biology and population dynamics and is actively pursuing community science opportunities and the use of tools, such as eBird, to further conservation efforts for this and other imperiled species. Can’t get enough of sparrows!? Click the link to brush up on Seven of the Coolest Sparrows in the United States: https://bit.ly/4aleVfS. #WorldSparrowDay #SierraMadreSparrow #Ejidos #Sparrow #MonitoreoBiológicoMilpaAlta #CONABIO #AECMéxico #Ebird