Showing papers on "Habitat destruction published in 1984"

Status, conservation, and management of the land snails of the genus Powelliphanta (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

Abstract: The distribution and the condition of the habitat of each of the land snails in the genus Powelliphanta are presented and the predation on each is reported. Distribution was assessed from field surveys and the literature, habitat from the condition of the vegetation, and predation from collections of empty shells showing diagnostic patterns of damage by rats, pigs, wekas, either kakas or keas or both, and either European blackbirds or song thrushes or both. The current status of each member of the genus is thereby assessed, and all are ranked in order of conservation priority. All members of the genus have suffered to some extent from habitat loss, habitat modification by browsing ungulates, and predation by introduced predators since European settlement of New Zealand. A few members of the genus are close to extinction. Management recommendations are made for all vulnerable members of the genus.

Some observations on the present distribution and conservation of Alouatta and Ateles in Southern Mexico.

Abstract: Some information on the past and present distribution of Alouatta and Ateles in southern Mexico and on the impact of habitat destruction on their future existence is presented. Three surveys of primate populations and forest habitats were carried out between 1981 and 1983 in southeastern Mexico. Rapid destruction of the forest is reducing the number of forested areas where Alouatta and Ateles can exist and co-occur. Illegal hunting of the two primates also contributes to their rapid decline. Alouatta and Ateles live a precarious existence in a few large and small islands of forest, and efforts are needed to set aside some of these areas as reserves so that their future survival is ensured.

In urgent need of protection—habitat for the woolly spider monkey

Abstract: Brazil has more primate species than any other country in the world but large-scale deforestation for agriculture and industry has brought an estimated 22 species to the verge of extinction Nowhere is this habitat destruction more evident than in Brazil's Atlantic forest ecosystem Although originally extending along the entire length of the eastern coastline, today only small isolated tracts of primary forest remain In 1983 the authors, aided by an Oryx 100% Fund grant of £200, carried out a vegetation and habitat survey in the forest of Fazenda Montes Claros, one of the last remaining refuges for the woolly spider monkey Brachyteles arachnoids The 47 individuals within the forest form the largest single breeding population in the world today Rapid and effective action is required to secure this habitat if there is to be any hope of saving this primate from extinction

Status of the Black muntjac, Muntiacus crinifrons, in eastern China

Abstract: A detailed survey was conducted to show the relative abundance and current known distribution of the Black muntjac population. New information on the distribution, abundance and status of Black muntjac shows it has a small population within a restricted geographical area and habitat range, which covers an area of approximately 76, 500 km2. The relative abundance of the Black muntjac at different locations was divided into three categories, depending on the percentage composition in hunting returns; these correlated with the amount of habitat destruction and hunting pressure. With the additional consideration of reproductive performance, the Black muntjac is doing well in some suitable areas. Data from historical records, and the new discovery of an isolated population in 1980 and 1981 indicated that habitat destruction and hunting greatly reduced the range and numbers of Black muntjac in the last hundred years. The paper also suggests that the current status of the Black muntjac should be given in the Red Data Book as a rare species.

Conservation of Colonial Waterbirds in the Caribbean Basin: Summary of a Panel Discussion

Abstract: The Caribbean region, including northern South America, is an important wintering area and migratory pathway for migrating birds. During the past 30 years especially, a great deal of habitat alteration has occurred because of human population growth. Of most significance to waterbirds has been the drainage of many wetlands in the region. A panel discussion on the issue of waterbird conservation was held at the seventh annual meeting of the Colonial Waterbird Group (CWG) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The discussion was aimed at 1) describing what local, national, and international programs are currently underway pertaining to waterbirds, 2) reviewing major threats to species and their habitat in certain areas, and 3) identifying specific types of actions that could be taken through cooperation with such organizations as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP), and the International Waterfowl Research Bureau (IRWB). Although some discussion of South American countries occurs in the following text, we focused mainly on the Caribbean region. Summaries of the presentations and discussion follow: Canadian Wildlife Service (I. M. Price). -A new Canadian Wildlife Service initiative is the Latin American Program (LAP) whose scope includes all of the Caribbean region, Central and South America. Its primary objective is to promote the conservation of birds that spend part of the year in Canada and winter in Latin America. After several months of consulting people with first-hand ecological experience in Latin America, CWS concluded that Latin American problems are similar to those of North America but that the scales differ. Habitat destruction, the use and abuse of agricultural chemicals, and industrial pollution were the gravest problems identified. The next step was to visit some Latin American countries to introduce the CWS and the LAP. We found Latin American wildlife agencies willing to work with us to promote the conservation of shared birds. We plan to meet our primary objective by sponsoring projects relating to surveys, shorebirds, waterbirds, toxic chemicals, wetland evaluation, and habitat loss. All projects should be jointly planned, carried out, and funded by us and one or more Latin American wildlife agencies or their designates. This latter point is important as joint funding increases the level of commitment by all parties. We also fund projects relating to training and professional development of Latin American biologists and technicians and are particularly interested in seeing measurable results at the end of a project. The first major project, headed by R. I. G. Morrison, was a survey of the northern and eastern coastline of South America to identify shorebird concentration areas and to obtain a preliminary assessment of the distribution and characteristics