...North Frisian as an Endangered Language Despite the North Frisian language being classified as an endangered minority language confined to a small region in Northern Germany and having fewer speakers annually, as newer generations are born and learn more established Germanic dialects, there is a strong movement dedicated to preserving the language from the German government as well as international organizations through the implementation of academic programs, transcription of manuscripts, dictionaries, and literature, and extensive assistance from existing native speakers, which intends to maintain an active interest in and use of the language. A language becomes endangered when its speakers no longer pass it onto the next generation. If there are no more native speakers, the language then becomes known as a “dead language.” A language only becomes extinct when there are no existing speakers of it. Although there are no established guidelines on how to identify whether or not a language is endangered, there are several indicators that are examined to determine if one is endangered: the number of living speakers, the mean age of native and fluent speakers, and the percentage of the youngest generation acquiring fluency with the language in question. These three criteria each influence how a language is evaluated, and one indicator does not always necessitate the other two. Endangered languages are not always languages with few speakers. Even though small communities are...
Words: 3690 - Pages: 15
...Niokolo-Koba National Park Ronald Thompson University of Phoenix In Senegal, the Niokolo-Koba National Park is the largest and oldest national park (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). The park has around 200 meters of flat regions with lines of hills, where the remainder of the park is full of low plateaus. There are many languages that are spoken within the park. They are: Spanish, French, Russian, English, and Arabic. The Niokolo-Koba National Park was put on the World Heritage Danger List in 2007. The park is located in the western region of Africa near the Guinea-Bissau border in South Eastern Senegal (Absolute Astronomy 2010). It best known for its wildlife and it contains the most important natural habitat for biological diversity, including threatened species. Senegal is home to “2,500 different types of species and the Niokolo-Koba contain 1,500 of them” (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). Currently 120 different species families occupy the park as well. The park is home to “80 different species of mammals, 330 birds, 38 reptiles, 20 amphibians, 60 different types of fish” (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). The vegetation plays a strong role in this park as well. There are four types of soils that are found in the park in various locations. The soils include “tropical red soil, ferrolateritic crusts, alluvial, and hydromorphic” (Giant Eland Conservation, 2010). The vegetation in the park comes in many forms. The park includes grass, woody savannas, bushes, and many...
Words: 1636 - Pages: 7
...Wildlife Conservation Efforts in India Geography project [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] 2012 Nishant Aishwarya Roll Number - 26 Introduction Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, forests, rain forests, plains, grasslands, and other areas including the most developed urban sites, all have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted by human activities. Humans have historically tended to separate civilization from wildlife in a number of ways including the legal, social, and moral sense. This has been a reason for debate throughout recorded history. Religions have often declared certain animals to be sacred, and in modern times concern for the natural environment has provoked activists to protest the exploitation of wildlife for human benefit or entertainment. Literature has also made use of the traditional human separation from wildlife. Foods, Pets, Traditional Medicine:...
Words: 23746 - Pages: 95
...Carl Campbell Environmental Science with Lab January 18, 2014 iLab 2 – Week 2 – Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Species Introduction This Lab covers ecosystems, food webs, and the transfer of energy between species. In includes a review of biomes and ecosystems along with the operation of food chains and food webs, looking specifically at how energy is transmitted through the food web as part of the biomass pyramid. 1. Discuss the producer, consumer and decomposer relationships in the Mount St. Helens ecosystem post eruption. a. Producer Relationships – the producer relationships suffered immediate damage in the immediate vicinity of the blast although for about 5 more years the effects spread to a much larger area due to the ash blanked deposited via prevailing winds. In year 9 there began to be notable recovery, in areas furthest from the blast, of producers (vegetation) which peaked in 2010. Even recently additional recovery is being shown in the most damaged areas as well through natural seeding and interaction with consumers. b. Consumer Relationships – Insects, as expected were some of the first to return. Interestingly enough small mammals actually were able to stay in the vicinity in many cases even in the harsh conditions. The large animals were wiped out however and have had to return slowly over time from the surrounding areas. It is important to not this was not a linier return to pre eruption populations rather the species went through...
Words: 1249 - Pages: 5
...an interesting article especially for our generation, but this article reached and passed all of the limits. It is really easy to see that author didn’t treat article as seriously as it needed to be treated; his use of sarcasm belittles and demeans what the majority of people find an important environmental issue. However, I wanted to point out that every single bit of the article is rude. Even the title is creating a negative tension. “Stuff” – this word makes reader think to stop caring about this issue and just fill the tigers with stuffing once dead. “Long live extinction” – these words tease the reader with contradiction, and makes them think that everything is going well and extinction is impossible. I think that the use of this language in the title shows that the author is trying to manipulate the reader by making them agree with him through humour. Mr. Clarkson is not showing the whole picture of the problem of extinction. The reader thinks that everything is going well, and people have time to change it. However the problem of extinction is serious, and people should think about it now, because in the future it will be too late. As it was written in the article, tigers provide business; example for it is “demand for illegal tiger parts is booming”. I can agree with the fact of people need money to feed families, clothes and shelter themselves to survive. But I want to argue with this...
Words: 810 - Pages: 4
...Indicator species - The species that are particular vulnerable to ecosystem perturbations, and that, when we monitor them, can give us advanced warning of a problem. Landscape conservation - An ecosystem conservation strategy that specifically identifies a suit of species, chosen because they use all the vital areas within an ecosystem; meeting the needs of these species will keep the ecosystem fully functional, thus meeting the needs of all species that live there. Conservation genetics - Scientific field that relies on species' genetics to inform conservation efforts. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - An internal treaty that regulates the global trade of selected species Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - An international treaty that promotes sustainable use of ecosystems and biodiversity. Endangered Species Act (ESA) - The primary federal...
Words: 348 - Pages: 2
...From the beginning of time, there has always been wildlife. The animals and plants of our wildlife contribute to what makes this life so interesting. If all wildlife were to go extinct, then we would not have a way to replenish the oxygen to survive off of. All animals and plants are a part of our lifecycle and should be respected as such. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was put in place to protect threatened and endangered animals and plants. There are two agencies that equip this program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This act was dated official in 1973. There is a specific list of species that are endangered. This law requires that these agencies ensure that all species on that list are to never be compromised in any way such as: importing, exporting, hunting, etc. In the 1900s, when it was realized that bison and a bird in North America called the Passenger Pigeon were going missing, it was determined that something had to be done to protect the wildlife. As this issue was looked upon, it was found that millinery and pesticides were a major cause of animal and plant extinction. Millinery is the designing and manufacturing of hats. When people realized that they could profit from making a product with animal skins and furs, millinery became a problem for wildlife. Those who are greedy and unconcerned were not going to stop without a law in place. Therefore, the ESA...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
...As a child, going to the local zoo was an exciting adventure; one that enabled you to see great beautiful animals that you did not see on a day to day basis. As an adult it is an equally enjoyable experience, especially with the knowledge that the majority of animals in the zoo are on the endangered species list and who knows how long you might be able to enjoy them. It pains me to know that the animals that I often enjoy seeing might not be around for my own grandchildren to enjoy. Although species extinction is a natural process, the rate at which they are becoming extinct is anything but natural. Scientists have concluded that the rapid rate at which we are losing species is 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than natural extinction. Natural causes of extinction occur at a slower rate than human causes of extinction, which lead to a lower extinction rate. Examples of natural causes of extinction would be climatic heating and cooling, changes in the sea levels, asteroids, acid rain or the spread of disease. Examples of human causes of extinction would be increased human population, destruction of habitat, pollution and climate change (global warming). The majority of the causes for extinction are from man. Our population is growing at such a rapid rate that in order to accommodate each other we are cutting down forests in order to build our homes and businesses, and doing nothing to replace what we have torn down. We are forcing these animals to take great risks in order to survive...
Words: 660 - Pages: 3
...you need to know? Pandas are endangered, many other animals are also endangered 2. What are the key details that stand out? What are the supporting details? Big tuna wearing a panda mask and other unmasked tuna. 3. What issue does this seem to reference? We as a race try to save the “cute” well publicized animals. The less pretty or tastier animals are ignored. 4. What side of the debate is this visual taking? What perspective does the visual take? If tuna were cute or more publicized people would care and do more to save them. 5. How do we know what side the visual is taking? What specific claims are made? “Would you care if I was a panda?” 6. What does this visual want from its viewers? What message does it convey? To make people think about the fact that if an animal is considered “cute” or beautiful everything possible is done to prevent its extinction, and that people need to think about other animals as well. The picture portrays a school of blue-fin tuna in the ocean, but focuses directly on one wearing a panda mask. The text underneath it states, “Would you care more if I was a panda?” We all know that the panda is an endangered species and is near extinction. This visually argues that the blue-fin tuna is also becoming endangered, but with much less worry over the likelihood of extinction of this species. People care more about the panda than this fish. The reason the blue-fin tuna is becoming endangered is likely due to excessive fishing...
Words: 354 - Pages: 2
...practice of animals-for-rent. Animals, like humans, have their own habitats, and they live in what we collectively call the wild. Some humans have decided to pull these animals out of their homes and rent them for profit through the inhumane practice of animals-for-rent. These ignorant people are very cruel; they treat the animals as objects that only serve as entertainment to the public in the form of rental books or DVDs (Animal Aid, 2007). This unsafe and exploitative practice has gradually weakened animal rights and rips deeply into human morality and conscience. It is often the case that the people involve in this practice, this so-called exotic pet markets, give no regards to the survival of these animals, which are often on the endangered list. According to Richard Farinato (in The Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org), wild and exotic animals are favorable vectors for diseases and parasites, often the outbreak of diseases cause the death of a mass of animals. If this situation is continue without any resolution, these animals might become extinct. Because there are no concerns to the needs of the animals, the livelihood will decrease rapidly, and eventually they might not be able to live on Earth. Recently the Indonesian government came up with a plan – rent out the tigers so as to raise fund to save Sumatran Tigers. Many doubt that whether the government is really saving the tigers or are just taking benefit from them. It was reported in the website...
Words: 1960 - Pages: 8
...Global warming reveals the Heart of Antarctica First of all, global warming is when the earth’s temperature rises. It is affecting many parts of the world and makes the sea rise, or the ice melt. But even if it’s known for its many drawbacks, it’s easier to reach many places such as the Antarctica, thanks to the ice-melting. It gives more access to beautiful landscapes: not only in the poles but also in the mountains, as we can see on the picture. As a result, the global warming gives a great opportunity for the adventure travel industry. Indeed, it “has had an adverse effect on activities” L.1-2, that are decreasing, such as “coral-reef diving”, or “polar-bear watching” L.2. The ice melting allows developing new tours or cruises L.5 “new adventures are emerging” and many activities that tourists can do, that are even more thrilling than those existing so far. In fact, vessels can now travel further in the polar circle. It allows people to see very rare species they had never seen before like “leopard seals” and “the snowy sheathbill” L.14. Today, people are always looking for new sensations, and they are more and more demanding. Those trips and activities are a way to let people dream. They need to be amazed and surprised by breathtaking views. For example, the tourists get so close to some “humpbacks” L.17 (sort of whales), that they were gawking and “Everyone’s heart was swelling” L.19. However, these companies are aware that by developing their business, they contribute...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...opportunity to look back at the past, present and strive for a future that can still be altered. As the film progresses, the issues on global warming, extinction of species, deforestation as well as the slowly disappearing ocean habitats is depicted giving the viewer the chance to think about what he/she ought to do now. These concerns are actually our country’s own, too. Deforestation as a result of illegal logging had played its part in making matters worse for the past few years – floods had devastated lives, no trees to stop it in its tracks. The drought the country is experiencing – a sign of global warming. Polluted bodies of water had driven out the freshness of the fish as well as other aquatic creatures. Even though it has its share of endangered species, the Philippines however, does not have concerns on the extinction of any at the moment. This is most likely because of many other things the government is busy with. But no matter how we look at it, what is happening to the ecosystem around the world is a large outcry to the acts of the past recurring...
Words: 305 - Pages: 2
...Whilst managing biodiversity different strategies must be used to ensure the appropriate outcome is made. Usually a balance must be made between economic sustenance and environmental cost. This is because people use biological resources. NGO’s, IGO’s and Governments such as WWF and the Wet Tropics Management Authority and other organisations are made to ensure the protection of wildlife, rehabilitate areas which have been severely degraded due to human activity such as climate change and promote sustainable business and environmental education. Biosphere reserves is a management strategy similar to the 1960’s approach of total protection in which whole areas of biological significance are fenced off from the public. However Biosphere reserves take a wider approach to what must be sustained whilst protecting the ecology. Economic development focussed on local people is integrated within biodiversity conservation by using strategies such as ecotourism, tolerant forest management and extractive research. The Wet Tropics Management Authority, Douglas Shire Council and the Rainforest Cooperative Research Council are all organisations taking steps to protect and restore the Daintree Tropical Rainforest biodiversity in north eastern Australia. The Douglas Shire Council are gradually trying to reduce thehuman population in Daintree by rejecting plans to build a bridge across to mainland Australia and also increase costs of Ferries across to the island. This has not been successful at decreasing...
Words: 1047 - Pages: 5
...Wild Life). They will not tolerate habitat “disturbance” and are very protective of their territory in which they live, and hunt. Owls prefer tall trees with broken tops where they can fly under and past these broken tops, where they like to nest and raise their young. The Northern spotted owl is a protected species. Due to extensive logging, the owls and their habitat is swiftly declining at an alarming rate; they were added to the endangered species list in the early “1990s” (The Defenders of Wildlife). Unfortunately, the habitat they prefer is a direct target for the logging industry the cutting of trees in their habitat, conversion of land, wind storms, and wildfires have decreased their numbers“( example: 100 pair in British Columbia, 1200 pair in Oregon, 560 pair in Northern California, and 500 pair in the state of Washington),” Scientists from The National Wild Life Federation studied this, to see if any changes had been made, for 5 years and come to the conclusion that the birds should remain on the endangered list. (The U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service). It has been estimated, that the habitat for these owls has been reduced by “60% in the last 190 years, showing a drop in...
Words: 584 - Pages: 3
...Protecting the Scenic Beauty of Wildlife By Jeramy Buckman CM220 Unit 9 Final Project 7/17/12 I want everyone to close your eyes and picture yourself in the Rocky Mountains with your children hiking up a trail to your favorite camping site next to a hidden lake. While walking down the trail you are looking around looking for animals prints to show your children. You are excited to show your children some of the beautiful wildlife that you got to see when you where their age when your parents did this for you. As you and your children are walking you start to realize that you are not really seeing any wildlife that should be very abundant in this area. You also are noticing that there are not as many wild flowers and plants that were also here. You finally realize that you will not be able to give your children the wonderful memories that you received as a child. As you may have realized that this is a problem that we are starting to see and face today. Many times animals become extinct causing changes to the scientific life cycle, environment, scenic sights, food sources and many others. This has a drastic affect not only one our habitat and environment but can and will also affect us as humans. We as people can prevent and preserve this beauty for future generations all we have to do is understand the problem and take action. We need to educate ourselves and our children of the importance of animals and how to protect them. We need to understand what happens when we introduce...
Words: 2140 - Pages: 9
