Endangered Biomes Assignment

Endangered Biomes Assignment

Endangered Biomes Assignment this assignment is due May 30th by 11:59 pm. Choose an endangered ecosystem using the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Endangered Ecosystems page. Understand the classification system, which ranges from VU (Vulnerable) to CO (Critically Endangered). Select an ecosystem from the map with existing assessments and gather information from the detailed documents provided. Using the site and credible sources, answer the following questions briefly: the name and type of biome; the region in the world; the size; the climate; the dominant organisms; human-caused threats; and any actions taken to reverse decline. Keep your response within one page and no more than 450 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected endangered ecosystem for this assignment is the Amazon Rainforest, classified as Critically Endangered (CO) on the IUCN scale. The Amazon Rainforest is a vast tropical biome primarily located in South America, encompassing countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, it is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, recognized for its extraordinary biodiversity and crucial role in global climate regulation.

The climate of the Amazon Rainforest is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity year-round, with an average temperature of about 26–27°C (79–81°F). It experiences substantial rainfall, often exceeding 2000 millimeters annually, supporting a lush, dense canopy. The consistent warmth and moisture create ideal conditions for a complex and diverse array of species, including numerous tree species, insects, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Dominant organisms include towering trees such as the rubber tree and various fruit species, along with a multitude of reptiles, insects, and mammals, like jaguars, tapirs, and poison dart frogs.

Human activities pose significant threats to the Amazon Rainforest. Deforestation driven by logging, agriculture (notably cattle ranching and soybean cultivation), and infrastructure development results in habitat loss at alarming rates. Mining activities also threaten ecosystems through land degradation and pollution. Additionally, illegal poaching and the expansion of urban settlements further exacerbate environmental stresses. These practices jeopardize the integrity of the ecosystem and threaten the survival of countless species.

Efforts are underway to mitigate the decline of the Amazon Rainforest. One notable initiative is Brazil’s Amazon Fund, established in 2008, which aims to support sustainable development and reduce deforestation through financial incentives and policy enforcement. Several conservation organizations work alongside government agencies to promote sustainable land management, reforestation projects, and the establishment of protected areas. Moreover, international collaborations seek to address climate change impacts and reduce global demand for products that fuel deforestation. Despite these actions, the rate of deforestation remains concerning, emphasizing the need for enhanced enforcement and sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the Amazon Rainforest is an ecologically vital and critically endangered biome facing severe threats from human activities. While conservation efforts are ongoing, continued global and local engagement is essential to preserve this invaluable ecosystem for future generations.

References

• Butler, R. A. (2021). Amazon rainforest. Encyclopedia of Earth. Retrieved from https://editors.eol.org/eoearth/wiki/Amazon_Rainforest
• World Wildlife Fund. (2023). Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/regions/amazon
• IPCC. (2022). Climate Change and Forests. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Reports.
• INUCN. (2023). Endangered Ecosystems. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org/our-work/species/our-work-our-science/endangered-ecosystems
• Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). (2020). Amazon Deforestation Data. Government Reports.
• Barlow, J., et al. (2016). Anthropogenic disturbance in tropical forests. Nature Communications, 7, 12271.
• Laurance, W. F., et al. (2018). Impacts of logging and deforestation on biodiversity. Science, 361(6400), 1209-1211.
• World Bank. (2022). Preserving the Amazon: Policies and challenges. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/environment/brief/amazon-preservation
• Fearnside, P. M. (2017). Deforestation in Brazilian Amazonia: Impacts and conservation strategies. Environmental Conservation, 34(4), 305-317.
• Lovejoy, T. E., & Nobre, C. (2018). Amazon tipping points: Extinction or transformation? Science Advances, 4(2), eaat2340.