Wetlands hold a diverse population of species in it's ecosystem. From shellfish to furry rodents. They also ease flooding and can help in erosion control of the coasts. Unfortunately there has been a decline in Houston's wetlands. There are different factors that are creating the decline, one of which is fragmentation. Fragmentation is when you break up a habitat into smaller and smaller areas and then other habitats get built around it that are not the same type of habitat. In Houston, this is having a major effect on the whole wetlands, animals, and plant species. For example as we are building our habitats around these wetlands and slowly fragmenting them to make room for ourselves we are creating a loss of biodiversity in the wetlands and a decline in some of the creatures who call the Houston wetlands home.
The Houston Toad is a species for example that has been endangered since 1970 and is slowly losing it's natural habitat. The toad needs the still and flowing water for breeding and it's survival. Through our fragmentation of the wetlands for urbanization and agriculture of the area we are losing the Houston toad. Introduction of dense grasses in exchange from the natural grasses also creates a problem for the toad and causes a decline in their ability to mate or move around freely.
There are some ways we can help. There are several organizations and government grants that assist in helping with experiments, awareness, and rebuilding the wetlands. It's up to us to make a difference and stop the decline of the Houston wetlands.
References:
http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/EIH/publications/annual_reports/ar_1995/cameron95
It makes me sad to hear this. I didn't even know there was a 'Houston Toad'. I know it's just a toad, but that's something to be proud of. lol. But seriously, what makes me sad is that we are abusing these animals and their habitats, and tearing down the place they call home. That is unfair. And they don't have a way to speak up so the population of them will just continue to decrease. A toad or fish or rodent may seem insignificant, but we're really going to pay for it and notice a difference when their ecosystems get destroyed and things aren't normal. For example, an increase in the number of mosquitoes in these areas because there are no toads or other insect/bug eating creatures to eat them. The problem will only get bigger and bigger. We need to stop it before it gets out of hand, and respect the nature and life that surrounds us.
Posted by: Elizabeth Jones | April 28, 2011 at 05:49 PM