Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Grasslands
Featured birdWestern/ Eastern Meadowlark(Sturnella neglecta)
This brilliant yellow bird uses diverse grasslands, from undisturbed sites and meadow to farms and grazed pastures
Why are grasslands important?
What are current threats?
Urban development Invasive
speciesConversion
to agriculture
Provide wildlife habitat
Generate & preserve soils
Pollinate crops & natural vegetation
Spread seeds
Grasslands
Fast Facts
Grasslands are open and continuous, fairly flat areas of grass
Grasslands occupy about one quarter of theEarth’s land area
There are two main types of grasslands: Tropical grassland (Savannas)
& Temperate grasslands
Grasslands exist on every continent except Antarctica
[email protected] for International Migratory Bird Day www.BirdDay.org Environment for the Americas @EFTA_BirdDay
Provide fish & wildlife habitat
This duck nests by wetlands in tundra and prairie habitats
Featured birdNorthern Pintail(Anas acuta)
Why are wetlands important?
What are current threats?
Wetlands
Feed downstream waters
Economic driver: fishing,hunting, agriculture and recreation
Pollution Vegetation damage
Invasive species
Wetlands
Fast FactsWetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater
Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local differences
Often found alongside waterways & in flood plains
[email protected] for International Migratory Bird Day www.BirdDay.org Environment for the Americas @EFTA_BirdDay
Featured birdBlack-and-white Warbler(Mniotilta varia)
This early spring migrant builds its nest on the leaf litter of the forest floor; their strikingly black and white patterns are distinguishable against the bark of trees where they probe for small insects
Why are tropical forests important?
What are current threats?
Tropical Forests
Contain over half of the world’s plant and animal species
25% of our modern medicines originate from tropical forest plants 25%
Have many useful products can be found nowhere else in such great abundance
Mining Agriculture
Cattle ranching DamsEnergy development
Tropical Forests
Fast Facts
Most complex biome in terms of both structure and species diversity
Length of daylight is 12 hours and varies little
Average 68-77° F (20-25° C) and varies little throughout the year
These areas mostly occur near the equator
[email protected] for International Migratory Bird Day www.BirdDay.org Environment for the Americas @EFTA_BirdDay
Over-harvesting for fuel wood
Conversion to agriculture Coastal development
Provides water for animals and plants
Why are yards important?
What are current threats?
Invasive Species Non- Native Species
FertilizersPollutants
