#illegal logging and agriculture

[notwiselybuttoowell]

“It’s astonishing, isn’t it?” Lira said as the aircraft banked left over a 2,000-hectare sweep of rainforest near the town of Trairão that had been obliterated since June.

“What amazes me is the number of [destroyed] areas of this size – I’ve never seen it before,” Lira added during a 1,000-mile surveillance flight organised by the advocacy group ClimaInfo.

Activists like Lira suspect that the prospect of Jair Bolsonaro’s defeat in October’s presidential election has sparked a last-minute race to raze the jungle, with an unholy trinity of illegal loggers, cattle ranchers and gold miners intensifying their activities before his successor takes office.

“They’ve realised it’s their last opportunity to deforest without having to pay the price,” Lira lamented as he surveyed the desolation below as the number of Amazon fires hit a 12-year high.

“The way they see it, this is the last-chance saloon. Either they do it now, or they do it now.”

South-west of Trairão, the plane crossed the Tapajós River and entered the airspace over the Munduruku Indigenous territory, whose remote jungles have been ravaged by a gold mining frenzy that has poisoned rivers and soils with mercury.

“In the last two months I’ve identified more than 30 new mining areas,” Lira said as the plane navigated between purple dots he had used to mark the recently opened pits on his laptop screen. “There must be many more.”

Activists across the Amazon – a colossal region covering more than 60% of Brazil’s territory – say they fear a similar escalation as the clock runs down on Bolsonaro’s far-right administration.

A chunk of the Amazon larger than Taiwan has already been torn down since Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, with an area nearly twice the size of Tokyo destroyed in the first half of this year.

“This year end is a really worrying period,” said Carlos Travassos, an Indigenous expert who works with a team of rainforest defenders called the Forest Guardians in the Amazon state of Maranhão.

“It’s going to be the final year of this government – or we hope so at least. So there’s this feeling among illegal loggers and those who invade Indigenous lands that they need to try and extract whatever they can. They think that once there’s a change of government the comfort they have enjoyed will come to an end. The impunity they have benefited from will no longer exist.”

The prospect of political change has offered a glimmer of hope to embattled Amazon activists who watched in horror as Bolsonaro slashed funding to environmental and Indigenous protection agencies such as Ibama and Funai and filled them with unqualified stooges. Last week there were calls for Funai’s pro-Bolsonaro president to be sacked after he was recorded offering support to a jailed official who is alleged to have illegally rented Indigenous lands to cattle ranchers.

The frontrunner to beat Bolsonaro, the former leftist president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has vowed to fight deforestation and rebuild those institutions if elected. “We will put a complete end to any kind of illegal mining,” Lula, who governed for two terms from 2003 to 2010, vowed recently, promising to make the climate emergency an absolute priority.

#bolsonaro government #jair bolsonaro #amazon rainforest #indigenous rights #illegal logging #illegal mining #animal agriculture #ranching #brazil #brasil #luiz inácio lula da silva #environment

[reasonsforhope]

"Mexico’s government recently announced the creation of 20 new protected areas across 12 states and two coastal areas in the country, covering roughly 2.3 million hectares (5.7 million acres). This follows a series of budget cuts to the nation’s environmental agencies.

Officials introduced four new national parks, four “flora and fauna protection areas,” seven sanctuaries, two biosphere reserves and three “natural resources protection areas” under the protection of the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP).

“This is a commendable step toward biodiversity conservation and environmental protection,” said Gina Chacón, director of the Wildland Network’s public policy program in Mexico. She told Mongabay these new areas will help preserve the country’s rich ecosystems, foster sustainable practices and protect a broad range of important species and habitats. Though some environmental and Indigenous groups are wary the budget cuts could hinder efforts to conserve these areas.

The newly protected areas will preserve habitat and ecologically important marine areas for various species, including whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), Mexican prairie dogs (Cynomys mexicanus) and jaguars (Panthera onca). They will also help safeguard ecologically important coral reefs and areas of cultural significance to Indigenous communities.

Bajos del Norte, a new national park in the Gulf of Mexico, is the largest new protected area, covering 1,304,114 hectares (3,222,535 acres), almost nine times the size of Mexico City. The area is important to the more than 3,000 families that belong to fishing communities on the Yucatán coast. It is also one of the main grouper fish (Epinephelinae) reproduction sites in the Gulf of Mexico and will safeguard threatened species, such as the rocky star coral (Orbicella annularis) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Joaquín Núñez Medrano, the secretary of the UEFAHG or Union of Forestry and Agricultural Ejidos Hermenegildo Galeana A.C. (Unión de Ejidos Forestales y Agropecuarios Hermenegildo Galeana), lives in an ejido — a type of communally owned land used for agriculture and forestry purposes — called Cordòn Grande in Sierra Grande of Guerrero, along the Pacific Coast. For more than 10 years, Medrano’s community has monitored species such as the jaguar and sustainably managed the ejido’s natural resources, without government assistance.

But now, the ejido has been designated a protected area in this latest round of decrees, as it falls inside part of the new Sierra Tecuani reserve. “The goal is to strengthen what we have already been doing but with support to do it much better,” he told Mongabay.

The second- and third-largest newly protected areas are Sierra Tecuani, a 348,140-hectare (860,272-acre) biosphere reserve threatened by illegal logging, forest fires and land use changes, and the Semidesierto Zacatecas Flora and Fauna Protection Area, which is important for the recovery of the Mexican prairie dog.

The state of Oaxaca is where the government created the most new protected areas, numbering three: the 90-hectare (222-acre) Playa Morro Ayuta Sanctuary, the 56-hectare (138-acre) Barra de la Cruz-Playa Grande Sanctuary and the 261-hectare (645-acre) Playa Cahuitán Sanctuary. Other protected areas were created in the states of Quintana Roo, Veracruz, Campeche, Nayarit, Zacatecas, Chiapas, Colima, Durango, Jalisco, Chihuahua, Guerrero and the State of Mexico...

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has protected more areas than any previous administration, with a total of 43 new areas across 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres). But Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), which works to safeguard the environment, has become severely cash-strapped throughout his six-year term.

SEMARNAT is one of many sectors in Mexico undergoing funding cuts. In recent years, Obrador’s government has implemented a series of strict austerity measures to free up more money for other areas like pensions and wages, boosting the leader’s popularity among citizens, particularly the working-class. Judicial workers, health services and academia have also had their budgets slashed in 2024...

Juan Bezaury-Creel, the director of the organization Fundación BD BioDiversidad Mexicana, said a protected area is better than no protected area because, once a decree is formalized, the government has a duty to protect it. However, this puts “huge pressure on existing personnel because they have to take care of more surface area with less resources,” he told Mongabay.

“The personnel from CONANP are heroic,” he said. “They are putting their lives on the line many times with little budget and little help.”"

-via Mongabay, January 25, 2024

#mexico #lopez obrador #andrés manuel lópez obrador #protected areas #environment #deforestation #environmental issues #national park #gulf of mexico #yucatán #oaxaca #endangered species #good news #hope #whale shark #prairie dog #jaguar

[todaysbird]

The Harpy Eagle is a neotropical species of eagle. Within their range, they are the largest and most powerful aerial predator. Full-grown harpy eagles have few natural threats; juveniles, however, are susceptible to being picked off by predators such as big cats. This species has the largest talons of any living eagle species. They have also been recorded as lifting prey as heavy as their own body weight. This makes them a formidable predator that can pick off almost any smaller animal in their range. Harpy eagles can be found in a variety of habitats, but primarily hunt in the rainforest’s canopy. This means that ongoing habitat loss has been a large factor in the decline of harpy eagle populations. Additionally, many of the prey species harpy eagles prefer, such as capuchin monkeys, have also been impacted by habitat loss and have become harder to find. Harpy eagles are also threatened by poachers. This is a particular concern for the species as harpy eagles are known to be unafraid of human presence, making them an easy target. In Mexico and Central America, large portions of the harpy eagle’s range, they are now considered critically endangered.

The harpy eagle faces multiple threats to survival, but one of the most notable is habitat loss. This has occurred in the harpy eagle’s former range due to cattle ranching, logging, and agricultural use. The harpy eagle is also hunted, as it can be a threat to livestock; although there is little evidence to support these claims, some believe they are a threat to human life as well. Although overall considered near threatened by CITES, in some portions of its range it is considered critically endangered. While the harpy eagle could certainly benefit from laws in place making it illegal to hunt the species, it’s unlikely we will see those any time soon. However, what conservation groups can focus on to increase protection of the harpy eagle is awareness. The misconceptions surrounding this eagle - that they are harmful to humans, or cause severe impacts on livestock - are detrimental to their overall survival rate. Changing public perception is one of the first steps to saving the harpy eagle.

There are multiple ongoing programs dedicated towards protecting the harpy eagle. The Peregrine Fund and the National Institute of Amazonian Research both have focused captive breeding programs that have reintroduced captive-bred harpy eagles to the wild. While this is helpful in maintaining healthy population numbers, it isn’t a long-term fix. No matter how many harpy eagles are released, if their habitat continues to be destroyed and fragmented, they will ultimately not have much of a chance at survival.

#once again - yes a school project :( #harpy eagle #eagle #bird of prey #bird #birblr #south america #conservation #animal death #endangered

[wildtrail]

Challenges and Solutions in Deforestation in the US

The United States of America, known for its geographical diversity and vast expanses of natural landscapes, finds itself at the center of a significant environmental challenge: deforestation. Often overshadowed by global debates about tropical forest loss, deforestation in the United States is a critical issue that warrants renewed attention. In this article, we will explore the complex reality of deforestation in this country, examining its causes, consequences, and innovative solutions being developed to preserve the valuable forests of the United States. From the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest to the woodlands of the Appalachians, the challenge of deforestation in the United States transcends geographical borders and calls upon us to take meaningful action to safeguard our natural resources and the future of our planet.

Current Situation of Deforestation in the US

Deforestation in the United States has been a cause for concern for decades. Despite vast forested areas in the country, there is constant pressure on these ecosystems. Below are some key aspects of the current situation of deforestation in the United States:

Loss of Natural Habitat: One of the most noticeable effects of deforestation in the United States is the loss of natural habitat for wildlife. As forests are cleared for urban expansion, agriculture, and industry, many animal and plant species are threatened or displaced.

Climate Change: Forests play a crucial role in carbon capture and climate regulation. Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing large amounts of carbon stored in trees and forest soil.

Water Quality Effects: Forest clearing can affect the quality of water in nearby rivers and streams. Trees play an important role in filtering contaminants and stabilizing water flow.

Loss of Natural Resources: Deforestation also results in the loss of important natural resources, such as timber. Without sustainable management, forest exploitation can deplete these resources irreversibly.

Proposals to Address Deforestation

Given the importance of forests in global health and people's quality of life, it is crucial to take action to address deforestation in the United States. Below are some proposals to tackle this problem:

Promote Sustainable Forestry: Promoting sustainable forest management is essential to ensure that U.S. forests are not overexploited. This involves implementing responsible logging practices that allow for forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation.

Ecosystem Restoration: Investing in the restoration of degraded ecosystems can help reclaim areas that have been deforested in the past. This includes planting native trees and restoring natural habitats.

Protection of Sensitive Areas: Identifying and protecting ecologically valuable areas is crucial. Creating natural reserves and national parks contributes to the conservation of intact ecosystems and biodiversity preservation.

Education and Awareness: Public education about the importance of forests and the impacts of deforestation can encourage informed decision-making and citizen involvement in forest conservation.

Effective Policies and Regulations: Strengthening and enforcing laws and regulations related to tree felling is essential. This includes implementing measures to prevent illegal logging and ensure the sustainability of forest exploitation.

Economic Incentives: Providing economic incentives to businesses and landowners who adopt sustainable forestry practices can be an effective strategy to reduce deforestation.

Conclusion

Deforestation in the United States is a problem that requires ongoing attention and decisive action. Forest loss not only has local impacts but also affects the globe by contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. To protect our natural resources and ensure a sustainable future, it is essential to effectively address this challenge through sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and public awareness. Only through a comprehensive and collaborative approach can we preserve the valuable forests of the United States for future generations.

Thanks for reading!

-WildTrail team

#deforestation #forest #climate change #pollution #awareness #conciousness #education #nature blog #nature lover #nature #new post #text post #text #reading #read #natural resources #follow #txt post #txt #share #article #social issues #social

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Gun-toting gold miners resist Brazil’s attempt to take back the Amazon

Attempts by the Brazilian state to reassert control over its lawless Amazon territories are leading to a deadly shooting war in the nation’s north.

The South American republic, led by left-leaning President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is attempting to rein in a gold-mining boom on the border of the indigenous Yanomami reserves.

That illicit industry — and illegal logging and land grabs in general — surged under nearly a decade of conservative rule, during which the country’s leaders turned a blind eye to the armed conquest of large swaths of forest by small-scale miners and large-scale agriculture.

The illegal incursions on the Amazon have resulted in mass deforestation, along with the pollution of rivers and the spread of epidemic disease. Some Brazilian human rights activists are also arguing that the miners moving in increasing numbers into Brazil’s constitutionally protected indigenous territory — like that of the Yanomami — may have been guilty of genocide, The Washington Post reported.

Continue reading.

#brazil #politics #brazilian politics #environmentalism #environmental justice #indigenous rights #amazon rainforest #mining #mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

[justinquiambyao]

The Philippine Eagle, a unique bird of prey found only in the Philippines, is a true forest raptor that relies on pristine primary forests for hunting, nest building, and raising its young.

POPULATION STATUS: Critically Endangered

BODY LENGTH: 2.5-3.3 feet (76-102 cm)

WINGSPAN: 6.5 feet (1.9 m)

WEIGHT: 10-18 pounds (4.5-8.1 kg)

Despite its large size and striking appearance, the eagle is being threatened by habitat loss due to logging and the conversion of forest land into agricultural fields. As a result, it has been restricted to mountain slopes, which are less at risk.

The eagle is diurnal, hunting, flying, building nests, and participating in courtship activities during daytime hours. The forest is the only home for the Great Philippine Eagle. It is where they obtain food, reproduce, and nourish their offspring. Unfortunately, illegal logging and irresponsible use of resources have resulted to the disappearance of their forest habitat that brings deathly consequences to the species.

The Philippine Eagle is one of the most endangered raptors globally due to habitat loss due to the island nation's unique characteristics. This has led to problems for adult eagles, who lose nesting trees and prey to chainsaws and bulldozers, and young birds, who must find new places to live and settle down.

This rare and majestic bird species can be found nowhere else but in the Philippines. Losing the species to extinction would also mean the world losing a precious biological heritage. Ensuring the safety of the Philippine eagle population in the upland areas can result to additional source of income for the marginalized communities sharing the forest with the eagles through our biodiversity-friendly initiatives.

Sources:

The Peregrine Fund

The Philippine Eagle Foundation

#kammu_appan_i_Endangered_Animals_nu_madim_kaya_mefuku.

#science #history #rshs #education

[the-puffinry]

today's sketch is not of a parrot but a flame-breasted fruit dove (Ptilinopus marchei)! Another species native to the Philippines. They're only found in the mountains of Luzon, where they live in primary mossy forests-- they fail to thrive in secondary ones.

I'll just quote wikipedia on this:

"This is now listed vulnerable with 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals left in the wild. It is threatened by habitat loss, poaching for the pet trade, nest disturbance and hunting for food. They have been seen being sold in illegal online markets on Facebook. Habitat loss is its main threat habitat loss with wholesale clearance of forest habitats as a result of logging, agricultural conversion and mining activities occurring within the range. Forest cover in the Sierra Madre has declined by 83% since the 1930s and most remaining areas are under logging concessions and may suffer further from major road-building plans. Mount Banahaw is affected land conversion due to quarrying and development for tourism."

ebird entry: link.

And a video of one in the wild:

Neocolor II, watercolour, markers. 08/03/2023.

#doves #birds #fruit dove #illustration #traditional art #neocolor #birbfest2023 #artists on tumblr

[twf2020]

Conservation of A Great Ape: The Orangutan

The orangutan, known for its distinctive red hair and human-like behavior, is one of the most endangered primate species in the world. Found only on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, these intelligent and gentle creatures are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are essential to protect the remaining populations of orangutans and ensure the survival of these majestic creatures in the wild.

The Ecology of the Orangutan

Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals, with adult males weighing up to 200 pounds and standing around 5 feet tall. Their long, powerful arms enable them to move through the trees with ease, and they use their four-foot-long arm span to reach branches that are too far away for their legs to reach. Orangutans have long fingers and toes with opposable thumbs, allowing them to grasp objects with great dexterity, making them proficient tool-users. Their hair is a distinct reddish-brown color that fades to gray as they age, with males developing distinctive cheek pads that grow throughout their adult lives.

Orangutans are also incredibly social animals, with complex communication skills and strong family bonds. Female orangutans maintain strong bonds with their offspring, raising them for up to eight years before they become independent. Adult males, on the other hand, are solitary and territorial, only interacting with females during breeding season. While orangutans are generally peaceful, males have been known to display aggressive behavior towards other males, especially during mating season.

Unfortunately, these intelligent creatures are under threat from a variety of human activities, including deforestation, poaching, and the illegal pet trade.

What threatens the Orangutan?

The primary threat to orangutan populations is habitat loss. Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and palm oil plantations, is the most significant cause of habitat destruction in Borneo and Sumatra. In the past few decades, the orangutan’s habitat has been reduced by 80%, leaving the remaining populations confined to small, isolated pockets of forest. This fragmentation makes it difficult for orangutans to find food, mate, and establish social connections, which can lead to a decline in their population numbers.

In addition to habitat loss, orangutans are also threatened by poaching and the illegal pet trade. Orangutan babies are often captured and sold as pets, while adult orangutans are hunted for their meat or body parts, which are used in traditional medicine. Poaching and the illegal pet trade have contributed to a decline in the orangutan population, and it is estimated that only 80,000 orangutans remain in the wild today.

Conservation of the Orangutan

Conservation efforts are essential to protecting orangutan populations and ensuring their survival in the wild. One of the most critical steps in orangutan conservation is habitat protection. Protecting orangutan habitat means preserving the remaining forests where orangutans live, and creating corridors between fragmented forests to enable populations to intermingle and reproduce. It also means reducing the impact of human activities such as logging, agriculture, and palm oil plantations, which are driving deforestation in Borneo and Sumatra.

Another key conservation effort is anti-poaching and law enforcement. Strict laws and regulations must be enforced to prevent illegal hunting and the illegal pet trade. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers are also essential for orangutan conservation, providing a safe haven for rescued orangutans that have been injured or orphaned. These centers help rehabilitate orangutans and prepare them for release back into the wild.

Community engagement is another crucial aspect of orangutan conservation. Local communities play a vital role in protecting orangutan habitat and reducing the impact of human activities on the forest. Engaging with these communities, educating them about orangutans, and empowering them to participate in conservation efforts can help build support for orangutan conservation and reduce the impact of human activities on the forest.

We at Think Wildlife Foundation recently launched our Livelihoods for Conservation project to provide alternative, sustainable livelihoods to the communities living with wildlife. This is with the aim to incentivize conservation while uplifting these communities economically. You can purchase merchandise from these communities here!

Written by: Sanghmitra Singh

Originally published at https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com on June 29, 2023.

#Youtube

[dbs-superleggera]

Greetings Bernard Arnault,

Charmed Circle Services

If you refer to a group of people as a charmed circle, you mean that they seem to have special power or influence, and do not allow anyone else to join their group.

A protection racket is a type of racket and a scheme of organized crime perpetrated by a potentially hazardous organized crime group that generally guarantees protection outside the sanction of the law to another entity or individual from violence, robbery, ransacking, arson, vandalism, and other such threats, in exchange for payments. 

Green Crime is illegal activity that involves the environment, biodiversity, or natural resources. There are generally five types of major environmental crime: illegal logging, fishing, and mining, and crimes that harm wildlife and generate pollution.

State-corporate crime is a concept in criminology for crimes that result from the relationship between the policies of the state and the policies and practices of commercial corporations.

Tax Haven Lobbying

State-corporate crime is a concept in criminology for crimes that result from the relationship between the policies of the state and the policies and practices of commercial corporations. 

Organized transnational crime is organized criminal activity that takes place across national jurisdictions, and with advances in transportation and information technology, law enforcement officials and policymakers have needed to respond to this form of crime on a global scale. 

Government Joint Venture 

Example: Government Part Owned Coal & Diamond Mines

international corporation that specializes in coal & diamond mining, coal & diamond exploitation, coal & diamond retail, diamond trading and industrial coal & diamond manufacturing sectors.

Example: Debswana Diamond Company Limited Influenced

Debswana is a joint venture between the government of Botswana and the South African diamond company De Beers; each party owns 50 percent of the company

Ecological Preservation Company

Farmland Real Estate

Acquisition 

Lease

Gross Margin

China Big Four Influence: Industrial and Commercial Banks, Construction Bank, & Agriculture Banks (Ag Banks)

Products

Finance and insurance, consumer banking, corporate banking, investment banking, investment management, global wealth management, private equity, mortgages, credit cards

Gross Margin Loan

In exchange for farmland development or startup give cash for gross margin %

LVMH Digital Wallet

Air Miles Credit Card

Client Card (Gift Card/Social Club)

Drop Shipping

Isolated Investment Platform/Newsletter

Distributors Type

Wholesale distributors provide that liaison, buying large quantities of products from manufacturers, storing them and then supplying them to retailers and other businesses.

Distributors

Distributors have a business relationship with manufactures and have partial ownership of the product they sell. Some distributors buy exclusive rights to buy a company's product to ensure that they are the sole distributor of that product in the area. Distributors often sell to wholesalers and retailers, creating minimal contact with the final buyers.

Indirect selling

Indirect selling is when a company uses an intermediary to distribute and sell its product. Indirect selling marketing channels can use varying amounts of intermediaries. In the most direct distribution route, the manufacturer can sell their product to an intermediary who then sells the product to a consumer. However, they may sometimes involve more than one intermediary in the distribution of a product.

This marketing channel encompasses many of the examples of intermediary channel uses, including shopping malls and chain retailers.

LVMH Distribution & Cash Conversion Cycle

Big Pharma Distribution Model

Wholesalers purchase drugs from manufacturers and distribute to a variety of customers, including independent, chain, or mail-order pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care, and other medical facilities.

Wholesale Distribution Clients

Drop Shipping

Malls

Modeling Agencies

Wedding Directors

Private Schools

Social Club

Art Auctions

Film Production Companies

Car Dealerships/Shows (Collaboration)

Jewelers (Gift Card Distribution for Store Credit)

Political Cabinet

Tennis Clubs (Dress Code)

Dinner Hall Rental Companies

Hair Salons (Gift Card Distribution for Store Credit)

Investment Banks (Gift Card Distribution for Store Credit)

Wholesale Client Requirement

Retailer Fair with Retail Advisory Groups Collaboration Business Incubator

Business incubator is an organization that helps startup companies and individual entrepreneurs to develop their businesses by providing a fullscale range of services starting with management training and office space and ending with venture capital financing.

What Can Companies Do To Improve Cash Conversion Cycle Times?

Invest in Real-Time Analytics.

Encourage Earlier Payments.

Speed Up the Delivery Time.

Make It Easier To Pay.

Simplify Your Invoices.

Rental and Recruitment

Graduation and Wedding Rentals allows for customer experience turning dreamers into clients

Wearing LVMH for the first time at Graduation is Emotionally Symbolic

Celebrations release the feel-good chemicals oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins, which lower the stress hormone cortisol. This doesn't mean you simply are in a better mood, though your mood will improve. It also means you'll have clarity of thought and feel more in control.

Oxytocin is known as a social bonding hormone, unfortunately, though, it can also be the trigger to addiction.

Golf & Tennis Endorsement

Endorsement Wear Contracts (Product Placement Scheme)

This Bridges the LVMH Brand and Logo to Future Athletes where Nike isn't that Popular compare to other Nike endorsed athletes

Golf and Tennis are posh so the endorsements fit LVMH target audience

Rugby Kit Sponsor

Secure South African Athletes and Create a Larger Presence in South Africa (Natural Resources)

Athleisure Wear

Big and Tall Athleisure Clothing

Minimum Net Worth Condos with Luxury Strip Malls

Gift Card Program Drop Shipping : Promotion Program, Have a grace period for gift card top up (treat like a prepaid rewards credit card); Curated accessories promotional codes. Cash is acquired without product sold. (Starbucks with a twist)

Trade Shows: Promotional Model, This type of model books jobs that help sell or promote a certain commodity. Promotional models are often found at trade shows and other live events. As a whole, these models must be personable, outgoing, and have a strong knowledge of the product they are representing.

LVMH Inclusive (Minimum Spending) Social Club: Cross-functional Collaboration Based Shopping

Project

Cross collaborate through divisions to create a specific project. Projects are a curation of a series of products from multiple divisions. Goal is to have people attached to projects, not products. View Projects as Different Personalities. (Harvard Business Review)

Landscaping & Gardening Expos

Festive Activities for Consumers

Natural Resources Humid Subtropical Climate Farming with Security Operations (SecOps)

Material Sourcing

Porter's Model Pharma Industry

Porter's model can be applied to any segment of the economy to understand the level of competition within the industry and enhance a company's long-term profitability. The Five Forces model is named after Harvard Business School professor, Michael E. Porter.

Porter's 5 forces are:

Competition in the Industry

The first of the Five Forces refers to the number of competitors and their ability to undercut a company. The larger the number of competitors, along with the number of equivalent products and services they offer, the lesser the power of a company.

Suppliers and buyers seek out a company's competition if they are able to offer a better deal or lower prices. Conversely, when competitive rivalry is low, a company has greater power to charge higher prices and set the terms of deals to achieve higher sales and profits.

Potential of New Entrants Into an Industry

A company's power is also affected by the force of new entrants into its market. The less time and money it costs for a competitor to enter a company's market and be an effective competitor, the more an established company's position could be significantly weakened.

An industry with strong barriers to entry is ideal for existing companies within that industry since the company would be able to charge higher prices and negotiate better terms.

Power of Suppliers

The next factor in the Porter model addresses how easily suppliers can drive up the cost of inputs. It is affected by the number of suppliers of key inputs of a good or service, how unique these inputs are, and how much it would cost a company to switch to another supplier. The fewer suppliers to an industry, the more a company would depend on a supplier.

As a result, the supplier has more power and can drive up input costs and push for other advantages in trade. On the other hand, when there are many suppliers or low switching costs between rival suppliers, a company can keep its input costs lower and enhance its profits.

Power of Customers

The ability that customers have to drive prices lower or their level of power is one of the Five Forces. It is affected by how many buyers or customers a company has, how significant each customer is, and how much it would cost a company to find new customers or markets for its output.

A smaller and more powerful client base means that each customer has more power to negotiate for lower prices and better deals. A company that has many, smaller, independent customers will have an easier time charging higher prices to increase profitability

Threat of Substitutes

The last of the Five Forces focuses on substitutes. Substitute goods or services that can be used in place of a company's products or services pose a threat. Companies that produce goods or services for which there are no close substitutes will have more power to increase prices and lock in favorable terms. When close substitutes are available, customers will have the option to forgo buying a company's product, and a company's power can be weakened.

Understanding Porter's Five Forces and how they apply to an industry, can enable a company to adjust its business strategy to better use its resources to generate higher earnings for its investors.

What Are Porter's Five Forces Used for?

Porter's Five Forces Model helps managers and analysts understand the competitive landscape that a company faces and to understand how a company is positioned within it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Porter's Five Forces is a framework for analyzing a company's competitive environment.

Porter's Five Forces is a frequently used guideline for evaluating the competitive forces that influence a variety of business sectors.

It was created by Harvard Business School professor Michael E. Porter in 1979 and has since become an important tool for managers.

These forces include the number and power of a company's competitive rivals, potential new market entrants, suppliers, customers, and substitute products that influence a company's profitability.

Five Forces analysis can be used to guide business strategy to increase competitive advantage

Regards,

Adrian Blake-Trotman

[patreontoken]

Sumatran Orangutan

Sumatran orangutans, whose name comes from the Malay language for "person of the jungle," are critically endangered.

Website

STATUS: Critically Endangered

POPULATION: 14,613

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pongo abelii

WEIGHT: 66 – 198 pounds

LENGTH: 4 -5 feet

HABITATS: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests

The Sumatran orangutan is almost entirely arboreal, living in tropical rainforests amid the trees. Females almost seldom travel on the ground, and mature males do it only on rare occasions. Sumatran orangutans are said to be more socially connected than their Bornean counterparts. This has been attributed to the abundance of fruit on fig trees, which allows groups of Sumatran orangutans to graze together. Adult males are usually alone, whereas females are usually accompanied by their young.

The Sumatran orangutan was once found across the entire island of Sumatra, as well as further south into Java. The species' distribution has shrunk to the north of the island, with the majority of the population concentrated in the provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh. Only seven of the nine current Sumatran orangutan populations, each with an estimated population of 250 or more individuals, have long-term viability. More than 1,000 orangutans can be found in only three populations. Bukit Tigapuluh National Park is reintroducing orangutans confiscated from the illegal trade or kept as pets. They have a population of roughly 70 and are reproducing.

Why They Matter

Orangutans perform an important role in the spreading of seeds across a large area. Several tree species, particularly those with bigger seeds, would become extinct if orangutans became extinct.

Threats

Habitat Loss

Orangutan habitat in north Sumatra is rapidly disappearing, owing to fires, forest conversion to oil palm plantations, and other agricultural activities. This species is reliant on high-quality forests to survive. Forest fires are becoming a common occurrence, with many of them started on purpose to clear land for plantations. Not only can fires destroy enormous swaths of orangutan habitat, but thousands of these slow-moving primates are believed to have perished in the flames.

A plan to build a major road in northern Sumatra threatens one of the orangutan's last surviving habitat areas. The road would not only fracture the forest, but it will also allow illegal logging and human settlements to flourish. Despite evidence that preserving the region will aid long-term sustainable development, the project is moving forward.

Hunting

Despite the fact that orangutans have been legally protected in Indonesia since 1931, they are still abducted in the wild and kept in households as status symbols. Orangutans are hunted for food in some regions. According to TRAFFIC, the worldwide wildlife monitoring network, orangutans are in grave danger due to a lack of law enforcement against illegal trafficking. Females only have one child every eight or nine years, leaving their populations extremely vulnerable to even low levels of hunting. According to experts, even a 1% loss of females per year due to hunting or other unnatural causes might set a population on an irreversible path to extinction.

Website

Patreon Token - Patronize of Animals and Environment

Website: https://patreontoken.com

Get to know the Patreon Token

The Patreon Token is a cryptocurrency created by three pet-friendly crypto fans to create support for the animal welfare and conservation organizations they love, anytime, anywhere. The Patreon Token was created on December 01, 2021. It is made of 88 million pieces and each cryptocurrency can be divided into 8 decimal places.

Our goal

Our team will distribute a minimum of 80 million PTRN tokens to various aid organizations. This means that we want to send 8,000 tokens for free to at least 10,000 animal welfare and conservation organizations, which can be sold to generate revenue. The remaining 8 million tokens will be used to develop to our project. The most important thing for us is that all animal welfare and conservation organizations on the planet can be easily and instantly supported by everyone, wherever they live or stay in the world.

#orangutan #sumatra #sumatran orangutan #environment #save the environment #animal #animals #animal welfare #animal protection #nature protection #nature #nature welfare #jungle #asia #indonesia

[rabbitcruiser]

International Tiger Day 

Help raise awareness and join the fight against threats facing the world’s largest big cat. Tigers are majestic creatures, who may face extinction if not helped.

The tiger is the largest of the world’s big cats and this magnificent creature, with its distinctive orange and black stripes and beautifully marked face, has a day that is dedicated to it.

Learn about International Tiger Day

International Tiger Day has been created so that people around the world can raise awareness for tiger conservation. The aim of the day is to help promote a worldwide system whereby we are dedicated to protecting tigers and their natural habitats.

We can also use this day to support tiger conservation issues and to raise awareness. After all, when more people are aware of something, they are going to be more inclined to help, and that is why this day is so important.

There are a number of different issues that tigers all around the world face. There are a number of treats that are driving tigers close to extinction, and we can do our bit to make sure that we do not lose these incredible creatures. Some of the threats that tigers face include poaching, conflict with humans, and habitat loss.

Poaching and the illegal trade industry is a very worrying one. This is the biggest threat that wild tigers face. Demand for tiger bone, skin, and other body parts is leading to poaching and trafficking. This is having a monumental impact on the sub-populations of tigers, resulting in localized extinctions. We often see tiger skins being used in home decor.

Moreover, bones are used for medicines and tonics. This has seen illegal criminal syndicates get involved in the tiger trade in order to make huge profits. It really is a worrying industry. In fact, it is thought to be worth 10 billion dollars per annum in the United States alone. This is why we need to support charities and work hard to put an end to poaching and the illegal trade of tiger parts.

While this represents the biggest threats to tigers, there are a number of other threats as well. This includes habitat loss. Throughout the world, tiger habitats have reduced because of access routes, human settlements, timber logging, plantations, and agriculture.

In fact, only around seven percent of the historical range of a tiger is still intact today. That is an incredibly small and worrying amount. This can increase the number of conflicts between tigers, as they roman about and try to locate new habitats. Not only this, but genetic diversity can reduce because it can cause there to be inbreeding in small populations.

History of International Tiger Day

This was first celebrated in 2010 and was founded at an international summit that had been called in response to the shocking news that 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared in the last century, with only around 3,000 left alive.

Tigers are on the brink of extinction and International Tiger Day aims to bring attention to this fact and try to halt their decline. Many factors have caused their numbers to fall, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting and poaching and Tiger Day aims to protect and expand their habitats and raise awareness of the need for conservation.

Many international organizations are involved in the day, including the WWF, the IFAW and the Smithsonian Institute.

How to observe International Tiger Day

Wild tiger populations have declined by around 95% since the beginning of the 20th century. There’s now estimated to be around 3,900 wild tigers.

Each tiger has a unique set of stripes – like a fingerprint – and this helps us identify individuals in the wild. Since the beginning of the 20th century, wild tiger populations have declined by around 95%. Sadly, there are more tigers in captivity in the US than are left in the wild. The tiger is officially classed as endangered by the IUCN.

Animal adoptions give a huge boost to the work that the WWF is doing. They not only help fund projects to work with local communities to monitor tiger movements, reduce poaching and help people to realize benefits from living in close proximity to wild tigers – but they also support our other vital work around the world.

So what are you waiting for head over to the WWF adopt a tiger page to help this fantastic organization and their efforts to protect this amazing animal.

Of course, adopting a tiger is not the only way that you can help on this date. There are a number of other things that you can do. You could raise funds for a tiger charity, for example. Moreover, raising awareness is critically important. You can take to social media to make sure that your friends, followers, and family members are aware of the different threats that tigers face.

A lot of people are not aware of these threats, and so spreading the knowledge can help to make sure that we all do our bit to ensure that the tiger’s future is a fruitful one. There will be a lot of videos, infographics, and interesting pieces of content going around that you can share with others.

Source

#Bronx Zoo #my favorite zoo #Zoo Zürich #Lincoln Park Zoo #New York City #Chicago #USA #Switzerland #Schweiz #Amur Tiger #animal #outdoors #original photography #Illinois #tourist attraction #landmark #vacation #travel #big cat #International Tiger Day #InternationalTigerDay #29 July #flora #fauna #nature #rock formation #tree #grass

[kp777]

By Lauren Sommer, Seyma Bayram

April 2, 202311:37 AM ET

A new study has uncovered that forest loss is changing weather patterns in the world's three largest remaining tropical rainforests.

The study, published in the journal Nature last month, found that clearing wide swaths of trees — what's known as deforestation — reduces rainfall in tropical rainforests which actually generate their own rain. When it rains, trees soak up and use that water. They then release that moisture, both through evaporation and through their leaves. That humid air rises and helps create clouds, which in turn create more rain.

This process, called precipitation recycling, accounts for up to 41% of the rainfall in the Amazon and up to 50% in the Congo, according to the study's authors. When trees are cut down, it breaks this cycle, hampering the formation of rain and leading to drought. Reduced precipitation recycling due to forest loss, the researchers say, has grave repercussions for agriculture, hydropower generation and climate resilience – as well as for the rainforest itself.

"Global efforts to restore large areas of degraded and deforested land could enhance precipitation, reversing some of the reductions in precipitation due to forest loss observed here," the authors wrote. They called for renewed efforts to protect rainforests and urged world leaders to act on their pledges to stop deforestation.

The study looked at satellite data on rainfall and forest loss in the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, which covers nine countries; the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest spanning six countries; and Southeast Asia, home to Indonesia's thriving Leuser Ecosystem.

Each of these rainforests is losing trees primarily to agricultural land use. The Amazon has lost a significant amount of its forest cover – more than an estimated 60 million acres from 2000 to 2010 alone. Much of the deforestation in the Amazon is due to soy cultivation and cattle farming.

In Indonesia, peatland forests are burned to the ground for lucrative palm oil plantations – a cheap oil commonly found in packaged foods, cleaning and cosmetic products and increasingly in biofuels. The palm oil industry, illegal logging and deforestation by small-scale farmers in West-Central Africa are also decimating the rainforests in the Congo Basin.

"When we're removing trees, we're making the environment drier and that lack of moisture that's the big cloud above those trees just disappears," said Callum Smith, a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds in England and co-author of the study.

In the Congo, deforestation could reduce local rainfall by 8-10% by the end of the century, the study points out. Scientists are also seeing the impact in the Amazon.

"The important thing to remember is that this is just due to forest loss," Smith said of the Congo prediction. "We're screening out the effect(s) of climate change."

Stopping deforestation

Robin Averbeck, forest program director at the Rainforest Action Network, said global forests are critical for producing rainfall and regulating global temperatures. They also capture carbon dioxide which is a major contributor to human-caused climate change. That gas releases, though, when trees are cut down or burned.

"Once we deforest, we lose one of our greatest natural defenses in protecting ourselves from climate change. This is not only true for forests, but also other ecosystems," Averbeck said. Draining and burning peatlands for palm oil plantations, particularly in Indonesia, also releases carbon into the atmosphere, they said.

Averbeck said banks, corporations and governments need to adopt and meaningfully enforce regulations and policies to prevent future deforestation while not funding or using crops or products cultivated on deforested land. They also said ensuring and protecting indigenous land rights is a critical step in preventing deforestation and rights abuses before they occur.

Indigenous lands contain 80% of the planet's remaining biodiversity, Averbeck pointed out. For this reason, Averbeck said it is critical for Indigenous people to be able to resist development and for governments and companies to respect their decision.

In Brazil, deforestation dramatically decreased through law enforcement under Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was president from 2003 to 2010. The country saw deforestation surge and reach a fifteen-year high in 2021 under former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula, who assumed the presidency again this year, campaigned on preserving the Amazon and protecting Indigenous communities.

Read more.

#deforestation #climate change #rainfall #carbon sink #ecosystem degradation

[leebird-simmer]

All About: Cannabis

History

- Cannabis probably originated in China. Medical and religious use can be traced to ancient China, India, Egypt and the Middle East.

- At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon’s soldiers brought cannabis to France from Egypt in the form of hashish.

- It became very popular with French writers and artists, who established Le Club des Hachichins (The Hashish-Eaters’ Club) in Paris.

Members included Theophile Gautier, Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Honore de Balzac, and Alexandre Dumas

- Hemp was grown in colonial America, but marijuana smoking probably came to the US with Mexican & Caribbean immigrants in the early 1900s.

- Cannabis (hemp) plant:

High THC content ---> Marijuana, recreational use

Low THC content (less than 0.3%) = industrial hemp

- In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act instituted a national registration and taxation system aimed at discouraging all use of cannabis. It was overturned in 1969.

- Largely destroyed the hemp industry {note: this benefited paper manufacturers and thus indirectly benefited logging companies}

- United States Department of Agriculture lifted the tax on hemp cultivation during WWII

Legal Status

- In 1970, marijuana and THC became Schedule I illegal drugs.

2014 Farm Bill: permits cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes

2018 Farm Bill: made industrial hemp legal, allowed CBD oil production

Preparation

- Marijuana is produced from flowering hemp (Cannabis sativa).

- Marijuana is a mixture of dried and crumbled leaves, small stems, and flowering tops.

- Hemp seeds have been used for oil and bird food.

- It can be consumed orally, as in cookies or brownies, but is usually smoked in rolled cigarettes known as “joints,” various kinds of pipes, or in hollowed-out cigars called “blunts.”

- Hashish is a cannabis derivative that can be smoked or eaten.

- It can refer to a relatively pure resin preparation with very high cannabinoid content, or a solvent extract of leaves or resin.

- Hash oil is an alcohol extract. A drop is placed on a tobacco or marijuana cigarette.

Ingredients

- Hemp contains 70 unique compounds known as cannabinoids, plus more than 400 other identified compounds.

- The psychoactive compound /_\9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) accounts for the use of cannabis as a drug. {note: that’s supposed to be a triangle; sorry}

- Marijuana potency (in terms of THC content) varies widely, depending on the genetic strain of the plant and growing conditions.

- Potency can be increased by preventing pollination and seed production by the female plants. This marijuana is called sinsemilla (”without seeds”).

- THC was identified as the major active ingredient in 1964.

- Burning marijuana causes the THC to vaporize and enter the smoker’s lungs in small particles.

- Effective dose and latency to onset of effects are influenced by the amount and potency of the plant used, and patterns of smoking (e.g. duration of held breath).

Administration & Absorption

Smoking

- Smoking marijuana is the quickest way to absorb THC, with blood levels peaking between 9-10 minutes into a smoke session.

- THC is easily absorbed by the lungs, and blood plasma levels rise quickly.

Edibles

- Thought to yield peak THC blood levels within 1-5 hours post-ingestion

- Poor absorption results in low and variable plasma levels, probably due to degradation in the stomach, first-pass metabolism.

Elimination

- Blood THC levels decline rapidly after smoking marijuana, but complete elimination from the body is much slower because of persistence in fat tissues.

- Half-life varies from a few hours to 3-4 days

- The gradual movement of THC metabolites back out of fat stores means that urine screening tests can detect them more than 2 weeks after a single incident of marijuana use.

Acute Behavioral Effects

- Effects of cannabinoid use vary depending on dose, frequency of use, characteristics of the user, and the setting in which use occurs.

- Subjective & behavioral effects of marijuana use can be separated into four stages: the “buzz,” the “high,” the stage of being “stoned,” and the “come-down.”

The “high” is associated with feelings of euphoria & exhilaration, and a sense of disinhibition.

Relaxation is the most commonly reported effect of being “stoned.”

- Smoking marijuana can sometimes produce transient psychotic symptoms such as depersonalization, derealization, agitation, and paranoia.

- Expectation also plays a role in what effects the drug will produce, as shown by placebo studies.

- Marijuana negatively affects cognitive functions.

Decreased performance for a variety of verbal, spatial, time estimation, and reaction time tasks has been noted.

Cannabinoids appear to interfere with all aspects of memory processing.

- Marijuana can affect psychomotor functioning under demanding task conditions, such as driving.

- Use of cannabis with or without alcohol is a risk factor in automobile accidents.

Acute Physiological Effects

- increased blood flow to the skin and flushing

- increased heart rate

- increased hunger

Chronic Behavioral Effects

- In young people amount of cannabis use is inversely related to educational performance.

- Some research supports the hypothesis that heavy cannabis use leads to persistent cognitive defects, impairing school performance.

- Alternatively, poor school performance and rejection of mainstream values (such as educational achievement) may increase cannabis use.

- Chronic cannabis use can also result in aimlessness, decreased motivation, lack of planning, and decreased productivity (amotivational syndrome).

{note: Amotivational syndrome can also be caused by SSRIs, and since there is a high rate of comorbidity between depression + anxiety, and between cannabis use + depression and/or anxiety, it can be difficult to determine whether SSRIs or cannabis are causing amotivational syndrome in patients who use both substances.}

- Heavy cannabis use over a long period may lead to impaired executive functioning for at least 2-3 weeks following cessation of use.

- Some data suggest that heavy, long-time users may continue to show impairment in decision-making, planning, and concept formation. It may negatively affect the prefrontal cortex.

- Imaging studies suggest that chronic marijuana use is associated with several kinds of abnormalities in the brain.

- Several studies have found a significant relationship between early heavy marijuana smoking and increased risk for later development of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Mechanisms of Action

- A cannabinoid receptor in the CNS was identified in 1988.

- Receptors occur in many brain areas.

- Localization of cannabinoid receptors in these areas is consistent with the behavioral effects of these compounds on locomotor activity, coordination, and memory.

- Endogenous neurotransmitter-like substances that act on the receptors = endocannabinoids.

- Two main endocannabinoids have been found: anandamide and 2-AG.

- They are retrograde messengers; they carry information in the opposite direction from normal (i.e. postsynaptic to presynaptic).

- THC similar to endocannabinoids binds to cannabinoid receptors located presynaptically on the nerve terminal. They are metabotropic: they work via G-proteins to inhibit presynaptic voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, and open K+ channels.

- As a result, cannabinoids decrease neurotransmitter release from the terminal.

Reinforcement

- In one study, regular marijuana users could discriminate THC-containing marijuana cigarettes from placebos with no THC, and all subjects preferred the marijuana with THC when given a choice.

- Animal studies have also demonstrated reinforcing properties.

Lever pressing by squirrel monkeys for THC stopped when placebos were used.

- Mechanisms for reinforcement:

Activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system: VTA --> NAcc

Interactions between the cannabinoid and opioid systems may play a role in cannabinoid reward and reinforcement; opioid agonists enhance cannabinoid self-administration, and opioid antagonists have the opposite effect.

Tolerance & Dependence

- Animals exposed to THC or other CB1 agonists develop tolerance to the behavioral and physiological effects of these compounds.

- It appears to involve a combination of desensitization and down-regulation of CB1 receptors.

Adverse Health Effects

- There are no reports of death from overdose.

- Smoking marijuana can damage lungs: smoke contains tar, other carcinogens, carbon monoxide, etc.

- Possible adverse cardiac effects?

- Immune system suppression

- THC may affect reproductive functions:

In AFAB people, it can affect ovulation.

In AMAB people, regular smoking has been shown to decrease testosterone levels and sperm counts.

Animal research has demonstrated pregnancy failure, delayed embryonic development, and even fetal death with THC administration.

Smoking marijuana during pregnancy results in cognitive deficits, poor school achievement, and increased risk for tobacco and/or marijuana use later in life.

DSM-5: Cannabis Use Disorder

- Marijuana use typically begins in adolescence and peaks during young adulthood.

- If an individual has not yet tried marijuana by their mid-twenties, they are unlikely to begin at a later age.

- Cannabis use varies based on demographics.

- Research shows college students and young adults most commonly use cannabis...

To socially conform (~40%)

To experiment (~30%)

For enjoyment (~20%)

To manage stress or relax (~10%)

- Risk of dependence is related to drug use patterns. People who progress to daily use have a 10-20% probability of becoming dependent.

- Dependence manifests as a difficulty in stopping one’s use, a craving for marijuana, and (in heavy users) unpleasant withdrawal symptoms:

irritability

increased anxiety

depressed mood

sleep disturbances

heightened aggression

decreased appetite

- These are similar to the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Treatment

- Most cannabis users do not seek treatment.

- Treatment in outpatient programs involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention training, and/or motivational enhancement therapy, but patients are very vulnerable to relapse.

- Some research on medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms has been done.

Therapeutic Uses of Cannabinoids

- AKA “medical marijuana”

- Many states now permit legal use, but clinical studies of its efficacy have produced mixed results.

- Smoked marijuana has the highest potential for adverse health effects and abuse; most researchers favor development of cannabinoid-based drugs instead.

- Information from the National Institute of Health

- The FDA has not approved the cannabis plant for any medical use. However, the FDA has approved several drugs that contain individual cannabinoids:

Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of CBD derived from cannabis, was approved for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome, two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.

Marinol and Syndros, which contain dronabinol (synthetic THC) to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Dronabinol is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS.

- Endocannabinoids enhance the incentive motivational properties of food and food-mediated reward.

- CB1 receptor antagonists reduce food consumption in animals and human subjects.

- In animal studies, marijuana was shown to relieve anxiety and depression.

- There’s some evidence that marijuana might reduce addiction and/or overdoses caused by other drugs.

- Pain perception: transgenic mice that lack CB1 and CB2 receptors demonstrate hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity).

- Clinical evidence for cannabinoids as analgesics has not been convincing.

- Nabiximols (Sativex) is a cannabis extract.

was approved in the UK in 2010 to treat pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients (not yet approved in the US)

- A number of years ago, Jamaican researchers prepared eye drops from cannabis extracts (trade name Canasol) for the purpose of reducing ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

However, the research is inconclusive and Canasol was never licensed by the FDA for legal marketing in the United States.

#neuroscience #drugs and behavior #my notes #study blog

[girlsandboystown]

Safeguarding Binturong: Vital Conservation Steps

The enigmatic binturong, commonly known as the bearcat, is a striking representative of wildlife that demands urgent and steadfast efforts for its preservation. Residing within the lush canopies of South and Southeast Asia, these endangered viverrid species are at a critical juncture. With threats looming over their existence due to deforestation, poaching, and illegal trade, it’s imperative that efficient binturong conservation practices are implemented to ensure their survival. As the world grapples with biodiversity loss, protecting binturongs is not merely about saving a single species, but instead is about preserving the rich tapestry of life that sustains our planet.

Despite the challenges, hopes for these nocturnal creatures remain alive thanks to the dedicated efforts of wildlife preservation advocates. From specialized research to targeted conservation strategies, the plight of these creatures symbolizes the broader movement to protect the myriad forms of life that share our world. By fostering awareness and dedication amongst communities across the globe, we can join together to shield these vulnerable animals from slipping away into the void of extinction.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the urgency of binturong conservation is crucial for immediate action.

Addressing the direct threats to protecting binturongs will help alleviate their risk of extinction.

Comprehensive wildlife preservation strategies are critical for the survival of these unique animals.

Collaborative efforts are needed to combat the trade and habitat destruction threatening endangered viverrid species.

Educational outreach and volunteer support play pivotal roles in safeguarding the future of binturongs.

Each individual's contribution can lead to significant impact on binturong conservation worldwide.

Understanding the Binturong: Natural History and Current Threats

The binturong, also known as the bearcats, remains a mysterious figure in the dense forests of South and Southeast Asia. Despite being an endangered species, these elusive creatures play a crucial role in wildlife conservation. The binturong habitat spans across several countries, predominantly inhabiting rainforests where they can execute their arboreal lifestyle. They exhibit unique binturong behavior, ranging from nocturnal escapades to a vocal repertoire of chuckles and hisses that underscore their dynamic social interactions.

Unfortunately, the serene existence of binturong populations is under siege due to habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade. Forests that once offered abundant food sources and sanctuary are dwindling due to agricultural expansion. Poaching for fur and body parts utilized in traditional medicine further exacerbates the plight of these animals. Habitat destruction and direct exploitation are, therefore, pivotal concerns in wildlife conservation initiatives focused on binturongs.

Loss of forest cover due to logging and land conversion

Direct threat from hunting and poaching

Impact of the illegal wildlife trade, including capture for exotic pet markets

The fight against these threats is multifaceted, involving local community engagement, stricter enforcement of anti-poaching laws, and global advocacy to curb the appetites of the illegal wildlife trade. Protecting binturongs isn't just about preserving a species; it's an essential chapter in the broader narrative of wildlife conservation. By understanding the life and challenges of the binturong, we take a vital step towards ensuring their survival and embracing our duty as stewards of nature's diversity.

"Every creature plays a unique part in the tapestry of the ecosystem, and the binturong is no exception. Their decline signals a greater imbalance that we must urgently address."

The Critical Role of Binturongs in Ecosystems

Binturongs, often overlooked in the tapestry of tropical ecosystems, play a pivotal role that is essential for the health and diversity of Southeast Asian forests. With their distinct characteristics and behaviors, binturongs contribute substantially to ecosystem services, facilitating a variety of processes that support life and biodiversity. Their ecological role as both predator and seed disperser establishes them as a keystone species, vital to the integrity of the ecosystems they inhabit.

The Binturong's Place in the Food Web

Binturongs are an integral component of the food web, occupying a unique niche as omnivores. Their diet ranges from fruits and plants to small animals, which positions them as both prey and predator, connecting different trophic levels. This dietary diversity not only showcases their adaptability but also underscores their role in controlling various species populations, thereby maintaining ecological balance.

Seed Dispersal and Forest Regeneration

A lesser-known but equally vital aspect of the binturong's ecological role is seed dispersal. These mammals consume a variety of fruits, and the undigested seeds are later deposited in different locations. This natural process contributes significantly to forest regeneration and plant diversity. The far-reaching impact of binturongs on their environment includes natural reforestation, helping to sustain and enrich the habitats upon which countless species depend.

Binturong Population Decline: Trends and Contributing Factors

The Binturong population status is an issue that encapsulates the broader concerns regarding declining wildlife across the globe. In-depth analysis of the current trends indicates a worrying downward trajectory, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive conservation challenges to be addressed. This decline is not happening in isolation; it is symptomatic of the more extensive environmental impact caused by human activities.

Recent studies have painted a stark picture of the binturong’s struggle for survival. Habitat degradation, primarily through deforestation for agricultural and urban development, poses an immediate threat to their existence. Coupled with this is the threat from the illegal wildlife trade, which sees binturongs captured for their fur and as exotic pets, further exacerbating their decline. Climate change also plays a non-negligible role by altering ecosystems and limiting the availability of the binturong's natural prey.

Significant as well are the genetic repercussions of isolated populations. Such isolation leads to low genetic diversity, reducing the resilience of these populations to disease and environmental changes, thereby increasing their vulnerability to extinction.

“The binturong’s decline is indicative of the challenges faced by wildlife globally. It shines a light on the intricate web of interdependencies within ecosystems and the profound impact humans have on these natural processes.”

Habitat Loss due to deforestation and urban expansion

Poaching and the illegal pet trade

Impact of climate change on ecosystems

Reduction in genetic diversity

Addressing these issues requires decisive action across multiple fronts. Protecting the binturong involves not only direct conservation efforts but also the implementation of sustainable development policies that can mitigate the environmental impact of human activities. The collaborative efforts between governments, conservation groups, and local communities are crucial to reversing the declining trend and securing a stable future for the binturong.

Habitat Preservation Efforts for Binturong Conservation

In response to the alarming decline of the binturong population, a surge in wildlife sanctuaries and habitat restoration projects has marked a positive step towards securing their future. These efforts are part of a broader spectrum of conservation initiatives, laying the groundwork for the protection of these enigmatic creatures and their natural habitats.

Establishing and Managing Protected Areas

One of the cornerstones of binturong preservation is the establishment of protected areas. These wildlife sanctuaries serve as safe havens where binturongs can thrive away from the threats of habitat loss and human interference. Managing these areas involves ongoing work: monitoring binturong populations, studying their health and breeding patterns, and ensuring that their habitats are conserved and regenerated.

The effectiveness of these protected spaces is made possible through targeted conservation initiatives that actively involve habitat restoration. By planting native trees and removing invasive species, conservationists help to rebuild the rich tapestry of the binturong's natural environment, ensuring its viability for the long term.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Practices

Furthermore, the success of binturong conservation is intimately tied to community conservation efforts. By engaging local communities in sustainable development, these initiatives secure not only the welfare of wildlife but also the well-being of the people who live alongside them. Among such practices are:

Education programs that inform communities about the importance of binturongs and the ecological benefits they provide.

Alternative livelihood projects that reduce dependence on forest exploitation, thereby alleviating pressure on binturong habitats.

Participatory monitoring projects that involve community members in the surveillance and protection of local binturong populations.

Through concerted efforts and dedication to sustainable practices, these community-driven undertakings contribute significantly to the conservation of binturongs and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Rehabilitation and Breeding Programs: Ensuring a Future for the Binturong

As part of a multifaceted approach to conserve the vulnerable species of binturongs, various wildlife rescue organizations are championing the establishment of binturong rehabilitation efforts. These programs are essential to nursing sick, injured, or orphaned binturongs back to health, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing them into their natural habitats.

Alongside rehabilitation, captive breeding programs play a pivotal role in bolstering the populations of these unique animals. With threats like habitat loss and poaching persistently looming, these controlled breeding initiatives are creating genetically robust populations that can help ensure species diversity and survival. It's a delicate but potent mix of science and conservation that contributes to the broader species survival plans set out for binturongs.

The success of these programs doesn't only reflect in the number of binturongs reintegrated into the wild; it also has a broader impact on the ecosystems they inhabit. Each successfully rehabilitated binturong is a step towards maintaining the delicate balance of their rainforest homes.

Rescue and Immediate Care

Long-term Rehabilitation

Captive Breeding and Genetic Diversity

Reintroduction Initiatives

Post-release Monitoring

Highlighted programs have shown significant achievements: from the rescuing of individual binturongs caught in snares to the release of captive-bred cubs into secure conservation areas. These initiatives showcase what can be done when dedication and science come together for wildlife conservation.

As conservationists navigate the complex challenge of protecting the binturong, it's clear that rehabilitation and captive breeding programs will continue to be integral to their survival strategy. With each binturong that is rescued, rehabilitated, and released, hope is renewed for the future of this enigmatic species.

How You Can Help Save the Binturong

As individuals passionate about wildlife preservation, each of us holds the power to effect change and contribute to the protection of the vulnerable binturong. Your active participation in various forms can ignite collective action towards bettering the precarious situation of this captivating species. By embracing environmental stewardship, you become part of a larger movement dedicated to safeguarding our planet's biological treasures. Let's explore the substantial ways you can offer your support and help secure a future for these animals.

Supporting Conservation Organizations

Financial contributions and volunteerism are cornerstone supports for binturong conservation organizations tirelessly working in the field. These groups rely on the generosity of the public to fund crucial research, habitat preservation, and engage in policy advocacy that benefit the well-being of binturongs. Whether it's through monthly donations or participating in fundraising events, your assistance provides essential resources that facilitate ongoing conservation efforts. Moreover, volunteering your time can offer hands-on help that is invaluable to these nonprofits.

Advocacy and Education: Spreading Awareness

Beyond financial aid, becoming a vocal advocate for binturongs enhances the impact of conservation education. Sharing verified information about these endangered creatures elevates public awareness and fosters a broader understanding of the urgent need for wildlife advocacy. By engaging in conversations, hosting community talks, or utilizing social media platforms, you amplify the call for action and inspire others to join in the mission to preserve this singular species. Your voice can influence perceptions and motivate your network to embrace the causes of wildlife conservation support and environmental stewardship.

#Youtube

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Lula’s ambitious plans to save the Amazon clash with reality

The Brazilian president faces resistance from Congress, the state oil company and agribusiness

When Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s election last year, climate activists the world over breathed a sigh of relief. His right-wing predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, had gutted the environmental agency, turned a blind eye to illegal gold-mining and undermined indigenous rights. Lula, by contrast, promised to end illegal deforestation in the Amazon and lead international efforts to halt climate change. On June 5th the left-winger outlined an ambitious plan to stop illegal deforestation in the Amazon by the end of the decade. “There should be no contradiction between economic growth and environmental protection,” he said. Yet Lula’s green agenda is suffering setbacks.

In theory, Brazil is well placed to lead efforts against climate change. In 2019 fully 82% of its electricity was generated from renewable sources, compared with a global average of 29%. Its carbon emissions mainly come from deforestation and agriculture, rather than energy.

Curbing deforestation promises rich rewards. The World Bank estimates that the value of the Amazon rainforest, mainly as a carbon store, is $317bn a year, nearly all the benefits of which accrue to the rest of the world. This is three to seven times more than the estimated value which could be made from farming, mining or logging in the area. A Senate committee is working on creating a carbon market, which would allow Brazil to make money by selling carbon credits. And in April the EU, with which Brazil may soon sign a trade agreement, passed a law that will ban imports of products that contribute to deforestation. All this provides incentives to prevent more tree-felling.

Several problems are getting in Lula’s way.

Continue reading.

#brazil #politics #brazilian politics #environmentalism #mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

[saviourtrees]

Becoming a Trees Savior: How Every Individual Can Make a Difference

Introduction: Trees are the unsung heroes of our planet, quietly providing us with oxygen, purifying our air, and offering habitat for countless species. However, they are under threat from deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. As stewards of this planet, it's our responsibility to step up and become trees saviors. In this blog post, we'll explore why trees are crucial, the threats they face, and what each of us can do to protect and preserve them.

Why Trees Are Crucial:

Oxygen Production: Trees are nature's oxygen factories, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, which is vital for all living beings.

Biodiversity Hotspots: Forests harbor an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are yet to be discovered. They provide habitats, food, and shelter for countless organisms.

Climate Regulation: Trees help regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. They also play a crucial role in water cycles and preventing soil erosion.

Economic Benefits: Forests contribute to local economies through timber, non-timber forest products, tourism, and recreational activities. They also provide jobs and income for millions of people worldwide.

Threats to Trees:

Deforestation: Forests are being cleared at an alarming rate for agriculture, logging, mining, and urban expansion, leading to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and carbon emissions.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are putting stress on trees, making them more susceptible to pests, diseases, and wildfires.

Urbanization: Rapid urban development results in the loss of green spaces and trees, impacting air quality, heat regulation, and overall quality of life for city dwellers.

Illegal Logging: Illegal logging not only harms forests and biodiversity but also fuels corruption, undermines governance, and contributes to social conflicts in affected regions.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Plant Trees: Get involved in tree planting initiatives in your community or support organizations dedicated to reforestation efforts.

Conserve Forests: Reduce your consumption of paper and wood products, recycle whenever possible, and choose sustainably sourced materials.

Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that protect forests, promote sustainable land use practices, and mitigate climate change at local, national, and global levels.

Raise Awareness: Educate others about the importance of trees, their role in our ecosystem, and the threats they face. Use social media, organize events, or volunteer with environmental organizations.

Live Sustainably: Reduce your carbon footprint by conserving energy, using public transportation, eating less meat, and supporting eco-friendly businesses.

Conclusion: Becoming a trees savior is not just a choice but a responsibility we all share. By taking action to protect and preserve trees, we can ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Whether it's planting a tree in your backyard, supporting reforestation projects, or advocating for policy change, every effort counts in the fight to save our forests and the invaluable benefits they provide. Together, let's make a difference and be the change our planet needs

#saviour #Saviour trees