Yellow Ridged Toucan by Samantha Friesen
- 2014: Vulnerable
- 2016: Vulnerable
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All throughout the Amazon, deforestation occurs in an attempt to make space for cattle and other forms of agriculture. As countries in South America begin to develop, species such as the toucan become subject to a rapid decline in population. Trees are cut or cleared to make way for roads or farming or ranching. Unfortunately these trees are the primary habitat for toucans who will nest in either the canopy, or hollowed out trunks from woodpeckers. Although a less significant threat, toucans are often hunted or captured and brought into the exotic pet trade.
Changes in Geography and Population
The Amazon rain forest stretches nearly coast to coast across the northern part of South America. However, beginning around the late 20th century, deforestation of the magnificent forest has become a large production with over 20% gone. This rapid decrease in the geography of land has resulted in a large decrease in the toucan population. In the course of 35 years, the toucan in expected to lose anywhere from 16-24% of their habitat and the population is projected to be reduced by about 30%.
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Toucans are one of the many inhabitants of the Amazon Rain Forest whose numbers are decreasing ever day. There are multiple propositions and attempts to help recover theses animals and save them from entering into an endangered or extinct listing. The easiest way to start is to create a greater awareness of the importance of the wildlife in this area. The Amazon may be large, but it is not an unlimited resource. Movements have been created in more attempts to expand the amount of protected land across the forest. Along with this protection is the development and management of new protected areas. In order to fulfill these plans, sustainable management or prevention of deforestation of major companies must occur. Because the land is desirable to these corporations who look as much of a profit as possible, but what they see is an abundance of resources, animals like the toucan see as their home; and this "abundance" will run out soon enough if we don't do anything.
What Can You Do?
The rain forest is a big place. So how can a single person living thousands of miles away do to protect the Yellow Ridged Toucan? You can be aware of the products you use at home and encourage consumption of sustainably produced merchandise. You have a voice. Use that voice to spread the importance of preserving the Amazon rain forest and its diverse collection of communities and ecosystems. Below are some more resources that can help you learn about the toucan and its home.
Other Resources
Learn more about toucans and donate:
1. http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/toucan
Learn more about the Amazon and donate:
1. https://global.nature.org/content/the-forest-of-tomorrow
2. http://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2013/10/09/Brazil-protects-Amazon-increasing-size-protected-areas
Learn about sustainability within the rain forest
1. https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/
Works Cited
"Ramphastos Culminatus." IUCN Red List, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2016, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/biblio/22726239/0.
"Toucan." Rainforest Expedition, Rainforest Expedition, 2017, http://www.perunature.com/the_wildlife/toucan-facts-html/
"Toucan." World Animal Foundation, World Animal Foundation, 2017, http://www.worldanimalfoundation.org/articles/article/8948562/183368.htm
"Yellow-Ridged Toucan." Naturalist, iNaturalist Network, 2014, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/132721-Ramphastos-vitellinus-culminatus
Pictures
http://upload.wikimedia.org/commons/thumb/6/69/Toucan2007.jpg/1280px-Toucan2007.jpg
http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/22726239
http://wolvoman80.co.uk/?p=1748
http://wfiles.brothersoft.com/g/green-amazon-forest_94325-1024x768.jpg
Awesome blog! I really liked it. When I read it, it reminded me of the issues of deforestation to the Amazon Rainforest that was heavily brought up during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. It is really sad to see that the repercussions and consequences of human deforestation that could be easily avoided by being more environmentally conscious.
ReplyDelete-Jay Gubbi
These are such beautiful birds! Sad to see that so many other types of Toucans are also endangered because of habitat degradation or destruction!
ReplyDeleteNicely done!
~Brody Gill
It is so sad the the beautiful Amazon has continued to be destroyed by humans. It is the home to not only amazing birds like the Toucan but a wide variety of incredible species of plants and animals.
ReplyDelete-Isabelle Farrell
The Amazon is such a beautiful place, filled with countless unique species of flora and fauna. It's truly depressing that we are directly responsible for its destruction and the endangerment of species like the Toucan. It is such an amazing creature!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
-Cole Fukai
I absolutely love the Yellow Ridged Toucan! It is just such a beautiful creature! I had no idea that they're not avid flyers. It makes sense why deforestation would be one of the main causes of their listing since trees are incredibly important to their habitat. Overall great job on the blog, wow!
ReplyDeleteThe Yellow Ridged Toucan is such a beautiful animal! I did a project on them back in middle school, but I never knew that they were a vulnerable species. You mentioned that the species is being protected by creating even more protected land areas. But what can be done to protect the species from the illegal pet trade?
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
-Katie Halstead
It was interesting reading about an animal that isn't from the U.S. I didn't realize how big they were, two feet is fairly tall for a bird. It is so sad that toucans are yet another animal that are being threatened by deforestation. I like how you mentioned that we can help by being aware of the products we buy. Great job!
ReplyDelete-Rebekah Fesmire
I have always known about the toucan, but I have never known very much about them so it was interesting to read up on how it is being affected by the illegal pet trade and deforestation. Good job on the blog.
ReplyDeleteGavin Griffin