Jack Hanna and Sheriff debrief

Big news this week is Terry Thompson and his exotic animal farm.  For those of you who haven’t heard, Terry Thompson, owner of an exotic animal farm in Zanesville Ohio, released all of his animals on October 18^th before committing suicide.  Within the next 24 hours 49 of his 56 animals were hunted and killed by 50 deputies from the Sheriff’s office in Zanesville.

Among these rare animals were 18 Bengal tigers, two wolves, eight lionesses, six black bears, and one baboon.  As of yesterday there was only one monkey missing, but deputies have announced that he was eaten by one of the loose tigers.

Thompson had a history with the police department including complaints from neighbors, animal cruelty, fines for loose animals, and a term in prison after being found with illegal weapons.  There is speculation that his actions stemmed from his wife recently leaving him.

Photos from Zanesville are hard to stomach.  Rare animals slaughtered in a mass hunt.  Even so, representatives from the Humane Society and even Jack Hanna have said that deputies were not wrong in their actions.  Concerned with their own safety and the safety of residents, deputies were forced to act.  Many deputies have voiced their sadness at being put in such a position.

Jack Hanna, who drove up to aid deputies and to transport the captured animals to the Columbus Zoo, has voiced his dismay at the Ohio laws that allow civilians to own exotic animals at their homes.  The County Sheriff and Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, have also voiced outrage about this incident in reference to loose state policy where exotic animals are concerned.

What makes it green?  The destruction of these exotic animals is a horrific incident.  Sustainable treatment of this planets treasure’s and resources doesn’t include the mistreatment of animals. The fact that Terry Thompson’s actions could lead to the death of 49 exotic animals is disturbing.  I’m interested to see what happens in the future.  This event has given the Ohio state legislature something to consider and activists a new cause.

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/zanesville-escaped-animal-tragedy-officials-call-off-hunt/story?id=14775964

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/oct/20/menagerie-release-brings-night-of-terror/

Images:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204485304576640791304008536.html

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111019/zanesville-ohio-police-hunt-escaped-exotic-animals-111019/20111019/?hub=CalgaryHome

Slash and Burn

Most people know that the Amazon Rainforest and its inhabitance are in danger, but just how bad is it? In the last 40 years, about half of the original forest has been cut down, and scientist estimate that the remaining portion has until 2020 at current consumption rates.

Farming is a leading cause for deforestation. Farmers in South America often clear land using a slash and burn technique that involves burning large areas of land. The charred remains of the forest are fertile, but definitely not eco friendly. Trees, when living, take in the carbon found in the atmosphere, thus aiding in atmospheric pollution reduction. However, when carbon-consuming foliage is combusted, their carbon is released into the atmosphere in the form of nitrous oxide and methane (greenhouse gasses). Instead of naturally combating global warming, the Amazon rainforest is literally turned to fuel for it.

Soybeans are one of the major commodities replacing the precious forest, Brazil is poising itself to replace the United States as the worlds largest soybean exporter. Another reason farmers slash and burn is to clear grazing land for cattle.

Below is a list of some exports contributing to deforestation; percentages are based off of world totals. (Mongabay.com, cited: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization, Institute for International Trade Negotiations)

• Orange juice: 82%
• Soybeans: 38%
• Soy meal: 34%
• Sugar: 29%
• Chicken: 29%
• Coffee: 29%
• Soybean oil: 28%
• Tobacco: 23%
• Beef: 20%
• Pork: 16%

Also according to Mongabay.com:

“Brazil exported $27.6 billion in agricultural products last year and imported goods worth $3.2 billion. That agricultural trade surplus of $24.4 billion was the biggest in the world and is crucial to Brazil’s efforts to pay foreign debts and keep its economy humming.”

Brazil is attempting to delicately balance the interest of the economy and the environment simultaneously, areas which are often in opposition.

The government of Brazil has tried to curb the forest destruction by passing a law that only allows farmers to clear twenty percent of their forestland. Farmers are not pleased with this law and are demanding congress to raise the allotment to fifty percent. (Huffington Post)

It’s not just the forest that’s hurting, the Amazon Rainforest is home to 20 percent of the worlds species. As the Amazon disappears many of these species are being threatened by habitat loss and are on the verge of extinction.

Government agencies are finding it difficult to devote resources to environmental protection, while the world’s economy is struggling. Farmers are faced with the choice of whether to provide for their families at an environmental expense or allow poverty strike them. Many farmers have chosen to break environmental protection laws in order to reap a profit; evidence of this is in 40 tractors and 76 trucks seized by environmental protection agencies in Brazil this year.

Rainforest animals going extinct:

• Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey
• Toucans and Parrots
• Jaguar
• Poison Dart Frog
• Harpy Eagle
• Three Toed Sloth

While farmers slashing and burning is a major cause of habitat destruction and species death. Many of the animals above are also under the gun as they are poached for sale on the black market. The Golden Lion Tamarind Monkey can net up to $20,000 for it’s fur on the underground market.

Last December the Brazilian government gave a press release announcing the lowest deforestation rate in twenty-two years. Since then, satellite images have shown that rainforest destruction has not decreased but increased since August 2010 and August 2011 by twenty-seven percent.

Check out Nasa’s satellite images at http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/deforestation.php to see the progression of the Amazons deforestation from 2000-2010 for yourself.

As you can tell from the slideshow link above, at current rates, there will be no forest left in ten years. Scientist, economist, and environmentalist agree that the use of the Amazon rainforest is unsustainable. When the forest is gone it won’t just be the forest critters suffering, but the economy of South America. The downside of slash and burning is that the land is only fertile for a couple years before farmers are forced to move, often continuing deeper into the forest, slashing and burning all the way.

What makes it Green:

Greencupboards.com is not a fan of slashing and burning. We hope this Amazon deforestation synopsis will inspire people to look further into what is going on in one of the world’s most majestic and most threatened forests and try to help.

The effort to save the Amazon will not be simple, but every person who lends a hand can save an unknown amount of trees and/ or endangered species.

What do you think could be done to save the Rainforest environment?

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/19/amazon-deforestation-in-b_n_864087.html

http://www.mongabay.com/brazil.html

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/20/brazil-s-amazon-deforestation-prompts-crisis-cabinet/

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/deforestation.php

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13449792

http://www.stevequayle.com/Giants/Ancient.Civ_Technol/041116.Mayans.html

http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0907.htm

http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0822-la_times_amazon.html

http://amazonrainforestanimalsfacts.blogspot.com/

http://www.lizasreef.com/HOPE%20FOR%20THE%20RAIN%20FORESTS/endangered_rain_forest_animals.htm

For More Videos:

Lead Bullets

Most people are aware by now that lead is poisonous, however, this was not always known. Lead paint used to be primarily used in house paint, ceramic paints, and even children’s toys before its hazards were made known. Lead is most toxic to children; causing metal learning disabilities from extended exposure to it.

Now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting a wiff of the toxic fumes. The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), is proposing a bill that would ban the production of lead bullets, lead shot, and lead sinkers. The CBD is citing the Toxic Substance Control Act to bring validity to their bill, yet those in support of the Second Amendment are saying that the EPA does not have the authority to ban the production of lead-based hunting products.

First, what is the Toxic Substance Control Act? The Toxic Substance Control Act was initiated in 1976 by the EPA to record, report, and test for certain chemicals and mixtures that may hazardous to the environment. The EPA already regulates lead-based paint, by placing restrictions and regulations concerning when and how the paint can be used. Given that the dangers of lead based paint are known, you would think that it would be banned, but it’s not.  It is regulated. There are stringent standards that homebuilders and product manufacturers must follow if they are using lead-based paint.

The endangered condor, victim of the lead bullet.

Second, what is the Second Amendment? The Second Amendment protects the right of the American people to hold and bear arms (weapons).

The Center for Biological Diversity has claimed that consuming lead bullets in Arizona caused the deaths of three condors found last January. By eating lead bullets the bird’s digestive systems shut down causing them to starve to death. The condor is endangered, yet since 1997 their have been 18 condor deaths in California due to lead poisoning and 15 others in Arizona who met the same fate “Biting the bullet,”

Condors are scavengers; they ingest bullets accidentally by consuming bullet-ridden corpses. Fish are also killed by lead found in sinkers when the fish unintentionally ingests them.

The CBD is calling for an amendment to the Toxic Substance Control Act that would implement a full ban on lead-based bullets, shots, and sinkers.

Hunters are using the Second Amendment to protect their buckshot,  claiming their right to bare arms includes the right to choose what bullets they use. Furthermore, hunters know that lead bullets are much cheaper than non-lead competitors. Hunters are in an uproar at the idea of being forced to spend almost double the cost of lead bullets, on non-lead bullets.

The CBD is contesting the hunter’s complaints with the condor. The condor is an un-intended victim of their hunting activities. The endangered condor would be able to re-coup it’s population if lead-bullets were banned.

So what do you think is of more value in this situation? The hunter’s rights or the condor’s lives?

Sources:

http://www.hcn.org/blogs/goat/lead-bullets-find-a-champion-in-tester

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/epa-reviewing-request-ban-led-bullets

http://www.cnsnews.com/node/71705

http://hotair.com/archives/2010/08/25/epa-considering-ban-on-lead-based-ammunition/

http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/tsca.html

Images:

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/combat-handguns/danger-of-hardball-defense-ammo-alert/

http://www.corbins.com/diagram.htm

http://www.hcn.org/blogs/goat/lead-bullets-find-a-champion-in-tester

The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard

Texas is well known for its oil productivity, yet the basins of natural gas may soon be made inaccessible in an attempt to protect one small lizard. The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard is going extinct, according to The Texas Fish and Wildlife Agency.

If the Sagebrush lizard is added to the list of endangered species “The economies of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas would be devastated.” Says Texas Republican Representative Steve Pearce. “We can’t manage the entire country for a single species at a time.” Steve adds.

The Permian Basin is the natural gas reserve under New Mexico and Texas which is responsible for 20% of the nations crude oil production. If the Sagebrush lizard is protected, thousands of acres over the basin would go out of production, as it is the reptiles natural habitat.

It seems there is a land dispute afoot, who holds more cards? The Dunes Sagebrush Lizard or the oil? The American way seems to be to tend to only those things that produce for us, and the Sagebrush Lizard seemingly produces nothing, whereas oil is in high demand. Generally the green of the paper trumps that of the green lands.

Despite the debate over the lizards standing the Environmental Protection agency will not make its decision based on them. “The politics of all of this won’t affect the decision of whether or not to list,” Said a spokesperson for the agency.

Endangered?

“A listing would not have adverse effects on the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin, but people fearing for their employment or their communities will pick up on rhetoric like Rep. Pearce’s and it’s difficult to cut through that chatter and to present the facts.” Is what Mark Salvo from the WildEarth Guardians had so say about the issue.

What do you think about the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard and it’s possible effect on oil production if it is listed as endangered?

What is more valuable, the lizard’s existence or our oil?

A nice postcard from Texas.

Sources:

http://www.dallasblog.com/201105021008017/dallas-blog/gop-n.m.-congressman-fights-for-jobs-over-lizards.html

http://www.currentargus.com/ci_17877002

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9MST6KO0.htm

Image:

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/reptiles/dunes_sagebrush_lizard/index.html

http://roundhouseroundup.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

http://www.tylertexas.info/east-texas-oil-gas-industry.htm

The panda, during second century China, was seen as divine and was often credited with powers to prevent disease and destroy evil spirits.

The giant panda is one of the most recognizable animals on the earth, with characteristic black and white markings. An endangered breed, and still diminishing in numbers, the panda is often used as a seal for sustainability efforts. Less than 1,600 giant pandas, however, still live in their natural home in Central China. The biggest threat to pandas is the destruction of their mountain, bamboo habitat. Concentrations of in Central China have decreased by 30%.

The panda, during second century China, was seen as divine and was often credited with powers to prevent disease and destroy evil spirits. Giant Pandas are solitary creatures that mingle with one another only to mate. Females, however, raise their offspring for 18+ months. Panda’s mothers care for their young with the compassion that could be attributed to human mothers as well, cradling them in their arms and responding to their cries.

Despite having the digestive system of a carnivore, Panda’s eat bamboo. An average fully grown giant panda will eat between 25-45 pounds of bamboo a day. In human terms, that’s about 100-180 McDonalds quarter pounders. Needless to say, pandas spend most of their day eating.

Panda’s communicate through gestures; for example an aggressive panda will lower its head and stare at you, possibly growling or barking. A panda willing to engage in social activity will put its head in between its legs and may cover its eyes with it’s paws.

Panda’s walk on all fours, standing at about 2.5 feet tall. If A panda were to stand straight up it would be about 5 feet tall. An average panda weighs between 220-250 pounds. Panda’s have bones in their wrists that act like thumbs allowing them to grasp stalks of bamboo and branches when climbing. They are accomplished climbers and can also swim if necessary. Panda’s do not establish a permanent residence; they sleep under trees and on rocks. A panda will live for 20-30 years.

A panda pregnancy lasts 3-5 months and bears a single offspring. Baby pandas are no bigger than a stick of butter at the time of birth (approximately 6 inches and 4-8 oz). A baby panda is helpless without their mothers. Panda’s are born blind, and will not establish independence until 1 year of age.

Pandas, due to their lifestyle and low birth rate, are very susceptible to extinction. They cannot produce large numbers off offspring, and the birth survival rate for a panda is low. Because Pandas eat so much they often deplete their local bamboo supply and must move on to find more food. With their habitat shrinking it is becoming harder and harder for panda’s to find meals. It’s not easy, being a Giant Panda.

Sources:

http://www.cnd.org/Contrib/pandas/

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=LP2

http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/panda.php?lb_v=7