Over 20%of Reptile Species Are Endangered

Reptiles are egg-laying animals with backbones and scaly (鳞状) skin. Examples of reptiles include animals like snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means their bodies have the same temperature as the area around them.

A recent scientific report on a new study has revealed some unhappy news — 21% of all reptile species are in danger of extinction. That’s over 1,800 species in all. And at least 31 species of reptiles have already gone extinct.

The main reason these reptiles are faced with extinction is that humans are taking over more and more of their habitats — the places where they naturally live. More land continues to be cleared to make room for cities and towns. Large areas of land are also being cleared so that they can be used as farmland. Logging — cutting down trees for wood — is another big threat to reptile habitat.

When they think of reptiles, many people may think of hot, dry areas. But some of the most endangered reptiles live in forests. The new study reports that 30% of reptile species that live in forests are at risk of dying out. Turtles and crocodiles are among the most threatened reptiles — 60% of turtle species and 50% of crocodile species are at risk of extinction. Humans are a direct threat here, often killing these animals for their skin or meat.

But even if reptiles aren’t considered adorable, they play a very important part in the nature’s food chain. One service performed by reptiles that humans should appreciate is helping control certain pests (害虫) , like insects and rats.

Scientists say the good news is that we know what must be done to protect reptiles. Bruce Young, one of the leaders of the study, says, “We have all the tools we need.” Protecting natural areas, especially rainforest, is at the top of the list. Studies show that saving natural areas doesn’t just protect mammals (哺乳动物) or birds, but all kinds of animals, including reptiles.

More than two thirds of the world’s polar bears will be wiped out by 2050, according to a shocking new study. By then, scientists say, global warming will have melted 42 percent of the Arctic sea ice. By 2100, only a very few of these important creatures will be left.

The report has been produced by the US Geological Survey. The scientists have publicized their findings in the hope of influencing US Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, who has been asked to put polar bears on the US endangered species list.

Polar bears depend on floating sea ice as a platform for hunting seals, which are their main food. Without enough ice, polar bears would be forced to go onto the land, where they are poorly skilled hunters, and would be unlikely to adapt to the life on the land in time. Experts say few little bears would survive and the stress could make many females unable to get pregnant.

The team of American and Canadian scientists spent six months studying bears, on the ground, from spotter planes and in the lab, using computer models. Some team members fear the result is even worse for the bears than what their report says. They say the Arctic is warming faster than anywhere in the world and much faster than their computer had been forecasting. Satellite observations have showed that the ice has decreased to an all­time low.

However, not everyone in the scientific community believes that global warming is happening on such an alarming scale. Another investigation has found that polar bears are still being hunted by wealthy “sportsmen” who want their skins and heads. At least ten international companies offer bear­hunting trips.

RINSE AND REPEAT

The water used by your household can then do double duty on a lawn or garden. Welcome to grey water recycling.

Water’s not black and white: There’s a grey zone. What goes down the drain after showers, toothbrushing, or laundry is called grey water (in contrast to black water which goes down the toilet). You wouldn’t drink it, but your plants can.

California-based Greywater Action runs workshops on reusing rainwater and drain water. Not all locations allow it, but in those that do, it’s relatively simple to set up. Here are some basics.

The easy solution

Projects that reuse grey water range from the professional to the DIY: a laundry-to-landscape system that can be made over a weekend with a few hundred dollars in parts. Install a diverter valve (分流阀) on the pipe of your washing machine. After a cycle, guide used water out through a PVC pipe to plantings.

Storage and use

Use a grey water project to rethink your landscape, suggests Greywater Action co-founder Laura Allen. Start with reducing typically thirsty lawns and then add climate-appropriate trees, bushes, and ground cover. Besides, grey water smells if it’s not used right now. Allen also advises flushing (冲洗) storage tanks daily.

Work the laws

If your city or state regulations ban the use of grey water, ask to have them reviewed. Diverting grey water can help conventional wastewater treatment systems last longer and reduce peak flow into channels. Also, it isn’t “grey” until it goes down a drain. So catch water that falls as the shower warms in a five-gallon container, then use it in your toilet tank or garden.