“Each hectare of pristine Amazonian rainforest contains up to 3.03 x 1012 individuals of terrestrial arthropods representing some 100,000+ species. Our research team is in the midst of a long term study in an area of Yasuni National Park that has been impacted by road construction for oil extraction. Our team has collected nearly 10 million specimens of arthropods, including over 300,000 beetles so far. We estimate that 50 - 80 percent of the species in the Yasuni forest canopy are new to science and never before viewed under a microscope. Because our research on the link between oil extraction, road-building, and the forest canopy fauna is so closely related to the theme of the Yasuni Green Gold book, we wholeheartedly support its publication. We hope that Yasuni National Park will remain a pristine forest ecosystem where researchers and students can come to study tropical biology and biodiversity. The Yasuni Green Gold campaign will show the world what irreplaceable treasures of diversity Yasuni rainforests truly are.”
Dr. Terry L. Erwin
Curator of Coleoptera and Chairman. Entomology Departament
and
Dr. Christy Jo Geraci
Department of Entomology. Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, USA
Showing posts with label Terry L. Erwin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Terry L. Erwin. Show all posts
Monday, September 1, 2008
Terry L. Erwin, Curator of coleoptera and Head of Departament of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC
"Ecuador's Yasuni Park, set up 1979, became a UNESCO World Biosphere in 1989. This extraordinary place – probably the richest zone of biodiversity on the planet –escaped the last Ice Age, becoming a refuge for species of flora and fauna and a centre for the evolution of new species. Each of my two hectare study plots (Onkone Gare & Tiputini) have more than 100,000 species of arthropods. The area is truly the most species-rich site known on the planet.
Yasuni is home to three indigenous nationalities: Kichwa, Shuar and Waorani who still conserve their ancient culture and traditions. It is also the land of Tagaeria, Taromenane and Oñamenane people who have chosen to live in isolation from the outside world.
But Yasuni is not only rich in people, animals and plants: there are vast oil deposits below its soil. Oil exploration has already damaged the delicate balance of the forest and threatens to destroy the indigenous people's way of life.
that is why it is vital that we protect the Yasuni now; it is vital we support projects such as Yasuni Green Gold. Many groups and individuals are working together to save the forest and to let the world know before it is too late. I hope you will join us."
Terry L. Erwin
Curator of coleoptera and Head of Departament of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC
Yasuni is home to three indigenous nationalities: Kichwa, Shuar and Waorani who still conserve their ancient culture and traditions. It is also the land of Tagaeria, Taromenane and Oñamenane people who have chosen to live in isolation from the outside world.
But Yasuni is not only rich in people, animals and plants: there are vast oil deposits below its soil. Oil exploration has already damaged the delicate balance of the forest and threatens to destroy the indigenous people's way of life.
that is why it is vital that we protect the Yasuni now; it is vital we support projects such as Yasuni Green Gold. Many groups and individuals are working together to save the forest and to let the world know before it is too late. I hope you will join us."
Terry L. Erwin
Curator of coleoptera and Head of Departament of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
