Did you know?

Hi Everyone!

Did you know...
We, humans, kill over a 500,000 sharks each year, yet they only kill about 50 to 60 people.
80% of the worlds forest are gone
200,000 people a day are moving to cities from environments that no longer support them
It is estimated that by October the human population will reach 7 billion
The world is already losing an estimated 137 species each day
Humans encroach on animals habitats, pollute their habitats and steal their food, and when they, in desperate need of a home and food, come closer to humans, we kill them.
75% of global fisheries have been fished beyond capacity
The ocean is the largest carbon sink on this planet, however, it has reached it's capacity to take in carbon.
Coral reefs are being bleached and corroding away because of the high acidification in the ocean
More then 60% of the worlds known organisms are at risk of extinction
If there isn't major change in human habits within the next 15 years, we will never be able to save the environment
DDT is a very harmful pesticide. It was banned for agriculture throughout the world, however, in many places it is used for disease control (especially malaria in africa). It is very bad for the environment, thins egg shells, spreads throughout environments and causes many problems. We know all its affects, however, the US still ships it overseas.

Basically, the environment is just one sad fact after another. This means we have to do more to help. There will continue to be more and more sad facts coming from nature unless we do something to fix it.

I know it's hard to get involved sometimes. Life is busy and "helping the environment" doesn't usually pay the bills. But just do the small things. Turn off lights when you don't need them, bring cloth bags to the grocery store so you don't need to use plastic ones. If you forget, simply use the plastic bags again. Ride your bike or carpool with friends when you can.

Hope you enjoyed this nature chat,
Talk to you soon,
KZ

Tickling Slow Loris

Hi Everyone!

I love almost all animals, whether they be the cutest things or they are breathtaking creatures that make me stop and stare. However, like most people, adorable creatures make me smile like a little child. That's why these rotate as my screen savers

It is also the reason why, when I'm bored I look at animal pictures and vidoes. Recently, I have watched "tickling slow loris" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9f-6jygRJk&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1) at least every day for the past month. He is the sweetest thing, but, sadly, he is endangered.

Part of me just wants to grab him up and act like a complete idiot while I talk to him, tickling his belly and patting his head. But the other part of me wants to say, people stop buying these creatures they belong in the wild. They are already in peril they don't need the wildlife trade to hinder them further. It's one of those things where it is tough to think clearly and think of what is right for these creatures. But I know I'd rather have them alive in the wild and not as pets. 

I'm not going to into much detail on wildlife trade right now, but it's a terrible thing, regardless of if it's illegal or not. Yes everyone loves exotic pets, but, we're not meant to have exotic pets. We are not supposed to domestically bread animals in the US that live in Africa. Though it's cool and very popular right now, just think of the animals. It impacts more than just the one you own, it will affect the entire ecosystem. It may bring a disease that you catch or another pet of yours catches and it spread. Or, other people will see it and want one, go out and buy it and thus the trade is fueled. Mostly I just wanted to tell you about the slow loris.

I hope you enjoyed this nature chat.
Stay tuned for more,
KZ