As the theme of World Environment Day 2020 is Celebrate Biodiversity, let us celebrate biodiversity present globally and around us. Our biodiversity is the most important jewel of our planet. We cannot imagine sustainable and healthier planet without maintaining biodiversity. Let us celebrate everyday as Biodiversity and Environment Day for our constructive and collaborative efforts for the environment. I would like to salute all those direct and indirect eco-heros who have contributed to conserve and preserve our biodiversity.

Name- Yucatan Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra)

Status- Endangered species

Habitat- Evergreen, semi-deciduous low-land forest

Population Trend- Decreasing and expected to reach 60 % of present population in a decade

Region- Belize; Guatemala & Mexico (Chiapas, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Tabasco regions)

Introduction-  The howler monkeys are the large leaf-eaters of the South American primate communities. Like the spider monkeys, they are prehensile-tailed, with a naked patch of skin on the under surface at the tip. Males are much larger than female. Their most characteristic feature is the deep jaws which surround the enlarged larynx and hyoid apparatus, a resonating chamber. They are diurnal and arboreal in nature. This species occurs in primary rain forest, riparian forest, seasonally flooded riparian areas, and swamps. However, they can also be found in primary and secondary forest. In areas where suitable habitat does not exist they in some cases be found in marginal habitat surrounded by pastures and urban areas.

Threat-

1.       Residential and commercial development

2.       Annual and timber non-perennial crops

3.       Livestock farming and ranching

4.       Climate Change and Severe Weather

5.       Hunting and trapping terrestrial animals

Conservation Action-  In-place land & Water Protection and In- place Education

References-

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/914/13094441

http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=12100386

http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=12100386

 Name- Spectacled Beer (Tremarctos ornatus)

Status- Vulnerable

Habitat – Forest, Shrubland and Grasses

Population Trend- Population is decreasing since many years. Recent studies claim the population to be around 14,000- 20,000 spectacled beer

Region- The spectacled bear is found from Venezuela to Northern Argentina, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. According to some researchers, the greatest number of bears is to be found on the borders between Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Introduction- Spectacled bears are robust, with a short and muscular neck, short but strong legs. Andean Bears are excellent climbers and commonly build tree platforms where they rest, feed on fruits and carcasses, as well as guard feeding areas. The species is polyestrous, a facultative seasonal breeder and experiences delayed implantation. Litter size varies from one to four, with twins being most common, and may be related to female weight and hence food abundance.

Threat-

1.       Oil and Gas Drilling

2.       Mining and Quarrying

3.       Hunting and Trapping Terrestrial Animals

4.       Climate Change and Severe Weather

5.       Transportation and Service Corridors

6.       Livestock farming and ranching

Conservation Action- Identification of Conservation Site, Educational Awareness and strict international legislation for its trade and management and Establishment of Spectacled Conservation Society

References-

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22066/123792952

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/s/spectacled-bear/