The giant Madagascar tortoise went extinct centuries ago; its effects, however, are just now being realized. These tortoises were the main contributors in the baobab trees seed dispersion. The tortoises and the baobab trees had a relationship of mutualism. The tortoises would eat the baobab's fruit, therefore dispersing the baobab seeds. This help both populations grow. Sadly, the tortoise population began to decline and slowly the Madagascar tortoises became extinct. This did not bode well for the baobab tree. Due to the decline in their main way of seeds being transported, the baobab trees population also began to decline. Very soon the baobab tree might also become extinct. Biologists are working on ways to save the baobab trees. One of these ways is to slowly, over time, reintroduce a new type of tortoise to Madagascar. These new tortoises will eventually be able to live in the wild and eat the fruit of the baobab tree. Problems with this solution are that it will take a while for the new tortoise to become acclimated to its new habitat. By the time the tortoises are ready the baobab tree might already be extinct. I feel that even though the biologists' idea might not work it should still be attempted. We cannot sit back and watch as different species become extinct.
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2013/08/13/giant-tortoises-baobab-trees/
David I agree with you. Even though it might not seem to be the fastest approach to saving the tree it should still be tried. I am just wondering if the Madagascar tortoise is the only species that would eat the baobab and also, why did the tortoise go extinct in the first place?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to think about how much of an impact the survival of one species has on another. The growth and life cycles of many animals are so interconnected that any alteration, such as the extinction of a single animal, can upset the balance of an entire ecosystem. It can be a little scary to think that a certain species can so easily disappear, starting a chain reaction of extinct species. But it is a comfort knowing that scientists, like the ones you are talking about, are putting such an effort into stopping the cycle and saving the baobab trees. So many people do not understand the importance of saving one small species out of thousands, but if we let one die out, who is to stop the rest from following?
ReplyDeleteDavid, I think it is fascinating that these two species relied so greatly on each other. I think the scientist have a great idea about introducing a new tortoises. However, I think that extra precautions need to be taken to ensure the safety of the trees. If the seeds where manually spread through the forest it could decrease the trees’ population death rate. The survival of these trees is essential to the survival of many species on the island of Madagascar. I am glad that you brought this issue forward David because even though it is far away, it still affects all of us in many ways.
ReplyDeleteDavid I completely agree with your idea and it should be used to help save the baobab tree. Even though the process might take a long time, it is still worth saving an entire species. Saving one species can eventually save an entire ecosystem. In a matter of time, the baobab tree is already going to go extinct so why not take a chance. The environment is a big chain and when a link is broken, many follow. Saving the baobab species may also save many more species in the future that rely on the baobabs. I completely agree with the scientist’s solution and would like to be carried out. The idea is worth a try, so why not take the risk?
ReplyDeleteI think that this article just hits home that sometimes we do not even know the effect our lifestyles can have on this planet. I mean, you said that this breed of tortoise went extinct hundreds of years ago yet we are only now noticing the impact that this species had on its surroundings. Some people may say that this is only one type of plant, but it is the foundation for almost all of the ecosystem around it. It’s a kind of “old growth” tree. It takes them years to reach their full size. I went back to the article and it says that these tortoises were only the main animal to spread the seeds of this great tree, but many of the other large animals that it relies on for pollination have gone extinct as well! Madagascar has always been known for its diversity, and now it seems that this may be disappearing.
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