HUNTING OF DUGONGS BY ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES
By Jaclyn Selden
Abstract
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is an aquatic mammal found in the Indo-West Pacific region. They help shape the biological composition and structure of their ecosystem through their grazing of seagrass beds, and are an integral part of Aboriginal subsistence and culture. Population estimates are difficult, but it is believed that their numbers are declining. They face several threats, including habitat loss, boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and hunting. Dugongs have been harvested for consumption, commercial trade (skin, oil, bone) and religious ceremonies for thousands of years (Marsh 2002 and Lawler et al 2002). Although they are protected throughout their range,
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This paper summarizes the current research on the magnitude and effects of this aboriginal hunting of dugongs. MicNiven and Bedingfield compared historical abundances and hunting rates in the Torres Strait to today’s. By excavating an ancient ceremonial bone mound and extrapolating its measurements, they determined that there was an annual catch rate of 200 dugongs and a population size of over 70,000. Today, the annual catch rate is 500 and population size is 13-30,000. Thus, abundances were significantly higher, and hunting rates were significantly lower than they are today. The team hypothesizes that other factors are causing a decline in dugong numbers—but still concludes that hunting rates must be lowered if these animals are to avoid extinction (McNiven and Bedingfield 2008). Another study conducted in the Torres Straight used population models to assess if the current hunting rate of dugongs is sustainable. They concluded that dugongs are doomed to extinction under the current hunting rate, with a mean time to extinction of 43-123 years. They recommend an annual take of only 100 animals, region-wide management plans, and the involvement of …show more content…
It is in the Order Sirenia, along with the three species of manatees, and has the same grey fusiform body with paddle-like limbs. However, dugongs have sharply downturned snouts and a fluked tail. They are 8-10 feet long, weigh about ~500-1000 lbs, and can live over 70 years (Lawler et al). They graze on underwater seagrass beds, usually along coastal habitats and in shallow, protected bodies of water (Marsh 2002). They are the only Siren that is strictly marine. They can take almost two decades to reach sexual maturity, can have a calving interval of up to 5 years, and have high levels of maternal care (Lawler et al 2002). These K-selected traits make them vulnerable to extinction, and are listed as such by the IUCN.
Population estimates are difficult, but it is believed that their numbers are declining. They face several threats, including habitat loss, boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and hunting. The severity of each of these threats varies for the different countries throughout the dugong’s range, as does legislation and management (Marsh 2002). This makes protection difficult, as there is a lack of cohesion; a comprehensive, region-wide management plan would be beneficial, and perhaps necessary to this species’
The debate surrounding Makah whaling is a heated one to say the least. There are valid points on both sides of the argument, but there is one side I find to be more valid once the facts have been looked at. I will examine and present my findings regarding past and current laws and regulations related to whaling, types of whaling, other countries that take an active part in whaling (and why), as well as the Makah culture – both past and present. In this paper I will argue why the Makah should not be allowed to resume whaling, as it is unnecessary and could potentially put the grey whale species back on the endangered list.
dugongs is the “sea cow”. This name is most likely from the fact that manatees
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) and Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) populations have been steadily declining in the last decade. This has raised concerns among wildlife biologists as to what is the driving force behind these declines. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the main managing agency of waterfowl in the United States. The USFWS has decided to lower hunting bag limits in effort to decrease the population decline. In this report, I have reported the life history of the scaup, background to the population decline, current regulations, and other material dealing with the scaup population decline. I have created a proposed management plan to improve scaup habitat and compensate for the population decline.
Conservation of our biodiversity not only demonstrates foresight, it protects the natural resources so vital to our own continued existence. The value of any single species to an ecosystem is immeasurable; the environment will not endure without its species, despite size or niche. These animals are not dispensable. And, they are apt to face extinction in the not too distant future, unless a resolve for their preservation is insisted by the public and enforced by governments internationally.
The Hmong Culture is very interesting. Approximately 25,000 Hmong reside in Fresno, California. In the Hmong culture the men must pay a price for their wives. Usually the price for a bride often ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Traditionally, the groom’s side of the family must go to the bride’s home and ask her parents for permission to be wed. After both sides reach an agreement, then the next day a feast is held to celebrate their engagement.
To begin, I learned so much about the Hmong culture, I feel embarrassed how little I knew about them, and what they went through; I have so much more appreciation for them. Coming from a future nurse, I am well aware of the topic “culturally competent”. However, after reading this book I realized how important it actually is to be aware, knowledgeable, and sensitive to those of different cultures. The patient and the patient’s family should be center of the care, with the health care providers having assessed he patient’s needs and wishes. I strong feel that everyone entering the health care field should be formally trained on what it actually means to be culturally competent. If the I health care providers in this book would have been more
This research paper focuses on the identification of Hmong culture, elucidating specific generational differences in America that are considered the major division of the Hmong community appropriately. There are a few distinguishing common, yet complex challenges of living between the older and younger generations. Based on the studies of psychosocial perspectives today’s modern Hmong group and their distinctive views of socialism, activities and everyday life that affect his or her lifestyle. This essay will cover three important topics: Culture clash between generations of Hmong in America; How traditional culture is still significant in older generations’ modern life, and the disagreements they have to face within their community.
"Sport" hunting is a violent form of recreation that has left countless animals maimed, and orphaned animals vulnerable to starvation, exposure, and predation. This activity disrupts natural animal population dynamics and has contributed to the extinction of animal species all over the world, including the Tasmanian tiger and the great auk.(1,2)
Loggerhead eggs and hatchlings are a large food source for a variety of terrestrial animals, nearshore predatory fish, and seabirds, providing substantial amounts of energy and nutrients for these species (Wilson et al. 2010). A five or ten year period of loggerhead turtle declines may cause sublethal effects such as decreased growth rates or reproductive output for these predator species and a fifty year period of loggerhead turtle decline may potentially have more severe impacts such as significant declines for local populations that rely on eggs and hatchlings as a food source.
Throughout the course of this semester Core 1 has given me opportunities to learn about many life relative topics. Some of the topics that have interested me were evolution, how people classify things; how religion and cultural beliefs influence the way we interpret meanings. As human beings we do not have the same cultural beliefs and do not do things the same ways. Many times we do not share the same values and see the world alike. Throughout the world there have been numerous groups of individuals who have had more than one belief and have had more than one cultural practice. We all have different perspectives on a single idea and it may be because of our past experiences. Understanding culture beliefs, early knowledge and environments are
This article stood out to me because the loggerhead is one of my favorite sea animals, and I enjoy learning about the preservation of endangered species. It is important that humans begin to learn to help those species who are suffering rather than allowing them to continue to die out. We as humans must begin to aim towards helping marine species, especially since the human race is accountable for many extinctions. In addition to learning to protect the environment of the loggerhead, humans will be able to gain a better understanding of the life of the loggerhead and how to avoid disrupting its
JoJo Siwa also known as Joelle Joni Siwa is a famous YouTuber, Dancer, Actor, and Singer. She originally became famous from starring in the show “Dance Moms.” She is known for appearing for two seasons on Dance Moms along with her mom Jessalynn Siwa. She is also famous for her singles or songs. JoJo Siwa was born on May 19th 2003. She was born in Omaha NE. She is 15 years old.
Significant unmitigated losses to fish and fish habitat, including three distinct sub-groups of fish preferred by Aboriginal peoples, one of which is federally listed as a species of special concern.
Nesting habitat degradation is an anthropogenic threat to the loggerhead sea turtles. These threats include coastal development, erosion control barriers or beach armoring, artificial lighting, pollution, removal of native vegetation, and vehicle and pedestrian traffic (NMFS and USFWS 2007). Some solutions include protecting and managing turtles on nesting beaches, monitor coastal construction, implement lighting regulations, screen artificial lighting with vegetation, and impose regulations on beach armoring (NMFS and USFWS 1998). Predation is an important threat to consider in nesting areas for the loggerhead. Many places have depredation to protect the eggs and hatchlings against predators such as feral dogs, raccoons, and foxes (NMFS and USFWS 2007).
Narwhals have been listed as “Nearly Threatened” since 2008. Very few laws have been proposed in attempts to protect this interesting species. In an effort to support conservation, the European Union established an import ban on hunting Narwhals for their tusk (tooth). Narwhals are becoming extinct for three main reasons.