(Reef Extinction, continued from p.2)

IPCC findings square with a February 2004 study performed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), in which it was concluded that less than 5 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef's coral cover will remain by 2050 if the world fails to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

According to Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, prominent reef researcher and principal author of the WWF report, coral reefs are one of the first major causalities of climate change. They are particularly sensitive to rise in the temperature of tropical seawater.

"The only hope we have of saving these beautiful ecosystems lies in massively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the earth's climate within 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels."

The loss of the Great Barrier would affect 1500 species of fish, 20 different reptiles, seven different turtles, 20 different marine birds, and such threatened or endangered species as the Green Sea Turtle and Dugong (Sea Cow). The reef is also a breeding area for humpback whales, migrating from the Antarctic. In recognition of its significance, UNESCO has listed the reef as a World Heritage Site.

(Bear Status, continued from p.2)

This echoes a similar contention in a recent report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The suit against the department was buttressed by the following research:

*evidence that global warming has increased over 1 F. since 1900 and at three times that rate since 1970.(IPCC and other sources--see article this issue of New Bear Times)

*evidence of thinning Arctic summer ice and projections that at the current rate of global warming, the pack may be gone by 2100 (multiple sources)

*impaired denning as a result of reduced ice pack and snow cover (multiple sources)

*decreased food source due to climate impacts on seals (multiple sources)

(Elephants, continued from p.2)

Stemming these trends appears to be daunting, particularly in light of the fact that world population growth along with global climate change will exacerbate current trends in land use. This means that more and more humans will be living in elephant habitat and the land itself will be drier and support fewer elephants.

The one major counterforce in this dire trend might be the increasing popularity of eco-tourism. In Africa and Asia, wildlife is a formidable industry and elephants are a major draw. With a little luck and substantial activism, this could spur elephant conservation and the preservation of shrinking habitat.

A hopeful note on elephant rehabilitation is provided by Carol Buckley, a founder of the expansive Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Her sanctuary has successfully rehabilitated many human-traumatized elephants, including those abused by circuses. According to Buckley, some of the most emotionally damaged elephants have shown a capacity to heal, much like humans. Requisite ingredients include safety, nurture and much social interaction with other elephants.