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Biodiversity
- ISSN 1488-8386 a subscription
based quarterly journal
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CONTRIBUTIONS
(review of first three issues): |
 An
article on Mexican tropical dry forests shows this type of
forest is much less extensive and less varied biologically
than rain forest but with a rich flora which provides
firewood, food, medicines and other valuable products.
Tropical dry forest is being rapidly reduced in Mexico and
elsewhere. Conservation effort in Mexico shows that, with
careful management, much of the origin a l vegetation,
including 28 food-producing trees, shrubs and vines can be
restored using only organic farming methods. This approach
of farming shows a five fold increment of income as compared
with corn cultivation alone. A series of recommendations to
further these methods are given. They are designed to help
reduce the dependency on cash crops, raise living standards,
restore in part the original forests, reduce erosion, and
preserve much of the original flora from which new food
crops and medicines ma y be derived.
A review of a critically endangered life form, Hamilton's
Frog, (Leiopelma hamiltoni), shows an interesting
aspect of life of a primitive Frog, a Frog which has a short
tail and no web between their toes. Frogs of the genus
Leiopelma resemble those found in the Jurassic era.
Approximately only 200 frogs remain distributed in a small
area in New Zealand. Habitat destruction is probably
responsible for the restricted distribution of this Frog.
An article on the Whale Shark, the largest living fish is
presented; shows this Shark species is rare but is worldwide
in tropical and subtropical areas. Details are given of 20
sightings in 50 years in Venezuelan waters. Records may be
correlated with increased marine productivity.
Copyright
2000. All Rights Reserved
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