The Endangered Origins of the Pink Millipede
October 30th, 2009 Posted in Centipedes & Millipedes
The hot pink dragon millipede is one of a kind. Recently discovered in Thailand’s section of the Mekong Delta, it is one of the many 1,068 new species found since 1997.
These discoveries highlight how the Mekong Delta is one of the most biologically rich areas in the world and thus, it deserves our protection and upkeep.
This article will take a look at:
Background of the Mekong
Most people have only heard of the Mekong Delta in regards to its role in the Vietnam War. As a major system of rivers surrounded by wet lands, the Mekong served as the perfect staging ground to move troops & supplies, while also acting as the perfect hideout during battle.
Its connected to China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, making it a very important place to control during the conflict. Yet, few people who used the Mekong river valley during the war or since have actually thought about the ecological and biologically consequences of their actions.
Excessive dumping, overfishing, and overcrowding have all contributed to continued pollution of the river valley. The continued lack of education about pollution in the valley has lead to its long-term abuse and dismal future.
Conservation Efforts in the Mekong
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was established in 1995 as an agreement between Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each of the four countries saw a mutual interest in managing the water resources, exploring the biological diverse animals and plants, and developing the economic potential of the river valley.
Each of the 4 members has contributed to the preservation of the habitat, cleaning of polluted areas, and helped to prevent overfishing. The commission is also involved with fisheries management, irrigation based agriculture, promotion of safe navigation, monitoring environmental fluctuations, flood management, and exploration of hydro-power sources.
They’re also trying to cut down on pollution throughout their entire countries, not just the valley. Many native families living on river coasts have dumped their waste in the water for decades, beginning to end this habit is going to be hard, but officials have to start somewhere. Most rivers throughout the country connect to the Mekong Delta, making one village’s pollution problem, the entire country’s problem.
Current Status of the Mekong
Through various efforts, great strides have been made in the river valley, solely because people are beginning to understand the importance of the Mekong and its resources. To help ensure the continued prosperity of some of the unique wildlife, the Ha Tien plain has been given the highest priority.
The area is very biological diverse, more so than any other part of the Mekong, thus the MRC has put more restrictions on people entering the area by foot or boat. For years this area has been under serious danger of being converted into agricultural land, but with the focus tilting towards conservation, chances are Ha Tien plain will be just fine.
In the near future the entire area is going to be considered protected land, halting any farming from every happening on this important tract of land within the Mekong. Overall, the MRC and others have contributed greatly to the Mekong Delta increased environmental health.
There is still much room for improvement, yet the conservation efforts thus far has achieved so much for the area and the vast populations of unique plants, insects, and animals.
Before you go and use traditional poisonous bug spray, think about the Mekong Delta and how you could be contributing to its pollution. To prevent this from happening and to stop insects from attacking you, use EcoSMART’s eco-friendly bug spray. It protects you and your family, while not polluting the environment in any way.
