Tundra+Conservation

Ethan C. Megan H.

Tundra Conservation The an effect on the tundra by humans is that millions of gallons of oil spilled onto the tundra coast when a tanker, the __Exxon Valdez__, crashed into a coral reef. The spill affected a lot of wildlife. Thousands of migrating seabirds, lemmings, salmon, herring, and halbut were killed from this accident. Most of the oil was finally cleaned up, but some of it is still there. Another effect by humans is fences and buildings. The fences and buildings that we are building in the tundra are stopping migration. However, the tundra is mostly uninhabited due to the harsh climate and severe cold. This keeps some problems to a minimum.

Humans need to put effort into resolving the tundra's conservation problems. One problem that needs attention is the blocking of migration routes. Migrating birds flying to and from the tundra find fences and roads cutting them off from old nesting grounds. When caribou move to new grazing areas, they find them fenced in. Many animals die or starve due to the blocking of migration routes. Another problem needing to be fixed is the constant threat of oil drilling. When cracked oil drums split open or tankers run aground and spill oil, they coat yard after yard of the tundra soil in black oil. In the summer, it can seep into the thin soil and kill off plants, which take a long time to grow in the short grownig season on the tundra. Many other problems need attention it the tundra, but we are beginning to take action.



Many problems are rampant in the tundra. However, many people are helping make them as small as possible. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helps clean up oil slicks. Other conservation projects speak out against blocking migration routes. Mostly, the tundra is left alone due to the harsh climate, but there are still problems. However, good people are fighting tho make the tundra a safe place for its diverse wildlife. Wtih this help, the amazing tundra has a great chance of survival.

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