Animals as Environmental Health Indicators Presented by Muhammad Anwar Gul

Environmental health
Environmental health shows the quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, and social factors in the environment Refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially affect adversely the health of present and future generations..(According to WHO)

Environmental Health Indicators

An environmental health indicator is measure the health of the environment it's quality, used to monitor the overall health of the population
Simple measures tells us what is happening in the environment. Help us to keep track of trends in the state of the environment and measure progress towards sustainable development The concentration of ozone in the stratosphere. (Effect of chlorofluorocarbons and the likelihood of increased levels of ultraviolet radiation)

Why do we need environmental indicators?

Environmental health indicators are used for three major purposes (policy-making) : 1. To supply information on environmental problems 2. To support policy development and priority setting 3. To monitor the effects of policy responses

In addition, environmental indicators may be used as a powerful tool to raise public awareness on environmental is

Animal as Environmental Health Indicators

Animals have quite a long history in the assessment of responses to environmental Perturbation (Rosenberg & Resh 1993; Williams 1993; Spellerberg 1993; McKenzie et al. 1995)

More animal shows health environment Animals eats the plants and animals are responsible to regeneration of new plant Forests are being cut down, rivers and seas polluted, ponds filled ant the destruction seems endless and resulting animals become endanger and than finish on earth.

Important role of the Animals

Animals play an important role in our natural environment Some animals are responsible for cycle of nutrients through the ecosystem

Others are important because they increase the rate of decomposition;

These animals are also important for tourism, and local culture. Decrease in an animal population may indicate damage to the ecosystem caused by pollution

Important role of the Animals

Indicator species are often ecologically or economically

http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/publications/indicator ssciinsights.pdf

FROG

1.

Beginning in the early 1980s, biologists began to realize that amphibians such as frogs are extremely sensitive to pollution and other environmental stresses

2.

Populations of amphibians are declining on a global scale

3.

If you hear many frogs in an area, it means that the local environment is likely to be unspoiled In areas where water or air pollution have occurred, the local frog community will be affected and there are likely to be very few frogs

4.

5.

On some mining and industrial sites, surveys of frogs in the local area have been used to detect accidental pollution of waterways

Frogs' Sensitivity to Changes in Environment

Tropical frogs are probably one of the most sensitive animals in the world and react very rapidly changes in their environments. They also form vital parts of the ecosystems they belong to. Tropical Frogs as Parts of Larger Ecosystems 1. Consume large quantities of insects and other animals which can case endless food webs of rainforests

 Tropical frogs are specialized animals and are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Leaf litter is also a very good example of tropical frogs' habitats. It is not only a fantastic shelter for them but also a source of food (for example, the insects decomposing the litter). They can inhale toxins through their skin so if their habitat is polluted, they would start to die.

That is why they are considered "an indicator species" - the species that "indicate" the state of the health of their ecosystems.

Fish as Indicators of Water Quality

Fish as Indicator of Water Quality

Stream fish are excellent indicators because different species respond to pollution in different ways Quality of a stream water based on the diversity and abundance of fishes we find there, Fish responses for pollution "Many stream fish move surprisingly long distances in streams The DO test measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water. Oxygen is essential for both plants and animals, but high levels in water can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Fish Communities as Indicators of Environmental Degradation

The Ro Lerma basin, one of the most important hydrographic regions of Mexico, has a specific fish fauna. In recent years, the basin has experienced major increases in human populations and industrial and agricultural development.

To assess the health of aquatic ecosystems in the Lerma basin, we analyzed the current status and long-term trends in fish species occurrence at 116 widely distributed sites in relation to water quality and land use information

Butterfly

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Butterfly as Environmental Health Indicators

Butterflies are the part of our natural environment and have been studied for over 300 years.
The state of Assam in northeastern India have worlds riches biodiversity, it's a home of more than 500 species of butterflies Decline of several butterfly populations in the state due to increase of pollution due to human activities

Conclusion.
Animals are on large-scale forest management units Animals shows Particular environmental conditions and change in ecological parameters Change in the ecosystem and ecological pattern . In short we can say animal as environmental indicator which are help to support and monitor policy on environment and health at all levels from the local to the international.

Ideas to Help
Try to reduce your 'carbon footprint'.
Prohibited destruction of wood land, pollution of rivers and ponds, the use of pesticides and herbicides. Save the endangered species like golden eagles, toads owls red squirrels etc

Public Awareness Through Face to Face

Point to Think
There are two kinds of people, those who do the work, and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there.

References
(Rosenberg & Resh 1993; Williams 1993; Spellerberg 1993; McKenzie et al. 1995) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioindicator#Animal_indicators.2C_and_toxin s

http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/publications/indicatorssciinsights.pdf
http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals. com/Tropical-Frogs.html

Thank You