Caribbean
The Caribbean’s rainbow-hued coral reefs, low montane rain forests, dry scrub woodlands, freshwater swamps, mangrove stands, and cloud forest provide unique habitat that sustains rare species found nowhere else in the world!
The Caribbean is well known for its epidemic Caribbean Mahogany. This hardwood has a beautiful red hue and fine grain pattern very ideal for furniture.
The Cuban Crocodile is an endangered species found in an estimated 186 square mile of the Caribbean. The Cuban Crocodile can live between 50-75 years and can get up to 10.5 feet long! In this small area there is an estimated 3,000-6,000 crocodiles hiding from their biggest threat, man! This species is endangered as their market is in large demand for their meat and skin.
The Caribbean is home to many epidemic species. Their diversity in climate allows for a broad diversity of species to live comfortably. The variety of species includes 41 different mammals, 163 different birds, 469 different reptiles, 170 different amphibians, and 65 different freshwater fish! They started a research team in 2010 to try to preserve as many of these species as possible.
Many people in the Caribbean live in poverty and depend on coastal resources such as coral reef fish for their livelihood. The economy depends largely on tourism as well. As the world’s economic status struggles, the impact on the Caribbean’s is negatively affected. SOCMON is conducting studies o monitor the coral reef and other species dependent upon the Caribbean.
Communities are significantly dependent of fishing; however, SOCMON data indicate that tourism is rapidly changing local communities. Tourism is heavily dependent on healthy coral reefs, and is replacing fishing as the most important source of income for many communities and is seen as a viable alternative livelihood to fishing. Most communities welcome tourist development for revenue generation; however, many communities are also expressing concern over the negative impacts of tourism on their way of life.
Everyone should be concerned with biodiversity no matter where it’s located because it still affects us all. All countries and individuals have gradually become more and more dependent on one another for goods and services. If an economy is depended upon for say a specific plant that’s an important ingredient for a medicine necessary for survival and that plant goes extinct, then many people will suffer. It is our job as a human being to help one another, that’s why we go to school to specialize in fields for a career. If we do not continue the chain of research and development to help one another, then we will all suffer and so will the future of mankind.
