Fresh Water Dolphin in Danger
The first week of October
is celebrated as Wildlife Week and the Government, Non
Governmental Organizations and environmentalists come together
create awareness
on conservation among the people of the world.
In India, The World Wide
Fund has come out with monographs to highlight the need
for conservation measures of the Freash Water Dolphins
of the Ganges River.
Dr. Sandeep Behera, the Coordinator
for Freshwater Species under the Freshwater and Wetlands
Conservation Programme, says river dolphins of the Ganges
have now dwindled to a few thousand
from tens of thousands in the beginning of the last century.
There are several reasons
for the falling numbers. One is that fishermen kill dolphins
as they
consider them a nuisance and a competitor as both are
after fish.
Yet, they feed on small fish of little economic value
and are in no way a threat to the highly
prized fish that fishermen are after.
Often these creatures get
entangled in fishermen's nets, which are made of very fine
nylon
and drown, or they get impaled on the line-hooks laid
on the riverbeds.
Dams and irrigation barrages
have also added to the woes of the dolphins. Fragmented
by
irrigation barrages and locks, the dolphin population
often finds itself too small and
isolated to maintain a viable population.
River dolphins are splendid
creature existing since time immemorial but it was discovered
by Roxburgh in 1801.
The animal is mentioned in
ancient Indian literature, and appears as the `Khukab'
in the Baburnama
from the Mughal period, when rural people used dolphin
blubber for their lamps at home.
However, it was in 1879 that
John Anderson first published a scientific report on these
mammals.
Autumn
is here. Dolphin Workshops are waiting for you!
It's fall in South Florida
and while the leaves may be falling where you live and
so are the temperatures. October through mid-November is
considered the off-season in South Floridaóthe time
when children are back in school and holidays are right
around the corner. Autumn's cooling weather may attract
you to South Florida and the Dolphin Workshop programs.
During your trip to South Florida, you can delight in festivals,
enjoy cool breezes while walking through scenic gardens
and beaches, zip through short lines and save on discounted
hotels.
Some Festivals
you can plan while in South Florida:
Cuba Photography Exhibit
November 5, 2004 - February 11, 2005
City: Key West
County: Monroe
Phone: 305-294-2268
Key West photographer
C.J. Groth displays her most recent work showcasing the
island of Cuba at Guild
Hall Gallery,
614 Duval Street, Key West.
Sunday's
are Free at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
October 16, 2004
City: Coral Gables
County: Dade
Phone: 305-667-1651, ext. 3392
URL: www.fairchildgarden.org
During the
fall months, enjoy the opportunity to walk Fairchild's
grounds, have a family picnic or simply sit
on a bench
and read your favorite book while overlooking 83
acres of lush tropical paradise. Some of Fairchild's
highlights
include
the Vine Pergola, the Palm AllÈe and the
Overlook, the rainforest and the Bailey Palm
Glade which has
become one of the most popular photos spots,
because of its
breathtaking view of Fairchild's lakes and lowland
areas. Fairchild Tropical
Botanic Garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining
and conserving the world of tropical plants.
It is one of the
premier research and education-based
gardens in the world and a recognized international
leader in conservation.
Location:
10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables (Miami). For more information,
visit the web
site.
Botanical
Admission Fee: Free
Broward County
Fair
November 18 - November 28, 2004
City: Pompano Beach
County: Broward
Hosted By: Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
Phone: 954-922-2224
URL: www.browardcountyfair.com
Pompano Park
Harness Track. Broward's largest family event. Rides, games,
food, attractions,
concerts.
Also, with
the recent events of Hurricanes that have hit Florida in
September, none
of them have
hit or damaged
South Florida or the Florida Keys. Orlando
or other places in Central
and North Florida may not be a desirable
place to go while they are rebuilding
from the damage
from the Hurricanes.
South Florida and the Florida Keys are
open for business and waiting for you
with open
arms.
The Dolphin
Workshop programs in the Florida Keys are 1 - 4 days long.
Dolphin World
has a vacation
to fit
your
personality
and budget. In addition, while on your
vacation to visit your Marine Animal
friends, you
can see the sites
of
beautiful South Florida. So plan your
autumn vaction now and end your 2004 with a vacation
you will
never forget.
|
