Edwardisia iSimangaliso
My day has just been made with the news that a new species of anemone has been discovered at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. The new anemone species is to be called Edwardsia isimangaliso and is considered a unique find in that;
- The anemone lives half-buried in sand, unlike other anemones.
- It displays a large number of long, tapering tentacles
- It is the only one in the genus [and among only a few anemones] able to survive salinities in excess of sea water.
- It is also able to survive periodic freshwater conditions.
Click here for more information on the new anemone; Edwardsia isimangaliso.
The discovery of new species that are able to withstand changes in environmental conditions is significant due to the fact that not only is our environment dynamic and ever-changing but also due to the fact that our actions have impacted and altered the functioning of our natural environment and the environmental services that are provided by our environment. Environmental degradation, inefficient resource use, waste, climate change etc have all combined to reduce the biodiversity of the planet and thereby impacted the ability of nature to provide much-needed environmental services. Consequently, the discovery of a new species that is unique and resilient, (due to its ability to survive in both freshwater and sea water), is significant as it is indicative of a healthy and bio-diverse environment.
Biodiversity is important due to the role of biodiversity in the effective functioning of ecosystems and to ensure the provision of ecological infrastructure and green infrastructure services. As per the Convention on Biodiversity;
“At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.”
The discovery of a new species is therefore awesome news indeed!
Additional reading:
http://www.globalissues.org/article/170/why-is-biodiversity-important-who-cares
http://www.cbd.int/convention/
ECOCRED 