A new species of monkeys have been discovered in northern Burma. These types of monkeys are known as snub-nosed monkeys, obviously because of their uniquely shaped nose. When it rains, their upturned nostrils fill with water, which causes the monkeys to sneeze. The Primate Conservation Programme have noticed that it's very easy to find the stub-nosed monkeys when it's raining, because they can hear them sneezing.
Unfortunately, this species of monkeys are "critically endangered, with an estimated population of 300 or less." Other species of monkeys are known to be in Vietnam and China, while snub-nosed monkeys were the first to be discovered in Burma. AFP have recently reported that this monkey species is geographically separated from other species because the snub-nosed monkey's habitat, which is located in an area in Kachin State, is cut off by the Salween and Mekong rivers. Unfortunately, it's habitat is exposed by deforestation, which is due to logging. Deforestation in this specific area is caused by local and Chinese companies operating illegally. Not only is this a problem, but hunting is a major problem as well. Providing better enforcement is greatly needed to withstand "the illegal international wildlife trade."
I personally think that more should be done to stop hunting and deforestation in the snub-nosed monkey's habitat. With only 300 snub-nosed monkeys living, more should definitely be done to stop them from becoming more endangered. This topic relates to class because with a new species discovered, there are more animals located on the earth. Therefore, the population is increasing, instead of decreasing.
In Hungary, a river of red-orange coloration has flooded part of the Hungarian countryside. The toxic sludge is a byproduct of the aluminum manufacturing process from the Alumina plant. This river of sludge has killed eight people; four of them have drowned. Not only has it killed eight citizens of Hungary, but it has also caused significant damage to the land. This disastrous river has unfortunately reached the Danube River, which is one of the major waterways in Europe. To try and stop the toxic sludge from entering the Danube River, authorities were pouring plaster into the Marcal River, which unfortunately didnt work.
I personally think that authorities should think of new ideas to stop the flow of the toxic waste. The river of toxic waste will majorly impact Hungary, as well as the ocean. This article relates to class, because as the water runs through the Danube River, it will eventually reach the ocean. When the sludge enters the ocean, it will unfortunately kill marine animals.
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