Protecting The Arabian Himri
Section 1: The Arabian Himri, otherwise known as the Carasobarbus apoensis, is a species of freshwater fish that is native to the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. It is a medium-sized fish that can grow up to ~12 in. in length. The Arabian Himri has a distinct yellowish-brown color on its back and a lighter color on its belly. Its dorsal fin is also elongated and has a pointed end. The Arabian Himri is an omnivorous species that feeds on both plant and animal matter. Its diet consists of algae, small crustaceans, and insects. Some predators of this animal are larger fish and birds. Little is known about the life cycle of the Arabian Himri, but like most freshwater fish, it is believed to reproduce by laying eggs. Arabian Himri larva feed on plankton when young. The population of the Arabian Himri is currently unknown, and there is not much information on its conservation status. However, its habitat is threatened by human activities such as water extraction and damming, as well as overfishing. The IUCN Red List has classified it as Endangered under criteria B2ab.
Section 2: The Arabian Himri inhabits freshwater streams and rivers that flow through the mountainous terrain of southwestern Saudi Arabia. These freshwater systems are characterized by high levels of dissolved minerals and are relatively warm, with temperatures ranging from 32-80°F. The streams and rivers are shallow, with rocky bottoms and flowing water. This habit is unique to the Arabian Himri, as it requires fast-flowing water and rocky substrates for feeding and reproduction. The rocky habitat provides shelter for the fish, while the fast-flowing water supplies the oxygen and nutrients needed for their survival. The fish also require clean, unpolluted water to thrive, as any contaminants can be detrimental to their health. The Al Hajar Mountains where the Arabian Himri is commonly found is a part of a desert biome, which is characterized by low precipitation levels and high temperatures. The desert biome covers approximately one-third of the Earth's surface. Some factors consistent with a desert biome include high temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night, and low precipitation levels. Despite the harsh conditions, the desert biome supports a variety of organisms, including a range of primary producers such as cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant shrubs. These primary producers support a wide variety of herbivores, such as desert tortoises, camels, and antelopes. Predators in the desert biome include a variety of carnivores, such as coyotes, foxes, and eagles. In conclusion, the Arabian Himri is uniquely adapted to the fast-flowing, rocky streams and rivers that flow through the Al Hajar Mountains. This habitat is part of the desert biome, which is characterized by harsh factors such as high temperatures and low precipitation. Despite these challenges, the desert biome supports a diverse community of organisms, from primary producers to top predators.
This is an image of the Potomac River in Maryland
Section 3: One threat to the Arabian Himri is damming in the water channels of the Al Hajar mountain range. Damming is a major threat to the Arabian Himri's habitat in the Al Hajar Mountains. Dams are constructed to regulate water flow and generate hydroelectric power, but they can cause significant damage to the ecosystem. Dams alter the natural flow of the rivers and streams, which can disrupt the migration of fish and effect their natural reproduction cycle. Dams can also lead to the build up of sediment behind the dam. When this sediment builds up it can change the habitat and reduce the availability of food and shelter for fish in the rocky bottom of the rivers. The threat of damming is affecting other species in the ecosystem as well. Dams can alter water temperatures and reduce oxygen levels in the water, which can negatively impact a lot of aquatic species. Dams can also split up habitats, and can separate populations. The changes in water quality, temperature, and sediment levels can negatively impact primary producers, such as algae and aquatic plants, which provide food and habitat for a variety of species. The problem is caused by humans, the construction of dams for hydro power and to keep up with the growing populations water needs. Without proper planning and management, dams can cause significant damage to the environment and the species that live there. This threat is relatable to almost any other region in which rivers are present and dams have similar effects that vary slightly on the specific region. However dams have a relatively similar impact no matter the rivers location.
Felix, Arabia. “Old Water Channels Still Secure Oman's Water Supply Today.” Water Channels in Oman: Arabia Felix, https://www.oman.de/en/about-oman/sightseeing-oman/water-channels/.
Okedu, Kenneth E., and Mohsin Said Al Siyabi. “Harnessing Hydropower Potential in Desert Regions: The Case of Wadi Dayqah Dam, Quriyat, Oman.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 7 June 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frwa.2021.686856/full.
“Hydropower Industry.” International Rivers, 20 May 2021, https://www.internationalrivers.org/issues/corporate-accountability/hydropower-industry/.
International), Ian Harrison (Conservation. “The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 9 Apr. 2012, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203407/2764937.
Section 4: People in keene have an effect on damming as we have dams here in Keene and receive the benefits of having that dam there. We contributed to the threat by making the dam in the first place and the effect that had on the existing land. Dams being made can allow for hydroelectric plants to be installed for electricity, as well as just re-routing drinking water with dams can devastate an ecosystem. As well as the damage that can be done to the ecosystems in the rivers, the reservoirs created with dams often force out entire ecosystems of animals and plants. Lots of primary producers will be taken over by the reservoir when these dams are installed, and many primary consumers will be killed or forced out of the area. Sometimes these reservoirs even force indigenous peoples from their native land and disrupting their way of life.
This is an image of the Jung Hua Dam In Taiwan
Society, British Dam. “How Dams Affect People and the Environment.” How Dams Affect People and the Environment, https://britishdams.org/about-dams/dam-information/people-and-environment/.
“Human Impacts of Dams.” International Rivers, https://archive.internationalrivers.org/human-impacts-of-dams.
This post was an entertaining read. Something that I can relate to is the threat of dams on the Arabian Himri. At some point in high school, I remember constructing a project that focused on how dams are very useful but can create a poor artificial structure that hurts species living nearby. Something that this post taught me was the characteristics and specifics of the species. I find it interesting that these fish are found in waters close to mountains, because I've always been a fan of these beautiful areas. The post as a whole is great, but I specifically enjoyed the clear and understandable writing. I feel that anyone who doesn't have much knowledge about the information provided could easily understand this post. Lastly, I love hearing about a fish species, because I enjoy fishing in the summer and this post felt very relevant to me. Overall, great job with this work and I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteThis was really interesting to read about just how negative the impacts of dams can be on the ecosystem and the different species that thrive in those water sources that are obstructed by dams. I never truly grasped the negative effects of dams on wildlife, the fact that it can disrupt migration patterns as well as their reproduction cycle is all new to me. My only suggestion for the post would be to include an image depicting your species considering your readers become curious as to what the species looks like. Outside of the images, I really enjoyed how well this piece flowed as a whole in terms of the writing. It felt like a very fast read, but it was very well informed and descriptive at the same time, it didn't feel like there was unnecessary information added for the purpose of filling space. My only question about this topic is what we would do as citizens in Keene or as a nation to change our current system of using dams. More specifically, what would be a substitute for dams that would protect our ecosystems and the endangered species that inhabit them, while also producing similar results economically like dams currently do.
ReplyDelete