Human Impact in Mediterranean
Photo courtesy of 'Life' magazine online
Some human impact on the Mediterranean is logging, overgrazing, conversion to agriculture, urbanization, and introduction of exotic species. It is also the second highest region percentage wise of land converted from nautral habitat to other uses. The human intrution in the region has led to the biome being one of the most endangered in the world, as well as causing degradation and habitat loss. Because of the extreme forest loss and soil erosion caused by human impact, many native plants and animals have become extinct. Another phenomenon contributing to the endangerment of this biome's region is climate change. In May 2004 de Dato Giovanbattista Domenico, an Italian scientist, presented his research on how climate change was effecting the Mediterranean Shrubland vegetation. HIs objectives were as follows "in a Mediterranean area, covered by a shrubland vegetation community (gariga), impacts of increased soil and air temperature and extension of the dry period (by an appropriate manipulation system) were analyzed on different functional processes at ecosystem scale (primary productivity, phenology, specie competition, soil respiration, N mineralization, litter decomposition)." By conducting such research he analyzyed the effect of climate change on the Mediterranean. Climate change is often associated with humans ever increasing use of excess fossil fuels on a regular basis. Humans are not only directly harming the region, but indirectly affecting it as well. This endangerment of the species threatens the existance of an especially important biome to our world. The Mediterranean Shrublands, and the Temperate Shrubland/Chaparral biome in general cover a significantyl small percentage of the earth. However, these regions contain many species not found in any other biome that contribute significantly to the biodiversity of our planet. By failing to recognize the importance of preservation of this biome, we are turning our backs to a number of species that particpate not only the regions ecosystem and economy, but to the world's biodiversity as a whole. We need to take action in preserving this biome. California has taken the lead in preserving its Chaparral biome by proposing the Chaparral Preservation Plan to congress. This plan not only outlines nation parks, but outlines sustainable practices for the region. However, not all human impact in the Mediterranean is negative, for some farming practices have allowed new species to foster in the region, helping its biodiversity.
