World Wildlife Fund's Gift Catalog - 2008-2009 - (Page 31) C E N T R A L A M E R I C A Mesoamerican Reef Unless you’re a diver, you may never have seen a reef up close. But they are among the wildest and most diverse habitats on Earth! The Mesoamerican barrier reef is the largest in the Atlantic, home to more than 500 species of fish and other fascinating plants and animals. Preserving such extraordinary places is as critical to humans as it is to wildlife, as reefs are a source of both food and protection for coastal communities. Area: Over 625 miles of coastline, stretching seaward nearly 300 miles Global threats: Climate change, pollution, overfishing and poorly-planned tourism Key wildlife: Leatherback turtles, crocodiles, manatees, lobsters, whale sharks and dolphins WWF solutions: Establishing protected areas, promoting improved fishing practices, working with the agricultural industry to reduce pesticide use, working with scientists, government officials and industry to develop real conservation solutions that are making a difference. Collared Aracari, Belize WWF employee, Francisco Padrón, conducting a mapping survey of the area Quintana Roo, Mexico Adopt a Crocodile Crocodiles are also one of the longest-living reptiles. Some have been reported to live over 100 years. But in the wild, they are increasingly vulnerable, which is one reason WWF is helping lead habitat conservation efforts in the Mesoamerican region. $100 $50 $25 CTCR Adopt Me! Visit www.worldwildlife.org/gifts or call toll-free 1-800-CALL WWF 31 http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/species_SKU.cfm?cqs=CTCR&sc=AWY0900WCN11 http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/index.cfm?sc=AWY0900WCN11
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