Gulf Oil spill is one of the largest environmental disasters in world history. The greatest oil slick had devastating effect on marine habitat and wild life. The life cycle of these animals is affected in a huge way. Gulf oil spill has created a great havoc all over the world.
However, the aftermath effects are even more disastrous and will last for many more years to come. Oil spilled into the waters spreads very quickly with the winds and current. Gulf oil spill has spread a distance of 500 square miles within 2-3 days.
Marine habitats are the worst hit segment with oil spills. If you look at the shores of Louisiana and Mexico, we find number of dead birds and animals. Animals and birds have to consume this oil as they have no other option. Oil enters into their body and infects the immune system, Lungs, kidneys and respiratory systems.
You would be amazed to find that more birds died due to drowning in the water. The oil mixed with water becomes sticky and the birds get drowned into it. Some times the birds consume oil which makes them sleepy and thereby gets drowned.
Another aftermath effect of gulf oil spill is hypothermia. Birds have air spaces in their feathers. These air spaces help them to insulate and maintain warm temperature. When the oil sticks to these feathers, they close the air spaces, make them heavier and cause hypothermia.
The list of bird species affected by oil slick is quite long. Brown pelican which is the state bird of Louisiana is among this list. Pelicans are a site to watch. The lower jaw of pelicans is similar to a fish net and is thrice the size of its stomach. It can catch fishes in that pouch and squeeze water away. The breeding and fledging period of pelicans is between January and September.
With this oil slick, not only the adult pelicans are affected but also the next generation is hit. The government has removed brown pelican from the endangered species list last year and now they might have to add it again because of this spill.
Laughing gulls are mostly associated with pelicans. They move around pelicans to steal a fish from its pouch. Other birds included in the list are Royal tern, Caspian tern, least tern, sandwich tern, Gull, American oyster catcher, Black skimmer, mottled duck etc. When the oil slick reaches the shore, it poses even more damage to sea habitats.
It greatly affects crabs, oysters and fishes. All these species get poisoned and pose great threat to other species. When these poisoned species are consumed by other sea creatures, poison gets transferred and this cycle moves on for years to come.
Environmental lovers are highly concerned of these damages. Many volunteers from America and Mexico are coming forward to join hands with the clean up teams. Injured birds and animals are collected and isolated at a safer place. They are cleaned, medicated and hydrated to be stabilized. It is the utmost duty of all nations to safe guard the environment and make sure that these environmental hazards do not occur in future.
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