Stephen P. Broker
I have prepared this unit to show, in part, the process by which one might research a current event topic connecting environmental science and human health. I am also interested in showing students how a search for information might turn up examples of scientific research being conducted at Donana National Park, and other references in international scientific publications. Two additional references of interest to this topic come from two of the science journals to which I subscribe, the journal Nature and the Ecological Society of America's journal, Ecological Monographs. The 10 September 1998 issue of Nature (page 110) has a letter in the correspondence section that relates to Donana and the toxic spill. In the letter, four researchers (in university or institute departments of ecology, geology and geophysics, and astrophysics) call for Spain to coordinate better communications between central and regional governments, secure experts in science, engineering, and management, and pay closer attention to its natural resources. They also call for Cesar Nombela's National Research Council-created commission to prepare a report on the impact of the mine spill, its damage to Donana ecosystems and threats to public health. The report should be available to the citizens of Spain and to the international scientific community. They cite public distrust of the Spanish authorities and charge that government decisions have been made for political purposes at the expense of environmental and health considerations. Donana National Park also receives criticism for its decision-making weaknesses. Finally, the authors foresee long term persistence of toxic chemicals and ecological damage and the need for long term response to the disaster. They call for "rigorous problem analysis, professional implementation of solutions and transparent decision-making."
The Ecological Monographs article makes use of field work and computer modeling of a metapopulation of the Iberian lynx. This rare species of lynx is found only in Iberia. The world population is 1000 individuals, of which approximately 60 cats live in Donana National Park. Metapopulations consist of a series of smaller, fragmented and isolated populations that experience some connection through dispersing individuals. This technical article uses elements of wildlife, reproductive, and conservation biology, and ecological theory to consider the likelihood that the donana lynx population goes extinct in the next 100 years. It contains current information on Donana's lynxes, a map showing the distribution of the lynx populations, and extensive consideration of reproductive biology of the lynx. Most significantly, it discusses the threats faced by endangered species due primarily to habitat loss and human-induced mortality.