As we celebrated Earth Week, we wanted to remind our community that our planet's incredible biodiversity needs protection. That the climate crisis, human unsustainable activities, and other serious issues are putting Earth’s natural resources at risk.
This week wasn’t about worrying about the problem: it was about understanding the solutions together. We wanted to confirm that we can - and we must - take action if we want to preserve and nurture all the wonderful habitats that are still standing. We committed to working as a community by supporting the projects that ensure the survival of those habitats.
We shared with you Lemu’s mission: to protect 1% of Earth's land in 10 years, by building bridges between those who want to protect ecosystems and those who are already doing that through their conservation projects.
For a whole week, from the 17th to the 22nd of April, we shared our vision and highlighted the importance of protecting species and their habitats.
Protecting Earth is taking care of the animals that live in It
Many species need our help, and lots of ecosystems need protection to survive and thrive. This week, we focused on some amazing creatures you also can find on our app. Take a look at some fun facts we selected about them.
African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
African Bush Elephants are some of the most important inhabitants of their ecosystem. As keystone species, they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Not only do they create pathways through the forest, but they also help to distribute seeds and create new habitats for other species. They act as nature's very own landscapers, making them true superheroes!
Did you know that elephants are highly emotional creatures? When an elephant family member dies, the other elephants hold a mourning ceremony, gathering around the body and touching it with their trunks while staying with it for extended periods. They may even cover the body with leaves and branches. This behavior reflects the strong social bonds and emotions that elephants have. It's heartwarming to witness this kind of empathy and care.
In addition to their emotional intelligence, African Bush Elephants are highly social creatures. These gentle giants form close family groups led by a matriarch, using a variety of vocalizations and physical gestures to communicate with each other. They are like a big, happy family, and it's fascinating to observe their interactions.
All in all, African Bush Elephants are fascinating creatures that are crucial to their ecosystem. Not only do they act as nature's landscapers, but they also possess a high level of emotional intelligence and social skills. Learning more about these incredible animals and their unique roles in their environment is fantastic.
Cochran Frog (Cochranella mache)
Let's introduce you to the fascinating Cochran frog, a tiny tree-dwelling frog found in South America with translucent skin that allows you to see its guts and bones. It's like having your personal X-ray machine but in a cuter and more frog-like way. Besides its beauty, the Cochran frog is a vital environmental indicator since they are sensitive to habitat destruction and pollution.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Cochran frogs is their family-focused behavior. The male frogs are incredibly hands-on fathers, guarding their eggs until they hatch and even carrying the tadpoles on their backs to the water. It's like they're running a froggy daycare.
Despite its fragile appearance, this frog is a skilled hunter, preying on insects and other small invertebrates. As a key predator in its ecosystem, it plays a vital role in regulating the populations of its prey. However, the Cochran frog faces numerous threats, such as habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.
A whole week as a starting point
Protecting the environment is something we can all do in our daily lives and not only on one day or week. There are simple steps we can start taking this week to maintain throughout the year. They include, for instance:
- Choosing reusable bags, and refusing disposable plastic bags every time someone offers one.
- Bringing a water bottle wherever you go.
- Turning the lights off, unplugging devices, and taking shorter showers.
- Commuting less by, for instance, working remotely. Carpooling is also a good idea.
- Learning and spreading the word about the environmental crisis and sharing sustainability ideas.
- Supporting a conservation project, you can do it also through our app. You can explore the available projects and take immediate action at the tap of a finger.
Take the Quiz: What kind of nature protector are you?
We all want to help the environment but we have our own personal ways to do so. These traits can be attributed, let’s say, to “sustainability archetypes”. Are you a Guardian, a Visionary, a Hero, or an Activist?
We know people can’t be labeled into 4 categories, but let’s play a game and see which nature conservation archetype you’re closest to! Take our quiz HERE to know so and show it to your friends and family!
This Earth Week, let's all take action to protect our planet's species and habitats. By supporting organizations like Lemu, we can make a real difference and help ensure a sustainable future for all. If you love it, protect it.
Join us in our mission to protect 1% of Earth's land in 10 years!
