Module 10- HIPPO

  1. What does HIPPO mean?
  2. How does HIPPO apply to your hometown? Does any of its components affect your hometown?

1- HIPPO

H- Habitat loss- There have been varous ways that the environment has lost land. Humans are the cause of many, including deforestation, using land for farming, building on the land, etc. What used to be land for animals to live is being turned over to the humans to use for their own needs.

I- Invasive species- New species can change a whole ecosystem when introduced. Because they have not lived with the resident species, there are no predators to control the growth rate/ population. Because of this, the new species grows without limitations and can wipe other species out of that areas ecosystem.

P- Pollution- This is when a substance that has negative effects to the environment is introduced. Even some natural substances can cause problems to the environment when there is too much of it present. Pollution can lead to the extinction of different species if not monitored.

P- human Population- The population boom since the 1800’s to now has hurt biodiversity because people had to find new land to live, thus destroying nature. Species environments have had to change to adjust to humans.

O- Overharvesting- This is the hunting/ targeting of certain species to the point of diminishing returns.

2. I have seen parts of HIPPO present in my hometown in many ways. My hometown is McMurray, PA which is 30 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. I moved to Peters Township in 2000. My family has witnessed the township develop and grow. The first sign of HIPPO that I’ve seen in my hometown is habitat loss. With more people moving to Peters, there has been new communities being built for the past 15 years. Housing developers have been buying farmland up to set up new neighborhoods. The township is debating building a new high school on farmland also. With these new housing developments popping up wherever they can fit, there;s been a lot of land cleared and forests taken down in order to house all the new people wanting to move to Peters.

Another part of HIPPO that my hometown has started to see is Pollution. The township has started new campaigns to help the environment and control pollution. During the last few years of High school, more recycling bins were put around the school and teachers started clubs to learn more about helping the environment. Also, the township has put more recycling methods in place. We now are instructed on different ways to sort our trash. The township gave everyone new recycling bins and instructions on what items go into what trash bins. The township has put up new signs and warnings on different areas that could be used to dump trash. All the sewers have stickers on them reminding people that they go directly to drinking water.

Again Human population applies to my hometown. With the population boom that my town has seen, animals have had to move to find new land to live. Recently, we have had a coyote problem. With land being taken away from them, coyotes have been forced to move around to find new places to live. This is forcing them closer to people. With more housing developments taking up land, animals have been disturbed.

Also, deer started to act like an invasive species to us. Our township has joined in an effort with neighboring townships to bring in experienced hunters over the last couple years. The hunters are used to control the deer’s population and make sure that their numbers stay low enough for the environment to handle.

 

Jason Brown