Phillip Elden Discusses Common Invasive Species

Oregon has thousands of unique animals, many of which have lived on the land as long as records have been kept and for many years prior. But according to conservation specialist Phillip Elden, many species have been introduced and take a toll on the natural flora and fauna. 

 

Q: Is the American bullfrog and Oregon native? 

 

Phillip Elden: While the American bullfrog is common in the United States, it is not an amphibian native to the region. Bullfrogs, which can grow to more than six inches in length and present with a brown and green pattern, are often released into the wild after being purchased as pets. While Oregon has many native frog species, the large and aggressive American bullfrog preys upon snakes, fish, small turtles, and even other frogs. 

A Q&A with Phillip Elden | Conservation Careers: Forestry

Forestry is a major component of wildlife and land conservation, says Phillip Elden. And with more than 30,000 people employed by the USDA Forest Service, it’s also an in-demand career. 

 

Q: What is a forester? 

 

Phillip Elden: A forester is a person that spends his or her career working outdoors in an effort to conserve and improve woodland areas. They may also work in the lab or classroom researching and teaching the next generation of conservationists. 

Phillip Elden: Is There A Difference Between Compostable And Biodegradable?

In America, we tend to generate about five pounds of trash per person each day. Unfortunately, much of this winds up in landfills. According to Phillip Elden, this is terrible for the environment and the animals that inhabit it. 

 

As we continue to learn more and more about how waste affects the environment, people have started to pay more attention to biodegradable and compostable materials. But, what’s the difference? 

 

According to Phillip Elden, a biodegradable material, such as potato peels or paper, will break down over time naturally. Biodegradable materials are eaten by fungi and bacteria. This does not mean that all biodegradable materials are good for the earth. Styrofoam is one example. While Styrofoam is fully biodegradable, it can take 500 years or more to be completely broken down. Aluminum cans take up to 100 years. 

Phillip Elden: Reptile Vs. Amphibian

We’ve all seen frogs, snakes, and salamanders. But, which of these and other similar creatures belong to the reptile family and which to the amphibian family? Here, conservation expert Phillip Elden helps to clarify the confusion. 

 

According to Phillip Elden, reptiles and amphibians share many similar characteristics. There’s no denying that salamanders and lizards look almost exactly alike. But, they are not. A salamander is an amphibian while a lizard is a reptile. So what’s the difference? The biggest is their relationship with water. 

Pollution And Its Effect On Animals | Phillip Elden

Pollution is a dirty word that refers to the toxins we leech into our water and soil. Unfortunately, as environmentalist Phillip Elden explains, it has a very nasty effect on wildlife. 

 

Q: What effect does pollution have on frogs and other amphibians? 

 

Phillip Elden: Frogs, salamanders, and other semi-aquatic creatures have extremely sensitive skin. They use this to absorb oxygen. However, this also makes it easier for their bodies to become poisoned with chemicals from nitrogen-based fertilizers, metal contaminants, and contaminants of emerging concern, such as cosmetics. 

 

Q: Does water pollution affect birds? 

 

Phillip Elden: Interestingly, yes. Many animals, including certain birds of prey, feed on fish. Fish, in turn, transfer water toxicity to these animals. One example of how pollution has had an extremely negative effect on wildlife can be found with the Peregrine falcon. Due to the usage of DDT and other pesticides, Peregrine falcon populations across the globe have declined exponentially. 

Phillip Elden: What Is Environmental Conservation

As humans, we share a large ecosystem with other animals, plants, and insects. But, according to Phillip Elden, it is humans that both destroy and must conserve the planet on which we live. 

 

Phillip Elden explains that environmental conservation is crucial to all life. There are several reasons for this, including to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources as well as to ensure the continued propagation of global biodiversity. It is also our job to protect Earth from the already evident repercussions of global warming. 

Phillip Elden: 4 National Parks You Should Visit In 2021

As a conservation specialist, Phillip Elden says that visiting our National Parks is the best way to see the unspoiled beauty of the United States. Here, Elden lists four of his favorites that you can’t miss in 2021. 

 

Sequoia National Park 

 

Often voted one of the most beautiful parks in the country, Phillip Elden says that Sequoia National Park is unique for one thing: trees. This California-based natural area has the largest trees on the entire planet. At 275 feet tall with a base of more than 36-feet in diameter, Sequoia is home to General Sherman, a tree you must see to believe.