biodiversity news – Hoopoe

This Week in Biodiversity News – 16th December

Environment

An area larger than India has permanently degraded into arid conditions, research shows. Studies by the UN Science Policy Interface have reported that up to three quarters of the world’s land has experienced likely irreversible drying in the past thirty years and now, arid drylands make up 40% of land on earth. Driven by climate change, poor farming practices, excessive water extraction and many other factors, this drying could see significant decreases in crop yield, GDP, and a reduction in the capacity of the land to store water.

viviparous lizard — Image by David Evans via Flickr

A two-year restoration project in Avon Heath Country Park will help to restore a rare habitat. Funded by Defra, £1.2 million will be used to restore this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is home to 2.5% of the world’s remaining lowland heathland. The 210-hectare site provides key habitat for all of Britain’s native reptiles, including Smooth Snakes and ground-nesting birds such as Woodlarks and Nightjars. Restoration work will involve the removal of invasive rhododendron, scrub and pine trees to rejuvenate the heathland and increase the availability of light for low-lying plants.

Conservation

A recent survey has shown that Grey Squirrels are invading Red Squirrel strongholds. Conducted by Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE), the survey assessed 246 sites for an annual squirrel check. The survey found a rising presence of Grey Squirrels in Red Squirrel strongholds, a trend described as ‘concerning’ by RSNE project officers. These invasive, non-native species were found in 69% of surveyed sites, a 6.8% increase from last year and are now outnumbering Red Squirrels in Cumbria and Northumberland. However, RSNE successfully recorded a 2% increase of Red Squirrels in survey sites, up from 50% in 2023.

Cutting-edge technology is being used to inform forestry management in the UK. Forestry England is employing bioacoustic technology, environmental DNA (eDNA) and drones to inform conservation efforts across multiple sites. EDNA gathered from soil, air and water is being used to build a better picture of community composition across 21 forestry sites, and after four months of sampling, 5,000 unique fungal species and 1,000 invertebrate species have been identified. Bioacoustic data is also being gathered across four areas in Somerset, Dorset, Northumberland and North Yorkshire and will be used to track bumblebee activity through analysis of flight sound. This detailed data will be used to form a new biodiversity baseline to monitor the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the midst of biodiversity decline and climate change.

A light brown rodent is sat on a river bank underneath grasses, it has small black eyes and a small brown nose — Image by Peter Trimming via Flickr

A reintroduction project has seen the return of Water Voles along the Severn shoreline, levels and moors of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Led by the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society, the programme is seeking to restore intertidal habitats, wetlands and peatlands, and part of this will be actioned through re-establishing Water Voles in the area. Avon Wildlife Trust have observed evidence that these animals have returned to the area, contributing to the region’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Policy

Angela Rayner has been met with criticism following an interview discussing Labour’s housing pledge. With plans to build 1.5 million homes and fast-track over 150 major infrastructure projects, wildlife protection may take a back seat. Rayner expressed concern for those who desperately need housing, stating that providing homes in the UK should not be sacrificed for wildlife protection. Despite critics deeming the targets ‘unrealistic’, Rayner assured that compliance with national building plans would be mandatory under Labour’s National Planning Policy Framework.

Great crested newt in a hand — Image by Chris H via Flickr

Vital scrubland habitats are at risk following Labour’s announcement to build on grey belt land. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has pledged to build 1.5 million homes on redefined green belt land, known as grey belt land. With what some call a ‘vague definition’ of grey belt land, swathes of countryside could be sacrificed for housing developments, in areas that could have been transformed to woodland or wetland habitats. This traditional landscape is vital for wildlife, including birds, reptiles and amphibians, and could prove essential in meeting 30×30 targets.

This week in Biodiversity News – 2nd December

Conservation

A small group of White-tailed Eagles are to be reintroduced in Exmoor National Park. A project by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England has been working to reintroduce the species since 2019. Focusing on the south of England, the project has been releasing eagles to the Isle of Wight, with 37 birds released so far throughout the project. Exmoor, a region in which this species has bred historically, has been identified as key habitat for White-tailed Eagles due to suitable prey abundance and a long stretch of coastal woodland and moorland. The project plans to reinforce English populations with a small cohort of up to twenty birds, which will be released over a three-year period on Exmoor.

Haliaeetus albicilla white tailed eagle — Image by NTNU Faculty of Natural Sciences via Flickr

Environment

The conservation group Alliance for Wales’ Rainforests (AWR) are urging the Welsh government to take urgent action to safeguard Celtic, or temperate, rainforests. The AWR is a collaboration between several conservation organisations including Plantlife, Wildlife Trusts Wales and Coed Cadw, which released a report on the state of Wales’ rainforests – the report revealed that these valuable landscapes are in generally poor condition, with invasive species and significant environmental pressures, such as intensive grazing or air pollution. With over 1,900,000 acres of temperate rainforest in Wales, and only one tenth of this area designated, the group have emphasised that action is needed from the Welsh government to protect the diversity and value of these ecosystems.

Cranberry farmers are restoring defunct bogs to wetlands in Massachusetts. Several restoration projects have been awarded $6 million in grants provided by New England’s Department of Fish and Game Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to restore wildlife habitat and improve water quality. The funding will be used to convert disused bogs into wetlands and streams to improve environmental resilience, halt erosion and enhance carbon sequestration. So far, 400 acres have been converted, with hopes to restore an additional 1,000 acres over the next ten years.

Policy

Defra cuts pose a threat to Britain’s national landscapes. Defra spending is to be cut by 2% over the next financial year, which could have harmful ramifications for the National Landscapes team who manage 46 regions previously known as Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, including the Chilterns, the Cotswold’s and the Wye Valley. The team is expecting a 12% funding cut, placing significant pressure on an already underfunded and vital service in the fight against climate change. The National Landscapes Chief has warned that these valuable areas could become ‘paper parks’ without adequate funding, and some areas could face a 20% reduction in core services.

North Pennines UK — Image by Robert J Heath via Flickr

COP29 concluded on 22nd November. This year’s negotiations saw heavy criticism, with several headlining stories:

Developing nations were dissatisfied with $300bn in climate finance, with many stressing that the sum is not sufficient to address the challenges that developing countries face.
Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, described fossil fuels as a ‘gift from God’ in an opening speech, sparking debate about the way host countries are selected – Azerbaijan follows authoritarian states Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as COP hosts.
Senior climate leaders have written an open letter to the UN, claiming the conference was no longer fit for purpose.
China is emerging as the next climate leader and was praised for increased transparency about its financial support for developing countries

The UK has joined a coalition to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Joined by 16 other countries, including Colombia, Canada and New Zealand, the coalition aims to develop national strategy, remove barriers and facilitate open communication to stop subsidies for oil and gas exploration and production. Thought to be a key step for the UK to reach its wider commitments, the coalition will facilitate the UK’s vision in establishing itself as a clean energy superpower.

Climate Crisis

A new study has provided an answer to a flurry of elephant deaths. Over 350 elephants, ranging from calves to mature adults, died under mysterious circumstances in Botswana in 2020. A new study using satellite data has suggested that toxic algal blooms of cyanobacteria may be behind these mass die-offs, poisoning the drinking water available to these animals. This research adds to the growing evidence that climate change will have lethal impacts on wildlife as it accelerates – climate-induced disease and mass mortalities are suggested to increase in frequency and severity over the coming years.

African Elephant — Image by Mandy Goldberg via Flickr

This Week in Biodiversity News – 18th November

Extinction

A paper published over the weekend revealed that the Slender-billed Curlew is likely to be extinct, with the last sighting recorded in Morocco in 1995. Marking the first known global bird extinction from the Western Palearctic, this species was previously common across mainland Europe, north Africa and west Asia, with populations found nowhere else in the world. The confirmation of the loss of this species of curlew comes just a month after COP16 took place in Cali, Columbia, which focused on increasing efforts to halt the loss of flora and fauna.

Wildlife and environment

Deforestation in the Amazon has fallen by 31%, marking a nine-year low. Despite this, deforestation is still a concern for Brazil, and an area the size of Delaware was cleared within the last year. The Amazon is facing a different set of pressures as climate change progresses – severe drought has contributed to a significant 18-fold surge in wildfires, which is impacting much of South America, including the biologically rich Pantanal in Brazil.

a small mouse resting on a bush branch — Image by Frank Vassen via Flickr

One of Britain’s rare mammals has been found in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. As an element of the park’s Cysylltu Natur project, which aims to protect 25% of the park’s northern section by 2025, dormouse nesting tubes were placed along areas of woodland on site. Licensed volunteers have discovered that dormice have inhabited the boxes, resulting in an exciting milestone in boosting nature recovery for the park.

Conservation

Two sites on the rivers Wear and Tyne are under consideration for saltmarsh restoration. Groundwork North East & Cumbria have applied for permission to undertake work in these areas to compensate for construction along the riverbank and heavy industrialisation in the area. The work will expand and restore existing habitat without removing waterside infrastructure – this restoration will slow the river flow and allowing sediment to build, in turn providing habitat for fish, invertebrates and other aquatic life.

The first of fourty-eight Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) has been developed for the West of England. The strategies are conceived by local authorities, communities, NGO’s and government agencies to identify focus areas for nature. These locally led, evidence-based plans were conceived to prioritise nature investment and target efforts for environmental restoration where it is needed most. LNRS’s will eventually be rolled out to cover all of England, helping to coordinate target action to meet biodiversity commitments.

the tops of aspen trees against the sky, the leaves are orange and yellow — Image by Oyvind Holmstad via Flickr

Cairngorms National Park has launched an initiative to save one of Scotland’s most threatened tree species – Aspen. Partnered with Trees for Life, the Cairngorms National Park Authority will be mapping the health and location of existing Aspen populations, and the data will be used to guide the planting of new trees within the forest. Deemed one of Scotland’s most vital native trees, this once-common species has undergone extreme declines due to deforestation and overgrazing. It is hoped that the project can be used as a blueprint to roll out Aspen conservation across Scotland, securing biodiversity benefits for the environment.

Policy

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed new climate targets for the UK. Announced at COP29 in Azerbaijan, the UK will now aim for 81% reductions in emissions by 2035. This new target updates a previous pledge of 78% made by the Conservative government, and comes after recommendations from the UK’s Climate Change Committee. This new pledge will help to support the UK’s move to net zero by 2050, and although the UK is currently running behind on delivering cuts, this new target will provide local economic growth and investment.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a session at COP29 — Image by Number 10 via Flickr

The Environmental Audit Committee will be examining the environmental impact of Labour’s planning reforms. This inquiry comes after an early pledge to build 1.5 million homes over a five year period. To do this, there are proposed changes to the national planning policy framework, which would enable the government to release land for housing development. The inquiry will question whether these reforms can maintain current levels of environmental protection, and is seeking views on the implications of these reforms on nature and the climate.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 4th November

Climate Crisis

Concern is mounting over the lack of progress made at COP16. After the historic agreement in Montreal which established targets to reform subsidies and to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, COP16 has revealed that participating nations are not on track to meet these targets outlined in the agreement. In order to reach 30×30, we must designate protected land equivalent to Brazil and Australia combined, and an area of the sea larger than the Indian Ocean. The second week of negotiations has shown little concrete progress on any of these targets, and a slow implementation of these international agreements risks another decade of biodiversity loss.

The UK’s largest supplier of farmed salmon has reported the biggest mass die-off in a decade. Mowi Scotland, a supplier to large supermarkets in the UK, has reported the loss of over one million fish in one production cycle. The supplier has attributed the loss to a rise in sea temperatures, exacerbated by the climate crisis, which give rise to jellyfish blooms – these harmful blooms can cause injury to farmed salmon, risking health issues and fatalities.

Salmon Farms by antonalfred, via flickr.

Conservation

The final phase of a £4.5 million rodent eradication project is underway on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland. The island hosts one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies, including Puffins, Manx Shearwaters and Kittiwakes. Seabird species are suffering heavily from rodent predation, and Puffins alone have declined by 74% over a twenty year period. In October, the last of over 6,700 rodent traps were deployed across the 3,400 acre island and over the next seven months, conservationists and volunteers will continue to work on the eradication programme, which will come to an end in 2026.

West European Hedgehogs have been classified as ‘near threatened’ under the IUCN red list. Their populations have suffered significant declines over recent decades and are believed to have halved in more than 50% of its native countries, including the UK. A 2022 study found that British hedgehogs declined up to 75% in rural areas due to growing environmental pressures, including agricultural intensification and urban expansion. Further population declines could see this species under risk of extinction.

Stoat, Taken at the British Wildlife Centre. — Stoat by Andy Morffew, via flickr.

A project to remove invasive Stoats from Orkney has seen positive results in the islands biodiversity. The Orkney Native Wildlife Project began in 2019 to remove non-native Stoats which pose significant threats to ground-nesting birds and an endemic vole species. The project is the largest Stoat removal attempted anywhere in the world, with over 6,500 animals removed to date, and has helped to boost wildlife across the island – compared to 2019, curlew and Oystercatcher nest success is three times higher, Hen Harrier nesting success is at its highest, and Orkney Vole activity has increased by 200%.

Environment

More than one third of tree species are facing extinction. Over 38% of the planet’s trees are threatened in 192 countries, outweighing the cumulative number of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Compiled by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the work of over 1,000 scientists contributed to the assessment of the conservation status of trees. It found that logging, land clearing, pests and diseases were the greatest threats to the group, which could have a cascading effect on other animal and plant species that rely on trees for survival.

Foliage at Whitebrook by Charlie Llewellin, via flickr.

Two Bison calves have been born in Blean Woods. As part of the Wilder Blean Bison Project, managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust, a small herd of European Bison were introduced to woodland in Canterbury, Kent. Three females and one bull were released in 2022 to boost biodiversity and improve the resilience of the environment in the face of climate change. The birth of these calves now brings the herd to eight members, and conservationists hope that the group will continue to expand and benefit the biodiversity of their environment.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 14th October

Policy

‘Effectively protected’ land in England has declined to just 2.93%. With the government’s commitment to protecting 30% of Britain’s land and sea by 2030 fast approaching, campaigners warn that swift, direct action is needed to overturn these declines. Ocean protection has increased to 9.92% from last year’s 8%, however land protection has fallen to under 3%, less than last year’s estimate. Declines in land protection result from the diminishing condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to climate change, pollution and overgrazing and conservation authorities agree that the UK government will need to take big steps over the next few years to meet 30×30 targets.

Keir Starmer and others looking at machinery in a carbon capture factory — Image by Number 10 via Flickr

The UK Government has pledged £22b to support the development of two carbon capture and storage projects. Based in Merseyside and Teesside, these carbon capture projects will store carbon emissions from industry and energy production to help the UK meet its climate goals. This new industry is regarded as a key element in meeting targets around greenhouse gas emissions and is hoped to attract significant private investment as well as provide 4,000 jobs for local people. The captured carbon will be stored in deep geological storage in the North Sea and Liverpool Bay, with the hopes of removing up to 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Environment

Rivers across the globe are drying at the fastest rate for thirty years, the World Meteorological Organization’s State of Global Water Resources Report has shown. The report has labelled the world’s water resources a ‘canary in a coal mine’ and calls for urgent action to tackle the risk to global water supplies. Over 50% of global river catchments exhibited abnormal conditions in 2023, the same year that we reached the hottest temperatures on record. These conditions have accelerated the hydrological cycle and have resulted in significant unpredictability, facilitating floods and drought.

A group of large trees in Madagascar in front of sunset — Image by Rod Waddington via Flickr

Botanists from Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens believe there are around 100,000 plant species yet to be discovered across the globe. A study revealed 33 areas that are likely to contain great numbers of undiscovered species and highlights regions in which botanists should be concentrating their search for new plants. By increasing the rate of discoveries, scientists hope to better target conservation and preservation, and discover these species before they are lost to extinction. Of the 33 areas identified, most are in Asia and include Vietnam and the eastern Himalayas. Africa, South America, Madagascar, Colombia and Peru have also been identified as key areas of interest.

Satellite data analysis from the University of Exeter has reported greening across the Antarctic continent. Due to the acceleration of the climate crisis, plant cover in the region has increased more than tenfold over recent decades, expanding from just 1km2 in 1986 to nearly 12km2 in 2021. Comprised mainly of mosses and green algae, this greening leaves the continent open to invasive species colonisation from foreign visitors. Although still dominated by ice, the growth of vegetation in the region is cause for concern and could facilitate further soil formation due to an increased presence of vegetative organic matter.

Conservation

Pine Martens have been successfully reintroduced to south-west England. In September, fifteen Pine Martens – eight females and seven males – were released in undisclosed locations on Dartmoor National Park for the first time in 150 years. After being driven to extinction by habitat loss and persecution, this translocation will reinstate natural predator-prey interactions and processes. Next year, the project will turn its attention to Exmoor National Park to translocate another group of these elusive mustelids.

Salmon numbers in England and Wales took a sharp decline in 2023. In a report by CEFAS and the Environment Agency, data showed that last year’s salmon stocks were at the lowest since records began in 1997 – declared catch in 2023 totalled 5,399, nearly 1,500 less than the year before. There are 64 principal salmon rivers in the UK (rivers which contain significant numbers), and only one of these is classified as not at risk. It is believed that climate change and polluted waterways are directly endangering these fish, as salmon are an indicator species for polluted waters.

The Welsh Government has announced its support for the reintroduction of Eurasian Beavers in Wales. With flood warnings becoming more regular across the country, the reintroduction of these animals could provide Wales with a nature-based solution to tackle water pollution and flooding through the creation of wetland habitats. The project is supported by over 90% of the Welsh population, revealed by a survey that was conducted by the Welsh Beaver Project who have been investigating the feasibility of reintroduction since 2005.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 30th September

Environment

Planet Earth may have surpassed seven of its ‘planetary boundaries’. These boundaries are described as physical or biological systems and processes that contribute to the stability of life on Earth and its supporting functions. There are nine boundaries in total, which are considered breached when the process can no longer function – these thresholds have been reached with six boundaries, and number seven, ocean acidification, is close to its threshold. Breaching this seventh boundary would reduce the efficiency of the ocean as a carbon sink, threatening marine ecosystems and global survival.

The first assessment of marine protection has shown that EU marine protected areas (MPAs) only provide minor security against harmful marine activities. This study revealed that over 86% of European MPAs have worryingly low levels of protection, with mining, dredging and bottom trawling present in most protected areas in the region. The study concludes that radical changes will be required to meet EU conservation targets, including the goal of protecting 30% of its oceans by 2030.

A brown otter laying on rocks on the river bed — Image by Alison Day via Flickr

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a ten-year restoration plan to clean up London’s rivers. Inspired by New York’s Oyster project, the Mayor hopes that by encouraging Eurasian Otters, Water Voles, eels and mayflies throughout the capital, water quality will subsequently improve. Khan is also investigating the reintroduction of oysters, which were historically present in the Thames, as a means of cleaning the degraded environment.

Climate Crisis

Seabirds are having to fly further to find food sources due to the melting of sea ice in Antarctica. Researchers analysed the foraging data from over 2,400 trips made by seven South Georgian seabird species from 1992 to 2023. They found that receding sea ice in the region is impacting species like Albatross and petrels as they now have to travel greater distances in search of breeding grounds and food. The data suggests that altered patterns of food availability could impact the presence of these birds in certain ecosystems however, with sea ice at a record lows, further research is needed to better evaluate the long-term impacts on seabirds.

an albatross with a pink beak, white body and brown wings. it is sitting on the surface of the water — Image by Bernard Spragg via Flickr

Young coral colonies bred using IVF technology have survived a record marine heatwave. These cultivated colonies were planted onto multiple reefs in the US and the Caribbean to restore degraded habitats in the region. Last year, the Caribbean experienced a mass bleaching event which resulted in significant losses of the reef– only 25% of older corals survived, however over 90% of cultivated corals remained healthy after the event, and researchers are hopeful that this technique may provide coral species with a greater chance of adapting to heat stresses over time.

Wildlife

The EU has made the first move toward legalising wolf culls. The proposal was put forward by the European Commission late last year, and this month member governments, including Germany and France, have voted in favour to downgrade the ‘strictly protected’ status of the Eurasian Wolf to ‘protected’ under the Bern Convention 1979. This amendment would allow the EU to revise the Habitats Directive to further ease the protection of the species, which currently permits culls only with specific authorisation in extenuating circumstances.

a brown and cream speckled butterfly on a blade of grass, it has some spots and is covered in dark brown hair — Image by Nikk via Flickr

Butterfly Conservation have announced a ‘butterfly emergency’. This year’s Big Butterfly Count recorded the lowest ever numbers since the initiative began 14 years ago, with an average of seven butterflies per count, compared to last year’s twelve. Partially due to a wetter-than-average spring, late summer and a long-term downward trend, the results indicate a significant decline in British butterflies and day-flying moths. Butterfly Conservation has responded by urging the government to ban neonicotinoid pesticides harming these indicator species for good.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 16th September

Environment

The National Trust has reached a significant nature target a year early. The charity strived to restore 25,000 hectares of crucial habitat across the UK by 2025, including peatland, woodland, wetland, meadow and saltmarsh, and succeeded in doing so in August this year. The restoration comes as a response to climate change and national conservation targets and seeks to expand meadows and woodland to create a connected network for wildlife.

Eighty Water Voles have been released to restore ancient landscapes in Cornwall. Considered ‘ecosystem engineers’ these mammals are known to positively impact soil health and plant diversity through grazing and enhanced nutrient transportation. The voles were released along the River Fowey to improve the surrounding wetland habitat created in 2022. A further 120 have been released near Megavissey, and more releases are planned for spring next year.

Three years of restoration work have seen the return of endangered birds in Hertfordshire. Work has come to a close on the Ashridge Estate, the largest woodland maintained by the National Trust – over 24 hectares have been restored by clearing dense areas of plantation, which has allowed more light to reach the ground through the canopy. Greater access to sunlight has improved biodiversity and the availability of food sources, and the clearing will provide suitable conditions for many breeding birds, including Spotted Flycatchers which have been spotted on the estate after several years of absence.

Conservation

Conservationists are relocating Florida’s Queen Conches in a bid to support their reproduction. This iconic mollusc has undergone significant declines in recent years, accelerated by increasing ocean temperatures causing lethargy and infertility for individuals residing in warmer, shallow waters. By relocating these gastropods to deeper, colder waters, researchers are providing new mating opportunities in a more suitable environment. Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, this project is helping to ease reproductive pressures on this species.

A grey badger standing on a bed of grass and clover — Image by Andy Morffew via Flickr

In August, the UK government announced a goal to end all badger culls by the end of this parliamentary run. The news was announced as part of a new scientifically–informed and evidence-based eradication strategy for bovine tuberculosis, which hopes to eradicate the disease by 2038. In the past decade, over 230,000 badgers and 278,000 cattle have been slaughtered, costing the taxpayer over £100m each year. Badgers will instead be vaccinated and released, and a dedicated task force will be formed to ramp up vaccination rates.

Wildlife

Five species of seabird have been added to the UK red list. Arctic Tern, Great Skua, Leach’s Storm Petrel, Common Gull and Great Black Backed Gull have joined the list of species most in need of conservation, following population declines due to a number of pressures including climate change, habitat loss and unsustainable fishing. Over 30% of all British birds are currently on the list including Kittiwakes, Puffins and Arctic Skuas, among others.

A large bird with mottled brown feathers and white patches on the palm of the wing — Image by Kjetil Rimolsronning via Flickr

Researchers have found promise in the medicinal plants used by critically endangered Western Lowland Gorillas in Gabon. The group studied the tropical plants eaten by gorillas in Moukalaba Doudou National Park and found four trees also used by local healers. They are high in antioxidants and antimicrobials, and one tree is a promising candidate for tackling superbugs. All four species (Fromager trees, Fig Tree, African Teak and Giant Yellow Mulberry) show activity against a resistant strain of E. coli and contain chemicals with medicinal effects useful for treating a range of ailments.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 2nd September

Conservation

Britain’s rarest plant has been rediscovered in Britain for the first time since 2009. Having been declared extinct after a 22 year absence, a single Ghost Orchid was recently discovered by Richard Bate who has spent the last 30 years searching for it, marking the end of the plant’s lengthy absence. The location of this rare specimen will remain concealed to protect the delicate flower from trampling and poaching, while scientists work to protect the orchid from natural predators and grazing animals.

DNA analysis is helping to eradicate the American Mink from East Anglia. This invasive species has been decimating Britain’s Water Vole and seabird populations since the 1970s, and authorities are now utilising DNA technology to manage their population. Using this key technology, the Waterlife Recovery Trust can estimate relatedness between individuals, identify how far animals may have travelled and pinpoint access routes to remove re-entry points, thus eradicating populations within the project area. The trust has successfully cleared East Anglia of this invasive species, and have seen no signs of mink reproduction in the core project area, resulting in a distinct increase in Water Vole presence.

A long, brown mammal is standing on a rock in the river. It has a long tail and its fur is wet — Image by tsaiproject via Flickr

The world’s fish stocks are in a worse state than previously thought. Research suggests that the scientific recommendations informing fisheries policy are too optimistic and that more global fish stocks have collapsed or are overfished than originally estimated. The study suggests that around a third of ‘maximally sustainably fished’ stocks are actually overfished, which can lead to phantom recoveries where declining stocks are thought to be recovering. The study calls for simpler, more conservative stock assessments and management that are quantified based on realistic models.

Wildlife

An RSPB survey has revealed a hotspot for a threatened species. Data collected from April to June across East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire has found 420 breeding pairs of Redshank on the Humber Estuary, a hotspot for these threatened birds. With a total population of 22,000, this environment holds around 2% of the entire population and is now considered a highly important area for this species of conservation concern.

A brown-grey bird with a white belly and throat is standing in the water with one leg. It has a bright orange beak and bright orange legs and feet — Image via Flickr

A network of wildlife charities is calling for the release of beavers across the UK. Following a successful summer of breeding, the trusts have seen an upsurge in kit sightings throughout the UK, sparking a call for further management and strategy surrounding the species. These organisations are calling for the government to produce reintroduction strategies to facilitate their return across the UK and are urging authorities to allow illegally released beavers to remain in their release sites, of which there are over 1,000 in Scotland.

Environment

Countryside river testing reveals pharmaceutical pollution across the UK. Researchers from the University of York tested 54 locations and revealed contamination at 52 sites, with the most common pollutants including antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines and diabetes treatments, among others. The study found that rivers in the Peak District were more polluted than samples taken in London, with a total of 29 active pharmaceuticals detected in the region. This discovery marks concerns for antibiotic resistance, human health and concern for the health of freshwater organisms residing in the waterway.

A rocky waterfall surrounded by forest — Image by Victor Tamarit via Flickr

The EU is being sued by the Climate Action Network Europe and the Global Legal Action Network for failing to set adequate climate targets. The lawsuit was formally filed by the NGOs earlier this year, who argue that climate targets for agriculture, waste, transport and small industries have not been substantiated by the best science and are inadequate in scope to allow the EU to meet the goals of the Paris agreement. The last comments have been filed by the NGOs, and an oral hearing is expected to take place in 2025.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 19th August

Pollution

Marine noise pollution is inhibiting the recruitment and settlement of oyster larvae. A study from the University of Adelaide has reported a disturbance in oyster uptake in conservation projects where acoustic technology is used to attract larvae to new settlement areas. These invertebrates use natural acoustic cues to dictate their settlement, as well as navigation, communication and predator avoidance, making them more vulnerable to changes in their soundscape. Noise pollution from shipping, construction and machinery is interfering with these acoustic cues and limiting the benefits of acoustic technology in attracting oysters to reef habitats.

Outstretched hands holding a few oysters — Image by Charlotte Coneybeer via Flickr

Artificial light in urban areas is impacting herbivory on trees. A study in Beijing showed that tree leaves in urban environments are visibly less damaged than rural tree communities. The study found that trees exposed to greater levels of illuminance from streetlights concentrate their energy on defense by thickening their leaves and producing chemical compounds such as tannins. The results suggested that trees exposed to high levels of artificial light may extend their photosynthesis duration, thus resulting in these characteristics. Ramped up defences means that thickened leaves are inedible for invertebrates, which could have cascading effects on the rest of the food chain, leading to a harmful reduction of herbivorous insects and predatory species in urban areas.

Wildlife

A badger vaccination programme in Cornwall shows promise in helping to manage bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The farmer-led pilot was conducted over four years in Cornwall and involved mass vaccination of badgers across 12 farms with huge success – around 74% of local badgers received the vaccine, with the number of infected badgers falling from 16% to zero. With bTB highly destructive to farmers and their livelihoods, the disease results in tens of thousands of cattle being culled each year and, although large-scale assessment is needed to measure vaccination impact on disease rates in cows, this programme could substantiate calls for the government to further support community-led vaccination.

A badger is standing on a mossy bank next to a body of water, there is a pink flower on its left side and it is facing the camera — Image by Caroline Legg via Flickr

Brazil is moving forward with plans to turn the Pantanal into an industrial waterway. The world’s largest wetland, comprised of over 1,200 rivers and streams, is home to an astonishing level of diversity and supports a host of vulnerable and endangered species, including Jaguars and Giant Otters. This biologically-rich environment is at risk from the Hidrovia Project – a plan proposing to build ports, straighten river bends and dredge the Paraguay riverbed to establish a shipping route for crops such as sugar and soya beans. This development could bring about irreversible damage to the environment – disconnecting the river from its floodplain, shrinking wetland habitats and causing disruption to seasonal flood patterns – meaning extinction for many of the animals taking refuge there.

The largest outbreak of avian influenza is infecting hundreds of species across the world. H5N1, a highly contagious, deadly strain of bird flu, is threatening the world’s biodiversity after infecting 485 bird species and 48 mammal species, including Polar Bears and captive tigers. The virus broke out in Europe in 2020, where it spread to a further six continents through bird migratory pathways. This evolutionarily flexible pathogen is ravaging wild animal populations across the globe, decimating 40% of Peruvian pelicans, 17,000 Argentinian Elephant Seal pups, over 30,000 Sea Lions and 75% of breeding Great Skuas in Scotland, among others. With continuous adaptation, the virus is now able to spread directly between mammals, raising greater concerns for human health and wellbeing.

Conservation

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) is set to begin the restoration of lost rainforests in Pembrokeshire. Historically, the west coast of Britain had large expanses of temperate rainforest that were gradually destroyed over hundreds of years. Only 1% of these habitats remain, and WTSWW wishes to return these areas to their former glory, improving habitats for wildlife in the area. Currently, the 146-acre land is designated for agriculture with nearly all fields grazed, but the Trust hopes to begin planting the first seeds in 2025, with visible growth in three years.

A continent-wide survey of Antarctica’s plant life has revealed growth in previously uncharted areas. This survey provides a baseline of lichens, mosses and algae, which will be used to monitor vegetation responses to climate change and inform conservation measures in the region. Researchers employed a European Space Agency satellite to sweep the area, and combined this data with field measurements. The survey has detected almost 45km² of vegetation in the region, accounting for only 0.12% of Antarctica’s ice-free area, highlighting the importance of these environments.

A small penguin is standing on rocky ground with moss on it, its wings are outstretched and it is facing the camera — Image by Robert Oo via Flickr

This Week in Biodiversity News – 5th August

Environment

The number of plastic bags found on beaches has reduced by 80%. Since mandatory charges were introduced in the UK, data recorded by the Marine Conservation Society’s annual litter survey has recorded a marked decrease in the number of bags found on UK beaches – last year the survey recorded an average of one plastic bag every 100m, down from five in 2014. The discovery has led to calls for action to further reduce other types of marine litter.

A single diver swimming across a bed of bleached coral. The coral is very branched, and pale white. — Coral Bleaching. Image by The Ocean Agency/XL Catlin Seaview Survey/Richard Vevers via Flickr

The world’s reefs are in the middle of the most widespread heat event since records began. After 18 months of record-breaking temperatures, reefs in over 70 countries have been impacted and over 73% of reefs have experienced temperature extremes high enough to initiate bleaching. This event is the second recorded in the last ten years and is the fourth global coral bleaching event on record. Reef conservationists and researchers are urging the scientific community to rethink ways to tackle these events, and are calling for the redoubling of efforts to reduce other stressors on reef habitats.

Discoveries

Chimpanzees have been observed turn-taking during conversation. Researchers have followed five groups of Eastern Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Tanzania and Uganda, recording the chatter between groups. The team recorded over 8,500 gestures used in back-and-forth conversation, finding a response time of around 200 milliseconds – the same time as observed in humans. Gestures involve hand flicking to shoo others away and stretching of hands to ask for food. Researchers believe that, in this species, gestures do the talking, while facial expressions and vocalisations add tone to the conversation.

A chimpanzee is resting its hand under its chin. It is looking thoughtfully towards the sky with the sun on its face — Image by Vanessa via Flickr

Brazilian wild sharks have tested positive for cocaine. Previous studies have found traces of cocaine in rivers, seawater, wastewater, and smaller marine organisms such as shrimp and mussels, causing serious toxicological effects. However, the concentration observed in Rio’s sharks is around a hundred times higher than other animals testing positive for this substance. The contamination source is currently unknown but is thought to have originated from losses during shipment or the dumping of narcotics to evade authorities. Particularly worrying, the Brazilian Sharpnose Sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) analysed in this study are a component of the Brazilian diet, and it is not yet known how this contamination could impact humans.

Conservation

A near extinct species of crocodile is making encouraging progress in Cambodia. In June, sixty Siamese Crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) hatched, following the discovery of five nests in May; a rewarding result from nearly two decades worth of conservation efforts in the Cardamom mountains. Once widespread, these animals have been subject to hunting and habitat loss, resulting in their classification as critically endangered . Since 2012, a collaborative programme by local officials and Fauna & Flora has successfully released nearly 200 individuals, helping to maintain the global population which currently sits at around 400.

A large, black crocodile is laying on the floor in a patch of bark surrounded by small plants — Image by tontantravel via Flickr

Butterfly numbers in the UK are the lowest on record. An unusually wet spring and summer has dampened mating opportunities for butterflies across the country, resulting in a dramatic decrease in populations. With populations still struggling to bounce back from 2022’s drought, the wettest spring since 1986 has further prevented butterfly recovery across the country. Populations are at the lowest recorded since Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count began 14 years ago, and as a key indicator species for habitat health, the findings are particularly troubling for the wider environment.

There has been a surge in ‘starving’ bats in Britain. Conservation groups have reported an increase in malnourished, underweight bats and fewer individuals overall for this time of year. A wetter-than-average spring and summer have negatively impacted insect, butterfly and moth populations, resulting in a blow to food sources for these animals. With nursing mothers unable to feed their young, volunteer organisations caring for bats are also seeing a surge in admissions.