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.  

Image by Caroline Legg via Flickr

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 mothsButterfly 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. 

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

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 scientificallyinformed 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.  

Image by NIAID via Flickr

 

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. 

Grey long eared bat flying with wings spread at night with leaves in the background
Grey Long-eared Bat via iStock

 

This Week in Biodiversity News – 15th July

Environment 

Global temperatures have hit 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era average for 12 consecutive months. Analysed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, data revealed that July 2023 – June 2024 were the hottest 12 consecutive months on record – an average 1.64°C higher when compared to the pre-fossil fuel era (1850–1900). Analysis suggests that these results are not an anomaly but are instead consistent with a shift in the global climate.  

Ranking of annual average surface air temperatures in 2023. Image by Copernicus Climate Change Service

A court has ruled that the rights of the Machángara river have been violated in Ecuador. The ruling was based on constitutional rights for natural features, where Ecuadorian authorities recognise the rights of natural features to remain unpolluted and undegraded.  A wide range of contaminants and pollutants are released into the river, including untreated wastewater and litter, resulting in an average oxygen content of 2% which has inhibited the survival of aquatic life in the region. Although the ruling has been appealed by the city government, the court has ruled that a remediation plan will be required. 

Science  

Researchers have identified artificial light on coastlines as another threat for marine ecosystems. A study has shown that artificially lit areas can attract 2–3 times more fish compared to areas of natural lighting. It is thought that juvenile fish are attracted to congregations of plankton in these well-lit areas and are picked off by predators who are also attracted to the light. Nearly a quarter of the world’s coastline was artificially lit when it was last surveyed almost a decade ago, and the extent of the lighting is likely to have continued to increase since then. This issue has the potential to impact the breeding success of a range of marine species.  

A marine port at night time with bright artificial lights illuminating the area, including the water
Image by Martin Garrido via Flickr

Ants have been found to amputate the legs of their nest-mates to boost survival. Researchers have found that Florida Carpenter Ants (Camponotus floridanus) will perform life-saving amputations on others, the first non-human animal found to do so. The colony was also found to cater their choice of care to the injury at hand and were observed ‘treating’ injuries through intensive licking. Ultimately, a survival rate of 90% was observed following amputation, and 75% with treated wounds. These ants are one of the few animals, aside from humans, that have been found to actively tend to the injuries of their own species. 

For the first time, we are farming more seafood through aquaculture than we catch from the wild. The 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report was released in June and reported that overfishing increased and sustainable fishing declined over 2024 (+4% and –2%, respectively), while overall production rose by over 4%, producing an all-time high of 223 million metric tons of fish. The SOFIA report concluded that progress towards more sustainable fisheries is not moving fast enough, or has regressed to less sustainable practices, and global fisheries management is failing to support these practices when harvesting wild fish stocks.

Wildlife                                                              

Bee colonies in north east England are suffering from the worst disease outbreak in a decade. American Foulbrood (AFB) has been reported in more than 30 colonies in a 10km area, the biggest outbreak since 2014. The disease is caused by bacteria that infect the bee larvae, eventually spreading through the hive and resulting in the death of the colony. A spokesperson from the Cleveland Beekeepers Association has labelled the outbreak as ‘worrying’ but believes the disease is under control.  

A bull moose with large antlers standing in scrub
Bull Moose by Denali National Park and Preserve via Flickr

Human-wildlife conflicts are emerging in Colorado as Moose (Alces americanus) populations extend their range. Introduced to the state in the 1970’s, Moose are now moving into more urban areas from the woodlands and mountain ranges across the state, increasing the frequency of deadly human-wildlife conflicts. The number of recorded Moose attacks each year surpasses the number of puma and bear attacks combined, though Moose are less abundant in the area. Colorado reported three incidents in a fortnight in 2022, and over 59 animals were killed in road traffic accidents that same year. At risk of reaching unsustainable levels, the species could be subject to culling and contraceptive intervention in the future to prevent damage to the landscape and its keystone species.  

 

This Week in Biodiversity News – 1st July

Environment 

An ocean-dwelling fungus has been found to break down marine plastic pollutionParengyodontium album has recently been added to the list of four species of plastic degrading fungi. Researchers have discovered the fungus’ ability to degrade polyethylene plastic, the most abundant form of plastic in our oceans, following a period of exposure to UV radiation from sunlight. It is estimated that the fungus can break down polyethylene at a rate of 0.05% each day, and with over 400bn kilograms of plastic produced annually, this discovery has the potential to provide an answer to the problem of marine plastic pollution.

Image by Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument via Flickr

A recently launched programme will aim to restore a 193km stretch of coral reef. Named ‘Ako’ako’a, the project will be one of the first to attempt such large-scale restoration and will focus this effort on the west coast of Hawai’i Island. Due to start in 2025, researchers will identify individuals with desirable traits in the face of climate change, such as high thermal tolerance, fast growth and tolerance to pollution. These selected individuals will then be used to produce larvae with strengthened genetic resistance which will be released during natural spawning periods. With increasing declines occurring over more frequent bleaching events, ‘Ako’ako’a aims to restore ailing reefs across the region.  

 

Conservation 

Canada is set to ban open-net salmon farming in British Columbia in five years. The announcement follows the government’s decision to transition to closed-containment methods in 2019. With more than half of wild salmon stocks declining in the province, the decision has been made to make a step towards protecting wild pacific salmon populations through sustainable aquaculture and clean technology. The commitment has been praised by many, but there are concerns for significant losses in a $1.2bn industry and disruptions impacting up to 6,000 jobs.  

Iberian Lynx are no longer endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesLynx pardinus has been promoted to ‘vulnerable’, a triumph resulting from a 20-year conservation programme by the EU, national governments in Spain and Portugal and wildlife NGOs. The population initially plummeted to under 100 individuals due to human persecution, reduced food sources and habitat loss across the region. Now, 20 years later, the population has reached over 2,000 in the peninsula. Over 86% of the current population resides in Spain and experts expect to see a full recovery in its native range over the next century. 

A pale rhino laying down on a bed of grass next to a tree
Northern White Rhino by Heather Paul via Flickr

Scientists have successfully implanted a rhinoceros embryo using IVF techniques for the first time. This breakthrough could prove to be a lifeline in saving the Northern White Rhinoceros from extinction. There are only two surviving females in the world, both based in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya where they are under 24-hour guard. Proving the feasibility of the technology, researchers can now move to transferring a Northern White Rhinoceros embryo into a surrogate Southern White Rhinoceros. This technology brings the scientific community closer to successfully reproducing this critically endangered species, which would significantly benefit the ecosystem of central and eastern Africa.  

 

Wildlife 

The first Scottish Wildcat kittens born outside of captivity have been recorded in Cairngorms national park. Their birth follows the reintroduction of 19 adult wildcats last summer and has been confirmed using camera trap footage. This discovery marks an important milestone in the efforts to reintroduce the species to Scotland, and they are the first to be born in the wild for more than five years. With significant population declines due to habitat loss and human persecution, this success story is an important turning point for the species and will help to reverse centuries of decline.

A scottish wildcat walking across a fallen tree in the woods
Scottish Wildcat by Chris Parker via Flickr

A subgroup of Gray Whales has undergone a significant decline in body length in the past 20-30 years. The Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG), consisting of around 200 individuals, have decreased in size over the past 20-30 years. Researchers found that the group is 13% smaller than those born before 2000, which equates to around 1.65 metres lost in a mature adult. This smaller size could have significant consequences for the health and fecundity of the group, impacting survival rates of calves and their ability to store energy for growth and maintenance.

This Week in Biodiversity News – 17th June

Climate Crisis 

Wildfires are threatening the unique ecosystems of Brazil’s tropical wetlands. The Pantanal encompasses the world’s largest tropical wetland and contains a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wildfire season has arrived earlier than normal – state climate experts, and has already destroyed 32,000 hectares of land. Since the start of 2024, there have been over 1,300 recorded wildfires, and as the region moves into the dry season, dry winds and reduced rainfall increase the risk of further environmental deterioration. Brazil’s federal government has announced that it will be working with other state governments to combat the fires, emphasising preventative measures for these disasters.  

Specialist pollinators in the tropical rainforests of South America are under threat from land use change. A study revisiting historic data on the baseline diversity of orchid bees in Brazil found that deforestation and intensifying agriculture has caused significant disruption in the abundance and diversity of the group. Important both economically and ecologically, this vibrant group are key pollinators of over 30 plant families in the region and play a vital role in agriculture. In 1997, Brazil was considered one of the most diverse regions for orchid bees across the globe, but this changed with significant losses of tree cover. Their loss is part of a broader picture of the Amazon’s native pollinators, and without them, agriculture and natural ecosystems could collapse. This study highlights the need for regular monitoring, allowing us to observe the impacts of destruction more clearly. 

A forest burning under wildfire
Wildfires are increasing in severity and frequency across the planet. Image by Thibaud Moritz

Exposure to toxic particles from wildfires has led to the death of over 50,000 Californians in a decade. The first study to quantify long-term impacts of chronic exposure to PM2.5 from wildfires, found that over 52,000 premature deaths were attributed to exposure and over $432 billion was spent on wildfire smoke-related health expenses from 2008–2018. PM2.5 microscopic particles can bury into lung tissue before entering the blood stream – they are associated with various health conditions and can cause heart attacks, premature birth and early death. The study has conjured a call to action for forest management and mitigation of climate change.   

Conservation 

After an absence of around 200 years, a small group of the world’s last truly-wild horses have been translocated to Kazakhstan. Seven Przewalskis’s Horses, one stallion and six mares, have been translocated from zoos in Prague and Berlin. Historically part of steppe grasslands in central Asia over 5,000 years ago, these animals have returned to their native Kazakhstan to improve the biodiversity of the landscape. Their dung can spread seeds and fertilise the land, and foraging behaviours can encourage water absorption in the soil. This translocation is part of a plan to relocate 40 horses to the region over the next five years. This follows a similar project undertaken in Mongolia, with nine flights of Przewalski’s Horses relocated with great success – there are now over 1,500 wild horses in the region with a stable population.  

Przewalkski’s Horses are returning to Kazakhstan after 200 years. Image by Tambako the Jaguar via Flickr.

A new tool has been developed which allows conservationists to forecast coral disease. Led by the University of Hawai’i, researchers have developed an ecological forecasting technology using environmental indicators to better predict disease outbreaks in coral. This allows conservationists to intervene at the appropriate time, improving conservation outcomes for affected coral species. Coral species are increasingly threatened by pollution, human impact and climate change, yet we depend on coral-based ecosystems for many things, including medicine and coastal protection from storms and erosion. The use of ecological forecasts could prove to be critical in conserving and managing marine ecosystems, ensuring environmental resilience in the face of climate change. 

Wildlife 

Australia’s foxes are contributing to devastating declines of freshwater turtle populations across the country. It is estimated that 1.7 million foxes kill around 300 million native Australian animals a year, including reptiles, and have been consuming entire nests of turtle eggs and reproductive females. The Eastern Long-necked Turtle, the most common species along the Murray River, has experienced 90% declines since 1980. Nearly half of all freshwater turtle species are listed as threatened in at least one state in Australia, and with foxes found in over 80% of the mainland, the threats to the species are mounting. To counteract these pressures, the 1 Million Turtles scheme is hoping to hatch one million eggs, eventually returning the turtles to the water while overcoming data gaps for the group. The scheme is also looking at preventative measures through the construction of fox proof fences and artificial islands.  

African Elephant
Elephants have been found to call each other by name. Image by Mandy Goldberg via Flickr

Research has shown that elephants call each other by name. This is the first recorded example of naming in wild animals that does not involve imitation, as seen with parrots and dolphins. Researchers have used AI to analyse the vocalisations of two wild herds in Kenya, identifying over 400 distinct calls. The study found that the herds were using specific sounds to address an individual, and were able to recognise and react to calls addressed to them, even reacting positively to calls from family members. Names were more commonly used by adults and were typically used over long distance or when addressing young elephants. There have been calls for further research, but this study suggests that elephants may have the ability for abstract thought.  

This Week in Biodiversity News – 3rd June

Wildlife 

Ambitious project in south-west Wales aiming to restore one of the world’s most important habitats is getting underway. Two species of seagrass, Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Dwarf Eelgrass (Zostera noltii) are being grown in ponds fed with seawater pumped in from the nearby Carmarthen Bay, and over the past two years alone this project has processed 1.5 million seeds. These have subsequently grown tens of thousands of plants that are now being reinstated in the wild to help restore the UK’s underwater seagrass meadows, 90% of which have vanished in the past 30 years alone. 

Photo taken with a camera lens half under water and half above water showing a thick seagrass forest.
Seagrass near body of water during daytime by Benjamin L Jones via unsplash.

Thriving Ecuador bird tourism is incentivising farmers to turn their agricultural land into nature reserves. Ecuador is home to over 1,600 species of bird, almost double the number found across the whole of Europe. As the country’s birding tourism grows, increasing numbers of farmers are turning their agricultural land into nature reserves to help preserve their stunning local wildlife. This is not only benefiting nature, but also the country’s economy as wildlife tourism offers a much more profitable livelihood than farming, resulting in some farmers expanding their land’s potential further than any traditional farming model would have provided. 

Critically endangered Devils Hole Pupfish population reaches a 25 year high. This rare species lives in the smallest known desert habitat of any vertebrate and is only found in the upper areas of a single limestone cave in the Mojave Desert, Nevada, where the whole population resides on a single shallow rock shelf. They have evolved to be able to withstand harsh desert conditions, including very high water temperatures and extremely low oxygen levels. In 2013, their population fell to just 35 individuals, but careful conservation efforts over the past 11 years have offered hope for this rare species as their population has now reached a 25-year record high of 191 fish. 

Environment 

The North Atlantic is set to be hit by more than double the normal number of hurricanes this season, warns NOAA. Researchers have suggested that this is predominantly due to high sea surface temperatures as a result of the upcoming transition between El Niño and La Niña which helps these storms grow more easily. Although there is no evidence showing that climate change is a contributing factor, it is likely to exacerbate the severity of these weather patterns. Contrastingly, NOAA have predicted a below-normal hurricane season for the central Pacific region where El Niño and La Niña work in opposition. 

Hurricane Matthew hits Haiti aerial photograph.
Hurricane Matthew hits Haiti by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s photostream, via flickr.

Purbeck Heath begins its transformation into an ancient savannah habitat to help precious species thrive. The National Trust’s lead ecologist for Purbeck, David Brown, explained that the project hopes to use domestic grazers such as wild cattle, pigs, ponies and deer to mimic their wild ancestors and shape the 1,370 hectares of open grassland in Dorset into a dynamic, complex and biodiverse ecosystem. Purbeck Heath is already one of the most diverse areas in the UK, and this project will aid the recovery of rare and threatened species such as Purbeck Mason Wasps, Heath Tiger Beetles and Sand Lizards. 

Climate 

Increased ocean temperatures are undercutting the Thwaites Glacier and causing glacial melt from below. This glacier is currently losing 75 billion tons of ice per year, accounting for nearly half the total ice lost from Antarctica per annum. Scientists have revealed that an estimated 150 million kilowatts of thermal power are injected into the ice with each undercutting intrusion, which could melt 20 meters of ice off the bottom of the glacier each year. Recent simulation to assess the effects saltwater invasion may have on retreat rates has revealed it could double the overall rate of ice loss for some glaciers. 

Thwaites Glacier photograph showing the edge of the glacial shelf with some small icebergs floating along the side of it.
22-01-21 04 Thwaites Glacier by Felton Davis, via flickr.

New research reveals the catastrophic effects of extreme heat, deoxygenation and acidification in the oceans due to fossil fuels and deforestation. In the top 300 meters of affected oceans, these compounded events are lasting three times longer and are six times more intense than in the 1960s. A fifth of the world’s ocean surface is susceptible to all three of these stresses at once, which has been further exacerbated in recent decades as extreme weather conditions have become more intense. Scientists warn that the extra CO2 absorbed by the oceans has increased the temperature and acidity of seawater, is dissolving the shells of sea creatures and starving the ocean of oxygen. This series of events is comparable to those experienced at the end of the Permian period 252 million years ago when the planet experienced the largest known extinction event in its history.