One of the world's most trafficked animals has a lifeline in Zimbabwe
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Endangered crayfish returning to county waterways
A rare species of endangered crayfish is slowly returning to its natural habitats, environmental experts have said. The white-clawed crayfish is the UK's only native species, but it has been under threat for a number of years, particularly following the arrival of the North American signal crayfish in the 1970s. The North American crayfish competes with other native species for food and habitats, and also carries a deadly fungal disease called the crayfish plague, which has been rapidly killing the white-clawed species. But the white-clawed crayfish is now returning to areas of Nottinghamshire following work from environmental groups. The Environment Agency said it has been working with Natural England to secure the white-clawed crayfish's future across the country. In Nottinghamshire, a partnership to protect the species has been formed among various groups. This has included the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, White Post Farm, and other environmental groups from further afield. Staff and volunteers are creating new safe havens, known as "ark sites", for the crayfish to relocate to, and moving numbers of them that are under threat to these protected sites. Erin McDaid, from the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, said losing the native species would be "heart-breaking". He added: "Our waterways wouldn't be the same if they went extinct as they keep the ecosystems in our rivers healthy. If a native species like that goes, the environment around it is impacted pretty badly. "We really want to prevent that, and volunteers play a vital role in helping to stop that from happening." Danielle Grieves, an officer at Natural England, said the work she has observed from volunteers in Bulwell gives her hope for the future of the species. She added: "We are seeing fewer numbers of the North American invasive species in ponds at Bulwell Hall. "It's been so rewarding to see vulnerable, native crayfish being moved to their new homes in Nottinghamshire. "By protecting the white-clawed crayfish, we're helping to preserve the biodiversity and ecological health of Nottinghamshire's waterways for future generations." Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Brook given special status to save rare crayfish Rare white-clawed crayfish saved from drying beck 'Britain's oldest ever' barn owl found at farm
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Birdwatchers spot rare bird of prey over the skies of the North East
Nature lovers and conservationists were treated to a rare and exhilarating sight as a marsh harrier, one of the UK's rarest and most striking birds of prey, was spotted. With its wings held in a distinctive V-shape, the Harrier wheeled and soared over the industrial skyline at Seal Sands in Teesside over the last month. The marsh harrier is the largest of the UK's harrier species and is best known for its broad wingspan (up to 1.2 metres) and graceful, floating flight over reedbeds and marshlands. A Marsh Harrier (Image: PAT BLEWITT) Sightings in the North East remain relatively uncommon, making this recent appearance all the more thrilling for birdwatchers. Photographed by members of the Northern Echo Camera Club, including Chrissy Turner, Steve Raine, and now Pat Blewitt, the bird's appearance has ignited excitement among local wildlife communities. The marsh harrier's return to UK skies is nothing short of a conservation success story. In 1971, only one breeding female remained in the entire country, after decades of persecution and the destruction of vital wetland habitats. A Marsh Harrier in the North East (Image: PAT BLEWITT) Since then, thanks to intensive habitat restoration, legal protection, and the dedication of conservation groups, the species has rebounded. Today, over 500 breeding pairs are spread across the UK—mainly in East Anglia, Somerset, parts of Scotland, and now occasionally the North East. Though it is listed as Amber on the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, sightings in the North East suggest the species is slowly expanding its range. Read more: Reform councillor steps down after a month so wife can enter garden competition Innocent: Darlington man cleared of sexually abusing young girl in his home 'It won't define us': Hartlepool's message a year after riots rocked town Although historically rare in the Northeast, marsh harrier sightings have become more frequent in recent years. This summer's confirmed sighting at Seal Sands, an estuarine wetland near the River Tees It's also worth noting that an increasing number of marsh harriers now overwinter in the UK, defying their traditional migratory pattern to Africa. This shift hints at the changing climate and evolving habitat conditions. The marsh harrier's dramatic comeback is more than a conservation win—it's a reminder that nature can recover when given space, time, and protection.
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Associated Press
'God understands us': Inside a Nigerian church where the deaf find faith and community
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — It is like any other church in Nigeria 's megacity of Lagos. A lectern faces rows of plastic chairs. A biblical quote is written on a beam above. There is a music section, with a set of drums. Sash-wearing church wardens move around to enforce order. But it is also different. For hours, the only sounds are exclamations and thunderous bursts of drums, with their vibrations the cues for when to pray, kneel or respond to the preacher's calls for 'Hallelujah.' This is a church for deaf people in Somolu, a mixed-income suburb, where about 50 to 60 people worship weekly. Imoh Udoka, a father of two children, has attended the church for 36 years. He was 9 years old when he contracted meningitis, losing his hearing as well as access to his faith. Most churches in Nigeria do not have accommodation for deaf people. Then Udoka, now a teacher of sign language, discovered the church via community outreach. 'Here in this church, we have access to worship God in our sign language,' he told The Associated Press. 'God also understands us' Remi Akinrenmi is one of the pastors. Every Sunday, he mounts the pulpit with charismatic energy to preach in sign language. His big frame makes for a commanding presence. On one Sunday, he preached about the sinister consequences of jealousy. On another, he preached the importance of faith. Attendees waved their hands above their heads in response to 'Praise the Lord.' Most important for Akinrenmi is that members see the church as a community. 'There was no community for us before the deaf church started,' he said. 'Now, we see each other and say, 'Oh, you are deaf, too. I am also deaf.' And we are now together and have formed a community.' God understands every language, he said: 'With sign language, God also understands us.' Disability advocates say that in the absence of inclusive churches and institutions, churches like this and a handful of affiliates in southern Nigeria are crucial, especially in African societies where the perception of people with disabilities is influenced by traditional beliefs. Some see a disability as a divine punishment. 'An exclusive space like this church offers them an opportunity for a safe space to be able to connect and relate,' said Treasures Uchegbu, founder of Speaking Fingers, a sign language advocacy group in Lagos. 'They can say, 'I am not a deaf person just standing alone, I have other deaf people around.'' How the church came to be The church organizes evangelism outreach programs to other deaf communities in Lagos. It also runs a teaching unit for sign language, a vital tool for understanding the world better, according to Akinrenmi. Hearing children of church members also attend the classes to better relate to their parents and others, and some hearing students attend church services for immersion learning. The church started in 1956 in colonial Nigeria as the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans. In today's Nigeria, an estimated 10 million people out of the population of 220 million are deaf or have difficulty hearing. There is limited infrastructure in Nigeria for people with disabilities, and laws to improve their welfare and prevent discrimination are barely enforced. Efforts by advocates to push for more inclusive legislation have not materialized. They blame a lack of political will. Oluwakemi Oluwatoke-Ogunjirin, a 49-year-old worker with the Lagos state government, was born deaf. She attended hearing churches with her family but always felt lost. Depending solely on public infrastructure in other parts of life, she struggles to get by. But at the church, she said, she has found a community where she can feel safe and understood. 'The church goes beyond faith; we have people like ourselves that we can talk to as friends,' Oluwatoke-Ogunjirin said. With the church's help, she has improved her sign language and can communicate widely, breaking the isolation she grew up with. 'The sign language makes life very easy for us,' she said. 'It helps us communicate beyond the church.' ___ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
