Latest news with #BalearicShearwater
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning after researchers confirm first sighting of invasive snake in park: 'Can cause irreversible ecological imbalance'
Officials issue warning after researchers confirm first sighting of invasive snake in park: 'Can cause irreversible ecological imbalance' Sa Dragonera Natural Park hosts an array of species native to Mallorca, though the recent discovery of a non-native snake may threaten the existing ecosystem. What's happening? According to Euro Weekly News, an invasive horseshoe whip snake was located in the nature preserve on this Spanish island. "The detection, made in late April via a camera trap used to monitor nests of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), has prompted swift action from the Balearic environmental authorities," Euro Weekly News reported. To make matters worse, those shearwaters, a type of seabird, face a risk of further endangerment if they come into contact with the horseshoe whip snake. Why is the invasive snake concerning? "Invasive snakes pose a serious threat in island ecosystems like this one, where a single species can cause irreversible ecological imbalance," said the Natural Environment and Forest Management, per Euro Weekly News. Invasive species refer to animals, plants, or any kind of organisms that pop up in areas where they do not belong. The issue arises when these invasive species make homes in places where they have no natural predators; they can beat out endemic species for food, sunlight, or other nutrients, throwing off the natural balance and sometimes decimating the native species. In turn, this can lead to entire ecosystems collapsing — putting food supply and water quality at a huge risk. Across the globe, invasive animals wreak havoc on natural environments. In California, an Argentine tegu lizard was spotted in the wild, which many assumed was an escaped pet. For the Balearic shearwaters, as well as the endangered Balearic lizards that call Sa Dragonera home, this invasive snake has the potential to cause the end of entire populations. What's being done about this invasive spotting? In response to the snake sighting, environmental government agencies, alongside Sa Dragonera Park management, have begun an immediate action plan to find any horseshoe whip snakes and have them removed. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "The action plan includes the deployment of 95 georeferenced traps," Euro Weekly News reported. "All traps will be regularly monitored by trained technicians and discreetly placed away from public paths." Hopefully, with the direness of the situation, the invasive snakes will be dealt with quickly, and the native species can continue to thrive. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
More than 500 bird species face EXTINCTION in the next 100 years thanks to climate change, scientists warn
From the bare-necked umbrellabird to the helmeted hornbill, birds come in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes and sizes. But hundreds of species could go extinct in the next 100 years, researchers have found. A new study predicts that climate change and habitat loss could cause more than 500 bird species to disappear in the next century. And even with complete protection from human-caused threats, about 250 species could still die out, they warned. 'Many birds are already so threatened that reducing human impacts alone won't save them,' Kerry Stewart, lead author of the research from the University of Reading, said. 'These species need special recovery programmes, like breeding projects and habitat restoration, to survive. 'We face a bird extinction crisis unprecedented in modern times. 'We need immediate action to reduce human threats across habitats and targeted rescue programmes for the most unique and endangered species.' The team examined nearly 10,000 bird species using data from the IUCN Red List – the world's most comprehensive source on the status of plant and animal species. They predicted extinction risk based on the threats each species face. Analysis showed large-bodied birds are more vulnerable to hunting and climate change, while birds with broad wings suffer more from habitat loss. Some of the species at risk of extinction are birds found in the UK, including the Balearic shearwater - of which there are around 5,800 remaining individuals. The great bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird, was one of Britain's most beloved species but was hunted to national extinction in the 19th century. Thanks to conservation efforts, a population of around 100 birds has been reestablished in the UK - but it is still at risk of disappearing forever. The beloved Atlantic puffin, a common sight off UK coasts during breeding season, is also one of the 500 species at risk of extinction. Other species included on the list are rare visitors which occasionally stop in the UK on their migratory routes, including the sociable lapwing and the yellow-breasted bunting. Globally species including the Itombwe owl, found in the forests of east-central Africa, the imperial woodpecker, which is endemic to Mexico, and the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity, found in Madagascar, are also at risk. The research also identified which conservation actions will best preserve both the number of bird species and their ecological functions. Professor Manuela Gonzalez-Suarez, senior author of the study, said: 'Stopping threats is not enough, as many as 250-350 species will require complementary conservation measures, such as breeding programmes and habitat restoration, if they are to survive the next century. 'Prioritising conservation programmes for just 100 of the most unusual threatened birds could save 68 per cent of the variety in bird shapes and sizes. 'This approach could help to keep ecosystems healthy.' Stopping the destruction of habitats would save the most birds overall, the researchers concluded. However, reducing hunting and preventing accidental deaths would save birds with more unusual features, which are especially important for ecosystem health. The findings were published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. Earlier this year the world's largest garden wildlife study revealed that starlings have dropped to their lowest number every recorded in the UK. The RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch has shown that while house sparrows are still our most common bird, followed by the blue tit, starlings have been bumped down to fourth place by the woodpigeon. Figures show that since 1979, there has been an 85 per cent decrease in the number of starling sightings in every British garden. The number of woodpigeons spotted, however, has increased by an enormous 1,160 per cent. HEAVY METALS LIKE LEAD CAN POISON BIRDS Birds are easily poisoned by the heavy metals found in their environment. Each heavy metal causes distinct symptoms and affects birds differently. The three heavy metals which commonly poison birds are lead, zinc, and iron. Common symptoms that a bird is suffering from heavy metal poisoning are: Constant thirst Regurgitation of water Listlessness Weakness Depression Tremors Loss of coordinated movements Seizures Zinc and iron are present in food and are required in small amounts for a healthy bird. When abnormal amounts are present in the bird's body, the same heavy metals can lead to poisoning. Lead poisoning is no longer as common as it once was thanks to increased awareness of the dangers. Heavy metal poisoning with iron can lead to iron storage disease, which causes the the nutrient to deposit in the internal organs of the body. This can lead to liver problems and damage other organs.
