Latest news with #Biodiversity
Khaleej Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Dubai waters regain life, see rise in native species under new 'reef' initiative
'Dubai Reef', a pioneering purpose-built reef development and one of the largest in the world, is demonstrating significant progress in enhancing marine ecosystems within Dubai's waters. New underwater footage from the initiative's proof-of-concept site showcases a thriving marine environment, with abundant fish populations and habitats developing around the reef modules. Surveys at the site indicate a substantial increase in fish populations across 15 native species, including snappers, groupers, and barracuda. Early data suggests a potential 10 per cent increase in marine biodiversity, accompanied by an eightfold increase in fish biomass — clear indicators of the initiative's positive impact on the local ecosystem. Dubai Reef's first pillar, Marine Habitat Restoration, will see the fabrication and deployment of 20,000 modules across 600 km square of the emirate's waters by 2027, establishing ideal conditions for marine ecosystems to thrive in the years ahead. Since its launch in 2024, 39 per cent of the total reef modules have been fabricated, with 3,660 modules already deployed. The initiative also includes two additional pillars — Marine Life Rehabilitation and Marine Conservation Research — each contributing to the broader vision of marine conservation and sustainability. A sustainability initiative by 'Dubai Can', 'Dubai Reef' was launched under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative is driven by a collaboration of strategic public and private partners, including Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), DP World; Dubai Chambers; Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate; Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC); and Emirates. Together, they are advancing Dubai's shared sustainability objectives and supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17- Partnerships.
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Robo-Bunnies Are the Latest Weapon Against Florida's Invasive Pythons
Invasive Burmese pythons are a scourge upon South Florida. These massive snakes are one of the region's most pernicious pests, posing a significant risk to local biodiversity as they chow down on native wildlife. Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida through the exotic pet trade in the 1970s and are now among the state's top predators. Researchers and conservationists have been working to wrangle the python problem through capture and kill programs but have faced significant challenges. These elusive snakes are masters of camouflage that thrive in semi-aquatic, densely vegetated environments like the Everglades, making it difficult to find them. Now, a team of wildlife ecologists at the University of Florida has developed a new method for luring them out of their hiding places: robo-bunnies. Yes, you read that right. According to a UF statement, assistant professor and ecologist Chris Dutton ripped the stuffing out of 40 plush bunny toys and filled them with motors, heaters, and solar panels to make them mimic real marsh rabbit prey. The robo-bunnies are designed to trick pythons into thinking they're the real deal—or should we say, the real meal. They look like rabbits, move like rabbits, and even exhibit a living rabbit's body temperature. 'We want to capture all of the processes that an actual rabbit would give off,' said Dutton's colleague Robert McCleery, a UF professor of wildlife ecology and conservation who is leading the project, according to The Palm Beach Post. Previous studies showed that live rabbits placed in pens attract about one python per week on average, but it requires too much work to care for multiple rabbit pens spread out across the Everglades, The Palm Beach Post reported. Robo-bunnies require far less maintenance, offering a much less labor-intensive way to lure pythons into the open. Dutton and McCleery began testing their solar-powered, remote-controlled rabbits this month, placing them in pens in various parts of South Florida. Each robo-bunny is equipped with a motion-sensor camera that alerts researchers when a python approaches. If proven effective, this method could make it much easier for wildlife experts to capture these snakes. In recent years, Florida has taken aggressive steps to reduce the python population in the Everglades, including incentivized removal efforts such as the 2024 Florida Python Challenge. During this competition, more than 850 participants eliminated nearly 200 destructive pythons from public lands in South Florida. The grand prize winner, Ronald Kiger, removed 20 pythons and won $10,000. 'Every python that is removed and eliminated is making a difference to protect the Everglades and South Florida's diverse and native wildlife,' the South Florida Water Management District states. These invasive predators pose a significant threat to the Everglades ecosystem, reducing prey that panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other native predators rely on as primary food sources, the district adds. Dutton and McCleery's clever new lure may eventually help reduce the Burmese python's ecological impact, but first, they need data to show that it works. McCleery told Gizmodo that he expects to have that data by November. If the robo-bunnies' lifelike motion and body heat can't fool the snakes, the researchers plan to add rabbit scent to make them even more convincing, according to The Palm Beach Post.
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Cottage owner told to delay extension until after nesting season
A cottage owner has been given the go ahead to extend their home as long as they wait until the end of nesting season before removing hedgerow. East Lothian planners granted permission for the single story extension to Spilmersford Cottage, East Saltoun, which will involve using part of a paddock next to the garden. But they added a condition ensuring no work can begin without a thorough investigation showing no birds are in residence in the hedge, which will be removed to make way for the new building. Approving a change of use of part of the paddock to domestic ground and the extension to the cottage, planners said: 'No removal of hedgerows shall take place between 1st March and 31st August inclusive, unless a detailed check of the site for active birds' nests has been undertaken and written confirmation has been submitted to the planning authority that no birds will be harmed and that there are appropriate measures in place to protect nesting bird interest on the site. 'The check shall be undertaken no later than 48 hours before the commencement of the development and no site clearance or other works in connection with the development hereby approved shall commence unless the written confirmation and protection measures have been submitted to and approved in writing by East Lothian Biodiversity Officer.' The owners of the property applied for permission to extend the cottage out to its side into part of the paddock saying that they had decided against a back garden extension because they wanted to take advantage of the sunlight which came into the property from the rear. They said the single story extension which will prove additional living space would be in keeping with the style of cottages in the area and any hedgerow removed would be replaced in new landscaping. Approving the application planners noted comments from their biodiversity officer who also called for measure to be put in place to ensure no badgers were disturbed in the area, which was also added into conditions. Their report said: 'The application site is adjacent to the River Tyne Local Biodiversity Site and has a number of notable species within 200m of the property. 'The Biodiversity Officer further notes that the applicant has detailed the removal of and the intention to replace 11 metres of beech hedging, this should be detailed on any conditioned landscape plans for consideration. 'The removal of the hedge should not be undertaken within the bird breeding season. The applicant is reminded that, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, (as amended), it is an offence to remove, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built. 'Planning consent for a development does not provide a defence against prosecution under this act. If nesting birds are discovered after works commence, such works must stop, and a competent ecologist must be contacted for advice.' By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Are you making this common bird bath mistake in summer?
Watching birds frolic around in cool water is one of the joys of summer. While keeping water levels topped up is vital during warm weather, the experts have warned of a common bird bath mistake that could be keeping our feathered friends away. "Birds will only use it if they feel safe, so the placement of a bird bath is very important," says Helen Nyul, Group Head of Biodiversity at David Wilson Homes. "Place a bird bath out of direct sunlight to prevent the water from becoming excessively hot and uncomfortable. This also slows any evaporation during the hotter summer months, allowing the water to last longer. Also, algae will not grow as quickly in cooler water, meaning that the bath will remain cleaner for longer." The best place for a bird bath is in a shady, sheltered spot hidden from predators. Helen says birds can often be more vulnerable when they are bathing, so they will need a safe place where they feel protected. "Birds will need to have clear visibility as they bathe to watch out for any predators, whilst also having nearby bushes or trees to provide cover and safety, if alarmed." During the summer months, rinse out and replace water in your bird bath every day to remove a build-up of bird droppings, dead leaves, and other debris. "Once a week, give the bath a more thorough clean, scrubbing it well to remove any build-up of algae and other dirt," adds Helen. "You can use diluted household disinfectants or cleaners specifically formulated for bird baths, but be careful to rinse the bath out to remove any traces of chemicals." You'll have plenty of garden visitors in no time.£18.99 at at at You Might Also Like Emma Bridgewater partners with Russell Hobbs to create stunning kitchen range Everything you need to buy once and for all to eliminate single-use plastic from your life
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Asiatic wild dog returns to Assam's Kaziranga landscape
The dhole, or Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), believed to have been locally exterminated, has made a confirmed return to Assam's Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL), according to a new study by scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The findings, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa, indicate that this elusive and less charismatic carnivore may have gone unnoticed for an extended period, despite its ecological significance. 'India is experiencing a decline in wildlife species due to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change. Species once thought to be extirpated from certain areas are being rediscovered, offering hope for conservation efforts,' the study notes. Mujahid Ahamad, Jyotish Ranjan Deka, Priyanka Borah, Umar Saeed, Ruchi Badola, and Syed Ainul Hussain are the authors of the study, which highlights the first-ever camera-trap evidence of the endangered canid in the Amguri corridor of the KKAL. 'This finding is significant as it highlights the ecological value of the corridor in supporting threatened species,' said Dr. Ruchi Badola, Dean of WII's Faculty of Wildlife Sciences, speaking to The Hindu. 'Dholes require large, undisturbed forest habitats, and their presence here confirms the need to conserve this dynamic wildlife corridor, which also supports tigers, leopards, elephants, and other species.' 'With increasing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, this discovery is a timely reminder of why these forest linkages must be protected and restored for the long-term survival of India's lesser-known carnivores,' she added. The study, conducted in 2022, focused on four key animal corridors within the 25,000 sq. km KKAL, which lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. These corridors include Panbari, Haldhibari, Kanchanjuri, and Amguri. The dhole was photo-captured on six occasions in the Amguri corridor. All images were of a single individual, recorded 375 metres from National Highway 37 and approximately 270 metres from the nearest human settlement. Dholes are social animals known to form packs of up to 30 individuals. However, depending on prey availability, they may also hunt alone or in pairs. The current distribution of the dhole is restricted to parts of Central and Eastern Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Its global range, however, is now less than a quarter of its historical extent, significantly reduced due to threats such as habitat degradation, prey depletion, and retaliatory killings. The last confirmed sighting of dholes in northeast India was reported from Nagaland in 2011.
