Latest news with #CWR
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas use kelp to groom each other, US researchers discover
The Brief Southern resident killer whales have been observed using detached seaweed as tools to rub against each other, a first for marine mammals. This unique behavior, called "allokelping," is thought to strengthen social bonds and maintain skin health among the whales. The survival of these critically endangered whales and their distinctive culture is threatened by declining food sources and warming oceans impacting kelp forests. Southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea have been observed using detached pieces of seaweed to rub against each other, the first recorded instance of tool-making by marine mammals. This behavior, called "allokelping," may strengthen social bonds and contribute to skin health among the whales. Researchers from the Center for Whale Research (CWR) and the University of Exeter documented the behavior using drone footage. Whales were seen biting off kelp stalks, positioning them between themselves and a partner, and rolling the kelp between their bodies for extended periods. What they're saying "We were amazed when we first noticed this behavior," said Dr. Michael Weiss, CWR research director. He noted that bull kelp is "firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface," making it an ideal grooming tool. Unlike general "kelping," moving kelp for play or to remove parasites, allokelping involves the deliberate creation and cooperative manipulation of a tool by two whales. Dr. Weiss highlighted that the behavior is widespread among all ages and pods of southern resident killer whales, suggesting it's an important part of their social lives. Professor Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter and CWR's executive director, explained the significance of touch in animals, including humans, for moderating stress and building relationships. He suggested that using kelp could enhance this tactile experience and also benefit skin health. Brown algaes like bull kelp also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer additional benefits. By the numbers As of CWR's last census in July 2024, only 73 southern resident killer whales remain. Their numbers are critically low due to declining Chinook salmon populations (their primary food source), pollution, and noise from human activities. Bull kelp forests, where the whales source their tools, are also declining due to rising ocean temperatures. Big picture view Dr. Weiss expressed concern for the population's future. "Under the status quo, all of our projections indicate the population will continue to decline," Dr. Weiss said. He emphasized that losing these whales means losing "a complex society and a deep, unique set of cultural traditions." Professor Croft added that protecting kelp forests may be crucial for preserving this unique culture. The study, titled "Wild killer whales manufacture and use allogrooming tools," was published in the journal Current Biology. The Source Information in this story came from the Center for Whale Research. New US Marshals photos show high-stakes WA manhunt for Travis Decker $79M Seattle-area home is now most expensive listing in Pacific Northwest Seattle's Duwamish River Festival canceled over concerns of ICE agents Seattle to consider issuing $1k fines for illegal graffiti Report states half a million WA drivers have expired tabs To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Drones spot ‘first evidence' of orcas making tools, study says. ‘Remarkable'
Over the years, orcas have been seen partaking in some peculiar practices, from sinking sailboats to wearing salmon 'hats.' Now, the apex predators have been observed engaging in a 'remarkable' new behavior: fashioning tools from underwater plants to massage one another. The discovery — published June 23 in Current Biology — constitutes the 'first evidence' recorded of tool-making by marine mammals. 'We were amazed when we first noticed this,' Michael Weiss, the director of the Center for Whale Research (CWR), said in a University of Exeter news release. Allokelping Researchers from both institutions stumbled upon the previously unknown behavior while flying drones over the 'southern resident' orcas in the Salish Sea, located between Washington and British Columbia. 'I was watching one of those really close-up videos when I saw something that looked like a brown stick between two whales that were in contact with each other,' Rachel John, an Exeter master's student, said in the release. Researchers realized this was not an isolated incident. Close analysis revealed it happened again and again — and involving the same steps each time. Whales were seen biting off the tips of bull kelp stalks, placing them between themselves and another whale and then rolling the stalk between their two bodies over long periods — with the longest lasting 12 minutes. This newfound behavior — dubbed 'allokelping' — is distinct from 'kelping,' a phenomenon previously observed in multiple whale species, wherein whales move kelp with their bodies, heads and fins. Allokelping, by contrast, involves deliberately selecting, trimming and manipulating kelp with a partner — qualifying it as tool-making, previously thought to be the exclusive domain of land animals. Researchers documented allokelping on eight separate days out of the 12-day study period, indicating it could be a very common behavior among southern resident killer whales. Social bonding and good hygiene It's not exactly clear why the killer whales rub themselves with kelp stalks, but a few hypotheses were put forward. One is that the behavior — seen among relatives and similar aged animals — plays an important part of the whales' social lives. 'We know touch is really important,' Darren Croft, the executive director of the CWR, said in the release. 'In primates – including humans – touch moderates stress and helps to build relationships. We know killer whales often make contact with other members of their group – touching with their bodies and fins – but using kelp like this might enhance this experience.' Allokelping could also benefit orcas' skin (some dermatologists have lauded its effects on human skin as well). 'Whales and dolphins have a variety of strategies to help them slough dead skin, and this may be yet another adaptation for this purpose,' Croft said. Bull kelp, a type of algae, is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Critical moment The finding comes at a critical moment for southern resident killer whales as just 73 individuals remain, according to the CWR's latest census, conducted in July. The whales primarily feed on King salmon, also known as Chinook, a species that experienced significant declines due to climate change, over-fishing and habitat destruction. The future of the whale population — which does not interbreed with others — looks 'very bleak,' Weiss said. 'We're not seeing the birth rate that's required to sustain the population,' Weiss said. 'Under the status quo, all of our projections indicate the population will continue to decline.'
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Residents of Mehdauri, Govindpur toget clear drinking water from today
Prayagraj: Over 1 lakh residents of Mehdauri, Govindpur and adjoining areas are all set to get adequate drinking water supply from now on. The relief will be ensured with the launch of the Clear Water Reservoir (CWR) scheme for Mehdauri and Govindpur housing schemes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Under drinking water restructuring phase-2, the CWR scheme for Mehdauri and Govindpur was completed in Feb 2021, However, it could not get functional due to many reasons. As a result, thousands of families were facing an acute drinking water crisis," said corporator Meenu Tiwari, who along with former corporator Mukund Tiwari complained about the issue to the Divisional Commissioner (Prayagraj) on May 19. Consequently, the authorities of Jal Nigam and Jalkal department launched the scheme on Friday. Tiwari said that the scheme will help residents get adequate drinking water supply during the peak summer season. The residents also thanked the Divisional Commissioner for his prompt action and directing the officials concerned to launch the scheme at the earliest.
Winnipeg Free Press
17-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
All creatures great and small
Lisa Tretiak cares about wildlife. For decades she's been rescuing animals, big and small, from squirrels, rabbits, crows, and magpies, to woodpeckers, falcons and hawks. And she's done it thousands of times. 'Every animal is important; everybody has a right to be here,' said the president of the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (PWRC), the non-profit she founded in 2007 with a group of other animal-loving volunteers. PWRC was created to treat injured and orphaned wildlife and to release them back into their natural habitat. PWRC uses integrative medical therapies — including both conventional and homeopathic medications — as well as attention to environmental enrichment techniques to maximize survival rates and ensure integration once the creatures are released. PHOTOS BY RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Lisa Tretiak, founding member and president of the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, was the first Manitoban to get certified as a wildlife rehabilitator. PWRC is actively involved in public education regarding wildlife issues as well as research activities, including tracking released animals and documenting the success of natural treatments to assist other wildlife rehabilitation organizations. It offers a range of wildlife education programs and services and encourages Manitobans to call them when they see any injured animal. 'When a person finds an animal, they're stressed and unsure of what to do,' Tretiak said. 'We have years of training and experience. We want to do our best for these animals to get them back out. 'Years ago, back in the day, we thought bread and milk was what you give baby birds, which is completely toxic. Now we know that nutrition is important in getting them back out into the world. We want to keep them temporarily with us — this little pit stop in wildlife rehab — before hopefully going off to breed, hunt and migrate and do everything they're supposed to do.' Tretiak always enjoyed spending time with wildlife, even as a small child, and had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. For practical reasons she shifted her goal and, for over 30 years, has been identifying animals, assessing and understanding injuries and helping to treat and heal them. She became the first Manitoban — and only the fourth person in Canada — to be a certified wildlife rehabilitator (CWR) through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. She now occasionally works for the council, offering classes throughout Canada and online. She says most calls come to the PWRC between April and October, many about injured squirrels, rabbits and birds. PWRC has two paid staff, one on the education side, the other working on the donor side. For Tretiak, it's a labour of love, as she puts in 18-hour days — most days entirely as a volunteer because of how deeply she cares about the well-being of wildlife. In Manitoba, there are several species on the endangered or threatened list, including swifts, migrating peregrine falcons, hawks, short-eared owls, songbird species such as swallows and a few amphibians. Tretiak says it's important that people are aware of this — that an injured animal could be a member of an endangered species. 'We want people to give us a call right away,' she said, adding it can be dangerous to care for injured animals and that taking them into your home is not recommended as they may have parasites or other health conditions. PWRC operates with the help of a small group of volunteers on the outskirts of St. Adolphe. The organization has purchased property in Selkirk and is hoping to get everything up and running there within five years. 'It takes a long time to get reports in order. The goal is to move to that property, a more permanent site,' she explained, noting that with limited resources, volunteers are more focused on animal care but will eventually get all of the administrative work required to move. The current rural private property is only fully functional in the summertime, though some animals are with foster volunteers during winter months. Tretiak has seen some heartbreaking losses over the years and she's also witnessed unbelievably joyous moments. 'Two years ago, we had two young squirrel siblings. One was not doing well and was declining in health. We had to separate them for in-care treatment for three or four days. When it was introduced back into the cage, the other squirrel began hugging its sibling,' she recalled, saying she'd never seen anything like it before. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Lisa Tretiak says most calls come to the PWRC between April and October, many about squirrels. She remembers rescuing a mother goose who had fishing line wrapped around her legs. 'We needed to capture her, she was protective of her babies. We managed to catch her. She needed to get medical treatment from the vet. For three weeks they were separated and then she was returned to the family. I remember the father being so excited, they'd sniff each other and go off,' she said, recalling the happy reunion. 'We have to understand that these animals have been hurt by humans directly or indirectly: hit by cars, people chopping down trees, not of old age or cancer, but because we've interfered.' At this time of year birds are more likely to see their reflection in windows, come flying by and end up injured or dead. Tretiak suggests getting window stickers and applying them all over the window, getting the kids to draw on the windows, keeping windows dirty (a layer of dust is a good thing in this case), and/or installing a hanging basket or other decorative item that dangles and sways across the window. 'We want people to have empathy and compassion for all wildlife,' Tretiak said. 'That is the goal. Every animal is important. Everybody has a right to be here. They've been around for centuries. They're part of the environment and they have their roles. Our goal is to humanely relocate instead of trapping and killing, which is not solving the actual problem. Everything deserves to be protected and helped along the way.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Accessing funding for PWRC's operating budget continues to be challenging. The organization appreciates its sponsors, donors and volunteers. Monetary donations are critical, and charitable tax receipts will be issued. PWRC also has wish lists, which include artificial plants, kiddie pools, heating pads and a variety of tools. If you have your own transportation, love animals and would like to help take care of them, call for details — visit: Volunteers are also needed for events and online tasks. The annual Walk for Wildlife fundraiser is Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Vital Park. To register visit fpcity@
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
CCTV watches over nesting swans in town centre
Measures to protect swans in a town centre after two were attacked last year have been reintroduced. Fencing and CCTV were put in place in April 2024 following a number of incidents where bottles were thrown at two birds. The safety measures have again been put in by Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue (CWR) to protect two nesting birds on the River Freshney in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. The swans, in the same spot as last year, have laid two eggs and CWR is monitoring the video footage to ensure their safety. CWR volunteers were granted a licence by North East Lincolnshire Council to put in the fencing and CCTV. The rescue group said the safety measures were considered a success last year, with disturbance of the nest dropping from an average of four a day to fewer than four over the entire incubation period. They have asked people not to feed the swans on or near the nest as it attracts predators, which puts the birds at risk. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Swans in Grimsby protected from attacks by CCTV Swan dies following suspected dog attack Bird flu outbreak affects swans at nature reserve Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue
