Latest news with #NatureConservation
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Southern cassowary: The giant prehistoric bird with dinosaur feet
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Name: Southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) Where it lives: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and northeastern Australia What it eats: Fruit, seeds, fungi, insects, snails, fish, frogs, small birds, small mammals and carrion Why it's awesome: The southern cassowary is one of the most prehistoric-looking birds on Earth. They are often likened to a modern-day dinosaur due to their massive size, vivid colouration and powerful, raptor-like feet, earning them the title of the "world's most dangerous birds." Native to tropical rainforests, the southern cassowary is the heaviest flightless bird in Australia and the second-heaviest in the world, after the common ostrich (Struthio camelus). These birds can grow up to 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) tall and belong to the ratite group, which includes ostriches, emus and kiwis, according to the San Diego Zoo Fossil evidence and genetic studies suggest that cassowaries have existed in some form for tens of millions of years. One of the cassowary's most prehistoric-looking features is its feet. Each foot has three toes, with the inner toe bearing a dagger-like claw that can grow up to 5 inches (12 centimeters) long. These claws aren't just for show; they're capable of delivering powerful, slashing kicks that can injure or even kill potential threats, including humans. Their legs are extremely muscular and adapted for quick, forceful movements, which helps them lash out at predators, such as crocodiles and pythons. Cassowaries also have a striking and unusual appearance. Their heads and necks are bare and vividly colored in shades of blue and red, but their bodies are covered in coarse, black feathers that look more like hair than typical bird plumage. This coat provides protection from sharp thorns and branches as they move through dense vegetation. The giant birds also have brightly-coloured pouches of flesh, called wattles, that dangle down from their necks. These are thought to help cassowaries relay social cues to others: For example, if they shake their heads and clap their wattles it may be a sign of territorial aggression. Related stories —Great eared nightjar: The 'baby dragon' bird that lays its eggs on the floor —Hoatzin: The strange 'stinkbird' born with clawed wings that appears to be an evolutionary 'orphan' —Turkey vulture: The bird that vomits acid up to 10 feet and poops antiseptic onto its legs They also have large, helmet-like structures called 'casques' on top of their heads. The exact function of the casque is still debated among biologists, but research suggests these structures act as "thermal windows," or radiators, allowing the bird to release excess heat in hot weather and conserve it in cooler conditions. It may also amplify and direct the birds' low-frequency calls, helping them communicate over long distances. Unlike many animal species, male cassowaries are the primary caregivers for their offspring. They sit on their eggs for about 50 days and once the eggs have hatched, they tend to their chicks for around nine months. Despite their fearsome nickname, cassowaries are generally shy and elusive and prefer to avoid confrontation and people when possible. However, attacks can occasionally happen if cassowaries are approached by humans. In 2019, a man in Florida was killed by a cassowary that he was keeping as a pet. This was the first reported fatality in almost 100 years.
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
World Surf League cops backlash after surfers bail on key community event
The World Surf League has copped a blast for not sending any of its athletes to a key annual community conservation event during the Margaret River Pro. WSL traditionally organised for a handful of Championship Tour competitors to attend Nature Conservation Margaret River Region's annual busy bee held in conjunction with volunteers and local junior surfers. While Nature Conservation staff, volunteers, parents and Cowaramup Bay Boardriders grommets attended the May 15 event at Grunters, no athletes came along this year as they had in the past. Although it remained a WSL-supported event as part of its One Ocean partnership, parents and other stakeholders told the Times youngsters were left disappointed and feeling like their genuine conservation efforts didn't matter. Gracetown parent Megan Garnett, who also co-ordinates the Friends of Gracetown conservation group, said many grommets had hoped for more than a free t-shirt. 'The event was a success, but I think it was a bit of a slap in the face,' she said. 'It does make that actually look like a tick-box for WSL and its environmental standing. 'All of us parents and local schools are trying to encourage this idea of being environmental custodians, and when that's not valued by their role models, that makes it twice as hard.' In years past, surfers including Bettylou Sakura and Italo Ferreira joined young talent laying brushing and planting seedlings along the coast. Ms Garrett said the region's young surfers looked up to the Pro athletes and the chance to rub shoulders with them while helping the local environment 'could have meant so much'. Others told the Times it wasn't good enough for WSL to muster local groups when it needed to apply for permits — such as the inclusion of North Point as a location option, bitterly opposed by many surfers — but then pay lip service when the Pro was running. However, a WSL spokesperson said the official surfing body remained committed to working with local groups and residents 'through sustainability and community engagements throughout the WA Margaret River Pro competition'. WSL cited its partnership with Nature Conservation that included junior Boardriders, the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association, philanthropic group Line in the Sand, and the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. But WSL declined to comment on why no professional surfers were available this year. The disappointing no-show followed complaints from surfers also wondering why the wild cards trial in the lead up the Margaret River Pro was not televised despite everything being in place at Surfers Point. And that negative feedback came on the heels of last week's reports the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation had voiced its own disquiet that objections to using certain important heritage sites near the competition were overruled by the State Government. WSL passed inquiries about the wild cards event to Surfing WA who were unable to comment before deadline. A Nature Conservation spokesperson said talks were under way to avoid the shortfall in the future. 'Nature Conservation felt disappointed for the Cowaramup Bay Boardriders groms who were so pumped to work on country with their surfing idols,' interim manager Cass Jury said. 'We are working with the WSL to come up with a solution for future years that will prevent this disappointment and give the pro surfers an opportunity to contribute to the worthwhile work of the many coastal volunteers who work tirelessly to protect our fragile coastline.' Boardriders spokesperson Keighley Bremner told the Times the event was 'a successful day' but declined to comment on the lack of talent on show. WSL also noted this year it hosted a Capes Coastal Forum during the Pro. 'The forum created a space for community stakeholders to come together to discuss coastline protection,' the spokesperson said. 'The WSL is committed to supporting the community by joining forces with local organisations through workshops, projects, and the WSL PURE Grant program.'
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Peterborough attraction Railworld scoops prestigious award
A Peterborough visitor attraction has scooped a major accolade at a glitzy London awards Wildlife Haven was founded in 1985 and is a museum dedicated to the world of rail, but is also a site for nature and won Sustainable Project of the Year at the Museums and Heritage Awards, beating competition including from the likes of the Natural History event organisers said the attraction had "showcased an incredible vision and dedication", with Railworld describing itself as having "crazy, passionate volunteers". The awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in London last won the joint top category prize for its "Entertain and Educate about our Amazing Planet" project, along with Stourbridge's Glass Museum for its eco-friendly upcycled glass Pearce, 76, the chairman of Railworld, said: "When we saw that the Natural History Museum were in it [our category], we thought we'd have no chance." Attractions manager Becky White, 45, said it was wonderful to see the volunteers getting rewarded for their efforts, with the site celebrating its 40th anniversary."We have about 20 volunteers from all walks of life and they give so much, and hopefully make such a difference to the people of Peterborough and beyond," she award was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and she hoped in future it could help provide a financial boost, as it looks to rebuild a Victorian railway station building at the site. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers find new technology that could prevent unexpected animal deaths — here's how it works
Vehicle-wildlife collisions are a costly problem, putting the lives of humans and animals at risk and threatening conservation efforts, not to mention the cost of damages incurred by both transport infrastructure managers and users. However, a French research team's groundbreaking development could be the key to reducing the number and severity of vehicle-wildlife collisions, with potential applications to numerous forms of transportation — even personal vehicles. Researchers of the new study, published in the Nature Conservation journal, utilized ecological modeling software and camera trap networks to map collision hotspots where roe deer and wild boar crossed train tracks. After the data was processed, researchers were able to determine the probable density of animals in every part of a region, using data collected from just a few points in the area. In other words, researchers could map the relative abundance of species and, therefore, the risk of vehicle-wildlife collision along railroad tracks. The revelation has huge implications for transportation infrastructure, with the ability to significantly reduce the number of accidents between animals and humans. Vehicle-wildlife collisions occur when animals cross transportation infrastructure unexpectedly, especially in habitat areas and when humans' visibility is limited or low. National crash databases estimate the total number of collisions between wildlife and vehicles at 300,000 per year, however, the United States Federal Highway Administration estimates the actual number is likely much closer to 1 or 2 million due to the fact that many crashes go unreported. These collisions are dangerous to both humans and wildlife, with vehicle-wildlife collisions injuring more than 26,000 and killing over 200 people each year. Even more animals are at risk, with an estimated 10 million dying each year from such incidents. Endangered wildlife species are the most threatened by vehicle-wildlife crashes. In FHWA's vehicle-wildlife collision reduction report to Congress, 21 federally listed threatened or endangered animal species in the U.S. were identified as having road mortality as one of the major threats to their survival. In addition to the sheer number of injuries and loss of life in both humans and animals, vehicle and infrastructure destruction caused by these collisions is expensive. FHWA's study found that accidents involving vehicles and wildlife cost Americans approximately $8 billion in property damages every year. 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. With any hope, developments like the camera trap method utilized in this study can prevent such damage caused by vehicle-wildlife collisions in the near future. Although the method used in this study can be easily applied to any transportation infrastructure, more work is required to develop the performance of cameras in operative-like conditions and collect more data to better train the ecological modeling technology for mapping. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
