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Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Science
- Straits Times
Six endangered fish species found in fish maw from Singapore and Malaysia's stores: Study
Around 500 samples of fish maw were collected from stores across Singapore and Malaysia, and sent for DNA analysis. PHOTO: SEAH YING GIAT Six endangered fish species found in fish maw from Singapore and Malaysia's stores: Study SINGAPORE - The DNA of six endangered fish species was found in fish maw products from stores in Singapore and Malaysia, a new study found. This was uncovered by a pair of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) , who analysed the DNA of 480 samples of fish maw. The duo published their research on June 24 , in the journal Conservation Letters . Fish maw - a delicacy in Chinese cuisine - is derived from the dried swim bladder of fish. Also known as the air or gas bladder, the organ helps fish modulate their buoyancy, allowing them to remain at a desired depth without floating or sinking. Widely consumed throughout much of East and South-east Asia, fish maw is regarded as an indicator of wealth, prestige and status in Chinese culture. It is also a popular ingredient in stews and soups, as it brings purported health benefits. The mysterious origins of fish maw The trade of fish maw products is hard to regulate, however, as it is difficult to visually identify them by species, said NUS Assistant Professor Benjamin Wainwright , one of the study's authors. He said: 'Fish maw has been processed, flattened, cleaned and washed. 'You can't determine what species the maw comes from without using genetic methods - so we have no idea of what species are involved in this trade in South-east Asia.' The aggregation of fish maw and other dried fish products under a common commodity code has also made its trade harder to oversee. Asst Prof Wainwright said: 'Commodity codes are meant to say, this is shark fin, this is shrimp, this is fish maw - but at the moment, all these products are lumped together and imported as dried fish goods.' As such, the two researchers - UMT's Dr Seah Ying Giat and Asst Prof Wainwright - set out to collect fish maw samples from stores in Malaysia between October and December 2023 , and in Singapore from January to April 2024 . Within the Republic, they visited dried goods shops such as those in Victoria Wholesale Centre and Albert Centre , Asst Prof Wainwright said. 'Just from walking around Chinatown, you can see maw everywhere - sold in lots and lots of shops. In supermarkets, there's fried maw all over the place as well.' DNA was successfully analysed from 118 samples from Malaysia and 362 samples from Singapore , and a total of 39 fish species were identified across both countries. The most commonly identified species was the blackspotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus) , which made up 58 of the 480 samples. It is classified as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List , which outlines the conservation status of animals, plants and fungi. This means that though the species is currently not threatened by extinction, it is likely to become endangered in the near future. Among the maw samples, there were also four endangered, and two critically endangered species as per the IUCN Red List. The endangered species identified were: the cassava croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis) , American eel (Anguilla rostrata) , fourfinger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) and iridescent shark (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) . Additionally, maw samples were also found to originate from the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla) , which are critically endangered. Notably, 11 samples of fish maw were identified as the European eel, despite the European Union's enactment of a zero-export quota on the fish in 2010 , which bars its export from the region. On this, Asst Prof Wainwright said: 'It's not that surprising that eel maw has been sold, because you can find the eels here. 'But it's interesting that the European eel is still making it here, because that should have been banned a long time ago.' Consider more sustainable alternatives Ultimately, as fish maw products often do not specify the exact species used, it may be difficult for consumers to make informed choices, said Mr Chester Gan, the Marine lead at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore . Businesses and corporations hence play a vital role, he added, and should examine their supply chains to ensure they are sourcing ingredients responsibly and reducing environmental impact. He said: 'Given that fish maw may originate from fisheries with little data, endangered species, or unsustainable fishing practices that harm vulnerable marine life, we urge both consumers and businesses to consider more sustainable alternatives.' To Asst Prof Wainwright, the best option is to not consume fish maw, especially if its species, country of origin and the sustainability of the maw fishery it is from cannot be confirmed. He said: ' The hope is, as more people become aware of the damage caused by unsustainable fishing, they may turn away from products of unknown origin and towards seafood from sustainable fisheries . ' Otherwise, when a species targeted for fish maw gets fished out, it's very likely we'll turn to another species and fish that one out, and then do the same for the next ones .' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Japan Today
8 hours ago
- Science
- Japan Today
In Norway's Arctic, meteorologists have a first-row seat to climate change
To reach the remote Bjornoya (Bear Island), meteorologists have to fly in by helicopter for their six-month stay By Olivier Morin and Johanna Wastfelt In the cold of the Norwegian Arctic, meteorologist Trond Robertsen manually recorded precipitation levels for over two decades, witnessing firsthand the effects of climate change. At 66, Robertsen retired after enduring spartan conditions during missions that totaled eight years on two islands of the Svalbard archipelago: Bjornoya (Bear Island) and Hogen. To reach the remote Bjornoya, where the only humans are the nine employees of the small weather station, the meteorologists have to fly in by helicopter as they are rotated on a six-month basis. "The idea is to not stay too long, because it's a different rhythm, and you are isolated," Robertsen told AFP. It is demanding work. "It's a 24/7 occupation," he said. "We are doing it all day, all night." The team worked shifts to cover all hours of the day, he explained. Weather observation starts in the early morning at 6:00 am. "It's manually done, then you have to go outside and check the bucket that is collecting precipitation," said Robertsen. "During wintertime you have to melt the snow and ice into water" to determine how much has fallen. The data is then transmitted the Norwegian Meteorological Institute in Tromso and Oslo. "This tiny little observation is actually quite crucial for the weather forecasting systems up north, because observations are so sparse from that area." Bjornoya sits in the middle of fishing grounds, and the weather reports published twice a day are closely followed by the fishing boats in the area. Since his first missions to the Arctic in the 1990s, Robertsen has witnessed the changing climate. "When I started going up north, there was a lot of ice. In the later years, it's less ice and fewer polar bears. You can see the climate change," he said. Polar bears have been classified as a vulnerable population since 1982 on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, with the loss of Arctic sea ice the most pressing threat against the species. However, their precise numbers, are almost impossible to assess. In winter, employees of station always venture out in pairs and have to be armed due to the presence of polar bears, but according to Robertsen it's rarer to encounter them today. In April, during his last mission to the island, Robertsen had an accident while doing carpentry: he slipped and ended up cutting one finger clean off and half of another. Due to tough weather conditions, he had to wait some 26 hours before being evacuated by helicopter and transported to a hospital. "It was a heavy snowstorm coming in, only the day after the helicopter came," he recounted. Looking back, Robertsen does not regret the years spent under the austere living conditions. "The Arctic has given me so many experiences and memories so it is a small fee to pay back with my left little finger and part of my ring finger," he said. © 2025 AFP
Sinar Daily
a day ago
- Science
- Sinar Daily
Bornean elephants are not pygmies, expert clarifies
Bornean elephants are smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. 27 Jun 2025 09:05am A Bornean elephant was seen grazing on wild napier grass along the Kinabatangan River, which serves as its migration route, during a recent survey. Photo by Bernama KINABATANGAN - The idea that Bornean elephants are related to the ancient pygmy elephants is a misconception, says elephant conservationist Dr Nurzhafarina Othman, who clarifies that no such pygmy species ever existed in Sabah. "The term 'pygmy' was popularised through a scientific publication in 2003, likely to attract public interest. However, it needs to be corrected to prevent confusion,' she told Bernama. Dr Nurzhafarina, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, explained that the Bornean elephants are indeed smaller than other Asian elephant subspecies, but noted that calling them pygmy elephants is inaccurate. "True pygmy elephants were much smaller, about waist-high to humans and are long extinct,' she said. She urged the public and media to stop using the term 'pygmy' when referring to Bornean elephants, stressing that this misnomer overshadows their unique status as a distinct subspecies. Some tourists were seen observing several Bornean elephants foraging along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, which serves as their migration route, during a recent survey. Photo by Bernama "The Bornean elephant, classified as Elephas maximus borneensis, is a special treasure unique to Sabah. Mislabeling them risks undermining their conservation,' Dr Nurzhafarina added. Currently, the species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated 250 individuals remaining in the Kinabatangan area. Dr Nurzhafarina noted that ongoing research into the elephants' genetics, behaviour and habitat needs is critical for their protection. "Understanding these elephants on their own terms and not through the lens of outdated myths, is key to effective conservation efforts,' she said. The conservationist also highlighted efforts to address human-elephant conflicts through habitat restoration and experimental food corridors but emphasized that education and accurate information are just as important to securing the elephants' future. "The story of the Bornean elephant should be one of pride and preservation, free from confusion and misrepresentation,' she concluded. - BERNAMA
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Rare majestic predator appears at butterfly viewing area in Thailand park. See it
From March to May, tourists from around the world flock to Thailand's largest national park to catch a glimpse of hundreds of species of butterfly. The park has become a destination for casual tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, but on June 25, it wasn't butterflies that shocked visitors. Around 5 p.m., images of a rare predator were taken from the 11.1-mile water checkpoint in the park, a place commonly called the butterfly viewing spot, according to a Facebook post from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. A black panther made an unexpected appearance at the site, officials said, appearing not only during the day, but in a typically busy spot. Images were taken of the animal peeking through the forest foliage, then walking out onto a road and away from the viewer, according to the post. Officials did not share how long the panther was in the area, or whether the images were taken by a park ranger or visitor. Black panther sightings are becoming more common in the park, including panthers seen with cubs, according to previous reports, a testament to conservation efforts by wildlife officials, they said. Black panthers are not a separate species, but rather a name given to melanistic leopards, found in Africa and Asia, and melanistic jaguars, found in South America, according to Britannica. Leopards, the ones found in Thailand, are listed as a vulnerable species, meaning their numbers are dwindling but they are not yet endangered, according to the International Union on Conservation of Nature Red List. Black panthers can range in size from 110 to 200 pounds, according to Britannica, and can have visible spots like their lighter relatives when viewed in sunlight. While the elusive cats have become habituated to humans in Kaeng Krachan National Park, visitors are encouraged to keep a safe distance from black panthers, avoid making loud noises and never feeding the animals, officials said in the post. Kaeng Krachan National Park is in central Thailand, on the northern end of the Thai peninsula. It is about a 115-mile drive southwest from Bangkok. Chat GPT, an AI chatbot, was used to translate the Facebook post from the Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Watch: Mother and child's heart-stopping escape from ‘world's most dangerous bird' goes viral
A video of a harrowing encounter a mother and her child had with what is called the 'world's most dangerous bird', in Australia, has caught the Internet's attention. The incident unfolded on May 9 in Mission Beach, Queensland, and the CCTV footage shows the duo narrowly escaping an encounter with two cassowaries. In the now-viral video, the mother and child are seen approaching the door of a residence when two cassowaries suddenly appear behind them. The child spots the large birds first and runs out of fear. His mother quickly notices the bird and holds the door open, pushing the boy inside just in time. The cassowaries—one large adult and a smaller chick—follow closely but pause as the door shuts. Watch the video here: The Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation released the surveillance video as a public warning, ABC Brisbane reported. According to Queensland authorities, the birds were 'a habituated male cassowary and his chick' who had approached the home 'in the hopes of being fed.' According to World Wildlife Magazine, the last recorded cassowary-related death in Australia took place almost 100 years ago. However, it can cause severe injuries to humans. Native to northeastern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, these flightless birds typically stand between 4 and 5.6 feet in height, with females weighing up to 167 pounds, making the southern cassowary the world's second-heaviest bird after ostriches. With powerful legs, cassowaries can take a leap of over five feet into the air, deliver forceful kicks, and sprint at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, the WWM reported. While the species is currently listed as 'least concern' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, cassowary populations are declining in some areas due to ongoing threats such as hunting and habitat loss.
