Latest news with #conservationists
The Independent
10 hours ago
- The Independent
Record number of rare hen harriers killed or missing in the past five years, RSPB warns
Record numbers of hen harriers have been killed or gone missing under suspicious circumstances in the last five years, according to the RSPB. The protected bird species is one of the rarest in the UK, known for their acrobatic 'skydancing' courtship display over the uplands, such as Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. A total of 102 the protected birds of prey were illegally killed or went missing between 2020 and 2024 – mostly in areas where grouse shooting takes place, the RSPB says. Some hen harriers were shot and their chicks being stamped on, while others were poisoned or illegally trapped, according to the charity. In Scotland, grouse moors are licensed, and conservationists have repeatedly pressured Westminster governments to do the same. When Labour was in opposition, it indicated that it would consider licensing grouse shooting in England. MPs are due on Monday to debate calls for a ban on driven grouse shooting after a petition launched by campaign group Wild Justice attracted more than 100,000 names. But in its response, the government said it had no plans for a ban. It said: 'Well-managed grouse shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment.' The RSPB's report, called Hen Harriers in the Firing Line, highlights a strong overlap between deaths of the bird of prey and the extent of grouse moors. A recent study of illegal killings found that survival rates were unusually low, with birds surviving for an average of just 121 days after leaving the nest. Persecution accounts for 75 per cent of deaths in birds aged between one and two years. Hen harriers, a red-listed species that breeds in Britain's uplands, is the most persecuted bird of prey in the UK for its population and numbers are heading towards local extinction, the wildlife charity says. Numerous studies confirm that illegal killing limits their recovery. But no one in England has ever been convicted of killing one because most kills happen in remote areas and a criminal burden of proof near-impossible to secure, campaigners say. James Robinson, of the RSPB, said: 'This species will not recover until the criminal activity stops, and for this to happen we need regulation of the grouse shooting industry – specifically the introduction of a licensing system for shoots in England, so estates proven by the police and Natural England to be linked to raptor persecution would lose their licence to operate.' Andrew Gilruth, chief executive of the Moorland Association, disputed the RSPB report, saying the data has been assembled without independent checks and that the allegations 'poison perceptions of gamekeepers'. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation said the report presented 'unproven allegations as evidence'. Its statement said: 'Proposals for a licensing system based on a civil burden of proof risk punishing the law-abiding without due process. 'Instead, we support constructive, evidence-led solutions such as Natural England's Hen Harrier Action Plan.' A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "Hen harriers are a rare and precious feature of our national landscapes. 'It's why through our work with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the Hen Harrier Taskforce is using innovative technology such as drones and specialised detection dogs to help tackle illegal persecution.'
The Independent
20 hours ago
- The Independent
Five tigers found dead in suspected mass poisoning at Indian wildlife sanctuary
At least five tigers have been found dead inside a wildlife sanctuary in southern India's Karnataka in what is suspected to be a case of poisoning, officials said. The bodies of the tigers – a mother and her four cubs – were found close to each other in the MM Hills wildlife sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district on Thursday. Wildlife officials also found a dead cow in the area, and said they suspect the carcass may have been poisoned by local villagers. Villagers living on the boundaries of Indian wildlife sanctuaries have been known to poison cow or goat carcasses in order to target tigers, which sometimes prey on their livestock or pose a threat to the farmers themselves. Other farmers deploy electric fences around fields and houses, which has also been known to lead to fatalities among tigers. Both methods have been widely condemned by Indian conservationists. An autopsy into the latest incident was due to be held on Friday to confirm the cause of the tigers' deaths. The incident came to light on Thursday and the tigers most likely died on Wednesday, officials said. It is believed to represent the highest single-day toll for tiger casualties in one sanctuary anywhere in India. India has lost a total of 103 tigers this year, according to India's National Tiger Conservation Authority, though the net population of the big cats is steadily rising. A preliminary video of the incident showed a lush green part of the sanctuary cordoned off as five seemingly uninjured tigers laid lifeless and officials inspected the area. Officials said the tigress was believed to be around 11 years old and was first seen by the forest officials in November 2014 when it was a six to eight month old cub. The state minister for forest ecology and environment, Eshwar B Khandre, has said the deaths appear to be 'unnatural' and sought an investigation into the incident. 'If negligence by forest staff is found or if the death were caused by electrocution, poisoning or any other reason, criminal cases would be filed,' Mr Khandre said, vowing that the guilty will not be spared. He also called the deaths of five tigers within 24 hours in the Indian state otherwise known for its successful conservation efforts 'deeply distressing'. Known as one of the best states for wildlife in the country, Karnataka is ranked the second-most populated Indian state for the big cats with 563 tigers. It is also home to leopards, elephants, and large numbers of prey species.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Action to help 'Robin Hood' tree in Sherwood Forest in heatwave
An ancient oak tree associated with the legend of Robin Hood is feeling the strain in the current heatwave, experts have Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire, is thought to be between 800 and 1,100 years old and has survived fires, winds and snowstorms during its long now conservationists have taken action to protect it from the latest threat - the soaring RSPB, which runs the nature reserve, said it had delivered 3,000 litres (660 gallons) of water to the tree's thirsty roots using special irrigation equipment. In a social media post, the charity said: "As the heatwave continues, the legendary Major Oak is feeling the strain and we're taking action."Thanks to the tech we've installed, we've been alerted that the ancient tree needs extra support."This is just one part of our ongoing efforts to care for this iconic natural treasure as it faces even more challenges." Visitors to the site have expressed concern about the impact of the heat on the tree, which, as legend has it, once gave shelter to the outlaw Robin Hudson said he had never seen so few leaves on the tree in the summer time."It shocked us," he added."The higher section has no smaller branches [or] twigs to produce leaves on and there's hardly any on the extremity."And Tracy Hall said she thought the tree was looking "particularly poor"."The signs that it is struggling have been there a couple of years now," she said. Last year the RSPB dispelled rumours the tree was to recent concerns about the tree's health, it said: "This watering system is just the latest development in a whole range of activity we've undertaken."We have been working with leading arborists and soil health specialists for several years, specifically focusing on the health of the Major Oak and possible solutions to the issue of soil compaction around its roots, in particular."On their advice, the vegetation around the tree is left to grow through its full cycle so its roots fully develop and help to break up the compacted soil, to retain moisture and nutrients and to enhance the biodiversity of its enclosure by attracting pollinating insects and other wildlife."The charity said it was into the third year of a root restoration programme overseen by one of the UK's leading soil microbiology specialists.
Al Arabiya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Mining Project Near the Okefenokee Swamp Has Stalled Over a $2M Permit Requirement
A company that has spent years battling conservationists as it seeks a permit to mine outside the Okefenokee Swamp and its federally protected wildlife refuge needs to do just one thing before regulators make a final decision: set aside $2 million for future restoration of the mining site. Sixteen months after being notified of the requirement, Twin Pines Minerals still hasn't submitted a surety bond or equivalent financial assurance to show the Georgia Environmental Protection Division that it has access to that amount of cash or credit. That's brought an unexpected halt to a project that appeared on the cusp of winning final approval early last year. Georgia regulators issued draft permits in February 2024 despite warnings from scientists that mining so close to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge could irreparably harm a national treasure. Twin Pines of Birmingham, Alabama, has worked since 2019 to obtain permits to mine titanium dioxide–a pigment used to whiten products from paint to toothpaste–less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the southeastern boundary of the Okefenokee refuge near the Georgia-Florida line. Within days of the draft permits being approved, Georgia regulators informed Twin Pines in a letter that it needed to submit a $2 million bond, cash, or letter of credit that can be used as needed to pay for restoration of the 820-acre (332-hectare) site. Regulators have finished reviewing thousands of public comments that poured in a year ago regarding the mining project in Georgia's Charlton County, said Environmental Protection Division spokeswoman Sara Lips. 'Now they're waiting on Twin Pines before moving forward.' 'The financial assurance is the last piece of the permit package that will then get routed to our staff up to the director to make a final decision,' Lips told The Associated Press. She said Twin Pines faces no deadline to put up the money. Twin Pines President Steve Ingle declined to comment through a company spokesman. Ingle has insisted Twin Pines can mine without harming the Okefenokee. State regulators have agreed, concluding last year that mining should have a minimal impact on the refuge. The mining company's failure to set aside the $2 million after well over a year has opponents questioning whether it has the resources to mine responsibly in an ecologically sensitive area. 'When we're talking about the potential damage of this mine, it goes way beyond $2 million,' said Peter Slag, an attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. 'It's sort of an alarm bell that they probably don't have the money to do other sorts of compliance and capital investment.' The Okefenokee is the largest US refuge east of the Mississippi River, covering nearly 630 square miles (1,630 square kilometers) in southeast Georgia. It is home to abundant alligators, stilt-legged wood storks, and more than 400 other animal species. Scientists have warned that mining near the Okefenokee's bowl-like rim could damage the swamp's ability to hold water and increase the frequency of withering droughts. There are other signs Twin Pines may be struggling financially. Danish shipping company Lauritzen Bulkers sued Twin Pines in federal court in Colorado last October, saying it's owed $9.3 million after contracting with Twin Pines in 2022 to transport minerals to Asia. A judge paused the case in April at the shipper's request amid arbitration proceedings. Twin Pines' attorney in that case, Joseph Martinez, did not immediately return email messages seeking comment. In March, a second company sued Twin Pines in a California state court. M&L Commodities says Twin Pines owes it $5.6 million stemming from a 2021 contract for M&L to store minerals for the mining company. Twin Pines denies wrongdoing in legal responses filed in court.
The Independent
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Mining project near the Okefenokee Swamp has stalled over a $2M permit requirement
A company that has spent years battling conservationists as it seeks a permit to mine outside the Okefenokee Swamp and its federally protected wildlife refuge needs to do just one thing before regulators make a final decision: set aside $2 million for future restoration of the mining site. Sixteen months after being notified of the requirement, Twin Pines Minerals still hasn't submitted a surety bond or equivalent financial assurance to show the Georgia Environmental Protection Division that it has access to that amount of cash or credit. That's brought an unexpected halt to a project that appeared on the cusp of winning final approval early last year. Georgia regulators issued draft permits in February 2024 despite warnings from scientists that mining so close to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge could irreparably harm a national treasure. Twin Pines of Birmingham, Alabama, has worked since 2019 to obtain permits to mine titanium dioxide, a pigment used to whiten products from paint to toothpaste, less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the southeastern boundary of the Okefenokee refuge near the Georgia-Florida line. Within days of the draft permits being approved, Georgia regulators informed Twin Pines in a letter that it needed to submit a $2 million bond, cash or letter of credit that can be used as needed to pay for restoration of the 820-acre (332-hectare) site. Regulators have finished reviewing thousands of public comments that poured in a year ago regarding the mining project in Georgia's Charlton County, said Environmental Protection Division spokeswoman Sara Lips. Now they're waiting on Twin Pines before moving forward. 'The financial assurance is the last piece of the permit package that will then get routed to our staff, up to the director, to make a final decision," Lips told The Associated Press. She said Twin Pines faces no deadline to put up the money. Twin Pines President Steve Ingle declined to comment through a company spokesman. Ingle has insisted Twin Pines can mine without harming the Okefenokee. State regulators have agreed, concluding last year that mining should have a 'minimal impact' on the refuge. The mining company's failure to set aside the $2 million after well over a year has opponents questioning whether it has the resources to mine responsibly in an ecologically sensitive area. 'When we're talking about the potential damage of this mine, it goes way beyond $2 million," said Peter Slag, an attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. 'It's sort of an alarm bell that they probably don't have the money to do other sorts of compliance and capital investment.' The Okefenokee is the largest U.S. refuge east of the Mississippi River, covering nearly 630 square miles (1,630 square kilometers) in southeast Georgia. It is home to abundant alligators, stilt-legged wood storks and more than 400 other animal species. Scientists have warned that mining near the Okefenokee's bowl-like rim could damage the swamp's ability to hold water and increase the frequency of withering droughts. There are other signs Twin Pines may be struggling financially. Danish shipping company Lauritzen Bulkers sued Twin Pines in federal court in Colorado last October, saying it's owed $9.3 million after contracting with Twin Pines in 2022 to transport minerals to Asia. A judge paused the case in April, at the shipper's request, amid arbitration proceedings. Twin Pines' attorney in that case, Joseph Martinez, did not immediately return email messages seeking comment. In March, a second company sued Twin Pines in a California state court. M&L Commodities says Twin Pines owes it $5.6 million stemming from a 2021 contract for M&L to store minerals for the mining company. Twin Pines denies wrongdoing in legal responses filed in court.
