Get Started for FREE
Sign up with Facebook Sign up with Twitter
I don't have a Facebook or a Twitter account
 Your new post is loading...
Your new post is loading...
Scoop.it!
A new map of butterfly heritage suggests an origin in North or Central America some 100 million years ago. 
No comment yet.
Sign up to comment
Scoop.it!
From
www
The Louisiana city has struggled to rebuild its tree canopy, devastated by storms and neglect. But an influx of federal aid and a new reforestation plan could offer hope.
Scoop.it!
From
phys
A highly pathogenic avian influenza has been spreading in the U.S., making headlines as the price of eggs soared at the start of the year and fears of the next zoonotic pandemic creep into popular media. A University of Maryland (UMD)-led team of researchers tracked the arrival and progression of the deadly bird flu (H5N1) in North America to determine how this outbreak is different from previous ones.
David Jenson's insight:
The study underscores the importance of urgently coordinating a response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in North America (specifically H5N1), due to its deadly impact on wild birds, a shift to year-round infections, the potential for becoming endemic, and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to manage its spread. The findings emphasize the severity of the outbreak, the risks it poses to food security and the economy, and the necessity of informed decision-making and coordinated efforts to effectively address the ongoing avian influenza crisis.
Scoop.it!
From
www
100 for the Ocean is uniting 100 renowned photographers, including Steve McCurry, Jimmy Chin and Joel Sartore, to raise money to protect the ocean.
Maria Medrano's insight:
This ties in with the fact that cuter animals are more likely to be heard of and protected. By taking pictures and animals and selling them, these photographers are able to spread awareness on how these need to be protected.
David Jenson's comment,
May 5, 11:14 PM
Great article and conservation strategy to boost the popularity of a rare or unknown species so more people are worried about them and feel obligated to help in some smallway.
Eddie Velasquez's comment,
May 8, 12:36 AM
This article highlight the fact that their exists "pretty people privilege" for animals. I've heard of similar stories in the past and how cute animals always get rocketed to the forefront of conservation efforts because people care more about "cute" animals. The reality is that we should be supporting species that have an inherent impact that cant be supplemented by human integration.
Scoop.it!
From
news
In the village of Costa de San Juan, mangroves still dominate the landscape. Located on the shores of the Alvarado Lagoon System in Mexico, village homes sit on the edge of water channels, and residents use canoes to get around. The village’s inhabitants, numbering fewer than 100 people, learned from their grandparents how to fish […]
Michelle Paramo's insight:
Through their work, the forest fishers have gained recognition and support from governmental agencies, researchers, and environmental organizations. The article emphasizes the importance of empowering local communities and providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge to continue their conservation efforts effectively.
Maria Medrano's comment,
May 5, 4:58 AM
The best way to preserve these areas is to make the locals want to protect these areas as well as educating them on how to properly do it
Scoop.it!
From
urdupresss
Within the 45,000 sq.mile Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater remedy crops, and concrete and agricultural...
Selene Lopez's insight:
The Chesapeake Bay, the US's largest estuary, is suffering from pollution caused by wastewater treatment plants and agricultural run-off, leading to dead zones that suffocate marine life. Despite clean-up efforts, the problem is compounded by climate change, with increased rainfall and warmer water temperatures exacerbating the issue. The heavy polluters in the bay's watershed include factories, water treatment plants, and large farms. The pollution has caused a rapid decline in fish populations, with some charter boat captains concerned about the viability of their businesses.
Haley Langness's comment,
May 5, 4:45 PM
It is really sad to see that the decline of the Chesapeake bay and the effects it is having on people that depend on the bay for income. Hopefully with these people reaching out there can be some more protections put into place to save the bay and the businesses that depend on it.
Scoop.it!
As the cliffside habitats of the gull come under increasing pressure, artificial nest sites are being built to help the gulls adapt
Max Gomez's insight:
Kittiwakes are listed on the ICUN's red list, with a reported 40% of their populations decreasing since 1970s. Factors such as climate change, offshore windfarms, and lack of prey from overfishing, have led to their decline and the implementation of these artificial nesting sites can help increase their numbers. The "hotels" can house about 430 pairs of birds and are constructed to similar elevation on areas that emulate the birds conventional cliff habitats.
Michelle Paramo's comment,
May 4, 2:18 AM
I think this is important because this initiative lies in the conservation of the kittiwake population. By creating artificial nesting sites the bird hotels help to slow the impact of habitat loss and provide a lifeline for these vulnerable birds. Additionally, the successful establishment of breeding colonies contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.
Scoop.it!
Before you reach for the weed killer, spare a thought for struggling pollinators.
LilKim's insight:
This article goes into the positives of dandelions and their benefits. They help bee populations grow and essentially grow anywhere. They are non-native to CA, but there are not considered invasive and do little harm to the environment. Not only are they good for bees, but the leaves can be eaten and used in salads. Some scientists say that dandelions are not the best for bees but the article argues that it will give the bees enough to survive as the rest of the plants they feed are diminishing.
rosario.amado047@myci.csuci.edu's comment,
May 3, 12:29 PM
Great post about Dandelions! I will not use weed killers on them in the backyard now. I thought it was interesting there are conflicting views on bees using them/not using them and I hope more research is done to figure out what’s best for them!
Max Gomez's comment,
May 3, 3:53 PM
I didn't know dandelions were a type of weed, even the less the diet facts for a bee. I think "maintained" lawns are overrated, especially when the conventional appearance is kept up; pure grass. Since bees are gradually declining it would be best to swap out conventional grasses with more pollinator friendly flowers to promote the growth and health of bee populations
Scoop.it!
From
www
Environmental groups are suing the Federal Aviation Administration in federal court over SpaceX's launch of its massive Starship rocket last month. The groups argue that the agency failed to adequately investigate the potential harm the launch -- or a mishap -- could do to the surrounding environment.
Haley Langness's insight:
Environmental groups are suing the FFA due to the fail space launch and the impacts that the debris are having on the surrounding areas. They claim that some of the debris fell into a place where an endangered ocelot lives. The group homes by suing the FFA they will take more steps in the future into looking at the effects of these launches on the environment.
Scoop.it!
From
news
In 1995, when Colombia protected the island of Malpelo by setting up the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, the area had a recorded 43 species of crustaceans, six species of starfish, and 70 species of fish. These figures, the only ones available, were from 1972, when the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute led its first expedition […] Via Grant W. Graves
Scoop.it!
From
www
A news story on the discovery of a new native British beetle, Pogonocherus caroli, found in ancient Scottish pine forests
Daniela Morales's insight:
Dr. Martin Rejzek, a research assistant in biological chemistry at the John Innes Center in Norwich has identified a new native British beetle; Pogonocherus caroli, living in ancient Scottish pine forests. The adult beetles hatch in late summer or autumn but are collected by entomologists in Scotland in June and July. According to the article, the beetle has specific habitat requirements so its discovery puts the biodiversity seal of approval on these forests.
Marisol Sandoval's comment,
May 1, 3:02 PM
This is so interesting, it's always exciting to see new species being discovered.
Izabelle Ruehlman's comment,
May 1, 4:45 PM
beetles are the most diverse group of animals on the plant, Im not surprised more and more species of beetles pop up all the time, there are probably so many more hiding out there we have no discovered yet. None the less such a fun article. A nice change of pace from the regular doom and gloom of the world today.
Scoop.it!
Fifteen funders have committed $102.5 million over the next five years to support Indigenous-led restoration and conservation projects in the United States. This is occurring through the Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) and Biodiversity Funders Group (BFG) recently launched Tribal Nations Conservation Pledge. Launched in March, the pledge calls on foundations and philanthropists to allocate […]
Analisa M's insight:
The U.S only provides $5-6 million in total to give to 574 indigenous groups for conservation per year. Last year, they hoped to get a bill passed for $97.5 million to share amongst themselves but it expired. This March, the Native Americans in Philanthropy launched a fund which reached $102.5 million within 2 months. Hopefully the U.S. gives them more money in the future.
Caleb Klotzle's comment,
May 1, 12:24 PM
Funding and supporting indigenous led conservation is critical to restore and conserve habitats to their historical landscapes. Like we talked about in class, its hard to find a baseline for what a ecosystem should look like, but native tribes have long-standing histories that can be relied upon.
Scoop.it!
Leatherback turtles are predicted to lose half of their nesting habitat, on one beach studied.
LilKim's insight:
Sea levels rise due to global warming due to excess emissions being released causing breeding beaches to disappear. It is essential that these turtles breed close to the shore but when there are rising sea levels then the shoreline potentially disappears leaving sea turtles nowhere to breed. This leads to sea turtles becoming extinct and beautiful beaches disappearing. It is important to now take action before it is too late.
Jordy Ayala's comment,
May 2, 3:31 PM
I find this new development frightening. I am already aware of how vulnerable most species of sea turtles are already, particularly the leatherback, so it is difficult to hear that they now face another problem. I just hope they are able to recover as they are such beautiful creatures.
|
Scoop.it!
Research out of Scotland suggests that the chopping, shredding and washing of plastic in recycling facilities may turn as much as six to 13 percent of incoming waste into microplastics—tiny, toxic particles that are an emerging and ubiquitous environmental health concern for the planet and people. A team of four researchers measured and analyzed microplastics […]
Scoop.it!
From
www
Scientists and fly-fishers work to return the endangered Southern California steelhead to its native waters in Malibu Creek by removing invasive fish and an obsolete dam.
Scoop.it!
From
www
EPA News Release: EPA Releases Report Showing Health Impacts of Climate Change on Children in the United States
Scoop.it!
From
gizmodo
The groups say the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has failed to protect West Indian manatees.
Sophia Scipione's insight:
Several conservation organizations have united and declared their intention to file a lawsuit against a federal agency, alleging that it has not fulfilled its duty to safeguard West Indian manatees, which are big sea creatures found in Florida and the Caribbean. The manatees have recently experienced a decrease in population due to scarcity of food and loss of their living areas.
Scoop.it!
From
www
Obscuring the exact locations of animal and plant observations could lead to errors in scientific studies
Christian Geraldo's insight:
This article talks about the issues that have risen due to an app. the app in question being iNaturalist. iNaturalist is a great phone app that allows any person to take a picture of an animal they see and to learn its name and some information about an animal that lives in their area. The image that was taken also logs the location that it was taken giving scientists a great way to track the habitats of animals. A great tool for all to use. The app also allows people to see sightings of a specific animal. This is where issues begin to arise. There are many animals that are endangered or threatened that have their location obscured in hopes to prevent overexploitation. However, this is where the conflict arises. In the article, it is argued that not every creature that is endangered or threatened is overexploited and that those animals should not have their exact sights obscured. Although there are many helpful tools and ways to help with conservation, we must be careful that are actions won't be taken advantage of by those who wish to gain from hunting or selling these animals.
Scoop.it!
From
news
Across Hawai’i’s sprawling islands of towering tree ferns in the wet mountains to the night-blooming maiapilo flower on the coasts, down to the vibrant lionfish in the seas, an Indigenous stewardship and conservation system, known as ahupua’a, is being revived. The traditional system divides the islands into long wedges running from the mountaintops down into […]
Eddie Velasquez's insight:
Three Indigenous communities that have successfully reintroduced the ahupua’a system are seeing some conservation successes, such as a 310% increase in the biomass of surgeonfish and an increase in the Bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis) population
Scoop.it!
Conservationists in the Brazilian Amazon are using a new tool to predict the next sites of deforestation – and it may prove a gamechanger in the war on logging
rosario.amado047@myci.csuci.edu's insight:
AI is a big topic right now, it’s changing the way we perform and may even be a contender of predicting. Brazil is at risk for a huge deforestation as it stands now but the AI is predicting it will be entirely flatland.
Scoop.it!
Sixty of the keystone species released near Bordeaux to feast on waste from wild cattle and help restore a vital habitat on the Atlantic coast
Jordy Ayala's insight:
This article discusses a new effort that is being done in France. It is reintroducing 60 dung beetles to a nature reserve filled with cows. The purpose of this effort is to revitalize the environment. The dung beetles will be able to recycle the nutrients left behind by cowpats, and return to being a keystone species.
Scoop.it!
The $2.2 million in funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with funding leveraged by the Inflation Reduction Act. It aims to bring back species across an entire coastal landscape – fr…
Kailey Cook's insight:
More than 90% of California’s wetlands have disappeared over the past century. Tidal marshes are a key part of the ecosystem. The Elkhorn Slough is home to over 340 bird species, 550 marine invertebrates, and 100 fish species. It’s great news to see conservation efforts being made for the betterment of organisms such as these!
Analisa M's comment,
May 1, 10:29 PM
I am glad that NOAA is restoring the Elkhorn Slough since there is so much diversity and life there. Hopefully other people can see this and take action to restore other places. It is very important to keep all the diversity alive.
Scoop.it!
From
news
The Polynesian tree snail, a tiny mollusk about the size of an aspirin pill, used to be found in abundance on Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. But about 30 years ago, the little snail was eaten out of existence by two larger snails — the giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) and the rosy […]
Marisol Sandoval's insight:
Good news, Tahitian tree snails have been successfully reintroduced to the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. The snails were bred in captivity and released into a protected forest, where they will play a critical role in restoring the ecosystem.
Kailey Cook's comment,
May 1, 7:08 PM
That’s amazing! Thankfully these snails weren’t fully extinct and were able to make a comeback due to conservation efforts. Hopefully this can also happen for other species which are on the brink of extinction before it’s too late
Scoop.it!
From
news
Between 2019 and 2021, swarms of desert locusts̨ swept across the Horn of Africa and East Africa. In response, the worst-affected countries, Kenya and Ethiopia, sprayed millions of hectares of cropland and pastures with chemical pesticides. A new study now finds the chemical spraying coincided with a steep decline in honey production in Ethiopia. Co-author […]
Caleb Klotzle's insight:
Chemical pesticides often have unintended effects that can be extremely detrimental to wildlife and ecosystems broadly. Highlighted in the article, biopesticides offer a more sustainable approach compared to organophosphate pesticides. Locust watch organizations that broadcast early warnings to alert stakeholders of swarms are severely underfunded, which likely caused this massive swarm to occur.
Daniela Morales's comment,
May 1, 1:12 PM
These toxic chemicals cause harmful effects on the environment and human health that pose a severe threat on proportions and influence the steep decline in different species as mentioned. The unfortunate reality is that no matter how many chemical pesticides are banned for good reason it won’t stop people from using them but hopefully more awareness on the severity of the problems it causes will adhere to more people and stop it.
Scoop.it!
The 30th edition of the ‘Green Oscars’ was held at the Royal Geographical Society in London this week
Eddie Velasquez's insight:
This article shows pictures of individuals that are being recognized for their conservation efforts all around the world. The amazing collection of photos demonstrates how powerful we can be even with the limited resources at hand.
|
