Yesterday we talked about bringing things back from the verge of extinction. Today the subject is just how much remains to be learned about life and death in the ocean depths. The tragedy of the April,1912 wreck of the RMS Titanic is too well known to need much discussion here. However, scientists have been puzzledContinue reading “New Deep Sea “Fountain of Life” Discovered Near Titanic Wreck; New “Death Zone” Discovered As Well”
Monthly Archives: October 2022
Back From The Brink: Intensive Efforts Are Saving The Iberian Lynx
Lynx are a family of four medium sized feline predators occupying North America and Eurasia. Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, bobcats and Iberian lynx make up the family. The cats all weigh in around 30 pounds except for the Eurasian lynx which can reach 80 pounds. Until recently the Iberian lynx ( lynx pardinus)was on theContinue reading “Back From The Brink: Intensive Efforts Are Saving The Iberian Lynx”
“Extinct” Australian Cockroach Found On Lord Howe Island; Helps Put Spotlight On Eradication Efforts Against Invasive Species
Extinction and “De-Extinction” have been in the news lately. Hardly surprising since some estimates suggest more than 99 percent of all the species that have ever lived have gone extinct. That level of disappearance is the “background” level of extinction. The United Nations believes the situation is worse today estimating that 200 species of livingContinue reading ““Extinct” Australian Cockroach Found On Lord Howe Island; Helps Put Spotlight On Eradication Efforts Against Invasive Species”
“Pink Meanie”: A New Species Of Large Stinging Jellyfish Is Washing Up On Southern Beaches
Jellyfish are a nasty hazard of beachgoing. Scientists have recently discovered a new variety called “pink meanies.” Just what is a jellyfish anyway? According tp Brittanica they are marine inverterbrates that float in all the world’s oceans. They can be very small or up to about two feet across. Some just extract nutrients from seaContinue reading ““Pink Meanie”: A New Species Of Large Stinging Jellyfish Is Washing Up On Southern Beaches”
Are Australian Feral Cats Getting Bigger? Cat Caught On Tape Suggests That Is So. But Scepticism Is Needed
Australia is plagued by invasive species, and the common housecat is one of the most damaging. Several million feral cats roam Australia. Cats are superb and merciless hunters and they are wreaking havoc on vulnerable ground dwelling birds, mammals and reptiles. One estimate puts the numbers of native wildlife killed annually in the millions. NowContinue reading “Are Australian Feral Cats Getting Bigger? Cat Caught On Tape Suggests That Is So. But Scepticism Is Needed”
CIA To Help Bankroll Efforts To Study Revival Of Currently Extinct Animals?’ Wooly Mammoths To Roam Again?
If you have been following our work you will know that advances in DNA and genetic science are holding out the tantalizing possibility of bringing extinct species back to life. That effort may have attracted funding from America’s intelligence community. We have reported frequently about current efforts to revive the Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine) and weContinue reading “CIA To Help Bankroll Efforts To Study Revival Of Currently Extinct Animals?’ Wooly Mammoths To Roam Again?”
Wolf Haters Strike Again: Wolves Poisoned, Killed In Washington State
It is an ancient hatred, at odds with modern science and findings. Some people simply hate wolves and will destroy them any way they can. The latest example comes from Washington. Six wolves from the “Wedge” pack have been poisoned in Stevens County in northeastern Washington. According to the Washington Times rewards for capture ofContinue reading “Wolf Haters Strike Again: Wolves Poisoned, Killed In Washington State”
Cougars In The News: P-22 Takes A Stroll in Los Feliz; Boy Recovering From Attack In Santa Clarita; California Cats In Death Valley Are Starting To Eat Donkeys
Mountain lions are iconic apex predators in California. They are good at living close to humans and because they are so adept they are frequently in the news. Here are three recent stories showing the good and bad of mountain lion proximity. World famous P-22 is believed to be the cat recently spotted in aContinue reading “Cougars In The News: P-22 Takes A Stroll in Los Feliz; Boy Recovering From Attack In Santa Clarita; California Cats In Death Valley Are Starting To Eat Donkeys”
Mutant Frogs Spotted Near Site Of Chernobyl Nuclear Meltdown – Possible Adaptive Response To Radiation
Ukrainian wildlife has been in the news before and during the current war. It has been a very mixed bag of good news and war related misery. Just before hostilities broke out it was reported that the area surrounding the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear meltdown was teeming with life. Wolves, in particular were becoming abundant asContinue reading “Mutant Frogs Spotted Near Site Of Chernobyl Nuclear Meltdown – Possible Adaptive Response To Radiation”
Fierce and Fiesty Wolverines Chase Grizzly Bears In Grand Teton Mountains
Wolverines are one of the fiercest small to mid-size predators in the United States. Their reputation as such has been strong for centuries. The University of Michigan named its football team Wolverines and we can’t forget the Marvel character. But in the news are reports that a baker’s dozen of the beasts, top weight aboutContinue reading “Fierce and Fiesty Wolverines Chase Grizzly Bears In Grand Teton Mountains”