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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
Call to help save rare skate - Scottish
Association for Marine Science Scientists are calling on Scotland’s anglers to help save one of the
largest and rarest creatures in British waters.
Skate
can be identified by examining the distinctive spot patterns on their
backs and studying their movements (Scottish Association for Marine
Science) The common or flapper skate can grow more than 2m in length and weigh
more than 90kg but despite its name, the fish is classified as
critically endangered - making it more at risk of extinction than the
giant panda. Anglers throughout Scotland are being encouraged by Scottish Natural
Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) to
send any photographs of common skate to Skatespotter, a new online
catalogue launching today. The project aims to help conserve this remarkable diamond-shaped
species through identifying individual fish by the distinctive spot
patterns on their backs and studying their movements. Dr Jane Dodd, Marine Operations Officer at SNH, said: “We’re
launching Skatespotter with more than 1,500 images of nearly 800
individual flapper skate, taken by volunteer anglers in the Loch Sunart
to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA). This MPA has a healthy
population of the endangered fish, which made it easier to collect
photographs, and anglers have been fundamental in providing the data to
designate the area as an MPA – but to understand skate movements and
populations we want to see anglers’ photographs of skate from all over
Scotland.” Common skate have been listed as critically endangered since 2006 as
a result of overfishing. In 2009 it became illegal to land skate in most
of Europe which means any skate caught as bycatch should be released
unharmed. All angling for this species in Scotland is on a “catch and release”
basis. Recapturing previously identified skate suggests there is no harm
to the fish when released. However, common skate are still at risk from
unintentional capture in mobile gear such as trawls and dredges.
UK National Parks Volunteer Awards Announce Inspiring Winners
– National Parks UK The UK’s 15 National Parks are delighted to announce the winners of
the National Park Volunteer Awards 2018, sponsored by Columbia
Sportswear. The awards were given out on stage at the Kendal Mountain
Festival and recognised the outstanding contribution that volunteers
make
in helping to care for National Park landscapes and inspiring others to
safeguard them for future generations to experience and enjoy. Winners
were presented with their Award on stage in the lively ‘basecamp’ area
of the Kendal Mountain Festival, and had a chance to talk to the
audience about what volunteering means to them. Osian Wilson and Katherine Clarke from the Peak District National
Park accept the Young Person's Award (National Parks UK) There were four categories of award: individuals, young people,
groups and projects. The judging panel this year was made up of the
volunteer coordinators from all of the National Parks and they made the
following statement: “We’d like to congratulate the four fantastic
winners and we would like to thank everyone who is volunteering to help
our staff look after National Parks! Judging these awards is a humbling
experience as it gives us the opportunity to learn about so many people
and projects that are making an immense contribution to the 15 National
Parks across the UK. It was a difficult choice this year as there were
so many inspiring entries.” Lord Gardiner, the UK Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity, is
keen to encourage volunteering in the National Parks and said: “I would
like to congratulate all those nominated, and commend the winners on
these well-deserved awards. The dedication and hard work of volunteers
is what makes our National Parks the inspiring places they are
today.National Parks play a key role in conserving exceptional parts of
our beautiful countryside and enabling communities, people and
businesses to prosper and grow. Through our ongoing designated
landscapes review, we want to ensure these vital areas are protected and
enhanced for future generations. Volunteers of all generations do so
much to make a positive difference, long may that continue.”
Frogs breed young to beat virus – University
of Exeter Frogs from groups exposed to a deadly virus are breeding at younger
ages, new research suggests. Scientists studying European common frogs in the UK compared groups (“populations”) exposed to ranavirus and those free from the disease. European common frogs. Image courtesy of Lewis Campbell While the youngest breeding frogs in disease-free populations are
four years old, frogs in virus-exposed groups breed as young as two. The reasons for this are not yet clear, but the team – led by
researchers from the University of Exeter and ZSL’s (Zoological Society
of London) Institute of Zoology – warn that this decrease in breeding
age means disease-exposed populations are at greater risk of local
extinction sparked by environmental changes. Frogs gather at breeding spots such as ponds and then disperse, but
most return to the same ponds year after year. “Our research shows that the ages of the frogs that return to breed
varies between populations which are known to have ranavirus and those
which don’t,” said Dr Lewis Campbell, who conducted the research during
his PhD at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall. “We
found significantly fewer old frogs and significantly more young frogs
at populations which have ranavirus. It’s possible that the more times
an older frog returns to the same infected breeding pond, the more
likely they are to become diseased and die. The absence of older frogs
may then create an opportunity for younger – and therefore smaller and
less competitive – frogs to successfully breed. With high mortality
among older frogs, it’s also possible that natural selection pressure
has favoured those that are genetically disposed to breed younger.” Launching
today a new campaign: Thinking Outside the Box aiming at increasing
awareness of the potential impact on local native species by exotic
pets. The two may seem far removed but it's becoming increasingly
obvious that exotic pets, especially amphibians and reptiles, can expose
native species to new virus and fungal diseases and can even cause local
mass mortalities. This campaign has been designed to improve
awareness and education in terms of biosafety for the benefit of public
health and nature conservation. In the last decade, there is been a dramatic decline in amphibian and
reptile populations in Europe. Many studies reveal that viral, fungal
and fungal-like diseases are responsible for these mass mortalities.
Human activities such as pet trade (both legal and illegal trade),
research and tourism play an important role in the spread of these
diseases. Pet owners, with particular attention to reptiles and amphibians,
spend high amounts of money in pet care. On the other hand, exotic pets
may carry diseases, and these diseases can be spread accidentally
(escapes) and voluntary (releases) becoming the main reasons to the
reduction of European reptile and amphibian species populations. Thus,
two very different realities coexist; the attention and care paid to
pets, whereas the local species are declining as a result of the latter. Cross contamination can happen so easily, not just through escapes
but disposal of vivarium substrate into waste destined for landfill or
the water from your tropical fish tank (which may have frogs in it) into
the general sewer system both of which risk exposing the natural
environment. Researchers are not exempt either the Campaign Team are
highlighting the risk of contaminated research equipment. It's
been shown that African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) which is
often used in research projects can carry the Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis fungus which has caused mass mortalities of Common toad (Bufo
bufo) in Europe; simple use of the same dip nets or holding tanks
is all it takes and remember to clean and disinfect your boots
and car tyres too!
The campaign website went live this morning, find out more:
http://unboxingdiseases.eu/
Annual
‘swanfall’ begins as Slimbridge welcomes over 50 migratory Bewick’s swans
– WWT The annual ‘swanfall’ at WWT Slimbridge has kicked off with a flurry
of Bewick’s swans checking in for the winter. (image: WWT) A total of 51 birds completed the final leg of their migration during
the recent crisp nights. They join Indri, the first of the Bewick’s to
arrive at the reserve, who appeared in October with the first cold snap
of the season. Among the wild winter visitors is old timer Croupier, aged 27, the
leader of one of the biggest Bewick’s swan families ever studied. The
‘cobfather’ was sadly minus his long-term partner, Dealer, who is mum to
29 cygnets that they have brought back together over the years. Swan Research Assistant Steve Heaven helps conserve the Bewick’s
swans, which have been in decline in Northwest Europe since the 1990s.
He said: “The arrival of lots of Bewick’s swans is a traditional
harbinger of cold weather and it feels truly wintry here at WWT
Slimbridge with chilly, clear days and more and more migratory birds
crowding onto the lake at dusk. It’s always a fantastic spectacle over
the Christmas period. Sadly, there’s a serious side and the number of
Bewick’s swans in Europe has dropped by over a third. However everyone
who visits us is supporting the conservation of these beautiful wild
birds. We’d also like to thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as
their support will allow Indri, Croupier and their friends to rest
comfortably at the reserve through the cold months.”
With 15% of terrestrial and 7% of marine areas now protected, world on
track to meet conservation targets
– UN Environment
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 19 November 2018 - Around 15% of the world’s
terrestrial area is better safeguarded by conservation measures, as well
as over 7% of the world’s oceans, ensuring the world is on track to meet
important conservation targets, according to the latest Protected
Planet Report. “The continued growth in protected areas around the
world is essential for the future of biodiversity,” said Neville Ash,
Director of United Nations Environment World Conservation Monitoring
Centre (UNEP-WCMC). “In particular, the great increases in protection of
the marine environment over the past two years will play a key role in
restoring the health of the ocean, and is thanks to a strong
collaboration between countries, Non-Governmental Organisations and
international organizations. We look forward to discussions this week at
the UN Biodiversity Summit further strengthening protection for nature,
as well as recognizing the need to ensure protected areas are well
resourced, and that wider action is taken to combat the multiple threats
faced by biodiversity in and beyond protected areas.” The Protected Planet Report, put forth by the UN Environment World
Conservation Monitoring Centre, the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN) and the National Geographic Society, reviews the
progress of Aichi Biodiversity Target 11, which aims for the effective
and equitable management of 17% of terrestrial and 10% of coastal and
marine areas by 2020.
Dramatic
change in seabirds’ winter food source -
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology The availability of a key prey for seabirds has changed dramatically
over the past three decades, particularly in winter, with possible
consequences for their population numbers, a new study has found. European shags on the Isle of May Picture: Gary
Howells In the first long-term study of its kind, led by the Centre for
Ecology & Hydrology, researchers looking at the diet of a North Sea
seabird, the European shag, found that the birds’ food source has
altered substantially throughout the year. In 1988, shags’ diets comprised almost 100 per cent sandeel, but by
2014 this had reduced to just 13 per cent, while the number of prey
types increased from six to 12, the study of regurgitated pellets
all-year-round over three decades at the Isle of May, Firth of Forth,
has found. Climate change may be an important mechanism driving the observed
patterns, since ocean warming is having pronounced impacts on fish
populations in the North Sea. The availability of prey and change in diet can affect seabirds’
survival rates and therefore populations because food is a key
determinant of their biology, affecting their general health and
condition plus the number of chicks they raise. As sandeel were
considered one of the most favourable prey types in the North Sea, the
increasing contribution of other fish to the diet may have important
implications for shags and other seabirds. Read the paper: Howells RJ, Burthe SJ,
Green J, Harris MP, Newell MA, Butler A, Wanless S, Daunt F (2018) Pronounced
long-term trends in year-round diet composition of the European shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Marine Biology.
DOI: 10.1007/s00227-018-3433-9
The RSPB demands governments stop talking and start acting to save
nature - RSPB Over half of British people (63%) want stronger laws to protect our
environment Seven out of ten British people (68%) would like to see an
independent body set up in their country to enforce environmental laws And, nine out of ten (88%) feel we have a shared responsibility to
protect our environment After more than a year of closed door meetings between environment
ministers, including a meeting this week, the RSPB is calling on the
governments of the UK to provide more details about their plans for what
leaving the EU will look like for our environment. Thus far there have
been positive words about the implications for nature – but few positive
actions. No one could deny that we all benefit from a healthy environment that
is rich in wildlife. According to a new YouGov survey for the RSPB, when
asked about the laws to protect our nature and wildlife 63% of people
want stronger legislation and safeguards. And this is something that we
can achieve in the next 12 months. Next year will be critical for our environment as the laws,
protections and targets are written and set by the governments of the
UK. As part of the Brexit process the UK will need to set out its laws
for ensuring the environment is healthy and vibrant for people and
wildlife. And, alongside that, they must overhaul our agriculture system
so that it
Unsustainable kelp dredging banned in Scotland
- Scottish Wildlife Trust The Trust has welcomed a vote in the Scottish Parliament today that
puts a stop to damaging plans to dredge thousands of tonnes of kelp from
Scotland’s seas each year.
Kelp
Forest © George Stoyle, SNH Bruce Wilson, Public Affairs Manager said: “Scotland’s kelp forests
are rightly protected as priority marine features. They are ecosystems
in their own right, providing nursery grounds for many fish, and shelter
for marine mammals including otters and seals. There is also growing
awareness of their importance as a store of blue carbon.
Nature heroes celebrated at Nature of Scotland awards ceremony
- RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage Kate Humble hosts presentation dinner announcing Nature of Scotland
Awards 2018 winners With all eyes on the future of our nature and wildlife, RSPB Scotland
celebrated some of the country’s nature heroes at their annual Nature of
Scotland Awards presentation dinner last night (Thursday 22 November)
with co-sponsor Scottish Natural Heritage. The evening was a celebration of the passionate and dedicated people
fighting to save Scotland’s wildlife and our unique and special places. This is the full list of winners:
Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement
Award for his work as a naturalist, conservationist, author, and
educator.
Environmental charities receive over £2.2 million from businesses which
broke environmental laws - Environment Agency Environmental charities and projects will benefit from more than £2.2
million in payments thanks to enforcement undertakings agreed with the
Environment Agency. Companies and individuals will make the payments for environmental
offences including pollution of rivers or the sea, not meeting permit
conditions or not taking reasonable steps to recover packaging waste. A total of 15 charities and projects will benefit from the
£2,223,121.54 with the money to be spent by local groups on projects
that benefit the environment including cleaning up and enhancing parks,
rivers and beaches. As well as making a payment to an appropriate charity or project,
these companies have accepted liability, demonstrated restoration of
harm and will make improvements to avoid future offences. Peter Kellett Director of Legal Services from the Environment Agency
said: "When companies damage the environment whether it is through
polluting our waters or breaching permit conditions, we will take
enforcement action against them including civil sanctions. We take these
environmental incidents very seriously and these payments of more than
£2.2 million direct to charities will help them carry out vital projects
to improve our environment right across England. Ellie Brodie, Senior Policy Manager, The Wildlife Trusts said:
"Obviously, we would have been happier if these incidents hadn’t
occurred at all. However, it’s a good principle that polluters should
offer redress for the damage they cause. The money will enable work
which will benefit wildlife and wild places, and which otherwise
wouldn’t be funded. We hope these payments serve as a reminder to
business of its responsibility towards a clean and healthy environment;
and also have a deterrent effect as it’s clearly cheaper to do things
cleanly, rather than risk creating pollution." Details of some of the payouts: Wessex Water has offered to pay £975,000 to achieve equivalent
environmental benefits following a series of sewage spills in Swanage
Bay, Dorset.
Image:
Swanage Bay, Dorset (Environment Agency) More than 142,000 cubic metres of sewage was discharged into the sea
during illegal spills in 2016 and 2017. The windfall will be used to
fund environmental improvements in and around the coastal town of
Swanage. The package offered by Wessex Water, the highest ever in the UK,
includes £400,000 towards a local authority flood defence scheme in
Swanage, £400,000 to Dorset Waste Partnership to fund the development of
a doorstep recycling service for domestic fat, oil and grease, £100,000
towards the Dorset Litter Free Coast and Sea Project, £75,000 to the
Durlston Country Park and Nature Reserve. The company also offered £25,000 compensation to Swanage RNLI Lifeboat Station as an impacted third party, taking the total pay-out to £1 million.
Campaign to cut plastics around the coast gets boost thanks to
Environment Agency Firm agrees to pay nearly £25,000 to the Marine Conservation Society
following breaches A campaign aimed at reducing waste pollution in our oceans and on
beaches has been given a boost of more than £24,000 after the
Environment Agency accepted an enforcement undertaking from a group of
companies for failing to comply with waste and recycling regulations. See the full list of Enforcement Undertakings. Scientific Publications Cacabelos E, Thompson RC, Prestes ACL, Azevedo JMN, Neto AI, Martins
GM.
Patchiness in habitat distribution can enhance biological diversity of
coastal engineering structures. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst.
2018;1–9. Doi:10.1002/aqc.2972 Hass AL, Brachmann L, Batáry P, Clough Y, Behling H, Tscharntke T.
Maize- dominated landscapes reduce bumblebee colony growth through
pollen diversity loss. J Appl Ecol. 2018;00:1–11. Doi:
10.1111/1365-2664.13296 (open access)
Pavón-Jordán, D. et al (2018) Habitat-
and species-mediated short- and long-term distributional changes in
waterbird abundance linked to variation in European winter weather.
Diversity & Distributions. DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12855
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