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A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.
World is ‘on notice’ as major UN report shows one million species face
extinction - United Nations A hard-hitting report into the impact of humans on nature shows that
nearly one million species risk becoming extinct within decades, while
current efforts to conserve the earth’s resources will likely fail
without radical action, UN biodiversity experts said on Monday (6 May) Speaking in Paris at the launch of the
Global Assessment study – the first such report since 2005 – UNESCO
Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that its findings put the world “on
notice”. “Following the adoption of this historic report, no one will be able
to claim that they did not know,” the head of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said. “We can no
longer continue to destroy the diversity of life. This is our
responsibility towards future generations.”
Highlighting
the universal importance of biodiversity – the diversity within species,
between species and of ecosystems – Ms. Azoulay said that protecting it
“is as vital as fighting climate change”. One in four species at risk of extinction On at-risk fauna and flora, the study asserts that human activities
“threaten more species now than ever before” – a finding based on the
fact that around 25 per cent of species in plant and animal groups are
vulnerable. This suggests that around one million species “already face
extinction, many within decades, unless action is taken to reduce the
intensity of drivers of biodiversity loss”. Without such measures there
will be a “further acceleration” in the global rate of species
extinction, which is already “at least tens to hundreds of times higher,
than it has averaged over the past 10 million years”, the report states. Crop security threatened long-term In addition, many crop wild relatives that are needed for long-term
food security “lack effective protection”, the report insists, while the
status of wild relatives of domesticated mammals and birds “is
worsening”. Marine pollution ‘has increased tenfold since 1980’ On the issue of pollution, although global trends are mixed, air,
water and soil pollution have continued to increase in some areas, the
report insists. “Marine plastic pollution in particular has increased
tenfold since 1980, affecting at least 267 species”, it says, including
86 per cent of marine turtles, 44 per cent of seabirds and 43 per cent
of marine mammals. The 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Services is also the first of its kind to examine and include indigenous
and local knowledge, issues and priorities, Intergovernmental
Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
said in a statement, noting that its mission is to strengthen
policy-making for the sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human
well-being and sustainable development.
IPBES Global Assessment Preview accessible here. Introducing IPBES' 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services First global biodiversity assessment since 2005 Response from
RSPB Scotland A new UN report, compiled by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy
Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, suggests around a
million species worldwide now face extinction within decades. Commenting on this Isobel Mercer, Senior Land Use Policy Officer at
RSPB Scotland said: “This new report makes clear that global ecological
breakdown is happening right now, and underlines the need to governments
to take action before it is too late. 56% of species in the UK have
declined since 1970. RSPB Scotland wants to see nature’s recovery made a
priority by government, and for Scotland to play a leading role in the
transformative global change needed. We welcome the First Minister’s
recent acknowledgement of a climate emergency and the growing public
awareness of the ongoing climate crisis. Response from SNH:
Major report on state of nature published Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “This is a major step forward
in understanding the state of nature globally, clearly showing how
nature and climate change are inseparable. A greater collective
endeavour to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 is vital.
The IPBES report shows that the pressures on nature are increasing. We
know that the loss of species and ecosystems is a global and
generational threat to human well-being. The Report also highlights
that it is not too late, and that decisive action now to protect and
restore nature can help to reverse the loss of biodiversity. It is also
clear that enhancing and protecting our nature is part of the solution
to the climate emergency. Response:
WWF Statement on IPBES report release Global Assessment report on state of nature offers irrefutable
evidence of nature loss emphasizing the urgent need for transformative
change The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Services’ (IPBES) launched a landmark Global Assessment Report providing
persuasive evidence on the rapid deterioration of nature and its
contributions to people across the world. The
report which overlaps with the G7
environment ministers meeting in Metz, Paris, is a wake-up call to
policy makers and businesses to take decisive action stressing on an
urgent need for a new deal for nature and people by 2020. The 1,800-page scientific study is the first comprehensive snapshot
of the state of the world’s biodiversity since 2005 with evidence
provided by 400 world’s leading experts from across 50 countries.
Echoing many of the findings of
WWF’s Living Planet Report published in 2018, it paints an alarming
picture of species extinctions, wildlife population declines, habitat
loss and depletion of ecosystem services crucial for our sustenance and
economic development. Response from James Hutton Institute Dr Helaina Black, leader of the James Hutton Institute’s Ecological
Sciences group, commented: “All countries around the world have shared
responsibility for maintaining and exacerbating biodiversity losses, but
for very different reasons. We are tackling a crisis that was started
many generations ago and which has only increased in severity through
the decades as agricultural production intensified, native habitat
clearing expanded and industrial pollution increased. “This makes the challenge of tackling biodiversity loss two-fold –
what can we do now to stop further losses from current practices and
what can be done to restore habitats degraded by what has happened in
the past. Equally the crises that we face with biodiversity and climate
change are inseparable. The causes are the same and the solutions need
to be shared – they are all about the actions of people.” BES response to the
IPBES biodiversity report: This matters The British Ecological Society welcomes the publication of a
definitive assessment of the state of nature published today by IPBES,
the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services. Professor Richard Bardgett, President of the British Ecological
Society, said: “The report lays out the scale and magnitude of the
crisis we are facing. The weight of evidence of species and habitat
loss, the breadth of expertise, and the number of countries agreeing the
text makes the IPBES assessment impossible to ignore. The IPBES report
makes it abundantly clear what will happen to the natural world if we
continue as we are. This matters – not only for conserving the nature we
see around us, but also for maintaining and increasing our own wellbeing
and prosperity. Biodiversity and thriving ecosystems are critical for
sustaining the natural resources on which our economy depends." Related
An overwhelming majority of Europeans are concerned about the loss of
biodiversity and support stronger EU action to protect nature
- European Commission (pdf) According to a new survey, Europeans are increasingly concerned about
the state of the natural world. In an overwhelming consensus, 96 % of
the more than 27.000 interviewed citizens said that we have a
responsibility to protect nature and that this is also essential for
tackling climate change. The Eurobarometer survey reveals awareness is generally increasing on
the meaning of biodiversity, its importance, threats and measures to
protect it. Citizens' opinions are in line with the goals of the EU
biodiversity strategy to 2020 that aims to halt the loss of biodiversity
and ecosystem service, and with the objectives of the EU Birds and
Habitats Directives, that form the backbone of the EU's policy to
protect nature. The Eurobarometer survey comes ahead of the first global
assessment of the state of nature and humanity's place in it, launched
by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services (IPBES) later today. The main elements of the new Biodiversity Eurobarometer survey
include:
See the Eurobarometer survey here. The rest of today's news
Call for evidence on decision to revoke general licences for the
management of certain wild birds Defra launches call for evidence on impact of Natural England’s decision to revoke three general licences for the management of certain wild birds. The chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, and Environment Secretary
have
exchanged letters this morning on General Licencing decision making
powers. The Environment Secretary has set out that he considers it
appropriate to take over ultimate decision making powers for general
licences, recognising the scale of interest and concern that has been
generated by the decision to revoke and because of the intensity and
urgency of the present situation. Defra has today (4 May) initiated a
formal evidence gathering exercise in order to capture information
from all concerned parties about the impact that the recent withdrawal
of the three general licences (GL04, GL05 & GL06) on 25 April has had on
the ground. In particular we want to gain a clear understanding of the
implications for the protection of wild birds, and the impacts on crops,
livestock, wildlife, disease, human health and safety and wider nature
conservation efforts. defra / Natural England Open consultation: Use of general licences for the management of certain wild birds: a call for evidence Consultation description The evidence gathered from this, along with the information that
Defra and Natural England have already received since 25 April, will
inform our future approach in order to get back to a satisfactory
situation. The closing date for providing views and evidence is 5pm on Monday 13
May 2019.
Dormouse habitat connected in Wensleydale -
Yorkshire Dales National Park Nearly half a mile of hedgerows has been planted in Wensleydale to
help expand the territory of one of the UK’s most endangered mammals,
the hazel dormouse. The new hedgerows create a ‘highway’ for dormice to move between
areas of woodland. Dormice had become extinct in Yorkshire
and much of the country, but after reintroductions in 2008 and 2016 have
regained a foothold in mid-Wensleydale. The hedgerow planting (a total of 750 metres) was part of a
three-year project – now entering its last year – supported by grants of
£75,000 from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and nearly
£48,000 from Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. The project contributes to the new National Park Management Plan
2019-2024 objective C2 ‘to achieve…increasing populations for 90% of
priority species’. Ian White, Dormouse and Training Officer at PTES says: “Dormice have
declined in the UK by 38% since the year 2000 due mainly to a lack of
woodland management and a loss of hedgerows. The project to restore
hazel dormice to Wensleydale, where we know they were a hundred years
ago, has been a great success. Hedge planting and better woodland
management should help to ensure they can remain in this area of
Yorkshire for at least the next hundred years.” For pictures and the full story please
see our latest blog.
Conservation campaign works to save cricket’s summer song
- South Downs National Park The South Downs remains the last bastion in the UK for the iconic
Field Cricket, whose “cheep, cheep, cheep” is the quintessential sound
of summer. Now conservation groups have joined forces to save one of England’s
most threatened species from extinction. A task force, working under special licence, have been carefully
capturing and then transferring small numbers of male and female pairs
to new heathland sites, an extremely special habitat that is even rarer
than the rainforest. There are currently six colonies across heathland sites in Sussex,
Surrey and Hampshire and it is hoped that the rehoming efforts will
allow new colonies to thrive at other protected locations. It’s a far cry from 30 years ago when the species was isolated to
just one site of 100 field crickets in West Sussex. Despite a remarkable
comeback largely thanks to volunteers – working in association with
local landowners, the Natural England Species Recovery Project, London
Zoo, the RSPB and the Back from the Brink project – the Field Cricket
remains one of the most threatened insects in the UK and setting up new
colonies is vital for its long-term survival. Two translocation days took place as volunteers and staff from
partner organisations carried out “tickling”, a delicate exercise where
the creatures are tempted to leave their burrows and can be carefully
captured. The rehoming exercise was successful and scientists will now be
carefully monitoring the progress of new colonies.
Ash dieback is predicted to cost £15 billion in Britain
- Woodland Trust A team of researchers from the University of Oxford, Fera Science,
Sylva Foundation and the Woodland Trust has calculated the true economic
cost of ash dieback – and the predictions, published today in Current
Biology, are staggering: The total cost of ash dieback to the UK is estimated to be £15
billion Half of this (£7 billion) will be over the next 10 years The total cost is 50 times larger than the annual value of trade in
live plants to and from Britain, which is the most important route by
which invasive plant diseases enter the country There are 47 other known tree pests and diseases that could arrive in
Britain and which may cost an additional £1 billion or more
The predicted costs arise from clearing up dead and dying trees and
in lost benefits provided by trees, e.g. water and air purification and
carbon sequestration. The loss of these services is expected to be the
biggest cost to society, while millions of ash trees also line Britain’s
roads and urban areas, and clearing up dangerous trees will cost
billions of pounds.
Ash
dieback is expected to kill up to 99% of Britain's ash trees (Photo:
Phil Lockwood/WTML) The scientists say that the total cost could be reduced by replanting
lost ash trees with other native trees, but curing or halting the
disease is not possible. They advise that the government’s focus now has
to be on preventing introductions of other non-native diseases to
protect our remaining tree species. Recommendations
Estuary wildlife of the River Tees gets increased protection
- Natural England Natural England has confirmed Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast as a new
Site of Special Scientific Interest to protect the wildlife of the Tees
Estuary. Natural England is celebrating the decades of work by industry and
nature conservationists to restore the wildlife of the Tees Estuary by
confirming the notification of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Site of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Today’s announcement will ensure that the amazing wildlife of the
Tees Estuary has a secure future and will make a strong contribution to
the ‘blue belt’ of marine protected areas around England. The Tees Estuary is a unique environment where industrial facilities
share the landscape with a wide range of coastal habitats which teem
with wildlife. There
were previously seven SSSIs protecting parts of the Tees Estuary, which
have now been merged and expanded into a single, landscape-scale SSSI,
totaling nearly 3000 hectares (or 12 square miles). The newly enlarged
SSSI will provide clarity for developers and other stakeholders
regarding the environmental assets of the site, thereby contributing to
sustainable development of this key area for the national economy.
The extensions have more than doubled the area of SSSI in the Tees
Estuary. Additional areas of sand-dune, saltmarsh, mudflat, grassland,
lagoons and estuarial waters are protected, along with the populations
of breeding and wintering birds, the iconic population of harbour seals
and sand-dune invertebrates. Given its location close to the urban centres of Hartlepool,
Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar, the importance of this area for
people is integral to our work with partners. The designation will
ensure that local communities continue to have this amazing natural
resource available as part of their daily lives.
Farne Island puffins to be monitored annually in an attempt to stop the
global decline in numbers - National Trust The National Trust is changing its five-yearly puffin census on the
Farne Islands to an annual count amid fears climate change is having an
adverse effect on sources of food and puffin numbers. After 50 years of carrying out the survey, the conservation charity
has decided to monitor the threatened seabirds more closely due to a
downward trend in global numbers and worries about the reduction in
quality and abundance of its preferred food source, the sandeel, and
more frequent storms.
Atlantic puffins have traditionally done well on the Farnes thanks to
the work of the rangers, increasing protection of the marine areas
around the islands, a lack of ground predators and the availability of
suitable nesting areas. The 2018 results revealed that puffin numbers are currently stable,
increasing by around nine percent since 2013, from 39,962 to 43,956
pairs of birds. But the international picture for Atlantic puffins, with huge drops
in numbers in more northerly populations due to a shortage of their
preferred food source, sandeels, is one of decline. Tom Hendry, one of the 11-strong National Trust ranger team on the
Farne Islands says: “Sandeel populations in the North Sea are being
affected by two things; overfishing and climate change - with rising sea
temperatures. These factors are driving the good quality plankton
which sandeels feed on further north, resulting in a poorer quality of
plankton in this area for sandeels to feed upon. The risk is that these
pressures together with overfishing will eventually ‘squeeze’ the Farnes
population, with more and more birds having to travel further for rich
feeding grounds. This means they’re more vulnerable to the
increasing frequency of winter storms, whilst out at sea.” EU residents fear that member states will undermine the ban on
bee-killing neonicotinoids by opening door to harmful pesticides. Tomorrow beekeepers and environmental groups will gather outside
agriculture ministries across Europe to hand in a petition signed by
over 220,000 SumOfUs members, demanding that the European Commission
finally makes pesticide testing bee-friendly. These creative and visual
events, led by groups and individuals working directly with embattled
bees, aim to draw the attention of decision makers and compel them to
listen to citizens all across Europe. The events are taking place in
Berlin, Bucharest, Paris, Sofia, The Hague, London, Rome, Dublin, and
Riga. Invertebrate conservation charity Buglife will be taking the lead on
the London hand-in to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs.
Great new(t)s for North Wales - Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Trust Great crested newts are returning to a corner of north-east Wales,
thanks to a partnership between ARC and the housing developer Redrow. Surveys across six ponds at the 0.8ha White Lion Nature Reserve at
Penymynydd in Flintshire show a six-fold increase in our most protected
newt between 2014 and 2019. While the total so far is small – seven newts five years ago rising
to 30 at the last count – North Wales Officer Mandy Cartwright says the
signs are positive. “The newer ponds are maturing nicely and the newt population is
increasing steadily,” said Mandy. “We are delighted to join our partners
Redrow in celebrating the success of this development for wildlife, the
environment and local people.” Redrow’s 85-home Heritage Park development just over the Welsh border
enabled the partnership, providing ARC as a charity with sustainable
income to preserve native wildlife species and their habitats.
Eggs-citement at Bassenthwaite as new female osprey appears to have eggs
- RSPB Following an uncertain start to the season, the famous Bassenthwaite
ospreys have delighted staff, volunteers and visitors at the Lake
District Osprey Project (LDOP), as the new female is showing signs of
having laid eggs. The bird has been seen shuffling around on the nest – behaviour which
is an encouraging sign that she laid at least one egg, giving hope for a
successful 2019 season, following disappointment in 2018. Becky Read from the LDOP said: “Last year we had an interesting time
as our regular female of five years, known as ‘KL’ sadly didn’t return
to Bassenthwaite Lake. Our usual male, known as ‘Unring’ (due to the
fact he hasn’t got an identifying leg ring) came back but was without a
mate. Several female ospreys showed an interest, and he mated with one
female in particular, but unfortunately no eggs were laid. This year,
Unring has returned for his seventh season and it was unclear whether he
would find a partner. We were delighted when he was joined by a new,
unringed female and the pair have spent the past two weeks mating. With
this new female being an unknown osprey, we had no idea whether the pair
would produce any eggs this season, so we’re thrilled that we have seen
her displaying shuffling behaviour at the nest, which is a positive
indicator that she is sitting on at least one egg. We’re hoping it is
the start of another successful breeding season for the popular ospreys
of Bassenthwaite and we will be watching eagle-eyed, as the drama
unfolds.” Ospreys use sticks to build nests that are about the size of a double
bed and these are commonly made on special tree-top platforms which are
installed to encourage breeding. A number of these osprey platforms have
been erected in locations around Bassenthwaite Lake and it is the female
osprey who chooses the site. The new female has chosen to use a
different nest platform to the one used by the previous female ‘KL.’
National Bat Monitoring Programme Annual Report 2018
- Bat Conservation Trust The latest results of the National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP)
with data up to the end of September 2018 are now available.
Download the report here. Last year nearly 1,000 dedicated volunteer citizen scientists carried
out NBMP surveys at a total of 1,907 sites across the UK. The survey
results allow BCT to estimate population trends for 11 out of the 17
species of bat which breed in the UK. Unfortunately, at present we are
not able to produce population trends for some of the rarer and more
habitat-specialist bat species such as barbastelle or Bechstein’s bat as
they are difficult to monitor or rarely encountered. Results of the NBMP show that from the baseline year of monitoring
(1999 for most species) to 2018, GB populations of the 11 species of bat
surveyed appear to be stable or increasing. A few results need treating
with some caution and there are regional and/or country differences.
Species considered to have increased in Great Britain since the baseline
year of monitoring are greater horseshoe bat, lesser horseshoe bat,
Natterer’s bat and common pipistrelle, all of which often use buildings
to roosts in. Even though these are encouraging results, these trends reflect
relatively recent changes in bat populations. It is generally believed
that during the early 20th century there were significant declines in
bat populations. Possible drivers of the historical declines include
agricultural intensification, loss of roosting and foraging habitat,
persecution, pesticides including the use of toxic timber treatment
chemicals within roosts, water quality, declines in invertebrate prey
groups, development and land-use change and climate change.
The search is on for the most spectacular trees
- Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust is searching for the most loved, visually stunning
tree, with the most fascinating story, for Tree of the Year 2019.
Now
in its sixth year, Tree of the Year highlights and celebrates special
trees across the UK. A tree may be a village’s oldest inhabitant, a
founding figure in a region’s identity, or a landmark in the nation’s
story. Tree of the Year 2018 Nellie's Tree (Photo: Rob
Grange / WTML) If it’s phenomenal-looking too, then that’s even better! Any
individual, group or organisation can nominate a tree and share its
story at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear/ from
7 May 2019 until 19 July 2019. The entries will then be shortlisted by a
panel of independent experts before facing a public vote. It could be a majestic, knobbly, knotted centuries-old oak planted at
the time of the War of the Roses, that’s endured the ravages of time. It
might be a mighty beech tree grown from a seed planted by a child in the
field behind their house. Whatever the species, whatever the story, it’s
what sets it apart from the rest the Trust wants to hear. Last year’s English winner, Nellie’s Tree - three beech trees grafted
together into the shape of the letter ‘N’ – from Aberford near Leeds,
stole hearts with its century-old story of love and courtship. Nellie’s
Tree went on to represent the UK in the European contest based in
Brussels.
Scotland announces all-in DRS as MCS urges Gove and Welsh Government to
follow suit - Marine Conservation Society Environmental campaigners, including MCS, have today welcomed the
Scottish Government’s announcement of the scope of Scotland’s deposit
return system (DRS). Ministers have confirmed that glass, cans and some
plastic containers will be covered, but other plastics and materials
such as tetrapaks and pouches are not to be included initially. The
deposit will be set at 20p for all containers, and retailers of all
sizes will be paid by the system to accept returns.
(Image:
Marine Conservation Society) Calum Duncan, MCS Head of Conservation Scotland said: “Our beach
litter data highlights a shocking amount of glass items found on
Scotland’s beaches, an average of 78 pieces for every 100m of beach
surveyed during the Great British Beach Clean 2018. We are very pleased
with today’s announcement that the system will include glass, along with
some plastics and aluminium, and all sizes of those drinks containers. MCS CEO, Sandy Luk, has now urged Michael Gove to follow the example
set by Scotland today in designing an ambitious all-inclusive money-back
recycling system for bottles and cans. “The rest of the UK must follow
the Scottish Government’s lead to ensure we have the best systems in
place across the UK. We need to have compatible schemes so that there is
no confusion among consumers and so that we can increase recycling and
help reduce the tide of glass and plastic bottles and cans blighting our
shores and seas.”
Darwin Initiative: £8 million in twenty-fifth funding round for
international conservation projects - defra The latest round of funding from the government's Darwin Initiative
has been awarded to 32 new projects. Wild tulips, food security and coastal and forest habitat
conservation are at the heart of the 32 new international conservation
projects set to be awarded a share of £8.2 million from the UK
government’s Darwin
Initiative. Recent reports on international nature have put the issue of species
loss high on the nation’s agenda. Last week, the UN’s Intergovernmental
Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services report
showed nearly a million species are in danger of extinction and the
Darwin Initiative is part of the UK government’s response to this
emerging issue. This latest round of funding, the twenty-fifth
since the birth of the Darwin Initiative in 1992, is putting an emphasis
on nature and health and providing security of food supply to rural
communities in some of the most remote parts of the globe. Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: "Nature matters, and the
Darwin Initiative continues to support hundreds of projects that restore
and enhance wildlife and nature.
SOS for sea-life - UK Marine Strategy shows spectacular failure to
protect our seas - Wildlife and Countryside
Link Conservation and environment groups are highlighting the spectacular
failure of UK Governments to deliver on their collective promises to
keep our seas healthy and biologically diverse shown in the revised UK
Marine Strategy Conservation and environment groups are highlighting the spectacular
failure of UK Governments to deliver on their collective promises to
keep our seas healthy and biologically diverse shown in the revised UK
Marine Strategy (published late yesterday, 9 May). Conservation experts
are calling on Governments across the UK to radically up the ambition
and plans outlined in the proposals in order to tackle the current ocean
emergency. Harbour Seal (Keith Luke / Unsplash) Environmentalists are warning that without a step-change in approach
we risk losing not only iconic nature, but also the benefits that a
healthy marine environment provides for people. Conservationists are urging the Governments across the UK to up their
ambition on the targets and timelines for helping our seas to recover,
and effectively resource the delivery of the UK Marine Strategy,
including compliance, enforcement and monitoring. Specific actions
needed include:
Read more and take part in the consultation: Defra Open consultation -
Updating the UK marine strategy part one (2019) Summary Consultation description
The proposed objectives, targets and indicators will be used for the
next 6 years.
Climate change responsible for severe infectious disease in UK frogs
- ZSL Institute of Zoology Compelling research reveals fatal spread of Ranavirus will increase
if carbon emissions are not reduced. Climate change has already increased the spread and severity of a
fatal disease caused by Ranavirus that infects common frogs (Rana
temporaria) in the UK, according to research led by ZSL’s Institute
of Zoology, UCL and Queen Mary University of London published today
(10/5) in Global Change Biology.
Common
frog (image: ©Lewis-Campbell-ZSL) Historic trends in mass-mortality events attributed to the disease
were found to match the pattern of increased temperatures recorded over
recent decades, with disease outbreaks predicted to become more severe,
more widespread and occurring over a greater proportion of the year
within the next few decades, if carbon emissions continue at their
current rate. The findings help explain the seasonality of the disease, with
incidence peaking during the hottest months of the summer, showing that
climate change could see outbreaks becoming more frequent from April to
October. Disease outbreaks in the spring could result in the deaths of
large numbers of tadpoles, which could have repercussions for population
survival. Up to now, Ranavirus disease has been largely restricted to
England, but as average monthly temperatures increase to exceed 16°C in
more areas over longer periods, as predicted by the IPCC’s high
carbon-emission model, the disease is likely to spread across most of
the UK in the next 50 years.
Scientific Publications O'Hara, CC, Villaseñor-Derbez, JC, Ralph, GM, Halpern, BS.
Mapping status and conservation of global at‐risk marine biodiversity.
Conservation Letters. 2019;e12651. doi:10.1111/conl.12651 Brown, CJ, Jupiter, SD, Albert, S, et al.
A guide to modelling priorities for managing land-based impacts on
coastal ecosystems. J Appl Ecol. 2019; 56: 1106– 1116. doi:
10.1111/1365-2664.13331 Pollard, CRJ, Redpath, S, Bussière, LF, et al. The impact of uncertainty on cooperation intent in a conservation conflict. J Appl Ecol. 2019; 56: 1278– 1288. Doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.13361 (free access)
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