In this issue of Wildlife News Round-Up, invasive species are under scrutiny—scientists fear plant invaders are changing the face of New England's forests, in Britain Red Squirrels compete with the non-native Gray Squirrels for territory, and in Fiji's Ringgold Isles, experts remove an invasive rat to save the sea birds that breed there. There is also news of a ban on lead ammunition within the California Condor's range and insights into the 'lost years' of green sea turtles—a species whose hatchlings have, until now, eluded scientific study.
405-Year-Old Clam Called Longest-Lived Animal (National Geographic) — October 29, 2007. A research team discovered a clam estimated to be more than four centuries old, thus making it the oldest known non-colonial animal ever recorded. Sadly, the clam died while researchers were counting its rings so we'll never know how long it could have survived had it not been disturbed by scientists.
Primates in Trouble, Says Report on 25 Rarest (National Geographic) — October 26, 2007. Almost one third of the world's primate species, that is 114 of 394 species, are considered by the IUCN to be under immediate threat of extinction. The most prevalent causes for declining populations of primates include habitat destruction, poaching for bushmeat, and capture for illegal wildlife trade.
World's Rarest Cat Species Boosted by Newfound Lynx (National Geographic) — October 25, 2007. A new population of Iberian lynx, one of the world's most endangered cats, has been discovered in a remote Spanish wilderness.
Fijian Seabird Isles to be 'De-Ratted' (BirdLife International) — October 25, 2007. The Pacific rat is to be removed from Fiji's remote Ringgold Isles, making the archipelago safer for breeding seabirds whose eggs are targeted as a food source by the non-native predator.
Solving the Mystery of the Disappearing Turtles (NPR) — October 20, 2007. After hatching, young green sea turtles make their way to the vastness of the open ocean where they disappear for several years. What they do during that time has long been a mystery but now scientists are gaining more understanding of those 'lost years' in the young turtles' lives.
Sociable Lapwing Lives Up to its Name (BirdLife International) — October 19, 2007. A single, satellite-tagged Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) has lead researchers to a previously unknown population of more than 3000 of the birds in Turkey.
Schwarzenegger Gets the Lead Out (BirdLife International) — October 16, 2007. California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill into law which forbits the use of lead ammunition for hunting big game within the range of California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus).
Forests in Peril (New York Times) — October 7, 2007. The forests of the northeastern US may at first glance look healty, but they are under threat of invasion by non-native species, both plant and animal alike.
The Squirrel Wars (New York Times) — October 7, 2007. Britain’s native Red Squirrels are in a battle against an American invader, the Gray Squirrel, a species that has taken over all but the most northerly reaches of Red Squirrel territory.
New Species of Frog Discovered: Smallest Indian Land Vertebrate (Science Daily) — October 3, 2007. Delhi University researchers have discovered a new species of frog that measures a mere 10 millimeters, earning it the designation of India's smallest land vertebrate.
About Wildlife News Round-Up
Wildlife News Round-Up is a monthly digest featuring animals and wildlife headlines from around the web. It includes headlines from well-established sources such as the World Wildlife Fund, BBC News, New York Times, National Public Radio, National Geographic, and Birdlife International. The sources are selected with care and include only those that archive articles for many years, offer top-notch science writing, and follow stories as they develop over time.
In this issue of Wildlife News Round-Up, invasive species are under scrutiny—scientists fear plant invaders are changing the face of New England's forests, in Britain Red Squirrels compete with the non-native Gray Squirrels for territory, and in Fiji's Ringgold Isles, experts remove an invasive rat to save the sea birds that breed there. There is also news of a ban on lead ammunition within the California Condor's range and insights into the 'lost years' of green sea turtles—a species whose hatchlings have, until now, eluded scientific study.
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