Emerging Scientific Discipline Of Aeroecology Aug 4, 2008
"Appropriate integration of diverse tools and concepts for probing into the lives of organisms aloft can help inform important ecological and evolutionary concepts and management decisions associated with the spread of invasive species, emergence of infectious diseases, altered biodiversity, and sustainability of terrestrial, aquatic, and aerospheric environments," said Kunz. Journal reference. (Science Daily)
Southwest Wings birding festival starts Wednesday Aug 4, 2008
We have so much biodiversity, not just in terms of birds, but we have a lot of trees, wild turkeys and plants, said Priscilla Brodkin, treasurer of the organization and a member since 1999. Brodkin said some of the more popular programs include those about dragonflies and raptors. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Cat couple cops death threats over import plan Aug 4, 2008
"We put our life savings into this business, this is our livelihood and now we are questioning how we are even going to put food on the table in the future, not to mention the fear for our own safety.'' Mr Parker said. A spokesman for Mr Garrett said the minister had used his powers under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to amend the Act's live import list to change the definition of domestic cat to rule out cats with the genes of the African wildcat, the Serval.... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
World's smallest snake found in Barbados Aug 4, 2008
"Habitat destruction is a major threat to biodiversity throughout the world," he said ... Hedges said this exploration and discovery of new species also is critical for protecting biodiversity. (EurekAlert!)
Win for native wildlife as African cat banned Aug 3, 2008
Mr Garrett said he would "not hesitate" to use his powers under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to prevent the live import of any species or breed that poses a significant risk to the environment or wildlife. "My role as federal Environment Minister is to make decisions based on the best possible outcome for the Australian environment," Mr Garrett said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Brazil launches rainforest fund Aug 2, 2008
"Our war is not won by simply reducing illegal burning in one month, it will be won once this environmental model that is destroying our communities and biodiversity is history.". Bookmark with. (BBC News)
Democracy that leaves people's views out of the equation Aug 2, 2008
I think this should be preserved, just as biodiversity is preserved in nature by protecting different ecological systems in national parks. It diminishes all of Sydney to see Ku-ring-gai gradually being carpeted in concrete boxes. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
UT alums give $500,000 to further studies of biodiversity and ecology Aug 2, 2008
Donors hope a new endowment at the University of Texas will help lure experts in biodiversity and applied ecology. UT alums Ann and Roger Worthington have donated $500,000 to establish the Lawrence E. Gilbert Jr. Excellence Endowment, which benefits the Brackenridge Field Laboratory and research and education in ecology and biodiversity ... The Worthingtons hope to see the endowment grow through donations into an endowed chair in biodiversity and applied ecology. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
The World According to Monsanto Aug 2, 2008
Monsanto's list of accomplishments includes production of Agent Orange, PCBs, recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone and genetically modified crops such as Roundup Ready soybeans that, far from being a boon to farmers around the world, threaten their livelihood and undermine biodiversity. Robin might have taken on any one of Monsanto's monstrous activities and made a compelling documentary, but instead she attacks on all fronts, opening one avenue of investigation after another, but never thoroughly... (Toronto Star)
Kato community planted 1000 species of tropical seedlings Aug 2, 2008
Other benefits to be derived from the sacred grove, Mr Osei said were revenue generation through tourism, enhancement of biodiversity, source of potent medicinal plants, the establishment of a research centre and a unique micro climate for the Kato community. He proposed the formation of a sacred grove management committee that could comprise chiefs, opinion leaders, unit committee members, assembly members, officials of the EPA and the Municipal Assembly to ensure the growth of the planted tree... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Stalking the heirloom tomato: Rhinebeck author and gardener proves that biodiversity tastes good, too Aug 2, 2008
Goldman and her fellow aficionados are doing all they can to make sure these heirloom stories are of the "to-be-continued" kind, part of a preserved heritage of biodiversity in a world where species and specimen loss is accelerating ... "Commercial hybrid tomatoes reduce biodiversity," she says. (Hillsdale Independent, NY)
The emerging scientific discipline of aeroecology Aug 2, 2008
"Appropriate integration of diverse tools and concepts for probing into the lives of organisms aloft can help inform important ecological and evolutionary concepts and management decisions associated with the spread of invasive species, emergence of infectious diseases, altered biodiversity, and sustainability of terrestrial, aquatic, and aerospheric environments," said Kunz ... Future advances in aeroecology can ultimately provide understandings for how airborne organisms are influenced by the... (EurekAlert!)
Governor orders state agencies to protect grouse Aug 2, 2008
Erik Molvar, biologist with the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance in Laramie, said it's clear that sage grouse deserve protection under the Endangered Species Act. He said the birds' population has declined by 90 percent since 1950. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Fish, Coral "Hotspots" Linked to Geology - Study Aug 1, 2008
"There have been at least three marine biodiversity hotspots during the past 50 million years," the international team of scientists wrote in the journal Science. Previously, biodiversity has been studied on shorter timescales. (Planet Ark, United States)
Marine-Life Hot Spots Shift Over Time, Study Says Aug 1, 2008
But when climate was considered alongside large-scale geologic processes, the fossil and genetic markers of marine biodiversity synched up. Hot Spot Life Cycles. (National Geographic)
Amended Quarterly Activities Report - June 2008 Aug 1, 2008
The venture will also be assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth). Aspects of the project to be studied as part of the environmental assessment will be set out in Terms of Reference to be established by the state and federal governments. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Adopting a Baby Elephant or Rhino Jul 31, 2008
David Sheldrick transformed the Tsavo East National Park from an empty and unknown region to one of the world s greatest National Parks in terms of biodiversity and conservation. While David was working hard to manage the Tsavo East region, his wife Dr. Dame Daphne Marjorie Sheldrick was working hard to develop and perfect the first-ever milk formula that can be used to feed infant elephants and rhinos. (Suite101.com)
South Americas best wilderness lodges Jul 31, 2008
Few realize the sheer level of biodiversity found in the reserve that surrounds the Incan ruins of Machu Picchuuntil they visit the Machu Picchu Pueblo Inn. The 85 cottages are split between casitas and villassome with private plunge pools, wood-burning fireplaces and 24-hour butler service. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Nelson 'worse than Howard' on climate change Jul 31, 2008
Worst case scenario: droughts, famines, increasing natural disasters, disease, desertification, loss of biodiversity. the list goes on. (ABC Online)
Climate Change Could Hit Lebanon's Dwindling Cedars Jul 31, 2008
" Barouk is a haven of biodiversity, with 524 plant species and a rich variety of birds, reptiles and mammals, said to include wild boar, wolves, red foxes, jackals and hyenas. Lebanon's political troubles have undercut efforts to attract visitors to the reserve, despite its peaceful beauty. Numbers hit a peak of 28,000 in 2004, but dropped to 21,000 in 2005 after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri. Only 17,000 people came in 2006, the year of Israel's war with Hezbollah... (Planet Ark, United States)
World Heritage List Jul 30, 2008
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee met in July in Quebec City to add the 19 cultural sites and eight natural sites to the list, which now numbers 878 sites in 145 countries. In Mexico, in addition to the butterfly reserve, 00004000 the fortified town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco, cited for their architecture, were added to the list. (India Times)
New Species Of Predatory Bagworm From Panama's Tropical Forest Jul 30, 2008
25, 2002) Amazonia represents the quintessence of biodiversity the richest ecosystem on earth. Yet a study by Smithsonian scientists, published this week in the journal Science, shows that differences. (Science Daily)
European birds flock to warming Britain Jul 30, 2008
" Bird spotters may have to refer to new books to identify some of the new visitors to our shores but Britons who've visited the Mediterranean region may recognise the increasing presence of the famously explosive song of Cetti's Warbler. Northern species that are under threat also include the Slavonian Grebe, a bird whose range extends at its southern margins to Scotland. The Fieldfare and Redwing - birds that are familiar as winter visitors to bird tables and gardens in the north-east but that... (EurekAlert!)
UNESCO adds 27 sites to the World Heritage list Jul 29, 2008
In the Middle East, the World Heritage list now includes, in Iran, the Armenian monasteries of St. Thaddeus and St. Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor; Al-Hijr, Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage property, an archaeological site preserving Nabataean civilization dating to the 1st century B.C., and the Socotra islands in Yemen, cited for their biodiversity. In Africa, Kenya's Mijikenda Kaya Forests were recognized for the remains of fortified villages dating back centuries that are now... (USA Today -- Travel)
Amazon Insect Diversity Due To Ice Age? Jul 29, 2008
Insect Biodiversity In Amazon May Be Result Of Ice Age Climate Change And Ancient Flooding, Not River Barriers ... Insect Biodiversity In Amazon May Be Result Of Ice Age Climate Change And Ancient Flooding, Not River Barriers ... "Scott is the first to thoroughly test the importance of geographic barriers for the origin of insect biodiversity in South America, using the leafcutter ants as a model system," says study co-author Ulrich Mueller, the W.M. Wheeler Lost Pines Professor of Integrative... (Science Daily)
Paying To Save Tropical Forests Could Be A Way To Reduce Global Carbon Emissions Jul 29, 2008
If this kind of program could stop deforestation, it would provide a bigger source of biodiversity by retaining a larger stock of tropical forest, keep carbon out of the atmosphere, and provide money to people in developing countries to pursue new forms of livelihood that don t involve cutting down trees. The avoided deforestation cost estimates could be used in negotiations toward an updated global program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, similar to the Kyoto Protocol adopted in 1997 and... (Science Daily)
FACTBOX - The EU's Energy and Climate Plan Jul 29, 2008
Key biofuels criteria: a real carbon emissions saving of at least 35 percent compared with oil; not from land of "high biodiversity" or high carbon stocks; must use best agricultural practices. Countries unable to reach their goals to be allowed to pay other EU states to produce renewables on their behalf. (Planet Ark, United States)
Ancient Ocean Cooling Sparked a Biodiversity Boom Jul 29, 2008
More than 400 million years ago, Earth's dramatically warmer sea temperatures plummeted to almost present-day levels, opening the door for a boom in biodiversity, new research shows ... The find might also foreshadow a biodiversity crisis if the planet continues to warm due to climate change. (National Geographic)
Mom & Pop Whitman focus on pine barrens Jul 29, 2008
This concentration of rare species places the Plymouth barrens among the top 3 biodiversity of "hot-spots" in the state (the other 2 are Nantucket and the outcrops of calcium and wetlands of Sheffield). Decisions must be made as to extent, health, and viability of the pine barrens and ponds of Plymouth and their rare and unusual plants and animals. (Weymouth News, MA)
* Coral reef threatened by Chinese Jul 28, 2008
However, the destructive way of fishing has been endangering the coral reefs near Dongsha, which Shaw described as an ocean rain forest and a biodiversity hot spot. Academics found there are 264 species of coral, 556 species of fish and 140 species of bird X many of them migratory X in that area. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Marine Biodiversity Due To Climate Change? Jul 28, 2008
Explosion In Marine Biodiversity Explained By Climate Change ... Explosion In Marine Biodiversity Explained By Climate Change ... ScienceDaily (July 28, 2008) A global change in climate could explain the explosion in marine biodiversity that took place 460 million years ago. (Science Daily)
Garrett defends increased coal exports Jul 28, 2008
"Every decision I take under the EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) Act must take into account the matters of national environment significance and I take those considerations very seriously and very diligently, as we did with this particular proposal," Mr Garrett said. "And my concern there was specifically about the management of dust and the impact it would have on the Great Barrier Reef.". (The Australian)
Scientists want kids' help Jul 28, 2008
The first part involves entomologists and graduate students nationwide investigating conservation, biodiversity and invasive insect species, such as the Asian beetle. The second part encourages elementary-age children to participate in "citizen science.". (Sioux City Journal)
Did global cooling lead to marine life biodiversity? Jul 28, 2008
Did global cooling lead to marine life biodiversity ... Did global cooling lead to marine life biodiversity ... BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhuanet) -- An explosion in marine biodiversity that happened 460 million years ago could be the result of global climate change, according to researchers. (Xinhuanet, China)
South African prepares for 4-year expedition Jul 27, 2008
The expedition also aims to establish youth and environmental projects in some areas it visits, in particular water, biodiversity, and social community projects. Horn was born in Johannesburg and later moved to Switzerland to work as an instructor for extreme watersports, including riverboarding, canyoning, and rafting. (Boston Globe)
THOMAS L. FREIDMAN: Bush blowing a chance at clean-energy policy, legacy Jul 27, 2008
Alas, we have a president and a vice president who deny that climate change is hurting our environmental body, who refuse to see the connection between the dollars we are shifting abroad and the rise of petro-dictators, who do not care about biodiversity loss and who are apparently untroubled by the sharp decline in the dollar, partly because of all the money we are paying for oil imports. So, they have chosen to define this as a "gasoline price crisis" -- not an... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
When dream trips go bad Jul 27, 2008
and have seen the history-making biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. But while Mills has been north of 60 almost a dozen times, he's still excited about sharing it with his son. (Globe and Mail)
The modern sanctuary movement Jul 27, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Stampede to get a hook into Senator Wong's bundle Jul 27, 2008
"In the end it may not be driven by carbon. A carbon market may be a very useful mechanism to help deal with other problems such as biodiversity.". Story Tools. (The Australian)
TEMPO: Southwest Wings: Birding & Nature Fest approaches Jul 26, 2008
These places have been known historically for their great biodiversity of birds, butterflies, odonates and other insects, mammals, reptiles and close to 1,000 species of plants. The theme for the 2008 SWW Festival is the Madrean Woodland as illustrated by Narca Moore-Craig s painting of four of the woodpeckers who live there. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Snake in paddy field good for food chain Jul 26, 2008
Not everyone may be familiar with the word "biodiversity," but it simply denotes a rich variety of life-forms within a given ecosystem. I saw the paddy ridges crawling with earthworms. (Xinhuanet, China)
Setu row: Govt mulls 'alternative' route Jul 25, 2008
There were many constraints but after considering all aspects, Alignment No 6 was selected with all possible precautions in place to protect the marine biodiversity as well as endangered animals, he said. He listed out six environment impact assessments conducted by the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) that for the first time in 2005 brought about consensus in the government on the present alignment. (India Times, India)
Paper Or Plastic? Jul 25, 2008
For now, we have no choice to but to utilize the tools at hand and try our best to reduce emissions, preserve endangered ecosystems and sustain biodiversity. But let's remember that today's answers are provisional and could cause tomorrow's problems. (Forbes -- Technology)
Fishing Ban Guards Coral Reefs Against Predatory Starfish Outbreaks Jul 25, 2008
18, 2008) Outbreaks of the notorious crown of thorns starfish now threaten the "coral triangle," the richest center of coral reef biodiversity on Earth. The starfish -- a predator that feeds on corals by. (Science Daily)
Milkweed's Evolutionary Approach To Caterpillars: Counter Appetite With Fast Repair Jul 25, 2008
The findings address questions about plant evolution, biodiversity and keystone species and may give plant scientists clues about profitable pest control strategies. The study was funded by the National Science Foundation. (Science Daily)
UN Given Roadmap to Meet Climate Challenge Jul 25, 2008
In addition, the global community should discourage development on coastal land that is less than one meter above present high tide, as well as within high-risk areas such as floodplains, and ensure that the effects of climate change are considered in the design of protected areas and efforts to maintain biodiversity. "The world is experiencing climate disruption now and future increases in droughts, floods and sea-level rise will cause enormous human suffering and economic losses," said... (Yahoo News -- United Nations)
Gourmet Coffee Eats Into Panama Forest Jul 25, 2008
"It was designated a national park to retain the biodiversity of the area. People know perfectly well where the limits of the park are," said Harmodio Santamaria, an official from the government environment agency. BAD NAME. (Planet Ark, United States)
Plant a tree in the Amazon Jul 25, 2008
In addition to its stated goals of reforestation and water conservation, this effort will improve biodiversity and the ability of locals to provide for themselves. More importantly, it will also diminish the effect of globe warming green house gas (GHG) emissions. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
Rising energy, food prices major threats to wetlands as farmers eye new areas for crops Jul 25, 2008
However, resisting pressures to convert wetlands is vital to avoid destroying ecosystems that provide a suite of services essential to humanity, including safe, steady local water supplies, preserving biodiversity and the large-scale capture and storage of climate warming greenhouse gases, according 700 leading world experts concluding a week-long meeting in Cuiaba, Brazil ... Among other services, they trap and store carbon in submerged organic matter, sustain biodiversity, and produce... (EurekAlert!)
Madagascar: Ambitious Family Planning Goals Jul 24, 2008
Madagascar, an island renowned for its unique biodiversity, is struggling to balance the demands of conservation with the needs of a rapidly growing population that has doubled in the last 25 years, reaching 19. 6 million in 2007, according to UN figures. (allAfrica.com)
Parasites Vastly Outweigh Predators In Estuaries: Could Have Significant Ecological Implications Jul 24, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 24, 2008) In a study of free-living and parasitic species in three estuaries on the Pacific coast of California and Baja California, a team of researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, the United States Geological Survey, and Princeton University has determined that parasite biomass in those habitats exceeds that of top predators, in some cases by a factor of 20. Their findings, which could have significant biomedical and ecological implications, appear in... (Science Daily)
High Economic Value Set On Threatened Mexican Mangroves Jul 24, 2008
Octavio Aburto-Oropeza, lead author of the study, of the Scripps Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, said that although human density is low in the mangrove regions of the Gulf of California, there is increasing pressure to transform mangroves into shrimp farms and coastal developments. He added that the study's end valuation is a low estimate, as the researchers only included fishery value, rather than any potential recreational or ecotourism earnings. (Science Daily)
Pollination Habits Of Endangered Texas Rice Revealed To Help Preservation Jul 24, 2008
" The findings were published in June in The Southwestern Naturalist journal of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, and shared with staff at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for federally listed species conservation. Texas has about 25 percent of the plant biodiversity nationally, including 23 endangered and five threatened plant species. Texas wild-rice prefers... (Science Daily)
Environmental Factors Linked To Sex Ratio Of Plants Discovered Jul 24, 2008
This confirms that biodiversity can be threatened when one type of plant. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Letters to the editor: July 24 Jul 24, 2008
As a lifelong resident, I can say with certainty that one of Brookline s major charms is its biodiversity. Lately, however, residents seem to be at odds with the various species of wildlife that also have made the town their home. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Global medicine trade rules pit rich nations against poor Jul 24, 2008
However, there are some issues over matters relating to public health, patents, biodiversity and other items ... At the current round of talks in Geneva, whose lakes and mountains should ensure deep concentration, the drugs issues are related to issues of biodiversity. (Business Report, South Africa)
PHOTO IN THE NEWS: New Rare Lemur Group Found in Swamp Jul 23, 2008
The work was supported by the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation and Conservation International. (Read about found in Madagascar in 2006. (National Geographic)
See these must-visit spots before it's too late Jul 23, 2008
Yet even beyond orangutans, the biodiversity on the world's third largest island is phenomenal: Borneo serves as a refuge for the Asian elephant and Sumatran rhinoceros. Get yourself to: For optimal wildlife viewing, we recommend staying at Rimba Lodge, adjacent to Tanjung Puting Biosphere Reserve, a wildlife park established in 1977. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Environmental explorer goes global Jul 23, 2008
The expedition also aims to establish youth and environmental projects in some areas it visits, in particular water, biodiversity and social community projects. Horn was born in Johannesburg and later moved to Switzerland to work as an instructor for extreme water sports, including riverboarding, canyoning and rafting. (CNN -- Tech)
Warming world 'drying wetlands' Jul 23, 2008
These included absorbing and holding carbon, regulating water levels and supporting biodiversity, he added ... The conference organisers said the ecosystems, many of which have biodiversity that rivals rainforests and coral reefs, were in need of complex long-term management plans. (BBC News -- Science)
Management Practices Key To Watershed Condition Jul 23, 2008
(June 19, 1998) By protecting 15 percent of the watersheds in the U.S. we can conserve populations of all native freshwater biodiversity, according to a study by The Nature Conservancy and the Association for. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Experts Excited by Rare Lemur Find in Madagascar Jul 23, 2008
Part of the reason for its profuse biodiversity is its varied terrain, including rainforest, dry forest, lowlands and mountains, and part is its geologic history ... The latest research was carried out by MITSINJO and the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, supported by the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation and Conservation International. (Planet Ark, United States)
Best answer for global warming? Plan for varieties Jul 22, 2008
Thus planting many species will encourage a diverse canopy of trees (and flora and fauna) which will stimulate biodiversity to provide habitat for different species. This kind of diversity also means no single crop failure can devastate an entire nation like the potato famine did to Ireland. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Losing our mangroves Jul 22, 2008
It will also work with researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to analyse water samples and map the Merambong seagrass meadow and its biodiversity. MNS president Anthony Sebastian says the partnership compels PTP to protect Sungai Pulai and the seagrass bed: Through engagement, the MNS is part of the process and hopes to make things better, as opposed to choosing not to participate. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Spiritual healing Jul 22, 2008
To criticisms that her efforts ignore practical business concerns, Nash responds: What could be more practical than protecting Earths biodiversity and health, and promoting human happiness. Presidents, prime ministers and captains of industry at least the enlightened ones know the world is running out of resources at an alarming rate. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
