The Latest Breaking News on Nature

'Deeply concerning': mass deaths spark bird flu alarm

Authorities are seeking approval to vaccinate captive animals against bird flu after more than 1000 crested terns and 30 penguins died across two states.

AAP · Aug 20

In 1958, Pan Am helped introduce bass to Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán for sport fishing; by the late 1980s, the lake’s endemic grebe was no longer found

In 1958, largemouth bass were introduced into Lake Atitlán in Guatemala as a sport fishing endeavor. This introduction had dire consequences on the native ecosystem, significantly affecting local fish populations and the already vulnerable Atitlán grebe. Though conservation measures momentarily aided the grebe’s numbers, a devastating earthquake in 1976, along…

The Times of India · Aug 20

In 1916, Japan released American mosquitofish to control disease-carrying mosquitoes; they spread across much of the country, attacking Medaka and eating their young

In 1916, Japan introduced mosquitofish as a biological control to combat mosquitoes and their associated diseases. While these fish were effective at consuming larvae, they posed a threat to native species, including medaka, through competition and aggressive behavior. This invasive species' spread, compounded by alterations in habitat, highlighted the unforeseen…

The Times of India · Aug 20

Squid games: 20-ton spill of foul-smelling sea creatures causes eight-hour traffic jam in Rhode Island

‘Squid has a distinctive odor to it,’ said one witness

The Independent UK · Aug 19

Giant 746lb bluefin tuna caught off Yorkshire coast after nearly 90 years as scientists reveal why species is returning to UK waters near Whitby, where 851lb British record was set in 1933

A giant 746lb (338kg) Atlantic bluefin tuna has been caught off the Yorkshire coast, around 10 miles from Whitby, after nearly 90 years. Scientists say warming seas, recovering fish stocks and tighter fishing controls may be behind the species’ return. The catch comes near Whitby, where an 851lb British record…

The Times of India · Aug 19

Otter spotted for first time in 100 years in New York City’s Bronx River

Image captured in early June shows animal foraging in the waterway in first since early 1900s, signaling its recovery

The Guardian - US · Aug 19

‘Success story’ hailed as bluefin tunas caught off Yorkshire for first time since 1960s

Researchers laud return of giant tuna to North Sea after being fished almost to point of extinction

The Guardian - UK · Aug 19

The Thames Has Enough Intoxicating Substances In It To Make The Fish Interesting At Parties

Saturday night's lines are in the water. So is everything else we have ever put in our bodies, from antidepressants to contraceptive hormones to enough caffeine to suggest that the Thames is essentially a cold brew. The fish are living in it, absorbing it, and behaving in ways that nobody…

Bored Panda · Aug 19

Black locust was planted in Maine to stabilise soil; today, the fast-growing tree is widespread and severely invasive, altering habitats and soil chemistry

Once prized for its robust timber and role in soil preservation, the black locust has become a persistent invader in Maine. Its vigorous growth and capability to produce root suckers enable it to proliferate swiftly, disrupting local ecosystems. This species modifies soil nutrients in a way that benefits foreign flora…

The Times of India · Aug 19

More than 20 tons of squid spilled on to Rhode Island highway during traffic accident

Sunday incident created ‘significant traffic disruptions’ and a foul odor as crews worked to clear cephalopod remains

The Guardian - US · Aug 19