Puffin population drops sharply at key UK colony amid climate change concerns Experts said the drop in numbers is ‘disappointing’ The Independent UK · Sep 4
In 1995, Canada eradicated rats from British Columbia’s Langara Island; by 2004, ancient murrelet pairs had nearly doubled to 20,000–30,000 Rats arriving on Langara Island caused a severe decline in ancient murrelet populations. A poison bait campaign in 1995 successfully removed rats from the island. Seabird numbers quickly rebounded after the successful eradication effort. Other burrow-nesting species also began reappearing on the island. Langara Island now serves as a model… The Times of India · Sep 4
In 1973, former Army diver Eric Shaw began dropping donated boats off Gibraltar; over 30 vessels later, the sandy seabed had become a fish nursery In 1973, former diver Eric Shaw laid the groundwork for Gibraltar's innovative artificial reef project. By submerging unwanted boats, he crafted a vibrant three-dimensional habitat that fostered a remarkable increase in local marine species. These artificial formations became crucial for providing hard surfaces and shelter, contributing significantly to marine biodiversity.… The Times of India · Sep 4
In 2002, professor Ian Giddy and librarian Jenny Giddy bought a Costa Rican cattle farm to restore its cloud forest; 50,000 trees later, more than 300 bird species had been recorded A couple's spontaneous decision led to the creation of Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. They transformed a barren cattle pasture into a vibrant cloud forest ecosystem. This project has successfully reintroduced over 300 bird species and all six Costa Rican wild cats. Innovative reforestation techniques significantly improved tree survival rates over two… The Times of India · Sep 4
In 1965, scientists cut every tree in a New Hampshire watershed to determine how removing forest cover changes water supply; first-year streamflow rose about 40% and second-year nitrate topped 50 mg/L In 1965, scientists conducted a groundbreaking experiment in New Hampshire's Hubbard Brook watershed by felling trees. This experiment uncovered a remarkable increase in streamflow and an earlier onset of snowmelt. Alarmingly, nitrate concentrations surged, surpassing safety limits for drinking water. The findings underscored the vital function of forests in managing… The Times of India · Sep 4
In 2020, the US removed 69 dams, reconnecting 624 miles of rivers and restoring habitat for salmon, steelhead and native fish species Across the United States, some rivers are beginning to flow through places where dams once stood. In 2020, 69 dams were removed across 23 states, reopening hundreds of miles of waterways that had been blocked for decades. Some structures had outlived the purpose for which they were built, while others… The Times of India · Sep 4
Moveable feast: myna birds on Sydney train looking for food not ‘joyride’ in viral video Mynas are ‘incredibly good learners’ and likely hopped on the inner-city train to scrounge, expert says The Guardian - AU · Sep 4
‘Death defying’ eagle spotted three years after breaking wing as chick The bird of prey fell from his nest in July 2023, but was recently spotted soaring in the skies above Mull. The Independent UK · Sep 3
WWII hospital shipwreck in Albania now hosts devil firefish, squid eggs and a rare monk seal 80 years after sinking Albania's sunken Hospital Ship 'Po' now supports a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Dense biological communities and 54 identified taxa thrive on its submerged structure. Researchers documented 28 fish species, including a critically endangered monk seal. The wreck influences seabed conditions, creating scour hollows and sediment trails. This historic vessel serves as… The Times of India · Sep 3
In 2020, Ohio removed a dam from the once-polluted Cuyahoga River; it reopened 39 km of habitat, and scientists later detected 15 additional fish taxa The removal of the Brecksville Diversion Dam has enhanced river habitats, allowing migrating fish to thrive. Researchers documented the arrival of fifteen new fish species within the lower Cuyahoga River. While native species have successfully reestablished their presence, the advent of nonnative species also marked a significant change in the… The Times of India · Sep 3
Invasive tropical mosquito found breeding in east London Climate crisis could increase incursions of Aedes aegypti, which can transmit Zika virus and dengue, experts say The Guardian - UK · Sep 3
I've just found the perfect hummingbird house for my yard on Amazon — and it has a rustic-cozy vibe If you want to see more of these feathered friends, I’ve just found the ideal hummingbird house for my yard. Tom’s Guide · Sep 3
In 2017, USGS injected 13.5 liters of red dye into Ohio’s Sandusky River during a grass carp spawning event; downstream stations measured dye movement Researchers innovatively utilized red dye to trace the journey of grass carp eggs as they drift along the Sandusky River. By injecting the dye into the water, scientists could accurately assess flow patterns and egg displacement, identifying crucial spawning areas upstream of a dam. This groundbreaking methodology not only enhances… The Times of India · Sep 3
In 2021, South Carolina sank a retired 250-foot barge off Edisto Island; its water tower and containers now give snapper and grouper cave-like shelter In a strategic move to boost marine biodiversity, South Carolina wildlife managers are establishing artificial reefs. They recently sank a retired barge offshore, laden with a variety of donated materials that offer fish ample hiding spots. This initiative is designed to enhance both marine life and fishing opportunities, while also… The Times of India · Sep 3
The Guardian - UK · Sep 3 Country diary: A stranded traveller that looks more plastic than animal Appledore, Devon: By-the-wind sailors have been washed up in great numbers this summer. I stumble on a single one of these bright blue beauties
The Times of India · Sep 3 Freshwater stingrays in South America: From Lake Maracaibo to the Arari, the surprising habitats of rare river rays Certain stingray species have remarkably adjusted to life in freshwater environments, thriving in river systems and serene lakes. The Maracaibo River in South America is home to the endangered Maracaibo River Stingray, while Brazilian bodies of water such as lakes Arari and Catalão provide a habitat for Amazon basin stingrays.…
The Times of India · Sep 2 From 1886 to 1968, more than 20 million fish were stocked in waters that became Rocky Mountain National Park; in 2026 crews treated 14.3 miles to remove non-native fish and restore threatened greenback trout In a significant move, Rocky Mountain National Park is eradicating non-native fish species that have invaded the ecosystem for more than eighty years. These fish have severely disrupted the balance of aquatic habitats. Teams are utilizing rotenone to treat streams connected to the Grand Ditch, focusing on fostering the endangered…
The Times of India · Sep 2 In 1930, Americans carried fish into Olympic's fishless mountain lakes; 1.6 million trout later scientists are finding the ecological cost Beginning in 1930, more than 1.6 million fish were carried by horseback or dropped from aircraft into the naturally fishless mountain lakes of what is now Olympic National Park, creating recreational fishing opportunities in waters that had never supported fish populations before. Most lakes were stocked only once, although some…
The Independent UK · Sep 2 Italians enter uneasy truce with invasive blue crabs, exporting crustaceans they won't eat Fishermen in Italy have shifted from incinerating invasive Atlantic blue crabs to commercializing them
The Times of India · Sep 1 In 2001, scientists released 880 tiny weevils against a weed choking Texas waterways; by 2003, giant salvinia had almost disappeared A thick green carpet can make a pond or reservoir appear almost solid, but giant salvinia is a floating fern, spreading across the water rather than growing from the bottom. In Texas and Louisiana, the plant had become difficult to manage, forming dense mats that blocked sunlight, reduced oxygen and…
The Independent UK · Sep 1 Woman needed 38 stitches after being attacked by an otter: ‘It felt like it was a human’ Lynnette Bellin says an aggressive otter pulled her underwater at Lake Tahoe before attacking her with its claws and teeth
The Times of India · Sep 1 For more than four decades, George Divoky has worked from Cooper Island’s lone cabin; by 1989, the black guillemot colony he tracked had reached 200 breeding pairs For over thirty years, George Divoky meticulously studied the Arctic guillemot colony on Cooper Island, watching their population blossom from a mere ten pairs to an impressive two hundred. However, as rising Arctic temperatures led to vanishing sea ice, the availability of key food sources dwindled, exposing the guillemots to…
The Times of India · Sep 1 In 1991, a private buyer turned 63.5-acre Cousine Island into a Seychelles nature reserve; monitoring has since recorded more than 900 nesting hawksbill turtles Since 1992, Cousine Island has served as a private haven dedicated to conservation efforts. Over 900 hawksbill turtles have been recorded since 1993, showcasing the island’s commitment to research. The monitoring program diligently observes nesting behaviors and potential egg threats, with conservationists actively managing the beach and relocating nests as…
The Independent UK · Sep 1 Inside the secret shark nursery lurking just off New York’s ritzy Hamptons Researchers are catching a wide range of sharks off the New York’s Hamptons and outfitting them with small trackers
The Guardian - AU · Sep 1 Kākāpō rising: 90 chicks swell population of the world’s heaviest parrot Critically endangered New Zealand bird enjoys record breeding season triggered by mass fruiting of native tree, pushing its numbers to 325