Deep in the wilderness, surrounded by ferns and the calls of cockatoos, Richard Marchant was so focused he didn’t realise three leeches were latched to his face. The ecologist had spent the day on his knees, searching for tiny invertebrates carried by a stream winding through Wilsons Promontory, a 50,000 hectare national park in Victoria, […]
Tag: invasive species
Florida ‘Ground Zero’ for Invasive Species in the US—Top Threats Revealed
The most threatening, potential invasive species to Florida have been revealed by scientists. When thinking of invasive species in Florida, many may instantly think of the Burmese python—probably the most infamous of all invasive species in the state. The serpents slither freely across the Everglades, feasting on native wildlife and threatening the surrounding environment. This […]
Jaw-dropping moment a gigantic alligator devours a python in the Florida Everglades after epic reptile rumble
Incredible video of an enormous alligator devouring a python in Florida’s Everglades was filmed by a passing cyclist earlier this week. Alison Joslyn, who is an endurance athlete and has a passion for wildlife photography, caught the shocking sight as she was out on her bike, training. ‘That’s one less python to terrorize the Everglades.’ […]
Entomologists Find Population of Invasive Red Fire Ants in Italy
The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is one of the worst invasive alien species and the fifth costliest worldwide, impacting ecosystems, agriculture and human health. Researchers from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at the CSIC-Pompeu Fabra University have now documented 88 nests of red imported fire ants — for the first time in Europe […]
Experts say radical shift needed in our relationship with the environment
A radical shift in our relationship with the environment is needed and it is time we intervene in the extinction crisis, experts say. A review led by Charles Darwin University (CDU) found negative trends in Australian biodiversity loss—caused by invasive species, interrupted First Nations land and sea management, altered fire regimes, and changed water flows—could […]
What Students Need to Know About Biodiversity
As we traverse the pathways of the 21st century, a compelling concern has swept the globe, piercing through the clamor of our everyday lives to command our attention – the concern for biodiversity. Yet, for many students, the concept of biodiversity remains a mystery, veiled in a haze of scientific terminology and complex ecological relationships. This […]
Wildcrafting: A Guide to Ethical Harvesting of Nature’s Gifts
Wildcrafting, the ancient practice of harvesting plants from their natural habitats for food, medicine, or crafting, has experienced a resurgence in recent years. From flying saucer mushrooms to medicinal roots, there are a plethora of valuable natural resources that can be found through wildcrafting. While often confused with foraging, wildcrafting is focused on the careful […]
How Neuty, a 22-Pound Rodent Became a Local Celebrity and Sparked a Call for Environmental Responsibility
Louisiana has been in the news lately, not for its beautiful bayous or delicious Cajun cuisine, but for a story about a 22-pound nutria named Neuty. The story started when wildlife agents showed up at the seafood business of Denny and Myra Lacoste, Neuty’s adoptive family, with the intention of seizing the animal. According to […]