Welcome to the sixth issue of the online wildlife magazine, The Realm. Following the dolphin stranding in Cornwall we have an article covering this story that shocked the UK and look at the potential causes that drive these charismatic cetaceans to strand themselves on the shore. Remaining in the oceans environment, we travel beneath the dolphins normal habitat at the surface of the sea into the mysterious twilight zone where light barely penetrates and the creatures that live there have had to adapt to living in this dark environment. Return to the world of the insects in the next part of the Invertebrate series - Armoured warriors - and explore the lives of one of the most successful animal groups on the planet, the bugs and beetles.
CONTENTS
The Invertebrates - Armoured Warriors
DVD Review - Tiger: Spy in the Jungle
Nature News
Catch up on the news that has been making the headlines this past month.
A new fossil of a fish that shared characteristics with early terrestrial animals has been discovered in Latvia. The fish had an alligator-like head and promitve limbs, though it still led an aquatic existance with a fish-like tail.
A remarkable fish fossil shows an embryo still attactched to its mother by an unmbilical cord - the earliest ever evidence of vertebrates giving birth to live young.
They have barely survived the war in Afghanistan and now snow leopards are under threat from the very people rebuilding the country. Snow leopard skins regularly end up for sale in international militarty bases and at tourist bazaars fetching a high price enouraging poachers to break the law to hunt the endangered big cats.
At least 11 species of African frog have been found to have a special defence mechanism. Just like Wolverine from X-Men, these frogs can protrude pointed pieces of bone from beneath ther skin to slash at predators.
Half of the moon bears recently rescued from Chinese bear bile farm have died. The bears had spent their lives trapped in tiny cages and were milked for their bile that is used in traditional medicine despite a sythetic option being available. Many of the bears were suffering from liver cancer caused by the tubes inserted into their stomaches to drain the bile.
A flourishing wetland in Kenya is to be sacrificed to make way for biofuel crops to supply countries such as the UK. Home to 350 species of birds, lions, elephants, reptiles, sharks, fish and various other species as well as people living on the thriving delta will be forced out to make way for a sugarcane crop.
Floods in the Ouse Wash near Cambridge have destroyed the nests of more than 1,600 pairs of wading birds and ducks including lapwings, redshank and snipe.
A rise in the number of abandoned owls has been blamed on the Harry Potter books and movies. Harry has a pet snowy owl, and it is thought that as a result children have been getting the birds as pets. However, owls require a lot of commitment and don't make suitable pets for children.
A stricken osprey entangled in fishing line would have drowned had it not being for one bird-lover who saw the bird struggling in the water and jumped in to save him.
Two loggerhead turtles that washed up on the coast of the UK are being flown to Gran Canaria where they were returned to the wild. Of the twenty-three loggerheads that washed up this year, these were the only two survivors.
The Carribean monk seal has been officially declared extinct. The last confirmed sighting of these seals was in 1952, 15 years before the seals were classified as endangered. Although several reported sightings have been reported, these were decided to be other types of seal.
Clownfish have suffered a dramatic decline in the five years since the film Finding Nemo was released, thought to be a result of an increase in their popularity as a result of the film meaning more have been taken from the wild to satisfy the trade in these orange and white fish. Now some researchers are saying that they should be made an endangered species as a result of the 75% decline in some areas.
Climate change could see the disappearence of the great whales food stocks in the Southern ocean coupled with the loss of hunting grounds. Krill thrives on sea ice, and as that disappears so too do they and it is these tiny crustaceans that the whales and the Antarctic ecosystem depends upon.
A satelite tag on a 26 foot female basking shark has followed her making an incredible journey across the Atlantic to Canada - a distance more than three times longer than previously recorded in the species.
A study on dolphin strandings in Virginia has discovered that the cetaceans contain high levels of mercury that would have had negative impacts on the dolphins and may have been a cause as to the strandings that have been occuring in the area.
Historical records have indicated that sharks in the Mediterranean have declined dramatically by as much as 99% mainly due to fishing.
UK Dolphin Stranding
The United Kingdom was shocked early last month by a mass stranding of common dolphins in a creek in Cornwall. What could have caused these open-ocean animals to swim up a river where they became trapped and some even died?
Cetaceans can often end up stranded, but it is 27 years since anything on this scale has occurred in the UK when a pod of pilot whales became stranded in 1981.
Theories abound as to what led to the stranding that resulted in the deaths of 26 dolphins and tens of others that had to be led back out to sea. Some have already been discredited through the post-motems that took place on the beach where the dolphins died, for others more tests are needed to provide any conclusive evidence. All the dolphins appear to have been healthy showing no obvious signs of disease and some are even thought to have been pregnant. Initially it was thought that perhaps they were chasing fish into the river, but the stomachs of the dolphins were empty suggesting that they hadn't been feeding in the area. Could they have been scared into the river? Though rare, orcas can be found around the UK and these could have made the dolphins take flight. Or what about human activity?
It is now well-documented that sonar use is linked to cetaceans stranding and this resulted in the USA Federal Courts prohibiting the use of sonar in Californian waters because of the risks to cetaceans in the area. Cetaceans use echolocation to com
municate and, in the case of toothed whales, to help locate their food. Powerful sonar blasts used to map the oceans cause them to rise too quickly to the surface resulting in them suffering from something similar to the bends in human divers. This is particularly severe for deep-diving cetaceans such as beaked whales. As sound travels faster and further in water than in air, it is thought that marine mammals and other creatures can end up disorientated by the noise particularly if they need sonar to navigate. This can result in cetaceans washing up on the shore. In some cases the stranded animals were bleeding from the ears and head where the sonar had caused the blood vessels to burst. Could sonar have scared the dolphins onto the shore?
The Royal Navy was conducting training exercises in the area and local people have reported hearing explosions before the dolphins stranded, however the Ministry of Defence claim that it is unlikely that their activities resulted in the stranding. More research needs to be done before any potential cause of the UK stranding may be revealed.
The Invertebrates - Armoured Warriors
In the Permian 265 million years ago, the most successful group of the insects appeared. Their hard exoskeleton created a shell that protected their wings as they scurried around in the undergrowth. Coming in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours their diets are just as varied. Some are predators, others are herbivores. They thrive in forests and deserts, swamps and underground. Some even live in freshwater The only places they haven’t colonised are the marine and polar environments. They are the beetles.
Beetles are equipped with biting jaws, unlike their relatives the bugs. While some have specific diets, others feed on whatever is available. The dung beetles arose when giant dinosaurs roamed the Jurassic plains. Their provided a vital service by clearing away and eating the tons of dung that the giant herbivores produced. This is something that they continue to do to this day though the herbivores are now much smaller! Across the world, just about anywhere there are large herbivores there are dung beetles. In many agricultural areas these beetles are encouraged for by clearing the way the dung their help reduce disease as the flies that carry diseases are less likely to become numerous.
While some beetles are dark and dull coloured, others are brightly decorated to deter predators. The bright colours of ladybirds and other beetles warn that they are not good to eat as they secrete toxic substances. Some long-horn beetles mimic stinging wasps to avoid becoming a meal. Other species rely on elaborate camouflage, resembling leaves, thorns or wood to escape the attention of predators.
Among the most impressive and largest of beetles are the stag beetles. These have large mandibles that, as their name suggests, are used in much the same way as a stag uses his antlers. The mandibles are used when in combat with rivals over the right to mate with a female. In battle, the aim is to get the opponent on his back or throw him off. The successor then gets to father the offspring of the female.
The largest family of beetles is the weevils with around 60,000 recognised species and more being discovered each year. Nearly all of these beetles feed entirely on plants, some restricted to just a single species. As a result of this, a number of species are major crop pests that in large numbers can do severe damage to crop yield.
At some point in their history, a few species of beetle returned to the water to live an aquatic existence. Some, such as the whirligig live on the surface of the water. Others though lurk beneath. Diving beetles are aquatic predators that hunt in the water. They prey upon other aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles and small fish. In order to breath, these beetles trap a bubble of oxygen beneath their hard wing cases and lie in ambush for a meal to come close enough for a strike.
Beetles are the armoured tanks of the insect world. This defence has aided in their success allowing them to become among the most varied and numerous of the insects.
Grow your own salad
With food costs spiralling it is perhaps no surprise that many people are turning to growing their own fruit and vegetables. Take a look at the salad on the supermarket shelves. Packs of mixed salad leaves are around £1 - more if you want something a bit different. And even then that doesn't usually include the tomatoes, cucumber, beetroot, potatoes and other things you may like in your salad mix.
The cost of salad, along with the amount that was going to waste as it doesn't usually last long, was what made me decide last month to attempt to grow my own. I'm not much of a gardener. My method is pretty much throw some seeds in compost, water them every few days and see if they grow. And that is just what I've done in my attempt to grow some salad. I bought some window boxes that fit nicely on the windowsill in the kitchen, bought two packets of mixed salad leaves, a packet of carrot seeds and a packet of beetroot seeds (and I have since bought two packets of mini-cucumber seeds and a different variety of carrot and beetroot). Within a week, the seedlings started to emerge. The mixed salad leaves are ready to eat in around 30 days - so by the next issue of The Realm I should have tasted and tested my home-grown salad leaves. The carrots and beets take longer to grow before they can be harvested.
There is a vast range of mixed salad seed packets to chose from to suit your personal tastes. Your local garden centre will stock some, but search online and you may find a greater variety. From basic salad leaves to spicy salads, Italian to Oriental there is bound to be something that you like and it can be grown at a fraction of the cost of buying from the supermarket. A packet of mixed salad seeds usually costs no more than around £2 - and certain salads can be harvested throughout the year. As just a few leaves are taken when they are needed on the dinner plate this is as fresh as you can get and the leaves will simply continue to grow giving a long-term supply of salad. Salad can be erased from your shopping list and a few extra pounds can stay in your pocket, not to mention the benefit to the environment.
Why stop there though? If you find growing salad in pots in your kitchen, on the patio or greenhouse works why not experiment with other tasty salad and vegetables that you like on the dinner table. If you have a garden an area of just four square metres is enough to provide veggies for a family. If you don't, try hanging shelves on the walls to stand window boxes on and grow your crops on your house. Alternatively, you can just keep growing those varieties that do best indoors. For those with young children this is a great way of introducing them to proper foods. Encourage your children to get involved, you can even time the start of your growing season to the Easter or summer holidays and have them assist with the planting and harvesting of your home-grown crops. It is both educational and encourages them to eat their greens (and oranges, purples, reds, yellows...).
Check out the next issue of The Realm to see how well my first home-grown salad goes down!
DVD Review - Tiger: Spy in the Jungle
In what has to be one of the most magical documentaries ever made, Tiger: Spy in the Jungle travels to India to follow two years in the life of a tigress raising her four cubs. This wasn't filmed by people on foot or in vehicles though, this time it was the elephant that provided the transport and much of the footage with specially designed "trunk-cams" for the elephants to carry and record what was going on around them. The result is the most intimate portrait of tiger family life ever to have been seen on television. Viewers see the cubs at just 10 days old - the youngest ever filmed - and follow the tigress as she does her best to provide for her growing family. As these are her first cubs, it is going to be one massive challenge for the young tigress keeping her challenging little bundles of fur safe. She has to hunt to provide for both herself and her cubs as the male, an impressive tiger known as Charger, plays no part in providing for his family. That doesn't mean he is a totally absent parent. Rival male tigers are one of the main threats to young cubs, killing them to bring the mother back into season so they can father her next litter. With Charger around, he will see off any rival males and by doing so keeps his offspring safe. But what will happen to the cubs when separate tragedies leave both mum and dad badly injured while a rouge male is on the loose...?
With prowling leopards that will kill tiger cubs if they are given the chance and monkeys that ruin many a hunt by giving out an alarm calls, a cub in disguise and scary water-tigers this documentary provides suspense and drama, humour and fun. It would make any Disney or soap writer jealous that they can't come up with anything on this scale. Tiger: Spy in the Jungle is a stunning programme that gives a tigers eye view of the world of these majestic big cats. A definite must-see documentary.
Tiger: Spy in the Jungle is available now in our online store, in association with Amazon.co.uk
ACT NOW!
Save Beef Island!
Beef Island is an ecologically important area in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) complete with live corals (including the endangered Elkhorn Coral), one of the most important mangrove systems, precious salt ponds and the Hans Creek Lagoon System - all integral parts of the island's ecosystem and local fishing economy. Rare and elusive species of wildlife, including Caribbean roseate flamingos and West Indian whistling-ducks, depend on Beef Island habitat for their survival. But a planned five-star hotel, marina and golf course are threatening the existence of this world treasure!
The Virgin Islands Environmental Council is taking legal action to stop the development and to ensure that the government adheres to the procedures set forth in law. Help protect this world treasure today by telling BVI Premier Ralph T. O'Neal that the health of marine ecosystems is important to you!
Sign the petition HERE
Boreal Birds need your help
Canada’s boreal forest provides vital breeding habitat for many of the world’s birds -- including nearly 40% of North America’s ducks, geese, and swans. In fact, each year, more than 300 species of birds, including bufflehead ducks, boreal chickadees, Cape May warblers, sparrows and more, spend time in this special place.
But oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and other industries are rapidly eating up the boreal forest’s vital habitat for birds and other wildlife. And with just 8% of the boreal forest now protected, more of this special place is being lost each year in the pursuit of profits.
Add your voice to the call for more responsible management of this natural treasure. Fill out the form below and add you name to our petition calling on the Canadian government to protect the boreal forest.
Send the e-mail HERE
EU - Ban Illegal Timber
Surely you can't import illegally logged timber and sell it in Europe, right? Wrong.
There's an important EU vote on July 23rd, which should close this illegal logging loophole. The European Commission has ignored the need for a new law for almost five years. Even now European Commission President José Manuel Barroso is being lobbied by companies who profit from illegal timber to reject legislation.
We need European Commissioners to vote "YES" to stop illegal logging on July 23rd.
Send an e-mail HERE
Remember, you can keep up-to-date with all the lastest wildlife campaigns in the ACT NOW! section of our forum.
The Realm of Nature Forum's 3rd Birthday!
The 6th of July will be The Realm of Nature forum's third birthday! For three whole years The Realm of Nature has been providing chat and topics on the natural world around us, and I hope it will continue to do so for many years to come!
In that time we've had both good news and bad news, species have been lost and new ones have been discovered. Humans have encroached on wildlife habitat, but new reserves have been created perhaps most significantly with an expansion in the area of the oceans (hopefully the UK will be quick to follow suit and make more marine reserves!)
I would like to invite everyone to come and join us for our 3rd birthday celebration this Sunday 6th July, some come on down to The Realm of Nature and find out what is going on...
We are always looking for new writers and contributors to The Realm magazine. All nature related articles are welcome so if you would like to add your contribution find out more on The Realm Of Nature forum or by e-mailing me at therealmofnature@hotmail.com
I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to this and the previous issues so far.
