Tag: climate change

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Birds

Birds Nesting Earlier

Nature science
Writer and conservationist Annette J Beveridge

by Annette J Beveridge

Spring is upon us. The sound of birds singing and the warmth of the sun is so welcome after the dark nights and the chilly winter months.

It may feel wonderful to us, but we do know that throughout springtime, birds start to build their nests in alignment with available food sources. This is typically around the same time of the year every year.

However, research by US scientists analysed nesting trends and used egg samples available in the Chicago area. It revealed that egg laying is now occurring almost a month earlier than at any time over the last century.

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News Ocean wildlife

Rising Ocean Temperatures and Tiger Sharks

Tiger Shark Study

The University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science has revealed the changes to tiger shark movements including timings and locations in the western North Atlantic Ocean. This is due to an increase of ocean temperatures. The sharks have become more vulnerable through moving outside of protected areas.

By Annette J Beveridge

Writer and conservationist Annette J Beveridge

Found in tropical and temperate regions, the tiger shark is one of the largest sharks in the world growing over 5 m in length. They weigh between 800-1500 pounds, and live up to 50 years. Tiger sharks are the only surviving member of the genus Galeocerdo.  The name tiger shark originates from the dark stripes running down its body but these fade as the shark matures.  Skin varies in colour from a blue or green hue and there is a light yellow underbelly. Females grow bigger than the males.

Tiger sharks are nomadic

Tiger sharks are guided by warmer currents. They remain in deep water moving along reefs but will move closer to the shore when following prey. These are aggressive predators, often circling prey, nudging it before establishing a full attack.  

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Categories
Environmental

Protecting Peatlands – The True Implications

Peat moors
Peatlands
Peat

by Annette J Beveridge

Our peatlands are of the utmost importance. It is a precious natural habitat and yet, it lacks strong protection. The stark reality is that we have just 10% of this precious habitat remaining in the UK. It is horrifying to consider our natural peatlands being plundered and destroyed to such an event. There are three main types here – blanket bogs, raised bogs, and fens and we have around 13% of the world’s blanket and lowland raised bogs. Change is vital, here’s why.

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