BIZARRE: 2 - What They Never Told You

By the late 1700s, European periwinkles had reached America; planted as ornamental ground cover, escaped plants covered 29,254 acres across 12 Southern states by 2008

European periwinkles, once introduced to enhance gardens in the US, have become a troublesome invasive species in natural habitats. Their sprawling growth can overshadow local flora, challenging native species for essential resources. Studies reveal that common periwinkle dramatically decreases the chances of survival for native tree seedlings. Ongoing management efforts…

The Economic Times · Oct 19

Nevada removed invasive blue tilapia from Moapa dace habitat from 2009 to 2012; the endangered fish later returned to an 868-meter stretch where it had vanished

Conservation efforts in Nevada have successfully removed invasive blue tilapia to protect the native Moapa dace fish. After targeted removal operations, Moapa dace have begun to recolonize areas where they were previously extinct. Habitat restoration included creating new streams to support the species' survival. Long-term recovery requires ongoing monitoring and…

The Economic Times · Oct 19

In 2018, GPS tags on 13 Burmese pythons recorded locations just 18.1% of total

Imagine fitting a satellite-linked tracker to a giant constrictor and expecting a steady stream of locations. Scientists did exactly that with 13 Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, and the results published in 2018 were both disappointing and encouraging. The devices recorded a position only 18.1 per cent of the…

The Times of India · Oct 19

Wind Farms and Raptors in India: What Mortality Surveys Found

What the Surveys Actually MeasuredRaptor mortality surveys do not rely on chance sightings. Trained observers walk transects beneath turbine arrays on a fixed schedule, recording carcasses, feathers, and strike evidence. In Kutch, surveys have documented collision mortality among species using the Rann's open scrubland and seasonal wetlands as foraging and…

Times Life · Oct 19

Voting Machines Form Reef Lane: Alabama sinks 124 devices for mackerel; long-term gains still unproven

In October 1997, Alabama launched a groundbreaking initiative by creating an artificial reef from old voting machines to aid local fisheries. The 124 devices formed a 1.5-mile stretch, linking two pre-existing reefs and facilitating fish migration. This inventive scheme aimed to enrich the habitats of red snapper and king mackerel…

The Times of India · Oct 18

Wolf Snake vs Krait: The Misidentification That Kills in Rural India

Two Snakes, One Dangerous ResemblanceThe common wolf snake, Lycodon aulicus, is found inside homes across peninsular India, drawn by the geckos and small lizards it hunts. It is non-venomous, slender, and banded in alternating dark brown and pale cream or white. The common krait, Bungarus caeruleus, is also slender, also…

Times Life · Oct 18

Oklahoma landowner turns family cattle farm into 130-acre pollinator haven

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The Times of India · Oct 18

Millions of grey squirrels swept across America in 1968 as acorns offered a clue

In the autumn of 1968, reports of eastern grey squirrels moving in unusual numbers across parts of the northeastern United States drew attention to a puzzling wildlife event. The scale of the movement was striking, but the animals had not necessarily begun travelling without reason. Their behaviour may have reflected…

The Times of India · Oct 17

Juvenile Salmonid Collection System: DWR redesign cuts predators; salmon capture rises

California is implementing a trial floating salmon-collection system to assist endangered winter-run Chinook salmon. The project, led by California Department of Water Resources, began testing in 2022. Various modifications have been made to improve the effectiveness of the system and increase fish collection. Recent reports indicate some adult salmon have…

The Times of India · Oct 17

Dairy Farm Becomes Bird Refuge: residents and agencies save Fairbanks fields; crane festival now thrives

Since the early 1900s, migrating waterfowl have found a sanctuary in Fairbanks' dairy fields, providing essential food and habitat. Local conservationists successfully secured this land, creating the Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, which attracts around 150 species of birds. With the addition of ponds to foster nesting, initiatives like Sandhill…

The Times of India · Oct 17