Victoria falls, one of the natural wonders of the world is at risk of completely drying up unless serious action is taken to tackle the climate crisis.
The once powerful waterfall – which borders Zambia and Zimbabwe – is almost unrecognisable after a recent drought has reduced water levels at the falls to their lowest in 25 years.
Zambia’s president, Edgar Lungu, has warned of the dangers of climate change, saying the impact is being felt most of all in developing countries such as his.
Although the falls do typically dry up during the dry season, officials say this year has brought an unprecedented decline in water levels. According to Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Tourism, the average flow over the falls this year is down by almost 50%.
In an interview with Sky News, Mr Lungu said:
“Do we want to want to pass on the Zambezi without the mighty Victoria Falls? Do we want to pass on Africa and the next generation without the mighty Victoria Falls? Is that what we want? There are practices and measures we can take now.”
President Lungu said there is still hope, but only if wealthy countries do more to combat climate change and help poorer nations cope with the effects. In countries like Zambia, which is heavily reliant on hydropower from plants at the Kariba Dam, droughts such as this one mean millions of people go hungry.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe have daily power cuts and have been forced to declare serious food shortages because of the extended drought, with more than two million people in Zambia and a further seven million in Zimbabwe thought to be in urgent need of food.
Mr Lungu continued:
“We have no time to play politics with climate change. It’s a serious problem and a genuine one and we are surprised when people trivialise it and say it’s not real.
They are living in a different world but this world we live in Zambia we are feeling the effect of climate change very adversely and they’re impacting on everyone… everyone.”
In October, the Zambian president tweeted pictures of the falls with barely any water descending over the dry rock face, and described them as a ‘stark reminder of what climate change is doing to our environment and our livelihood’.
Just this week, amid fears the news could deter tourists from visiting the falls, Zimbabwe’s tourism authority denied they were at risk of disappearing.
Board member Blessing Munyenyiwa said via The Chronicle newspaper: ‘It’s normal to have low water this time of the year but the falls will never dry in our lifetime. We haven’t had as much water as we have had in the past years but it’s not dry.’
However, Elisha Moyo, Principal Climate Change Researcher at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Tourism, told the BBC’s Hardtalk last month the disappearance of the falls was a ‘serious possibility’.
He said:
“The low falls are becoming more frequent… Who knows, maybe one year there will be no falls completely, no water.”
Victoria Falls is classified as the world’s largest waterfall based upon its combined width of 1,708 metres and height of 108 metres.
SOURCE: UNILAD
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Deforestation Forces Animals To Eat Infected Bat Poo in Uganda
April 23, 2024
The Unseen Dangers of Deforestation: A Deep Dive into Uganda's Bat Poo Crisis
In the dense canopy of Uganda's Budongo Forest, a strange and potentially dangerous new food source has emerged for the local wildlife: bat guano.
This phenomenon has come about not through natural evolution but as a dire consequence of human activity—specifically, tobacco farming, which has led to a severe depletion of the native flora.
The ramifications of this change are profound, shedding light on the complex interplay between deforestation and emerging infectious diseases.
The Unintended Consequences of Agricultural Practices
Over the last six years, a collaborative research project between the University of Stirling and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has unveiled startling findings about the diet of local wildlife, including chimpanzees, antelopes, and monkeys. Dr. Pawel Fedurek from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Stirling first observed these animals consuming bat guano, a substance rich in viruses, some of which are related to the infamous SARS-CoV-2.
The guano serves as an "alternative source of crucial minerals" for the animals, according to the study published in the prestigious Nature journal. This shift in dietary source is a direct result of the local palm trees being "harvested to extinction" to facilitate the drying of tobacco leaves, which are then sold to international markets.
The environmental impact of this agricultural practice extends beyond deforestation: it has created a pathway for potential zoonotic virus transmission, highlighting a subtle but devastating aspect of selective deforestation driven by global tobacco demand.
Viral Pathogens: A Hidden Threat in the Forest
Lab analysis of the collected guano revealed 27 viruses, all previously unknown to science, underscoring the vast unknowns that lie within wildlife and their interactions with pathogens.
Prof. Tony Goldberg from the University of Wisconsin-Madison pointed out the novelty of these viruses and the potential dangers they could pose to humans and other animals. "All 27 viruses were new to science," he explained, "so we don't know what effects they might have on humans or other animals. But one virus stood out because it was a relative of a virus everyone knows: SARS coronavirus 2."
The study provides a critical example of how new infections might jump species barriers, a scenario that has become all too familiar with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for similar future outbreaks is real and alarming.
As Dr. Fedurek noted,
"Our research illustrates how a subtle form of selective deforestation ultimately driven by a global demand for tobacco can expose wildlife, and by extension humans, to viruses residing in bat guano, increasing virus spillover risk."
This research not only raises awareness about the unintended consequences of agricultural practices but also stresses the urgent need for interventions to prevent future pandemics. By understanding the triggers and pathways of virus transmission from wildlife to humans, researchers hope to improve our ability to foresee and mitigate the risks of emerging diseases.
The Budongo case study is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our environmental, economic, and health systems. It underscores the need for a more sustainable approach to agriculture and land use that considers the long-term health of both the planet and its inhabitants.
As we continue to encroach on natural habitats, the line between wildlife and human disease reservoirs becomes increasingly blurred, necessitating a re-evaluation of our impact on the world around us.
Potential ‘Largest Reptile Ever’ Discovered On Family Beach Day
April 22, 2024
Prehistoric Leviathan: Family's Beach Day Leads to Monumental Ichthyosaur Discovery
The serene shores of Somerset, England, are once again at the center of a paleontological breakthrough. A jaw-dropping find—a jawbone over two meters long, belonging to a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur—has the scientific community buzzing with excitement.
Dubbed Ichthyotitan severnensis or "giant fish lizard of the Severn," this marine behemoth is estimated to have been as colossal as a blue whale, stretching over 25 meters long.
A Family Affair: Discovery by Chance
The tale of this remarkable discovery begins with a family outing that turned into a scientific expedition. Ruby Reynolds, a sharp-eyed 11-year-old, and her father, Justin, stumbled upon the first fragments of the giant bone while fossil hunting on the beach at Blue Anchor in May 2020.
Recognizing the significance of their find, they contacted Dr. Dean Lomax, a leading ichthyosaur expert from the University of Bristol. Dr. Lomax, in turn, reached out to Paul de la Salle, who had discovered a similar giant jawbone in 2016.
Together, they unearthed additional pieces, assembling a prehistoric puzzle that would lead to the identification of a new species.
The Significance of the Find
This discovery is not just about adding a new species to the scientific records; it challenges our understanding of marine life in the Triassic period.
The jawbones of Ichthyotitan provide hard evidence of giant ichthyosaurs swimming in the prehistoric oceans about 202 million years ago, just before a global mass extinction event wiped them from existence.
These giants roamed the seas at a time when dinosaurs were beginning to dominate the land, painting a picture of a world vastly different from our own.
The Science Behind the Bones
The research team, which includes experts from the University of Bristol and the University of Bonn, has employed advanced techniques to analyze the fossils.
Marcello Perillo, a master’s student involved in the study, took core samples that confirmed the ichthyosaur origin of the bones and suggested that the creature was still growing at the time of its death.
This hints at unknown biological strategies that may have allowed these giant creatures to reach such massive sizes.
A Community Effort
The discovery of Ichthyotitan severnensis has been a community effort, highlighting the importance of amateur fossil hunters in the field of paleontology. Ruby Reynolds, now a published young scientist, expressed her excitement and pride in contributing to such a significant scientific discovery.
Her story is reminiscent of Mary Anning, the famous fossil collector who made numerous significant contributions to paleontology in the 19th century.
Exhibiting History
The bones of Ichthyotitan are set to be displayed at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, bringing the story of these magnificent creatures to the public.
This exhibition will not only showcase the jawbones but also feature scaled 3D replicas, created by Jimmy Waldron of the DWABA museum in Orlando, Florida, allowing people around the world to marvel at the size and scale of these prehistoric giants.
Reflections on a Giant
The story of Ichthyotitan severnensis is more than a tale of discovery. It is a testament to the enduring curiosity of humans, the thrill of discovery, and the never-ending quest to understand our planet's ancient past.
As these giants once dominated the seas, their fossils now beckon us to explore and appreciate the complex history of life on Earth.
It reminds us that each fossil holds a story, a glimpse into an era where the world was a vastly different place, encouraging us to keep looking, learning, and wondering about the great unknown.
Volcano Erupts In Indonesia: More Than 11,000 Evacuated
April 19, 2024
Rising from the Depths: The Volcanic Agitation of Mount Ruang
In the quiet darkness of a Tuesday night in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, the earth reminded everyone of its fiery core as Mount Ruang erupted, catapulting ash and smoke over two kilometers into the sky.
This dramatic spectacle marked the beginning of a series of eruptions that would see more than 11,000 residents hastily evacuating under the cloak of uncertainty and ash.
The Awakening Giant
Mount Ruang, a 725-meter colossus, is no stranger to the limelight, having etched its power in the history books with a catastrophic eruption in 1871 that triggered a tsunami. This week’s activity began at 9:45 PM local time, with the volcano asserting its might in a display that lit up the night sky with billowing smoke and cascading lava flows that painted the dark waters a glowing red.
Local authorities, quick to respond, escalated the alert level to four—the highest possible—while expanding the exclusion zone from four kilometers to six. Abdul Muhari, head of the disaster agency’s data communications and information centre, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that everyone within this newly defined danger zone had to move to safer grounds immediately.
A Community on the Move
The initial exodus saw over 800 individuals relocate to Tagulandang Island, with subsequent eruptions necessitating further evacuations to the provincial capital, Manado.
The logistics of moving thousands in the face of an ongoing natural disaster are daunting. Yet, the community's resilience and the coordinated efforts of local authorities have painted a picture of determination and solidarity.
The Broader Impact
The eruptions have not only disrupted lives but also air travel. The spread of volcanic ash led to the temporary closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport, a crucial hub with links to China, Singapore, and South Korea. Flights from Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Malaysia also faced significant disruptions, emphasizing the far-reaching impacts of such natural events.
Important Travel Update:
— Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) April 18, 2024
Malaysia Airlines has suspended several flights to/from KL International Airport (KUL) to Sabah and Sarawak today, 18 April 2024 due to the volcanic eruption at Mount Ruang, Indonesia.
Our priority is your safety. We're closely monitoring the situation…
A Geological Hotspot
Indonesia's geographic positioning on the 'Ring of Fire'—a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur—makes it a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity. The country hosts 120 active volcanoes, and the memory of the 2018 Anak Krakatoa eruption, which claimed hundreds of lives, is still fresh.
Reflecting on Nature’s Might
The ongoing situation at Mount Ruang is a stark reminder of the dynamic and sometimes perilous nature of our planet. As scientists and authorities work to monitor and respond to these geological events, the resilience of the affected communities continues to be tested. The eruptions serve as both a spectacle of nature’s raw beauty and a call to respect and prepare for its potential fury.
In the face of such overwhelming natural power, the spirit of the people in North Sulawesi is a testament to human resilience. The coming days will undoubtedly be challenging, but also a chance for collective learning and adaptation in the shadow of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena.
Hunting For The ‘Extinct’ Indonesian Tiger
April 18, 2024
The Quest for the Javan Tiger: A Glimmer of Hope in Indonesia
In the lush, verdant wilderness of West Java, Indonesia, a remarkable and potentially groundbreaking discovery has rekindled hope for a species long thought to be extinct: the Javan tiger.
The news broke following an intriguing study conducted by Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and published by Cambridge University Press. It centered on a single strand of tiger hair found in 2019, snagged on a fence near Sukabumi city.
This finding has spurred a nation-wide hunt, leveraging camera traps and DNA sweeps, to uncover whether the Javan tiger still prowls the Indonesian forests.
The hair, with genetic markers pointing to the Javan tiger, presents a thrilling scientific mystery. According to the research, local resident Ripi Yanur Fajar first noted the hair along with footprints and claw marks at a plantation.
This evidence has not only captured the imagination of the local community but also mobilized the country's environmental efforts.
Satyawan Pudyatmoko, a ministry official overseeing conservation, emphasized the cautious optimism permeating the scientific community, stating, "The research has sparked speculation that the Javan tiger is still in the wild."
The Conservation Conundrum
The potential rediscovery of the Javan tiger is not just a scientific curiosity—it's a conservation imperative. The Javan and Balinese tigers were declared extinct in the 1980s and 1940s, respectively, victims of relentless poaching and habitat destruction.
Today, only the Sumatran tigers remain, with fewer than 400 individuals in the wild, as estimated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The survival of the Javan tiger could signify not only a miraculous beat against extinction but also a critical new chapter in Indonesia's environmental policy.
However, this pursuit is fraught with challenges. Muhammad Ali Imron, head of the WWF Indonesia’s forest and wildlife program, expressed concerns about publicizing the findings too widely.
The fear is that drawing too much attention might attract poachers, turning a conservation opportunity into a crisis. As such, the balance between excitement for discovery and the practicalities of protecting potentially surviving tigers is delicate.
Reflections on Conservation Efforts
The story of the Javan tiger is a poignant reminder of the fragility of our planet's biodiversity. It underscores the urgent need for robust environmental policies and proactive conservation strategies.
If the Javan tiger does indeed still exist, it will become a symbol of hope and a testament to nature's resilience. But it also underscores the obligations of not only governments but also local communities and international bodies to safeguard these treasures.
The efforts to confirm the existence of the Javan tiger continue, blending hope with scientific rigor. As researchers press on, supported by the Indonesian government and international conservation groups, the story of the Javan tiger could either be a remarkable tale of survival or a somber epitaph for a species lost to history.
Either outcome will undoubtedly shape conservation dialogues globally, reminding us of our enduring responsibility to the natural world.
Source: Al Jazeera
‘Skywalker’ Ape Discovered In Jungles Of Myanmar
April 18, 2024
The Echoes of Survival: The Skywalker Gibbons of Myanmar
In the verdant jungles of Myanmar, a recent discovery has not only expanded our understanding of biodiversity but has also ignited hope for conservationists globally.
The Skywalker gibbons, a species first identified in China in 2017 and named with a nod to the Star Wars saga, have now been confirmed to inhabit the remote forests of Myanmar.
This finding is a critical step in ensuring the survival of a species that mirrors the traits of resilience and uniqueness akin to their cinematic namesake.
Discovery and Identification
The journey to this significant discovery began with acoustic monitoring of the gibbons’ haunting morning songs, a method that allowed researchers to pinpoint their presence without direct visual contact.
This non-invasive technique captures the essence of modern conservation efforts—blending technology with traditional fieldwork.
The use of DNA analysis from discarded plant material further solidified the presence of 44 new groups of Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar, a testament to the meticulous and innovative approaches adopted by the research teams from Fauna & Flora and Nature Conservation Society Myanmar.
READ NEXT: GET TO KNOW THE SPIDER MONKEY
Characteristics and Challenges
Skywalker gibbons (Hoolock tianxing) are distinguished from their close relatives by subtle yet distinct physical differences such as thinner eyebrows and a darker beard, which are not just mere aesthetic details but are adaptive traits honed by evolution.
Despite their enchanting presence, these primates are under siege from an all-too-common enemy: habitat loss. With Myanmar's existing protected areas covering a mere 4% of suitable gibbon habitat, the challenges are daunting.
The forests that cradle these gibbons are vanishing, sliced away by deforestation and degraded by human encroachment.
Conservation Efforts and Future Prospects
The discovery has sparked a broader conservation dialogue, emphasizing the need for a dual approach combining government-led protection with community-based conservation initiatives.
Local communities have shown a willingness to engage, with some expressing interest in establishing community protected areas and launching conservation awareness programs aimed at curbing poaching.
This collaborative spirit is essential, as the preservation of the Skywalker gibbon isn’t just about saving a species but about maintaining the ecological balance they help sustain.
The plight of the Skywalker gibbons serves as a poignant reminder of our intertwined destinies with the natural world. These creatures, with their distinct songs and familial groups, are not just inhabitants of their forests but are custodians of their ecosystems.
Protecting them is a moral imperative that transcends borders and species—a call to action to preserve the rich tapestry of life that, once unraveled, cannot be rewoven.
Source: Discover Wildlife