In the midst of mass global panic over the most recent threat facing human life, the coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China, may have been transferred from animals to humans via pangolin meat researchers say.
The discovery was announced by researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and confirmed by researchers at the South China Agricultural University on 7 February, according to The Daily Maverick.
Bats were thought to be the original hosts of the virus, but were not responsible for the virus’ transmission to humans.
Joseph F. Petrosino, professor at Baylor College’s department of molecular virology and microbiology said:
‘In this case, it appears a pangolin virus and bat virus found themselves in the same animal, which led to a devastating recombination event, creating the pandemic strain. This may have happened in the wild, or where these animals were brought together in unnaturally close proximity,’
Isn’t it ironic that the source of the worlds current scourge, has been found in the most trafficked animal on the planet. Perhaps this is the break that the endangered pangolin species needed to prevent them from going extinct
In the meantime, China has announced its plans to ban all trade in wildlife permanently.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAVERICK
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Snakebites Are Rising In South Asia – Why?
The Growing Snakebite Crisis in South Asia
In the sweltering heat of South Asia, where the lands weave through a tapestry of dense forests and bustling human settlements, an age-old nemesis slithers silently—the venomous snake.
The rising frequency of snakebites in this region is not just a startling statistic but a pressing concern that beckons for immediate and effective responses.
The Stark Reality of Rising Snakebite Incidences
Every year, over 5.4 million people worldwide fall victim to snakebites. Half of these cases involving venomous species.
South Asia, a biodiversity hotspot for venomous snakes, accounts for nearly 70% of these fatal encounters. India alone sees approximately 58,000 deaths annually from about one million cases of snakebite envenoming. This distressing figure is projected to climb, influenced heavily by the specter of climate change.
The 2018 study from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka underscores a grim forecast: the number of snakebites may surge by over 30% in the next 25 to 50 years due to changing climatic conditions. As temperatures rise and habitats alter, snakes are pushed into closer proximity with humans, escalating the odds of venomous interactions.
Voices from the Ground: The Human Cost
The narrative of Kabiraj Kharel, a farmer from Nepal, brings a harrowing personal dimension to the statistics. Bitten by a krait while farming, Kharel's account of the ordeal highlights the acute dangers and the terrifying immediacy of venomous snakebites.
Recounting his terrifying encounter Kharel said, "I thought I was going to die." His narrative of the frantic rush to a hospital, over 25 kilometers away, after the snakebite, highlights the acute challenges in accessing timely medical aid in rural areas.
Dr. Sadanand Raut, a medical expert and snakebite prevention advocate from India, emphasizes the urgency of timely medical intervention. The effectiveness of antivenom, a life-saving treatment derived from the very poison that threatens lives, can mean the difference between life and death.
However, the availability of this antidote is hindered by high costs, lack of refrigeration facilities, and inadequate production capabilities, particularly in rural areas where snakebites are most prevalent.
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The Bigger Picture: Ecological and Economic Implications
Beyond the immediate threat to human life, the rise in snakebites poses broader ecological and economic challenges. Snakes play a pivotal role in the ecosystem, primarily through their control of rodent populations, which are known to destroy significant portions of agricultural yields. The decline in snake populations, therefore, can lead to uncontrolled rodent growth, impacting food security and livelihoods.
Conservation biologist Michael Starkey points out that climate change and human encroachment on natural habitats not only displace snake populations but also disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems. The construction of urban infrastructure, for example, encroaches on the natural habitats of snakes, increasing the likelihood of encounters.
"Rising temperatures...are known to make habitats for some species of snake unsuitable for them," he explains, illustrating how environmental changes force snakes into closer contact with humans.
Forging Paths to Coexistence
The path forward requires a multi-faceted approach. Awareness and education about snakebite prevention and treatment need to be ramped up, especially in rural and tribal areas. Infrastructure improvements, such as the local production and distribution of antivenom, along with better healthcare facilities, could significantly reduce mortality rates.
Rmaah Memon, a physician with insights into the challenges of antivenom distribution, argues for better accessibility and production of antivenom. "Antivenom is very expensive so making it more affordable would also be a step in the right direction," she notes, addressing one of the many facets of the comprehensive response required.
Moreover, a shift in perspective is essential. Snakes, often vilified and feared, are crucial for the ecological balance. Educating communities about the ecological benefits of snakes and promoting coexistence can help mitigate conflicts.
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The snakebite crisis in South Asia is a complex interplay of environmental changes, human activity, and socio-economic factors. As the region grapples with this escalating challenge, the global community must lend its support to local efforts.
Only through sustained and cooperative endeavors can we hope to address this public health issue, ensuring safer futures for both human and snake populations alike.
What are the most venomous snakes in South Asia?
South Asia, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to some of the world's most venomous snakes.
These snakes pose significant risks due to their potent venom, which can cause severe medical emergencies.
Here are the ten most venomous snakes in this region:
- Indian Cobra (Naja naja) - Also known simply as the cobra, this snake is feared for its ability to deliver a neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
- Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) - The krait's venom is highly toxic, primarily neurotoxic, and even small amounts can cause severe muscle paralysis.
- Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) - Known for causing the most snakebite fatalities in India, its venom can lead to severe bleeding disorders, kidney failure, and pain.
- Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) - This viper's venom is particularly haemotoxic, leading to extensive bleeding and tissue damage.
- King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) - The largest venomous snake, the king cobra's neurotoxic venom can kill a human within hours if untreated.
- Hump-Nosed Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale) - Although smaller, this viper's venom can cause severe swelling and bleeding, and its bites are often underestimated.
- Indian Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) - Another krait species, known for its highly potent venom which is primarily neurotoxic.
- Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus spp.) - These vipers, found across various habitats, deliver a venom that can cause prolonged bleeding and necrosis.
- Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) - Easily recognized by its distinctive yellow and black bands, its venom is highly neurotoxic.
- Bamboo Pit Viper (Trimeresurus gramineus) - While less aggressive, the venom of this snake can cause significant haemotoxic effects.
These snakes, while dangerous, are critical to their ecosystems and often only pose a threat when provoked or accidentally encountered. Effective medical treatment and education about these snakes can help mitigate the risks associated with their bites.
Aussie-Born Captive Cheetah Released In Africa For The First Time
From Sydney to South Africa, a New Chapter for Cheetah Conservation
In a heartwarming leap towards innovative conservation, Edie, a 1.5-year-old cheetah born in captivity in Sydney, Australia, has taken her first free steps in the wild expanses of South Africa's Mziki Private Game Reserve.
This event marks a pioneering moment in the field of wildlife conservation, focusing on the importance of genetic diversity and species revival. The relocation of Edie from the confines of the Wild Cat Conservation Centre to the savannas of Africa narrates a compelling story of hope, challenge, and a new strategy in conserving one of the planet's fastest mammals.
The Beginning of Edie’s Journey
Edie's life began under the careful supervision of conservationists at Sydney's Wild Cat Conservation Centre. Born in September 2022, she represented a beacon of hope—a living symbol of what might be possible in the realm of species preservation. Her journey from Australia to Africa was facilitated by a coalition of conservation bodies including the Wild Cat Conservation Centre, WeWild Africa, The Aspinall Foundation, The Metapopulation Initiative, and Mziki Private Game Reserve.
Tony King, the Conservation and Reintroduction Coordinator for The Aspinall Foundation, shed light on the rigorous preparations undertaken to equip Edie for the wild. "The transition from a zoo environment to the wild requires significant adjustments. We worked on enhancing Edie's physical fitness and adjusting her diet. More crucially, we had to fine-tune her innate predatory instincts, which are vital for her survival in the wild," King explained.
Watch the moment Edie was released into her new home in South Africa’s Mziki Private Game Reserve. Credit: Wildcat Conservation Centre & Wewild
Preparation for a Wild Life
The preparations for Edie's rewilding were extensive and carefully planned. Her training involved altering her diet from prepared meals to raw, whole carcasses, simulating the conditions she would face in her natural habitat.
Her trainers also introduced controlled live prey hunts to sharpen her hunting techniques. "Cheetahs have innate predatory skills that need honing. They must learn how often to hunt, optimizing their energy use in the wild, which is vastly different from the frequent feeding schedules in captivity," King noted.
Strategic Habitat Selection
Choosing an ideal release location was paramount. The selection criteria were stringent, avoiding regions populated by apex predators like lions and hyenas, which pose significant risks to a reintroduced cheetah. "Our site selection process is critical.
We ensure that each location offers the best possible chance for survival and integration into existing wildlife populations," King elaborated. Mziki Private Game Reserve was selected for its favorable conditions and the absence of competing large predators, providing Edie a real chance at establishing herself.
The Broader Conservation Impact
The decline in global cheetah populations has been alarming, with the species now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Current estimates suggest that only about 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild. The loss of habitat, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching have decimated their numbers. Initiatives like Edie's reintroduction aim to bolster genetic diversity and strengthen the genetic pool of the wild populations.
"Genetic diversity is crucial for the health and resilience of any animal population. By introducing genetically distinct individuals like Edie into the metapopulation, we're not just saving a single animal—we are enhancing the entire species' ability to adapt and survive," King asserted.
Looking to the Future
As Edie adapts to her new environment, conservationists eagerly anticipate her contribution to the gene pool, particularly through future offspring. "The real success will be witnessed in the survival and integration of her future cubs into the African cheetah population, spreading her unique genetics across the metapopulation," said King.
Edie’s relocation from Sydney to South Africa symbolizes more than just a physical journey—it represents a paradigm shift in conservation strategies, emphasizing a holistic approach that includes genetic health, suitable habitat selection, and careful monitoring. As she explores her new home, Edie carries with her the hopes of conservationists and animal lovers worldwide, serving as a living bridge between continents and cultures in the shared mission of wildlife preservation.
Reflecting on Edie's story, it's evident that the future of wildlife conservation hinges on innovative approaches like these. By moving beyond traditional methodologies and embracing global collaboration and genetic management, we can hope to see a future where humans live in harmony with, and not at the expense of, our planet's remarkable creatures. Edie’s journey inspires us to think differently about how we interact with and protect our natural world.
Why Botswana and Namibia Want Fewer Elephants
The Gentle Giants and the Growing Conflict: Elephant Conservation and Human Challenges in Southern Africa
In the expansive wilderness of Southern Africa, the African elephant, a symbol of wildlife majesty and ecological might, roams across national parks and beyond, playing a crucial role in biodiversity maintenance. However, this iconic species, once nearly driven to extinction by poaching and habitat loss, now faces a new set of challenges stemming from its own successful recovery.
As elephant populations increase, particularly in countries like Botswana, which harbors the world’s largest number of these animals, the ensuing human-elephant conflicts pose significant dilemmas for conservationists, governments, and local communities alike.
The Roots of Conflict
Botswana, a country approximately the size of France but with only about two million residents, is home to around 130,000 bush elephants—nearly a third of Africa's total elephant population. These numbers are both a conservation success and a growing problem. In the vast landscapes where elephants roam, the line between wildlife habitats and human settlements is increasingly blurred. Elephants, in their quest for food and water, often wander into human-populated areas, leading to devastating impacts on crops, property, and sometimes human lives.
The severity of these conflicts is magnified by the elephants' natural behaviors. These largest land animals on Earth can drastically alter their ecosystems over their 60-year lifespan. With few natural predators, their populations can grow quickly, increasing the frequency of their encounters with humans.
Diplomatic Frictions and Policy Responses
The situation has escalated to the extent of straining international relations. In a stark example, Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany as a response to the European nation's consideration of a ban on the import of elephant parts. This statement highlighted the intense pressure felt by Botswana to find viable solutions to manage its elephant population sustainably while addressing the economic and safety concerns of its citizens.
In response to these challenges, Botswana and other Southern African nations have explored various management strategies, including the controversial practice of trophy hunting. Reintroduced in Botswana in 2019 after a five-year moratorium, trophy hunting is advocated by some as a means to control elephant numbers, generate income for conservation, and support local communities. However, this method is contentious. Critics argue that it is ethically problematic and that it disproportionately benefits wealthy foreign hunters and local elites rather than the broader community.
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Innovative Solutions and Community Involvement
Amid these tensions, conservationists are advocating for innovative solutions that focus on coexistence rather than control. One promising approach is the project led by Lucy King and the Save the Elephants organization, which utilizes beehive fences to deter elephants from entering human settlements. This method harnesses elephants’ natural fear of bees, providing a humane barrier that protects crops and property without harming the elephants. Additionally, the beehives offer the dual benefit of producing honey, creating an economic incentive for communities to maintain and embrace these natural deterrents.
Furthermore, in northern Botswana, the Eco-Exist Project seeks to reduce conflict through strategic planning and community engagement. By identifying and protecting elephant corridors—paths that elephants have historically used to migrate—the project aims to guide elephants away from populated areas. This initiative involves rethinking village layouts and utilizing crops that naturally deter elephants, like chili peppers, to minimize attractions.
Towards a Sustainable Coexistence
The road to resolving human-elephant conflicts is complex and fraught with ethical, environmental, and socio-economic considerations. The challenges are immense, but the pursuit of innovative and humane solutions highlights a shift towards a more ethical approach to wildlife management. This approach recognizes the intrinsic value of elephants beyond their economic and trophy potential. It emphasizes the importance of habitat preservation, the expansion of migration corridors, and the education of local populations on the benefits and methods of coexisting with wildlife.
As we look to the future, the sustainability of Africa's elephant populations and the safety of its human communities will depend heavily on our ability to implement and support solutions that respect the needs and rights of all beings involved. Through continued research, international collaboration, and local empowerment, there is hope that both humans and elephants can thrive together in this richly biodiverse region.
1,000 Manta Rays Seen In The Maldives
A Leap Towards Conservation: The Milestone of 1000 Manta Rays in the Maldives
In a significant milestone for marine conservation, the Maldives has officially recorded its 1000th oceanic manta ray, marking the archipelago as the home of the world's third largest population of this majestic species. This landmark achievement, confirmed by the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP), highlights not only the thriving marine biodiversity of the region but also the crucial role of targeted conservation efforts.
Oceanic manta rays, scientifically known as Mobula birostris, are the giants of the ray family, boasting wingspans that can reach up to 8.8 meters—comparable in size to a London Routemaster bus. Known for their gentle nature, these creatures primarily feed on plankton and can be uniquely identified by the distinctive spot patterns on their undersides, akin to human fingerprints.
"The uniqueness of each manta ray's belly pattern is what allows us to keep track of their population through our database," explained Fauz Fath-hee, RahVeshi Programme Coordinator at MMCP. This database, enriched by both professional researchers and citizen scientists, includes photos and sighting information that trace back to 1996.
An oceanic manta ray at Fuvahmulah Atoll in the Maldives. Credit: Simon Hilbourne
Interestingly, the majority of these sightings occur in Fuvahmulah Atoll, a southern island known for its tiger shark dives, indicating a unique ecological hotspot. Despite extensive studies by the MMCP since 2005, the reasons behind the high concentration of mantas in this area remain elusive. "Unlike other regions where mantas aggregate for feeding or breeding, here they seem to be just passing through, and their exact migratory paths are still a mystery," Fath-hee noted.
The implications of this thriving population are significant, especially considering the endangered status of oceanic mantas on the IUCN Red List. While this milestone offers hope, concerns loom over the potential threats these creatures face beyond Maldivian waters. "Many of these mantas could be swimming towards Sri Lanka, which harbors the world's largest manta ray fishery, posing a stark threat to their survival," Fath-hee added, emphasizing the urgent need for regional cooperation in conservation efforts.
This conservation success story serves not only as a testament to the effectiveness of the Maldives' environmental strategies but also as a critical reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. As we celebrate this milestone, the ongoing commitment to understanding and protecting these enigmatic giants remains more crucial than ever, underscoring the interconnectedness of our global ecosystems and the shared responsibility to safeguard our planet's natural heritage.
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What is the Manta Ray?
Manta rays are enigmatic and colossal inhabitants of our oceans, belonging to the genus Mobula. These creatures are easily recognizable by their impressive size and distinctive body shapes, characterized by triangular pectoral fins and horn-shaped cephalic fins located near their mouths. Manta rays are part of the Elasmobranchii sub-class, which also includes sharks and other rays, and are closely related to sharks, sharing several anatomical features like a cartilaginous skeleton.
There are two primary species of manta rays: the larger oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) and the slightly smaller reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi). The oceanic manta can span up to 8.8 meters across, while the reef manta is not far behind, with a wingspan of about 5 to 6 meters. Despite their formidable size, manta rays are gentle giants. They are filter feeders, consuming vast quantities of plankton and small fishes which they funnel into their open mouths while swimming.
Manta rays are known for their high level of intelligence. They have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any cold-blooded fish, exhibiting behaviors such as coordinated and cooperative feeding, social interactions, and even playful activities, which indicate a complex level of cognitive function. Their behavior also includes leaping high out of the water, which is believed to be a method for parasite removal, communication, or simply playful activity.
In terms of conservation status, both species of manta ray face significant threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. Their slow reproductive rates—producing one pup every two to three years—make them particularly vulnerable to population decline. As a result, both species are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the oceanic manta ray listed as endangered due to its more widespread distribution and the heightened fishing pressures it faces globally.
Diving with Manta Rays in the Maldives
Diving with manta rays in the Maldives offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Maldives, known for its stunning underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, provides some of the best settings worldwide for experiencing close encounters with both oceanic and reef manta rays. The warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean create perfect conditions for both divers and mantas, making this destination a favorite among marine enthusiasts.
The most famous spots for manta ray sightings in the Maldives include the Fuvahmulah Atoll and the Baa Atoll, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon season from May to November. During this period, the plankton blooms attract scores of mantas, and the Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay becomes a bustling hub of marine activity. This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is often described as a manta ray feeding frenzy, where the rays perform elegant somersaults and loops as they feed, creating a spectacular display for divers and snorkelers.
A research boat records oceanic manta rays at Fuvahmulah. Credit: Simon Hilbourne
Diving with mantas in the Maldives is not just about the thrill of the encounter; it’s a serene experience, marked by the graceful movements of the rays gliding effortlessly through the water. The sight of a manta ray overhead, with its vast wingspan casting a gentle shadow, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their peaceful nature and curiosity sometimes bring them close to divers, offering a magical and unforgettable underwater interaction.
For those planning to dive with these gentle giants, it's important to adhere to responsible diving practices to ensure the safety and preservation of the manta rays. Local regulations and conservation efforts are in place to minimize human impact, such as maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding any actions that could distress or harm the rays. Many dive operators in the Maldives collaborate with conservation organizations to promote awareness and support ongoing research and protection initiatives.