Visitors shocked to discover the horrifying source of litter in famous birdwatching area: 'We saw hundreds of them'
A conservation reserve in India is being polluted by an unexpected source, which could have dire consequences for the entire food chain.
The Jorbeer Conservation Reserve in northern India is widely regarded as a birdwatcher's paradise. It is home to many vulnerable avian species, particularly vultures and raptors.
"In the space of an hour, we saw hundreds of them, including white-headed Egyptian vultures, glistening black cinereous vultures, Eurasian griffons, Himalayan griffons and more," wrote the Indian Express about a recent visit.
Sadly, the article's author also saw massive amounts of plastic waste within the reserve. But the source of the plastic was equally shocking.
The plastic came from the stomachs of decomposing animals.
The reason for the Jorbeer Conservation Reserve's ecological importance may sound strange: For more than 100 years, it has served as a dumping ground for animal carcasses.
Over time, this rare site has become a critical conservation area for endangered vultures and other scavenger birds who flock there in enormous numbers. Their presence attracts a diverse array of species, creating a rich ecosystem.
This unique site has collided with a growing problem — plastic pollution.
Grazing animals and cattle are ingesting our plastic waste, causing them harm and distress. According to the Indian Express, a cow can have 30 kilograms of plastic in its stomach. That plastic then reenters the environment once the animal decomposes.
Do you think America has a plastic waste problem?
Definitely
Only in some areas
Not really
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Vultures are a critical part of our ecosystem. Nicknamed nature's cleanup crew, they consume animal carcasses, which helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Worldwide vulture populations are in steep decline, largely due to an anti-inflammatory veterinary drug used in cattle that's lethal to vultures that consume treated livestock.
India's vulture population has collapsed by more than 99%, which has been linked to 500,000 human deaths, according to the publication Science — proof of the importance of species conservation.
Plastic pollution is further imperiling this vulnerable species.
When plastic decomposes, it leaches toxic chemicals and breaks down into microplastics — tiny fragments that cause damage to human cells and stunt animal reproduction. Even plastic we intend to recycle often winds up in landfills and waterways, where it works its way through the food chain, causing residual harm.
According to the Indian Express, many organizations in India, like Waste Warriors and Clean Coonoor, are working to improve solid-waste management.
Bans and recycling help, but by using less plastic, we can ensure these pollutants never enter the environment in the first place. Our individual consumption habits can have the biggest impact on the larger ecosystem.
The switch to a biodegradable or reusable alternative protects species up and down the food chain.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Geographic
11 hours ago
- National Geographic
Snakes
There are over 3,000 types of snakes in the world. They have wide distribution, living everywhere except in Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and New Zealand. In the United States, snakes live in almost every state, except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. About 600 species are venomous. Of those, only about 200 can kill or significantly wound a human. Nonvenomous snakes, which range from harmless garter snakes to the not-so-harmless python, dispatch their victims by swallowing them alive or constricting them to death. Whether they kill by striking with venom or squeezing, nearly all snakes eat their food whole, in sometimes astoundingly large portions. Almost all snakes are covered in scales. As reptiles, they're cold blooded and must regulate their body temperature externally. Scales serve several purposes: They trap moisture in arid climates and reduce friction as the snake moves. Several species of snakes are mostly scaleless, but even those have scales on their bellies. Cultural significance of snakes Throughout history, snakes have been important symbols in cultures across the globe. In ancient Egypt, people often associated snakes with royalty. The goddess Wadjet was depicted as a snake. Pharaohs wore head gear and held scepters topped with a uraeus, or the upright form of an Egyptian cobra. Many East Asian cultures see snakes as symbols of immortality and renewal because they can shed their skin. The snake is also one of 12 animals that hold a spot on the Chinese zodiac and star in many folklore. Snakes are also familiar creatures in Native American folk tales and traditions. The Hopi and Cherokee see snakes as connections to the Underworld that deserve reverence and respect. How do snakes hunt? Snakes eat all sorts of animals, from small mammals and small fish to larger prey up to three times larger than the width of their head. They're able to swallow such large animals because their lower jaws unhinge from their upper jaws. Once in a snake's mouth, the prey is held in place by teeth that face inward, trapping it there. Snakes hunt by flicking their forked tongues in different directions to smell their surroundings. That lets them know when danger—or food—is nearby. Snakes have several other ways to detect a snack. Openings called pit holes in front of their eyes sense the heat given off by warm-blooded prey. Bones in their lower jaws pick up vibrations from rodents and other scurrying animals. (Snakes gang up to hunt prey—a first) Left: A green tree python (Morelia viridis) at the Riverside Zoo. Right: Speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii) at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Photographs by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark Behavior and reproduction About once a month snakes shed their skin, a process called ecdysis that makes room for growth and gets rid of parasites. They rub against a tree branch or other object, then slither out of their skin head first, leaving it discarded inside-out. Most snakes lay eggs, but some species—like sea snakes—give birth to living young. Very few snakes pay any attention to their eggs, with the exception of pythons, which incubate their eggs. (These are the rules of king cobra fight club—no venom allowed.) Here's a fact to make ophidiophobes feel uneasy: Five species of snakes can fly. Sea snakes Most snakes live on land, but there are about 70 species of snakes that live mostly among the coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceans. These family elapidae sea snakes and their cousins, kraits, are some of the most venomous snakes that exist. The yellow bellied sea snake is one of the most venomous. Most sea snakes pose little threat to humans because they're shy, gentle, and their fangs are too short to do much damage. What to do if you see a snake in the wild Experts say it's best to leave snakes alone and give them plenty of room. A rattlesnake (Crotalus) can lunge about two-thirds of its body weight. Most nonvenomous snakes will eventually glide out of the way. If a snake doesn't move, experts say to wait it out or just turn back. Do not attempt to handle it or touch it with a stick. Rattlesnakes don't always rattle their tails in warning, so it's important to be extra careful. (The key to protecting rattlesnakes from extinction? Clearing their name and reputation.) Conservation status There are nine IUCN Red List categories: Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct. Roughly a hundred snake species are endangered, typically due to habitat loss from development. Of those endangered snakes, 17 percent are vipers. Pythons 101 From unbelievably flexible jaws to rows of razor sharp teeth, a range of impressive features make the python one of nature's most formidable predators. Learn about ball, burmese, reticulated, and other types of pythons, what the snakes eat, where they live, and how a surprising feature might be a sign of legged ancestors. What are the top 10 biggest snakes? The 10 biggest snakes in the world are the African rock python (Python sebae), amethystine python (Simalia amethistina), black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), boa constrictor, Burmese python (Python bivittatus), green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Indian python (Python molurus), king brown (Pseudechis australis), king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus). —BBC Science Focus Magazine What are the four most poisonous snakes? India has nearly 60 highly venomous snakes, including a few known as the 'Big Four.' They are the common krait, Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, and spectacled snake with the deadliest venom in the world is the western or inland taipan. These snakes live in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Taipan venom contains a mix of toxins that paralyze muscles, constrict breathing, and cause internal bleeding. —Wildlife S.O.S. and Britannica What will keep snakes away? There are many ways to deter snakes from entering your home or property. Discourage rodents by maintaining a tidy yard and patching any holes or cracks where animals can enter. Keep pet food stored indoors and consider fencing or concrete walls to provide a physical barrier to snakes. Most experts don't recommend chemical repellents, which can be ineffective and harmful to others. Experts also discourage inhumane deterrents such as glue traps and ceramic eggs in chicken coops. —Utah State University How dangerous are snakes? Of the 3,000 species of snakes in the world, only about 10 percent are venomous. Half of those have venom deadly enough to cause human fatalities. —Rainforest Trust This story originally published on January 25, 2019. It was updated on June 10, 2025.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Pink water at Bear Lake? Here's how this study aims to curb invasive plant species
BEAR LAKE STATE PARK, Utah (ABC4) — Bear Lake was looking a little pink recently, but don't worry, it wasn't the infamous Bear Lake Monster. Rather, it's part of a study to learn more about eliminating an invasive plant species. Jessie Danninger, DNR Bear Lake program manager, said it's part of a team-up with Mirella Ortiz, an associate professor in weed science at USU. The purpose of the study is to better understand the effectiveness of DNR's aquatic herbicide treatments for Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic noxious weed. In the study, pink dye is poured into a few spots throughout the lake. A fluorometer is then used to measure how much dye remains in that location as it dissipates over time. Ortiz said the dye that is used is known as Rhodamine Water Tracer dye, which is non-toxic and considered to be the safest option for this type of study. Danninger explained that the study will help the team better understand how the herbicide disperses in the water to see if it's effectively reaching the target weeds, which will better inform decisions for the management plan going forward. 'Not much is known about the currents at Bear Lake, so we are hoping to learn a bit more about how the water is moving. We want to make sure our herbicide treatments are as effective as they can be, and understanding what happens to the chemical once it's sprayed in the water column is key,' Danninger said. Danninger said the public should remember to clean, drain, and dry all watercraft and gear to prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil. 'Eurasian watermilfoil is an extremely invasive aquatic weed found all around Bear Lake, and it can spread from just one tiny fragment. Thoroughly cleaning watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) and gear can help prevent the spread. It's also important not to navigate watercraft through dense vegetation as the weeds can entangle props, impellers and paddles, creating a safety hazard, as well as providing the weeds with the perfect opportunity to spread,' she said. At this time, the pink dye has already dissipated, so visitors shouldn't expect to see it. A second round is expected to begin soon. According to DNR, Eurasian watermilfoil was first found in Bear Lake in 2019 and was listed as a noxious weed in 2024. It has small, feathery needles, which reproduce and spread rapidly. This can form thick mats that choke out fish and other native plant life, blocking out the sun, as well as lake access for boats, jet skis, and other recreationists. The species spreads through fragmentation. DNR works to monitor and treat this species annually. Pregnant moose struck and killed on Summit County highway, nonprofit says Best and worst cities for staycations in the U.S. — how does SLC measure up? Hardline House conservatives swing for fences in asks to Senate GOP on megabill Pink water at Bear Lake? Here's how this study aims to curb invasive plant species Mantua poppies are blooming, rooted in pioneer history Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Washington Post
NIH scientists go public to criticize Trump's deep cuts in public health research
WASHINGTON — In his confirmation hearings to lead the National Institutes of Health, Jay Bhattacharya pledged his openness to views that might conflict with his own. 'Dissent,' he said, 'is the very essence of science.' That commitment is being put to the test. On Monday, scores of scientists at the agency sent their Trump-appointed leader a letter titled the Bethesda Declaration, a frontal challenge to 'policies that undermine the NIH mission, waste public resources , and harm the health of Americans and people across the globe.'
