Latest news with #InitiativeforNatureConservationCymru
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts issue dire warning after 1,200% surge in destructive wildfires: 'I don't know how they are going to cope'
Spring wildfires in Wales are posing serious threats to vulnerable species, according to the BBC. Grassfires in South Wales are up by 1,200% compared to the same time last year — 110 square miles of land across the U.K. has already suffered wildfires. A lengthy dry spell, high heat, and leftover fuel from last year have created ideal conditions for fire outbreaks. Hen harriers, water voles, golden plovers, and bluebells are just some of the species put at risk due to this extreme habitat loss. Endangered barn owls are particularly challenged by reduced prey opportunities. "A few weeks ago they had all of this area to find food for their chicks and suddenly they don't have that any more," said Rob Parry from the nonprofit Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC), per the BBC. "I don't know how they are going to cope. A wildfire just makes that habitat disappear overnight." Wildfires have destroyed habitat for many species, putting them at risk. This includes the western gray squirrel, the southern steelhead trout, and the northern hairy-nosed wombat. While biodiversity damage is front of mind, the wildfires also release phosphates that wash into waterways and diminish local water quality. The INCC has called for increased controlled burn oversight, especially for farmers. Farmers are also becoming a part of the solution by restoring peat bogs, which prevent fires and sequester carbon. The real tragedy of the issue is that many wildfires are started deliberately. This has spurred renewed education campaigns at Welsh schools by local firefighters. "We see the death of local wildlife, we see the destruction of their habitat," said firefighter Mark Bowditch, per the BBC. "We accept that some fires can be accidental, but deliberate fire setting is a crime and that's the message we'd like to get out." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wildlife experts thrilled to discover rare species thriving in unexpected location: 'We've been looking for them for decades'
It's been well documented throughout history that disrupting an animal's habitat can lead to its extinction. However, a recent discovery has given conservationists newfound hope for the long-term survival of the United Kingdom's fastest-declining mammal. Not too long ago, the sighting of a water vole was a common occurrence all over the U.K. The small mammal could be seen in a majority of waterways in England, Scotland, and Wales. But because of human activity, the water vole has been driven out of habitats at an alarming rate. The People's Trust for Endangered Species reports that the water vole population decreased 90% between 1989 and 1998. It appears that the water vole has been given a second chance, though. Conservationists discovered several colonies in the Welsh uplands. While the region's climate can be considerably harsh, the animals appear to have settled in quite nicely. "We didn't know they were up there, they're on the verge of extinction, we've been looking for them for decades," Robert Parry, chief executive of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru, said on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. Another explanation for the water vole migration to the Welsh uplands is the threat of the American mink, which has become its biggest predator. Parry says that the American mink was brought over to the U.K. to be bred on fur farms in the 1950s. "We need to control the mink, and we need to get the habitat back," Parry noted. Known for their small, black eyes, round ears, and furry tail, water voles offer very little in terms of self-preservation. According to the IUCN Red List, there are two species of water vole that are near-threatened. Fortunately, conservation initiatives such as the Saving the Water Vole Project are offering hope via research, mapping and surveys, and water vole reintegration. Water voles and other small animals often feed on various insects and smaller invertebrates, keeping their populations under control. By practicing effective conservation efforts, communities can preserve biodiverse ecosystems that promote a healthy food chain. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Hopes for water voles as new colonies discovered
New colonies of the UK's fastest declining mammal species have been discovered in the uplands of south Wales. Usually found across riverbanks in Wales, water voles have now taken up habitat in the valleys, which could help prevent their local extinction. Robert Parry, chief executive of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC), described the discovery as "huge". Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, he said: "We didn't know they were up there, they're on the verge of extinction, we've been looking for them for decades." Water voles brought back to the Lake District New hope for rare rodent after forest find Rare butterfly species reintroduced to Wales Discovered in the upland landscape of the Rhondda and Afan valleys in south Wales, upland habitats are now one of the most significant places in Wales for the small mammal, according to INCC. The project, led by the INCC and funded by the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund, surveyed numerous ditches, marshes, and peat bogs of the uplands from May 2024 and have so far found 20 new water vole colonies. Also known as the water rat, the semi-aquatic rodents were once a common sight in Wales, but have declined due to habitat loss and predation by the non-native American mink. The mink could wipe out entire colonies within a few days - but they tend to avoid upland areas, providing safer habitats for water voles. Conservationists say numbers of water voles have declined by 90% in the past 30 years. INCC's conservation officer, Eliza Chapman, said she hoped the work would prevent local extinction of water voles as they expand their range across the uplands. More than 40 water vole colonies have now been recorded in the past few years, according to INCC, and they play a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of upland ecosystems.
BBC News
14-02-2025
- Science
- BBC News
New colonies of threatened water voles found in south Wales
New colonies of the UK's fastest declining mammal species have been discovered in the uplands of south Wales. Usually found across riverbanks in Wales, water voles have now taken up habitat in the valleys, which could help prevent their local extinction. Robert Parry, chief executive of the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC), described the discovery as "huge". Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, he said: "We didn't know they were up there, they're on the verge of extinction, we've been looking for them for decades." Discovered in the upland landscape of the Rhondda and Afan valleys in south Wales, upland habitats are now one of the most significant places in Wales for the small mammal, according to project, led by the INCC and funded by the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund, surveyed numerous ditches, marshes, and peat bogs of the uplands from May 2024 and have so far found 20 new water vole colonies. Also known as the water rat, the semi-aquatic rodents were once a common sight in Wales, but have declined due to habitat loss and predation by the non-native American mink. The mink could wipe out entire colonies within a few days - but they tend to avoid upland areas, providing safer habitats for water say numbers of water voles have declined by 90% in the past 30 years. INCC's conservation officer, Eliza Chapman, said she hoped the work would prevent local extinction of water voles as they expand their range across the uplands. More than 40 water vole colonies have now been recorded in the past few years, according to INCC, and they play a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of upland ecosystems.
