Latest news with #Lecoq
Miami Herald
29-04-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Elusive creature — declared extinct decades ago — now rediscovered in Cape Verde
In 1980, researcher Michel Lecoq discovered a new species of grasshopper on Cape Verde's São Nicolau island in Monte Gordo Natural Park. He found a single male specimen, and despite years of searching the archipelago, he never found another. After 1982, Lecoq declared Eyprepocprifas insularis, also known as the Monte Gordo grasshopper, extinct, according to a study published April 24 in the Journal of Orthoptera Research. Nearly 40 years later, in 2023, two researchers rediscovered the species in Monte Gordo Natural Park — the same park where Lecoq discovered it decades earlier, according to the study. They also made the first record of a female of the species, which can be up to twice as large as the males, researchers said. The grasshoppers were found high in the mountains, all at elevations above 2,130 feet, according to the study. The Monte Gordo grasshopper is brachypterous, the study said, which means it has small, reduced wings. These types of wings are often unable to sustain flight, according to experts. Its 'very long hind legs' allow it to jump 'exceptionally far,' researchers said. Researchers said the species is found only on São Nicolau island, which was created by a volcano and is believed to be about 5 million years old, according to the study. The Monte Gordo grasshopper, which researchers call a 'living fossil,' is 'not closely related to known African counterparts,' suggesting the species has evolved in isolation on the island for a long time. Researchers were surprised to discover that the species has an 'extraordinarily thick' exoskeleton. 'Mounting specimens of E. insularis proved quite challenging due to the remarkable difficulty of piercing them with a pin. Surprisingly, an exceptional amount of force was required,' researchers said in the study. The reinforced exoskeleton may be an evolutionary adaption to the island's arid climate where years can pass between rainfall, possibly protecting the grasshopper from excessive water loss or providing enhanced resilience to environmental stress. Researchers recommend the species be designated with vulnerable status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. The research team included Rob Felix, Annelies Jacobs and Lecoq.
Ya Biladi
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
French MP criticizes Macron over Western Sahara map display in French National Assembly
French Communist MP Jean-Paul Lecoq, known for his support of the Polisario Front and Algeria, has strongly criticized the display of a map of Morocco that includes the Sahara in a room of the French National Assembly. «I noticed that the world map in our Foreign Affairs Committee room had been replaced. The previous map (the one used by the UN) distinguished Western Sahara from Morocco with different colors, thus respecting international law. Now, this new map represents these two territories with the same color, suggesting a Moroccan Sahara. This aligns with the wishes of the President of the Republic», said Lecoq. «The President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Fuchs (from the Democratic Movement led by Prime Minister Bayrou, ed.), made this decision alone, without discussing it with the Vice-Presidents», Lecoq denounced, supported by Clémentine Autain (formerly of LFI). The Communist MP strongly criticized Macron's policy on the issue, accusing him of having «given Western Sahara to Morocco without consulting anyone». According to Lecoq, it is the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara that strained relations between Paris and Algiers, not the arrest of writer Boualem Sansal. To recall, on October 29, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs published on its website the full map of Morocco, including the Sahara, officially marking France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory. This position was reaffirmed by President Emmanuel Macron in his speech to the Moroccan Parliament, as well as in a letter dated July 30 addressed to King Mohammed VI. In June 2018, Jean-Paul Lecoq initiated the creation of the «International Network of Parliamentarians for the Self-Determination of Western Sahara», an initiative supported by Algeria, at the headquarters of the French National Assembly. In March 2024, he organized a parliamentary session focused on examining the exploitation of the Sahara's resources by Morocco. When not hosting meetings in support of the Polisario, Lecoq organizes visits to the Lower House's headquarters for members of the Front.
