Latest news with #LibyaObserver
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after finding rare species lurking in underwater caves for nearly 100 years: 'Biological uniqueness'
Researchers working in North Africa rediscovered a depigmented subterranean crustacean that was first recorded 100 years ago. According to the Libya Observer, a team of scientists from the University of Benghazi and the Ibleo Center of Speleo-Hydrogeological Research in Italy found a blind cave shrimp known as Typhlocaris lethaea in the underground waters of three caves near Benghazi. They first observed T. lethaea in January 2007 after exploring Bou-Atni's Lethe cave, where the species was initially discovered in 1920. The researchers then confirmed the shrimp's existence in the El-Khadim and Al-Jebah caves of Al-Coeffiah during field visits conducted in 2023, expanding its known range by 9 kilometers. A subsequent survey in El-Khadim cave the following year found two female specimens, both of which were measured at 5 centimeters in length. Images captured by the scientist show that the shrimp are translucent, with some of their internal organs visible. They also have antennae that appear to be double the length of their body, if not longer. All of the samples were found in subterranean lakes with pitch-black conditions. The water had an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pH of 7.67, and a salinity of 4.72 parts per thousand. The authors of the study suggested that the hydrological systems of the three caves could be connected and potentially harbor "further hidden biodiversity." These factors, combined with a larger habitat range of T. lethaea, increase the "ecological significance and biological uniqueness" of Benghazi's underground karstic waters. Though there isn't enough information for the International Union for Conservation of Nature to give T. lethaea a designation, that lack of data makes it a focal point for conservation initiatives. Such projects have helped revitalize the populations of the rare Wilkins' bunting on Nightingale Island and the once-endangered peregrine falcon in Yosemite. "Given [T. lethaea's] IUCN data-deficient status, our findings emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems from human impacts, ensuring the preservation of Libya's unique subterranean biodiversity," the researchers wrote. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities 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.
Al Jazeera
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Minister in Libya's national unity government injured in gun attack on car
Libya's Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Adel Jumaa has been injured following a gun attack in the capital. The Libya Observer and Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday that unknown gunmen opened fire on Jumaa's vehicle in Tripoli, leaving him wounded in the leg. The report said Jumaa was rushed to a hospital for emergency surgery following the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the national unity government condemned the attack, saying Jumaa's condition was 'stable'. It added that security agencies have launched an investigation 'to track down the perpetrators and uncover the circumstances of the incident'. 'The government emphasised that it will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the security and stability of the state, reaffirming its commitment to taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of officials and citizens,' the government statement said. Libya plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The oil-rich nation has been ruled for most of the past decade by rival governments in eastern and western Libya, each backed by an array of fighter groups and foreign governments. In 2020, warring parties in Libya signed a ceasefire agreement, but a political standoff has led to the formation of two separate governments in the North African country. The United Nations-recognised national unity government is based in Tripoli, while the opposing body, the Government of National Stability, is based in the eastern city of Benghazi.
