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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Science
- Irish Independent
Wexford families roll up their sleeves for ‘bio blitz' at popular OPW site
With the public's assistance, members of the Office of Public Works took to the grounds to collect as much information as possible on the many different plants and animals in the area, but it was a race against time to find and record the various species over just one day. The Bio Blitz took place from 3 p.m. on Friday, May 23 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and the staff at the park were delighted to see families, nature lovers, and curious explorers of all ages join the expert scientists and naturalists for the guided walks and hands-on workshops. The activities that took place on Friday included a native tree talk; woodland and grassland plants, and a late night bat walk. On Saturday, there was a Dawn Chorus led by Glynn Anderson; an insect safari; bird bingo; Lilliputian Flora, and bees and pollinators; pond dipping, and a meadow walk with head gardener, Kevin Naughton. Speaking about the event, Gerry O'Neill explained that hosting the Bio Blitz 'was all new' to himself and other staff in the park, which was coordinated by the National Biodiversity Centre in Waterford. However, he added, 'it was great to see the turnout, we had great numbers with over 40 people for some of the activities, and we're looking forward to building on those events as people of all ages enjoyed them.' The botanists made their way into areas of the grounds, such as Slieve Coillte, to collect other sample of data while the events were taking place throughout the 24-hour blitz, in an effort to study as much information from the site as possible, given it may have been trickier for the public to access. 'Everyone was so enthusiastic and it was great to see how well the public reacted to the event. It was certainly worth the effort when everyone came together,' Gerry concluded. The official results from the Bio Blitz are still in progress.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rare creature makes remarkable comeback after years of lab breeding: 'This means they are surviving'
The Straits Times recently reported an exciting milestone for conservationists in Singapore. The endangered Singapore freshwater crab (Johora singaporensis) is now reproducing in the wild following reintroduction efforts in 2018. A rare creature, the crab is found only in the Lion City. To support its survival, researchers from the National Parks Board bred the endangered species in a lab before introducing some of the animals in Bukit Batok. Seven years later, the species is showing signs of success, as the crabs have established their own population. "This means they are surviving, even breeding the next generation of crabs in the wild," group director for the National Parks Board's National Biodiversity Centre Dr. Karenne Tun told The Straits Times. The successful reintroduction of the Singapore freshwater crab not only helps to safeguard this species from extinction but also supports the region's biodiversity. Freshwater species like this one are threatened across the globe, as pollution and rising global temperatures impact their habitats. Putting the rare crab's struggle in a larger context, The Straits Times referenced a study recently published in the journal Nature, which found that 25% of all freshwater species are at risk of extinction. "Pollution, dams and water extraction, habitat loss and agriculture were some of the key threats facing such species, the study found," wrote The Straits Times. "Climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures and severe weather events, can also affect these species, the study noted." The reintroduction of the Singapore freshwater crab is a step in the right direction. These organisms play a vital role in sustaining delicate habitats, such as through nutrient cycling to help support the health of the entire ecosystem. "The awareness and protection of these natural freshwater habitats, which might otherwise be out of sight and out of mind," Darren Yeo, associate professor and head of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, told The Straits Times, "also benefit other less prominent but equally important species — both freshwater and terrestrial — living in the same area." Should taxpayers help pay to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? We should pay for all of it We should pay some but not all Corporations should foot the bill Charities should pay for it 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.
