Latest news with #Rota
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Northern Mariana Islands: Endangered Mariana Crow population rebounds on Rota
Mariana Crow, known as 'Aga' in Chamorro. Photo: Marianas Press The endangered Mariana Crow, known as "Aga" in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately 300 individual birds, a significant milestone toward the species' downlisting and eventual removal from the endangered species list. Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Program's primary investigator Sarah Faegre told Marianas Press that the conservation effort is in a critical and optimistic phase. "This is a very exciting time to be here on Rota," Faegre said. "We are seeing high rates of reproduction among the captive-reared birds that have been released into the wild." Since 2017, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of Washington have collaborated to rear and release 90 captive-raised Mariana Crows. Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. Photo: Supplied These birds now make up 20 percent of the breeding population, and this year alone, they have already produced four fledglings. "It's significant because it means the birds we rear and release are not only surviving, but they're also displaying normal social behavior-they're pairing and reproducing in the wild, which is exactly what we need them to do," Faegre said. The Mariana Crow is a long-lived species, and Faegre noted that some of the birds released in 2017 are only now beginning to breed. "We saw a long delay. For a while, we were concerned about lower rates of reproduction, but even if it takes five or six years, they are breeding now," she said. "We're expecting to see the population increase faster going forward." Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. The recent rise to 70 brings the Rota population within reach of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's criteria for downlisting: 75 stable or increasing breeding pairs on Rota. "We could reach that 75-pair mark in just a few more years," Faegre said. However, full delisting requires not only maintaining 75 pairs on Rota, but also establishing a second viable population on another island. That means future conservation efforts may include translocating birds to other locations within the Marianas. While the progress is promising, challenges remain. "The biggest threat to the Aga is a poorly understood inflammatory syndrome that's killing young birds," Faegre said. Pathologists have been researching the syndrome since 2011 but have yet to determine its cause. One possibility is an autoimmune response triggered by mosquito-borne pathogens or high mosquito density. Other risks include potential future land-use conflicts with local populations, and the looming danger of the brown tree snake being introduced to Rota-an invasive species that has devastated native bird populations in Guam. Despite these concerns, Faegre said the focus remains on growth and recovery. "We are on the cusp of something really important," she said. "This species has a chance-not just to survive, but to thrive again." The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates a rear-and-release facility on Rota in partnership with the University of Washington. Their joint program continues to play a critical role in the recovery of one of the Marianas' most iconic and culturally significant birds.
STV News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Kate breaks whisky against submarine-destroyer HMS Glasgow
Kate has broken a bottle of whisky against the UK's newest submarine destroyer at a ceremony in Glasgow. The Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales attended HMS Glasgow's naming ceremony at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun on Thursday. Kate was appointed as the sponsor of HMS Glasgow in 2021, which is a Type 26 anti-submarine frigate designed to protect the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. Royal Rota Williams, the Prince of Wales, and Kate, the Princess of Wales, attended HMS Glasgow's naming ceremony at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun on Thursday. Royal Rota During the visit, Kate participated in the traditional naming ceremony by smashing a bottle of whisky against its hull. Following the ceremony, the future King and Queen went aboard the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems. Royal Rota HMS Glasgow Royal Rota The Scottish firm has been leading the progress of the delivery of the ship, as well as those from the Royal Navy who will discuss the unique capability it will offer. In 2022, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the progress of work being done on the ship as well as their experiences in the Royal Navy. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Northern Mariana Islands' annual bird count highlights conservation success
On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Photo: Mark Rabago The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird populations. Organised by the Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year's count saw enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation strategies. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Volunteers included community members, students from Saipan International School and Saipan Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team. "This hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens community collaboration in protecting and understanding the CNMI's unique wildlife," DFW's wildlife biologist Amanda Santoswith said. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Photo: Mark Rabago The count documented several endangered and endemic species, including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota White-eye. These sightings underline the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This year's results showed 3441 individual birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds across 31 species on Rota. The most numerous species varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Tinian's count was led by the White Tern. Conversely, the least numerous species were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and the Tinian Monarch on Tinian. Beyond monitoring efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao Bay Golf Course. These artificial platforms aim to provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and population stability. "This type of innovation is critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like the Pulattat," Santos said. The CNMI is home to a rich diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas. The Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over time, providing valuable insights into the health of the islands' ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change. Photo: Mark Rabago Part of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local residents to participate in scientific research. By contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and their habitats. DFW expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the count. "Your dedication to community science helps ensure the continued protection and understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems," Santos said.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Edmonton's $303M Müve Team Joins eXp Realty With 46 Agents, Expanding National Footprint
BELLINGHAM, Wash., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eXp Realty ®, 'the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™' and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), proudly welcomes John Rota and the Müve Team of Edmonton, Alberta. With 46 agents and 5 staff members, the team closed more than $303 million (CAD) in sales on 686 sides in 2024, and now joins eXp with bold plans for growth and national expansion. 'John Rota and the Müve Team are exactly the kind of forward-focused leaders we love to partner with at eXp,' said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. 'They bring a powerful blend of market expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a team culture built on service and innovation.' Founded by Rota, the Müve Team (pronounced 'move') is known for its dynamic brand and client-first philosophy that views real estate as a vehicle for transformation and progress. 'I've been intrigued by eXp's model for over six years,' said Rota. 'From its borderless brokerage concept to the unparalleled training and culture of collaboration, it became clear that the timing was finally right — not just for me, but for our entire organization.' The Müve Team's arrival also marks a historic moment for eXp Realty: this is the first official co-sponsorship in Canada, with two of the nation's most influential eXp leaders — James Knull and Justin Havre — serving as primary sponsor and co-sponsor, respectively. The move underscores eXp's collaborative DNA and reinforces the brokerage's commitment to empowering high-performance teams through shared leadership. Rota's team is especially known in the Edmonton market for their distinctive seller-first model, enhanced by a robust cash offer program that allows sellers to move on their terms. This, paired with their high-touch client service and data-driven strategies, has propelled the Müve Team to become one of the most recognized and respected teams in Western Canada. 'The systems, tools, and scale of eXp's model give us the edge to grow without sacrificing what makes us different — our relationships, our service, and our culture,' said Rota. The transition to eXp has been smooth, with support from leadership and onboarding teams helping ensure continuity and momentum. As a newly established Mega Team, the Müve Team is already positioned to scale beyond regional borders — something Rota sees as a natural next step. 'Movement is in our name and in our DNA. Now, with eXp's platform, we're accelerating into our next chapter,' he said. 'This isn't just a brokerage switch — it's a milestone moment for our team and a launch into the future.' About eXp World Holdings, Inc. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) (the 'Company') is the holding company for eXp Realty® and SUCCESS® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate brokerage in the world, with over 81,000 agents across 26 countries. As a cloud-based, agent-centric brokerage, eXp Realty provides real estate agents industry-leading commission splits, revenue share, equity ownership opportunities, and a global network that empowers agents to build thriving businesses. For more information about eXp World Holdings, Inc., visit: . SUCCESS® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS® magazine, has been a trusted name in personal and professional development since 1897. As part of the eXp ecosystem, it offers agents access to valuable resources to enhance their skills, grow their businesses, and achieve long-term success. For more information about SUCCESS, visit . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect the Company's and its management's current expectations but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could impact actual results materially. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding new agent and team transitions, anticipated benefits to agents, projected business growth, and the Company's ability to continue attracting high-performing agents and teams. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include real estate market fluctuations, changes in agent retention or recruitment, the successful integration of teams and agents into eXp Realty's model, competition from other brokerages, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not undertake any obligation to update these statements except as required by law. Media Relations Contact: eXp World Holdings, Inc. mediarelations@ Investor Relations Contact: Denise Garcia, Managing Partner Hayflower Partners investors@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Edmonton's $303M Müve Team Joins eXp Realty With 46 Agents, Expanding National Footprint
eXp Realty Led by John Rota, Müve becomes the first team in eXp Canada history to join under a co-sponsorship model—partnering with top producers James Knull and Justin Havre Edmonton's $303M Müve Team Joins eXp Realty With 46 Agents, Expanding National Footprint Led by John Rota, Müve becomes the first team in eXp Canada history to join under a co-sponsorship model — partnering with top producers James Knull and Justin Havre. BELLINGHAM, Wash., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eXp Realty ®, 'the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™' and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), proudly welcomes John Rota and the Müve Team of Edmonton, Alberta. With 46 agents and 5 staff members, the team closed more than $303 million (CAD) in sales on 686 sides in 2024, and now joins eXp with bold plans for growth and national expansion. 'John Rota and the Müve Team are exactly the kind of forward-focused leaders we love to partner with at eXp,' said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. 'They bring a powerful blend of market expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a team culture built on service and innovation.' Founded by Rota, the Müve Team (pronounced 'move') is known for its dynamic brand and client-first philosophy that views real estate as a vehicle for transformation and progress. 'I've been intrigued by eXp's model for over six years,' said Rota. 'From its borderless brokerage concept to the unparalleled training and culture of collaboration, it became clear that the timing was finally right — not just for me, but for our entire organization.' The Müve Team's arrival also marks a historic moment for eXp Realty: this is the first official co-sponsorship in Canada, with two of the nation's most influential eXp leaders — James Knull and Justin Havre — serving as primary sponsor and co-sponsor, respectively. The move underscores eXp's collaborative DNA and reinforces the brokerage's commitment to empowering high-performance teams through shared leadership. Rota's team is especially known in the Edmonton market for their distinctive seller-first model, enhanced by a robust cash offer program that allows sellers to move on their terms. This, paired with their high-touch client service and data-driven strategies, has propelled the Müve Team to become one of the most recognized and respected teams in Western Canada. 'The systems, tools, and scale of eXp's model give us the edge to grow without sacrificing what makes us different — our relationships, our service, and our culture,' said Rota. The transition to eXp has been smooth, with support from leadership and onboarding teams helping ensure continuity and momentum. As a newly established Mega Team, the Müve Team is already positioned to scale beyond regional borders — something Rota sees as a natural next step.
