Latest news with #Sparkes
The Star
04-08-2025
- Science
- The Star
Koalas live in the trees and die on the ground, research shows
Koalas spend most of their time in trees – but are in deadly danger when they descend to the ground, new research shows. The marsupials are an endangered species in Australia and their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and disease – plus further, urgent threats. Koalas only spend around 10 minutes per day on the ground, but this ground-time is associated with two-thirds of recorded koala deaths. 'Koalas are mostly tree-dwelling, but due to extensive land clearing, they're increasingly forced to travel on the ground, which puts them at serious risk of injury and death,' says Gabriella Sparkes, a doctoral student at the university of Queensland, Australia. She fitted the marsupials with GPS collars to look more closely at their movements. The devices recorded their location at short intervals, distinguishing between walking, climbing and resting, allowing for an unprecedentedly detailed analysis. The marsupials typically descend from trees only two to three times per night, spending an average of just 10 minutes on the ground in total - less than 1% of their time, Sparkes says. But an earlier study found that around two-thirds of all known koala deaths occur during this brief period – usally due to attacks by dogs or collisions with cars. The researchers aim to use these findings to identify environmental conditions that are particularly dangerous for koalas and to develop more effective conservation strategies for the animals, which are listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. "If we can identify the kinds of trees or habitat conditions that encourage koalas to remain in trees for longer, we may be able to design or manage landscapes in ways that reduce the need for ground travel," says Sparkes, suggesting continuous tree canopy connections or shorter distances between suitable trees. – dpa
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Passengers flying from major UK airports 'face fines' for buying a sandwich
A travel expert for European Waterways warns that passengers should do not carry this common food item into the EU or they risk being "fined or face criminal prosecution" Holidaymakers flying with some of the UK's biggest air operators such have been given a stern warning about carrying a shop-bought sandwich onto their flight. Eager tourists eyeing European hotspots have received crucial advice from European Waterways, a group of travel specialists. Maryanne Sparkes, an authority from the group, explained the costly repercussions for those introducing meat or dairy from the UK into the EU: "If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you - this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich!". Further explaining the regulations, Sparkes states: "It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side. To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU." READ MORE: Ryanair's strict £46 suitcase rule catching tourists out before they board Sparkes warns that failure to comply could hit travellers' pockets hard or even land them in legal trouble, urging holidaymakers to ditch any meat or dairy items before entering the EU. She also pointed out: "You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are allowed as long as they weigh no more than 20 kilograms (kg) or the equivalent weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier", reports Edinburgh Live. In her final remarks, Sparkes cautioned: "When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities. If you are carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution," underlining the potential consequences for not adhering to these rules. "You may carry animal-derived products when travelling within the EU. However, most EU countries have strict regulations on transporting endangered animals or plants, or products derived from them, and in some cases, a permit may be required. "These new regulations are part of stricter biosecurity measures implemented by the EU to prevent the spread of animal diseases." While travellers have always been restricted from bringing in certain animal products from non-EU countries, the new rules specifically target those coming from the UK following its exit from the European Union. "So, the next time you're catching a flight from the UK to the EU, be sure to double-check your baggage and avoid packing any fish or meat products unless you want to risk a fine."
Edinburgh Live
15-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2 passengers face fine for 'buying sandwich pre-flight'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Jet2, Ryanair, Easyjet, and TUI passengers are advised that purchasing a sandwich before their flight could potentially land them in hot water with fines. As the summer season approaches, travellers setting off to European destinations are being cautioned by European Waterways, a group of travel specialists. The group has issued a warning that any introduction of meat or dairy products from the UK into the EU may leave holidaymakers facing a fine. Maryanne Sparkes, a Travel Expert from the organisation, is clear on the matter: "If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you - this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich!". Sparkes sheds further light on the regulations, stating, "It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side. To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU." She emphasises the importance of compliance to avoid fines or even potential criminal charges, insisting that travellers must not take any meat or dairy into the EU. She also notes, "You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are as long as they weigh no more than 20 kilograms (kg) or the equivalent weight of one whole fish, whichever is heavier.", reports Birmingham Live. In conclusion, Sparkes warns, "When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities. If you are carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution," highlighting the potential ramifications for failing to respect these guidelines. "You may carry animal-derived products when travelling within the EU. However, most EU countries have strict regulations on transporting endangered animals or plants, or products derived from them, and in some cases, a permit may be required. "These new regulations are part of stricter biosecurity measures implemented by the EU to prevent the spread of animal diseases. "While travellers have always been restricted from bringing in certain animal products from non-EU countries, the new rules specifically target those coming from the UK following its exit from the European Union. "So, the next time you're catching a flight from the UK to the EU, be sure to double-check your baggage and avoid packing any fish or meat products unless you want to risk a fine."
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Meet 'The Commish' of the Glovertown Oldtimers: 80-year-old Don Sparkes still laces his skates twice a week
Don Sparkes, 80, co-founded the Glovertown Oldtimers in 2000. He's still hitting the ice twice a week. (Melissa Tobin/CBC) Hockey players across Newfoundland will tell you the Glovertown Arena is one of the coldest rinks around. But it isn't slowing down Don Sparkes and his buddies from meeting twice a week during hockey season. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Sparkes and the rest of the Glovertown Oldtimers play the 9 p.m. game — the last of the night. At 80 years old, Sparkes says he's lucky to be playing at all. Sparkes is one of the Oldtimers's original members, and co-founded the team in 2000, the same year the arena opened in town. He started playing hockey as a boy, ripping up the frozen bays, before moving on to rec league in adulthood. When the new arena opened, he was 55. The Oldtimers started as a handful of guys at first. But as players got older, they wanted a friendlier game — less rough-and-tumble, more camaraderie on the bench. Now, there are up to two dozen players every game. "I think we got ... 10 on the side every night. And that's perfect," said Sparkes. "The bunch we got here now, real gentlemen." Sparkes takes a break on the bench. The team has grown to about two dozen players over the years. (Melissa Tobin/CBC) Sparkes credits his good health with these weekly hockey rituals, but it's not just about the exercise. Goalie Kevin Noseworthy says he loves playing with Sparkes, who the guys call "The Commish," short for commissioner. "He makes all the decisions. Just like [NHL commissioner Gary] Bettman. He organizes the social, brings the cards for Pass the Ace. Everything we do. He keeps us all alive." Noseworthy said he puts him to work in the net, too. "I think what amazes me about Don is even at his age now, he gets as excited about a goal, I think, as [Washington Capitals captain] Alex Ovechkin does," said Noseworthy. The excitement started off earlier this season, with Sparkes adding more points to his record. "Two minutes on the ice, scored the first goal. So that was pretty good. I was happy then," recalls Sparkes. Kevin Blackmore, who is known as Buddy Wasisname in the music world, is also a faithful member of the team, and says he's inspired by Sparkes's energy on the ice. "It's kind of remarkable that at the age of 80, he's so fit. And we figured the way he's going, he's probably good til 90, right?" said Blackmore. And while most members of the team are over 50, there's one player that Sparkes and the crew welcome as an Oldtimers, though he's nowhere near their age. Sparkes and Henry Poole, the team's only 'paid' player, pose for a photo. (Melissa Tobin/CBC) Goalie Henry Poole started playing with the team when he was in Grade 10. He's the only paid member of the league, with Sparkes collecting toonies and loonies from the others after each game to give to Poole, who's now a senior — the high school kind. "I think it might have been in Grade 11, they bought me a hockey stick for Christmas," Poole says. Poole says despite the age gap, he's forged infallible friendships with his teammates. This year's final game of the season will be Poole's last for a while, as he's set to graduate, but nobody expects The Commish to retire. In fact, he's getting yet another duty underway: planning the end-of-season party. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.
CBC
13-04-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Meet 'The Commish' of the Glovertown Oldtimers: 80-year-old Don Sparkes still laces his skates twice a week
Hockey players across Newfoundland will tell you the Glovertown Arena is one of the coldest rinks around. But it isn't slowing down Don Sparkes and his buddies from meeting twice a week during hockey season. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Sparkes and the rest of the Glovertown Oldtimers play the 9 p.m. game — the last of the night. At 80 years old, Sparkes says he's lucky to be playing at all. Sparkes is one of the Oldtimers's original members, and co-founded the team in 2000, the same year the arena opened in town. He started playing hockey as a boy, ripping up the frozen bays, before moving on to rec league in adulthood. When the new arena opened, he was 55. The Oldtimers started as a handful of guys at first. But as players got older, they wanted a friendlier game — less rough-and-tumble, more camaraderie on the bench. Now, there are up to two dozen players every game. "I think we got ... 10 on the side every night. And that's perfect," said Sparkes. "The bunch we got here now, real gentlemen." Sparkes credits his good health with these weekly hockey rituals, but it's not just about the exercise. Goalie Kevin Noseworthy says he loves playing with Sparkes, who the guys call "The Commish," short for commissioner. "He makes all the decisions. Just like [NHL commissioner Gary] Bettman. He organizes the social, brings the cards for Pass the Ace. Everything we do. He keeps us all alive." Noseworthy said he puts him to work in the net, too. "I think what amazes me about Don is even at his age now, he gets as excited about a goal, I think, as [Washington Capitals captain] Alex Ovechkin does," said Noseworthy. The excitement started off earlier this season, with Sparkes adding more points to his record. "Two minutes on the ice, scored the first goal. So that was pretty good. I was happy then," recalls Sparkes. Kevin Blackmore, who is known as Buddy Wasisname in the music world, is also a faithful member of the team, and says he's inspired by Sparkes's energy on the ice. "It's kind of remarkable that at the age of 80, he's so fit. And we figured the way he's going, he's probably good til 90, right?" said Blackmore. And while most members of the team are over 50, there's one player that Sparkes and the crew welcome as an Oldtimers, though he's nowhere near their age. Goalie Henry Poole started playing with the team when he was in Grade 10. He's the only paid member of the league, with Sparkes collecting toonies and loonies from the others after each game to give to Poole, who's now a senior — the high school kind. "I think it might have been in Grade 11, they bought me a hockey stick for Christmas," Poole says. Poole says despite the age gap, he's forged infallible friendships with his teammates. This year's final game of the season will be Poole's last for a while, as he's set to graduate, but nobody expects The Commish to retire. In fact, he's getting yet another duty underway: planning the end-of-season party.
