Latest news with #WCS
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
Concerns over declining population of rare duck in Cambodia
This white-winged duck returned to its nest for two consecutive nights during a three-day research study. - Photo: Sam Veasna Company PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is home to fewer than 100 white-winged ducks, out of an estimated global population of just 800. A recent three-day field survey found only a single individual returning to its roost. Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), conducted a survey of the rare species in areas where they has been previously recorded. The research took place in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear Province from May 21 to 23, according to a statement released by Sam Veasna on Thursday (May 29). During the fieldwork, two teams — each consisting of five members — monitored the site. Over the course of the three-day observation, they recorded one duck returning to its roost tree for two consecutive nights. Unfortunately, it arrived after dark and departed before dawn, making it difficult to observe. Despite this, the mission confirmed that at least one white-winged duck (Anas scutulata) still returns to its traditional roosting site, underscoring the vital importance of large Chhertheal trees along riverbanks, home to this critically endangered bird. The ducks inhabit tropical forest areas with slow-flowing rivers and streams, preferring quiet, wetland zones such as seasonal pools and swampy grasslands for foraging. White-winged wild ducks nest in holes in tall trees in forests near streams, creeks an other bodies of water. - Photo: Environment ministry The statement explained that most of Cambodia's white-winged duck population is found in the north, especially in Preah Vihear. Their numbers are critically low due to human threats such as illegal hunting and trapping, habitat loss, agricultural and settlement expansion, and notably, very low breeding rates. Both organisations urged local residents in these regions to stop activities that harm the duck population, emphasising that fewer than 100 individuals remain in Cambodia. The species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. According to the Ministry of Environment, there are only about 800 individuals left worldwide, with viable populations and breeding activity confirmed in the Kulen Promtep sanctuary. This species is present year-round in Cambodia. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Paisley student competes in prestigious cooking competition in Venice
James McKay of the West College Scotland Paisley campus travelled to Italy last month to take part in the Unox Cookery Competition. It was ready steady cook for one Paisley student after he made the final of a prestigious competition. James McKay of the West College Scotland Paisley campus travelled to Italy last month to take part in the Unox Cookery Competition at the company's headquarters in Venice. The event saw college students from across the UK compete in an online cookery quiz over several months via the Unox app. The top ten students earned a coveted place in the grand final in Venice, where they faced a three-hour challenge to create a two-course meal using the Unox oven. Each finalist was also tasked with incorporating two mystery ingredients into their meals – lemongrass for the main and cinnamon for the dessert. James, along with Greenock campus student Pawel Martynk, represented West College Scotland (WCS). It was a close and fierce contest but James was pipped by Pawel to the top spot. However, the Paisley student maintained that although he never won, getting to meet people within the industry as well as experiencing the city of Venice was wonderful. He said: 'I really enjoyed going and competing in the Combiguru competition. I managed to meet new people and it helped with my experience in cooking. 'The people that ran the day were so nice and helpful, and I also got a lovely tour around Venice. I would highly recommend anyone to do it.' As the overall winner, Pawel received a professional set of chef's knives, a place on an exclusive bread and pizza-making course, and a state-of-the-art Unox oven for the Greenock campus—prizes totalling nearly £10,000. Chris Watson, curriculum quality leader for hospitality at WCS praised both students. 'I was delighted for both students to be representing the college at an international level,' he said. 'It was a great achievement even just making the finals in Venice. 'The competition was fierce, and it was testament to Pawel that he managed to come out on top. This is an annual event and I hope this result will inspire next year's intake to take part and hopefully succeed once again.' Jim McAllister, head of languages, business and leisure industries at the college, added: 'This is the second year in a row we have won this open competition. 'Another huge effort from the regional hospitality teaching staff, bringing success to WCS in an international arena. Special thanks to Chris for working with and encouraging staff and students to give up their time and energy in these endeavours.'
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Bronx Zoo Debuting New World of Darkness This Summer with Nocturnal Species from Around the World
BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bronx Zoo is opening the new World of Darkness featuring 25 nocturnal species on Saturday, July 12. The World of Darkness invites Bronx Zoo visitors to explore a nocturnal experience highlighting over 20 different habitats including tropical forests, wetlands, deserts, caves, and subterranean environments. Some of the featured species include sloths, pygmy slow loris, broad-snouted caiman, aye-aye, sand cats, naked mole rats, vampire bats and many other species. All the habitats in the World of Darkness are designed to showcase specialized adaptations and behaviors that allow these species to thrive in darkness. The World of Darkness first opened to the public on June 12, 1969, as the first major zoo exhibit to utilize a reverse light cycle. This innovation made it possible for visitors to see night-dwelling creatures during their active period. For the re-opening this summer of the exhibit, which closed in April 2009, the zoo built on its history of innovative lighting design and on the original concept of a reverse day-night cycle. The new World of Darkness features programmable LED lighting systems that simulate natural day-to-night transitions, with soft fades that mirror sunrise and sunset. Said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director and WCS Executive Vice President of Zoos & Aquarium: 'The opening of the new World of Darkness will once again provide Bronx Zoo visitors with a unique immersion experience to observe amazing creatures that have evolved to live and thrive in darkness. Many New Yorkers have great memories of the exhibit which originally opened in 1969. It was the first major zoo exhibit to feature nocturnal animals in a reverse light cycle. We have updated all aspects of the experience to ensure an amazing opportunity to enter a shadowy world rarely seen.' The exhibit, which will include English and Spanish graphic interpretation, will open to the public on Saturday July 12; and for Wildlife Conservation Society members, it can be previewed on Tuesday, July 8 (10AM-4PM), and Thursday, July 10 (1PM-4PM). World of Darkness is included in all Bronx Zoo entry tickets. Tickets can be purchased HERE. A link to the World of Darkness online can be found HERE. The Bronx Zoo The Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for its leadership in the areas of animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world's largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and New York Aquarium. Our curators and animal care staff work to save, propagate, and sustain populations of threatened and endangered species. We have educated and inspired more than 400 million visitors at our zoos and aquarium since our opening and host approximately 4 million guests at our parks each year – including about a half-million students annually. The Bronx Zoo is the largest youth employer in the borough of the Bronx, providing opportunity and helping to transform lives in one of the most under-served communities in the nation. The Bronx Zoo is the subject of THE ZOO, a docu-series aired world-wide on Animal Planet. Members of the media should contact mdixon@ (+1 (347) 840-1242) for more information or with questions.
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Ocean Fun Meets Conservation: New York Aquarium's Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend Starting June 6
BROOKLYN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dive into a sea of fun at the New York Aquarium for Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend, a three-day event celebrating the vital role oceans play in our lives and promoting actions to protect marine ecosystems. The event runs June 6-8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., coinciding with World Ocean Day (June 8) and National Oceans Month. Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend festivities are included with New York Aquarium admission and free for members. 'Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend gives visitors a chance to connect with marine life in meaningful ways while learning how they can be champions for our oceans,' said Leigh Ann Clayton, Director of the New York Aquarium. 'This immersive celebration offers families a perfect opportunity to splash into summer while developing a deeper appreciation for our blue planet and the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves.' Established by the United Nations in 2008, World Ocean Day highlights critical issues like ocean pollution, overfishing, climate change, and the importance of sustainable ocean practices. Ocean Shell-a-bration Weekend aims to unite visitors in cherishing and protecting our ocean ecosystems for future generations. The New York Aquarium is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which conducts marine conservation programs across the world, including in the NY Bight, which spans from Cape May NJ to Montauk. The weekend will feature a variety of special activities throughout the aquarium that are all included with admission: Sea Lions in the Big City: Watch the live-animal show, 'Sea Lions in the Big City' at the Aquatheater, showcasing the special bonds between these charismatic marine mammals and their trainers at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00pm. Penguin Chat: Waddle to Sea Cliffs to observe penguin feedings while learning about amazing penguin adaptations and conservation efforts at 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ocean parade: Be part of the Shell-a-bration by joining a festive procession through the Aquarium, showing support for our marine environment at 12:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Wildlife Theater: Dance and sing along while learning the importance of our oceans with a performance of the 'Ocean Song!' at 12 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Collaborative Art: Add your personal touch to a huge World Oceans Day mural, and color your own fish and then watch them swim in a digital seascape. Costumed Characters: Keep an eye out for costumed marine friends throughout the day WCS Members receive free access, though tickets are required. Land & Sea Membership includes admission to the New York Aquarium, Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo and helps WCS provide for animals in New York and worldwide. Explore membership options. On Friday, June 6, visitors are also invited to join a Coney Island Beach Sweep on the boardwalk in front of the aquarium. After exploring the exhibits, meet up from 3:00–5:00 p.m. to help clean up the beach, a perfect way to spend the day with marine life and protect their ocean home. Follow the New York Aquarium on social media channels for updates and more: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube About the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world's largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth's known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. It's four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. Visit: Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: +1 (347) 840-1242. Listen to the WCS Wild Audio podcast HERE.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Karnataka govt's decision to build check-dams, ponds pays off as they help improve groundwater recharge rate
Substantial investments in constructing water conservation structures (WCS) such as check-dams, lakes and tanks by Karnataka govt paid off BENGALURU: Substantial investments in constructing water conservation structures (WCS) such as check-dams , lakes and tanks paid off as they considerably helped recharge groundwater in 2024 after traditional recharge methods through rainfall, surface water and groundwater irrigation (SWI & GWI), failed. This, despite copious rain. Following drought in 2023, the groundwater recharge rate dropped by 3% in 2024 (compared to 2023) although reservoirs and water bodies were filled to the brim. Minor irrigation department data shows the state's groundwater recharge rate dropped from 18.9 ham (hectare meters) to 18.7 ham. The rate during both monsoon seasons also dropped from 10.34BCM (billion cubicmeters) to 10.3BCM — a first such decrease since 2022. 'Failure of both monsoons in 2023 and deficit rainfall until mid-2024 had a long-drawn impact on groundwater recharge,' said NS Boseraju, minister for minor irrigation. 'Even though Karnataka recorded bounteous rainfall in 2024, the onset of the monsoon was delayed, affecting recharge through rain. We hope rain towards the end of 2024improved the recharge rate. This data will reflect in the 2025 analysis.' In 2023, Karnataka recorded 872mm rainfall as against 1,100mm-1,200mm annual rainfall — a 24% deficit. An engineer from the irrigation department said: 'Data shows a 1% to 3% decrease in recharge rate depending on the source and type of recharge method.' Shrinking agricultural area also contributed to apoor recharge rate. 'Surface and groundwater irrigation methods hugely contribute to groundwater recharge. But surface water irrigation dropped by 1.8% and return flow from groundwater irrigation fell by 3.5%,' said another engineer. WCS to the rescue However, unlike traditional recharge methods, recharge through WCS improved considerably. Data shows that the recharge rate through WCS rose from 0.63BCM (2023) to 0.81BCM (2024) — a 28.6% rise. These structures were built under various schemes including Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY). The govt's move to desilt tanks and lakes, including under MGNREGA, also paid off handsomely. Boseraju said: 'In 2023, the state had only 1.9 lakh such structures, but their numbers increased to 3.1 lakh, a rise of 66%,' he said. 'The number of ponds and tanks also increased from 33,000 to 39,000 (18.7%). This helped increase the recharge rate by 10% compared to what it was in 2023.' Boseraju also said the govt ensured lakes were filled with river and treated water throughout the year (365 days) rather than only during the monsoon months (120 days).
