Latest news with #WWF
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Irreplaceable 6.5-hectare forest protected for future generations of Aussies
A speck of ancient forest, feared to be at imminent risk of destruction, is on the verge of being protected for future generations of Australians. Described as 'magical', the 6.5-hectare fragment of NSW Mid North Coast bush is remarkable because it remains intact and has never been harvested for timber. Earlier this month, conservationists were becoming increasingly concerned it could be bulldozed because a company owned by the NSW Government had earmarked the wider area for harvesting this year. Located at the edge of the 1,000-hectare Viewmont State Forest, the wilderness is blessed with towering eucalypts that are home to species threatened with extinction, including koalas and yellow-bellied gliders. Dailan Pugh, a spokesperson for the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA), said it's one of the region's 'last remaining coastal stands of intact forest'. Dr Stuart Blanch, conservation scientist at World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF), explained that some of these hollows that provide shelter for gliders would have taken 200 years or more to form. 'They're like gold. Stands of giant trees are far too priceless to be logged. They can't be replaced in our lifetime or our children's lifetime,' he said. Forest could be included in Great Koala National Park Government analysis indicates NSW is on track to lose 50 per cent of its threatened species in the next century, and its wild koalas will be wiped out in 25 years. While both koalas and yellow-bellied gliders are federally protected threatened species, state governments controversially have an exemption to log their habitat. While native forest logging has largely ceased on state-owned land in Victoria and Western Australia, the Minns Labor government continues to back the industry in NSW. And the state-owned Forestry Corporation is in charge of deciding which areas should be harvested. The 6.5 hectares of old-growth forest and the surrounding Viewmont State Forest are being considered to be part of the proposed 315,000-hectare Great Koala National Park (GKNP), a project Labor committed to before its election in 2023. The scheme would see a string of fragmented national parks joined together by protecting state-owned land that's currently subject to logging. Around 176,000 hectares of state forest are being assessed for inclusion in the park, which it is hoped will help slow the extinction of koalas in NSW. But in the meantime timber continues to be harvested from these areas, angering conservationists who have called for a moratorium until its borders are finalised. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe or Premier Chris Minns are yet to advise when the GKNP will be delivered. Questions to Sharpe's office from Yahoo News were redirected to her department, which said the GKNP 'will be delivered', although it did not specify when. 'There has been a comprehensive assessment process which considers environmental, economic, social, ecological and cultural issues,' it said in an email. 'All of the inputs are being finalised so government can create the park.' Experts frustrated by 'complex' forestry rules What's proving a challenge is understanding which parts of state forest are eligible to be logged. They want to ensure high-value forests aren't destroyed before the GKNP is created, as this could lessen its ability to protect koalas. The 6.5 hectares were not earmarked for protection until 2025, but it extends out of Bowraville Nature Reserve which was protected in the 1960s. Both areas have the same value to wildlife and the ecosystem. Even experts at large environmental groups like WWF-Australia and smaller outfits like NEFA find it a challenge to understand the state's harvest plans for these parks. Looking at a map alone is often not enough, and it has taken Yahoo weeks to establish whether the 6.5-hectare old-growth forest in Viewmont State Forest was protected in perpetuity. Part of the problem was that publicly available maps aren't scheduled to be updated for the area until late in 2025, even though decisions were internally made in January and February to retain it. Its protection won't be formalised until operations resume and Forestry Corporation returns to the area, which it said is 'subject to weather and logistical considerations'. Pugh argues this highlights the "frustration" he feels around "navigating the complexities of forestry regulations". "The situation is opaque, and it's often not clear to us what Forestry is doing," he told Yahoo. Call to bring mapping 'confusion' to an end Another problem is that complicated rules have evolved over decades of discussion between the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Forestry Corporation, multiple levels of government and the courts. And this has resulted in confusing regulations and jargon that only experts understand. For instance, the 6.5-hectare old-growth forest is marked in pink on maps as a 'non-harvest area', a designation that means it won't be immediately logged. The area is set to be reclassified as a 'tree retention clump' and marked in brown, and this will protect it in perpetuity. Although this doesn't cover the entire area, and some parts are only protected because they're inaccessible. Regulations are complicated when it comes to protecting wildlife, too. Under the regulations set by the EPA, it's not necessary for Forestry Corporation to search for endangered greater gliders at night in this area, even though they're a nocturnal species and not active during the day. However, elsewhere in the state, they have to be conducted after sunset, before harvesting can begin. Worrying environmental impact of common ingredient in $2 snack Incredible phone footage leads to rediscovery of lost species Australia called out for 'failing' two rare species facing extinction WWF believes the situation is 'complex' when it should be 'simple'. Blanch argues the only way to be confident forest in the area is protected, is for the government to follow through with its promise to create the GKNP. 'Only around 10 people can probably understand the details about the different map versions, classifications and interpretations of the pre-logging survey requirements,' he told Yahoo News. 'It's up to one person to bring this confusion to an end. And that's the Premier of NSW. He needs to declare the Great Koala National Park.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Breaking News Live July 20: Telangana to witness heavy rainfall for three days, predicts IMD
00:06 (IST) Jul 20 A total of 221 bird species were recorded across the national capital's wetlands, ridge forests, urban villages and high-rise colonies in the first year of the Delhi Bird Atlas. According to an official statement, a citizen-led initiative that brought together more than 200 volunteers and created 1,150 bird checklists. The Atlas completed its first year this week with an event held at the World Wide Fund (WWF) Auditorium, Lodhi Road, it said. It was led by the Delhi Bird Atlas team with support from the Forest Department and other conservation groups, the project uses a seasonal, grid-based method to map birds and shares the data through the global eBird platform, the statement added. "The Delhi Bird Atlas has been doing a lot of good work and they have our full support," Chief Wildlife Warden Shyam Sunder Kandpal said. "This data is a testament to the enthusiasm of Delhi's birdwatching community and will be very important in the coming days," he added. The Atlas has covered all mapping grids in its first year. Jabestin A, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Delhi, said the effort stood out for achieving 100 percent coverage so early, adding that the commitment of the birding community was clearly visible in the results. (PTI)
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Savage love story will have you wrestling with all the feels
Geoffrey Owen Hughes has more than 30 years of experience dressing up as wrestling superstar Macho Man Randy Savage, attending his first event as the 'Macho Manitoban' at a screening of Wrestlemania 8 at a restaurant in 1992. A wrestling ring had been set up in the parking lot; while in the ring with a group of other kids, Hughes attempted Macho's trademark vault exit over the top rope to the ground. 'But I had never done it before,' the Macho Manitoban says prior to the start of his fringe show Randy and Elizabeth: A Savage Love Story. Geoff Hughes plays Macho Man Randy Savage in Randy and Elizabeth: A Savage Love Story. Hughes' foot caught on the top rope, but 'the wrestling gods were merciful on that day and I stuck the landing — oh yeah, dig it!,' he says in his pitch-perfect Savage impression. The 52-year-old Winnipeg-born 'theatre kid' has been a wrestling fan since the 1970s, when his mom left him in front of a cluster of televisions showing a wrestling match while she was shopping at a department store. 'I had glue in my shoes. I was transfixed by my first-ever look at wrestling on TV,' he says. Hughes' imagination was captured by the archetypes present at the core of professional wrestling — specifically, the way good will always overcome evil. 'We don't get to see good guys prevail in real life. We seek that in culture, and wrestling offered that,' he says. One would not expect a lot of emotional vulnerability from professional wrestlers, specifically the Macho Man Randy Savage. So can macho men cry? Hughes thinks so, attributing the emotional vulnerability of his generation of men to the 1974 Marlo Thomas record Free to Be You and Me, which featured the song It's All Right to Cry. 'Macho Man was once asked by Arsenio Hall if macho men can cry and his answer will bring you to tears,' Hughes says, referring to a 1992 appearance on Hall's late-night talk show. 'On the show, Savage, in his trademark gravelly voice, said, 'It's all right for macho men to show every emotion. I've cried a thousand times, I'm going to cry some more. There's one guarantee in life and that is there are no guarantees. So if you get knocked down, get back up and fight again.'' MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Geoff Hughes plays Macho Man Randy Savage in Randy and Elizabeth: A Savage Love Story. Tears abounded during the five-year-long World Wrestling Federation storyline involving Randy Savage and his onscreen manager and real-life wife Miss Elizabeth, the focus of Hughes' show. The WWF saga concluded with a wedding at Summerslam 1991 that saw Miss Elizabeth in a Princess Diana-esque dress and a wedding gift of a cobra from the evil Jake (the Snake) Roberts that ended the night. But the true heart of Hughes' show is Randy Savage's loss at Wrestlemania 7 in 1991, where, in true Rocky fashion, our hero loses the match but gains the love of his life. 'I love that moment more than any comic book, any song. It was just so romantic and life-affirming. I hope I can make (my audience) feel even a fraction of what I felt when I watched it,' Hughes says. Randy and Elizabeth: A Savage Love Story runs to July 27 at One88 (Venue 23). Sonya Ballantyne is a Cree writer-director whose credits include the Chris Jericho-produced wrestling documentary The Death Tour and writing the Acting Good episode Battle in the Bush.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Leona Lewis and Myleene Klass receive honours from King Charles in investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle
Leona Lewis and Myleene Klass have been honoured in an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. X Factor winner Leona has been made an OBE for services to music and charity whilst presenter and singer Myleene has received an MBE for services to women's health, miscarriage awareness and charity. Leona, 40, won the third series of The X Factor in 2006 and went on to achieve success with singles including Bleeding Love, Run and Better In Time. The British singer-songwriter from Islington, north London, became a seven-time Brit award nominee and was nominated three times for a Grammy award. She has also carried out charity work with a number of organisations including the Prince's Trust, the Teenage Cancer Trust and WWF. Myleene, 47, has campaigned for paid bereavement leave to be extended to those who experience a miscarriage. The mother of three suffered four miscarriages and has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women. She is an ambassador for the pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's and fronted the Bafta-nominated documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage And Me in 2021, in which she met women around the UK to hear their experiences. Myleene has said she is 'so proud' of how far she had come and reflected on how she had battled back 'from a very dark place'. Talking to the BBC earlier this year she said: 'When I think back to how all of this started, it all came from a very dark place, and I certainly didn't have it in mind to become a campaigner at the time. 'Anyone who has experienced baby loss will know how personal and difficult it is to vocalise this level of trauma.' Myleene has championed changes to the Women's Health Strategy, advocating for earlier support for women rather than waiting until they have experienced three miscarriages. Her efforts have focused on improving miscarriage care and raising awareness about the emotional and heartbreaking toll of baby loss. The musician has used her platform to push for government reforms and has played a key role in ensuring baby loss is addressed as a critical health issue. She added: 'If you suffered three heart attacks you wouldn't only be offered support after the third one and so it shouldn't be the same with baby loss'. The former Hear'Say singer's work has been widely praised for its impact on breaking the silence around miscarriage and offering hope and support to other women.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
8 animals that hibernate in the summer
Source: WWF When we think of hibernation, most of us imagine animals snoozing through the cold months. But guess what? Some creatures are like, 'No thanks' to summer, too. Yep, these 8 animals that hibernate in the summer (also called aestivation) are out here dodging heatwaves better than any of us with AC. These animals shut down, slow down, and disappear when things get too hot or dry. Whether they live in deserts or muddy ponds, they've mastered the art of summer survival. From snails to crocs, these chill pros are nature's nap champions — beating the heat with hardcore, sun-dodging energy. Let's meet them. Animals that hibernate in the summer to survive heat Land snail Source: Wikipedia Size: Tiny, but mighty. Found in: Gardens, forests, deserts. Aestivates in: Hot, dry climates. When it gets too dry, land snails seal themselves inside their shell with mucus and just vibe. No food, no drama. Their moisture-loving body says no thanks to the sun, so they nap it out until things cool down. They're the 'do not disturb' of summer. Desert lizard Size: Varies by species. Found in: Deserts. (duh) Aestivates in: Scorching heat. When desert lizards feel the burn, they dip underground and enter a deep sleep mode. Their metabolism slows down, and they wait out the worst of the heat. They don't sweat it, literally. Aestivation is their version of putting life on pause and avoiding a meltdown. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Ciudad Madero (ver precio) Verisure Más información Undo Water-holding frog Source: Wikipedia Size: Medium-sized and squishy. Found in: Australia. Aestivates in: Drought season. This frog is the ultimate survivalist. It buries itself in mud and forms a cocoon made of skin to keep moist. It can stay hidden like that for years until rain returns. When it finally emerges, it's like, 'Surprise! I'm alive — now let's mate.' Iconic behaviour. African lungfish Source: Wikipedia Size: Up to 2 meters long. Found in: African freshwater swamps. Aestivates in: Drought periods. When water bodies dry up, this fish digs into mud, secretes mucus, and forms a cocoon, then chills for months or even years. It breathes through lungs and basically waits for the next flood like a swamp diva. Summer hibernation? This fish invented it. Tortoise Source: LA Zoo Size: Varies by species. Found in: Deserts and drylands. Aestivates in: Intense heat. Some tortoises, like the desert tortoise, aestivate in underground burrows when summer gets savage. They slow everything down and conserve water like pros. While we melt in the June heat, they're out here napping in peace. Their motto? If it's too hot, just go underground and chill. Crocodile Source: Britan Size : Up to 6 meters long. Found in: Africa, Australia, Asia. Aestivates in: Drought or heat waves. Saltwater crocs and some freshwater species aestivate by digging into riverbanks or mud. They become motionless, just a pair of eyes waiting for rain. They might look lazy, but it's pure strategy. Why waste energy when you can disappear and still dominate? Earthworm Source: Wikipedia Size: 1–14 inches. Found in: Soil everywhere. Aestivates in: Dry summers. Earthworms are soft, squishy, and cannot deal with heat. So, they burrow deep into cool soil and enter a low-power state. They slow their heartbeat, reduce activity, and stay moist underground. They're the introverts of summer — no sun, no socialising, just hiding with purpose. West African lungfish Source: Scientific American Size: Up to 1 meter. Found in: West Africa. Aestivates in: Long dry spells. Not to be confused with its cousin, this one's a real aestivation expert. It can go without food or water for over three years by cocooning itself and breathing through its lungs. It's practically immortal. Waiting for the rains like it's waiting for its moment to shine.
