Latest news with #WorldWideFundforNature
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
‘Ist-ever' raptor survey in Pithoragarh records 24 species
Pithoragarh: The Uttarakhand forest department and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-India) jointly conducted a "first-of-its-kind" raptor survey in the Pithoragarh district, recording a total of 24 species. A follow-up survey focusing on the higher Himalayan region is planned for the near future, officials said on Wednesday. This initial phase of the survey was carried out from May 22 to 30 and covered areas below 2,500 meters in elevation. According to Abhimanyu Singh, divisional forest officer (DFO), Pithoragarh, the survey team included four members from WWF-India along with frontline forest staff including forest guards, foresters, and deputy rangers. "During the survey, 24 species of raptors were documented, including eagles, kites, falcons and buzzards," Singh said. Among the species observed were five resident vulture species, notably the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus). Their presence reaffirms the conservation significance of the Pithoragarh landscape for these apex avian predators, officials said. "This survey forms an important part of a broader initiative to establish robust baseline data on raptor diversity, distribution, and habitat use across the state. The findings will support future efforts in raptor conservation and behavioral studies," Singh added The next phase of the survey, focusing on areas above 2,500 meters in the Byas, Chaudas, Darma valleys and Milam region of Munsyari, will be conducted soon. "Raptors in the higher Himalayas differ significantly in terms of habitat, food chains and behaviour compared to those in lower elevations," the DFO said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alarming map surrounding Australia highlights growing danger to $3.8 billion industry
Populations of whales that survived decades of hunting now face new threats as they migrate from Antarctica to Australia. On Wednesday, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) launched an interactive map of the world highlighting where the routes of 1,400 whales collide with threats from ships, noise, fossil fuel projects, pollution, fishing and climate change. Whales are critical to ocean health and play an important role in tourism, creating US$2.1 billion (A$3.8 billion) in global revenue and supporting 13,000 jobs. It's hoped the publicly accessible platform will help stop more species of whale from becoming extinct by pinpointing where the dangers occur. And there are plans to gradually add more data from rarely seen species like beaked whales, of which very little is known. Of particular concern to WWF is the North Atlantic right whale which continues to be killed by ships and fishing gear entanglement, and with fewer than 70 breeding females left, the species is showing no signs of recovery. Southern right whales that we see in Australia are also of concern because their numbers have cryptically stagnated at a level far below pre-whaling levels. Related: Carloads of Aussies flock to water's edge for whale migration ritual Chris Johnson, the global lead for WWF's Protecting Whales and Dolphins Initiative, said the project is designed to be another 'building block' as researchers try to fill gaps in our knowledge about the oceans. 'Whales are these ocean giants that we absolutely love, particularly in Australia, and we still know so little about their migratory patterns,' he told Yahoo News from Melbourne. 'I study sperm whales and there's very little satellite tagging of them, and we don't do a lot of research offshore. We're still discovering new beaked whale species and they're the size of elephants.' More than 50 global research groups were involved in the map's creation. As more data is added to the platform, researchers will be able to gain new insights into the cumulative impact of multiple man-made threats on whales. 📸 Incredible whale spotted just metres from shore thrills tourists 😳 Disturbing photos emerge of famous orcas linked to 'dangerous myth' 🏝️ Tourists stunned by whale encounter off the Aussie coast For instance, the Queensland government announced last week it would be investing $88 million to expand its shark control program, which will include nets known to frequently entangle whale mothers and calves. An average of six whale entanglements a year may not seem like many, but it's adding to a massive global problem. Johnson said the announcement was 'disappointing' because there are modern alternatives to problematic nets. 'It's concerning because bycatch is probably the biggest issue for cetaceans worldwide. Around 300,000 a year die from entanglement and that's an issue from 25 years ago, so the problem is now probably much bigger,' he said. Today, seven of the world's 14 great whale species are threatened with extinction, and their migration routes are critical to their breeding and feeding. Shipping, fishing and gas and oil drilling have been important to industrialisation and the advancement of human interests. Transporting new phones and electric vehicles across the globe, and catching more fish for oil supplements, will continue to enrich our lives, but as more species are lost, the planet becomes less complex and arguably less interesting. By highlighting where the biggest problem areas are, companies will be empowered to make changes to lessen their impact on whales. Johnson said there are examples of this already occurring. In the North Atlantic, companies are altering their fishing methods, with some no longer using rope so whales aren't entangled. In Greece, shipping lanes have been modified to reduce the chances of collisions, and similar changes are being made in Asia. 'Off Sri Lanka, there's a big habitat for blue whales in the northern Indian Ocean. It's one of the busiest shipping lanes on Earth,' he said. 'But research has shown if you move the shipping lane 15 nautical miles further south, it'll reduce ship strikes.' While the government has been slow to respond, shipping companies themselves have been altering their routes in order to reduce the number of strikes. If all of them agree to reroute, the risk of collision would be reduced by 95 per cent. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Maps reveal 'obstacle course' for migrating whales
Whales are forced to pick through a maze of hazards on their annual voyages north, including shark nets and busy shipping routes, mapping suggests. Whale-watching season is in full swing along Australia's east and west coasts as the underwater giants make the long trek to warmer waters. Humpbacks spend winter breeding in warm tropical waters before returning to southern Antarctica during summer to feed. Yet world-first interactive maps from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and more than 50 global research groups reveal a "dangerous and sometimes fatal obstacle course" for whales migrating through Australian waters. The publicly available maps overlay whale migration routes with shipping, fishing, climate and other information to better understand whale journeys. Global lead of the fund's protecting whales and dolphins initiative, Chris Johnson, said ship strikes, fishing gear, underwater noise, plastic pollution and climate change all posed hazards for the giant marine mammals. "Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and shark nets are a growing concern on Australia's east coast, especially during humpback whale migration season," Mr Johnson said. The geographic information could help inform speed restrictions and vessel re-routing to minimise collisions, he said. A better understanding of whale migration patterns could also help the design of no-take zones and marine parks protected from fishing. "This platform transforms decades of science into a tool for action - showing when, where and how to protect whales in a rapidly changing ocean," Mr Johnson said. The maps have been released ahead of a major United Nations ocean conference in France in June, with greater protections for critical marine habitats top of the agenda. Securing the 60 country ratifications needed to lock in the all-important high seas biodiversity agreement would lay the foundation to safeguard 30 per cent of the world's oceans in marine sanctuaries by 2030. High temperatures and marine heatwaves are also influencing whale migration cues, with sightings on NSW's far south coast as early as March thought to have been linked to climatic changes in the Antarctic depleting food stocks. Krill, the tiny crustaceans baleen whales feed on, have been declining in some regions as their sea ice habitats shrink. Mr Johnson said patchy prey availability was potentially behind shifting migration patterns but there were still many unknowns and more research was needed. Healthy whale populations support the well-being of the entire ocean, with whales found to fertilise oceans and help boost phytoplankton production, which captures carbon dioxide and generates oxygen. "Thriving and healthy whale populations benefit nature and people," Mr Johnson said.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Maps reveal 'obstacle course' for migrating whales
Whales are forced to pick through a maze of hazards on their annual voyages north, including shark nets and busy shipping routes, mapping suggests. Whale-watching season is in full swing along Australia's east and west coasts as the underwater giants make the long trek to warmer waters. Humpbacks spend winter breeding in warm tropical waters before returning to southern Antarctica during summer to feed. Yet world-first interactive maps from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and more than 50 global research groups reveal a "dangerous and sometimes fatal obstacle course" for whales migrating through Australian waters. The publicly available maps overlay whale migration routes with shipping, fishing, climate and other information to better understand whale journeys. Global lead of the fund's protecting whales and dolphins initiative, Chris Johnson, said ship strikes, fishing gear, underwater noise, plastic pollution and climate change all posed hazards for the giant marine mammals. "Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and shark nets are a growing concern on Australia's east coast, especially during humpback whale migration season," Mr Johnson said. The geographic information could help inform speed restrictions and vessel re-routing to minimise collisions, he said. A better understanding of whale migration patterns could also help the design of no-take zones and marine parks protected from fishing. "This platform transforms decades of science into a tool for action - showing when, where and how to protect whales in a rapidly changing ocean," Mr Johnson said. The maps have been released ahead of a major United Nations ocean conference in France in June, with greater protections for critical marine habitats top of the agenda. Securing the 60 country ratifications needed to lock in the all-important high seas biodiversity agreement would lay the foundation to safeguard 30 per cent of the world's oceans in marine sanctuaries by 2030. High temperatures and marine heatwaves are also influencing whale migration cues, with sightings on NSW's far south coast as early as March thought to have been linked to climatic changes in the Antarctic depleting food stocks. Krill, the tiny crustaceans baleen whales feed on, have been declining in some regions as their sea ice habitats shrink. Mr Johnson said patchy prey availability was potentially behind shifting migration patterns but there were still many unknowns and more research was needed. Healthy whale populations support the well-being of the entire ocean, with whales found to fertilise oceans and help boost phytoplankton production, which captures carbon dioxide and generates oxygen. "Thriving and healthy whale populations benefit nature and people," Mr Johnson said.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
‘No BS' Or ‘No Biodiversity Spend'? Budget Fails Nature And Climate Yet Again
Aotearoa's environment is yet again the loser in the Government's 2025 Budget, with major nature funds scrapped and $200 million in handouts to fossil fuel companies, says the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) New Zealand. WWF-New Zealand's CEO, Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, has slammed the Government's short-sighted thinking and failure to grapple with the fact New Zealand's economy relies so heavily on a healthy natural environment. 'When Nicola Willis called this a 'no BS Budget' was she actually referring to 'no Biodiversity Spend'? Because this Budget is woefully lacking when it comes to investment in our environment - despite the fact that nature is New Zealand's greatest asset,' she says. 'It is utterly astounding that in the midst of a climate and biodiversity emergency this Government is ploughing over $200 million into underwriting new gas fields, scrapping funds that protect our declining native species and ecosystems, and significantly defunding the Predator Free 2050 initiative - a 'moonshot' initiative that the National Party spearheaded with great fanfare in 2016. 'New Zealand already has the highest species extinction rate in the world and we're just watching it happen like a slow-motion car crash.' WWF-New Zealand's recent economic assessment with EY New Zealand revealed that investing in the protection and restoration of nature could save Aotearoa New Zealand more than $270 billion over the next 50 years. Investing in creating more Marine Protected Areas to provide safe havens for ocean wildlife, restoring degraded wetlands, and expanding native forest cover all bring huge benefits to our economy. 'Investing in nature isn't simply a 'nice to have'. Protecting our country from the worst impacts of biodiversity loss and climate change is absolutely essential for preserving our global 'clean and green' brand and ensuring our tourism sector and primary industries continue to thrive,' says Dr Kingdon-Bebb. 'Yet again, the Government has totally missed the memo. When nature is at a tipping point, we need to be investing in climate action and boosting funds to agencies like the Department of Conservation - not stripping them further to the bone. 'It's no wonder that DOC is having to crowdsource funding from members of the public for its core conservation work, while report after report shows our native species are continuing to decline at alarming rates. 'It just makes no economic sense that we're continually neglecting our greatest asset and wilfully making decisions that are going to cost us more in the long-run. This Government is claiming it has a 'responsible budget' - but frankly pursuing short-term economic growth at the expense of our natural world is the furthest thing from responsible I can imagine. 'Without concerted action and investment in conservation and climate action, the natural environment on which we all depend is going to end up as barren as this Budget.'
