Latest news with #natureReserves
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Zawya
What will make Oman's nature reserves major tourist draws?
In keeping with efforts to develop ecotourism in the sultanate, Environment Authority recently signed nine investment agreements worth more than RO44mn for projects in seven reserves. In terms of facilities in Oman's 31 nature reserves, what is it that the public seeks for a fulfilling experience of the sultanate's natural beauty? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Salim al Amri, Photographer I'd love to see observation towers and guided photography trails. Quiet zones for birdwatching and shaded resting spots would attract nature lovers. Eco-lodges constructed using sustainable materials would be amazing for overnight stays while respecting the habitat. Aisha al Abri, Student Educational programmes for children and interactive visitor centres would be great. Virtual reality zones showcasing rare species and Omani ecosystems can make learning fun. These reserves should connect us with nature, not just entertain. Khalid al Mahrooqi, Tour guide Proper trekking routes, shaded picnic areas and safe cycling paths should be included. We need eco-friendly camping zones and clear signboards in Arabic and English. It'll help locals and tourists enjoy Oman's natural beauty more. Fatma al Balushi, Homemaker I'd like to see family-friendly zones with eco-playgrounds for children and small nature cafes serving local food. Reserves should feel peaceful and accessible, especially for older people who enjoy nature but need comfort. Neha Joshi, School teacher Interactive science stations, plant nurseries and butterfly gardens would be lovely. Children need hands-on experiences to connect with nature. Nature reserves can be perfect weekend destinations for families and schools alike.. Ramesh Nair, Engineer Instal solar-powered walking paths, information kiosks and clean public restrooms. Safety is key, so proper fencing and emergency facilities must be incorporated. Next week's question – With schools now closed for summer, how can students be engaged meaningfully during the holidays? Is there need for more summer activities for children and teenagers? © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Insects are dying: here are 25 easy and effective ways you can help protect them
Insects are in trouble. Around the world, scientists are reporting catastrophic declines in their numbers, even in nature reserves that are largely protected from human touch. We are also beginning to see huge drops in the populations of other animals – such as birds – that depend on insects as food. Many of the drivers of those declines are structural, and require strong action by governments to turn around. But there are clear, easy steps that anyone can take to support the insect world. For species under such pressure, any respite is important, and we can create refuges for insects in a world increasingly hostile to their survival. In creating better habitats for insects, you can also reap the benefits: thriving gardens, more songbirds, and a healthier web of life. Here are 25 small, achievable, science-backed actions you can take today – at home, in the garden, or out in the city. Everyone has seen moths circle a bulb at night. But if that light stays on, researchers estimate one-third of insects trapped in its orbit will die before morning. Light pollution is a huge driver of insect declines: it changes insect behaviour and can even make leaves too tough for them to eat. It is also a relatively easy one to solve, says Brett Seymoure, a behavioural ecologist at Washington University in St Louis. 'Once you turn off a light, it is gone. You don't have to go and clean up, like you do with most pollutants. I am not saying we need to get rid of light at night, I think we just need to use it wisely.' You can help by switching off your outdoor lights or putting them on a sensor, and shading windows so they're not shining out into the night. You can also ask your local council to consider switching off some street lights for at least part of the night, particularly in parks and nature reserves – a move that studies have shown benefits insects and saves councils money. One of the best things you can do for insects is cultivate native plants, says Prof Douglas Tallamy, an entomologist at the University of Delaware. Local insects have evolved alongside local plants, and adapted to specific bloom shapes or leaf textures – many bees, for example, will only visit a single type of flower, even if others are growing nearby. Imported ornamental species and foreign plants often don't work as food or shelter for local species – by installing native plants, you can help insects get the food they need. Clothing moths are a huge pest in many households, chewing through winter coats, jumpers and wool carpets. But insecticides such as moth bombs can kill off every other insect in the vicinity. Now, some experts – including museums, which can't expose their artworks to chemicals – are experimenting with a natural ally: tiny parasitic wasps. The wasps are minuscule, barely visible to the naked eye, and lay eggs in moth larvae. Once the moths are gone, the wasps go too. The tiny wardrobe allies have been trialled by the National Trust, and used for pest control on cassava crops. You can order sachets of the wasps online. Even on the coldest winter days, compost heaps provide warm, safe habitat for insects to thrive. Over time, compost also improves soil structure and fertility, providing food and habitat for other garden insects. If you don't have a compost heap of your own, many organisations run neighbourhood composting schemes. As the climate heats, droughts are ramping up – and insects are struggling to survive the dry conditions. Providing sources of water with a basin, puddle, pond or bowl can help. Keep in mind that bees can't swim, so deeper water sources will need either a clear rim to drink from, or 'islands': according to University of California, floating corks or piles of rocks can work. Research has also shown that bees get important nutrients from 'dirty' water, where leaves or algae are breaking down, so don't keep your bee pools pristine. One monthly flea treatment for a large dog contains enough imidacloprid to kill 25 million bees When trees shed their greenery, resist the urge to rake them up: leaf litter is a crucial habitat. Researchers have found that raking up leaves reduces moth and butterfly numbers by 45%, beetles 24%, and spiders up to 67%. Save yourself the trouble, and let the leaves lie. Creating food for insects can happen on any scale: a sprawling meadow, tiny balcony, or even single window box. If you have a balcony, you can create a pollinator garden entirely in pots. If you don't have any outdoor space at all, even window pots or boxes with flowering native plants can provide a valuable pitstop for pollinators flying through. Most people aren't aware of the link between medical prescriptions and insect life. But overuse of antibiotics and other medications was ranked in the top five emerging threats to pollinators. The clearest links to damage are from agricultural antibiotics, sprayed on fields. But human medications – huge amounts of which enter ecosystems through waterways – are also affecting many species, and are of growing concern for ecologists. No one should stop taking necessary medications, but you should use them only as directed, and dispose of them properly when out of date – don't just flush them down the toilet. Related: 'Half the tree of life': ecologists' horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects Some butterflies rely on just a few plant species for food and reproduction. They also need variations in habitat, particularly scrubby areas with sparse, longer vegetation, shade from intense heat, and shelter. That's where butterfly banks come in. By creating a raised area of habitat that provides shade and natural variations in temperature throughout the day, butterflies have areas of refuge from unpredictable weather extremes. Many nature reserves and some farms are using them to help butterflies survive global heating. Recent trials have built the banks in an 'E' shape – if you have access to a larger garden or piece of land, you can do the same. While many harmful insecticides have been banned in food production, some remain legal for treating fleas in dogs and cats. A growing number of studies show that they are a disaster for wildlife, often leaching into waterways from fur. One monthly flea treatment for a large dog contains enough imidacloprid to kill 25 million bees, according to recent research. Avoid them altogether, or if you absolutely must de-flea, don't let your dog swim for at least a month after treatment. If you're planting for pollinators, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Many nature-loving gardeners advocate for the 3 x 3 x 3 method: pick three native plant species that flower in each growing season – spring, summer and autumn – and plant them each roughly in their own area. This way, you provide insects with food and habitat throughout the year. Here is a beginners' guide to getting started. While native plants in general will help, a smaller subset are absolutely critical for insects – particularly caterpillars – and the birds that feed on them. 'Just 14% of our native plants are supporting 90% of the caterpillar species in North America – we call them keystone plants,' Tallamy says – and the same applies to many other countries. After he rehabilitated his own plot of land with keystone species, Tallamy says, he watched the numbers of insects and birds shoot up. For the US, those keystone plant species are listed by region by the National Wildlife Federation. The UK also has lists of local keystone plants: native varieties of cherry, birch, and oak, for example, support 400 species of caterpillar each. In other regions, try searching for insect keystone species for your area. Of the world's more than 20,000 bee species, between 64% and 83% nest in the ground. Researchers from Australia conducted an experiment to find how native bees responded to different nest materials, and found that sprinkling rocks and gravel over the soil resulted in the greatest increase of nests. Different bee species need different environments to survive – you can speak to local bee conservation groups about specific ways to make gardens around you more nest-friendly for local and endangered species. Glyphosate, one of the world's most common herbicides, has significant effects on insects, damaging their immune systems There is very clear evidence that collapsing insect populations are driven by the rollout of intensive agriculture and pesticide use. If you can afford it, buying organic foods, which are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, can help give space for insects to recover. 'Tiny plastic particles are everywhere and can reduce pollinator health and lifespan,' a new report on threats to global pollinators has found – ranking microplastics as the second most significant emerging threat to insects. All polyester, nylon, spandex and acrylic fabrics are plastic, and they shed millions of fragments as they're washed and worn – a single load of polyester-containing laundry can shed 700,000 microplastic fibres. Natural fibres, such as wool, silk and linen don't shed any (cotton also does not shed microplastics, but is responsible for about 4% to 10% of the world's pesticide and insecticide use – you could opt for organic cotton, which does not use synthetic pesticides). Likewise, reducing all of your plastic use – bags, packaging, bottles, toys – will help cut the microplastics you release into the world. Death and disintegration are part of the life cycle of ecosystems, providing vital food and homes for insects, and adding nutrients to the soil. Dead trees, fallen branches and logs – even small dead mammals – all provide important food for invertebrates. By clearing them away, we eliminate habitats and nutrients. If you can safely do so, let things rot. Herbicides and pesticides are one of the most significant threats to insect life. Glyphosate, one of the world's most common herbicides, has significant effects on insects, damaging their immune systems. Avoid blasting unwanted plants with chemicals and weed by hand instead – there is also research to indicate that spending time gardening is linked to better physical and psychological health. Insects are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, which act as a trigger for stages of their lifecycle. But as global heating disrupts previously predictable weather patterns, these processes are increasingly out of sync. Creating cooler areas of shade – particularly when temperatures are abnormally high – provides shelter and respite for insects. You can volunteer for one of the butterfly counts now run across the UK, US, Europe, and many other parts of the world No mow May is one of the most successful recent environmental campaigns in the UK, intended to provide more habitat to bees, butterflies and other invertebrates during a key part of their lifecycle when they are emerging from a cold, hard winter. But it doesn't have to be only May. Letting grasses grow uninterrupted, particularly where native wildflowers thrive, can be a big boost for insects. Sometimes, all a vacant plot, neglected berm or empty lot needs to boost its biodiversity value is seeds. Researchers from Poland recently found that patches of wildflowers in cities can be just as good for insects as natural meadows. By protecting and growing those patches, 'we can alleviate the hostile environment of urban space for wildlife', the researchers wrote. A number of NGOs distribute free native wildflower seed packs. You can even buy (or construct) your own sprinkling system: put a mix of seeds in a spice shaker, and carry it to sow flowering species in neglected spots of green. Research on insects has been troubled by a lack of good population data. To fill the gap, some researchers are turning to surveys by citizen scientists or local communities: one of the most influential, robust pieces of research on insect declines was a study that used data from amateur entomologists across Germany, and found insects in nature reserves had dropped 82%. You can volunteer for one of the butterfly counts now run across the UK, US, Europe, and many other parts of the world. Often, that involves just 15 minutes of counting butterflies in a nearby location. The UK also has the Buglife 'splatometer' survey, measuring how many bugs are squashed on vehicle number plates over time. Invasive species can be catastrophic for biodiversity. A single colony of Asian hornets, for example, can 'butcher' 90,000 UK pollinating insects in just one season. You can help control invasive species that haven't yet established breeding populations by learning what to look for, and reporting sightings to the relevant government department. The UK, for example, runs an Asian hornet-spotting app, and most US states have their own process for reporting an invasive species to their wildlife departments. While often hidden from sight, bats and some owl species feast on insects through the spring, summer and early autumn, and play a key role in regulating their populations. Where owls and bats disappear, farmers tend to increase their insecticides: a study last year found that when the local bat population died, farmers dramatically increased chemical pesticide use. By supporting your local bat and owl populations, you can have positive knock-on effects for insects. 'We're at a new point in human history,' entomologist David Wagner says, where the heating planet has become the biggest threat to insect life across the world. Up until the last decade, 'the major drivers of biodiversity losses around the planet were really land degradation and land loss, habitat loss. But I think now, that climate change is by far exceeding that,' Wagner says. Stopping the worst of global heating – and saving trillions of insects – requires us to dramatically cut our use of fossil fuels. Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage
BBC News
16-06-2025
- BBC News
Eight new nature reserves designated in Bradford
Eight beauty spots across Bradford district have been designated as new nature reserves in a bid to boost wildlife and improve access to green in Keighley, Queensbury, Ilkley and Shipley have been selected as part of Bradford Council's bid for residents to benefit from spending time in authority worked with friends of groups across the district, Natural England and Wharfedale Naturalists trustee Steve Parkes to secure designation for the Duncan, deputy director for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire at Natural England, said: "Creating these new local nature reserves is another step along the road of enhancing the biodiversity of Bradford." He said the project would help make the city a "bigger, better and more joined up place for wildlife to thrive"."These reserves will increase opportunities for leisure, recreation, and improved access to vital green spaces," Mr Duncan sites that have been given local nature reserve designation, following a consultation by Natural England, are:Low Wood near Riddlesden, KeighleyPark Wood, KeighleyJudy Woods, near WykeLittlemoor Park, QueensburyMiddleton Woods, IlkleyNorthcliffe Park, ShipleyPrince of Wales Park, BingleyUndercliffe Cemetery Carolyn Bowe, chair of the Friends of Littlemoor Park, said the designation would mean the group could "bring in funding and people to help us do even more".It follows the announcement that a new nature reserve on the landscape that inspired the Brontë sisters would be created in Bradford Pennine Gateway is the first of its type in the county and is part of the King's Series of 25 National Nature Reserves being developed across the Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: "The designation of these new local nature reserves will boost the profile of these excellent wildlife sites, encourage people to visit and join the friends of groups for the physical and mental health benefits and strengthen resilience of nature in Bradford district."Natural England's green infrastructure standards suggest that a district with the population of Bradford should have 550 hectares of local nature reserves. The council has said it will continue to look for more sites that are suitable for local nature reserve designation to improve access to nature for residents. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Dehorning Rhinos Cuts Poaching by 78% – Saving Thousands of Animals' Lives
Taking the relatively simple step of trimming the horns of wild rhinoceroses is enough to dramatically reduce the rate at which the animals are killed by poachers. Across 11 nature reserves in South Africa, scientists found that dehorning black (Diceros bicornis) and white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) populations saw a sudden, sharp reduction in poaching by an average of 78 percent. It was, by far, the most effective method of curtailing the illegal slaughter of these endangered animals, researchers found. "Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching – with 2,284 rhinos dehorned across eight reserves – was found to achieve a 78 percent reduction in poaching, using just 1.2 percent of the overall rhino protection budget," says conservation biologist Tim Kuiper of Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. The rhino horn trade represents one of the most poignant examples of the destructive influence of human activity. The horns of these animals are made from keratin, like our own fingernails and hair; yet the perception persists among many cultures that they have medicinal value in spite of a complete lack of scientific evidence. Demand is so high that most rhino species on Earth are now at the brink of extinction due to poaching. Many different strategies for reducing poaching have been proposed, from 3D printing rhino horns to the death penalty for offenders. Kuiper and his colleagues conducted their study to determine the efficacy of the measures in place across 11 nature reserves in the Greater Kruger area – a landscape of about 2.4 million hectares wherein roughly 25 percent of all Africa's rhinos currently reside. The researchers documented the poaching deaths of 1,985 rhinos between 2017 and 2023. That's roughly 6.5 percent of the rhino population of the area. Most of the investment into anti-poaching measures focuses on reactive strategies – increased ranger presence, cameras, and tracking dogs. In the timeframe the researchers studied, these measures resulted in the arrests of around 700 poachers – but they did not significantly reduce the rate at which rhinos were killed, at least in part because of law enforcement corruption, the researchers say. However, when dehorning measures were enacted, poaching rates plummeted. Dehorning does not harm the rhino; it's a bit like having your nails trimmed or your hair cut. The horn's growth plates are left intact, so the keratin gradually regrows over time. Removing the horn removes the incentive to kill the rhino, since the horn is what the poachers want. When the rhinos were dehorned, not only did the rate of poaching decrease; so too did the rate at which poachers entered the area. However, dehorning was not a straight prevention measure. Because the horn grows back, 111 rhinos with horn stumps were still killed by poachers. Although the poaching rate of dehorned rhinos was lower, even a horn stump was sufficient incentive at least some of the time for the poaching syndicates. And while poaching rates were down in the regions where dehorning was active, poachers often moved onto other regions to try their luck elsewhere, evidence suggests. "It may be best," Kuiper wrote on The Conversation, "to think of dehorning as a very effective but short-term solution that buys us time to address the more ultimate drivers of poaching: horn demand, socio-economic inequality, corruption, and organised criminal networks." Rhino poaching is such a complex issue that no one solution is likely to fix it. Removing the incentive as a first step, however, seems like it may be an important piece of the broader solution. "It's important to check that our conservation interventions work as intended, and keep working that way," says ecologist Res Altwegg of the University of Cape Town. "For me, this project has again highlighted the value of collecting detailed data, both on the interventions that were applied and the outcome. It's such data that makes robust quantitative analyses possible." The researchers dedicate their work to the late Sharon Haussmann of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, who was instrumental to this collaborative research effort. The findings have been published in Science Advances. Worms Use Their Bodies to Build Towers as a Wild Survival Strategy Elusive LSD Fungus Finally Discovered on Flower We've Finally Seen The Skyscraper Tsunami That Shook Earth For 9 Days
Times of Oman
04-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
South Al Sharqiyah: A summer haven for adventure and nature lovers
Muscat: South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is a prime summer tourist destination thanks to its rich natural diversity and geographical location, which includes beaches, mountain valleys, golden sands, and nature reserves. The governorate boasts several tourist destinations, including the Fath Al Khair Center, Ras Al Jinz Nature Reserve, and the Al Sulayyil Nature Reserve in the Wilayat of Al Kamil and Al Wafi. South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is famous for its historical and archaeological assets, including several historic castles and forts. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reported that the number of visitors to tourist sites in the governorate during the past year (2024) reached 38,793, while the number of visitors to the governorate in the first quarter of 2025 reached approximately 5,655. Abdullah bin Rashid Al Hajri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, said that the governorate is one of the Sultanate of Oman's governorates, some of whose wilayats enjoy moderate summer weather and a tourist attraction that combines a coastal environment with towering mountains and sweeping valleys. This creates an exceptional destination for adventure and exploration enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and an ideal place for camping, fishing, watching turtles, kitesurfing, and visiting traditional shipbuilding workshops. Al Hajri added that South Al Sharqiyah Governorate is unique in the presence of green turtles during the nesting period from June to August, making it a tourist attraction in the governorate. The Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate pointed out that visitors to the governorate during the summer can visit many historical sites such as (Bilad Sur Fort, Al Sunaysla Fort, Ras Al Hadd Fort, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort, and Al Ayjah Fort), in addition to visiting tourist sites in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate during the summer, including the turtle reserve in Ras Al Jinz, Wadi Al Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Mebam Village, Masirah Island, Kabikab Tombs, and Falaj Al Jila, which has been classified on the World Heritage List.
