Latest news with #otters
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Researchers horrified by disturbing discovery captured in trendy cafes: 'There's a lot more … than we previously thought'
Asian small-clawed otters have a cult following on the internet, particularly in Japan. However, researchers recently found evidence of extensive, behind-the-scenes poaching driven by their popularity. Mongabay looked at new research published in Conservation Science and Practice, focused on Asian small-clawed otters in Japan's controversial otter cafes. Concerns about the species aren't new — in 2019, published an exhaustive piece questioning the ethics of Japan's otter cafes, documenting unsuitable conditions and visibly distressed otters. Researchers from France, Thailand, and Japan suspected poaching played a role in the bustling otter trade. They obtained DNA samples from 81 Asian small-clawed otters in Japan, 43 of which were from zoos, 33 from animal cafes, and five from otters intercepted at the border. Using genetic markers, the team contrasted the samples with those of otters from "the southern region of Thailand, which is a suspected poaching hotspot." Their suspicions were validated, and their findings were striking. "Based on the identical haplotypes, most otters (94%) kept at cafes originated from Thailand, compared to around 60% from those kept at zoos and aquariums," researchers determined, per Conservation Science and Practice. "Actually, there's a lot more Thai otters in Japan than we previously thought," said conservation biologist and study co-author Worata Klinsawat, per Mongabay. "Poaching and illegal wildlife trade are among the key drivers of biodiversity loss and biosecurity crises worldwide," the team said, per Conservation Science and Practice. The practice of poaching — defined by National Geographic as "the illegal trafficking and killing of wildlife" — is a global problem with far-reaching consequences in terms of conservation and habitat, both human and animal. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Researchers said in Conservation Science and Practice that poaching "threatens the species' survival and population viability of otters." The Asian small-clawed otter was designated "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Japanese river otter was officially deemed "extinct" in 2012. Dwindling populations of native flora and fauna wreak havoc on local ecosystems, creating a domino effect on habitats and disrupting the food chain. Donating to conservation and wildlife protection organizations is one way to directly mitigate harmful behaviors like animal poaching. However, the most effective approach is a simple one, according to one researcher. "It's natural to feel affectionate toward otters, but we need to leave them in the wild so that they can fulfill their ecological role, for them and for us," Klinsawat said, per Mongabay. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Independent Singapore
28-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
Otters targeted by stone-throwing men in viral video, NParks steps in
SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) has launched an investigation into a suspected animal cruelty case after two men were caught on camera hurling stones at a group of otters in Lorong Halus. The alleged incident, which took place on Saturday morning (May 24), was brought to public attention by members of the Nature Society Singapore Facebook group. A video posted to the group shows two men — one dressed in a blue shirt, the other in an orange one — chasing otters near the water's edge. The footage captures them picking up stones from the grassy banks and throwing them at the startled animals, causing the otters to scatter, with some diving into the water to escape. According to the original post, one of the men claimed he had resorted to the act because the otters were eating fish. That explanation, however, has not sat well with members of the public. The video quickly circulated online, prompting strong condemnation from netizens. Many pointed out that otters naturally consume fish and that the men's actions were cruel and showed a lack of respect for wildlife. Several commenters urged that the perpetrators be held accountable. NParks has since confirmed that it had received reports about the incident. A spokesperson said the board treats all allegations of animal cruelty seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation. The spokesman added that ensuring the welfare of animals is a shared responsibility and encouraged members of the public to report any suspected cases of abuse through the NParks website or by calling 1800-476-1600. Under the Animals and Birds Act, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty for the first time can face up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders face jail terms of up to three years, fines of up to $30,000, or both. NParks also reminded the public to observe safe and respectful behaviour around wildlife. Otters generally do not pose a threat unless they are provoked or feel cornered, the spokesperson said. Members of the public are advised to keep a safe distance and to refrain from feeding, touching, chasing, or attempting to handle otters, especially if otter pups are present, as adult otters are protective and may react defensively.
Irish Times
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Times
What's the crack with this apple tree in our garden?
We have beautiful apple trees in our garden. Today we noticed deep lines in the trunk. Would you know what these are? Are they like the wrinkles our Mummy and Daddy have, now that they are old? Imogen & Sylvia Kavanagh, Monkstown, Dublin Hardly, unless you have been leaving them out in the garden during hard frosts. What has happened to your apple tree is that a sudden hard frost froze the sap – which is mostly water – inside the tree. When water freezes, it expands, and this caused a crack down the stem. Further freezing and thawing events would make the crack bigger. It takes more than a few frosty nights to give adults wrinkles. Otter on golf course. Photograph supplied by Tom Treacy I saw what I thought was an otter looking at me teeing off on the 10th hole at Barna golf course in Galway one Monday at the end of March. He watched us for a minute before doodling off. It mustn't have been too happy with our tee shots. Tom Treacy It is an otter all right. Otters are our largest mustelid, bigger than the badger or the American mink. They are usually extremely elusive and quite difficult to observe in river systems but less so at the coast. This one could well be hunting for food along the shore, as otters that forage among seaweeds and rock pools are more active by day. They can often be curious, however, and, if not alarmed, may hang around for a bit. This one was taking no chances with your teeing ability, however. READ MORE King Alfred's cakes fungus. Photograph supplied by Dorothy Hatton I saw these black-coloured balls on a decaying branch. Can you tell me about them, please? Dorothy Hatton, Gorey These are fungi commonly called King Alfred's cakes, which doesn't say much for his cooking ability and neither does the other common name: cramp balls. They aren't edible, so don't try to see if the names are apt. They are hard and tough in texture and often grow on decaying beech. Long ago they were apparently used to transport fire as they smoulder for a long time, but this function has now been replaced by the safety matches of Maguire & Patterson. Racing pigeon. Photograph supplied by Sheela Haydon Is this a racing pigeon? It was around Clontarf for a good few weeks. Sheela Haydon Racing pigeons are supposed to return – at speed – from whence they came, so this one will certainly not be wanted any longer by the owner. There are all sorts of racing pigeons, including black varieties, which are bred for the sport. They are all ringed on one leg with life rings, each carrying an individual number that identifies the specific pigeon. Your photo does not show the legs but, if you caught it, you could identify its owner. Pond skaters. Photograph supplied by Archie Harding-Lee During the Easter holidays, myself and my dad saw these creatures on the pond. They seemed to be walking on the surface. Why didn't they sink? Archie Harding-Lee, Dublin These are insects called common pond skaters. They are very light and have water-repellent hairs on the bottom of their feet, allowing them to rush around on the surface film of the water. They use their four long back legs for this. Their front two legs are much shorter, and they use them for grabbing their food. What they eat are smaller little insects that have become trapped in this water film, such as mosquito larvae. They can detect the small vibrations these tiny insects make. In turn they can be eaten by hungry fish from below if they are quick enough. They emerge from hibernation in April and lay eggs shortly afterwards. Please submit your nature query, observation, or photo, with a location, via or by email to weekend@
Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Facade of Ranelagh cottage falls onto street by Grand Canal
Two otters fight in the river Lee. Video: Chris Moody Jas Fagan Tailor shop on Dublin's Thomas St has been making Holy Communion suits for many years. Jas's son Leonard now runs the business. Video: Bryan O'Brien Patsy McGarry takes a closer look around the meaning of Robert Frances Prevost's choice of his papal name: Leo XIV. Journalist and historian Ronan McGreevy tells the story of how The Irish Times's most famous front page was created. Video: Dan Dennison American cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope by the world's cardinals on the second day of the conclave. He is the first American pontiff. Head Coach Andy Farrell has named Maro Itoje as captain of the 2025 Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Men's Tour to Australia. Video: TB&IL Ronan McGreevy takes a closer look at the history of how VE Day was reported in Ireland. Patsy McGarry reports from Rome as the Catholic Church's most senior leaders meet in conclave today, to elect a successor to Pope Francis. India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday with several deaths reported. Pakistan is calling the assault a 'blatant act of war'. Dublin City Council have opened a Mobility School in Eamonn Ceannt Park, Crumlin, a fun and safe environment to learn and practise cycling. Video: Bryan O'Brien
Irish Times
11-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
More support needed for river Lee's otters, campaigners say, as fight is captured on camera
Cork City Council has been urged to facilitate the installation of more cameras to monitor otter activity on the river Lee after a wildlife campaigner captured footage of two otters fighting just upstream of the city. Chris Moody of the Save Our Bride Otters campaign group in Blackpool took the video at the Lee Fields, showing one otter ambushing another in the water. They continue to fight each other for several seconds before one flees to the bank to be pursued by the other. Otter expert Dr Paddy Sleeman, recently retired from the Department of Zoology at UCC, said that UCC zoologists have carried out a DNA analysis of otter droppings or spraints found at sites on both the north and south channels of the Lee, which revealed that there are 11 otters living around Cork City in the Lee and its tributaries. 'There are otters everywhere you can think of in Ireland including in urban areas like in the Liffey in Dublin and the Shannon flowing through Limerick, but Cork City has a particularly high density of otters – they live off fish such as trout and salmon and eels as well as crabs and rats.' READ MORE Dr Sleeman said there is a higher density of otters living around Cork Harbour but they swim up the north and south channel of the Lee through the city centre to get to fresh water to clean their fur, so they can often be seen from many of the city's quays and bridges. 'We have fitted camera traps in culverts to monitor otter movements and we know that eight otters use the Bride in Blackpool, but we know that most nights otters swim up the north channel by Fitzgerald Park and it would be great if we could fit a camera trap there. 'We'd like Cork City Council to take more notice of the otters – there's the potential here to have the city's entire otter population monitored, which would be useful for a lot of reasons. It's unusual that the citizens of a city can get to see wildlife like this on their doorstep. 'Historically, Cork has always been home to otters – we have records of an otter attacking a US serviceman in the city centre during World War I and of workers in Ladyswell brewery on the Watercourse Road saving an otter and her cubs washed into them during a flood in the 1950s.' [ Otters: Scientists on trail of the elusive and charismatic mammal Opens in new window ] Dr Sleeman said it was clear from the sounds that the otters were making in the video that one male was attacking the other, which is not unusual as otters are very territorial – but to capture such an attack on film was rare. 'These guys are going at it big-time – otters are very territorial and fight quite a lot and males can grow to 16kg, so they often have bruises, and one of the ones that we've been observing has a missing canine – you'd see him around the city and he's quite aggressive and hisses at people.' Chris Moody, a member of Save Our Bride Otters, captured the video of the otters fighting. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision Mr Moody said: 'They came out of the river but they were so engrossed with each other that they did not notice me until they were literally at my feet – one continued around and behind me and back into the Lee and the chaser did an abrupt turn and dived into the river.' Meanwhile Save Our Bride Otters, a group opposing the current proposals from the OPW for flood relief in Blackpool, which it says threatens the otters on the Bride, were honoured this week by lord mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle with a Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Award.
