Attaching sensors to animals in order to study their movements and record aspects of their behaviour has become commonplace over recent years. However, because they need to be lightweight, these automated bio-loggers typically have limited battery capacity.That's a challenge, particularly when you want to use power-hungry data collection methods like video.Now, by … [Read more...] about Smart technology reveals new gull behaviour
International Wildlife News
Nature Alert: make your voice heard in the EU review of conservation legislation
The European Commission is currently reviewing EU legislation as part of a Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) -- and vital EU conservation laws like the Birds Directive and The Habitats Directive are coming under scrutiny as part of that process.NGOs across the EU are concerned that this review could potentially lead to a weakening of these vital … [Read more...] about Nature Alert: make your voice heard in the EU review of conservation legislation
Wakatobi Flowerpecker — new bird discovered by Irish scientists
A team of scientists from Trinity College Dublin has discovered a new bird species on the Tukangbesi Islands off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesian.Dubbed the Wakatobi Flowerpecker (Wakatobi is an acronym derived from the names of the four main islands in the Tukangbesi chain, Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko) the Irish scientist demonstrated that the bird … [Read more...] about Wakatobi Flowerpecker — new bird discovered by Irish scientists
Tiny bat makes incredible migration across the North Sea
New evidence from the UK has proved that tiny bats can and do cross the sea from Britain to mainland Europe. A thumb-sized Nathusius pipistrelle originally ringed in the UK has been recovered dead almost 600km away by bat researchers in the Netherlands.Because these tiny bats, which weigh just 6-15 grammes, are too small to carry satellite tracking tags often fitted to … [Read more...] about Tiny bat makes incredible migration across the North Sea
Irish DNA analysis confirms first Welsh pine marten record in 40 years
DNA analysis carried out at Waterford Institute of Technology has confirmed unequivocally that a dead pine marten found by the roadside near Newtown in Mid Wales is a native British animal… the first to be recovered in Wales since 1971. “The significance of this find cannot be overstated,” said Natalie Buttriss, Chief Executive with The Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT). “It adds … [Read more...] about Irish DNA analysis confirms first Welsh pine marten record in 40 years
Wildlife Photographer of the Year results announced
The results of the prestigious Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition were announced during the week. First prize went to Canadian photographer Paul Nicklen who braved the frigid waters of Antarctica and hunting leopard seals to capture this sensational shot of Emperor Penguins returning to the ice to feed their chicks."Bubble Jetting Emperors" … [Read more...] about Wildlife Photographer of the Year results announced
Winners of British Wildlife Photography Awards announced
“Gannet Jacuzzi” -- Overall winner of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2012As we wait with bated breath for the results of the “Irish Wildlife Photography Award 2012”, run by the Irish Wildlilfe Trust, results of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2012 were announced yesterday, complete with a stunning portfolio of images from the winning and highly commended … [Read more...] about Winners of British Wildlife Photography Awards announced
UK Wildlife Presenter Terry Nutkins dies aged 66
Terry Nutkins, the well known British wildlife TV presenter who brought some of the UK's most iconic nature television to a generation of children, has died at the age of 66.Nutkins was perhaps best known for shows like "Animal Magic" and "The Really Wild Show", which he anchored alongside then-newcomers Chris Packham and Michaella Strachan of BBC Springwatch fame. His … [Read more...] about UK Wildlife Presenter Terry Nutkins dies aged 66
Irish produced wildlife television nominated for two Emmy awards
Dublin wildlife cameraman Colin Stafford Johnson's tale of the journey of a wandering tiger across the Indian sub-continent has been nominated for two Emmy awards in the prestigious National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the USA.The Crossing the Line documentary "Broken Tail", follows Stafford Johnson's quest as he tracks a the journey of a remarkable wild … [Read more...] about Irish produced wildlife television nominated for two Emmy awards
“Flap-running” offers insight into evolution of flight
Researchers in the USA believe that the ungainly practice of “flap-running” employed by many birds as they climb a steep incline could represent a key step in the evolution of flight.Biologists at The University of Montana’s “Flight Lab” conducted a series of experiments with domestic pigeons. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, shows how flapping … [Read more...] about “Flap-running” offers insight into evolution of flight
2 pilot whales dead in South Uist; main group moves to deeper water
Marine mammal rescuers in the Hebrides have confirmed the death of 2 long finned pilot whales at Loch Carnan, South Uist. The whales were part of a large group of around 60 whales that prompted fears of a mass stranding in the loch late last week. The main pod now appears to have moved out of the loch into deeper water.The body of the first whale was found and recovered on … [Read more...] about 2 pilot whales dead in South Uist; main group moves to deeper water
