Daniel Martin Eckhart’s Post

The following statistics comes from a comprehensive report that is the result of over a thousand scientists research. This report follows another that I posted that finds since 1970 wildlife has decreased by 69% world wide. The IUCN Red List now includes 166,061 species, of which 46,337 are threatened with extinction. “Today, we are releasing the global assessment of the world’s trees on the IUCN Red List, which shows that more than one in three tree species are threatened with extinction. Trees are essential to support life on Earth through their vital role in ecosystems, and millions of people depend upon them for their lives and livelihoods. As the IUCN Red List celebrates 60 years of impact, this assessment highlights its importance as a barometer of life, but also, crucially, as a unique tool guiding action to reverse the decline of nature,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. For the first time, the majority of the world’s trees have been listed on the IUCN Red List, revealing that at least 16,425 of the 47,282 species assessed are at risk of extinction. Trees now account for over one quarter of species on the IUCN Red List, and the number of threatened trees is more than double the number of all threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians combined. Tree species are at risk of extinction in 192 countries around the world. “This comprehensive assessment presents the first global picture of the conservation status of trees, which enables us to make better informed conservation decisions and take action to protect trees where it is urgently needed,” said Dr Malin Rivers, Global Tree Assessment lead at Botanic Gardens Conservation International, a Red List Partner. “The work is a global effort, with over 1,000 tree experts involved. We need to continue to work together to scale up local, national and international tree conservation action to support people and the planet.” The highest proportion of threatened trees is found on islands. Island trees are at particularly high risk due to deforestation for urban development and agriculture at all scales, as well as invasive species, pests and diseases. Climate change is increasingly threatening trees, especially in the tropics, through sea-level rise and stronger, more frequent storms. Addressing the threats that trees face, habitat protection and restoration, as well as ex situ conservation through seed banks and botanic garden collections are critical to prevent extinctions on islands and worldwide. Community action has already led to positive outcomes from the Juan Fernández islands to Cuba, from Madagascar to Fiji. In South America – home to the greatest diversity of trees in the world – 3,356 out of 13,668 assessed species are at risk of extinction. Innovative approaches are needed to protect the high number of tree species in the region, where forest clearance for crop farming and livestock ranching are the largest threats.

Swiss slaughter - fuelled by non-science and just pure nonsense Switzerland is targeting its iconic and protected species one by one. The government’s ultimate bête noire is not the sheep, but the wolf whose population it hopes to reduce by 70% and whittle down to 12 packs (from 25 currently, plus a further 11 trans-border packs), below the minimum viable number required to ensure the survival of the species. Another keystone and Annex II species of the Bern Convention (yes, the one signed in the eponymous Swiss capital) in the line of fire is the beaver. This rodent represents a danger to the public and can thus be both shot and trapped (and then euthanised). But fear not, lactating females will be protected… presumably until they stop lactating. Other countries use beaver to mitigate flooding. Not Switzerland. It prefers to spend millions on engineered flood defences. Whole herds of ibex will also be proactively shot in autumn in order to “protect the health of the game population”. This predominantly grazer of grass (excuse the pleonasm but I must make the point) is also being accused of damaging forests. According to the letter of the law, 50% of animals shot must be female, presumably to counter accusations of using the cull to covertly trophy hunt males. If the health of forests and game were really valued, wouldn’t it be an idea to let wolves do the job of managing prey populations? Other species at risk include lynx (subject to numerous motions in parliament), brown bear (usually anyway shot the minute they reappear in Switzerland), otter, jackals and eagles, both golden (in name only). But the Oscar of dull-wittedness must go to the “Maienfeld Declaration” - https://lnkd.in/ez9r5nhz. Penned by “conservationists and ecologists from Austria, Germany and Switzerland”, it advocates rapid and “active wolf management” because wolves threaten “protected areas and landscapes”, “unique and extremely diverse meadow and pasture systems” and even “occurrences of rare and endangered animal plant species”. Sadly, they do not give specifics, with the exception, curiously, of “ground nesting birds”. The Declaration also claims that coexistence with wolves is “nonsensical and misleading” and that erecting the fences needed to protect livestock would result in wild animals dying from “strangulation and electrocution” (worse presumably than dying by bullet). By continuing to use “an outdated” wolf policy, they postulate, “Europe is in the process of destroying its globally unique grassland cultural landscapes” and will be “guilty of large-scale degradation of threatened habitats”. Their (predicable) solution? “Lower the protection status of the wolf in the Bern Convention and the Habitats Directive”. The terms scapegoat should be amended to scapewolf and science to nonsense. #naturebasedsolutions #NatureConservation #WildlifeProtection #GlobalResponsibility

Elephants in Africa are keystone species crucial for ecosystem balance. They shape the environment by creating open grasslands and spreading seeds through their dung. Their presence benefits various species by creating waterholes and mud wallows. In KwaZulu Natal, restricted movements due to fences can lead to ecosystem degradation and human-elephant conflicts. The conservation challenge lies in balancing elephant movements with ecosystem protection to promote human-elephant coexistence and mitigate threats like poaching and habitat loss. KwaZulu Natal boasts a particularly rich biodiversity in terms of flora including unique grasses, aloes, and wildflowers. The diverse plant life sustains a variety of other wildlife species, providing food and habitats. The ecosystem's stability relies on abundant vegetation trophic levels, supporting a wide range of wildlife including primates, birds, and bats. The biodiversity of Zululand is exceptional, with unique wildlife or all shapes and sizes thriving in thickets and forests. Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, but their populations are declining globally. Conservation efforts, like those by Elephants Alive, demonstrate how bees can thrive in indigenous environments, promoting biodiversity. By strategically placing beehives, elephants are deterred from damaging vegetation due to their fear of bees. Save the Elephants' research shows elephants avoid areas with disturbed honeybees, using a unique vocalisation to warn others. This knowledge provides a human-elephant conflict mitigation strategy to protect crops. Free Spirit Bees for Conservation is an initiative in Zululand promoting human-elephant coexistence by integrating an understanding of bees, trees, and elephants. The goal is to create harmony in the ecosystem while benefiting the community through income from honey and beeswax. By expanding beekeeping efforts, the initiative offers opportunities for livelihood creation, conservation education, and upskilling. This innovative conservation approach seeks to redefine elephant conservation in Zululand while addressing broader conservation challenges in the region. Free Spirit Bees for Conservation was born from my passion for both elephant and botany conservation together with a proactive problem-solving approach. Having spent my whole wildlife conservation career in Zululand, I grasp the complexities of conservation here. As a happy beekeeper and apiary conservationist, I am excited about the potential of establishing bees-for-conservation projects across my home province. #beesforconservation #biodiversitymatters #apiaryconservation #humanwildlifecoexistence

This is a very important & timely report with huge public interest. Local Authorities can & must do more to promote biodiversity, wildlife & green spaces in our towns & cities John Higginson Higginson Strategy

The Red-backed Fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus) is a small, strikingly colored bird native to Australia. Known for its distinctive plumage, the male in breeding season sports a vivid red back and black head and body, contrasting with lighter colored underparts, typically white or grey. Females and non-breeding males are less conspicuously colored, with brownish bodies and a reddish tint on the wings and tail, lacking the bright red and black coloring. Habitat Red-backed Fairywrens are found across northern and eastern Australia, thriving in a variety of habitats. They prefer areas with dense, low vegetation that provides cover and foraging opportunities. Their habitats range from grasslands and shrublands to the edges of forests, often near water sources. They are commonly seen in both natural and disturbed areas, including urban parks and gardens, as long as there is sufficient underbrush for shelter and nesting. Red-backed Fairywrens are highly social birds, living in small family groups or pairs. They have a complex social structure and are known for their mating systems, which can vary from monogamous to polygynous relationships. Communication within and between groups involves a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and feather displays. Their diet primarily consists of insects and spiders, which they forage from the ground or low vegetation. Conservation Status As of my last update in April 2023, the Red-backed Fairywren is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status indicates that the species is widespread and abundant, facing no immediate threats to its survival. However, like many wildlife species, they can be affected by severe habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, which could potentially impact their populations in the future. Habitat preservation and minimizing disturbance in their natural environments are crucial for the continued well-being of the Red-backed Fairywren and other native species. Conservation efforts that protect their habitat contribute significantly to the maintenance of their populations and the broader biodiversity of the areas they inhabit. The vocalizations of the Red-backed Fairywren are a key aspect of their behavior and social interactions. These birds are known for their complex and varied calls and songs, which serve multiple purposes including territory defense, mate attraction, and communication within groups. Here’s a closer look at the vocalization habits of these fascinating birds: 📷: Nikki Long

Hunting boosts biodiversity in Spain. A new Spanish study, "The conservation island effect of commercial hunting of red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) in agricultural landscapes," finds that managed hunting areas provide abundant natural habitat for species, which is excellent for biodiversity. We knew that already, but this is solid scientific evidence. The study compares biodiversity in ten commercial partridge hunting estates with ten agriculture-focused landscapes in central Spain. The findings are clear. "Our findings suggest that commercial partridge hunting lands enhance biodiversity by preserving habitat and supporting prey, potentially acting as conservation islands with positive effects on biodiversity beyond their borders." "Additionally, wild rabbits were seven times more abundant in hunting estates, and the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) was exclusively detected in these." Link to article: https://lnkd.in/d3z6dTs2 Jens Ulrik Høgh

Our stewards are dedicated to protecting Earth's biodiversity through scientific exploration, species safeguarding, and ecosystem rehabilitation. Take a look at some of their recent endeavors: 🇮🇩 Cikananga Wildlife Center, Island of Java, Indonesia  🦜 The onset of the rainy season has sparked breeding activity for montane species at the Cikananga Conservation Breeding Center in West Java. Notably, they've observed multiple breeding pairs of the endemic and critically endangered Javan green magpie (Cissa thalassina). Since 2011, the breeding program at the center has been instrumental in preserving this remarkable species, whose lack of recent sightings has led to speculation of potential extinction in the wild. 🇵🇪 Camino Verde Baltimori, Peruvian Amazon, Peru 🌿 Since the beginning of the year, the team has capitalized on the rainy weather by planting over 20,000 plants comprising more than 50 native species. Operating within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve, Camino Verde manages a biodiverse region housing over 1,400 plant species, 600 bird species, 180 fish species, 100 mammal species, and 100 amphibian and reptile species. In the upcoming weeks, the team and participating families in their agroforestry programs aim to plant approximately 8,000 additional plants. 🇨🇱 Karukinka Park, Tierra del Fuego, Chile 🔍 Chilean scientists have ventured to the shores of Karukinka to tag six Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) as part of their ongoing research to understand their movements and behaviors in the ocean depths. An interesting fact: these six animals will transmit the information every time they go out for breathing through a satellite tag on their head that will fall the next time they molt. This collaborative research effort involves Universidad de Valparaiso and Universidad Austral de Chile, as well as researchers from Exeter University and Saint Andrews University. Do you want to get involved in conservation actions with our steward’s network and enhance your organization's sustainability efforts? Get in touch! 🌎

Today is International Day for Biodiversity – and to commemorate the holiday, we have a timely update on Josh and Kabaka, a pair of cheetahs recently returned to the wild! The pair arrived at CCF when they were about eight months old – and today as three-year-old cheetahs, they are back where they belong - in the wild. As part of a tiered release process, Josh and Kabaka have been gradually introduced to their new surroundings over the last few months – first, the two were initially released into a temporary enclosure known as a boma, in early January. Now, as Justin Moya explains, the young cheetahs are getting their bearings back in the wild - honing their hunting skills, while at the same time, learning which species to avoid! According to the International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN), more than 44,000 species around the world are facing extinction, including 26% of mammal species. Cheetahs are disappearing too. A little more than a century ago there were nearly 100,000 cheetahs in the wild in Africa and Asia, but this number has plummeted, and the cats have disappeared from approximately 90% of their historical range. With less than 7,500 mature cheetahs remaining in the wild, rehabilitating cats like Josh and Kabaka – and returning them to their natural habitat – is a critical part of the effort to conserve the species. To find out more about our efforts to keep cheetahs in the wild, where they belong, visit cheetah.org.

🏞️ The Weald to Waves project is establishing a 100-mile nature recovery corridor across Sussex, UK, stretching from the High Weald to the Sussex coast and covering 20,000 hectares of habitat. Inspired by Sir John Lawton's 2010 report, "Making Space for Nature," this project tackles the issue of England's fragmented wildlife sites. Lawton's vision of "bigger, better, and more joined-up" habitats aims to combat biodiversity loss and improve ecosystem resilience. 🎥 In this video, Ivan de Klee (Nattergal Ltd, who I had the pleasure of recently meeting for a Wilding Earth episode!), James Baird (Home Farm, Climping), James Adler (Ashdown Forest), Charlie Burrell and Libby Drew (Knepp Wildland Foundation) share exciting details about this transformative project. 🌾 Buffered by regenerative and wildlife-friendly farming practices, the corridor will initially extend from Ashdown Forest, through Knepp, to the kelp forests off the Climping Gap. The goal is to create 20,000 hectares of connected biodiverse habitats, enabling wildlife to traverse the landscape with ease. I love the idea of Knepp's wild animals being able to access the ocean and graze on kelp seaweed! At the heart of this initiative is the Iford Biodiversity Project Estate, Earthly's founding Voluntary Biodiversity Credit location. The launch of our new Voluntary Biodiversity Credits aims to help secure essential funding for this special project and other sites within this corridor. 🌱 Typical wildlife expected to use the corridor includes: 🦔 Mammals: Hedgehogs, badgers, bats and larger mammals like roe and fallow deer. 🦉 Birds: Woodland birds such as woodpeckers and owls, farmland birds like skylarks and barn owls and waterfowl and waders along river pathways. 🐝 Insects: Pollinators like bees and butterflies, thriving in connected landscapes with diverse flowering plants. 🐸 Amphibians & Reptiles: Frogs, toads, newts and grass snakes finding safer migration paths. 🐟 Aquatic Species: Fish and aquatic invertebrates benefiting from improved river connectivity. This project serves as a blueprint for others to follow and if it can succeed in one of the most industrialised parts of our country, then it can be replicated anywhere! A project of this size involves many different collaborators and sending thanks to every partner below! I’m very excited to follow how this develops! 🙌 Adur & Worthing Councils Arup Ashdown Forest Barlavington Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Environment Agency The Goodwood Group Garfield Weston Foundation Iford Biodiversity Project Knepp Estate Land App Natural England Nature Data Solutions Patagonia Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Sompting Estate South Downs National Park Authority Sussex Kelp Recovery Project Sussex Wildlife Trust The Southwood Foundation Westerlands Wilder Horsham District Wilder Ouse WILLIAM ROBINSON GRAVETYE CHARITY Wiston Estate Youngwilders (🎬 Credit: DEFRA) #NatureCorridor #ReWilding #NatureRecovery

I recently had the privilege of encountering a Plains Wanderer during a monitoring exercise. Once widespread across south-eastern Australia, this critically endangered species is now confined to isolated pockets of remnant habitat in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. True to its name, the Plains Wanderer roams open plains, typically found in native grasslands and saltbush ecosystems. Historically, monitoring these elusive birds involved nocturnal spotlighting and walking transects through suitable habitat. In recent times the use of acoustic recorders are used to identify areas the Plains Wanderer are utilising. Monitoring this species helps to inform how the Plains Wanderer utilises its habitat. https://lnkd.in/gXgEF2AM The Plains Wanderer is listed as critically endangered in Australia and it is estimated that there are 500 birds remaining in the wild. It faces significant threats, including habitat loss and degradation from agriculture, predation by introduced species, and the impacts of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and flooding. However, there is hope. The Plains Wanderer, which belongs to its own unique taxonomic family, is the focus of a dedicated national recovery team comprised of government bodies, non-government organisations, and private landholders. Key conservation efforts include a collaborative breeding program, as well as protection and management of its remaining habitat. Several zoos across Australia are playing a crucial role in the breeding program, which aims to maintain genetic diversity, provide insurance against extinction, and bolster wild populations through reintroductions. A recent trial release of eight radio-tracked birds is underway, with lessons learned informing future release programs. https://lnkd.in/gkqS8rnZ Private and not-for-profit landholders are also contributing by placing conservation covenants on land where Plains Wanderers have been recorded. These covenants, which remain on the land title in perpetuity, protect the habitat from cultivation and ensure sustainable management practices that will support the species' long-term survival. See "Farmer's sanctuary helps protect critically endangered plains-wanderer - ABC News". I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the recovery program for the Plains Wanderer. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders give us hope that we can secure a future for this remarkable species.