EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR AQUATIC MAMMALS’ Post

The Great Emu War of 1932, often dismissed as a just a comical footnote in history, is in fact so much more than just a quirky battle between man and bird. This unusual conflict between Australian farmers and thousands of emus is one of the many examples of the surprising resilience of wildlife. This “war” did not only challenge the livelihoods of Australian farmers, but also tested a the military’s mettle against an unconventional and unexpected enemy. And even though this whole thing was absolutely iconic and researching it was so much fun, I feel like a lot of people haven’t even heard about it. Which isn’t too surprising considering that there were two actual World Wars in between. So, let’s learn everything about the Great Emu War.

Updated daily, a new varroa mite surveillance map by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland) tracks the number of beehive health checks reported as absent of varroa mite. 🔍 Submit your findings! Regularly check your hives, use the alcohol wash method every 16 weeks, and report your findings using the online Bee 123 form. Learn more: https://loom.ly/M8lGhjo #Biosecurity

Innovations in science are helping regional NRM organisations in their critical work to protect Australia's environments, species, and productive landscapes - including managing some of our worst biosecurity threats. The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) rangers are using environmental DNA kits to test for and collect genetic material in freshwater bodies, to detect and prevent the spread of cane toads to the pristine outer islands of the Torres Strait - one of the only areas of Queensland that remains cane toad free. Senior TSRA Mura Badhulgau Ranger Laurie Nona said cane toads pose threats to natural and cultural heritage, including the Karabi (Great Egret), whose feathers are used for making traditional headdress known as Dhari. “Karbai (Great Egret) provide the most pure white feathers for making Dhoeri,” Mr Nona said. This National Science Week, we are celebrating the work of the TSRA rangers under this year's theme ‘Species Survival - More than just sustainability’ in the Torres Strait. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gKwnEGyD #NationalScienceWeek #biosecurity #canetoads #threatenedspecies

The Caucasian leopard has once again been captured on camera, walking through the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. There are only 500-600 Caucasian leopards left in the world. For nearly two decades, no trace of a leopard had been observed in Armenia due to poachers who reached even the mountainous regions to find these elusive animals. Only in 2006 were leopards noticed again in Armenia. According to WWF Armenia, seven leopards have been registered in three southern regions of Armenia: Ararat, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik. Currently, leopard conservation is an environmental issue not only for Armenia but for the entire ecoregion. This species is listed in the Red Book of Armenia and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Endangered migrating eagles impacted by Ukraine war, finds UEA's Charlie Russell 🦅 "The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on people and the environment. Our findings provide a rare window into how conflicts affect wildlife." "Migratory birds such as Greater Spotted Eagles are drastically declining all over the world and it’s imperative that we better understand and mitigate our effects on these charismatic species." The team found the birds flew further and less directly to breeding grounds, travelling an extra 85km on average. Migrations also took longer: 246 hours compared to 193 pre-conflict for females, and 181 hours compared to 125 pre-conflict for males. Males also travelled more slowly than in the years before the war. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDNVsUmg 📸 Hari K Patibanda #UkraineWar #Ukraine #Conflict #Conservation #EndangeredSpecies

Wildlife Traffickers Adapted During Lockdown, Researchers Say While the world shut down during COVID-19, wildlife traffickers found cunning ways to keep their illegal trade going, according to a new study. Researchers discovered traffickers switched from aeroplanes to bicycles and motorcycles, even exploiting funeral processions to move illegal wildlife products. They also embraced online marketplaces, highlighting their remarkable adaptability. Researchers Annette Hübschle and Meredith Gore's study highlights the need for more effective tactics used by law enforcement. Still, a bright spot appeared. Researchers looked at the adaptations made by traffickers to develop the "Frictions and Flows" framework. This framework makes it possible to understand how resilient legal economies are to shocks like extreme weather. The report underscores the significance of a comprehensive approach that tackles the market for illicit wildlife products and fosters global collaboration in the fight against wildlife trafficking

A great clip using this unique footage captured by a camera trap of a single tree in Land of the Leopard National Park that becomes a gathering point for a rich variety of species, including wild boar, Amur leopards, tigers, bears, and more. This extraordinary scene reminds us that safeguarding habitats for apex predators also ensures a thriving environment for countless other species. Amur tigers and leopards are fantastic examples of umbrella species providing sustenance for scavengers, helping in nutrient recycling, disease control, and the maintenance of species diversity, influencing the survival and behaviour of a wide range of other species in the ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/e7NzKA-Y

For some wildlife, disturbances caused by military training activities are actually key to survival. The rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly is found only at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania, which is home to one of the largest expanses of native warm-season grasslands in the Northeastern U.S. This habitat requires periodic disturbance, at the right time and intensity, to keep the butterfly going strong. https://ow.ly/vO6u50R9xR7

Think you know your noses? 🕵️ Sniff out which species each one belongs to and leave your guesses in the comments below We’ll share the answers in 24 hours so be sure to check back in to see if you guessed correctly! #AWC #AustralianWildlifeConservancy #GuessingCompetition #Challenge

Interesting article highlighting just how resilient and flexible wildlife crime networks can be.