Fish and Amphibians

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In a broad swath of northwestern Alaska, small groups of recent immigrants are hard at work. Like many residents of this remote area, they’re living off the land. But these industrious foreigners are neither prospecting for gold nor trapping animals for their pelts. In fact, their own luxurious fur was once a hot commodity. Say hello to Castor canadensis , the American beaver. Much like humans, beavers can have an oversized effect on the landscape ( SN: 8/4/18, p. 28 ). People who live near beaver habitat complain of downed trees and flooded land. But in areas populated mostly by critters, the effects can be positive. Beaver dams broaden and deepen small streams, forming new ponds and warming up local waters. Those beaver-built enhancements create or expand habitats hospitable to many other species — one of the main reasons that researchers refer to beavers as ecosystem engineers. Beavers’ tireless toils — to erect lodges that provide a measure of security against land-based predato

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Scientists are trying to find out why some salamander species in the Blue Ridge Mountains are largely resistant to a fungus that's been killing off amphibians in other parts of the world. Liberty University said in a news release Monday that its researchers are studying 10 salamander species. They're found along three Virginia mountain peaks near the school in Lynchburg. Those salamanders are largely resistant to the chytrid fungus. Other amphibians haven't been so lucky. The skin-eating fungus has led to devastating die offs of frogs in Australia and salamanders in Europe. Liberty University professor Matthew Becker said these Virginia salamanders carry bacteria on their skin that kills off the fungus. Researchers are studying those fungus-resistant microbes while trying to learn why some species are more vulnerable to the fungus. https://ift.tt/2Q5w7S1

By Kevin McGillThe Associated Press Wednesday Nov 28, 2018 at 5:00 PM NEW ORLEANS — Federal judges must look again at an agency's decision to declare a tract of Louisiana timberland "critical habitat" for an endangered Southeastern frog, following a ruling Tuesday by the nation's highest court. The U.S. Supreme Court's 8-0 ruling concerns the endangered dusky gopher frog, currently found only in Mississippi. At issue in the case is a 1,500-acre (607-hectare) tract of land in St. Tammany Parish, north of New Orleans. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated it as critical habitat for the small amphibians. That could limit the possibilities for development and use of the land. Opponents of the designation cast it as an unjust land grab by an overreaching bureaucracy. Environmentalists had backed the ruling as a needed environmental protection. The wildlife service had won in a federal District Court and at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New

November 27 at 12:44 PM The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a unanimous win to property owners contesting government designation of their land as a critical habitat for endangered species, and dealt a setback to the shy and homely dusky gopher frog. The court remanded the case, saying a lower court had been too deferential to the government’s designation of more than 1,500 acres of Louisiana land as a potential future home for the frog, which is known to live only in parts of a national forest in neighboring Mississippi. [ ‘They’re great little animals’: the dusky gopher frog and the Supreme Court ] The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit should have examined more closely whether the land in question could actually support what is one of the world’s most endangered amphibians, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote for the court . It also should have considered whether the government agency’s balancing of the benefits and costs of the designation — estimates ranged from

The status and conservation of Lake County's reptiles and amphibians will be the topic of the Lake County Audubon Society meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at Libertyville village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. Gary Glowacki, a wildlife ecologist with the Lake County Forest Preserve District, will discuss the mix of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the area, including distinguishing characteristics, natural history and status of each species and what the Lake County Forest Preserve District is doing to conserve these often overlooked and misunderstood creatures. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. for attendees and will lock at 7:45 p.m. https://ift.tt/2RcsOVj

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Sonic stress can disrupt the health of amphibians, according to a new study. But the research suggests animals can adapt to tolerate loud noises. New analysis of frogs from noisy and quiet ponds revealed two different stress and immune profiles. Researchers described the differences in a new paper published Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences . When scientists exposed frogs from quiet ponds to the noises of a busy highway, the amphibians became stressed. In addition to producing more of the stress hormone corticosterone, the frogs also experienced changes to their immune profile. Frogs from quiet ponds exposed to traffic noise made more white blood cells called monocytes. The change resulted in a diminished production of antimicrobial peptides. "Antimicrobial peptides are components of the immune defense system that provide important protection against pathogens like bacteria and fungi," Louise Rollins-Sm

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Sonic stress can disrupt the health of amphibians, according to a new study. But the research suggests animals can adapt to tolerate loud noises. New analysis of frogs from noisy and quiet ponds revealed two different stress and immune profiles. Researchers described the differences in a new paper published Wednesday in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences . When scientists exposed frogs from quiet ponds to the noises of a busy highway, the amphibians became stressed. In addition to producing more of the stress hormone corticosterone, the frogs also experienced changes to their immune profile. Frogs from quiet ponds exposed to traffic noise made more white blood cells called monocytes. The change resulted in a diminished production of antimicrobial peptides. "Antimicrobial peptides are components of the immune defense system that provide important protection against pathogens like bacteria and fungi," Louise Rollins-Sm

Frogs from groups exposed to a deadly virus are breeding at younger ages, new research suggests. Scientists studying European common frogs in the UK compared groups ("populations") exposed to ranavirus and those free from the disease. While the youngest breeding frogs in disease-free populations are four years old, frogs in virus-exposed groups breed as young as two. The reasons for this are not yet clear, but the team - led by researchers from the University of Exeter and the Zoological Society of London - warn that this decrease in breeding age means disease-exposed populations are at greater risk of local extinction sparked by environmental changes. Frogs gather at breeding spots such as ponds and then disperse, but most return to the same ponds year after year. "Our research shows that the ages of the frogs that return to breed varies between populations which are known to have ranavirus and those which don't," said Dr Lewis Campbell, who conducted th

If you've ever seen a desert before and just after a heavy rain, the transformation can be dramatic. At one moment, the sands seem as dry and lifeless as the Moon, but after the showers pass, there's a sudden burst of life as plants sprout up and grow, insects hurry through their life cycles, and even fish and amphibians appear where their presence seemed impossible only the day before. https://ift.tt/2B9pmFk

( Seychelles News Agency ) - Silhouette island, the fifth-largest of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago, lies 20 kilometres north of Mahe – the main island.  Ninety-three percent of the island is a national park,  and the waters surrounding Silhouette are protected as a marine park.  The island is named after Etienne de Silhouette, who was the Controller General of Finances in France in the reign of Louis XV. This week SNA brings you six interesting things to see while hiking the Anse Mondon trail. Reopened in September after restoration work, the three kilometres trail is a marvel waiting to be explored. Anse Mondon Village The ruins of the once thriving village are a reminder of how people once lived off in the area. The village is one of three former settlements. Two other locations are La Passe, where currently Hilton Labriz Silhouette Resort and Spa is located, and Grande Barbe - an abandoned fishermen’s village. (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: 

For municipalities, balancing property rights and the public interest isn't easy. You may think that gutted deer hanging from a tree in your front yard is a thing of beauty. Your neighbor might not. But there are some things that shouldn't need legislating. They fall into the category of common courtesy. We've heard multiple complaints about one of those things recently: leaves. Many local yards are inundated with fallen leaves, which can be a beautiful sight this time of year. But, in haste to remove leaves from yards, some property owners blow the leaves into streets or onto their neighbor's property. So when blowing, raking or mowing your leaves, make sure they don't leave your property. The city recently issued a news release asking property owners to refrain from raking leaves in the streets, where they can clog stormwater inlet grates and block drainage. Residents also should avoid disposing large amounts of leaves in creeks and along creek banks. Leav

Photos of monitor lizard attached; photo credit: Ty Foster On Sunday, November 18 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm the Friends of Greenwich Point are sponsoring the event “Scales & Slime: Reptiles and Amphibians” at the Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point. Free live-animal presentations will be at 1:00pm, 1:30pm and 2:00pm as we explore the incredible diversity of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit our own neighborhoods. From the snakes in woodpiles and stonewalls to the annual march of salamanders to vernal pools, this group of creatures is fascinating to discover and observe. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center will deliver this fun afternoon of programming that includes interactive discussions and activities. For more information, please email the Friends of Greenwich Point Education Committee at  info@friendsofgreenwichpoint.org . The mission of the Friends of Greenwich Point is to act as an advocate for Greenwich Point. We are non-profit committed to responsible stewardsh

While fall seemed to have come and gone in a flash with the arrival of snow Monday, colorful leaves still sprinkle several yards after the cold snap. The Jefferson City Public Works Department reminded residents to be conscientious of water quality when raking leaves and adding winter chemicals. Residents can rake leaves and compost them as mulch and fertilizer around trees, flower beds and gardens, according to a city news release last week. They could also mulch the leaves in their current location using lawn mowers equipped for mulching. The compost facility at 2417 Southridge Drive also accepts bags of leaves. Burning is another option, if the outdoor conditions are suitable for burning. Open burning season runs Nov. 1-March 1, 2019, during daylight hours, the news release states. The city encouraged residents to not rake leaves into the streets or stormwater system, as the leaves can clog stormwater inlet grates and block drainage. Residents should also avoid disposing lar

Megan Schildberg, assistant nature interpreter, poses with an eastern box turtle named Darth Vader who anyone can adopt to care for at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center in Shelby Township through its animal adoption program. Founder is a bearded dragon who can be adopted at the nature center. Photo by Deb Jacques SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Many people who adopt animals don’t realize the hard work that goes into taking care of a pet until they take it home, but the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center in Shelby Township has a program to take away the surprise. The nature center’s adoption program is a way for someone who wants to be a pet owner to get some experience caring for animals without all the costs and responsibility. “It gives people a perspective on taking care of animals before they get their own,” said Faith Rembisz, who does programming and is an animal caretaker at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center. The nature center has had the program for at least nine years. While ado

Quillyn Buckley and Mike Torocco work for Herpetological Consultants Inc. Written by Susan Shelly - Reading Eagle correspondent The message from Quillyn Bickley and Mike Torocco is clear: amphibians and reptiles should not be discouraged from taking up residence in our yards and gardens. In fact, the environmental consultants urged, Pennsylvanians should do more to encourage snakes, toads, frogs, salamanders, turtles and other reptiles and amphibians onto their properties. Bickley and Torocco of Spring Township are herpetologists, zoologists who study reptiles and amphibians. They are employed by Herpetological Consultants Inc., an environmental consulting firm that serves clients throughout the United States and abroad. The New Jersey-based firm specializes in planning for wildlife conservation and protecting the environments of endangered and threatened plants and animals. Bickley and Torocco recently presented a program on “Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania” during a ga

Saturday, November 10, 2018 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Reptiles and Amphibians Show   read more >> Come see up close and in person amazing reptiles and amphibians around the world. Great Fun for the Family! Free Admission and Parking. Presented by Southwestern Herpetologists Society. Event Location: Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park & Nature Center Cost: Free Tuesday, December 04, 2018 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Music with Angie Donkin   read more >> Join the Library for a fun and rhythmic morning, with music, dance and stories with Angie Donkin. Event Location: Donald Wright Auditorium Cost: Free Monday, December 17, 2018 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Barks and Books   read more >> Children read a book to a gentle, well-trained dog. Presented by Pasadena Humane Society volunteers. Event Location: La Pintoresca Branch Library Cost: Free Monday, December 03, 2018 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Barks and Books   read more >> Ch

× Illinois road closed for migrating snakes until Tuesday HARRISBURG, Ill. (AP) _ Snakes and amphibians that have not yet crossed Snake Road in Shawnee National Forest can relax because officials are giving them a little more time to make the trek. The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that typically the 2.5-mile-long (4-kilometer-long) stretch of road in Southern Illinois is closed to automobiles for the annual migration of the animals between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. But this year because the late-season warm weather delayed the migration, the decision was made to keep the road closed until Tuesday to make sure stragglers don’t get run over. Some of them are considered threatened and endangered in Illinois and the United States. Though vehicles won’t be allowed onto the road, it will remain open to people traveling on foot. https://ift.tt/2Doerdp

By MARIE NESMITH Amphibians will leap into the limelight during The Pettit Environmental Preserve's Saturday program. Ongoing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Amphibians in Winter offering will feature presentations by the venue's educator, Erin Zaballa; crafts for children 3 to 11; and self-guided hikes. "We like to do programming related to the seasons, connecting people to what is going on in nature," said Marina Robertson, executive director for the preserve. "Over the last year, we’ve had programming on various types of animals in winter, including mammals and reptiles, so it was natural to look at amphibians also." Through the program, Robertson hopes attendees of all ages will gain more comprehensive understanding of how amphibians utilize numerous methods to sustain themselves during wintry conditions. "Amphibians include animals, like frogs — that live in water — and toads that live on land, so they are going to have different strategies

  Last Updated On 09 November,2018  03:36 pm The issue of trapped toads is not limited to Britain. WARWICK, England (Reuters) - A small group of British conservationists are installing mesh- covered ladders in roadside drains to save trapped amphibians from certain death. The Warwickshire Amphibian and Reptile Team — the memorably acronymed WART — hopes that by placing 20 of the rust-resistant aluminum ladders down drains near known breeding pools in England’s West Midlands, they can boost the dwindling amphibian population. “The amphibians are coming to breed and then hitting the road, getting across the roads, hitting the curb, along the curb and into the drains. And then that’s it - end of story for them, game over,” said Tim Jenkins, a ladder fitter at WART. “By installing the amphibian ladders, it enables them to get back out of the drains and back to their breeding pools and doing what they should do and making more amphibians.” The issue of trapped toads is not limite

Register for our free newsletter GLOBAL wildlife populations have fallen 60% since 1970 as humans overuse natural resources, drive climate change and pollute the planet, a report warns. WWF has called for an ambitious “global deal” for nature and people, similar to the international Paris Agreement to tackle climate change, as the conservation charity’s new report spelled out the damage being done to the natural world. Only a quarter of the world’s land area is free from the impacts of human activity and by 2050 that will have fallen to just a tenth, the Living Planet Report 2018 says. The percentage of the world’s seabirds with plastic iCLimn their stomach is estimated to have increased from 5% in 1960 to 90% today, and the world has lost around half its shallow water corals in just 30 years. More than 4,000 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians fell by an average of 60% between 1970 and 2014, the most recent year for which data is available. Tropical areas h