One of the world's most endangered animals is being smuggled out of Central Africa into Asia via remote ivory trade routes. The highly prized Pangolin is being targeted by animal traffickers for its much sought after meat and scales. CATHERINE HARTE reports
Critically endangered Pangolin face increased threat from illegal global trade Catherine Harte | 19th February 2018 News Pangolins Illegal Trade Gabon World Pangolin Day University Of Stirling …
The expansion of logging quotas in the Bialowieza Forest in Poland threatened one of Europe's oldest woodlands. However, the resignation of a minister and today's legal opinion from the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the EU suggest the trees are safe. CATHERINE HARTE and BRENDAN MONTAGUE report
… General of the Court of Justice of the EU speaks out for Bialowieza Forest Catherine … 2018 News Logging Poland Logging Poland EU Bialowieza Forest EU … Bialowieza Forest in Poland threatened one of Europe's oldest woodlands. However, the …
Wildfire prevention methods in California are not only harming avian populations - but are also *increasing* the risk of fire, according to a new study by scientists at the universities of Arizona and California. CATHERINE HARTE reports
How wildfire prevention in California is threatening local bird populations - and increasing risk of fire Catherine Harte | 23rd February 2018 News Wildfire California California prescribed fire …
The largest deposit to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault was made yesterday to mark ten years since the opening of the facility. There are now more than a million crop varieties in storage, reports CATHERINE HARTE
… with varieties of beans unique to the eastern European country. Marie Haga, executive …
The potential of rewilding to halt biodiversity loss could be missed unless it's better understood by policy makers and is included in future environmental legislation, according to a study by the Zoological Society of London. CATHERINE HARTE reports
Why scientists are calling for rewilding to become part of environmental legislation Catherine Harte | 26th February 2018 News Rewilding Zoological Society Biodiversity Environmental Policy Wolf - …
The Beast of the East has dumped snow all across Britain just as we should be looking ahead to Spring. The RSPB has today warned that birds will struggle to cope with the plummeting temperatures and urges people to give them a helping hand by providing food and shelter. CATHERINE HARTE reports
RSPB warns birds are at serious risk from freezing weather conditions Catherine Harte | 27th February 2018 News RSPB Snow freezing_temperatures.jpg The Beast of the East has dumped snow all across …
Scientists at the University of Alberta say the way to put the threatened grizzly bear on the road to recovery is to close routes that drive through their habitats. Their recent study was the first to make strong links between low grizzly bear populations in areas of high road density. CATHERINE HARTE reports
Why road closures could help protect North America's grizzly bear Catherine Harte | 28th February 2018 News Grizzly Bear Road Closures University Of Atlanta British Columbia bearsafety_3.jpg …
Honeybee populations have been in decline for several years. Scientists now believe they've made a breakthrough in finding out why. For the first time they've identified the spread of diseases shared with other pollinator groups - such as the hoverfly - as a significant factor. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… is because of their annual migrations across Europe. This could expose local bee …
The internationally important seabird colony of the Shiant Isles has officially been declared rat-free following a four year programme to eradicate an invasive species of rodent. CATHERINE HARTE reports on how wildlife experts now predict a brighter future for seabird populations on the islands.
… most important seabird breeding colonies in Europe, hosting around 100,000 pairs of … rat-free status. The project was funded by EU LIFE+ in partnership with the Nicolson … Shiants offer suitable nesting habitat for European storm petrels and Manx shearwaters, …
Countries in South America are at risk of losing their indigenous bee populations due to the introduction of alien species to support government agricultural policy. Scientists warn urgent international action needs to be taken. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… based on the recent spread of invasive European bumblebees, especially the …
The major US brands that do place a high value on sustainable production methods can now add a new certification to their eco credentials. But to become Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) requires an increased commitment to soil health, animal welfare and farm labour, as CATHERINE HARTE reports
Raising the bar for sustainable brands in the US - one shampoo at a time Catherine Harte | 7th March 2018 News Sustainability Brands United States plant-749511_960_720.jpg The major US brands that do …
Hundreds of tonnes of precious metals needed to develop green technologies are being lost due to a lack of recycling in the vehicle industry. Scientists are urging a change in policy to prevent these much needed materials going to waste, reports CATHERINE HARTE
… scarce metals worth hundreds of millions of euros are being lost each year due to the lack … a strategic and economic problem for the EU. In 2015 there were an estimated 400 tonnes of gold in Europe’s vehicle fleet, while the vehicles …
Experts urge shooters to proceed with caution when shooting woodcock as the UK experiences more unseasonably cold weather. They say the birds need extra time to recover and reenergise in these challenging temperatures. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… have been examining the energy reserves of Eurasian woodcock, which is a popular quarry species found across Europe. Trade-off As in many other birds, the … Trust, said: "We suggest that shooters across Europe should adopt a more cautious approach …
Our oceans act as a very effective carbon storehouse, absorbing about a third of CO2 emissions. This has led to an increase in the acidity of our seawaters - which is harmful to marine life. However, new research shows that seaweeds can influence the acidity of the water around them and in turn provide vital shelter for organisms at risk from higher pH levels. CATHERINE HARTE reports
How seaweeds can help offset the acidity of our oceans Catherine Harte | 27th March 2018 News Seaweeds Acidity British Ecological Society. Functional Ecology …
The organisers of this year’s Colourfest promise a “calm and uplifting ambience” inspired by yoga for those looking to kick back, switch off and reconnect. But this festival will have no drink and drugs. CATHERINE HARTE looks at what’s on offer
Colourfest - can Yoga and green tea really replace booze and drugs at a summer festival? Catherine Harte | 21st March 2018 Ethical Living Colourfest Yoga Festivals Alcohol Free …
Today, 80 percent of current animal welfare legislation comes from EU law. But animal charities are concerned that post-Brexit new trade agreements could be made with countries with lower standards. The RSPCA is calling for the government to use Brexit as an opportunity to incentivise famers to increase their levels of animal welfare. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… current animal welfare legislation comes from EU law. But animal charities are concerned … the government wants as the UK leaves the EU. Using a two tiered system, it proposes an … The RSPCA’s proposals are informed by current EU farm subsidy amounts given to improve …
Poland will host the 24th session of the UN’s climate change conference ( COP24) later this year but the government is already under fire for a controversial bill that would ban spontaneous protest. A number of leading activist groups are calling for it to be repealed. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… Netherlands, said: “The bill infringes on the European Convention of Human Rights and sets a …
Plans for an open-cast coal mine beside a stretch of coast in Northumberland have been overturned. Local councillors had previously approved the controversial plans for the site at Druridge Bay despite protests from environmentalists. CATHERINE HARTE reports
Coal mine planning permission refused due to climate concerns Catherine Harte | 23rd March 2018 News Druridge Bay Coal Mine Climate Change Sajid Javid …
Less than a quarter of the Earth’s land surface has escaped the impact of human activity - and by 2050 experts estimate this will fall below 10 percent. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) today warns land degradation will negatively impact two thirds of humanity and is the biggest contributor to species extinction. CATHERINE HARTE reports
Land degradation now at a critical level warn experts Catherine Harte | 26th March 2018 News IPBES Land Degradation Species Loss Climate Change shutterstock_172729052_edited.jpg Less than a quarter …
You may think it's only twenty-something humans who are reluctant to leave the comfort of the family home for a grimy flat share with eight strangers. But new research shows that some animal species are also slow to take flight, choosing to wait until a better opportunity presents itself. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… to disperse. Dominant female Brothers queue for an opportunity to inherit the … early, younger brothers could boost their queue position and improve their prospects. … prioritise their own, younger sons in the queue. In contrast, females lower in the pecking …
Activists are calling for the government to make public its strategy on improving air quality as reports emerge that the UK could be referred to the European Court of Justice next month for failing to bring down illegal levels of air pollution. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… Harte | 3rd April 2018 News ClientEarth European Court Of Justice … emerge that the UK could be referred to the European Court of Justice next month for … group says it sent a letter together with the European Enviornmental Bureau ( EEB ) to …
Today, 85 percent of the UK opposes hunting. Earlier this year Theresa May, the prime minister, backtracked on giving parliament a vote on overturning the fox hunting ban. Yet illegal hunting is still taking place. The animal welfare group League Against Cruel Sports now says the Hunting Act needs to be strengthened. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… hunts, and independent hunt monitor and saboteur groups. 'Trail' hunting Mr Luffingham …
'Clean eating' may be one of the latest dietary trends - but researchers in the US have discovered that for people who eat out regularly, their food may not only be less than healthy, but could also contain harmful chemicals. CATHERINE HARTE reports
Dining out associated with increased exposure to phthalates Catherine Harte | 6th April 2018 News Phthalates Eating Out 512px-amys_drive-thru_vegan_fast_food_burger_28409157713.jpg 'Clean eating' may …
The number of elephants has declined by almost a third in the last decade - and as many as 55 African elephants a day are killed for their ivory. Now the UK government is getting tough on poaching by banning the sale of ivory. CATHERINE HARTE reports
… date , and the only exemptions will be for museums, antique miniature paintings, musical … IFAW report on the illegal ivory trade across Europe, titled Ivory seizures in Europe, 2006-2015 , found that the European …