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Flamingos at risk from deadly avian disease
Nature lovers are being asked to look out for sick birds after a frail flamingo was captured last year with signs of a deadly avian disease. Avian botulism – which causes paralysis and often death in birds – could potentially wipe out the islands’ much loved water-based wildlife.
Herons, pelicans, flamingos and terns are among the species at risk from the fatal illness.
Scientists have confirmed that the TCI’s wetlands could easily support the growth of the avian botulism, but apart from the solitary flamingo they have not yet found any clear signs of sickness among local birds.
'Fingerprinting' Method Reveals Fate of Mercury in Arctic Snow
A study by University of Michigan researchers offers new insight into what happens to mercury deposited onto Arctic snow from the atmosphere.
The work also provides a new approach to tracking mercury's movement through Arctic ecosystems.
. . . As bigger animals eat smaller ones, the methylmercury is concentrated. In wildlife, exposure to methylmercury can interfere with reproduction, growth, development and behavior and may even cause death.
State Fish and Game joins probe into ailing pelicans
The state Department of Fish and Game has joined the probe into the brown pelican health crisis all along the California coastline, including Long Beach and San Pedro areas.
Since mid-January - especially after winter storms - an estimated 500 pelicans have been rescued in various conditions, from merely confused to dead.
Fish and Game is joining veterinarians, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups, Sea World, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others, pooling resources to pinpoint the health hazards.
OTHER WILDLIFE HEALTH RELATED NEWS
Photo credit: G Mazille
Frog News
Wildlife and Climate Change
Huh, That's Interesting!
It Ain't All Bad News
Flamingos at risk from deadly avian disease Nature lovers are being asked to look out for sick birds after a frail flamingo was captured last year with signs of a deadly avian disease. Avian botulism – which causes paralysis and often death in birds – could potentially wipe out the islands’ much loved water-based wildlife.
Herons, pelicans, flamingos and terns are among the species at risk from the fatal illness.
Scientists have confirmed that the TCI’s wetlands could easily support the growth of the avian botulism, but apart from the solitary flamingo they have not yet found any clear signs of sickness among local birds.
Turks and Caicos Weekly News - www.tcweeklynews.com
12 February 2010
Image courtesy of Turks and Caicos Weekly News
12 February 2010
Image courtesy of Turks and Caicos Weekly News
More Bird News
>>> Marine Protected Areas: A Solution for Saving the Penguin [cited journal article here]
>>> Feed ban to stop duck deaths in Malvern East
>>> Marine Protected Areas: A Solution for Saving the Penguin [cited journal article here]
>>> Feed ban to stop duck deaths in Malvern East
'Fingerprinting' Method Reveals Fate of Mercury in Arctic SnowA study by University of Michigan researchers offers new insight into what happens to mercury deposited onto Arctic snow from the atmosphere.
The work also provides a new approach to tracking mercury's movement through Arctic ecosystems.
. . . As bigger animals eat smaller ones, the methylmercury is concentrated. In wildlife, exposure to methylmercury can interfere with reproduction, growth, development and behavior and may even cause death.
Science Daily - www.sciencedaily.com
16 February 2010
Photo credit: C Ronneseth/iStockphoto
16 February 2010
Photo credit: C Ronneseth/iStockphoto
Journal Article Cited
State Fish and Game joins probe into ailing pelicans
The state Department of Fish and Game has joined the probe into the brown pelican health crisis all along the California coastline, including Long Beach and San Pedro areas.
Since mid-January - especially after winter storms - an estimated 500 pelicans have been rescued in various conditions, from merely confused to dead.
Fish and Game is joining veterinarians, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups, Sea World, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others, pooling resources to pinpoint the health hazards.
Press-Telegram - www.presstelegram.com
15 February 2010
J Segura
15 February 2010
J Segura
Location: Los Angeles County, California, USA - Map It 
OTHER WILDLIFE HEALTH RELATED NEWS
Photo credit: G Mazille
2009 National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest Winners
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Huh, That's Interesting!
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It Ain't All Bad News
