Species Endangered (MS-Series from) IV / 09

(The) Platypus

• Class: Mammal
• Order: Monotremata
• Latin name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus
  
• Range: Australia (East coast / Tasmania / Kangaroo Island)
• IUCN Status: LC / Cites: -

(2009 situation).

Duck-billed Platypus is a famous example from the more obscure looking creatures in nature. But it's not just a popular attraction, Platypus also has long evolutionary history reaching the earliest days of mammalians. In fact, it's perhaps the most archaic mammalian alive and sole member in its own animal genus. Platypus has been known more widely since late 19^th century, and often mentioned is also the story from how it became known to science: When receiving the bodies of the platypus specimen scientists by first look assumed it to be a typical creations by animal taxidermists of the time, and not a real species at all. Later, so goes the story, a researcher had to be sent to find out whether this odd creature also really reproduced by laying eggs. But that was the actual truth; The eggs are hatched 2 weeks before the young Platypus are born. A rare feature among mammalian but more typical for reptiles - only other mammalians in existence that lay eggs are (also the only extant monotremes) Echidna-species; Long-beaked Echidnas(Zaglossus bruijini) and Short-beaked Echidnas(Tachyglossus aculeatus) that live in New Guinea, latter also is found on Australian environments.

From its other strange features, Platypus beak is quite different from that of the birds. It's actually a soft leathery 'antenna', supplied with nerve-endings (feeding opening below the beak). Platypus-beak even senses small electrical activity which helps the animal locate the small insects/prey it needs to feed. Male specimen of them have certain spurs which contain a 'mild' venom (powerful enough to kill a dog), also less typical feature for mammalian. But they also have more typical characteristics, fx. the young specimen are fed with milk (although that practice also has certain details only found on Platypuses).

These various mentioned specialties make Platypus such exceptional case that EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered - an organization specializing in the species 'unique' or distinct from the evolutionary perspective and/or poorly-known and therefore in danger of quietly slipping towards extinction unnoticed), includes Platypus in the Top 100 list from mammalian species most in need of protection (...and why not also check Platypus situation on their list, since EDGE's-fact sheet actually has more coherent data and information than we're presenting here.)

Platypus is basically a small carnivore. It eats little animals mostly found from its freshwater habitat; crustaceans, insects (worms and larvae, fx), also small fish and frogs includes the diet. Much of their life and habitat goes in water (for a platypus needs enough nutrients to keep body temperatures warm and so it spends about half the day in search of food) - and is well adjusted to waters like one can see from our picture catching the species in its natural element. On the ground, partly due its strange body proportions and characteristics, animal looks rather clumsy and much less well-mannered, perhaps. But, here's then a video from Arkive showing Platypus around its nest on river-bank:

Platypus collecting nesting material and maintaining burrowABC Natural History Unit, Australia

Earlier, like in the case of many animals with fur, also Platypuses was extensively hunted – especially in the 19^th century, when thar caused their disappearance from most of the earlier range in South Australia. Nowadays its found at country's eastern parts, as an aquatic species mostly on rivers and such environments. It's natural hostiles earlier included only Australian native water rats, but nowadays also some typical human introduced co-threats include also fx cats and dogs that may harm and kill Platypuses. Pollution in the rivers as well can troublesome their survival in several ways. Not least is the problem from waste chemicals, which can destroy the natural oils that keep animals dense fur waterproof. Secondly, it is also been noticed that fx things like relative acidity of water affect the species breeding success. So, Platypuses are sometimes mentioned as 'flagship species', because protecting its habitat also benefits whole eco-system where it lives. Famous Platypus captive-breeding program ('Platypussary', so called Platypus-tank invented by David Fleay) is been established since about mid last century, although only some specimen have succesfully been able to raise in captivity. Also, conservation practices nowadays include platypuses being introduced for the Kangaroo island on South Australia coast.

Interestingly as well, 'this peculiarity', originates from the earliest evolutionary divergence of mammalians, in fact its mentioned as the only (mammalian) species left alive which may date back to the pre-mammalian times, as far as the age of reptiles (means over 65.5 Million years [Ma] to the past). Also researches from recent times have showed that platypus genes, that support the egg-laying, do have some reptilian characteristics. According to that, its genome is only from 80 per cent typically mammalian features, but the rest contains elements similar to earliest forms of birds and modern reptiles as well as its own unique genetic elements (or about so, read more from it in this blog-post at EDGE). Animals 'similar' (/closely so) as the current Platypuses are only found from fossils about 100 000 years before the present, but extinct resembling monotremas found from Australia (Teinolophos / Steropodon) are known from much older times. Indeed, it's even speculated that likely its kind of species was present at the time of super-continent Gondwana, about 160 Ma past. This is based on finding of a creature comparable to Platypuses (Monotrematum sudamericanum) from the fossil record of S.America (from about 60 Ma past). It (nowadays) seems to be believed little younger than the oldest Australian (fossil) finds and is only known from few teeth-remains, but in those times a land bridge between the continents via Antartica still existed (before the Antarctica became colder like it is nowadays, and also finally cutting that connection, about as little as 33 Ma ago - see the situation of land-masses in that period from Scotes.). Anyway, in the earlier studies the living monotremas, Echidnas and Platypus are also noticed more related for each other(having diverged about 50-60 Ma), and marsupials and the 'modern' placental mammals more related by genetic structure (the former having diverged from monotremas as far as 160-180 ma past according to DNA), therefore also supporting presumption from monotremas 'branch' being the most earliest/distant (surviving) mammalians. Not surprising then, that Richard Dawkins's book (2004) Ancestor's Tale (A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of life), starting from present and extending to earliest pasts, presents Platypus on one of it's chapters - in the mentioned period(180 Ma) and as the oldest mammal 'narrator' included.

Possibly, the Platypuses (in those times soo long ago) were more common and spread for various other places around the world. In this (instance) we don't need to go that far, but can just as well perhaps imagine period somewhat closer to our times, some 40-50 million years ago (Eocene). So, let's think about Platypus swimming in that habitat, similarly as it does nowadays – and this almost gives us a strong feeling from that the evolution, how random to human observer (it may seem), is never a one-way-street. Because it really is some sort of miracle, (lucky coincidence) that this particular peculiar-looking creature still exist.

But, having not quite accurate, or approximate knowledge from the Australian ecology or animals in those early times, and even less from the vegetation, what will follow is only very applicable view. Its meant just to give us some fun (can be read like some Hollywood-kind history, say). We therefore take some likely aspects from those times and freely imagine the rest, whether or not all these species even lived in during that particular place and time (since we weren't around to witness any of this, and actually most is based on descriptions about European fossil fauna from Messel ; 'Middle Eocene Eden'):

"The climate is probably warmer and more humid, and there's lot more CO2 in atmosphere than today, released by the volcanic eruptions in the preceding geologic boundaries before this period of time. After the mentioned series-of-incidents and as consequence (during some millions of years) the tropical forests have enlarged for the most common and widespread vegetation all over the world. Humans won't be around for several (tens) millions of years, but here's many other highly diversified mammals living in these ecosystems. And, (since we're supposedly in Australia, nowadays known also from having the most archaic ecology and faunas) we can imagine our Platypus-like creature inhabiting a large pond closer to some swamp-side where also exists some giant frogs, a meter tall or so, (possibly relics from the more distant past already, but Platypus should be careful, they eat smaller mammalians too). Then we can likely except to see some large (2 meters in height) flightless birds like Diatrymas, carcass eaters, that as well can threaten our Platypus on the grounds. But, also we might perhaps find more familiar species like crocodiles not too much differing from their present forms. There's marsupials of course, also carnivorous and some resembling the existing genus of marsupial cats - like Dasyurus Albopunctatus(NT), found on New Guinea today - only this Eocene fauna includes lot more similar species and probably several of them considerably larger, too. And other animals, some such distant and strange that we can't probably here invent suitable counter-parts from the currently existing species.

Perhaps also bats, regularly with a 40-50 cm wingspan. And ants about the size of a palm. Beetles and cockroaches close to that as well, equally huge if compared to current average. And perhaps those aquatic insects that our 'Platypus' searches from the bottom of the waters are also larger in size (probably our particular species is as well). So, all these live at varying distances from Platypuses own nesting burrows, plenty of other co-species, some of them more or less predatory. Therefore this not necessary is more 'comfortable' environment for it than the one in present times ... But there it goes(!) ...smoothly diving in between the waters, reaching the lakes bottom and continuing its own particular doings, much the same way as nowadays..."(likely), ...or about so...

Pic: Beer-Morris, Encyclopedia of endangered Animals (2005).

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Plastic Fantastic Organics

: Urtekram (food) bags / A recipe(s)


Mulskinner (Hi)Tech Review 2/2009

Picture beside shows clearly without too many words our advisable Hi-Tech recommendation - Its brief and simple to use: Urtekrams plastic (organic) food bags offer a nice re-sealable solution to carry your mobile phone, camera, and other such devices safe from rain. No need to buy any of that expensive life-style-garbage-stuff-and-rubbish for the purpose.


The bag can be easily carried in the bottom of pocket keeping phone safe from knocks, water, and so on (of course it isn't usable in underwater diving, since the bag is not 100 per cent water proof, or at least I wouldn't recommend that...). But, since I often buy their organics packed this way (like rice, lens and sugar) I have no problem in changing the bag for new once the previous starts to show wear & tear. Another handy solution is carry the coins in these bags. And they also say the bags decay (ie doesn't end up adding for the plastic waste load).^{Well, more closely it actually reads that bag is polyethylene, but shouldn't cause pollutive gases when burned...}.

(W-G.)

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Also, we have a brief recipe here (organics mentioned in preceding, we are of course recommending using Urtekram's rice as well as other organics in preparation:)

Asparagus-Pepper salad &
Milanese risotto:

Salad:

Ingredients: 500 g asparagus; 2 tbl soya; ½ tbl white wine vinegar; 1 tsp sesam oil; 1 tsp sugar; 2 to 4 paprika (red or yellow), olive oil, 1 garlic glove, salt, pepper, parsley, (butter)

This simple salad is quickly made with combining peppers and asparagus on the same plate. The asparagus are first peeled and then cut for small pieces (2-3.5 cm), cook in boiling water shortly (only about 3 min), afterwards let cool and make a salad dressing from the soya, vinegar, sesam oil, sugar. Paprikas are sliced to diagonal pices and fried separately on pan with the spices (salt can be added once fried, if wish). Lastly place soaked asparagus pieces on plate and paprikas beside. People often like butter with asparagus, so I'll include some on the serving as well.

Risotto:

(probably the original Milanese risotto quite differs from this, but we're just making an easy quick meal here, not any traditional serving offered)

Ingredients: 1 dl rice, vegetables according to wish (I use mostly pepper, broccoli, fresh small onion sliced, funghi, maize), olive oil for baking, pepper, broth, vinegar/white wine, some sesame seeds ...and if wish add salsa sauce with chili or other hot spices.

Just bake the rice for half the time in water (boil, then lessen heat and let be). Meanwhile cut vegetables for thin pieces and fry in the oil shortly, with a lower heat. Then add the rice and water with broth, fry with oil (one can add some more of it), stir and lastly add spices. When finished, empty the steak-pan and fry the sesame seeds shortly. These are then poured over the risotto on plates. Serve alongside with the asparagus-pepper salad.

I've recently noticed that asparagus can be used in many forms, and especially the soup is very famous delicatessen/meal. But I'm not adding here more recipes this time.


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MuleSkinner Book Recommendations #17

The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change

(By Tim Flannery)

2005. [Allen Lane], 341 pages.

[Recommendation 7/2009]

Nowadays, when the Global Warming in discussions equals the more usual societal problems like unemployment, poverty, etc, it is also acknowledged as threat for various aspects in human life(a matter of concern not just on environmental but on economical level too). The Weather Makers, our next recommendation, may have appeared in quite appropriate timing to fill some gaps in the overall conversation from that. We're not to say that exactly this book would be best or most recommendable account from the subject, since we haven't browsed any studies of quite similar to present as comparison. But it has much to say in one concise volume.

On the basis of current headliners and news it feels presumable that new research may have made some further studies and calculations that wasn't available couple years back. As well, any effort on this field cannot possibly these days take in account all the important aspects that would/will have effect and some of the things are not yet very sufficiently known. According to our own surveys slightly touching the subject, we also notice that the scope of climate science seems overwhelming. In spite of these reservations, the book still makes very thorough effort to explain the backgrounds and consequences of the Climate Change.

Gaia. From the books main content we'll just say that reader may find from it, not embellished, fx the scope of problem (increase of GHS-gases/the greenhouse effect) and developments leading for the situation. Included are such many various fields and related studies that we don't go to those more specially. In addition to discussing various negative consequences from long gone human use of fossil fuels, there's a view-points on Earths climatic history from longer time all the way to prehistoric pasts. The latter mentioned – known things from the ice-ages and inter-glacial periods climates – are probably only information that can give some clues from the expected climatic development. Much of that is of course based on scientific research and studies, so the book is rather heavy account on it and not just brief introduction to the topic. But its explained in pretty logical way mostly, so the reader need not to be any climatologic expert to get the picture(though, occasionally I noticed parts containing so much stuff that the first reading didn't quite give most complete understanding from the things said).

As Flannery is an environmentalist/palaoontologist, he also often presents interesting examples from fx what has already been found happening for the nature. Fx, there's very nicely presented brief journeys to some of those most fragile environments threatened by warming – like mountain heights and coral reefs - whose rich and exceptional plant and animal varieties have preserved in little altered state for millions of years. He describes fx the Atherton highlands in Queensland(Australia) that hold number of mammal, amphibian, reptile, and plant/tree-species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Many of them, as much other fauna and flora in the mountain heights count among first that will face the environmental damage as direct result of expected warming, possible to disappear in the close future.

The risky business. Also, there's one whole chapter from preceding past decades past development. Its as well justifiedly there, as the mains story tells from how slow was the 'awakening', political/economical will practically remaining in the Status Quo – nothing done for it (Greenhouse Effect) until recent times. And after all that the reader confronts the remainder from that earlier problem too(the ozone loss, 'danger zone' hopefully passed by and consequently almost forgotten now, so we're giving it here a lot more space and emphasis than some other issues in the book). The ozone depletion as known was happening in the Stratosphere as result from use of man-made chemical compounds, the Chlorofluorocarbons released for atmosphere. But, only because CFC-compounds were cheaper alternative to bromine the latter didn't enter in mass production and manufacture of refrigerators and other house-hold devices (developed since late 1920s, ie decades before the ozone holes over arctic/antarctic got noticed in 1970s). When the effect on Stratospheres ozone layer was discovered; “This was bad enough, but it is a matter of dumb luck that our world did not enter a far more severe environmental crisis – perhaps one leading to the collapse of societies – some thirty years ago. This could have occurred if industrial chemists had used bromine instead of chlorine.”, [Because:] “...bromine is forty-five times more effective in destroying ozone than chlorine, and so swiftly would it have torn asunder those precious ten parts per million of ozone, that Earths's sunscreen would have been destroyed even before Sherwood Rowland made his Nobel-winning discovery. Just how close the world came to such a fate can be seen in the uses to which industrial chemists had already put bromine.”(The Weather Makers, p. 217). That being so, one is left with a little uncomfortable feeling but at least has hope that an intelligent species wouldn't (by ignorance) play such risky for the second time...

It's also equally valuable in this book that it presents plain view that the 'climatic battle' is only in its early steps so far. The most effects from GHS-gases currently released will still remain in the atmosphere (and Oceans) until around 2050s. Nowadays, as there's ways to get by without causing more, better start in time. The book also takes closer look to some of the most alarming scenarios concerning the warming. There's still various likely scenarios and these also might change in time, but the problem basically isn't likely to go away. Flannery also presents (in my opinion) seemingly reasonable estimated view when mentioning that current level of warming is in best circumstances possibly stabilized around 2150s (the use of fossil fuels radically reduced, overall temperature having raised some degrees and further warming then halted). From the optimistic views, industries and production usually are found able a lot faster developing less pollutive production chains and factories when forced to do/economic factors give reason for that.

The solution(s). In addition to main discussion, in the end of the book there's variety of solutions. Of course they are not anything too complicated or new, basically one can summarizes this as the renewable cocktail instead of the more hazardous fossilous one. The main part (of the book) explains why there's haste in the transition to use less pollutive energies, but on the basis of current knowledge seems also likely that in the future much of those would be 'extracted' from more various sources than today (depending on the most suitable for different countries/regions). For one's own energy usage there's as well plenty of 'recipes'; fx change for hybrid cars; use of renewable electricity - if not available change the company/provider, etc. Equally reasonable is of course the notion that more the usage of green electricity, solar panels, etc, the cheaper these will in time be in time. As well it's of course easy to find similarly recommendable practices/changes in one's own behaviour, fx. biking makes a good alternative to walking (and so on).

Since the climatic science (there's also included most useful list from sources of falsified information, incl. fx the foregone Global Climate Coalition) is generally rather recently born field of research, the book basically gives lot information from topics that are not too commonly mentioned in other contexts. Some of it may feel a bit heavy in places, but nevertheless even without much earlier understanding beforehand the reader can find the main points presented clearly enough. Of course, we've here but briefly refered to some of the things discussed. Possibly much of that may have already been reshaped / slightly renewed with more recent research since books publication, but basically the book tells the simple fact that nature never reacts quite the way humans easily would hope it to. Flannery may have been most concerned on the effects for his own home country (Australia), but the things are presented on global level, mainly.



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Species Endangered (MS-Blog Series from) - III / 09

Bermuda Petrel

• Class: Avia
• Order: Procellariiformes
• Latin name: Pterodroma cahow
• Range: Bermudan Islands
  

• IUCN Status : EN (Endangered) /
• CITES: Not listed (Marine species usually aren't)
• (above a 2008 situation)
  

For centuries supposed an extinct species, Bermuda Petrel (Pterodroma cahow) in some ways resembles one of the frog species (Mallorcan Midwife toad) mentioned in our previous post. Bermuda Petrel was also quite recently found having survived to our times, and has been protected since. The recovery of bird(s) has also been supported with conservation efforts. The story of the Bermuda Petrel is rather famous, but because we're not too familiar with it and it's general popular renown goes back some decades, it's included as next in the series.

Endemic to Bermudan Islands solely, Bermuda P. is counted in gadfly petrels. The upper main order, Procellariiformes contains basically petrels, sometimes also Albatrosses (Diomedeidae) are included within. Other co-families (in that taxonomy) are the Storm Petrels (Hydrobatidae), and Diving-petrels (Pelanoides). The remaining family Procellariids contains the gadfly petrels in addition to some other sub-groups (or about so, I would guess these aren't always that clear/permanent and sometimes the species classifications are changed).

Petrels feed at open sea and are pelagic marine birds (mostly?). In common image petrels have been called the storm birds, due that they are excellent fliers and seem to be almost 'safe at home' in the bad weather. Typical to the petrels is also that they breed slowly, usually only one descendant in successful season, the incubation taking generally long period: In case of Bermuda Petrel for about over 50 days, but for Albatrosses that have the longest incubation time of any birds, it may be from 70 to 80 days. The fledglings leave the nest after around 13-14 weeks age, the young petrels usually returning to the breeding islands when having reached mature age, in about 4 to 5 years. Petrels only spend part of the year in the nests, their breeding period, which also includes the period of parental watch for newborn chicks. Most part of the year they spend on open seas in search of food, practically being dependable on sea fish.

In spite of some successes in recent decades, species population growth for a more stable level has taken about half the century. And basically it's listed as EN because the population has been noticed at slow but stable increase; any sudden change for the worse could immediately turn that to downwards trend, the species being classified critically endangered, CR. Byrds numbers were (2005) just around the 250, often used as some number (/level of criteria) in those classifications. On the other hand, further continued population growth would possibly mean downlisting in the IUCN classification. [But, as we've learned in during these discussions, population numbers usually tell but half the truth, animal populations concerned and even abundant species can quickly become endangered if the habitat is destroyed, or species other ways largely hunted, harmed, etc)]


Whatever one thinks the fitting classification in Petrels case, that's way down from the estimates of the byrds frequency prior human arrival/affect (no reason to suspect those numbers, though the amount is probably difficult to ensure with certainty). It was once 'superabundant', supposedly had a population of about 500 000 individual specimen. Bermuda Petrel becoming endangered and supposed as extinct, like was the belief for over 300 years, has its origins in the times of explorers/travelers arriving its home island. Not any way unusual a story, like we can notice from following paragraphs. The rediscovery is more atypical one and soon became a symbol for hope in concerning the threatened bird species in general and the marine birds in particular. But for the record it can also be mentioned that at least one other species of Petrels was supposed to be extinct for a long time, about 150 years, until in 2003 it was also rediscovered.


There's also lot variation in amounts of populations in between different recognized (Petrel) bird species. Some belong to most numerous from sea birds like Wilson's Storm Petrel (Oceanites Oceanicus) and Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris), which both are counted in numbers over tens of millions – but some are so rare that even their nesting sites are still nowadays not known. Fx, Fiji Petrel is mentioned having been seen for only handful of times after it was identified as particular species. Only in Bermuda's petrel's own Pterodroma genus there's number of (pelagic) species which are known to be severely threatened, fx: Chatham Islands petrel (P. axillaris, CR) ; Galápagos petrel (P. phaeopygia, CR) ; Jamaica petrel (P. Caribbaea, CR - possibly extinct) ; Black-capped petrel (P. hasitata, EN) ; Barau's petrel (P. baraui, EN) ; Trindade Petrel (P. arminjoniana, VU) ; Atlantic petrel (P. incerta, VU) ; Murphy's petrel (P. ultima, NT)². Since for the Procellariidaes in addition to gadfly petrels also are counted the shearwater-, fulmarine petrels and prions families, these likely contain several more threatened species, though we don't go listing those more especially here.


But, we can now here re-read (part) of the Bermuda P. story to get the better picture; the human caused impact on birds survival began when early Spanish sea-farers in 16^th century began leaving hogs grazing in wild on island and that way using the place as living food store for passing ships (superstitious from the nocturnal voices of birds on island, they were not building any permanent settlements on islands). A bit later, the actual disappearance of of the species would nevertheless have happened in rather brief period of time, in only about 10 to 15 years as can be read from the following citation:

Lost and found. Bermuda remained uninhabited until 1609, when an English expedition was shipwrecked there. At the time the islands were teemed with seabirds, including vast numbers of Bermuda petrels. Soon, however, settlers arrived in force, bringing with them pigs, rats, and other animals that raided the petrels' nesting burrows. To make matters worse, the settlers themselves also caught and ate huge numbers of the birds, until by 1621 the species was thought to be extinct.

No specimen were recorded for more than 300 years, but then, miraculously, the bird turned up again. The first clue of existence came in 1906, when a dead petrel was found an Castle Island, one of the smallest in Bermuda. At first it was taken to be a previously unknown capped petrel from the Caribbean region, but then in 1916 another individual turned up – and it seemed to fit the 17^th century descriptions of the missing species. The clinching record came in 1931, when a bird that hit St. David's lighthouse was retrieved and identified as Bermuda Petrel. Another definite record was of an individual that struck a telephone pole in St. George, at the northeastern end of the main island.

The puzzle of where these birds came from remained, since none could be found nesting on any of the inhabited islands. In 1951 a search turned up 18 pairs of the petrels on rocky islets in Castle Harbor, near St. George. The total area of these islets was only 2.4 acres (1 ha). Instead of nesting in burrows as they had done in the 17^th century, the petrels were now using natural crevices created by water erosion of the soft limestone rock, since there was little soil on the islets.” ¹

Often marine and other birds of islands have gotten endangered similar way as the Bermuda petrels described above. That may not always have happened such quickly, but following the arrival of human settlement on their living islands. The popularly known examples from the extinct birds are probably Dodo and Moa, that also disappeared directly of human impact (overhunting) and/or indirectly as result from human brought co-threats. In the various islands on seas, that usually have served as nesting sites for large number of marine birds, there's examples more similar to Bermuda P. case.


A typical example, St. Helena's Island in South Atlantic (also renown as the place where Napoleon was finally exiled and later died at early 19^th century), is a more striking one, since from the island in addition to two native sea-water species(St. Helena's Small and Large petrel - Bulweria bifax and Pterodroma rupiram), also main part from the unique terrestrial endemic byrd species disappeared. And, again (largely) because of the above mentioned various threats humans brought along with themselves, the new alien species - cats, rats and pigs. In the pelagic islands where species originally lack such native predators, introduced pets and domestic animals were often been found a more severe threat to native bird species than any other human caused things.


Sometimes the foreign species have been brought to islands unintentionally or for the uses of farming as pest killers. Concerning the pelagic byrds fx, there's Brown tree snake – apparently by accident brought to Guam (at Pacific Ocean) where it killed most from islands native bird population. Another comparable example from human brought invasive species - if not expecially for birds - is Cane Toad (Bufo Marinus) that mainly in the 1930s was introduced for various Pacific and Caribbean islands as elsewhere too (with the intention to dispose the beetles in sugar cane farms.) Toad has certain toxins and so in addition to appearing mainly a failure in its original purpose as biological control agent, the Cane Toads were also often found a threat for several native species (in general, the toad more usually turned out to be a pest itself affecting various native animals populations in host countries - For further information about the past history, consequences and failures of that 'Great Cane Toad pest killer Experiment' , one can read this informative article from Cane toads in Australia (One can check the more recent information/news on Cane toads, too.) It is estimated that world-wide large part (80 per cent) from endangered species suffer from human introduced (intentionally or non-intentionally) competitors or predators. Some may date back in the prehistoric times, some are newer cases.


Also, fx nowadays in the Hawaii native birds are often mentioned among the most endangered; from the islands current species over 40 per cent is by origin not native, but brought by humans. From the land birds the introduced species comprise 69 per cent from the total. Hawaii is to some point an exceptional case since the islands environments, rich with plant and vegetation, as well as the animals had remained in isolation for millions of years. More recently human invasion, (supposedly) first the Polynesians and later in the 19th century European settlers arriving for the Hawaii archipelago both caused new invasive species to spread for the islands original environments (and also some time closer to our days, more intensive deforestation and farming). As result many from native birds are found to habitat only in the higher elevations, likely the mountain-sides. (Nowadays Climate Change is also expected to reduce those safe environments.)

Several albatross species like the Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) that breeds on some North-Pacific islands including Hawaii, have also recently become endangered much because of long-lining fishery (in during 1978-1991, especially when there probably wasn't any level of regulations for that). Having somewhat strengthened in their numbers during the 2oth century (earlier decline's is often attributed to common human practise as well, feather and egg collecting in 1800's and early 1900's), several albatross and petrel species are found still threatened by long-lining, although fisheries should utilize techniques that cause less seabird by-catch. As well, there's nowadays nets more 'safer' to birds, though their use is of course been found less easy to guarantee/control. In 1991 was established a protected species zone where no long-line fishing is allowed (for about 50 nautical miles to the North-western oceans from Hawaii). But, the fisheries by-catch nevertheless still causes unnecessary deaths for many albatross and petrel specimen yearly, and plenty of species are affected.


One of course can remark that recently also more common (bird) species worldwide were observed in decline (though several from those are also capable to recover more quickly, perhaps.). But returning to petrels, amongst marine birds, they are with albatrosses most severely threatened taxa worldwide, though only one species is mentioned confirmed to have gone extinct since the 17th century - That is Guadalupe Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma macrodactyla), which disappeared in the early 20^th century, mostly because of non-native predators on its home island (cats). Various other species are vulnerable since their populations have diminished and/or have not been seen for some time.


Since Bermuda petrels have been protected from 1950s their amount has been slowly in raise with the help of conservationist effort. These have included protection from some competive tropical bird species as well as prevention of rats to reach the birds nesting sites. Other threats for species include fx the long-line fishing, since it not only kills large number birds still, but also effectively weakens the catch of fishes available for birds. Additionally, there's sea-waste (flotsam), general marine pollution including oil spills, and the other pollutants like DDT, noticed a reason for the failure of bird eggs to hatch. More recently, some serious flooding as result of sea level raise and a hurricane few years back caused destruction to their burrows (nest sites), so the other potential suitable environments in close islands for breeding sites have been seeked. But, their population is been now found increasing, now at about 25 per cent breeding success (from 5 per cent in 1950s).



From the variability of particular birds mentioned in this post, we can notice that it of course not mainly tells from the vast number of different (marine) bird species, but the various humans caused threats which have largely increased the number of endangered. Of course, the conservation efforts having success also tells that many species are capable to recover quickly if aided. But, like the example here, it may also take far longer period of time in cases where species is slowly reproducing and also natively limited to/breeds only in certain geographic area (like islands). In this particular case, (if wish) to determine for how long depends from perspective taken; recent limited population growth may be seen as result from last 50-60 years various conservation efforts, but as the actual disappearance only took some decades the recovery can also be seen having been some 300-400 years process.

Notes:
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1. Beer-Morris, 2005, The encyclopedia of Endangered Animals.[Bermuda Petrel]

2. (These related endangered) species are listed in the book (see the note 1 above).



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Species Endangered (MS-Blog Series from) - II / 09

Yellow-Bellied Toad

• Class: Amphibian
• Order: Anura
• Latin name: Bombina Variegata
• Range: From Central-/Eastern Europe to Mediterranean region
• IUCN Status: LC (Least Concern) / Cites: Not listed
  

(Above classifications are a 2008 situation).

Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina variegata) is quite widespread, small-sized toad (a distinction between toad and frog is a minor but interesting one: in general toads are more accustomed to land-life, they fx usually have shorter legs and drier skin. The differences are not significant and as a term frog practically includes also toads. Therefore, not a clear taxonomic separation exists/is reasonable to make) Toads like frogs also habitat, at least for their breeding behavior, small ponds and lakes, as well as other watery places.

Yellow-bellied Toads are found mostly in foothills and mountain-sides. It can be spotted from coniferous and mixed forests, grasslands, meadows, etc, in the higher altitudes, from deciduous forests in low elevations. The diet includes most typically small terrestrial insects (but also fx small spiders, crustaceans and various aquatic insects). It hunts them by night. The bombinatoridae family are also often mentioned noticeable from their voices, which remind the sound of small clocks clacking merely than more typical frog croaks - one who has heard such 'concerto' on the late walk fx, may perhaps understand/recognize the species especial voices from this description. These toads are easily confused with their 'sister-species' Fire-Bellied Toads (Bombina bombina). Outer distinction in between species is only possible to make of small details, main one being the color in their belly-side (which is believed to serve as warning for the predators as a threatened toad may turn around upwards to show its colorful belly as a sign of being toxic/poisonous). The two parallel (sub-)species also hybridize in many their contact areas.

In contrast to various other amphibian species, Yellow-Bellied Toad is not considered particularly demanding by habitat and even tolerates some wetlands highly polluted by humans. It can also be found on urban forest parks. Since frogs in general are freshwater dependable species, their existence in the water sources often tells from the good condition of waters. Actually, as urbanization and human settlements in Europe are often dense, frogs are in places also dependable from artificial aquatic habitat. Sometimes they are found using for their breeding small wells close to urban housings (but in many places over their range, the replacement of those traditional human water use sources by newer methods is also noticed as one reason in the amphibian disappearance). Both species (-variegata/-bombina) in general are relatively common, the one in question here having a range from Mediterranean Europe to the central and eastern parts of the continent. But, the ongoing population trend in both cases is in decline.

In the strictest sense of endangerment it perhaps would not qualify for this series (from endangered species), as it is only counted LC in the IUCN list and not disappearing so fast as would mean the classification of seriously threatened. But, fx subspecies Apennine Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina pachypus), found only in Italy is listed as endangered(EN) because of its fast decline. Further, including Bombina variegata here becomes more justified if examining the situation of amphibians in whole. Findings of the European Red List of Amphibians¹ give some hint about the scope of overall decline: in addition to about 15 or more severely endangered - including critically endangered Karpathos Frog(Pelophylax cerigensis) and Montseny Brook Newt(Caloritron arnoldi) - more than half (59 per cent) of the (European) amphibian species populations were in decline and only 36 per cent found in stable state. Main significant threats found (for the amphibians) are; 1^st -Habitat loss (mankind caused loss of natural habitat and suitable living area), 2^nd -Pollution (including causes related to climate change), 3^rd -Invasive alien species (and some hazardous diseases that affect frogs particularly, such as Chytridiomycosis) (p. 11-13 in that IUCN survey mentioned – see the note before). Looks like hard times for frogs, since their general disappearance and declining populations has already been seen happening for some decades, at least.

The disease mentioned in above chapter, chytridiomycosis is relatively recent mysterious killer of amphibian species, and still remains somewhat so. It's origins are according to some studies traceable to certain African frog-species, that was widely transported around the world and therefore seems as most potential vector in diseases spread to several continents. Though, chytridiomycosis has also been shown having existed in amphibian populations some decades, possibly latent. It has supposedly only become virulent in the more recent times. The disease most dramatically affects to amphibian decline in cooler conditions/zones (under 28 C, it is said), but it's also shown having had impact (as co-effect of Climate Change) in the regional amphibian extinctions seen since 1980s. The warming and more unstable/ambient climate may significantly hasten the spread of chytridiomycosis, noticed afterwards in some cases where dramatic population decline had happened.
More conventional and typical reasons for amphibian decline are human caused habitat destruction and urbanization; major ones also include the drying of wet-lands, road construction, water pollution. In addition to those comes the increased land cultivation and agriculturalism, but there's yet several other factors and in general decline is mostly seen a result from various reasons (as often summarised in final conclusive sentences). But, one also finds, among the most significant reasons there is also the overall increase of toxins and use of chemical contaminants(pesticides and some fertilizers, – particularly concerning the amphibians has been the Atrazine, herbicide used about since 1950s, although its more recently been banned in European Union) ; Another, probably more recent, but also mentioned as threat is the raises in UV-B Radiation ; And there's yet more conventional/regular reasons, like the animals being collected for food, pets, etc.

From amount of about over 6300 amphibians species only 85 are endemic to Europe (most numerously there habitating the moisture Mediterranean region where expected drying will cause the largest changes). If enlarging the scope to get the correct picture, that worldwide decline, precisely said, threatens about 30 per cent of their populations - And therefore more seriously than any other animal (order); birds or mammals fx. However, no single most reason is possible to raise aforth as most responsible for that.

But, there's of course plenty of reasons to say (much of) the above mentioned is related to global warming. Some frog populations, restricted to limited range or other ways particularly vulnerable, have in cases been found completely disappeared/extinct in their area. That so, even when inhabitating the protected, conservation habitat - Like that most renown 'iconic Climate Change victim'; the Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes). But, same climatic changes in the region did as well simultaneously cause the disappearance of several other frog populations. Similar losses elsewhere in the world (fx US and Australia) have also been possible to connect in the impacts of general drying. A seemingly small ecologic changes can have a big effects, sometimes; fx according to one research² a slight reduction in the water amount in shallow ponds (from about 50 cm deep to only 20 cm deep) increased the dead-rate from 12 to 80 per cent in the amphibian tadpoles (downright reason for deaths was found from another typical amphibian disease, Saprolgenia ferax³).

For the positive side, most of the amphibians and frogs reproduce by laying multitude of eggs, and can therefore often be successfully increased in captivity. In nature most eggs and/or tadpoles die until mature age, but in the artificial human supervised conditions their great potential for reproductivity can be improved remarkably. Therefore, captive-breeding has sometimes saved threatened species from total extinction and can be used efficiently to return them for the natural wild habitat. A popular example of such, Mallorcan Midwife Toad (Alytes Muletensis) (VU) - now often mentioned as example of living fossil, because it was at first only known from the fossil remains - is a species that was supposed have gone extinct in earlier times, mostly because the early human settlement (in roman times, 2000 years ago) also introduced predators like viper snakes and competitive frogs to the island. Luckily, remains of the small population were found at remote mountains around 1980s. Since that, the toads were increased in protection, new populations from them subsequently later established for suitable areas where mentioned invasive alien species don't reach (in the mountain region of island). Also, it is counted as one of the two European endemic amphibian species that still were on the raise in population numbers, as mentioned in the earlier refered European Red List of Amphibians. (Also, there's pics/some more about the species fx at Arkive.)

Thinking optimistically, resembling that aforementioned newly discovered case, there is still also even new species found, especially in the more biodiversity rich areas like rainforests. But these are of course merely singular examples. Also, as supportive program to improve the amphibian survival, captive-breeding often is mainly a supplementary/last chance protection (in addition to other actions that would be needed in the first place.) In most cases it is always also somewhat risky, fx because there's a possibility from spread of diseases for the wild populations.

So, on the basis discussed things, our example here Bombina Variegata (Yellow-bellied Toad) fits more than adequately to present here in our series from endangered species. Even though it is a common species and not in immediate danger of extinction, seems quite plausible that future seems to hold plenty of things that could cause it becoming so. Wikipedian heading from the decline in the class/taxa also points out a fact not yet mentioned: due that amphibians have two-part life-stages(ie in brief are generally dependable from both aquatic and terrestrial conditions in during life-cycles), they are more vulnerable to human caused changes for world's biodiversity than some other animals. Whatever the most potential reason, globally alarming thing is the extinction rate, according to conservative estimates about 200 times the past rate(if compared to overall amphibians background extinctions from the past).

But, since we don't want end this post in too depressive comments, we'll finally here also remind ourselves that the amphibians have a long evolutionary history, far longer than man. And, as mentioned before, their reproductivity potential gives yet some reasons to optimism also. As well, there's also much not yet known from them; fx frogs are mentioned returning to the same places(ponds, fx) for breeding each year, which is some kind of mystery too, exact reasons unknown, if not for the frogs themselves - Only that one hopes those ponds to remain there in the future still...

Notes:

1. Temple, H.J. And Cox, N.A. 2009, European Red List of Amphibians. Luxembourg. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. – The report available from: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/species/?3204/Europes-amphibians-and-reptiles-under-threat--- → under downloads/European Red List of Amphibians (pdf). (A studies carried by IUCN for European Commission)

2. Pounds, A.J. , 2001. Climate Change and Amphibian Declines. Nature 410; 639-40. [Cited via: Flannery, Tim, 2005. The Weather Makers. The history and Future Impact of Climate Change.]

3. Or, the diseases name may be a synomous to Chytrodimycosis(?), since its also fungus-related and Flannery mentions it as one cause in the annihilation of frog species around the world. Whatever the case, a quick search from Wikipedia didn't give us any direct answer/clarification to that important terminological question...Possibly, the term is such a new one, that it's not in any common use yet(?)... (The free Dictionary by Farlex returns us a definition from Saprolegnia Ferax (not from Saprolgenia Ferax): "A fungus that attacks living fish and tadpoles and spawn causing white fungus disease: a coating of white hyphae on especially peripheral parts (as fins)" (though, as the results from the study mentioned seem to date as far as 2001, and probably more recent research has surfaced since then, but those search results, especially the terms absence of directories and definitions, seem just...unlikely. [?])

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Prologue / Anniversary Post #75

It's about some 365 days this blogs been posted / maintained, and it therefore makes this one a full year celebratory post.

Celebrations then left aside (no candles this time and the birthday actually was on the 21st of this Month), as we mentioned before our schedule in these posts has been quite tight so far. So, it makes sense to say that at least during the summer there'll will be a maximum of 3 posts a Month (probably, about so...). Most in the recently started series about endangered species - Related to that there's this recent news information (in MSW if not elsewhere) telling from the plans that may affect the survival of many species (re-)introduced for the lowland forests in Indonesian part of Sumatra. Other news/information we notice, is from the oil and gas projects mentioned to threaten western parts of Amazon rain forests.

And yet another thing, we mention in this intermission (also noticed recently in our weekly chalkboard), that: The statistics always lie ie they don't tell but a half the truth. Fx, we are reminded that there's nowadays still an ever-increasing need for filtering and rating the loads of that data that gets pushed to digital form. An amount of about 500 Exabytes (487 Mrd Gigabytes...) was reached at the end 2008, the total of it doubling in about every 1.5 year (although, the largest part consists from medical records and similar database 'cards' transferred online), and in the future there only is expected a similar increase - If we would follow the same trend, it would mean for us to publish some 200-300 posts until the end of 2010...



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Lastly, as part of our usual practise in these intermissionary posts, here's a music recommendation. This time Captain Beefhearts (and The Magic Band) 1974 recording Unconditionally Guaranteed. Noticeable tracks include Upon the My-o-My, New Electric Ride and Full Moon, Hot Sun. It is also remembered from having been only moderate commercial success, but album was later distributed as bonus with it's subsequent follow-up Bluejeans and Moonbeams. (Pic below a detail from records also impressive Virgin Records label-drawing in the circular inner).



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MuleSkinner Book Recommendations #16

Donald Duck in Ancient Persia

(Carl Barks, p. 1950)

[Recommendation 6/2009]

Having arrived this far (the 16th book recommendation) and now noticing that we've not yet included but only one from comics. So, this matter in need of settling, we'll put the comics review next and leave the cook books et pseudo sciences for later time. If familiar with Carl Barks stories, our story chosen perhaps appears not much a surprise: The selected strip, superior in tale and drawing in my opinion, is quite an obvious selection. But why, I'll try to explain with few words, though, actually the story speaks best for itself. (Also worth noticing, the version published in comics magazines has richer detailed drawing and it's colors are also somewhat better than usually in the reprints.)

First to mention that it's not always counted in the most beloved series by Barks, perhaps it's even a bit over-looked from those created during his best period (from 1950-60 around, I think). Also, it's rather darker and gloomy by subject than most. The origins of Donald Duck in Ancient Persia(1950) are lot in horror fiction. This shows fx in following themes: the Mad Scientist, mythical ancient city hidden under desert sands, the dehydrated people of that city. It may have had some origins in the old time classic tombs-and-treasures-pulp fiction too, like the magazines articles and short-stories about Pharaoh's curse (...well, The Mummy's Ring (1943) actually feels a story more in debt to those.) A typical feature, also found in many of the other early stories is the unsolved mystery and/or treasure hunt; as for example The Seven Cities of Cibola (1954). And, similarly common theme is travels to dreamlands/far away places; also fx in The Magic of Hourglass (1950), Race to the South Seas (1948) and Tralla-La, (1953). After Scrooge's appearance, this theme often is also related to his efforts for to collect more capital/protect his square box filled with that.

But, actually the only Barks story I find slightly comparable with the one in question here is The Terror of the River, noticeably originating from as early as 1946 (and indeed Donald appears a bit pre-Barksian in it). Possibly the similarity in stories is based on that the main crook in both is a lunatic of some kind. None from the other early villains appear presented quite similarly; just think of fx Black Pete (Donald Duck and Pirate's Gold, -42 ; Frozen Gold, -44), or Blacksnake McQuirt (Sheriff of Bullet Valley -48), or Sylvester Sharky and Azure Blue (The Golden Helmet -52) - All more or less cruel, but not any kind of mad men. Or, that aggravated stereotypical figure from African medicine man: Foola Zoola (Voodoo Hoodoo, -49). He may be a revengeful character, but not any mental maniac either. And neither any from those later introduced and more or less regularly used criminals/villains like Beagle Boys, Soapy Slick, Magica de Spell quite fills the criteria to justify for that characterization.

That said we can briefly describe the plot by few words: Mad Scientist captures Donald and the boys in purpose to bring them with himself to excavate the ruins of an ancient Persian city, Itsa Faka (Barks invented pseudonym). With the aim to bring back alive dehydrated citizens of Itsa Faka, he then carries out this experiment on a bath filled with special liquid by directing for that an electricity voltage burst (apparent loan from Frankensteinerian themes and myths) – and Voila! Miracle is been fulfilled and the King of Itsa Faka with his daughter (ao) brought back from behind thousands of years. As the story continues also an ancient prince, an exact copy of Donald by outer appearance, is revived from dust. Later he then tries to perform Donald in the eyes of the Nephews with purpose of getting away from his own weddings with kings daughter...

Prince's character is perhaps some early formation/similarly parallel figure to Donald like Gladstone; although Gladstone had been created couple years before already, in 1948. Concerning this story, some of the Prince's remarks from the outside (modern) world are masterful in the way they connect the story's historical backgrounds to present days. I'm not quite certain if the places and decoration of the city are drawn faithful to archaeological founds in detail, but I suppose so because those often are in Bark's comic stories (doesn't here matter that much, actually). Anyway, the chambers and tunnels in that ancient city success to give very truthful impression.

Among the enchanting features is also that story stands out from the more typical uses of pictorial narration: There's plenty of imaginatively drawn pages, where fx the places and landscape are given more emphasis (fx. The first view from the Mad Scientist's house; the ancient ruins and catacombs where Donald and Nephews are brought by the scientist, the oil-pipe in the middle of deserts outside those ruins).

From the books and papers, most precisely the volume Carl Barks and the Disney Comic Book: Unmasking the Myth of Modernity (by Tom Andrea), we then notice that the story's themes are connected to more recent days (its creation decade, the 1950s) in other ways too. Things like dehydration of people and radium vapor used for that at Donald Duck in Ancient Persia reflect those fears and threats of the modern times. But, I don't actually feel liking to speculate with those underlying themes too much. It's probably because I don't want to contemplate the contents of Barks stories, but just read them as they are, comics. In times when it appeared Barks creations and comics magazines in general weren't possibly that preserved and valued works of art. More like – as Andrea also mentions – those were for the general public just a stuff to read and then throw away, used like paper napkins, toothpicks or something like. In more recent times, older(the good ones if compared to most of the present days crap) cartoons and flicks, but especially the Bark's comic art have received their well-deserved place as cultural heritages. And so, as result the better ones from newer Duck comics more often than as exception use allusions and jokes pointing to that old 'golden age in comics'.

Probably there's opinions fromthe best/favorite stories as many as the readers. And as well, Bark's duck comics/Disney's animated creations concerned, there's almost theological field of study and hobbyists. But, I think it suffices us here to mention lastly that in Unca Carl's most stories the best part is that there's always some kind of lesson, often presented in the final pictures of the story(sometimes not). And after all comics were at that time considered mostly as children's entertainment (read as well by the adults), which perhaps makes them remind fairy-tales in many ways. But what makes them just so good, is that the 'lesson' or 'message' is always hidden inside the story, and not brought too much in the forefront. Also, as well important, the story isn't ever just a simple run-through of fast-and-furious-scenes in queue.

Finally, returning to our original subject, Donald Duck in Ancient Persia. Just for the fun of it, we can quite well then end this post with that hilarious pic where Donald and "The counterfeit" are pointing towards each other, trying to assure others of being the 'real one' (and not the prince of Itsa Faka)...it kind of emphasizes the variability of borders between reality and fiction. (Though I also think, that thr actual peak in story is reached when king of Itsa Faka, just after been brought back to life, says as his first sentence to Mad Scientist that he's not too sure if to thank or kick him.) But just as good is...well, nevermind the rest, but the story indeed is very good...

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In the end of this recommend, we can also mention that valuable database in Barksology; the Duckstories. It contains fx publishing dates for those stories and adventures. There's other sources in web of course, one of them the INDUCK, another vast database (but we haven't had time to check it yet.)