SWEATERS FOR PENGUINS:
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Two fairy penguins model sweaters knitted for them by volunteers.
Tasmanian Conservation Trust
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Tiny fairy penguins who inhabit Philip Island (off the southern coast of Australia) need sweaters; yes,
sweaters. The Tasmanian Conservation Trust clothes the 16” birds to prevent them from preening their feathers. These birds are, unfortunately, the frequent victims of oil spills and illegal bilge pumping from commercial vessels (see NewsBit on cruise ships below). If the birds ingest the oil, it can kill them. Also, the sweaters help keep the little penguins warm. (Feathers covered in oil don’t work as insulators for body heat). The Australian Parks and Wildlife Service are collecting sweaters made by volunteers for Oil Response Kits. So, pick up your knitting needles and visit the Tasmanian Conservation Trust for the sweater pattern!
Audubon magazine, October 2001.
AMAZON RAINFOREST MAY DISAPPEAR SOONER:
New evidence reveals that the Amazon rainforest could disappear much faster than was originally estimated. At current levels of devastation, scientists expected the rainforest to last only until 2150 or so. However, a new computer model, which takes into account the forest’s effect on the area’s climate, changes the expectancy to between 2020 and 2030.
Science News magazine; July 24, 2001.
BABY NORTHERN RIGHT WHALES BORN:
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A rare right whale with an even rarer sight, a calf.
National Geographic, September 2001
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Northern Right whales are the most endangered (of the other whale species) with a known population of
approximately 300. In 2000, only one new baby calf was sighted. This past winter, however, 30 new calves were sighted after having been born off of Florida and Georgia. This is the most researchers have seen in 20 years.
National Geographic magazine, Sept 2001.
FIRST CALIFORNIA CONDOR EGG PRODUCED:
Less than 50 California condors can be found in the wild between Arizona and California, but a cracked
egg from a reintroduced condor has been found in the Grand Canyon. Researchers are hoping that more eggs will follow.
Animals magazine, Summer 2001.
BRAKE FERNS MAY HELP TO CLEAN UP THE ENVIRONMENT:
Scientists have discovered that the brake fern may show promise in cleaning up polluted sites. This plant has the ability to absorb arsenic (see our Chemicals section) without any harmful effects to itself. Not only that, they are hardy, easy to propagate and best of all, fast-growing.
National Wildlife magazine, June/July 2001.
LANDMARK POLLUTION LAW FOR CRUISE SHIPS PASSED IN ALASKA:
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Alaska has legislated cruise ship discharge.
Blueplanet Quarterly, Fall 2001
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Alaska now has the strictest regulations for cruise ship discharges in the US waters. The bill was
signed by Governor Tony Knowles in July 2001. This legislation requires the sampling, testing and monitoring of emissions in accordance with set standards. The new law also allows state authorities to board cruise ships to check for compliance. It is hoped that other states will adopt similar regulations.
Blue Planet Quarterly, Fall 2001.
TURTLE TROUBLE:
The largest nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles in the north Pacific is Yakushima Island. The Sea Turtle Association of Japan (comprised of researchers and volunteers from all over the world) have collected turtle nesting and migration data for more than 16 years. However, this past May, the local government put a stop to the research in favor of commercial tours. Now, tourists are scanning the beaches for a chance to see an egg-laying female up close. This does not seem to be a good change for the loggerheads.
Wildlife Conservation magazine, December 2001.
SMALLTOOTH SAWFISH MAY BE ADDED TO ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST IN 2002:
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A smalltooth sawfish.
Wildlife Journal, Fall 2001
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A proposal has been made by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to add this shark relative
to the list. Experts estimate that its numbers have declined 99%. The primary reason appears to be due to commercial fishers. The smalltooth often turns up as by-catch along with other animals that aren’t actively being fished.
Wildlife Journal magazine, Fall 2001.
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