Online pack to educate children about wildlife crime

January 2014: Children in Scotland will be taught about the impact of wildlife crime and how they can help combat the problem through a new online wildlife crime detectives’ education pack.

The interactive pack will help to raise children’s awareness of wildlife crime issues and increase their knowledge of legitimate countryside practices. Children will be encouraged to explore the moral issues surrounding wildlife crime while learning important safety messages.

The Scottish Minister for Environment and Climate Change and chair of PAW Scotland, Paul Wheelhouse, said:

“This new education pack provides an interactive way to educate and excite young people about our wildlife and help them to understand the damaging effects wildlife crime can have on Scotland’s animals, birds and habitats and why the eradication of wildlife crime is in the public interest.

“It will also encourage pupils and teachers to think more about our role in protecting our natural environment and instil an appreciation and set of values which will resonate with them for years to come.”

Read on

Towards a New Relationship with Rattlesnakes - via Herp Digest

By Matt Miller, Senior Science Writer June 12, 20113, Cool Green Nature, Nature Conservancy Blog- It might seem difficult to override our feelings about snakes. As Edward O. Wilson, David Quammen and others have written, many infants will shriek in terror when shown a snake. Youngsters don’t have such automatic reactions when shown more dangerous objects, like guns or poison. Kids have to be taught to avoid these things. With snakes, there’s an inborn fear—likely from humanity’s time on the savanna when stepping on a venomous snake would have very bad consequences.

The cultural hatred of snakes can run deep. Consider rattlesnake roundups, where people capture snakes (often by using gasoline fumes to flush them out of their dens) and then hold “family events.” Rattlers are subject to all manner of cruelty at these events.

But education can make a difference: in Georgia, the Orianne Society replaced a traditional rattlesnake roundup with an educational festival about snakes. It has been better attended than the previous event.

In Vermont, there are still those who would kill all rattlesnakes given the chance. As I rode through a small town with Blodgett, a large pickup pulled up next to us and hissed “SNAKE!” out the window, this despite Blodgett’s secrecy about the project. Some local residents believe the researchers are stocking snakes, a fairly common conspiracy theory wherever rattlesnakes are found.

Still, most people recognize timber rattlesnakes as an important part of the Appalachian Mountains. They are happy to know the rattlers are out there but don’t need interactions.

But what if a rattlesnake ends up in your backyard? The research partners have been handing out refrigerator magnets and brochures that list licensed snake researchers who will come and safely remove any rattlesnakes.

“It’s making a difference,” says Blodgett. “People know who to call when they have a rattlesnake too close.”

Most people will hike by timber rattlesnakes without even knowing they’re nearby. In fact, even snake researchers often have difficulty finding the snakes, even those with radio transmitters.

If you do see a rattlesnake while out hiking, consider yourself lucky, and enjoy the encounter from a distance. And consider this: While habitat loss, disease and climate change certainly pose risks to timber rattlesnakes, they also continue to be threatened by human ignorance.

So give snakes plenty of space. After facing too many years of relentless persecution and bad human behavior, they deserve it.

85-Million-Year-Old Sea Monster Re-Explored

RIGHT: The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County's mosasaur fossil contains four slabs, which make up a virtually complete, 20-foot specimen. Pictured here is the skull portion of the specimen. Credit: Courtesy of the Dinosaur Institute, NHM.

by Staff Writers
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 17, 2010

One of the ocean's most formidable marine predators, the marine mosasaur Platecarpus, lived in the Cretaceous Period some 85 million years ago and was thought to have swum like an eel. That theory is debunked in a new paper published in the journal PLoS ONE.

An international team of scientists have reconceived the animal's morphology, or body plan, based on a spectacular specimen housed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The paper was co-authored by a team of four scientists: Johan Lindgren (Lund University, Lund, Sweden), Michael W. Caldwell, Takuya Konishi (University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), and Luis M. Chiappe, Director of the Natural History Museum's Dinosaur Institute.

The mosasaur specimen was discovered in Kansas in 1969, and acquired by the NHM shortly thereafter. It contains four slabs, which make up a virtually complete, 20-foot specimen. Dr. Chiappe spurred a modern preparation of the specimen, and assembled the paper's research team.

"It is one of several exceptional fossils that will be featured in Dinosaur Mysteries," said Chiappe, curator of the 15,000-square foot landmark exhibition that opens at the museum in 2011.

In the meantime, the fossil will be temporarily on display at the museum's Dino Lab, a working lab located on the second floor of the museum, where paleontologists prepare fossils in full view of the public.

The specimen is "the finest preserved mosasaur in existence," according to Dr. Johan Lindgren, lead author of the published study. It retains traces of a partial body outline, putative skin color markings, external scales, a downturned tail, branching bronchial tubes, and stomach contents (fish).

Using it, the scientists demonstrate that a streamlined body plan and crescent-shaped tail fin were already well established in Platecarpus, and that these key features evolved very early in the evolution of mosasaurs. Noting the highly specialized tail fin, the new study assert that mosasaurs were better swimmers than previously thought - and that they swam more like sharks than eels.

The findings underscore how these adaptations for fully aquatic existence evolved rapidly and convergently in several groups of Mesozoic marine reptiles, as well as in extant whales. "This fossil shows evolution in action, how a successful design was developed time after time by different groups of organisms adapting to life in similar environments," said Chiappe.

"It highlights once again the potential for new discoveries to challenge well-established interpretations about dinosaurs and other animals that lived with them."

"From this beautifully preserved specimen it seems that advanced, shark like swimming began in mosasaurs millions of years earlier than we previously thought," said Dr. Kevin Padian, a paleontologist at the University of California, Berkeley, not involved in the paper.

"This study is the best possible proof that active research by curators and staff is the most essential component of a museum dedicated to educating the public."

http://www.terradaily.com/reports/85_Million_Year_Old_Sea_Monster_Re_Explored_999.html

New report holds up Wildwood as an example for other zoos to follow

New Government report holds up Wildwood as an example for other zoos to follow.

Today saw the publication of the Defra-commissioned report into zoos’ contribution to conservation and education. Wildwood Trust was chosen as a case study for its outstanding contribution to native wildlife conservation.

The report detailed Wildwood’s many conservation and education projects and held up Wildwood’s work as an example for other zoos to follow.

Peter Smith, Wildwood Trust’s Chief Executive said:

“It is wonderful for Wildwood’s conservation and education efforts to be recognised in such a report. Wildwood’s volunteers, members and staff are making a huge contribution to help many of our most endangered creatures. The report highlights in particular the excellent efforts of our conservation team, led by Senior Conservation Officer Hazel Ryan, in rescuing and reintroducing water voles, Britain’s most endangered mammal”

“Since we became a charity eight years ago we have put in a huge amount of effort, making Wildwood the most successful wildlife education centre in Kent. We now employ an outstanding education team and have developed award-winning wildlife education programmes that stimulate fun and learning for children across the county.”

Head of Education, Anne Riddell said:

“The education team continues to grow, attracting groups of all ages to learn about wildlife in our unique woodland setting. We have just had our busiest summer season ever and we are thrilled to see all our hard work recognised in this report.”

Quotes from the report:

7.1.1

The Wildwood Trust’s water vole re-introduction activities… demonstrate that smaller zoos have the potential to make a considerable conservation contribution.

Appendix 9, Page 95

“Considerable emphasis is placed on the reintroduction of native species and the protection of their natural habitats at Wildwood.”

“The zoo’s activities have also attracted considerable media attention through local news coverage as well as featuring on nature programmes, such as Countryfile. Many students have published papers, with the help of Wildwood employees, in a range of journals.”

“Other activities include training sessions dedicated to water vole conservation and more specialised courses for local wildlife groups, students and land-owners on surveying small mammals. Water voles are part of the A-level Endangered Species Conservation session. The zoo hosts many work experience students on conservation or animal care courses.”

A copy of the report can be downloaded from this link:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/review-zoos-conservation.pdf

Health and safety concerns disconnect us from nature

ASPIRING naturalists and conservationists in Dorset and Somerset might not be able to pursue their hobby due to hypothetical risks raised by health and safety issues.

This is the view of veteran television presenter, wildlife conservationist and national icon, Sir David Attenborough.

The idea of young people frolicking across the countryside looking for insects, animal footprints and wild flowers is considered too dangerous due to fears over volumes of traffic and child abduction.

Sir David told a national newspaper: "It is my belief that there is barely a child born into this world who is not initially interested in nature and other creatures.

"Now it is much more difficult for children. We agreed that you cannot have everyone collecting birds eggs but children should be able to collect fossils here and there.

"Those are the ways naturalists are born. I am sorry for legal reasons and perfectly proper reasons that children are no longer allowed to do that."

In his childhood, Sir David cut his teeth to gain his legendary expertise by travelling around rural Leicestershire on his bike, sitting in fields, picking wild flowers and watching animals.

He has expressed his concern that many modern Britons are "out of touch" with their environment and they can do their own little bit to enable wildlife to thrive by digging ponds and planting bee-friendly plants.

Sir David said: "You can transfer the principles of what you see in a decent natural history programme into the studying of nature you see around you."

Whilst there may be many schools in Dorset and Somerset who are doing some sterling work in environmental education, they seem to be others who are unwittingly instituting a culture of fear.

If our communities want our land looked after by future generations, young people have to work with it and on it.

A recent survey carried out by the Home Grown Cereals Authority showed that 17 per cent of both children and young people under the age of 30 thought eggs were a staple ingredient of bread.

The survey also found that 26 per cent of children thought bacon comes from sheep and also that 29 per cent of them were convinced oats grew on trees.

In the same survey, the older generations fared better. The majority of over 40s correctly observed that bread consisted of flour, water and yeast and where oats came from.

NFU president Peter Kendall said: "Everyone should know where primary foods like cereals are grown and the role they place as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

"It is critical that children and adults alike understand more about their food and the role British farmers play in producing it."

What seems to come out through Sir David's observations and the HGCA's survey results is that if young people do not have practical exposure to the countryside and how it works, you are inevitably going to have a dearth of knowledge.

It is vital that groups like Farming and Countryside Education (Face) and Linking Environment and Farming (Leaf) continue their vital work contacting schools and the wider public to arrange farm visits and open days to address these issues.

It is absolutely essential that educational institutions like Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester and Cannington College in Bridgwater have secure futures.

These colleges will provide the next generation of conservationists, wardens, farmers, gamekeepers, food technologists, rural craftsmen and landscape contractors. The countryside can't function without these people.

It confirms what many already suspect that land management issues have been badly neglected in recent years and this has to be reversed immediately.

Rural education is at its most effective in a practical environment so anything that stops this from happening must be amended or scrapped.

http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/westerngazette/Health-safety-concerns-disconnect-nature/article-2312403-detail/article.html

(Submitted by Mark North)

Lecturer in bat-sex row is nutrition expert

By Katherine Donnelly
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
A lecturer who filed a complaint of sexual harassment against a colleague who showed her an article about the sex life of fruit bats is a highly regarded expert on clinical nutrition.

Dr Rossana Salerno Kennedy lectures in medical education at University College Cork.

The much-published academic, who has a special interest in nutrition and the elderly, is married to Professor Peter Kennedy, vice president of research at UCC.

Dr Salerno Kennedy could not be contacted for comment yesterday, as Dr Dylan Evans demanded that sanctions imposed on him after the fruit-bats article incident be reversed.

The offending article, published in an academic journal, detailed how fruit bats prolong copulation via oral sex and Dr Evans said he showed it to a number of colleagues on the same day, one of whom complained.

Dr Evans, who lectures in behavioural science, has had a two-year period of intensive monitoring and counselling imposed on him, which he fears will have implications for his chances of gaining tenure at UCC.

Details of the controversy appeared on a number of websites in recent days and sparked international interest.

UCC appointed an external team to investigate complaints made by Dr Salerno Kennedy about Dr Evans' behaviour towards her in the period up to November 2, 2009, the day he showed he showed her the fruit bats article, and about the incident itself.

In her letter of complaint, she said that November 2 was "not the first time Dr Evans has raised sexual subjects with me" and on that day she felt his behaviour was "inappropriate and offensive".

The investigators rejected the complaints about the period before November 2, but upheld the complaint about the fruit- bats article incident, although they ruled it was not Dr Evans' intention to cause offence.

UCC has reacted with anger to the publication of confidential documents. The college said it viewed "with the utmost gravity the fact that confidential documentation concerning an internal allegation of sexual harassment was posted to social media platforms, in contravention of university policy".

The college insisted "the rights of staff who may wish to take similar action in future would also be affected, were confidentiality to be broken."

Dr Evans, who is being supported by the Irish Federation of University Teachers, told the Irish Independent yesterday that he had not released any documents in the case.

He launched an online petition seeking support for the reversal of the sanctions and said he had received letters from leading academics, including Professor Patrick Bateson, Provost of King's College Cambridge.

Irish Independent

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/lecturer-in-batsex-row-is-nutrition-expert-14811250.html#ixzz0oJd0x0TK

'World needs a barometer of life'

'World needs a barometer of life'
By Mark Kinver Science and environment reporter, BBC News

Knowledge about species and extinction rates is "very poor"
Biodiversity's 'point of no return'

The world needs a "barometer of life" to prevent ecosystems and species being lost forever, scientists have warned. Existing schemes, they said, did not include enough species from groups such as fungi and invertebrates to provide a detailed picture of what is at risk. Writing in the journal Science, the researchers said the barometer would increase the number of species being assessed from almost 48,000 to 160,000.

The data would help identify areas in need of urgent action, they added.

The article was penned by four leading figures in conservation, including Harvard University's Edward O Wilson and Simon Stuart, chairman of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC). "Knowledge about species and extinction rates remains very poor, and species disappear before we know they existed," they wrote.

To date, about 1.9m species have been described and given scientific names, but the actual number may exceed 10m. "As scientists are better able to assess the conservation status of the species that compose an ecosystem, the more they will understand the health of that ecosystem," they continued.
"It is time to accelerate taxanomy and scientific natural history, two of the most vital but neglected disciplines of biology."

Broader coverage
Currently, the most authoritative data on the status of at-risk species is the IUCN Red List, which has been assessing the conservation status of species around the globe for more than 40 years.

Dr Stuart, who oversees the compilation of the Red List, said it provided a good insight to the health of certain ecosystems, such as forests. "But it is very weak in its coverage of freshwater, marine and arid land species," he told BBC News. "There are a lot of additional species that we have to bring into the Red List."

At the moment, it evaluates almost 48,000 species, but it is acknowledged that there is a bias towards higher vertebrates, which include mammals, birds and reptiles. "The barometer would broaden the reach of the Red List to make it representative of all life, that's what it's all about," Dr Stuart explained.

The authors hope that broadening the taxanomic base of the Red List and increasing the database to 160,000 species would deliver practical benefits. "A representative barometer would provide a solid basis for informing decisions globally," the authors suggested. "For example, on conservation planning, resource allocation, environmental impact assessments, monitoring biodiversity trends... and enabling countries to develop national-level biodiversity indicators."

'Not acceptable'
The authors, all of whom are leading figures in their field, decided to join forces in order to voice their concerns that the rate of progress was too slow. "The amount that we are investing at the moment in the Red List to broaden its coverage means that it would take about 20 years to get there," Dr Stuart observed.
"At a time when everything on the planet is deteriorating, having to wait 20 years before we can measure everything properly is not acceptable."

However, the scientists acknowledge that a three-fold increase in the number of species regularly monitored by a global network of biologists would come at a price - an estimated US $60m (£39m). But they argued: "The barometer would, from an economic perspective, be one of the best investments for the good of humanity."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8609020.stm

Wildwood Education team invites teachers to see what they do

Wildwood's award winning education team is opening its doors to teachers across Kent, to come and see what they do, at a free teachers weekend.

The weekend will run on Saturday and Sunday March 20-21 starting at 11am and finishing at 3pm with teachers booking on one of the days.

This is an opportunity for teachers across the range of key stages to experience what Wildwood has to offer to their classes, the day will include workshops like Super Sleuths, Let's Talk Wolf and Animal Homes, plus a guided tour covering such subjects as Woodland Ecology and Animal Adaptation.

"We have been trying to find a way to let teachers know what we can do" commented Anne Riddell, Head of Education at Wildwood "The teachers weekend seemed like the ideal opportunity, not only do they get a chance to experience what their pupils could enjoy, but they also get a free lunch!"

If you are a teacher who would like to come along then please e-mail laura@wildwoodtrust.org to book a place today, please express a preference for which day.

Wildwood is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury. For more information visit our website at http://www.wildwoodtrust.org/ or telephone 0871 782008.

Details of the education programmes can be found on the website http://www.wildwoodtrust.org/

Programme is the same for each day:

1100-1115 arrival and refreshments
1115-1245 guided tour of the park covering a variety of NC themes, including animal adaptation, homes and habitats and woodland ecology at all levels, including A level and IB
1245-1330 free hot lunch in the restaurant
1330-1500 a range of NC-related workshops in the education centre (Super Sleuths, Let’s Talk Wolf and Animal Homes), which will cover topics of animal adaptation, animal communication, SEAL programme and animal homes)

Deadly new attractions at Blue Planet Aquarium

by Julian Hamilton. Published Fri 26 Feb 2010

Dozens of the animal kingdom’s most dangerous creatures have arrived at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks.

Entitled 'Venom,' the new editions will feature everything from black widow spiders and venomous lionfish to stinging jellyfish and vipers in a series of innovative new displays – including ‘Tarantula Tower’ where visitors will be able to step inside a Perspex tower surrounded by more than 50 giant spiders.

The new feature contains so many potentially deadly creatures that staff have had to undergo emergency first aid training and bring in life-saving anti-venom kits.

Blue Planet Aquarium’s Paul Renolds said: “Venom will contain one of the highest concentrations of venoms, toxins and poisons anywhere in the UK.

“Every member of our zoological team that will come into contact with the animals has undergone specialist training and will wear protective clothing to ensure their safety,” he added.

A number of the new arrivals are deemed so dangerous that Blue Planet Aquarium will have to notify officials at each local authority through which they will be transported en route to the aquarium.

Venom will be divided into three sections featuring marine creatures, spiders and insects, and reptiles.

Other displays will be home to stonefish – considered to be one of the marine world’s most lethal fish, venomous vipers including the eyelash viper and white lipped tree viper, scorpions, giant tarantulas, golden web spinning spiders, assassin bugs and a whole host of other venomous creatures.

http://www.clickliverpool.com/living/family-fun/128177-deadly-new-attractions-at-blue-planet-aquarium.html

The "Zoo" haven for animals

by Dinusha WIJAYASURIYA

With the increasing trend of resource utilization, there are many manners in which ecosystems and species are being negatively affected. Thus, it is the responsibility of mankind to take necessary steps to ensure the survival of all living beings; as the most intelligent creature on earth.

Hence, as the undergraduates of the Department of Business Administration of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, we believe that it is our responsibility to contribute positively towards this phenomenon. Therefore, in order to undertake a project, we decided to join hands with the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, with consideration to the high levels of interest currently shown by the public.

The National Zoological Gardens, generally known as the 'Zoo', is beautifully landscaped in 23 acres which is situated 11 km from the Fort - Colombo. The Zoo was started as a menagerie in the late nineteen twenties by John Hagenbeck, a member of the famous show-business family from Hamburg, Germany. The Zoo was officially recognised only in July 1936 upon the acquisition by the Government.

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in Asia and displays over 500 varieties of aquatic life. There is daily elephant performance at the 'Ali Ranga Peeta' in the evenings which attracts visitors from different parts of the world. Also a walk through the Aviary, Reptilian and the Butterfly Park provide a unique experience to the visitors.Moreover, the National Zoological Gardens conducts special educational programs for school which includes student guidance services, mobile exhibition units and facilitates for research activities in order to enhance the knowledge and awareness among the public.

The 'animal hospital' provides primary medical care for over 2500 animals of 350 different species at the Zoological Gardens. Besides providing veterinary care for the animals, it gets involved in both basic and clinical research related to zoological animals; it also functions as a teaching hospital for the veterinary students at the University of Peradeniya.

A special and a separate unit established under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon to take care of the orphaned, captive as well as wild neonatal and juveniles, is known as the 'animal nursery'. It has never been an easy task to bring up these infant animals once they have been neglected or refused by the parent animals due to different reasons.

Therefore, by identifying the importance of this silent but the invaluable service provided by the Nursery, as responsible citizens of the country we made a contribution towards improving the infrastructure of the Nursery, by providing special room heating facilities which had been a necessity for more than a decade. We have also provided our assistance in order to equip the nursery with many other accessories which would further enhance the service rendered by it.

'Pets corner', one of the popular attractions within the premises contributes in many ways to bring awareness among the public. This includes educating the public and constructing a sound relationship through interaction and involvement, which indeed assist in developing a responsible community with lateral thinking and positive attitudes.

Recognizing this valuable service provided by the Young Zoologists of the Pets Corner who provide their voluntary services in taking care of animals, educating the public and through interaction and involvement of the visitors; we have taken initial steps to design and provide them, a uniform (T-shirt) and we believe that it would give them a better identity and much deserved recognition.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/02/28/spe03.asp

Blonde raccoon is star of show at new wildlife centre

RIGHT: Terri Petter holds her blonde raccoon Fingers at the site of where her wildlife education center will be built. Renee Jones Schneider, Star Tribune.

CALL OF THE WILDLIFE

A landmark furniture store in Farmington is being transformed into a wildlife education center, along with a gift shop and restaurant.

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune
February 21, 2010 - 7:29 PM

The array of country furniture and accessories displayed in a sprawling timber building has always been but part of the lure of Oak & Treasures in Farmington.

For some, a weekend just wasn't complete without stopping in to talk to Fingers the blonde raccoon, who regularly occupied a pen in the back of the store. Or to get an up-close look at the wolf that often kept Terri Petter company in her office while she worked at the store belonging to her mother, Eunice.

After 15 years, the animals are moving from the back rooms and into the spotlight. Oak & Treasures is closing its doors and will reopen as a wildlife education center in the fall.

"The Habitat" will display a variety of native animals in their natural surroundings inside large, fenced-in pens. The inside of the log building will feature a bar and grill and gift shop. The walls will be adorned with animal mounts accompanied by educational text.

It's the brainchild of Apple Valley native Terri Petter, who grew up with a love of the outdoors and the creatures that inhabit them.

"Working with critters has always been her dream,'' Eunice Petter said. "We've been working toward this point for five years. It's just a good time to do it.''

"I always wanted to educate people on the outdoors and to get kids off the couch and away from the video games,'' Terri Petter said. "Getting people back outside to enjoy wildlife.''

Terri Petter has more than 100 animals, including cougars, wolves, bobcats, lynx, badgers, foxes, prairie dogs and ground hogs. They are housed on her 100-acre ranch in Apple Valley. Petter has a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit, and she said all of the animals have been purchased from a USDA-licensed facility.

"I don't have any kids; those are my kids,'' Terri Petter said. "I protect them like they are my kids.''

A landscape makeover will include the addition of trees, boulders, plants and ponds. "You're going to be able to walk out there and feel like you are up north,'' Terri Petter said.

Admission prices stand at $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for children. Yearly memberships will be available. Petter also is seeking corporate sponsorships and accepts donations.

The Petters have purchased an adjacent 70 acres of farmland they plan to use for future expansion of the habitat. Plans call for a petting farm featuring horses, cows, chickens and the like.

The current going-out-of-business furniture sale runs through May 1. Construction will begin soon after, weather permitting.

Eunice Petter has been in the furniture business for over 30 years, dating back to her days as an antiques dealer at Lake and Hennepin in Minneapolis. She also taught history for 30 years in the Apple Valley school district. While sad to see the furniture store close ("I'll miss the customers"), she's excited about her daughter's new venture.

"It's a big gamble,'' said Terri Petter, who put her ranch and her mom's timber building up for loan collateral. "I might be living in a box in two years. But I think it's worth it.''

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/84920632.html
(Submitted by D.R. Shoop)

Pygmy goat arrives at Wildwood

Wildwood has had another pygmy goat arrive at the park.

This will bring up the number of pygmy goats to three, they are part of the animal encounters section close to the childrens play area. Close encounters allows young visitors to the park, a chance to see pygmy goats, geese, unusual chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs. As well as providing hand reared animals for education and outreach work.

The new goat is pregnant and will give birth sometime during March.

"The pygmy goats have been very popular with our visitors" commented Alan Keeling, Deputy Head Keeper at Wildwood "they are very entertaining especially when they have mock fights and jump around the enclosure"

Pygmy goats are just one of the huge range of British animals that can be seen at the Wildwood Discovery Park, for more information visit the website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 0871 7820087.

Wildwood is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury. For more information visit our website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 0871 782008.

Pygmy Goat Facts

A pygmy goat is a small breed of domestic goat. Although they produce a very large amount of milk for their size, and can be eaten, pygmy goats are not typically used for milk or meat, unlike larger dairy and meat goat breeds. Pygmy goats tend to be more robust and breed more continually throughout the year than either dairy or meat goats. They are also sometimes kept as pets in urban or suburban backyards, depending on local regulation of livestock ownership.

Like all goats, pygmy goats have stomachs with four compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum, and the abomasum. As browsers, goats are similar to deer and enjoy variety in their diet, including woody plants. The pygmy goat is quite hardy, an asset in a wide variety of settings, and can adapt to virtually all climates.

Females, called does or nannies, weigh about 23 to 34 kg (35 to 60lbs) and males, called bucks or billies, stand about 27 to 39 kg (40 to 80 lbs). Wither height ranges from 16 to 23 inches. Their colour can range from white carmel, medium carmel, dark carmel, dark (red) carmel, silver-light grey agouti, silly medium grey agouti, dark grey agouti, black with frosted points, solid black, and brown agouti. Also, the males are usually darker than the females.

Pygmy goats are precocious breeders, bearing one to four young every nine to twelve months after a five month gestation period. Does are usually bred for the first time at about twelve to eighteen months, although they may conceive as early as two months if care is not taken to separate them early from bucklings. Newborn kids will nurse almost immediately, begin eating grain and roughage within a week, and are weaned by three months of age.

Polyestrous sexual behaviour means they can cycle year-round as opposed to dairy breeds. If milking is a priority, a continuous supply of milk can be obtained by breeding two does alternately. Dairy breeds usually have problems maintaining a year-round milk supply due to their seasonal breeding nature.

Pygmy goats originated in the Cameroon Valley of West Africa. They were imported into the United States from European zoos in the 1950s for use in zoos as well as research animals. They were eventually acquired by private breeders and quickly gained popularity as pets and exhibition animals due to their good-natured personalities, friendliness and hardy constitution. Today you can find them as house pets and at petting zoos.

Pygmy goats are adaptable to virtually any climate so they do not need the comfort of warmth or coldness. They enjoy having items to jump on, for they are able to leap onto vehicles. They are also in need of a shed and open area accessible at all times. They also need a companion that doesn't necessarily have to be its own species. Pygmy goats should not be introduced to another species or they can be harmed by the other animal. Goats require fresh water at all times or they won't drink it. Pygmy goats are often affectionate if they are treated with respect, and they are still some of the most needy pets.

Mahila Kalasala celebrates Frogs Liberation Day

Friday, Feb 19, 2010
Staff Reporter

Students stress the need to ban cruelty towards animals

VIJAYAWADA: The students, faculty and non-teaching staff of the Intermediate wing of Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala, Labbipet, celebrated the Frogs Liberation Day on Thursday in a bid to highlight the importance of banning cruelty towards animals.

The participants hailed the decision of the Board of Intermediate Education to do away with the mandatory dissection of frogs in the syllabus of practical examinations, in deference to the wishes of advocates of prevention of cruelty to living being.

They showcased prototypes of frogs and a few other amphibians, along with some live frogs on the occasion to drive home the point about the need to protect them.

Novel programme

S. Vijaya Lakshmi, Head of the Department of English, said that cancellation of frog dissection in zoology practical examination came about following the concerns expressed over the possible extinction of all frogs.

It was a novel programme aimed at fostering the spirit of humanity towards all and involving all people in such activities.

Principal K. Visala, staff and students of almost all departments participated in the event.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/19/stories/2010021950770200.htm

Children 'believe sheep lay eggs'

02/02/2010

Eggs come from sheep, crisps are made of plastic and butterflies produce cheese - these are just some of the wrong answers given by children in a test of their knowledge of food sources, it was revealed.

The survey of more than 1,000 school children showed that nearly two thirds struggled to identify the origins of the everyday foods they eat.

Some thought beef burgers came from McDonalds or Burger King, that yoghurts were made using turkeys or ducks, ham came from the Co-Op, bacon from horses, goats or peacocks and cheese originated from butterflies, rats or mice.

Less than one in four knew that beef burgers are sourced from cows, with 29% saying beef burgers came from pigs.

More than 1,100 youngsters from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, between the ages of six and eight, were questioned for the research commissioned by rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual.

The survey was used to determine their level of awareness and knowledge of vegetables, dairy products and meat produce and to see if they were able to recognise how they are sourced.

Other bizarre responses from pupils included children believing rabbits, plastic or sheep were the main ingredient of crisps (two thirds correctly identified potatoes).

Some thought ice cream was made with cheese, air, fish or potatoes (43% correctly said milk or cream).

But children's overall level of recognition of vegetables was high, ranging from 98% for carrots and sweetcorn to a low of 44% for swede/turnip.

Levels of animal recognition were even higher, with all pupils correctly identifying cows, 99% for pigs, 98% for chickens and 97% for sheep.

http://news.uk.msn.com/odd-news/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=151988117
(Submitted by Corinna Downes)

Wildwood Education Department needs you!

Wildwood's award-winning Education department (BIAZA Best Education Project 2007) has become the victim of its own success.

The department has had a great response to the programmes it has been running over the last few years both for students and members of the public. This has given rise to a need for paid sessional tutors to help out during our busy summer season.

Sessional tutors are involved with all kinds of activities, such as taking primary schools on guided tours, showing children how to howl like a wolf or teaching woodland ecology to sixth formers! Sessional tutors need to be available to work during term time and are paid for days worked.

"We are looking for people who have some spare time even if it is just a couple of days a week" says Laura Hester, Education Officer for Wildwood "we are not necessarily looking for people who are experts though a good general knowledge of British wildlife or experience working with children, would be an advantage "

Wildwood is looking to run an Introductory day for interested people, offering a chance to see what a sessional tutor is expected to do, and are asking those who would like to take advantage of this opportunity by e-mailing Laura Hester on e-mail laura@wildwoodtrust.org before Thursday 4th February 2010.

A huge range of British animals can be seen at the Wildwood Discovery Park, for more information visit the website at http://www.wildwoodtrust.org/ or telephone 0871 7820087.

Wildwood is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury. For more information visit our website at http://www.wildwoodtrust.org/ or telephone 0871 782008.

Information for New Sessional Tutors

Wildwood Trust is very grateful to its sessional tutors for the generous giving of their free time to help us achieve our mission to inspire students and the general public about British wildlife and its conservation.

What Wildwood Trust offers

Varied and interesting work within a conservation environment

The opportunity to be part of a lively and sociable team

An opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience

The support of the Head of Education and team

What does a sessional tutor do?

As a sessional tutor, you would lead activities for school groups yourself, rather than just assisting Wildwood staff. Tutors are paid £60 per day and are on call for days when there are too many school activities booked for Wildwood's permanent staff to deal with. We are looking for people who are as flexible as possible in what they are willing to teach, which age groups they will work with and what days they are available. However, if you are only available on Mondays and Tuesdays, or only want to work with primary school children, we may still be able to find work for you, there will just be less of it than if you are available any day of the week and will teach any age. We cannot guarantee work every week or on particular days. Work for sessional tutors will be almost exclusively during term time.

The majority of our school visitors are primary schools and so you would spend most of your time with primary school groups. Activities include guided tours of the park, short meet an animal sessions with particular species and 45-minute workshops on a variety of topics.

Most school groups are with us between 10am and 2pm, so you would normally be expected to arrive before 10am in order to set up for the day and should be able to leave by 2:30pm.

What we are looking for

Don't panic! You don't necessarily have to be a qualified teacher or an expert on British wildlife. We just want people who are keen to get involved in wildlife education. Ideally, we are looking for people who have experience of working with children and who have good general knowledge about animals.

As a sessional tutor, before running any activity such as a guided tour on your own, you would have training, including chances to observe Wildwood staff taking a tour group round and also assisting in taking a tour. Basic training (to allow you to take a guided tour, a few meet an animal sessions and perhaps one workshop) would normally be expected to last four weeks, at the rate of one day per week. If you are able to come in more than once a week, training will take less time. We have a huge variety of workshops on offer for schools and we don't expect you to learn all of those at once! Tutors are not paid for any training days. Your first four weeks are considered a trial period, during which the education officer will provide a structured programme of activities to help you learn essential information including:

Familiarisation with the park and its facilities

Health and safety procedures and emergency guidelines

General policies and procedures which are relevant to your role

Orientation activities

Hands-on training for running activities.

For all posts involving working with children, you will need a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check before working with us. This is standard for anyone working with children.

The commitment we ask for

A willingness to learn and keep up-to-date with relevant information and to adapt to new developments and initiatives

A commitment to attend basic training sessions as part of your induction and development and refresher training when required

A commitment to spend time developing an excellent knowledge of the park layout and species represented within the animal collection, including individual animals, to enable you to answer most questions

A commitment to delivering a professional standard of information service to our visitors

Wildlife week celebrations

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: Around 200 school students representing 20 schools of the city took part in various activities organised by WWF-India, Andhra Pradesh State Office as part of the Wildlife Week 2009 celebrations at the Nehru Zoological Park here on Friday.

The activities designed to generate interest on wildlife conservation among children included a nature trail, photography workshop and competition and a quiz competition. The event sponsored by APTDC and organised in collaboration with the Nehru Zoological Park had the children actively joining the different activities, informed P.S.M. Srinivas, Manager-Corporate, WWF-India, A.P.State Office.

Andhra Pradesh

http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/10/stories/2009101059640300.htm

East London a wild place—if you know where to look

23 July 2009
By Mike Brooke

WILDLIFE conservationists are going all out to bring East London closer to the wildlife on its doorstep.

They have started a Wild Place project which this week was awarded £379,000 by the Heritage Lottery to help people get involved in their nature wildlife along the River Lea.

The project by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Lee Valley Regional Park authority introduces people to the rich variety of plants, animals and insects found along the river, from Blackwall where it joins the Thames, northward to Hackney and Enfield.

“East London’s wildlife is facing huge challenges from development and climate change,” said RSPB London manager Martyn Foster.

PRESSURES

“The pressures of modern life are cutting people off from their natural surroundings. We aim to redress that imbalance.”

Work is being focused on six sites, Blackwall’s East India Dock Basin, Bow Creek Ecology Park, Hackney filter beds, Walthamstow Waterworks nature reserve, Tottenham Marshes, and Enfield’s Myddelton House Gardens.

Heritage Lottery Fund’s Sue Bowers said: “This project connects open spaces along the Lee Valley and connects Londoners to the natural world that many don’t realise is within easy reach of their homes.”

Schools and communities are being invited to create activities, education projects and special events along a 12-mile stretch of the Lee Valley Regional Park, which is home to hundreds of plants and creatures including otters, peregrine falcons, kingfishers, grass snakes and common lizards. Around 1,800 children will be involved in the new term.

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/content/towerhamlets/advertiser/news/story.aspx?brand=ELAOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsela&itemid=WeED23%20Jul%202009%2023%3A46%3A14%3A617