Bolivia enacts law to protect Amazon pink dolphins

Bolivian President Evo Morales has enacted a law aimed at protecting a unique species of dolphins that live in the country's Amazon rivers.

The new legislation bans fishing freshwater pink dolphins and declares the species a national treasure.

At a ceremony along the shores of the Ibare river, President Morales called on the armed forces to protect the habitats of the pink dolphins

The species is threatened by erosion, pollution and logging in the Amazon.

The Bolivian pink dolphin, whose scientific name is Inia boliviensis, is similar to mammals found in neighbouring Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

Read on:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19642422

Rabbits 'threat' to the Storr on Skye

By Steven McKenzieBBC Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter

Wild rabbits are causing erosion and eating fragile upland plants in one of Scotland's most striking landscapes, according to a new report.

The Storr is the highest point on the Trotternish Ridge on Skye and features the Old Man of Storr rock formation.

Results of monitoring of the ridge by researchers suggest reducing rabbit numbers to help to protect the Special Area of Conservation.

Declines in sheep grazing on the ridge were also deemed to be beneficial.

The Trotternish Ridge is owned by the Scottish government.

Historically, it was taken over by the state in 1904 and made available to crofters who had been forced off the land during the Highland Clearances in the 19th Century.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-17562655