Madagascar palm trees at risk of extinction, study finds

A majority of Madagascar's palms face extinction due to land clearing, an environment protection group says.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said 83% of the 192 tree varieties had been added to its threatened species list.

The group called the figures "terrifying", saying the tree loss also endangered animals and put people's livelihoods at risk.

The findings bring the global number of species at risk of dying out to 20,219.

The IUCN's global director for biodiversity conservation, Jane Smart, said the latest study showed the situation could no longer be ignored.

"The figures on Madagascar's palms are truly terrifying, especially as the loss of palms impacts both the unique biodiversity of the island and its people," she said.

Read on:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19985536

Plans for emu underpass across Australian highway abandoned

Australian road officials have been considering ways to save a coastal emu habitat in northern New South Wales from the impact of a proposed highway which will cut through the birds’ territory. The emu, one of the world’s largest birds, can run at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour but has come under threat in recent years from drought and land clearing.

Gary Whale, from a local bird group called Clarence Valley Birdos, said the proposed highway upgrade would lead to the extinction of the region’s emus.

"They need a certain critical number to survive and if you cut them in half, and have half on either side of this new road, then it virtually guarantees their extinction," said.

The state’s Roads and Maritime Service has proposed underground tunnels to help protect the emus – a measure which has been used to save koalas and reptiles. Elsewhere in Australia, authorities have built suspension rope bridges for others animals such as possums.

However, environmentalists believe underpasses will not save the emus, which lack the intelligence to use them. The population in the area is now numbered at around 120.

Read on:  ttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/9522311/Plans-for-emu-underpass-across-Australian-highway-abandoned.html#