Primates' Brains Make Visual Maps Using Triangular Grids

ScienceDaily (Oct. 28, 2012) — Primates' brains see the world through triangular grids, according to a new study published online October 28 in the journal Nature.

Scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, have identified grid cells, neurons that fire in repeating triangular patterns as the eyes explore visual scenes, in the brains of rhesus monkeys.

The finding has implications for understanding how humans form and remember mental maps of the world, as well as how neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's erode those abilities. This is the first time grid cells have been detected directly in primates. Grid cells were identified in rats in 2005, and their existence in humans has been indirectly inferred through magnetic resonance imaging.

Read more:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121028142314.htm

Forest corridors are vital to survival of Sumatran orangutans

The destruction of the rainforest is not the only problem: A change of strategy is needed to save the Sumatran orangutans

October 2012. The orangutans in Sumatra are in danger of becoming extinct. Anthropologists from the University of Zurich have proved that the Sumatran orangutan has suffered a drastic decrease in population recently.

For the first time, they studied the genetic make-up and migratory behaviour of these animals. They discovered that the population is divided into several sub-populations which existed long before the destruction of the rainforest, so they are of a geographic origin.

Some good news
While this population structure does not help preserve the species, there is some good news: Young male orangutans overcome their disadvantages with lengthy journeys. This finding leads to the discovery of a strategy that could save these critically endangered apes.

Orangutans are the only large apes in Asia and are mostly arboreal. There are two species orangutans, 1 in Sumatran and 1 in Borneo: While the Borneo population lives in large sections of Borneo, the Sumatran orangutan is only found at the northern tip of Sumatra. With a current population of only around 6,600 Sumatra orangutans, a figure which is dropping rapidly and constantly, this species is on the Red List of Threatened Species.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/orangutan-forest-corridor.html

Albino Humpback whale seen off Svalbard

WHITE HUMPBACK WHALE OFF SPITZBERGEN

October 2012. These extraordinary photos were very kindly sent to us by Dan Fisher, who is a crew member on the SV Antigua, a beautiful 3 masted sailing ship that can sails the waters off the Svalbard Archipelago in summer.  Dan spotted this beautiful white Humpback, and took some fantastic photos of the whale. Wildlife Extra believes that the whale is an albino, as we can see no colouration at all on the whale, and there does seem to be a pink tinge to his/her eyes and mouth. 

White whales
White whales are unusual, but not unheard of. After Moby Dick, probably the most famous white whale is another white Humpback, known as Migaloo, who has been seen over the last 20 years off the coast of Queensland in Australia. Last October, a white Humpback calf was also seen off the Queensland Coast, and in the last few years we have also received images and reports of white Killer whales off Alaska & Russia (possibly the same whale), several white Southern right whale calves off South Australia, and an albino dolphin off Louisiana.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/albino-humpback.html

Second Critically Endangered Red wolf killed in North Carolina

$2,500 Reward Offered for Information on Second Red Wolf Death

October 2012. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting assistance with an investigation involving the suspected illegal killing of a second radio-collared red wolf that was recently found dead. The wolf was found with a suspected gunshot wound east of Belhaven, in Beaufort County, North Carolina.

This is the second Red wolf that has been killed recently, after a wolf was shot in North Carolina in September

Anyone with information that directly leads to an arrest or a criminal conviction for the suspected unlawful take of this red wolf may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500. Anyone with information on the death of this red wolf or any others, past or future, is urged to contact Special Agent Sandra Allred at (919) 856-4786, Refuge Officer Frank Simms at (252) 216-7504 or North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Robert Wayne at (252) 216-8225.

The red wolf is protected under The Endangered Species Act. The maximum criminal penalties for the unlawful taking of a red wolf are one year imprisonment and $100,000 fine per individual.

Extinct in the wild
The red wolf (Canis rufus) is one of the world's most endangered wild canids. Once common throughout the south-eastern United States, red wolf populations were decimated by the 1960's due to intensive predator control programs and loss of habitat. A remnant population of red wolves was found along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. After being declared an endangered species in 1967, efforts were initiated to locate and capture as many wild red wolves as possible. Of the 17 remaining wolves captured by biologists, 14 became the founders of a successful captive breeding program. Consequently, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service declared red wolves extinct in the wild in 1980.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/red-wolf-killed.html

Let's get to the point: It's time for vaccination, says RSPB

The Environment Secretary's announcement  about the postponement of the badger cull has been welcomed by the RSPB.

Martin Harper is the Society's conservation director. He said: “These culls have proved to be extremely divisive. The science suggests that culling will not deliver the solution to this serious and urgent problem. This announcement suggests that farmers and badgers will be in exactly the same situation next summer.

"This window gives Owen Paterson an opportunity to lead the Government out of this muddle by embracing a vaccination programme, giving a lifeline to livestock farmers and badgers.”

http://www.smallholder.co.uk/news/10012001.Let_s_get_to_the_point__It_s_time_for_vaccination__says_RSPB/