Science

Recovery Of Brazil’s Spix’s Macaw, Popularized In Animated ‘Rio’ Films, Threatened By Climate Change

Published

7 months ago

2024-05-28

Kiara Grace

Macaw | Pixa Bay Image

Curacao, Brazil — All Spix’s macaws are gloriously blue in the blazing sun of Brazil’s Northeast. Threats that had ravaged the Spix’s macaws persist, and the birds now confront a new threat: climate change. The species’ native range includes what has recently been classified as Brazil’s first arid climate region, but each bird is unique to Candice and Cromwell Purchase. As the parrots soar squawking by their house, the pair can easily distinguish bird No. 17 by its smooth feathers and No. 16 from No. 22, which has two beads attached to its radio collar.

This familiarity reveals the South African couple’s determination to save one of the world’s most severely endangered creatures. The parrot, already uncommon in the nineteenth century and restricted to a small portion of the Sao Francisco River basin, was declared extinct in the wild in 2000 when a single surviving male vanished after decades of hunting and habitat loss caused by livestock overgrazing. The few remaining birds were dispersed across private collections throughout the world.

Macaw | Pixa Bay Image

Recovery Of Brazil’s Spix’s Macaw, Popularized In Animated ‘Rio’ Films, Threatened By Climate Change

The Spix macaws, immortalized in the popular animated “Rio” flicks, have had a long, twisting, and rough road back from the brink of extinction.

Cromwell Purchase is concerned that the drier weather will influence the habitat of the few surviving Spix’s macaws.

“A dry area only receives rain for a brief portion of the year. “A drought in that period could last a year before you get your next rain,” said Purchase, a tall and thin 46-year-old. “The animals are acclimated to tough settings, yet they are at the brink. “Any small amount of change will decimate populations.”

In November, two federal research organizations published a study on rainfall water loss in plants and soil between 1960 and 2020. It demonstrated that northern Bahia state, including Curaca, where the Spix’s macaws are attempting to live, is now consistent with a desert environment. It also revealed the spread of a semi-arid climate in the Northeast, where almost 55 million people reside.

“If the globe warms, there will be a lot more evaporation. So, water escapes the environment and causes aridity,” Alexandre Pires, director of Brazil’s anti-desertification efforts, told The Associated Press.

Since 2005, Brazil’s semi-arid territory has expanded by 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles), roughly the size of three Californias. The government plans to propose measures to prevent desertification in the region by supporting better soil and natural resource management.

Despite changing climates and countless hurdles, the Purchases have dedicated most of their adult lives to breeding Spix’s macaws and returning them into the wild. The biologists began their voyage by working with a private collection in an oasis in Qatar. When the birds were sold to a charity group, the couple relocated to Germany.

Over the last four years, their efforts have been concentrated in the rural area of Curaca, a nondescript hamlet of 34,000 inhabitants.

The Brazilian government and the German charity Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots reached an agreement in 2020 to send 52 Spix’s macaws to Brazil on two charter flights. Federal police led them to breeding and reintroduction facilities, accessible via a one-hour journey on a difficult country road and where the Purchases live and work for the NGO.

The following year, 20 Spix’s macaws were released into the wild, together with 15 wild-sourced Blue-Winged macaws, to “teach” them how to fly, avoid danger, and forage. Last year, two Spix’s macaw chicks were born in the wild for the first time in decades, but neither survived.

All released birds had radio collars, each containing an antenna to withstand macaws’ strong bills. The Purchases and their assistant monitor the birds’ locations thrice daily.

Macaw | Pixa Bay Image

Climate Change Endangers the Regeneration of Brazil’s Spix’s Macaw, a Popularity in Animated “Rio” Films

Half of Spix’s macaws have died, largely from predation, or vanished. The remaining ones now dwell within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of the facilities, which comprise a couple’s house and a 47-meter (51-yard)–long U-shaped flight and release cage.

Three more light pale blue chicks were hatched in the wild in March. Not only did they survive, but one flew for the first time last week, which was a significant accomplishment.

“This event is so important because it shows how comfortable the parents are in their wild environment,” Candice Purchase remarked via text message. “A remarkable achievement for the birds and an incredible success for the release.”

To minimize the effects of desertification, the German parrot organization collaborated with a private enterprise, Blue Sky Caatinga, to encourage planting 24,000 hectares (59,300 acres) in the Spix’s macaw region. This effort comprises small farmers who rely mainly on goat farming.

Unlike the depictions in the animated films “Rio” and “Rio 2,” which highlighted the Spix’s macaw extinction concern, the parrot’s natural home is distant from Brazil’s most famous city, Rio de Janeiro, and the Amazon rainforest. It dwells among the sparse, prickly, low caatinga vegetation, which frequently loses greens during dry spells. The bird also uses the Caraibeira, a towering evergreen tree that grows near small intermittent creeks, for nesting and feeding. During the breeding season, the trees let the pairs preserve energy by avoiding long flights to eat.

When the macaws came from Germany, they were provided various wild foods. “We found that it took a while for the birds to recognize them as food,” Purchase stated. “But the Caraibeira tree develops a seed pod that resembles helicopter seeds. The Spix family has never seen anything like that before. We put those in the cages, and some people picked them up and quickly knew how to open them and eat the kernel inside, which was amazing and surprised us.”

Macaw | Pixa Bay Image

Climate Change Endangers the Regeneration of Brazil’s Spix’s Macaw, a Popularity in Animated “Rio” Films

The project also faces problems outside of the natural environment. The federal government informed the organization on May 15 that it would cancel the arrangement, which was set to expire on June 5. According to the Associated Press, Brazil’s federal environmental regulator discovered that in 2023, the NGO relocated Spix’s macaws from its center in Germany to other nations without its consent. The deal will be extended once the matter is resolved, but the government has said the organization can continue its reintroduction efforts. International sources fund the initiative.

Troubled relations have halted plans to release 20 parrots per year for the next 20 years. “There will be no release in 2023, and it currently appears that a 2024 release is uncertain. “It would be a shame if the project failed due to government politics,” Purchase stated.

Over 360 Spix’s macaws are in captivity worldwide, with 46 in Curacao.

Despite the challenges, many Curaca locals, even those who have never seen a Spix’s macaw, expect them to return to flying over the region soon rather than only appearing in endless paintings that have become part of the city’s identity.

“The project is already successful. “They’re free,” remarked Maria de Lourdes Oliveira, whose family leased some of their land for reforestation. “The most challenging part was arriving in Brazil. I cried when I saw them flying to freedom and beating their wings.”

Science

Canadian Researchers Look to Plants for Bacterial Infections

Published

3 weeks ago

2024-11-30

Geoff Brown

These plants are being studied for their effectiveness in battling bacterial infections

Canadian researchers are exploring novel techniques with plants to address major difficulties caused by bacterial infections, such as using antibacterial plants to control bacteria in poultry meat.

Antibiotics have been routinely used in poultry farming to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic overuse has resulted in the rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, endangering both animal and human health.

This has pushed scientists to investigate alternative methods of controlling bacterial infections in chickens, Agrinews Group reports.

Researchers in Canada are investigating the antibacterial properties of native plant extracts. Rumex and Potentilla are two distinct plants that have proven potential.

These plants are being studied for their effectiveness in battling bacterial infections such as Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC), a common cause of chicken sickness.

Rumex and Potentilla fight bacterial infections.

Dr. Sophie Kernéis-Golsteyn, a microbiologist at Lethbridge Polytechnic in Alberta, leads a 2.5-year Egg Farmers of Canada program.

Since 2016, her team has been testing native plants for antibacterial properties, collecting 150 samples. Rumex and Potentilla extracts are highly effective at protecting chickens from bacterial diseases.

These plants’ antibacterial properties are attributed to their ability to increase beneficial microbiota and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. These botanical extracts reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall productivity in poultry.

The use of antimicrobial flora in avian husbandry has many benefits. First, it reduces reliance on antibiotics, lowering the danger of antibiotic resistance.

Furthermore, it improves chicken health and well-being by boosting their immune response and digestive function. Finally, it aligns with client preferences for organic and sustainable agriculture practices.

While the potential benefits are significant, there are some drawbacks to consider. The efficiency of plant extracts may vary based on factors such as extraction technique, dosage, and the bacterial strains involved.

Furthermore, more research is required to fully understand the long-term impacts of using these plants in poultry production. The study of antimicrobial plants for bacterial control in chickens is a promising field of research in Canada.

Researchers are looking for effective and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. One strategy is to leverage the natural properties of plants such as Rumex and Potentilla. This strategy reduces antibiotic resistance and improves the overall health and productivity of chicken farms.

Mexico Wants US To Finance 4 Wind Power Plants

Science

Australia Asks Residents to Catch Deadly Funnel Web Spider

Published

1 month ago

2024-11-20

Geoff Brown

As summer approaches in Australia, residents are warned to look out for the funnel web spider, one of the country’s deadliest species.

In addition to advising the public to avoid funnel-web spiders during mating season, the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales has even asked people to capture live funnel-web spiders so they can “milk” their venom.

Native to eastern Australia, the funnel web spider can kill humans in as little as fifteen minutes if they do not receive medical treatment for its poisonous bite.

There have been thirteen fatalities attributable to this species, but none since the development of antivenom in 1981. The Australian Reptile Park is appealing to the public for assistance capturing and donating spiders, as the serum relies on milking live spiders.

Hunting for the funnel net spider in residential areas is common practice after a particularly wet and warm season. Look for spiders in cool, dark places like pools, garden residue, heaps of dirty clothing, and outside shoes.

Australian Reptile Park spider keeper Emma Teni recently blogged about how they rely on spider donations more than ever, especially now that breeding season has arrived and the temperature is perfect.

“Male funnel-web spiders have short lifespans, and with approximately 150 spiders required to make just one vial of antivenom, we need the public’s help to ensure we have enough venom to meet demand.”

“If you spot an egg sac while collecting a spider, it’s important to safely collect that as well,” said Teni. “It can provide a robust supply of healthy young spiders to aid in our antivenom production.”

The spiders won’t be able to climb plastic or glass, but Teni suggests capturing funnel webs in a wide-mouthed jar with a cover. Then, you can lead the spiders into the container using a long spoon or something similar.

After that, fill the jar with moist soil, screw on the top, and bring it to the designated drop-off spot.

“We depend on the public for spider donations, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe during the collection process, especially with conditions being so favourable this year,” said Teni.

Trudeau Orders Facebook to Block Presser Video from Australia

Trudeau Orders Facebook to Block Australian Presser Video

Science

A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test

Published

2 months ago

2024-10-10

Kiara Grace

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – A spacecraft launched Monday to probe the site of a cosmic accident.

The European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft launched on a two-year trip to the little, harmless asteroid slammed by NASA two years ago as a practice run for the day when a murderous space rock threatens Earth. It’s the second phase of a planetary defense experiment that could one day save the globe.

SpaceX’s Falcon rocket vanished with Hera into the late morning clouds. An hour later, cheering erupted in the control center in Germany as the spacecraft split from the rocket’s upper stage and returned home. “It’s an amazing day,” the space agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher, said later.

The 2022 crash of NASA’s Dart spacecraft reduced Dimorphos’ orbit around its larger companion, indicating that if a harmful rock was heading our way, it might be pushed off course with adequate warning.

nasa

A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test

Scientists are eager to analyze the aftermath of the impact up close to determine how effective Dart was and what improvements may be required to protect Earth in the future.

“The more detail we can glean the better as it may be important for planning a future deflection mission should one be needed,” University of Maryland astronomer Derek Richardson stated before launch.

Researchers want to know if Dart (short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test) created a crater or changed the 500-foot (150-meter) asteroid more dramatically. It seemed to be a flying saucer before Dart’s blow and may now resemble a kidney bean, according to Richardson, who participated in the Dart mission and is assisting Hera.

Dart’s wallop sent rubble and boulders hurtling off Dimorphos, adding to the impact’s momentum. For months, the debris track extended thousands of miles (almost 10,000 kilometers) into space.

According to flight director Ignacio Tanco, some rocks and debris may still be hovering about the asteroid, posing a threat to Hera.

A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test

“We don’t really know very well the environment in which we are going to operate,” Tanco informed me. “But that’s the whole point of the mission is to go there and find out.”

European authorities refer to the $400 million (363 million euros) effort as a “crash scene investigation.”

“Hera is going back to the crime scene and getting all the scientific and technical information,” said project manager Ian Carnelli.

Carrying a dozen science instruments, the compact car-sized Hera must swing past Mars in 2025 for a gravitational boost before landing at Dimorphos by the end of 2026. It’s a moonlet of Didymos, the Greek word for twin, a five-times larger asteroid that spins quickly. At that point, the asteroids will be 120 million miles (195 million kilometers) from Earth.

Hera will attempt to enter orbit around the rocky duo, progressively reducing flyby distances from 18 miles (30 kilometers) to a half-mile (1 kilometer). The spacecraft will examine the moonlet for at least six months to determine its mass, shape, composition, and orbit around Didymos.

Before the crash, Dimorphos circled its larger partner from three-quarters of a mile (1,189 meters) away. Scientists believe the orbit has become tighter and more oval-shaped, and that the moonlet may be tumbling.

Two shoebox-sized Cubesats will launch from Hera for even closer drone-like examinations, with one employing radar to peek beneath the moonlet’s boulder-strewn surface. Scientists believe Dimorphos was produced from particles shed by Didymos. The radar measurements should assist in determining whether Didymos is the small moon’s parent.

A Spacecraft Is On Its Way To A Harmless Asteroid Slammed By NASA In A Previous Save-The-Earth Test

After their survey, the CubeSats will attempt to land on the moonlet. If the moonlet tumbles, the situation will become more complicated. Hera may potentially conclude its mission with a perilous touchdown but on the bigger Didymos.

Neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, before or after Dart appeared. That is why NASA chose the pair for humanity’s first asteroid-deflecting demonstration.

Asteroids, which are remnants of the solar system’s origin 4.6 billion years ago, circle the sun principally between Mars and Jupiter in what is known as the main asteroid belt, where millions of them live. When they fall from the belt and land in our area, they become near-Earth objects.

NASA now has around 36,000 near-Earth objects, the majority of which are asteroids, although there are also some comets. More than 2,400 of them are deemed potentially dangerous to the Earth.

SOURCE | AP