General Updates from the World Land Trust

General updates and new additions to the website of World Land Trust, an international conservation organisation working to preserve the world's most biologically important and threatened lands.

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Monday, March 05, 2007:

Conservation and Environmental News Roundup - 5th March 

Latest News Headlines

Success of Bangladeshi RAMSAR site marked by growing bird populations

Designated as Bangladesh's second RAMSAR site in 2002, Tanguar Hoar has been protected year-round since 2003 by the district administration of Sunamganj. A recent survey led by Dr Ronald Halder found a significant increase in rare resident birds, such as Darter, Purple Heron, and Spot-billed Duck. Speakers at the press conference said that the increase in birds reflected the improving health of the wetland site.

Read more: Rare birds increased in Tanguar Haor (The New Nation)

Fertility treatment last hope for northern white rhino

Zoologist Robert Hermes of Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, will lead a team using a programme of fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilisation and sex-selection of embryos in an attempt to pull the northern white rhino from the brink of extinction. With the wild breeding population wiped out, and only two females in captivity, many experts fear the fate of the northern white rhino is already sealed.

Read more: Last hope for vanishing white rhinos (Guardian Unlimitied)

Protection for German Hairy Snails

The tiny German hairy snail Pseudotrichia rubiginosa lives on Isleworth Ait, a small island in the Thames. Along with the two-lipped door snail and at least 57 bird species, the snails home is secure as it has been designated a Local Nature Reserve. Both snail species are extremely rare in the UK, being found only along parts of the Thames and Medway rivers. Despite it's title, the German hairy snail is thought to have been here in the UK since the last ice age.

Read more: German snails get special protection (Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Environmentally friendly motor racing? Honda unveil a new approach

Not renowned for environmental credentials, Formula 1 may be turning a corner. This year Honda have disposed of the large adverts for sponsors on their F1 car, opting instead for a unique Earth Map, made up of the names of people who have donated to environmental charities. Honda hope that they can use the car to promote awareness of climate change and environmental responsibility to a large global audience. Team boss Nick Fry said "The global reach, the number of people we can talk to, is immense, so we can change minds. We are going in a more environmentally-friendly direction with the systems we put on the car and Formula One is really a laboratory for road car technology." Cynics will not be impressed, however, the shift in thinking comes also from the sports' governing body, the FIA, who have acknowledged that F1 needs to change, said Fry.

Read more: Honda F1 team present 'Earth Car' (Guardian Unlimited)

 
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