Outdoor cats are prolific killers, study finds | MNN – Mother Nature Network

Outdoor cats are prolific killers, study finds

Free-roaming house cats kill an estimated 4 billion wild animals across the U.S. every year, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Cat owners often wonder about their pets’ secret outdoor lives, but few are curious enough to actually follow them around the neighborhood. And thanks to a new study by the University of Georgia and National Geographic, that isn’t necessary: Researchers attached video cameras to 60 house cats that are allowed outside, hoping to learn how free-roaming felines spend their free time.

The answer? About a third of pet cats kill time by killing wildlife.

That may not surprise cat owners who regularly find tiny corpses on their doorsteps, but the study suggests house cats kill even more prolifically than many people realize. The researchers found they dispatch about 2.1 wild animals for every week they spend outside, but bring home fewer than 25 percent of their kills. That means U.S. cats likely kill more than the previous estimate of 1 billion native birds and other animals every year — possibly as many as 4 billion.

“The results were certainly surprising, if not startling,” says UGA researcher and lead author Kerrie Anne Loyd. ”In Athens-Clarke County, we found that about 30 percent of the sampled cats were successful in capturing and killing prey, and that those cats averaged about one kill for every 17 hours outdoors, or 2.1 kills per week. It was also surprising to learn that cats only brought 23 percent of their kills back to a residence.”

Working with National Geographic’s Remote Imaging Department, Loyd and her colleagues attached lightweight video cameras (known as Crittercams, or “KittyCams” in this case) to 60 outdoor house cats in Athens, Ga. The cats’ owners volunteered for the study by answering ads in local newspapers, and downloaded footage from the cameras at the end of each recording day. The study extended through all four seasons, and Loyd says the cats averaged five to six hours outside daily.

The cats killed a wide range of wild animals, including lizards, voles, chipmunks, birds, frogs and snakes (see the graph below). The study didn’t include feral cats, but previous research suggests ownerless felines are at least as deadly as their more coddled cousins. A 2010 study by the University of Nebraska, for example, found that feral cats have driven 33 bird species to extinction worldwide, and that they prey more on native than non-native wildlife. In fact, since domesticated cats aren’t native to North America, this leads some wildlife advocates to consider cats an invasive species themselves, on par with kudzu or Asian carp.

If we extrapolate the results of this study across the country and include feral cats, we find that cats are likely killing more than 4 billion animals per year, including at least 500 million birds,” says George Fenwick, president of the American Bird Conservancy, in a press release about the study. ”Cat predation is one of the reasons why one in three American bird species are in decline.”

“I think it will be impossible to deny the ongoing slaughter of wildlife by outdoor cats given the videotape documentation and the scientific credibility that this study brings,” adds Michael Hutchins, executive director and CEO of the Wildlife Society. ”There is a huge environmental price that we are paying every single day that we turn our backs on our native wildlife in favor of protecting non-native predatory cats at all costs, while ignoring the inconvenient truth about the mortality they inflict.”

See the KittyCams website for photos, videos and data from the study. To get tips on keeping cats indoors, check out Ohio State University’s Indoor Pet Initiative or the American Bird Conservancy’s Cats Indoors Program. And if you know a cat that just can’t be fenced in, you could at least attach a bell to its collar, or even dress it up in a bird-protecting “cat bib.” (Fair warning: The cat may then want to kill you instead).

From: Outdoor cats are prolific killers, study finds | MNN – Mother Nature Network.

Analysis of the Rock Formations at Cabarita Beach, Bogangar, New South Wales, Australia.

In the first year of my degree, I undertook a unit called Earth Systems 1: The Lithosphere. The subjects aim was to develop an understanding in the earth’s geological systems on which all life relies. The major assessment task was a consultancies report  (as opposed to a scientific style report which we would normally write) regarding the rock formations at Cabarita Beach at far north New South Wales. I’ve decided to revisit this paper and to share it with you. It’s been a funny reflection for me, because I find this paper to be quite simple compared to what I write these days. I guess three years of education has taunt me one thing: how to write a good paper. I hope you will enjoy it.

Introduction

Location

Boganbar is a beach side town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. All six sites for this exercise are located on the local beach, Cabarita Beach(Figure 1). Road access is via tarred roads, and access to the beach sites is available at the end of Pandanus Parade via a public access ramp.

Figure 1 Google Map showing the location of all six sites and public access ramp. (Photo Credit: Google)

Evidence of History

The geography and geology of this area was exceedingly different 400 million years ago during the Late Paleozoic Era. The coastline laid further west then it is currently located and was in close proximity to a chain of volcanic mountains that included the Tweed Volcano. Wollumbin -Mount Warningis the central volcanic remnant of this ancient shield volcano. Beyond this mountain chain, the then active continental margin extended seaward and the present coastline was under more than 200m of water (CBEH, 2010). It was during this era that the layers of sands and muds were deposited that would later form the graded sedimentary rock bedding sequences that is visible at this location.

The sedimentary basin experienced some tectonic activities as ancient ocean flooring was subducted beneath the continental plate approximately 360 – 280 million years ago (Willmott, 1986). At such times, more sediment was scraped onto the continental plate causing folding and crumpling of existing bedding during some low-grade regional metamorphism as the area was uplifted (CBEH, 2010).

It was during the late Mesozoic Era approximately 210 million years ago (Willmott, 1986), that the area experienced an onset of volcanic activity. Dykes that remain intact and visible give evidence to a changed landscape one of heavy volcanic activity. The faulted landscape surrounding the site is further indicators. It is estimated that the Tweed Volcano erupted just 20 million years ago (Seach,ND; NA, 2009), during the early Cainozoic Era, layering the area with further sedimentation.

Site Description

Site One

Site one introduces us to all the sedimentary rock types present at all the sites. The area has been exposed to gentle and medium currents allowing for the formation of light coloured medium grained sandstone in the former, and dark coloured fine-grained mudstone in the later. It is presented today as a classic bouma sequence of graded bedding. The lack of traditional layer cake formations indicates that did not commence horizontally, and at some point in the past has “fallen” to its current position. Some of the other structures visible at this site include:

• Rip Up Clasts – largely eroded out of the surrounding rock, leaving enough material to tell what once filled it.
• Flame Structures – wavy mud structures resembling flames projected onto the surrounding sandstone.
• Cross Laminations – formed in the lee side of bedrocks as ripples due to sediment movement by tidal water.

 

Figure 2 Site one demonstrates a primary sedimentary graded bedding with several features including Rip up Clasts and Flame Structures. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

 

Figure 3 Cross Lamination as seen at Site One. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

Site Two

Site two consists of light coloured medium grained sandstone and dark coloured fine-grained mudstones that form a sedimentary rock structure.  The fault that is present at site two must be viewed from the top of the rock structure (figure 4). This structure is only 1 – 2 meters high and is easily climbed. The fault off set is approximately 50cms. Other smaller faults may be seen at some of the other sites. A small fault of 4cms was found in a boulder at site five.

 

Figure 4 The fault at Site Two is difficult to see unless standing over the structure. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

Site Three

Site three consists of sedimentary rock structure formed from light coloured medium grained sandstones and dark coloured mudstones.  The dominant dyke at this rock face has been offset at the top by a slump by approximately 20cms, and is intercepted at several points by joints such as that in figure 5. The dykes all contained mafic igneous rock formed from cooled magma, and was identified as basalt. The basalt contained minerals such as feldspars and quartz. Further analysis is needed to determine if other minerals are present in the basalt (figure 6) as basalt formed at 600^oC can also contain muscovite and orthoclase (Scheffers, 2009).

 

Figure 5 One of the three dykes found at Site Three. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

 

Figure 6 A close up of the basalt within the dyke containing Feldspar and Quartz. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

Site Four

Site four is located close to Norries Head just off of the main beach. This location can be difficult to gain access and is obtained via the rocky headlands. The eroded rock surface shows signs of chemical and physical weathering, and features many quartz veins, known as Cherts, such as those in figure 7. These veins form when aqueous solutions carry minerals ooze through fractures in the mudstone (Scheffers, 2009).

 

Figure 7 Quartz veins as seen at all sites including Site Four. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

Site Five

The dramatic folds present at site five are showing signs of physical and chemical weathering caused by the tidal sea waters. The rock face display faults and joints amongst the sedimentary layering, however, the sediments at this end of the beach display mineralogical and textural changes resulting from a regional metamorphism. This is evident by the less distinct layering indicating that recrystallisation of the rock structures has occurred.

 

Figure 8 Folds such as this one were seen at a few of the sites.  (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

 

Figure 9 Folding in sedimentary rock as seen at Site Five. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

Site Six

Mass wasting is evident at several sites, and includes wasting events such as slumps, falls and slides. Site six shows evidence of a fall, with much of the debris loose at the bottom of the slope originating from this rock face. The boulders at the bottom are showing signs of erosion as they are moved backwards and forwards short distances on the tidal waves. Eventually the boulders will be reduced to sand through such actions, having been at the mercy of physical erosion (Grotzinger, et al, 2007).

 

Figure 10 Mass Wasting events were seen at multiple sites, featuring slumps and falls as indicated here. (Photo Credit: Joseph Sparks)

Conclusion

The geology of this area commenced formation around 400 million years ago (Willmott, 1986) when the geography was vastly different then it is today. The current coastline was miles inland from this location. This site was under vast pressure as it was 200m underwater (CBEH, 2010). This helped form the geology that we see today in this area.

The rock sediment that is visible through out the sites was accumulated over more than 200 million years. The joints, faults, and folds that are found throughout all sites are evidence of tectonic movement through uplifting and crumpling between plate movements (Willmott, 1986).  The continental margin that produced this movement through its activities has since ceased to exist, making the margin passive (Clarke, 2010).

The dykes and basalt found is a constant reminder of the volcanic era of this area ranging over the last 200 million years that ended with the eruption of the Tweed Volcano 20 million years ago. The Wollumbin – Mount Warning is the massive remnant of this shield volcano that dominates the surrounding environment, and is one of the largest of this type in the world (NA, 2009; Seach, 2010).

The mass wastage events we see today result from both chemical and physical erosion indicate the decay of the locations history. The rip up clasts allows us to see deeper into the formations without destroying structure. The boulders present at Norries Head were once a part of this greater rock face but today are at the mercy of the waves. Ultimately, they will be reduced to sand, eroding with them the visible history of this locations formation (Grotzinger, et al, 2007).

A concise sequence of events describing the formation of this landscape can be described thus:

• Turbidite bedding deposited in a deep-sea environment. Each deposit adds to the graded bedding.
• The sediment is buried and is lithified.
• The sedimentary rock is exposed to metamorphism associated by mountain building along the active plate margin. This results in folding and faulting of the rock bedding.
• Dykes form along existing join structures crossing folds and other metamorphism.
• Mineral rich aqueous solutions run thru jointing forming quartz veins.
• Further joining occurs.
• Major faulting offsets some dykes.
• Uplifting from within the earths crust brings the rock beds to the surface and exposes it to the elements of weathering to reveal what is the current landscape (CBEH, 2010).

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Malcolm Clarke for his contagious enthusiasm in geology. The time you have given us will not be forgotten.

I would like to thank Jason and Simon who help me to understand and forgave my questioning and panic.

And I would like to thank Joe Sparks, who helps me in all ways.

References

Clarke, M. (2010): Coastlines and Ocean Basins

Grotzinger, J., Jordan, T. H., Press, F., Siever, R., (2007): “Understanding Earth.” Fifth Edition. Published by W.H. Freeman and Company.

NA, (2009): Big Volcano Tourism Marketing and Media: “The Caldera of the Tweed Volcano.” (http://www.bigvolcano.com.au/natural/wollum.htm) Retrieved May 2, 2010

NA, (2001): “Cabarita Beach Excursion Handout 2010” (CBEH).

NA, (ND): Tweed Shire, Jewel in the crown of the Northern Rivers. “Mount Warning in the Tweed Coast Hinterland. Far North Coast of NSW, Australia. Australia’s Green Cauldron.” (http://www.mtwarning.com/) Retrieved May 3, 2010.

Scheffers, A. Dr, (2009) “Earth System 1: The Lithosphere. Study Guide.” Third Edition. Published by Southern Cross University.

Seach, J. (n.d): Volcano Live: “Mount Warning Volcano – John Seach” (http://www.volcanolive.com/tweed.html) retrieved May 2, 2010

Willmott, W. F., (1986) Rocks and Landscapes of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Published by Geological Society of Australia.

Getting ready for Rio+20 – The Nine Major Groups (Part 1)

Reblogged from unprme:

Sustainable development cannot be achieved by government action alone. It requires the participation of all sectors of societies. At the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, a document called Agenda 21 was released that, among other things, formalized groups whose contribution is crucial to making sustainable development a reality. Since then, these nine groups have represented the voice of their respective constituencies within UN meetings, including all subsequent Earth Summits.

Read more… 580 more words

I have been following PRiMEtime's blog for a little while now, and thought Id share this as I still get questions about RIO +20. I hope you will enjoy Giselle's writing.

The race to map Africa’s forgotten glaciers – in pictures

Published in guardian.co.uk, Saturday 2 June 2012

Project Pressure, a collaboration of photographers, scientists, web developers and cartographers, is working to document the terminal decline of many of the world’s glaciers as they slowly melt away. Here they trek to the slopes of the Rwenzori mountains in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

See all 10 amazing photos at guardian.co.uk

CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year – in pictures

Posted on the guardian.co.uk, Thursday 31 May 2012

CIWEM has began calling for photographers to submit entries for its 2012 award. Honouring amateurs and professionals alike, the contest is an international showcase for the very best in environmental photography and video. Here is a selection of past entries:

Book Review: Homemade Health by Anke Bialas

Every now and then, a product comes across my desk that catches my eye. When I first heard about this book, I have to admit that my interest was perked. After all, who isn’t interested in healthy remedies for what ails us?

Homemade Health is a collection of home remedies straight from a time, not so long ago, when people went to their garden or kitchen pantry before going to a doctor. Some tried and true, some quirky, but all based on natural remedies your grandmother knew and most likely used on a regular basis.

The book highlights the healing properties of common culinary herbs and covers 43 common ailments. It boasts more than 160 remedies with recipes and uses both common & botanical names for easy use. It covers everything from harvesting & preserving herbs to making herbal remedies at home. In short, its your one stop natural health resource!

The idea behind Herbology at Home: Homemade Health  is that it is stepping stone, giving you an insight into the type of remedies that used to be popular instead of their modern synthetic counter parts. Perhaps you already know some of these old world treatments from your own Grandmother, or maybe this book will inspire you to chat to her and learn more about what health measures she grew up with.

Book Exert: A tea made from apple skins is meant to induce sleep. Add dried apple skins to water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, sweeten to taste and drink 2 – 3 cups during the evening.

The author of the book, Anke Bialas from the Herbology website was lucky enough to have been raised with herbal traditions and has expanded her knowledge of herbs and their applications over the years which she now shares with those new to natural health.  She encourages use of herbs in unconventional ways, advocating that even a little bit of Nature goes a long way.  With a firm believe that herbal health can fit into even the most conventional home, she makes all things herbal appealing to everyone.

I am quite excited to announce that Anke has agreed to do a guest blog spot for my foodies blog Rhianna’s Guide to Ethical Eating on the 13th June. Anke will be also answering a herb Q&A on The Environmental Rhi-Source on the 26th June. The questions for the Q&A will come from you guys. If you would like to ask Anke a question, please leave a comment below or email me at rblackthorn22@gmail.com

Exciting times ahead with guest blogs and a Q&A session! Who knows what else is install for us?

Saving the Species: Leadbeaters Possum

From the Sydney Morning Herald

ONE of the country’s rarest mammals and Victoria’s faunal emblem will be the subject of a captive breeding program – the first major breeding and release program for Leadbeater’s possums – as scientists intervene to build up the wild population and establish an insurance population in captivity.

The precarious state of the endangered possum – numbering less than 2000 in the wild – prompted Zoos Victoria to embark on the project after the Black Saturday bushfires destroyed 45 per cent of its habitat and roughly halved the wild population.

Last week Healesville Sanctuary’s threatened species biologist, Dan Harley, identified the ”male founder” of the program, which has passed health checks and had a microchip the size of a grain of rice inserted between his shoulder blades.

The tiny two-year-old, weighing in last Wednesday at 131 grams, hails from the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve, 50 kilometres east of Melbourne. It’s here in the swampy forest – no more than four kilometres long and 120 metres wide – that the only population of lowland Leadbeater’s possums live. In the past eight years there has been a 40 per cent decline in population, with fewer than than 70 individuals remaining.

The animals are genetically distinct from their central highland cousins after thousands of years of isolation. But their low numbers mean the Yellingbo Leadbeater’s possums are considered most at risk of extinction. ”A single fire could wipe them out,” Dr Harley said.

This fragile existence has made them prime candidates for captive breeding and Dr Harley is now scouring the reserve for a suitable female mate. The task is easier said than done – the animals breed for life, so researchers have to be careful which they remove. And the breeding animals selected not only have to be single and healthy, they need a fair dollop of ”street cred” as well.

”An animal that has been able to cut it in the wild for a few years is far more valuable to us than a young animal just out of the pouch,” Dr Harley said.

Two breeding pairs a year will join the captive breeding program over the next three years, with scientists monitoring the genetic diversity and health of their offspring as they climb towards their target of 150 wild animals.

Melanie Lancaster, assistant curator for threatened species, said infrared cameras would monitor the founding animals in their enclosure, allowing researchers to ensure they retained key behaviours vital for their survival in the wild post-release.

Read more & see video: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/saving-the-species-this-tiny-twoyearold-is-the-right-possum-for-the-job-20120521-1z1d1.html#ixzz1vax3WLGS