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EartherClimate ChangeHumans Have Destroyed 97% Of Earth’s Ecosystems
Only 3% of land on Earth still qualifies as “ecologically intact,” with undisturbed habitats and healthy populations of its original animal species, grim new research shows. That’s a much bleaker picture than the one painted by previous assessments, which pegged that number much higher, estimating that 20% to 40% of land is still intact. But … Continued
By Dharna Noor -
EartherMysterious Bald Eagle Killer Finally Identified
In a new study out Thursday, scientists say they’ve solved the mystery of a neurological disease that’s been killing bald eagles and other birds in the U.S. for over 25 years. The disease appears to be caused by a toxin produced by a species of blue-green algae that grows on an invasive plant—a toxin that … Continued
By Ed Cara -
ScienceAnimalsFlorida Bans Sale of Invasive Reptiles as Iguanas and Snakes Take Over
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is clamping down on invasive reptiles, making it illegal for Floridians to breed or sell these problematic creatures except in special circumstances. In an effort to protect local ecology, economy, and human health, the state is making it illegal for Floridians to breed or sell such animals as … Continued
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EartherHoneybees Fend Off Asian Giant Hornets With Poop
Attacks by giant hornets, relatives of murder hornets, on honeybee hives are absolutely horrifying. Worker hornets identify bee hives and then bring in reinforcements of two to dozens of others, slaughtering bees at a rate of up to one per 14 seconds and sawing off their heads to gather protein-rich thoraxes and feast on pupae … Continued
By Tom McKay -
EartherWashington Scientists Vacuum Murder Hornets Out of First Nest Discovered Stateside
Finally, some good news this year. Entomologists in Washington have destroyed the first nest of Asian giant hornets, or murder hornets, as they’ve become known in our collective nightmares, discovered in the U.S., the Associated Press reports. Crews clad head-to-toe in thick protective gear, looking like they stepped straight out of HBO’s Chernobyl, worked to … Continued
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EartherJust in Time for ‘Slaughter Phase,’ Scientists Find First Murder Hornet Nest in the U.S.
Entomologists in Washington have confirmed the existence of a nest of Asian giant hornets, more fondly known as murder hornets. The nest is the first such breeding ground discovered in the United States, confirming fears that the invasive species could become established and severely threaten the country’s fragile bee population, as well as possibly attack … Continued
By Ed Cara
