Who says there is nothing left to discover in this world?
I just read today that a new leopard species has been discovered, the clouded leopard of Borneo. It is an entirely new species that is unique to Borneo's rainforest.
Genetic tests showed that the clouded leopard of Borneo is a unique species of cat and is not the same as the leopard found in mainland Southeast Asia. Experts have known about the leopard for years, but never thought it was unique.
Another interesting fact about the clouded leopard is they have the longest canine teeth relative to body size of any cat.
In addition to the leopard, scientists recently identified over 50 new species of animals and plants in Borneo.
A total of 5,000 to 11,000 clouded leopards are estimated to live in the jungles of Borneo, and the total figure in Sumatra could be 3,000 to 7,000 individuals.
When I read a story like this, I wonder what else exists in our forests and oceans that still remains unknown?
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Mountain Pine Beetle news
News out today has forestry specialists commenting on mountain pine beetle activity in BC. I would say some of the information reported is commonly known by most in the forest industry, but I thought it was still worth noting.
Attacking earlier: The pine beetles used to start their flight in July and August to begin their attack on pine trees. Now with the warmer winters, they start their flight as early as May, and may have more than one flight per year. When the flight started later in the year, attacked trees used to hold their green foliage over winter and start to turn red the following summer. When the attack starts earlier in the year, the foliage turns red in the same year.
Attacking younger pine stands: It used to be that the pine beetle would only attack mature pine, which generally have larger diameter and are 80 to 100+ years old. Researchers have found that the beetle now attacks younger and smaller pine trees. This means that areas with younger pine stands that were once thought to be safe are actually vulnerable.
Past the point of no return in BC: Researchers said that the pine beetle is now very well established and has spread too far for there to be any way to stop them. The populations have built up and the only thing that will end the infestation is the lack of pine forests. Unless there is some unforeseen event that stops the beetle, they will continue to attack the majority of the remaining pine forests in BC.
Hope for Alberta: Researchers said that although the pine beetle has become active in Alberta, it is still possible to suppress them if enough resources are employed.
Attacking earlier: The pine beetles used to start their flight in July and August to begin their attack on pine trees. Now with the warmer winters, they start their flight as early as May, and may have more than one flight per year. When the flight started later in the year, attacked trees used to hold their green foliage over winter and start to turn red the following summer. When the attack starts earlier in the year, the foliage turns red in the same year.
Attacking younger pine stands: It used to be that the pine beetle would only attack mature pine, which generally have larger diameter and are 80 to 100+ years old. Researchers have found that the beetle now attacks younger and smaller pine trees. This means that areas with younger pine stands that were once thought to be safe are actually vulnerable.
Past the point of no return in BC: Researchers said that the pine beetle is now very well established and has spread too far for there to be any way to stop them. The populations have built up and the only thing that will end the infestation is the lack of pine forests. Unless there is some unforeseen event that stops the beetle, they will continue to attack the majority of the remaining pine forests in BC.
Hope for Alberta: Researchers said that although the pine beetle has become active in Alberta, it is still possible to suppress them if enough resources are employed.
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