Study says pandas could be wiped out, despite what scientists think

Jul 12, 2017

Giant pandas could be on the brink of extinction, despite what conservationists claim.

According to a new study in the journal Ecological Modelling, scientists from Beijing Forestry University, found that panda habitats have become so fragmented that there is a "very high" chance of extinction.

The International Union of Conservation of Nature recently claimed that pandas were no longer officially "endangered," but rather, more "vulnerable" to extinction.

The IUCN also changed the animal's level to "high risk", as opposed to "very high" as stated previously.

The study found that only 55 per cent of panda groups have less than ten members, and only 33 per cent had more than 30 – this is seen as the minimum number to ensure the population's survival.

The research paper read: “We cannot just focus on the overall number of wild pandas and the total area of habitat, ignoring habitat fragmentation and population isolation.

“The giant panda survival crisis is complicated because of the co-existence of protection and interference.

“Habitat fragmentation and human disturbance were the most important factors that negatively affected ecosystem stability and increased the survival risk of pandas.

"Thus, panda survival crisis remains serious,” the paper added.

Images: Getty

Is this the end of the cucumber? The humble veg is going extinct

Nov 12, 2015

by Amber Saunders

The cucumber. It's a respected resident of sandwiches, gin and tonics and body moisturisers, but that could change very soon as the humble vegetable is on the brink of extinction.

The Cucumber Growers Association have reported that there are now fewer than 100 hectares of land dedicated to growing cucumbers, with many farmers either retiring or moving onto more lucrative crops.

And with major supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi and Lidl slashing their prices (because of cheaper imports from the Netherlands), there is a genuine fear that the veg will disappear.

The CGA and various farmers unions from Ireland and the UK have reported that there is little incentive to grow the crop anymore.

"Nobody in the supply chain is making anything from the production and sale of cucumbers. Without an increase in returns the cucumber industry won't be endangered – it will be extinct," said Joe Cappalonga, who heads fruit and vegetable wholesale for G&C Produce.

Is this goodbye to cucumbers?

Oh no! Hedgehogs could become EXTINCT in less than ten years

Oct 25, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Yep, sadly it's true; Hedgehogs could be wiped out in just ten years.

The nocturnal creatures are being driven to the brink of extinction by a combination of climate change and garden goal nets.

Experts and conservationists are meeting this week to consider and debate plans to save the wild animal at a Help for Hedgehogs conference.

And while changing weather patterns are believed to be disrupting the creature’s hibernation habits, chain link fences and garden netting is also killing large numbers.

Hedgehogs will be particularly vulnerable in the coming months as babies born late struggle to gain enough weight to survive through the winter(sob).

Hedgehog expert Dr Nigel Reeve said: “The hedgehog is one of our most popular wild animals but it is now on real trouble and declining fast.”

Hedgehog numbers are believed to have fallen to around one million since the 1950s, when an estimated 30 million inhabited countrysides and gardens, according to figures from the Hedgehog Preservation Society.

In the past decade their numbers have fallen by ten percent, a rate of decline which will see them wiped out in a decade.

Will global warming cause redheads to become extinct?

Aug 29, 2014

by Amber Saunders

You better appreciate your redhead friends guys, because they could be the last redheads around!

Apparently scientists are concerned that the increased sunlight in Scotland will have an effect on the red head gene in their population, as the gene is said to be a revolutionary response to their gloomy weather.

Dr. Alistair Moffat, who works at a genetic testing company called ScotlandsDNA said:

“We think red hair in Scotland, Ireland and the north of England is adaptation to the climate. We do not get enough sun and have to get all the vitamin D we can.

“If it was to get less cloudy and there was more sun, there would be fewer people carrying the gene.”

Well, there goes future redhead conventions anyway. We’re devastated!

extinct

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