New carnivore discovered in Madagascar

Posted on October 25, 2010 by www.priorityplaces.com.
Categories: Biodiversity.

Some researchers have estimated that Madagascar contains 5 of the world’s plant and animal species. It’s little surprise, therefore, that a brand-new mammal has been discovered in the island’s wetlands. Although photographed in 2004, biologists originally thought the animal was a brown-tailed mongoose, only to discover differences between the two creatures’ skulls, paws, and teeth. Researchers from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust named the new creature Salanoia durrelli, or Durrell’s vontsira. Gerald Durrell was a naturalist and author from India.The vortsira is a carnivore, feeding on crustaceans and mollusks, with a reddish-brown coat and speckled head and nape. Its teeth have larger surface areas than in the mongoose, which helped the scientists to finally pinpoint it as a different species. About the size of a cat, the creature is currently being evaluated for conservation status, but it can be assumed that it is highly vulnerable to any new species or loss of habitat. The Lake Alaotra area, where it is found, is already a protected area.

10th annual environmental convention opens

Posted on October 19, 2010 by www.priorityplaces.com.
Categories: Conventions.

The 10th annual Convention on Biological Diversity opened in Nagoya, Japan, yesterday, bringing together reps from almost 200 countries. Japanese Environment Minister Ryo Matsumoto opened the convention by reminding the attendants of their (and all of humanity’s) responsibility to slow biodiversity loss before it becomes “irreversible.” Other opening speakers included Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, and Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary.The CBD is a lengthy event, lasting until October 29. This year is an especially noteworthy one for the event, as it marks both its 10th anniversary and the International Year of Biodiversity. This is leading up to the 2010 Biodiversity Target, which proposes a halt to biodiversity decline by the end of the year. It is our hope that the attendants will be able to set forth a thoughtful and appropriate planone that we can all embrace in a new decade of conservation.