Nasty little nippers start to feel the heat

Article Abstract:

The Institute of Freshwater Ecology (IFE) is infecting the Blandford fly or Simulium posticatum larvae with bacterium to try to eradicate it. The species of blackfly inhabits the River Stour in Dorset and the female flies bite human skin causing itching, discomfort and sometimes secondary infections and hospitalisation. The naturally occurring bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti), used in the US, Europe and the tropics, produces a chrystalline substance and does not affect other invertebrates. North Dorset District Council was authorised to conduct a trial by the Health and Safety Executive.

Research, England, Biological productivity, Fly control

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I'm only a poor little sparrow

Article Abstract:

There has been a significant drop in the number of house sparrows in the UK since the 1950s. Most of this decline has taken place among sparrow populations in the countryside and in city centres. Denis Summers-Smith, regarded as the world expert on sparrows, believes that the decline in sparrow numbers can be attributed to a fall in the number of insects because of new farming methods and pollution. In suburban areas, sparrow numbers have declined less because there is a wider range of habitats and because many people put out food for birds.

United Kingdom, Protection and preservation, Sparrows

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Red-faced over a ruddy nuisance

Article Abstract:

The white-headed duck was disappearing from Western Europe in the 70's but by Jan 1992 a conservation programme in Spain increased them from 22 to 780. It is now threatened by the North American ruddy duck which was introduced into England by the forerunner of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Some escaped; in 1992 there are 3,500 ruddy ducks in Britain. They became established in Europe. They inter-breed with white-heads, producing hybrids, and compete with the white-heads for food.

Environmental aspects, Spain, Wildlife conservation, Ducks, Ruddy duck

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