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Yet another thing that has been blamed on 'global warming'! Scientists have concluded that a recorded decline in the average weights of the rare 'wild' Soay sheep on the island of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago (Scotland) is likely to be linked to this environmental phenomenon (http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Scientists-say-theyve-solved-riddle.5425953.jp). They suggest that the average increase in winter temperatures has resulted in smaller animals surviving the harsh winters to their first birthday. This is said to have increased the gene pool elements that result in more relatively small lambs being born. A study that compared the weights of these feral animals from 1985 to 2004 found that average weight had declined by more than 80g per year. Of course, other factors like the numbers of sheep and the amount of forage per animal would have had to have remained constant.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday 3 July 2009
Shrinking Sheep?
Yet another thing that has been blamed on 'global warming'! Scientists have concluded that a recorded decline in the average weights of the rare 'wild' Soay sheep on the island of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago (Scotland) is likely to be linked to this environmental phenomenon (http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Scientists-say-theyve-solved-riddle.5425953.jp). They suggest that the average increase in winter temperatures has resulted in smaller animals surviving the harsh winters to their first birthday. This is said to have increased the gene pool elements that result in more relatively small lambs being born. A study that compared the weights of these feral animals from 1985 to 2004 found that average weight had declined by more than 80g per year. Of course, other factors like the numbers of sheep and the amount of forage per animal would have had to have remained constant.
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