Apt Aposematism's Artful Aid

One might wonder why animals, that might be easy prey for other beasts, would adopt bright colours, making them highly conspicuous. This is often the result of a process termed aposematism. Such animals advertise 'reasons' for the predator to leave it well alone. An nice example is provided by the garish orange and black larvae of the day-flying Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobeae). Its caterpillars feed on toxic Ragwort, incorporating the plant's poisons into their issues. Conveniently, the larval clutch operates as a 'family group. If a bird tries to eat one, it will leave the caterpillar's kin alone, increasing their chances of survival. There can, of course be other devices employed to deter predators. These include the sting of the Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), advertised by its striking black and yellow coloration. Sometimes, neither poisons nor stings are employed. The bizzare froghopper, Cecopis vulnerata, appears to be merely claiming a difficulty to catch (and not really being worth the effort)! It's not, however, only insects that employ aposematism. The Blue poison arrow frog (Dendrobates azureus) effectively advertises the neurotoxins produced in its skin. These secretions were used by South American 'indians' to tip their hunting arrows and darts. These projectiles were then used to bring down monkeys and other large prey, Many frogs, toads and some reptiles employ aposematic coloration. There are, of course, mimics, who advertise a supposedly dangerous nature, without spending resources on developing/incorporating poison or developing a sting. In a sense, such mimics are parasites of aposematic species. The mimic benefits by copying the aposematic animal's coloration but, by doing so, reduces the effectiveness of that basic 'message'.

Birder's Bonus 219

Activity at Loughor estuary.

Another Offence by England's Privatised Water Companies?

Some of England's privatised Water Companies have routinely boosted their profits by discharging untreated sewage into the rivers and seas. The money was immediately directed to shareholders and as bonuses for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Relatively little was directed to the needed fixing of water leaks and improvement of systems. Sadly, it now appears that some of these Water Companies are in financial difficulties (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/19/english-water-firms-finances-concern-interest-rates-rise-big-debts-says-expert). The Water Companies, not being content with only polluting the environment, also mortgaged much of 'their' property. This served to further boost shareholder dividends and provide bonuses/'golden hellos' for CEOs. These same Water Companies are now finding it difficult to pay the dramatically increased interest rates on their loans. This further confirmation that England's privatised Water Companies never existed to provide an essential service. They were mainly created, as money-making devices. Selling off monopolies was never a good idea!

Seeing the Changes 1722

Parts of Bynea looked like a golf course, with lots of Common earthballs (Scleroderma citrinum).

Ocean's 90%?

More than 90% of heat generated by adding 'greenhouse gases' to the atmosphere, finishes up in the planet's oceans (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/18/amount-of-ocean-heat-found-to-be-accelerating-and-fuelling-extreme-weather-events). Heat energy is now accumulatng faster in the seas, as well as going deeper. In deed, the top 2 kilometres of water are currently heating at twice the speed seen in the 1960s. This, naturally, accelerates the rise in sea level. It also powers extreme weather events and endangers marine ecosystems. Climate change doesn't just have a negative impact on we land-based organisms!

What Do You Think of It So Far? Rubbish!

Criminal gangs, dumping illegal waste costs the UK almost £925m per year. In spite of this, the relatively paltry fines are currently treated by the dumpers as a 'business expense' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/19/uk-governments-approach-to-waste-close-to-decriminalisation-fly-tipping). Disposing of waste legally requires paying fees. People illegally dumping waste avoid these disposal charges. They have, however, every chance of avoiding prosecution as there are relatively few people 'policing' illegal dumping. If fly-tippers are caught, they are also likely to receive a modest fine, rather than a prison sentence (these are exceedingly rare). The government's current approach to fly-tipping and waste crime has been judged by experts to be 'close to decriminalisation'. It seems odd to largely allow this activity, especially at the time of a 'cost of living crisis'!

Starry, Starry Night?

Following the tomato soup 'attack' by two 'Just Stop Oil' protestors, George Monbiot poses the question "Do we really care more about van Gogh's sunflowers than real ones?" (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/oct/19/van-gogh-sunflowers-just-stop-oil-tactics). The tomato soup never represented a real threat to van Gogh's painting (for which he received only a paltry reward in his life time), as it was protected by armoured glass. The 'Just Stop Oil' campaigners knew this. Monbiot says, however, that the 'attck' seemed to "horrify some people more than the collapse of our planet which these campaigners are trying to prevent". He points out that the planet's climate is rapidly approaching disterous tipping points. Suggestions by the UK's current (at the time of writing) Home Secretary, that protest must be conducted in a 'civilised manner' gets short shrift. Monbiot notes that the UK has legislated to stop all meaningful protest. Protestors can be jailed (in some cases, for twice the duration of causing bodily harm) for obstructing two or more people; producing too much noise or even associating (or planning to associate) with other known demonstators. The government itself seems intent on encouraging more oil and gas exploration. Perhaps throwing soup on a well-known painting is one of the few remaining ways of getting some media attention?