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Large groups of southern fin whales observed in Antarctica.. . In two expeditions to Antarctica in 2018 and 2019, researchers recorded 100 groups of fin whales Balaenoptera physalus, ranging from small gatherings of a few individuals to eight large congregations of up to 150 individuals, feeding on masses of krill. Previously recorded feeding groups of the world’s second-largest animal numbered a maximum of around a dozen whales. Scientists estimate that the global fin whale populationwas reduced to 1–2%of itsoriginal size by centuries of whaling. Although their numbers have increased since the 1970swhal- ing ban, there have been few sightings of these animals in large groups at their historic feeding grounds, and given their long life- spans and slow reproduction, recovery is a slow process. The survey data collected on the expedition suggest there could now be almost 8,000 fin whales in the Antarctic area. Fin whales are categorized as Vulner- able on the IUCN Red List and the global population is estimated to be c. 100,000, with most of these whales inhabiting waters in the northern hemisphere. Source: The Guardian (2022) theguardian. com/environment/2022/jul/08/vast- group-of-southern-fin-whales-filmed-feeding- in-antarctica-sparking-hope-of-recovery


.. . but climate change and overfishing threaten Antarctic krill Once described as limitless in number, the filter-feeding Antarctic krill Euphausia su- perba is one of the most abundant species in the world, but its populations are under pressure. These tiny crustaceans of the Southern Ocean play a critical role in main- taining planetary health by storing carbon and providing food for a vast web of species. They are also fished in increasing amounts to meet demand for use in global aquaculture and the production of krill oil. Scientists and conservationists are concerned about the future of the species because of overfish- ing, climate change and other anthropogenic threats. Some experts have called on the group responsible for regulating krill fishing in the Southern Ocean, the Commission for the Conservation ofAntarcticMarine Living Resources, to revise its generous catch limits. Others are calling for a moratorium on krill fishing before overexploitation leads to irre- versible impacts on krill populations. Source: Mongabay (2022) news.mongabay. com/2022/08/climate-change-and- overfishing-threaten-once-endless- antarctic-krill


The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet Newdata indicate that theArctic iswarming four times faster than the Earth as a whole, a significant update compared to earlier esti- mates. Until recently, scientific studies and news reports have typically reported that temperatures there are rising at about 2–3 times the global average rate. A new study found that the Arctic Circle has warmed by . 2.8 °C since 1979, at about four times the global average rate over the last 43 years. It is one of several recent studies that have all come to similar conclusions. Even if Arctic amplification, the phenomenon that the Arctic warms at higher rates than the rest of the planet, slows down in the future, the region will still have fundamentally changed and temperatures will have already risen dramatically. The region will also likely con- tinue on warming, but possibly not at four times the global average. Sources: Communications Earth & Environment (2022) doi.org/10.1038/ s43247-022-00498-3 & Scientific American (2022) scientificamerican.com/article/the- arctic-is-warming-four-times-faster- than-the-rest-of-the-planet


Impacts of Covid-19-related plastics on wildlife A study using community science observa- tions fromaround the world found that dis- posable face masks and plastic gloves could pose an ongoing risk to wildlife for tens if not hundreds of years. Entanglement was one of the most prevalent threats, with some animals being killed after becoming caught in the plastic debris. The study cap- tured 114 observations, and it is likely that it represents just a fraction of the much larger impacts of Covid-19-related waste on wildlife. With an estimated global demand of over 129 billion masks per month at the height of the pandemic, the effect of pan- demic waste will become more pronounced as even more plastic works its way into our ecosystems.As levels of litter increased,wild- life struggling with pandemic-related debris became more common. The litter has also been linked to wildlife deaths, with one of the first reported cases believed to be an American robin found dead in Canada in April 2020 after becoming entangled in a face mask. Even if not the direct cause of death, litter can weaken wild animals and make themmore susceptible to fatal injuries. Sources: Science of The Total Environment (2022) doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022. 157614 & The Natural History Museum (2o22) nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2022/ august/pandemic-face-masks-could-harm- wildlife-for-years-to-come.html


Research on diverse tree genus will help conservation An international study that analysed the world’s most species-rich tree genus, Syzy- gium, has made breakthrough findings. More than 60 researchers explored the evo- lution and speciation patterns of Syzygium, using samples from species growing in Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Trees growing in tropical areas are among the most valuable in protecting bio- diversity, but they are threatened because of commercial exploitation and habitat loss. The new study contributes to the under- standing of how plant species have emerged in the past in response to environmental changes. This knowledge is valuable for predicting how plants may respond to eco- logical changes brought about by climate change and will guide conservation and management efforts for plant communities. Because of their diversity, Syzygium species play a vital role in the functioning of forest ecosystems. Many are also cultivated in tropical countries for different types of spices, such as cloves, or their large, edible fruits. Sources: Nature Communications (2022) doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-32637-x & University of Aberdeen (2022) abdn.ac.uk/ news/16313


New report highlights opportunities for conservation of ladybirds globally A report into the global status of ladybirds reveals the threats they face and lays out a roadmap for their conservation. These bee- tles are considered to be in decline globally because of human activities, and many spe- cies are poorly understood. The researchwas compiled by an international group of ex- perts, including ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the University of the Azores and Ghent University, as well as all members of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Ladybird Specialist Group. It identifies gaps in knowledge about how ladybirds are responding to environmental changes affecting global biodiversity and sug- gests actions to protect the charismatic bee- tles and other insects. The ladybird family, Coccinellidae, includes . 6,000 species glo- bally. Many of these species play an impor- tant role in protecting plants, including crops, from the ravages of pest insects such as aphids. The study’s authors hope they can enthuse more researchers to become in- volved in studying ladybirds and assessing the ecological threats that affect their diver- sity and abundance. Source: Science Daily (2022) sciencedaily. com/releases/2022/08/220825094907.htm


Oryx, 2022, 56(6), 803–808 © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Fauna & Flora International doi:10.1017/S0030605322001168


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