&nbsp;

In a remarkable tale of survival, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, also known as the 'tree lobster,' defied extinction after its rediscovery in 2001 on Ball's Pyramid.

With only 20 to 30 remaining in the wild, San Diego Zoo has invited visitors to witness these extraordinary Australian insects, as reported by ScienceAlert.

The Lord Howe Island stick insects cling to survival on Ball's Pyramid, a near-vertical volcanic outcrop.

Prone to catastrophic weather events and landslides, the insects face challenges in their critical habitat. A single species of food plant, Melaleuca howeana, is threatened by an invasive vine, complicating the survival of this critically endangered species.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-traces-of-new-deadly-bat-virus-which-can-infect-humans-found-inside-cave-says-report-679874">Also read |&nbsp;Thailand: Traces of new deadly bat virus which can infect humans found inside cave, says report</a>

<h2>Conservation efforts by zoos</h2>

Several zoos worldwide, including Melbourne, Bristol (now closed), and San Diego Zoos, collaborated to save the Lord Howe Island stick insect.

Recognising the significance of invertebrates in ecological balance, San Diego Zoo aims to raise awareness by allowing visitors to witness these rare insects up close.

<h2>Historical threats and rediscovery</h2>

Once abundant on Lord Howe Island, the 'tree lobsters' faced extinction due to a rat invasion in 1918, decimating their population.

Declared extinct in 1986, climbers' reports of insect poop and skin sheds in the 1960s hinted at their secret refuge on Ball's Pyramid. In 2003, a rescue team extracted four insects to initiate a successful breeding programme.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-oldest-forest-found-in-us-first-ever-investigation-reveals-ages-of-ancient-plants-trees-679667">Also read |&nbsp;World’s oldest forest found in US: First-ever investigation reveals ages of ancient plants, trees</a>

Collaborative efforts between zoos have resulted in thriving captive populations, numbering in the thousands.

The unique ability of female stick insects to clone themselves through parthenogenetic reproduction has contributed to their survival, despite critically low numbers.

Efforts to eliminate rats on Lord Howe Island since 2019, aided by rat-detecting dogs, have led to an ecological renaissance. From endangered snails to flightless Lord Howe Woodhens, the island experiences a resurgence of its unique wildlife. Residents witness increased biodiversity, flowering plants, and a carpet of seedlings, signaling a positive ecological shift.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a remarkable tale of survival, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, also known as the 'tree lobster,' defied extinction after its rediscovery in 2001 on Ball's Pyramid.

In a remarkable tale of survival, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, also known as the 'tree lobster,' defied extinction after its rediscovery in 2001 on Ball's Pyramid. With only 20 to 30 remaining in the wild, San Diego Zoo has invited visitors to witness these extraordinary Australian insects, as reported by ScienceAlert. The Lord Howe Island stick insects cling to survival on Ball's Pyramid, a near-vertical volcanic outcrop. Prone to catastrophic weather events and landslides, the insects face challenges in their critical habitat. A single species of food plant, Melaleuca howeana, is threatened by an invasive vine, complicating the survival of this critically endangered species. Also read | Thailand: Traces of new deadly bat virus which can infect humans found inside cave, says report Conservation efforts by zoos Several zoos worldwide, including Melbourne, Bristol (now closed), and San Diego Zoos, collaborated to save the Lord Howe Island stick insect. Recognising the significance of invertebrates in ecological balance, San Diego Zoo aims to raise awareness by allowing visitors to witness these rare insects up close. Historical threats and rediscovery Once abundant on Lord Howe Island, the 'tree lobsters' faced extinction due to a rat invasion in 1918, decimating their population. Declared extinct in 1986, climbers' reports of insect poop and skin sheds in the 1960s hinted at their secret refuge on Ball's Pyramid. In 2003, a rescue team extracted four insects to initiate a successful breeding programme. Also read | World’s oldest forest found in US: First-ever investigation reveals ages of ancient plants, trees Collaborative efforts between zoos have resulted in thriving captive populations, numbering in the thousands. The unique ability of female stick insects to clone themselves through parthenogenetic reproduction has contributed to their survival, despite critically low numbers. Efforts to eliminate rats on Lord Howe Island since 2019, aided by rat-detecting dogs, have led to an ecological renaissance. From endangered snails to flightless Lord Howe Woodhens, the island experiences a resurgence of its unique wildlife. Residents witness increased biodiversity, flowering plants, and a carpet of seedlings, signaling a positive ecological shift. (With inputs from agencies)

Once nearly extinct, world’s ‘rarest insect’ now thrives in thousands in US

More than half of native species are believed to be in decline, and introduced species now make up the bulk of plants growing in the wild in Britain, according to the findings of a 20-year research presented on Wednesday.

The primary cause of change, according to the "Plant Atlas 2020" research conducted by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, has been a shift in land use, notably "the intensification of arable cultivation" (BSBI).

With volunteers providing over 26 million records, including 3,445 distinct species, the 20-year research is the most extensive ever conducted on UK wild flora.

The survey found that 1,692 of them were native to the UK and 1,753 were non-natives that people had either purposefully or unintentionally released into the environment.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/two-fathers-and-a-mice-scientists-make-eggs-from-male-cells-to-do-the-unthinkable-570255">Mice with two biological dads: Scientists do the unthinkable</a>

"This startling finding means that there are now more introduced plants growing in the wild in Britain than natives, with many originating from gardens and then spreading to establish self-sustaining populations," it added.

A comparison with research from the 1950s revealed that native plant species are estimated to have reduced by 53 per cent. Yet, it is projected that the number of recently imported species has grown by 58 per cent.

The research highlighted that the development of arable farming has caused "significant losses of several flora" related to such crops.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) environment forum chair Richard Bramley said farmers were "committed to enhancing and improving our landscapes".

"In recent decades, farmers have made huge improvements in several areas that this report highlights. For example, more than 10,000 football pitches of habitat have been planted to benefit wildlife such as pollinators," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than half of native species are believed to be in decline, and introduced species now make up the bulk of plants growing in the wild in Britain, according to the findings of a 20-year research presented on Wednesday.

More than half of native species are believed to be in decline, and introduced species now make up the bulk of plants growing in the wild in Britain, according to the findings of a 20-year research presented on Wednesday. The primary cause of change, according to the "Plant Atlas 2020" research conducted by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, has been a shift in land use, notably "the intensification of arable cultivation" (BSBI). With volunteers providing over 26 million records, including 3,445 distinct species, the 20-year research is the most extensive ever conducted on UK wild flora. The survey found that 1,692 of them were native to the UK and 1,753 were non-natives that people had either purposefully or unintentionally released into the environment. ALSO READ | Mice with two biological dads: Scientists do the unthinkable "This startling finding means that there are now more introduced plants growing in the wild in Britain than natives, with many originating from gardens and then spreading to establish self-sustaining populations," it added. A comparison with research from the 1950s revealed that native plant species are estimated to have reduced by 53 per cent. Yet, it is projected that the number of recently imported species has grown by 58 per cent. The research highlighted that the development of arable farming has caused "significant losses of several flora" related to such crops. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) environment forum chair Richard Bramley said farmers were "committed to enhancing and improving our landscapes". "In recent decades, farmers have made huge improvements in several areas that this report highlights. For example, more than 10,000 football pitches of habitat have been planted to benefit wildlife such as pollinators," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

50% of Britain, Ireland’s native plants have diminished over 20 years: Study

Unlike animals, botanists can’t track a plant’s footprints through the forest or call them in with whistling songs. As a result, we are often not even sure what the world is losing until it’s too late. At least 40% of the world’s remaining plant species are in trouble and the rate of plant extinctions are at least 500 times higher than the background rate of extinction.

WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast?

The forest department officials in India’s snowbound Uttarakhand state have discovered an ultra-rare carnivorous plant in the western Himalayan region for the first time.

The plant called Utricularia Furcellata was found in Uttarakhand's Mandal valley, Chamoli district, at an altitude of 4,800 feet by a team of the Research Wing of the Uttarakhand forest in September 2021.

The plant was last seen in the country in northeastern Meghalaya state in 1986.

The discovery has been documented in the prestigious ‘Journal of Japanese Botany’, which is a 106-year-old journal on plant taxonomy and botany.

“It is the first sighting of the plant not only in Uttarakhand but in the entire western Himalayan region,” Chief Conservator of Forest (Research) Sanjiv Chaturvedi told to PTI news agency.

Carnivorous plants which generally grow on poor nutrient soil have aroused new interest in the scientific community across the world because of their potential medicinal benefits, the official said.

The plant belongs to a genus, commonly known as bladderworts, which uses one of the most sophisticated and developed plant structures for trap and its targets range from protozoa to insects, mosquito larvae and even the young tadpoles.

This discovery comes as a part of a project study of insectivorous plants in Uttarakhand.

However, the species face threat due to heavy biotic pressure because of being at a tourist spot.

Its operation is simply based on a mechanical process, that is by creating a vacuum or negative pressure area to draw prey inside the trap door. These plants are mostly found in fresh water and wet soil.

This was the first such comprehensive study in the State and so far, around 20 plant species belonging to the genus Drosera, Utricularia and Pinguicula have been found.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The forest department officials in India’s snowbound Uttarakhand state have discovered an ultra-rare carnivorous plant in the western Himalayan region for the first time.

The forest department officials in India’s snowbound Uttarakhand state have discovered an ultra-rare carnivorous plant in the western Himalayan region for the first time. The plant called Utricularia Furcellata was found in Uttarakhand's Mandal valley, Chamoli district, at an altitude of 4,800 feet by a team of the Research Wing of the Uttarakhand forest in September 2021. The plant was last seen in the country in northeastern Meghalaya state in 1986. The discovery has been documented in the prestigious ‘Journal of Japanese Botany’, which is a 106-year-old journal on plant taxonomy and botany. “It is the first sighting of the plant not only in Uttarakhand but in the entire western Himalayan region,” Chief Conservator of Forest (Research) Sanjiv Chaturvedi told to PTI news agency. Carnivorous plants which generally grow on poor nutrient soil have aroused new interest in the scientific community across the world because of their potential medicinal benefits, the official said. The plant belongs to a genus, commonly known as bladderworts, which uses one of the most sophisticated and developed plant structures for trap and its targets range from protozoa to insects, mosquito larvae and even the young tadpoles. This discovery comes as a part of a project study of insectivorous plants in Uttarakhand. However, the species face threat due to heavy biotic pressure because of being at a tourist spot. Its operation is simply based on a mechanical process, that is by creating a vacuum or negative pressure area to draw prey inside the trap door. These plants are mostly found in fresh water and wet soil. This was the first such comprehensive study in the State and so far, around 20 plant species belonging to the genus Drosera, Utricularia and Pinguicula have been found. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ultra-rare carnivorous plant Utricularia Furcellata found in India’s Uttarakhand state for first time

Most of the plant species are going extinct in the world as people don’t need them, found researchers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

More than 80,000 plant species have been categorised worldwide. &nbsp;

The plant communities of the future will largely depend on humans and will be hugely homogenised than those of today, as per the paper, which was published in the journal ‘Plants, People, Planet’. &nbsp;

The findings show a dark picture of the threat to biodiversity. The study covered less than 30% of all known plant species. It is like a “wake-up call”, say the researchers, who highlighted the need for more work in this field. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-may-be-three-times-deadlier-than-reported-says-study-461157" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic deaths may be thrice than reported, claims study</a>

There are 6,749 plants, which are winners and helpful to humans, such as rice, corn, wheat and other crops. They cover 40% of the surface of the planet. There are 164 plants, which are winners and but not useful to humans. These include weedy species like kudzu. &nbsp;

About 20,290 species of plants have been categorised as losers as they are mostly not useful to humans. They are already recognised as endangered species like magnolia tree from Haiti, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The scientists have also branded 26,002 species as potential losers, and 18,664 species as potential winners. These last two categories are plants, which are currently considered neutral. And 571 plant species have already gone extinct.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-england-number-of-covid-cases-witness-rise-among-older-adults-says-study-461186" hreflang="en">In England, number of Covid cases witness rise among older adults, says study</a>&nbsp;

John Kress, botany curator emeritus, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and lead author of the paper, said, “We’re actually beginning to quantify what’s going to make it through the bottleneck of the Anthropocene, in terms of numbers. It’s not the future, it’s happening. The bottleneck is starting to happen right now. And I think that’s part of the wake-up call that we are trying to give here. It’s something we might be able to slow down a little bit, but it’s happening.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Most of the plant species are going extinct in the world as people don’t need them, found researchers. More than 80,000 plant species have been categorised worldwide.

Most of the plant species are going extinct in the world as people don’t need them, found researchers. More than 80,000 plant species have been categorised worldwide. The plant communities of the future will largely depend on humans and will be hugely homogenised than those of today, as per the paper, which was published in the journal ‘Plants, People, Planet’. The findings show a dark picture of the threat to biodiversity. The study covered less than 30% of all known plant species. It is like a “wake-up call”, say the researchers, who highlighted the need for more work in this field. Also Read: Covid pandemic deaths may be thrice than reported, claims study There are 6,749 plants, which are winners and helpful to humans, such as rice, corn, wheat and other crops. They cover 40% of the surface of the planet. There are 164 plants, which are winners and but not useful to humans. These include weedy species like kudzu. About 20,290 species of plants have been categorised as losers as they are mostly not useful to humans. They are already recognised as endangered species like magnolia tree from Haiti, etc. The scientists have also branded 26,002 species as potential losers, and 18,664 species as potential winners. These last two categories are plants, which are currently considered neutral. And 571 plant species have already gone extinct. Also Read: In England, number of Covid cases witness rise among older adults, says study John Kress, botany curator emeritus, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and lead author of the paper, said, “We’re actually beginning to quantify what’s going to make it through the bottleneck of the Anthropocene, in terms of numbers. It’s not the future, it’s happening. The bottleneck is starting to happen right now. And I think that’s part of the wake-up call that we are trying to give here. It’s something we might be able to slow down a little bit, but it’s happening.” (With inputs from agencies)

Plant species that are not useful to humans are going extinct, says study

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