Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 8 January 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Researchers from the University of Cape Town and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation have reaffirmed a study that discovered four distinct species of giraffe based on their genetics. For the project, the team assembled the largest known dataset for any medium to large wildlife, by 3D-scanning 515 giraffe skulls from African national parks, game farms, taxidermists, and museum collections globally. UCT’s professor Nikolaos Kargopoulos says the existence of four distinct giraffe species has clear implications for their conservation:

# A study by Rhodes University has identified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances also known as forever chemicals contamination in eleven African countries. These include South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Zambia. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that can contaminate drinking water, food, and the air. The university says South Africa’s Vaal River and Kenya’s Nairobi River are hotspots for forever chemicals. It adds that there are several ways to address PFAS contamination including strengthening regulations, improving wastewater treatment, and enhancing research and funding.

# And finally: A paper clip-sized chameleon and the whale shark are among the threatened species of animals and plants being monitored by conservationists this year. According to an international nature conservation and charity group, Fauna and Flora, the species are facing threats such as habitat loss, climate change, disease and hunting. The list includes the critically endangered European mink, found in countries such as Romania, a recently discovered species of magnolia found in Honduras, and the great hornbill bird species from south Asia.

Stay tuned for more news………….