Nature Hub

 From - BBC NEWS  By  - Richard Garry  Edited by - Amal Udawatta By Richard Gray 27th December 2023 From new artificial islands to the environmental devastation caused by  From new artificial islands to the environmental devastation caused by the breach of Ukraine's Kakhovka Dam – this is how humanity has changed the face of our planet throughout the past year. T There are few places on the Earth where humans have not left a mark of some kind. An estimated  95% of our planet's landmass  – not including Antarctica, even though humanity has left its imprint there, too – now show some signs of human activity. About  16% of that land has been heavily modified , according to one recent analysis. Urban development, large-scale engineering works and mining projects are reshaping entire landscapes, while deforestation and agriculture are altering entire ecosystems. Pollution produced by humans can be found in almost  every corner of our planet . Pearson Reef – also known as Phan Vinh I

 From - BBC News, Edited by - Amal Uawatta, IMAGE SOURCE, NATURESCOT Image caption, Species on the Edge will work to secure the future of species such as butterflies and bumblebees Eight leading conservation organisations have joined forces to help reverse the decline of vulnerable coastal species in Scotland. The Species on the Edge programme will focus on the conservation of 37 priority species such as bumblebees. It aims to secure the future for coastal and island species as well as raising awareness of biodiversity in Scotland. Many of the species the programme will help are at risk of extinction. Climate change and farming driving insect decline 'Insect apocalypse' more complex than thought 'Alarming' loss of insects and spiders recorded The scheme was officially launched at an event in Balnagowan Estate in Invergordon on Saturday. Nick Halfhide, NatureScot's director of nature and climate change, said: "It is an excellent example of what can be achieved t

  By Tom Housden BBC News, Sydney, Edited by - Amal Udawatta, IMAGE S IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES   An Australian man has escaped with his life after being attacked by a saltwater crocodile while snorkelling at an exclusive Queensland resort. Marcus McGowan, 51, has detailed how he managed to prise the predator's jaws off his head, suffering lacerations. He was airlifted to a nearby island hospital, and later flown to Cairns for further treatment. Crocodile attacks are uncommon in Australia, but there have been several in recent months. Mr McGowan said he was in the water with a group of people about 28km (17.3 miles) off Haggerstone Island near Cape York when he was bitten from behind. "I thought it was a shark but when I reached up, I realised it was a crocodile. I was able to lever its jaws open just far enough to get my head out," he said in a statement. The crocodile - suspected to be a juvenile - came back for another go, he said, but he was able to push it away, suf