http://greenanswers.com/news/280496/shark-extinction-when-predator-becomes-prey
Good article on shark extinction and the ramifications
Pirates vs Indians in the World Series? Let’s not get carried away…
A recent article on The Plain Dealer’s website had this gem of a quote:
After 18 straight losing seasons, the Pirates in first place? Send the script to Steven Spielberg.
What’s next, a Cleveland-Pittsburgh World Series?
My grandpa was a huge Pittsburgh Pirates fan. They haven’t been in the playoff hunt since he died in 1995. It would be a great thing to see them win it all at least once more in MY lifetime. But, let’s get a little closer to the postseason before we start worrying about a Rust Belt Series.
Let me say, though, that it is great to see the Pirates reside somewhere other than the basement after the All Star Game.
For the whole article: click here.
What happens when you remove the apex predators? This.
According to a study conducted by an international team of scientists and published in the July 15 issue of Science, the decline of apex consumers (or apex predators), largely caused by humans through hunting and habitat fragmentation, has had far-reaching and often surprising consequences, including changes in vegetation, wildfire frequency, infectious diseases, invasive species, water quality and nutrient cycles.
Some people ask me why I am such an outspoken supporter of sharks and their well-being. This is why.
But it’s not just sharks or whales. The study found that the decline in lions in Africa has “led to population outbreaks and changes in behavior of olive baboons, increasing their contact with people and causing higher rates of intestinal parasites in both people and baboons.”
Every action has a reaction. The destruction of apex predators for reasons of sport, greed, and/or fear have consequences.
The study also shows there is hope.
The decimation of wolves in Yellowstone National Park led to over-browsing of aspen and willows by elk, and restoration of wolves has allowed the vegetation to recover.
Let’s hope that it’s not too late to reverse the damage that’s already been done in other areas, particularly the sea.
For the entire article: click here.




