Chioma Okafor’s Post

Happy Fish Friday! Modern science has unraveled many secrets of the natural world. We have uncovered how mountains form, how animals communicate, and how the moon creates tides. One mystery still baffling science is how the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) reproduces. American eels are a snake-like fish species native to the east coast of North America. As of 2024, no one has seen an American eel reproduce in the wild. Until the mid-1900s, scientists (including Aristotle) thought these slimy creatures spawned from the mud since so few had been found with reproductive structures. In the late 19th century, Sigmund Freud took an interest in eels and dissected over 400 in an attempt to understand their reproductive system. With little luck, he later moved onto psychology. Other scientists like Johannes Schmidt had more success and discovered that the eels migrate from rivers to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce, making them a Catadromous species. Although we know more about eels today, they are still a mystery. But doesn’t that make them even more interesting?! Write-Up Credit: Jenna Watson (Junior Wetland and Vegetation Ecologist) #AmericanEel #RCBioSolutions #RCBioSolutionsLtd #Fish #Wildlife #Wetlands #Grasslands #Regulatory #Alberta #EnvironmentalConsulting #SylvanLake #Edmonton #Calgary #Fieldwork #FishFriday

I am thrilled to see Holistic Landscape Management gaining momentum in important projects like WaterLANDS. Integrating ecology, finance, and stakeholder partnerships is a new paradigm that builds bridges and enables us to scale together. #HolisticLandscapeManagement #WaterLANDS

Learn all about identifying the two native oak trees and spotting signs of acute oak decline with Forest Research #HostOfTheMonth series

Conserving African manatees starts with sharing knowledge. From blending scientific insights with indigenous wisdom to inspiring those far from manatee habitats, every action counts. 🌍 Mongabay ‘s insightful article beautifully captures what African manatees are, painting a vivid picture of their appearance, habitat, and the challenges they face. Though they are elusive in the wild, this read brings them to life. Dive into the full story by clicking the link below.

Please read and share, so more people get to know the European wildcat, the species I work with at the moment (you can switch between portuguese and english versions on the right upper corner menu). https://lnkd.in/d2D6riK4

And your traditional methods encouraging Re-Wilding and the support of nature are captured here: https://lnkd.in/eYMc_UCZ

🌿 **A Glimmer of Hope at the Hollywood Cross: Gila Woodpeckers Still Thriving** 🌿 In the midst of ongoing challenges to preserve our natural and cultural heritage, it's heartening to share some good news. Despite the desecration and destruction of Native American burial grounds and religious monuments, two resilient Gila Woodpeckers have been spotted at the Hollywood Cross. These beautiful birds, known for their distinctive black-and-white barred backs and tan heads, are a symbol of perseverance in our urban landscape. The Gila Woodpecker, typically found in the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, has adapted to urban environments, often seen foraging in trees and even visiting feeders¹². Their presence at the Hollywood Cross is a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and urban development. As we continue to advocate for the protection of indigenous sites and the accountability of government officials, let's also celebrate the small victories in our environment. Every sighting of these woodpeckers is a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the importance of our efforts to protect their habitats. Let's keep pushing forward, not just for the preservation of our cultural heritage, but also for the thriving of our natural world.

https://lnkd.in/g_PWfSys #riskmanagement #enviroment #water In a new scientific paper (see link in article), David Lindenmayer and team, 'looked carefully at the body of evidence on the natural pre-invasion state of Australian forests, such as those dominated by majestic mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans), the world’s tallest flowering plant. We analysed historical documents, ... analysis shows most areas of mainland mountain ash forests were likely to have been dense and wet at the time of British invasion. The large overstorey eucalypt trees were relatively widely spaced, but there was a dense understorey of broad-leaved shrubs, tree ferns and mid-storey trees, including elements of cool temperate rainforest.'

Sandworms dominate the 'Dune' landscape, but within the confines of our coral nursery, we encounter an equally compelling creature, the fire worm (Hermodice carunculata). Though smaller in stature, the impact and ecological significance of these corallivores are profound. Fire worms engage in a unique feeding mechanism, employing their engorged pharynx to envelop the tips of branching corals, such as staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). This process results in the removal of tissue directly from the coral skeleton, leaving distinct white tips on the branches of coral. Fireworm predation emphasizes the critical and ongoing need for vigilance in our coral restoration projects. Monitoring and managing the impact of these corallivores are essential to ensure the health and growth of our restored reefs. We have interns who are focused on the development of a baited trapping system that will allow for safe relocation of the fire worms. As we continue our efforts to revive and protect coral habitats, understanding and adapting to these natural processes are key. Have you ever encountered a fire worm? Let us know your experience in the comments! Video: Jackson Harris for Coral Restoration Foundation #CoralRestoration #MarineConservation #Dune #Sandworms #Biodiversity #UnderwaterWorld #OceanProtection #ReefLife #MarineBiology

WHY are trees numbered in Germany? If you have been to Germany, you may have noticed metal plates with a number on the trees. The authorities do this to keep a list of the trees in the forests and parks. The list contains all the information about the tree: age, condition, species. Through this information, the proper care of trees is taken and they are prevented from falling down. That's how Germans are — order above all😌