Nature
How do we value our natural capital?
Daija Angeli, project officer for the Society of Biology’s special interest group the Natural Capital Initiative, attended a meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on the valuation of natural capital on 25th February 2014. Here is what she learned: How do we value our nature? The concept of natural capital is often used to … Continue reading
The ants came marching one by one….
By Natasha Neill, executive officer at the Society of Biology Counting animals is normally associated with colourful cartoons or primary school songs, but trying to monitor how many animals there are can often be a difficult yet critical task. Species number and distribution around the world give the best indication of how vulnerable the species … Continue reading
Pollen protects honeybees against pathogens
Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology, reports on Professor May Berenbaum’s talk at the Impact of Pesticides on Bee Health conference organised by the Biochemical Society, the British Ecological Society and the Society for Experimental Biology. In 2006, American beekeepers were alarmed by sudden losses of hives to colony collapse disorder, where … Continue reading
Video: Can we rely on honeybees for pollination?
By Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology Insect pollination improves production in around 75% of global crops, and both wild pollinators and managed honeybees are important. Recently, EU agricultural and biofuel policies have led to an increased area of insect pollinated crops. But do we have enough honeybees to pollinate them? In … Continue reading
Vulture culture – the bald facts
Mark Leach, the Society of Biology’s membership marketing manager learns all about vultures. As is often the way of these things, (particularly when you work for the Society of Biology) a random office conversation got us talking about vultures. Always with an eye on my next project, Rebecca Nesbit pointed me towards the internet, with … Continue reading
Species of the week: Cane toad
The cane toad (Bufo marinus or Rhinella marina) is a large toad native to south and central America, which has had some pretty bad press. Its attempted use in pest control has led to populations being established around the world, often with serious consequences for native wildlife. It is also known as the giant toad, … Continue reading
How to sketch the hind leg of a honeybee
In advance of the Society of Biology training course she is giving in March, Wildlife and Natural History artist Cath Hodsman shares tips on accurate insect drawing. I paint and sketch all wildlife but my main specialism is entomology. I seek to get as much detail in my work as possible in order to pay … Continue reading
Would you be fooled by a fly? Play a game to find out!
Christopher Taylor, a PhD student at the University of Nottingham, invites you to play an insect game to assist with his research. In the natural world, not everything is what it seems. Deception is rife, and it can be hard to know whether to trust your senses. What first looks like a dead leaf might … Continue reading
Species of the week: the hedgehog
This autumn, thousands of hedgehogs will curl up and sleep through the winter blues, with the hope of emerging next March to see the blossom on trees and the return of life to the gardens, woodlands and fields. Hibernation, though, is a perilous practise and not to be taken lightly. Many hedgehogs will never wake … Continue reading
Species of the Week: The Malayan Tiger
In 2004, the Malayan Tiger, was welcomed as its own subspecies after careful consideration of genetics and measurements from the closely related subspecies Panthera tigris corbetti, the tigers of Singapore. The Malayan Tiger is exclusively found in the Malay Peninsula, and there are estimated to be approximately 500 in existence. Unfortunately, tiger numbers continue … Continue reading