tagged w/ Australia
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It seems rather grim: a mathematical formula to calculate the probability of animals becoming extinct.
But its Australian creators say that it will aid any decisions on where to target resources – as well as helping to recognise species so close to the brink that they are beyond help.
The Red List of Threatened Species, produced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), already ranks plants and animals in categories ranging from safe to critically endangered.
But it does not distinguish between species at the top and bottom of a category, which is where the new index – called Safe (Species Ability to Forestall Extinction) – comes in.
Devised by researchers from the University of Adelaide and James Cook University, in northern Queensland, Safe can determine how close a population is to its minimum viable size. Professor Cory Bradshaw, director of ecological modelling at Adelaide's Environment Institute, called it "the best predictor yet of the vulnerability of mammal species to extinction".
The issue is particularly sensitive in Australia, which has the world's worst record for mammal conservation. Of all the mammals that have disappeared in the past 200 years, nearly half were Australian.
The Safe index, detailed in a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Environment, builds on previous studies into minimum population sizes required to survive in the wild. According to Professor Bradshaw, the tipping-point is 5,000; below that, the risk of extinction from extreme events such as bushfires or cyclones is much higher. Among the animals close to the tipping-point are the tiger and the African wild dog.
Professor Bradshaw acknowledged that, based on the index, some species – such as the Javan rhinoceros and the New Zealand kakapo, the world's largest parrot – might not be worth trying to save. There are just 40 to 60 rhinos left, and 120 or so kakapos.
"If an animal is so rare, and it's going to take a lot of money and resources and could be impossible to restore because the habitat is not there... it might not be worth saving," Professor Bradshaw told The Australian newspaper.
"It's controversial, but when you have a finite amount of resources, one species might be more likely to be brought back from the brink."
The index would assist "practitioners of conservation triage", he said, explaining that: "During wartime, medicos have to go out and say: 'Well, this guy's too far gone, we're not going to waste our time because there's too few of us.' So we have to say: 'These ones are probably too far gone.'"
The Safe index exposes subtleties within the Red List. Both the Javan rhino and Sumatran rhino are critically endangered, but while it may be too late to save the former, the latter – with a population of 220 to 275 – may still be capable of being rescued.
So it therefore makes no sense, argues Professor Bradshaw, to spend more on the Javan species, as is currently the case. "Not all critically endangered species are equal," he said. ( it seems that voodoo math & economic thinking has seeped into the conservationist handbook scary days!)It seems rather grim: a mathematical formula to calculate the probability of animals... more
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Police are concerned about an increase in dangerous “hippie” parties in bush where revellers aged from their teens into their 50s binge on drugs.Police are concerned about an increase in dangerous “hippie” parties in... more
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Organised criminals linked to bikie gangs are among rogue dumpers who have infiltrated the waste disposal industry and are scattering hazardous waste across Sydney.
Asbestos- and lead-contaminated soil is being tipped illegally on random sites. Among new discoveries by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water is 1000 tonnes of sand containing asbestos fibre being spread across a soccer oval at Rockdale where children play.
The lure for criminals is the money - rogue operators avoid paying $3840 in fees to tip a truckload of waste at one of the state's 24 legal sites.
Department specialised regulation director Craig Lamberton told The Sun-Herald that investigators had conducted dawn raids across Sydney, seizing computers and records of businesses suspected of involvement in organised illegal dumping.
There was ''an underlying criminal element'' among the dumpers, he said, possibly because of the amount of money involved. Investigators had discovered that a number of operators illegally disposing of waste were involved in other criminal activities.Organised criminals linked to bikie gangs are among rogue dumpers who have infiltrated... more
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Analisa Hegyesi came into the radar because of a controversy in Australia. Analisa Hegyesi has been reportedly axed from a reality TV show called Renovators because of her being a child of Philippines former leader, Ferdinand Marcos. http://getitfromboy.net/analisa-hegyesi-marcos-australian-daughter/Analisa Hegyesi came into the radar because of a controversy in Australia. Analisa... more
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touche
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1 year ago
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Addressing the entire Navy by video link, Vice-Admiral Russ Crane threatened to ban alcohol consumption during port visits while overseas, and to increase shore patrols unless there was total cultural reform. He warned mariners that they would be subject to mandatory breath tests, drug testing and curfews if they did not radically improve their behaviour
His stern message came after the release earlier this year of a 400-page report detailing sordid behaviour on-board HMAS Success in 2009.
The report examined allegations of a "predatory culture" and drunken misconduct on the ship, with sailors accused of preying on young female recruits and putting bets on how many colleagues they could sleep with as part of a "sex ledger".
Among the embarrassing revelations were reports that mariners could earn extra "points" by sleeping with a female officer or for having sexual intercourse with a lesbian. Points were also awarded for sex in adventurous or outlandish locations, such as the top of a pool table. At the end of the tour the eventual winner would receive a cash prize.
The claims covered a period between March and May, 2009, when the ship, which is designed to supply naval combat units with fuel, ammunition and food while at sea, was deployed to the Philippines, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.Addressing the entire Navy by video link, Vice-Admiral Russ Crane threatened to ban... more
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Running on very little sleep, Skipper Chug's crew struggle to capture two quality tuna that get tangled together in the lines. When one crewman is knocked unconscious out at sea during the catch, everyone else on board must scramble to help get him emergency aid.
Off the coast of Australia, tough-as-nails longline fishermen risk it all on the hunt for monster-sized tuna and swordfish. Hooked on Danger goes to sea with three larger than life skippers and their crews as they brave treacherous storms, brutal working hours and their own hot tempers. When the fish are biting, a five-day trip can bring in $100,000; but a bad catch means the crew can spend days of grueling work at sea without earning a penny. For some it's an adrenaline rush; for others, it's simply a way of life.
Double up on episodes of "Hooked on Danger." New episodes air Wednesdays at 9PM and another at 9:30PM on Current TV.Running on very little sleep, Skipper Chug's crew struggle to capture two quality... more
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Rookie skipper Tony feels the pressure to finish before the sun rises. With the weather also working against them, his crew struggles to make a good haul as quickly as possible. Rushing always leads to mistakes, and their luck runs out when Tony's finger gets crushed in the boat's main pulley.
Off the coast of Australia, tough-as-nails longline fishermen risk it all on the hunt for monster-sized tuna and swordfish. Hooked on Danger goes to sea with three larger than life skippers and their crews as they brave treacherous storms, brutal working hours and their own hot tempers. When the fish are biting, a five-day trip can bring in $100,000; but a bad catch means the crew can spend days of grueling work at sea without earning a penny. For some it's an adrenaline rush; for others, it's simply a way of life.
Double up on episodes of "Hooked on Danger." New episodes air Wednesdays at 9PM and another at 9:30PM on Current TV.
Current Media, the Peabody-and Emmy Award-winning television and online network founded in 2005 by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt, engages viewers with smart, provocative and timely programming -stories that no one else is telling in ways that no one else is telling them. Current's programming shines a light where others won't dare and boldly explores important subjects -- opening minds, sparking conversations and forming deep connections with its viewers. The channel's audience is comprised of affluent, curious, social and connected adults who crave the kind of entertaining, enlightening, witty and informative programming found on Current's TV and online properties. Current is now available via cable and satellite TV in 75 million households worldwide - 60 million households in the US - through distribution partners Comcast (Channel 107); Time Warner ; DirecTV (Channel 358 nationwide); Dish Network (Channel 196 nationwide); Verizon and AT&T. In the UK and Ireland, Current is available on BSkyB (Channel 183) and Virgin Media (Channel 155), and in Italy, Current is available on Sky Italia (Channel 130). Viewers can also find Current online at http://www.current.com.Rookie skipper Tony feels the pressure to finish before the sun rises. With the... more
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As, we know that, Gujarat Cricket Association had declared that they will sell 20,000 tickets at ticket window. But just in couple of minutes, the ticket windows were closed. As per informations received to me, Cricket fans were in queue since early morning 2.00 IST at Motera Stadium. Thousands of Cricket fans were arrived from Rajkot, Vadodara, Bhavnagar, Surat and few of fans also were from other states.
As per my point of view, this is strictly called the Cheating against Cricket Fans of India. Now, I herewith request to BCCI and Indian Government, just to inquire deep into the matter of selling of tickets, so cricket fans could enjoy the match happily and comfortably.As, we know that, Gujarat Cricket Association had declared that they will sell 20,000... more
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Noisy dogs had better quiet down or else face the death penalty -- at least that's the proposal being considered by one city in Australia. The city council of Adelaide is currently mulling over a plan that calls for canine nuisances to be rounded up and euthanized if their owners fail to comply with noise ordinances and don't arrive in time to claim them. Animal rights supporters and residential associations are livid over the proposal aimed at their pets, calling the measure "over the top."
link: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/03/city-considering-killing-dogs-that-bark-too-much.phpNoisy dogs had better quiet down or else face the death penalty -- at least... more
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eva2
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1 year ago
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“Staying With Vegas” is a thoughtful and tender documentary short film directed by Karl Brandstater. The film presents a short story about a musician (Dane) in an Australian punk rock band named Liberation Front, and of life as a single father and his unending love for his daughter, Vegas. The film is incredibly moving, telling a story with which both single parents and parents in general can definitely relate.
This piece includes a number of high-resolution color photographs, as well as the emotionally touching documentary short film.
http://disembedded.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/staying-with-vegas-unending-love-for-a-daughter/“Staying With Vegas” is a thoughtful and tender documentary short film... more
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Japan has been shaken due to an earthquake of 8.9 magnitudes. This earthquake has done huge scale damage to infrastructure of Japan. Simultaneously, it has been reported that tsunami waves will strike vast areas of Pacific Ocean. Countries what may come under affect of these tsunami waves are Russia, Philippines, Taiwan, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama.Japan has been shaken due to an earthquake of 8.9 magnitudes. This earthquake has done... more
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The Pacific region’s all countries have gotten tsunami warning. Only Canada and United States are the two countries where this warning is not applicable. All other islands come under warning of this tsunami. This tsunami has been issued after the striking of an earthquake in Japan. A few days ago, Japanese issued another warning but US officials had rejected that warning. But this time, the tsunami warning has come from Americans. This warning will include Hawaii, South American Countries and Mexico in its range.The Pacific region’s all countries have gotten tsunami warning. Only Canada and... more
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"The Maestro" is an inspiring short film directed by Adam Anthony in collaboration with Third Generation Films, which was one of the winning films at 2011 Tropfest Australia. On unkind city streets an off-key homeless derelict liberates a window-washing squeegee, which empowers him to create a symphony out of the urban world around him. But when the orchestra becomes as big as the city itself, will The Maestro still be able to control his world of sound?
This piece includes a number of color photographs, as well as the wonderful short film.
http://disembedded.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/the-maestro-an-off-key-derelict-creates-an-urban-symphony/"The Maestro" is an inspiring short film directed by Adam Anthony in... more
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The man resposible for the phrase "Name and Shame" is going to be put in jail for publicly naming a pedophile in Australia. He has only months left to live, as he is suffering from cancer. Meanwhile, the pedophiles he fights so hard are let off with a slap on the wrist.
Australia, take a look at your ridiculous laws.The man resposible for the phrase "Name and Shame" is going to be put in... more
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La cantante Rihanna fue vista con un look súper relajado en la ciudad Andalaide en Australia, dónde se encuentra para presentarse en el último concierto de su gira 'Last Girl on Earth'.La cantante Rihanna fue vista con un look súper relajado en la ciudad Andalaide... more
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