The difference a day makes

[andrewducker]

via my brother Mike on email.

Comments

[drdoug.livejournal.com]

Um ... it depends on which Right Whale you mean.

The Southern Right Whale is doing pretty well - the IUCN figures show about 3,200 individuals, and growing well, putting it in the 'Least Concern' category. Later estimates are even higher, like 10,000 or so.

But at the other end of the scale, IUCN says only about 500 left of each of the North Atlantic Right Whale and the North Pacific Right Whale, making them 'Endangered'. It's really very gloomy for the Northeast Pacific subpopulation, they guess less than 50, and worryingly few calves, making it 'Critically Endangered', which is the Last Chance Saloon before joining Lonesome George and the dodo.

http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/8153/0
http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41711/0
http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41711/0

[henriksdal.livejournal.com]

Ummmm I would have clarified but I got distracted trying to find the story of how they rediscovered that massive insect they thought extinct, on a tiny island off the coast of New Zealand. I think? Have a search for that, it's a great story if you can find it. (the Right Whale anecdote was half remembered from a Marine Bio lecture 12 years ago)

Tree Lobster!

[0olong.livejournal.com]

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/02/24/147367644/six-legged-giant-finds-secret-hideaway-hides-for-80-years

Re: Tree Lobster!

[0olong.livejournal.com]

(it really is a wonderful story)

Re: Tree Lobster!

[pigwotflies.livejournal.com]

I've just watched the 6 minute video of one hatching out. It's fascinating! Such cool insects.