Science and Conservation

Myxomatosis has been identified as the most likely cause of a recent spike in hare deaths, which could have devastating implications for this already threatened species. September and October 2018 have seen an unusual peak in brown hare ( Lepus europaeus ) deaths, particularly in the east of England, as reported by landowners, farmers and members of the public. With several possible causes, the Wildlife Trusts and University of East Anglia put out a plea for the public to report and photograph any dead or sick hares in an attempt to find the potential cause(s) of the deaths. Examination of a greater number of cases following an ‘overwhelming’ response has now strongly indicated that myxomatosis is responsible .  The brown hare, recent deaths in this species have been associated with myxomatosis Myxomatosis is best known as a highly pathogenic disease afflicting the European rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ). In this species, myxomatosis is characterised by rather distres

New data released by the RSPB at the end of September revealed 188 booming male bitterns in the UK in 2018, representing another successful year for this scarce bird. The Bittern is a shy and elusive member of the heron family that is affectionately known by a variety of nicknames, including bog-bull, bog hen, bitter bum and boom bird. Inhabiting reed bed habitat, their brown streaky plumage means they blend perfectly into the background. Its possible to walk straight past a bittern without knowing its there, and this, coupled with their shy habits, makes this a hard bird to survey. Thankfully, the male birds become rather conspicuous in spring when they make a remarkable booming call (i.e. the boom bird) that can be heard up to five kilometers away. This deep, foghorn-like call is formed when powerful muscles expel air from the oesophagus. Researchers estimate bittern numbers by counting the number of booming males within an area. The streaky brown plumage