chXout Team, Author at chXout

Using eDNA analysis for great crested newt surveys

14th March 202314th March 2023 By chXout Team Comment Closed

The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is the largest and rarest newt to be found in the United Kingdom. In the last century the species has faced a large decline leading to them becoming a protected species in the UK and Europe. Great crested newts (GCN’s), their eggs, breeding sites and resting places are protected by law. This makes it an offence to: capture, kill, disturb or injure great crested newts deliberately. damage or destroy a breeding or resting place. obstruct access to their resting or sheltering places (deliberately or by not taking enough care). possess, sell, control or transport live or dead newts, or parts of them. take great crested newt eggs. Due to their protected status, it is now often a requirement to survey for GCN when there are waterbodies within a certain radius of a development site as part of the planning application. Standard methods of ecological surveys include torch surveying, bottle traps and egg searches by licenced surveyors. Environmental...

Bacteria that have a “genetic LEGO set”?

10th February 202315th February 2023 By chXout Team Comment Closed

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently published a paper which explains how Prochlorococcus bacteria, which are responsible for a large amount of the oceans’ oxygen production, are able to survive in a range of oceanic environments using what they are describing to be like a “genetic LEGO set”. It was found that these organisms are able to use a form of gene transfer using what the scientists have called “tycheposons.” These are blocks of DNA which are able to detach and then be transported to other organisms via vesicles produced from their cell membrane. They are also able to “hijack” infectious particles known as capsids from viruses and travel from one organism to another. Evidence of this has been found when capsids and vesicles have been collected and studied from the ocean and found to contain this same genetic material. Tycheposons are thought to be particularly special as they are helping the receiving organism to adapt or diversify...

Why should we care about fungi?

25th January 202315th February 2023 By chXout Team Comment Closed

A BBC article has recently highlighted fungi and how the fungi kingdom tends to go unnoticed in comparison to plants and animals. And that is not just in terms of people taking an interest in them but also when it comes to research and conservation. As explained by the British Mycological (the study of fungi) Society, fungi are neither plant or animal and have a kingdom of their own of 3-5 million species. Most fungi are understudied meaning that they have not been named or described. It is thought that more than 90% of all fungi are yet to be described by science. The society is currently pushing for fungi to be included in the GCSE Natural History qualification launching in 2025 to promote their importance and encourage future studies. Dr Drakulic who is featured in the BBC article emphasises the concern with the lack of research into fungi as understandably it makes it very difficult to protect species that you know...

Help garden birds this winter

19th December 202215th February 2023 By chXout Team Comment Closed

With very early autumn conditions being labelled as a “false” autumn at the end of August, followed by almost spring-like conditions and then the big freeze last week, it’s fair to say that British wildlife is probably very confused right now.After being followed round the garden by a winter favourite, the robin this weekend, one of the chXout® team decided to look into what they could do for garden birds in this weather. With no bird seed and not a whole lot to choose from in the kitchen, it seemed like this might be a bit of a challenge.We should note that with the prevalence of bird flu at the moment, interaction with wild birds should be kept to a minimum and it is important to wash your hands before and after replacing food.As more people seem to be aware of now, the last thing we should really be feeding any type of birds is bread. Although it is not...

Bird crime still at a high

15th November 202215th February 2023 By chXout Team Comment Closed

RSPB Birdcrime Report The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has published their Birdcrime report today covering confirmed cases of bird of prey persecution in 2021. The chXout® team have read through the report to provide you with a summary of the key points.All wild birds and their nests are protected by law but this does not seem to be enough. Existing laws appear to be little to no deterrent due to punishments not being used to their full extent. There is a concern that killing is becoming more targeted, especially in Scotland, with a concerted effort to conceal the evidence.108 incidents of persecution took place in the UK in 2021 which is the second highest number on record after 2020. Sadly, it is considered that this figure is likely to be much higher as these are only the confirmed cases with evidence. The 2020 report confirmed 137 cases which has now risen to 146.As seen in previous years...

Finding rare bats with DNA testing

9th November 202215th February 2023 By chXout Team Comment Closed

Finding rare bats with DNA testing The National Bats in Churches Study is a major citizen science survey covering over 1000 churches between 2019 and 2022. The survey included a questionnaire, collection of droppings for DNA analysis and the placing of bat detectors. The aim of the study was to understand more about which species of bats use churches and why, to help them remain living there without causing a burden or damage to the church. Researchers are currently analysing the data of this particular survey to share their findings next year. An exciting outcome from the study so far is that one of the UK’s rarest bats, the grey long-eared bat (Plecotus austriacus), was found to be roosting in a church in Somerset. This was all thanks to the DNA analysis of bat droppings. It is thought that there are only around 1000 grey long-eared bats in England with very few confirmed records. In comparison to the grey long-eared bat, brown long-eared (Plecotus auritus) bats although...