Ecology - Page 8

Why is it so important to conserve bats? Bats represent a third of our mammal species in the UK, and because they are a top predator, inhabiting a wide range of habitats, they are an incredibly valuable indicator of the UK’s biodiversity.

It wasn’t until 21 years later that an African hawkmoth was discovered. This moth had a 30 cm long proboscis and was observed carefully inserting it down the long spur of Darwin’s Orchid to feed.

I am going to prove to you that it is paramount to a balanced marine environment. It is also very important to marine predators as a source of food.

The absence of the constantly searching mycelia of fungi would be detrimental to one organism in particular, one that many others rely on; trees.

Freeze tolerant animals allow their bodies to freeze and when spring arrives they thaw and come back to life. The wood frog is an outstanding example of this method.

The species has a high reproductive rate, producing quadruplets and living for twenty years. Individuals can also delay implantation of a fertilised egg during times of stress.

It must be remembered that in all cases culling is an attempt to rectify a problem which has been created by us. For example, culling invasive species which we have introduced can be an effective way of protecting native flora and fauna.

The disease is an infectious, spreading cancer and, with no cure available, has reduced populations by 80%. Consequently the species is now listed on the IUCN Red List as endangered.

The glorious Amanita Muscarias are dotted around the woodland and are looking spectacular, yet menacing.