More Than 28,000 Species Are Now on a Collision Course with Extinction

There’s no denying that the planet is warming, people are invading every last corner of the globe, and pollution is at an all-time high  – all of which combines to mean that there are thousands of species in danger of disappearing from the earth forever.

For the first time since it began in 1964, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s list of threatened species has surpassed 100,000. 9,000 were added in the past year, bringing the total to 105,732, and a full third of those – 28,338 species – are staring down extinction if nothing changes.

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Visual definition of the term: CONNECTION

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Freshwater fish are particularly at risk these days, with half of all species endemic to Japan threatened and a third of those from Mexico facing the same fate. The IUCN lists agricultural and urban pollution, loss of free-flowing rivers, dams, weirs, fishing, and invasive species as the main reasons for decline.

“To halt these declines, we urgently need policies on the human use of freshwaters that allow for the needs of the many other species sharing these ecosystems,” argues Willam Darwall, head of the IUCN’s Freshwater Biodiversity Unit.

Saltwater inhabitants are hardly faring much better, with an entire group known as Rhino rays ready to disappear in the wild at the drop of a hat. Though not technically sharks, their dorsal fins are making them targets of the same people decimating the world’s shark population for shark fin soup.

“To prevent losing these ray families, it is critical that governments immediately establish and enforce species protections,  bycatch mitigation programs, marine protected areas, and international trade controls,” warns expert Colin Simpfendorder.

500 deep-sea bony fishes have also been added to the list, endangered by deep-sea fishing, seabed mining, and the oil and gas industries.

On land, 7 new primate species find themselves officially endangered, 6 of which reside in West Africa. The IUCN says as many as 40% of West and Central African primates are threatened with extinction, including the roloway monkey, hunted for its meat. Deforestation also plays a critical role in the displacement and struggle many species face.

“With more than 100,000 species now assessed for the IUCN’s Red List, this update clearly shows how much humans around the world are overexploiting wildlife,” says IUCN Acting Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar.

“We must wake up to the fact that conserving nature’s diversity is in our interest, and is absolutely fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. States, businesses and civil society must urgently act to halt the overexploitation of nature, and must respect and support local communities and Indigenous Peoples in strengthening sustainable livelihoods.”

Here’s hoping enough people listen before it’s too late.

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Are Dogs Colorblind? Here’s the Science Behind What Dogs Can See

A lot of us have been taught that dogs, our four-legged friends, can only see the world in black and white. That they will never be able to see the beautiful colors that exist around us. It’s honestly sad to consider.

But is this true? Or is it just a thing people told their children?

Photo Credit: Pexels, Lum3n.com

Not exactly true, as it turns out.

The myth originated in 1937, per the American Kennel Club:

“It’s likely that all the external world appears to them as varying highlights of black and gray,” Rudy wrote in his 1937 manual, Training the Dog.

The phrase that catches my eye is: “It’s likely…” Okay, so there is some doubt expressed, but let’s dig deeper. The AKC also talks about a 1960 finding that may have supported Rudy’s claim:

“In the 1960s, other researchers hypothesized that the only mammals that can discern color are primates. There was little research to back up this assertion, especially in dogs; nevertheless, it soon became common knowledge that our canine pals are color blind.”

Again there is some doubt: “There was little research to back up this assertion…”

Can Dogs See Color?

The short answer is yes. Sort of.

Dr. Zay Satchu, a Chief Veterinary Officer of Bond Vet, talked with Reader’s digest:

“Yes! Dogs can see color. Both humans and animals have different types of cells in the back of our eyeballs—called rods and cones—that help us see. Rods detect motion and help with nighttime vision, and cones help with color and detail in what we see. Humans have three kinds of cones, meaning we see color and detail very well, while dogs have two kinds, meaning they can still pick up on colors, but probably can’t differentiate between forest and lime green as easily.”

But don’t go getting rid of Fido’s yellow tennis balls just yet! Dogs may not have the spectrum of color like us humans, but they can discern between certain ones.

What Colors Are Visible to Dogs?

Photo Credit: Pexels, Skitterphoto

“Most dogs can’t see much of red or green at all,” says Dr. Satchu. “The other ‘color’ that exists that humans can’t see but dogs can is ultraviolet, meaning ‘beyond violet.’ We’re still evaluating the true purpose of this vision, but we think it has to do with the ability to pick up on the kinds of substances that contain ultraviolet light, like urine and blood, that help with tracking out in the wild.”

He also says that blues and yellows are the showrunners in the rainbow that our canine friends see. Hence, the delight with the yellow tennis balls. Also, how interesting is it that a doggos’ vision goes beyond humans’!

So are you wondering why dog toys are brightly shaded in oranges, purples, and other colors? Well, here’s my take: The toys are eye-catching for humans, not pups. When we stroll down the pet aisle the manufacturers know who they’re selling too.

But as long at those toys make your dog happy, all’s well in dogland.

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Learn Some Great New Information with These 10 Facts

Ready to exercise that brain? Ready to learn?

Then let’s get to work!

1. I need one of these

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

2. Where the bodies were buried

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

3. That makes sense

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

4. Ouch…

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source

5. Nice and quiet

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

6. WOW

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

7. Improvement

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

8. No more, no less

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

9. Double rainbows!

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

10. Wild animals

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

That was some good learnin’!

The post Learn Some Great New Information with These 10 Facts appeared first on UberFacts.

Learn Some Great New Information with These 10 Facts

Ready to exercise that brain? Ready to learn?

Then let’s get to work!

1. I need one of these

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

2. Where the bodies were buried

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

3. That makes sense

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

4. Ouch…

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source

5. Nice and quiet

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

6. WOW

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

7. Improvement

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

8. No more, no less

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

9. Double rainbows!

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2

10. Wild animals

Photo Credit: did you know?

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

That was some good learnin’!

The post Learn Some Great New Information with These 10 Facts appeared first on UberFacts.

Here Are 10 Things You Can Get for Free at Disney World

It’s pricey to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. So to help you out, we’ve got a list of some freebies you can pick up once you make it in the gate.

Scroll through these 10 things available for you and your family at Disney World. Hey, it won’t cost you a cent.

1. Celebration Buttons

Get these at the Guest Services desk at the parks and wear them to proudly announce your birthday, first time at the park or whatever you’re celebrating. Let the cast members make a fuss over your celebration too. That’s part of the fun.

Photo Credit: Pxhere

2. Maps, bands and passes

These are free and branded and collectable. Free souvenirs!

Photo Credit: Flickr

3. Visit Disney’s Boardwalk

It’s free, and fun, to stroll around in the evening and watch all the street performers.

Photo Credit: Flickr

4. See Disney Springs

Parking is free. Chocolate sampling is free at the Ghirardelli shop. Lego building is free at The Lego Store. Free stuff is the best stuff.

Photo Credit: Theme Park Tourist

5. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Pick up free spell cards at the Town Center’s Fire Station and hunt for villains at portals throughout the park.

Photo Credit: Flickr

6. Pixie Dust

Depending on how you feel about glitter, pixie dust is a fantastic freebie. In the Magic Kingdom, find Tinkerbell at the Town Square Theater for a dust dousing. Cast members at the Castle Couture shop in Fantasyland will also happily oblige.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lynn

7. Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Disney World is famous for their free fireworks show. At showtime, stand near the Ticket and Transportation Center for the best view.

Photo Credit: Jorge Royan

8. African animal sightings

In an area outside the lobby of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, giraffes and zebras and their friends from the savannah roam freely…and viewing is free.

Photo Credit: Ahodges7

9. Boat and monorail rides

From the Magic Kingdom, hop on a boat or the monorail and visit the various lodges and hotels.

Photo Credit: Flickr

10. Free ice water

Okay, so maybe your kids won’t go gaga over free water, but it seriously beats paying a few bucks for each bottle, and this freebie will keep everyone hydrated – especially important in the Florida summer. Any counter service restaurant will give you a large cup of water with or without ice upon request.

Photo Credit: Pxhere

Did you have any idea there were so many freebies in Disney World? Now, the tickets to get in…that’s another issue.

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A Huge Tick That Can Hunt Humans Through the Forest Is Expanding Its Territory. Run!

You know what? Ticks are absolutely terrifying. These little buggers end up embedded in your body without you knowing it, which is disgusting right off the bat. I remember picking them off of me (and my dog) after taking a stroll through the woods when I was a kid. Just a stroll! And not even through high grass or anything!

And if you don’t get them out of your body in time, you run the risk of Lyme disease, which can be an absolute nightmare.

Well, I’m here to tell you it gets even worse. Your typical ticks recognizes you (and any animal) by the carbon dioxide you exhale, and they wait until you walk by their leaf or whatever before they  jump on for a ride.

Hyalomma ticks, however, can recognize an animal or a human from up to 30 FEET AWAY, and they will run along the ground to get to a potential host. They also track footstep vibrations and body heat to follow humans and animals.

It gets worse: Hyalomma ticks can and will follow you for 10 minutes or more and will walk up to 325 feet to hunt you down and jump onto your body.

Sounds like a horror movie, doesn’t it?

Oh, and one more thing: they’re also TWICE AS LARGE as the ticks we’re used to seeing. Hyalomma ticks live mostly in the Mediterranean, but they’ve now been confirmed in Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Russia because they can catch rides on migratory birds. That means THEY’RE SPREADING.

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Parasiten: Die Hyalomma-Zecke ist heimisch geworden ?⠀ ⠀ Sie sind wesentlich größer als die hier bekannten Zecken, sie können Menschen wittern und Dutzende Meter weit verfolgen. Nun haben Hyalomma-Zecken aus Afrika und Südeuropa das erste Mal nachweislich in Deutschland überwintert.⠀ Die Hyalomma-Zecke ist deutlich größer als die Zecken, die normalerweise in Deutschland heimisch sind. Sie ist gut an ihren gestreiften Beinen zu erkennen.⠀ ⠀ > weiter lesen: https://buff.ly/2RMIoZ4?fbclid=IwAR1T3J7BslwNOud3GZv3515m6fNhOe_UsSF36m-bHALpOf2t0RCZcWHe2Q0⠀ ⠀ Quelle: Pharmazeutische Zeitung⠀ .⠀ ..⠀ …⠀ #zecke #riesenzecke #hyalomma #parasiten #infektion #infektionskrankheiten #krankheitsüberträger #fsme #viren #lymeborreliose #bakterien #impfung #FSMEimpfung #apotheke #gesundheit #beratung #service #selb #neueapo #instapotheke

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I guess the only comfort you can take from this is that if you live in the United States, Hyalomma ticks are nothing to worry about…yet.

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People in Georgia Worked Together to Save a Stranded Pod of Whales on a Beach

When a group of beachgoers in Georgia spotted a pod of whales in trouble, they had the chance to really make a difference and be heroes of the hour.

It happened in mid-July on St. Simons island; people out enjoying the sun noticed not one, but an entire pod of whales that had swum too close to the shore and become stuck on the sand.

The beachgoers leapt into action, wading into the sea and pushing the smaller whales back into deeper waters while they waited for rescuers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to arrive with more help.

Then the volunteers continued working alongside trained rescuers and were able to save all but two of the whales. And according to the Glynn County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s Facebook page, most of the cephalopods were totally unharmed when they returned to the sea.

At this time we would like to thank the many volunteers and first responders that stepped up to help the large number of…

Posted by Glynn County EMA and Homeland Security on Tuesday, July 16, 2019

“This has been an unusual occurrence, but events like these can really show the level of care and support from our community. Thank you to everyone that helped those that couldn’t help themselves today.”

Scientists don’t really understand why beaching events happens, or why an entire pod might find themselves in trouble, but they posit that perhaps one sick whale wandered too close to the shore and inadvertently led the rest into danger.

They plan to conduct autopsies on the two whales who did not survive the event in the hopes they might learn something that could help whales in the future.

So, there you go – be the hero you want to see in the world… even if you don’t get a cape for your efforts.

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Zuu the Cat’s Expression Says “I Just Can’t Handle This Anymore”

There are any number of times when our faces surely say “Wtf I cannot with one more thing right now,” but I guarantee you, your face is less expressive for those situations than that of Zuu the cat.

He’s had enough, and he just wants to sleep.

Or have more coffee.

Zuu is an Exotic Longair cat, and he’s just a couple of years old. His owner, Chika, posts pictures of both him and his brother, Bocco (an Exotic Shorthair) on Instagram.

People are loving the pictures, probably because if people love anything more than cats, it’s cats who look as if they understand the human condition better than actual humans.

Seriously, it’s like looking in a mirror first thing in the morning.

If you’re thinking about grabbing one of these cats for yourself, know that they require daily grooming to keep the tear stains off their faces. Also, they’re so lazy that some, like these two floofs, prefer to be hand fed.

But I mean. Who doesn’t?

Just one more reason that I definitely want to come back as a cat, if those sorts of requests are granted.

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A Texas Movie Theater Lets You Bring Your Dog and the Ticket Includes Bottomless Wine

This is what I’m talking about! And I have a feeling I’m not alone.

In fact, I’m willing to bet that armies of millions are lined up behind me in their overwhelming excitement about this news: there’ is now a movie theater where $15 buys you a ticket to the show and you can bring your dog with you. Oh, and you get unlimited wine or four whiskeys with that ticket.

Boom!

K9 Cinemas in Plano, Texas, is the name of the joint, and it opened in late 2018. There are only three rules people need to follow at the cinema: no more than two dogs per person (it costs $5 to bring an extra pup), you need to bring valid papers from your dog’s vet the first time you visit, and you need to clean up after your best friend. Also, you can buy snacks for yourself (obviously) and treats for your furry friend, too.

Eric Lankford, who founded K9 Cinemas, said, “I can’t believe we are breaking ground with a new niche nobody has done before — dogs and movies! We are excited to spread the smiles across your whole families faces, furry included, at a K9C near you coming soon!”

Lankford said about the business and beloved dog, Bear:

“Little did Bear and I know we would soon be published in every major publication you can name both nationally and worldwide. Turns out when you start a passion project with a decade of experience building businesses and turn that experience on to something you sincerely love, something special happens. I simply want to make other people as happy as Bear makes me. When our customers come through our doors it’s nothing but smiles and laughter.”

The theater doesn’t show first-run films yet, but instead screens one-off movies and hosts theme nights. And, of course, you better believe the theater has hosted Game of Thrones viewing parties.

Genius idea! I smell a franchise brewing…

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