Bat populations are collapsing, and no end to the free-fall is in sight. 

The cause is a mysterious ailment called “white-nose syndrome”, which has already caused a 90-per-cent loss in less than one year.

According to Elizabeth Buckles at Cornell University, the ailment causes dramatic weight loss and is ultimately fatal. So far, most of the mortalities have taken place among hibernating bats.

Researchers say that white-nose syndrome is a “pathogenic puzzle”. But, they warn that bat population declines could generate huge increases in some pesky insects which are a major part of their regular diet.

No treatment for the ailment has so far surfaced.
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Sun exposure is a mixed blessing. New information indicates that excessive sun exposure rapidly ages human skin and causes wrinkles.

It also generates skin inflammation.

According to research by Michael Robinson at P G Cosmetics, as humans age, their skin cells increase production of enzymes called proteases which break down elastin. Elastin and collagen give human skin its spring and bounce.

But, sun exposure can destroy collagen and elastin, and as a result, skin tends to collapse.

Researchers say the effect is like taking air from a balloon.

Sun exposure also tends to erode the protein layer that retains skin water.

“Sun hastens the chronic march down the calender,” Robinson said.

Conversely, new data shows that sun exposure can be very beneficial.

It generates some vital vitamins that battle serious diseases.

Excessive sun exposure is too much of a good thing, researchers say.
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A hunter who illegally shot a trumpeter swan on Lake Simcoe in Ramara Township last autumn has been fined a whopping $2,500 in Orillia’s Ontario Court of Justice.

The hunter also lost the privilege to hunt migratory birds for a year.

Swans are not lawful game birds in Ontario.

Trumpeter swans are especially vulnerable because they are tame, their numbers are low and they are the subject of an ongoing introduction program. The birds are so large and distinctive that it would be very difficult to confuse them with any other waterfowl.
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Butterflies significantly prefer specific flower species, new data shows. A 17-year study indicates that gardeners who want to attract butterflies should plant some of the 30-or-so flowers that lure butterflies most readily.

Some flowers are much more compelling than others.

“Most butterflies visit gardens to feed, and most of them feed on nectar produced by flowers,” said Margaret Vickery of Reading University.

“They use over 300 flower species in all.”

Buddleia attracts more than 35 different butterfly species. Lavender and red valeria are almost are popular. Thyme lures some 28 species, clover 27, lobelia 26, phlox 25 and pansy and mint, 24.

Other butterfly attractants are marigold, sweet William, aster