Pandas, they ain't
February 11, 2022 12:42 PM Subscribe
Darwinday tomorrow. On the conservation front let's make a pitch for minority species to take some of the attention from King Kongservation species like rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) and tigers (Panthera tigris). Presenting Hargila greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius).
Hargila are not conventionally attractive, either in looks or in their habit of eating carrion and releasing vile smelling shite from their tree-top nests. Over 10 years, Dr Purnima Devi Barman has built one of the last colonies of these once ubiquitous birds from N = 28 to N = 200 by winning hearts and minds of the women who live under the nests. Gerrit Vyn from the Cornell Lab for Ornithology [MeFiprev] made a 30 minute film documenting Hargila nestlings up close and personal and adults scavenging at the landfill.
Hargila are not conventionally attractive, either in looks or in their habit of eating carrion and releasing vile smelling shite from their tree-top nests. Over 10 years, Dr Purnima Devi Barman has built one of the last colonies of these once ubiquitous birds from N = 28 to N = 200 by winning hearts and minds of the women who live under the nests. Gerrit Vyn from the Cornell Lab for Ornithology [MeFiprev] made a 30 minute film documenting Hargila nestlings up close and personal and adults scavenging at the landfill.
Oh, the Greater Testicle-Throated Trash Pigeon, I love those.
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:37 PM on February 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by OHenryPacey at 3:37 PM on February 11, 2022 [2 favorites]
The Mexican long-nosed bat is an important pollinator in the desert. Classified as endangered in both the U.S. and Mexico, these cuties are strong, highly maneuverable fliers. Like hummingbirds, they are able to pause in flight to feed on the showy flowers of plants, such as the agave or century plant.
posted by bat20703 at 6:12 PM on February 11, 2022
posted by bat20703 at 6:12 PM on February 11, 2022
You can help support the hargila project with through the Bird Conservation Fund or buying some of the Hargila Army's work -- explanation in the update here.
posted by tavella at 10:45 PM on February 11, 2022
posted by tavella at 10:45 PM on February 11, 2022
Ah, these look just like marabou storks, which I love! And which have the slowest, most confident takeoff of any bird I’ve ever seen: a slow stroll, an elegant sweeping-out of the wings, and they just drift up, like ash off of dying embers.
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 12:20 AM on February 13, 2022
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 12:20 AM on February 13, 2022
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I was very impressed by the idea in these articles that biologists can help us learn to understand and appreciate disturbed ecosystems and the animals that nevertheless find ways to survive in them. The polar bears in Churchill MB who live off the dump are acting as savvy hunters, no matter how sad those photos look to those of us who wish they were sticking to seals.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 2:25 PM on February 11, 2022