Nature – Page 2 – TINA CHIARELLI, PHD, FRGS

Love is in the Air . . . and Babies on the Way

February 11th, 2013tinalc0 Comments

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought it only fitting to take a closer look at baby making, and rearing, in the animal kingdom. Being a reproductive physiologist by training, I am always very fascinated by the ways wildlife have adapted to ensure species survival. How animals have evolved to overcome harsh environments, predators, and lack of resources, to name a few, to reproduce and raise young is incredible to say the very least. Thanks to the children’s animated feature, Happy Feet, most of us have at least a basic understanding of the yearly mating and egg laying drama of …

Dispelling Wildlife Myths- Halloween Edition

October 23rd, 2012tinalc0 Comments

With Halloween right around the corner, I thought it the perfect time to address some common misunderstandings about wildlife. We have all heard them. Whether they are called myths or Old Wives Tales most false accusations conjure up fear that sometimes result in the persecution and death of many innocent species. How many times have you heard someone say that toads give people warts? I myself have been told this on more occasions then I care to remember. The idea that touching or just looking at a toad can cause a skin malady is simply not true. Although some species, …

The Future of Our Oceans and Beaches

August 15th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to travel across the southern gulf coast of the United States. The anticipation of visiting new shorelines and wildlife inhabiting these areas was almost too much. However, what we actually found was dismal and sad. It appears that humans have left their mark on the beaches in the form of refuse. Plastic containers and bags, glass bottles, abandoned tents and sun shades, and general debris littered hundreds of miles, if not more, of beach. Although it was obvious that a bit of the garbage had washed up during high tide, it was …

Timber Rattlesnake Survey

July 24th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

This year, 2012, has been an exciting time for the Timber rattlesnake population and reproductive assessment survey research. The driving force behind this project was to better understand how human presence in the north eastern part of their range has affected overall rattlesnake numbers and breeding success compared to previous data. In addition, we wanted to learn more about Timber rattlesnake behavior so that we can educate the public and help them better appreciate the importance of this magnificent snake. Having begun this project in 2011, it was a frustrating year as all the specimens we were finding had been …

The Fine Line Between Rescuing and Kidnapping Wild Baby Animals

June 9th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

It is baby time in the wildlife world! From white-tailed deer fawns to fledgling sparrows, babies seem to be popping up everywhere. And with all this activity inevitably comes human-wildlife interaction. Although accidents happen, i.e., collisions with cars, feral animal attack, etc., that leave wildlife young orphaned, sometimes alone doesn’t really mean alone. It is very common that wildlife parents simply leave their babies while they are hunting or foraging only to return later. In addition, if parents are startled they may temporarily lose their infants. So what is the best course of action if a baby animal is found? …

Bee Aware

May 29th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

Spring has long since sprung in the northern hemisphere and summer has unofficially begun. Insect activity is in full swing as the race to pollinate is full on. Until recently I did not know very much about one particular pollinator, the honey bee. A chance encounter from a hive on the move was all it took to develop a deeper respect and understanding for such a magnificent yet sometimes unappreciated creature. A few weeks ago all I could have told you about honey bees is that they make honey and play key roles as pollinators. While walking in the garden …

Making Everyday Earth Day

April 22nd, 2012tinalc0 Comments

Happy Earth Day! Initiated in 1970, Earth Day is an annual event encouraging people around the world to make their lives a little more greener. By doing so, people conserve resources and help ensure that what we have today will be here tomorrow. With hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas that can help to reduce our footprint, what will you do to celebrate Earth Day? Recycling initiatives are common place today. The well known Reduce, Reuse, Recycle or the 3Rs program helps to reduce either by reusing or recycling items. Rubbish cleanup events follow suit along highways or in natural …

Invasion of the Habitat Snatchers

January 21st, 2012tinalc0 Comments

Non-native or invasive species are finding their way into ecosystems all around the world. Regardless if they are being purposefully introduced by biologists to predate on a more destructive non-native or to enhance a biological area, or if they are being released by irresponsible pet owners, non-natives threaten native species. More importantly, invasive species not only pose a risk to native plants and animals through displacement, competition, or predation, but also by the possible introduction of disease. One of the most well-known stories of a non-native invasion is the cane toad of Australia. Brought to Australia in 1935, the cane …

Sharing Space With Wildlife

January 13th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

One of the first things we are taught as children is to be mindful of traffic. We know all too well the consequences of running across a busy street; doing so with blatant disregard would be considered suicide. Therefore, it is well established that roadways are the automobiles area, and we respect that. So why don’t we give the same caution in regards to wildlife? Why would we dare swim in crocodile territory in North Queensland, Australia? Why would we hike through Grizzly bear habitat without taking extreme precaution? Or why would we walk within meters of a wild elephant …

Peace and Place For All

December 23rd, 2011tinalc0 Comments

When I first began working in the field of wildlife conservation I was very naïve. It was so easy to come up with solutions to habitat loss and species survival when humans were not factored into the equation. It was so very simple to point an accusatory finger. Part of the learning curve in this line of work is to understand that for every person who carries out atrocities against wildlife and their habitat, there are at least five that want to save them. In addition, identifying the driving force behind such horrific events is just as much of the …