‘ANIMALS’ Archives
ANIMAL SENTIENCE
INTERVIEW: PETER SANDOE We rely on scientific evidence for so many things in modern society – so how does science see the issue of animal sentience. Peter Sandoe is chairman of the National Animal Ethics Council in Copenhagen.
EAGLES RETURNED TO IRELAND
INTERVIEW: PAUL HOWARTH Eagles in Ireland were persecuted by humans to the point of extinction. But now, many, many years later, there is a reintroduction programme to bring these majestic birds back to the country. Six young eagles, aged about 7 weeks, were taken from Scotland and released in Donegal. And according to Earthwatch scientist Dr [...]
FARM ANIMAL WELFARE
INTERVIEW: DAN WEARY Farming is often accused of ignoring some of the basic welfare needs of animals. But in order to prove that change is needed, campaigners need to prove that animals do indeed feel pain and suffer if their needs are not met. So how do you research animal pain? Dan Weary is from the Animal Welfare Programme at the University [...]
EAGLES IN MULL
INTERVIEW: PAUL HOWARTH The island of Mull off the west coast of Scotland of home to a number of rare eagles. They are being studied by Earthewatch scientist, Dr Paul Howarth as part of the Eagles of Mull research project.
ANIMALS & PLEASURE
INTERVIEW: JONATHAN BALCOME Animals are not just focussed on survival and procreation, they also feel and seek out pleasure. That’s the premise behind Jonathan Balcombe’s book “Pleasure Kingdom”. So, what evidence is there to support this?
BLACK MAGIC BEHIND ILLEGAL OWL TRADE IN INDIA
by Chantal Cooke The use of owls in black magic and sorcery driven by superstition, totems and taboos is one of the prime drivers of the covert owl trade – that according to TRAFFIC India after their investigation into the illegal trade, trapping and utilization of owls in India. TRAFFIC India’s report entitled “Imperilled Custodians [...]
THE AQUATIC APE HYPOTHESIS OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
by Roger Golten There is something strange about us human beings, the naked apes. Ever wondered why we are generally so hairless, compared to our closest ape relatives? Not only that, we are distinguished from our cousins by being large brained and bipedal. We cry salty tears, have sweat glands, and a layer of subcutaneous fat from birth. We [...]
BRITISH MILITARY BASE ON CYPRUS: A FOCUS FOR ILLEGAL BIRD KILLING
by Chantal Cooke As many songbirds, including robins, in Britain and northern Europe struggle through the cold winter, many of their counterparts which have migrated to Cyprus to escape the harsh conditions are being killed by the island’s trappers in greater numbers than any year in the previous decade. Shockingly, a report by BirdLife [...]
BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION
INTERVIEW: DAN HOARE There are 56 species of resident breeding butterflies in the UK. But 70% of these are in decline. So whats causing this? Dan Hoare is from the charity Butterfly Conservation…
AFRICAN SAFARI
INTERVIEW: JENNY BOWEN They’re likely to be large, close, and wondering what you’re doing in their territory. So how can you prevent drawing unwanted attention to yourself while admiring the animals on an African safari? Jenny Bowen from Sense Africa has some tips to help you relax and enjoy your adventure.
