PATTERNS OF NATURE- The SPHERE

The sphere is such a logical structure, yet it is rarely even noticed.  What a compact way to package matter!  Biodiversity is full of spheres!  

 

 Pumpkin

 Cottontail Rabbit Eye

Goat's Beard

 Orange

 Sphere of spheres

Integrated Conservation Strategies for Threatened Biodiversity and Geodiversity for Global Sustenance

The conservation of biodiversity represents a crucial challenge for the future. Protecting our Natural Capital ie Biodiversity is a contribution to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to halt the dramatic loss of ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. The steady growth in importance of WBC has made it our mission to maintain or even increase the excellence of this congress. To achieve this goal the Committee will prepare a series of Keynote lectures, symposia, Workshops and meet-the-expert sessions on parallel tracks covering the entire field of Biodiversity. The scheduled congress is organized by Global Scientific Research Foundation, Bangalore, India in association with the Institute for Nature Conservation Of Serbia.

The III World Biodiversity Congress, October 26-29, 2015, is taking place in Mecavnik- Mokra Gora, Serbia. The theme for the Congress is “Integrated Conservation Strategies for Threatened Biodiversity and Geodiversity for Global Sustenance”, as encapsulated by the vision and mission of GSRF. It will provide a scientific platform for scientists, natural resource managers, and environmental consultants to planners, environmental advocates, and corporate and public policy makers  across the globe at a gathering that offers us the opportunity to step beyond our regular networks and meet colleagues from around the world  to exchange knowledge, discuss issues, share innovations, and network and  tackle urgent and emerging international conservation needs through science and collaboration.

Creation Myth- Canada

According to the Iroquois peoples, it was on a Sea Turtle's back that a sky woman helped to create the Earth. Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa

PATTERNS OF NATURE- The SPIRAL

Nature holds many secrets, and the physics of form is one of these many wonders.  Spirals are found throughout nature- from the greatest galaxies to the tiniest snail shell.  Here are some spirals I have observed.  

 Big horned sheep, USA

 Caterpillars, Ottawa, Canada

 Romanescu

 Snail, Quebec City, Canada

Chambered Nautilus, Pacific Ocean

House Plant

Turkey Tail Fungus, Ottawa, Canada

Images by Michael Leveille 2015

Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

News from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
An e-conference (to be held from 7 to 25 September 2015) for the review and further development of the initial scoping for:

(a) the thematic assessment of invasive alien species and their control and

(b) the thematic assessment of sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and strengthening capacities and tools (Deliverables 3bii and 3biii of the 2014-2018 work programme of the IPBES).

The text of this notification is also available on the CBD website at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/notifications/2015/ntf-2015-097-ipbes-en.pdf

NEW SUBSPECIES OF BUTTERFLY- Bhutan

The researchers of Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for conservation and Environment (UWICE), Bumthang, northern Bhutan had discovered five new species of common birdwing which were cartero cephalus, Trioides Helena, Polygonia agnicula, Aglais urtice and pieris erutae.
August 11
http://www.kuenselonline.com/five-potential-butterfly-subspecies-found/

FORESTS BENEFIT LOCALS- China

The locals of Tashihang village, Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomuus Region, southern China have benefitted by the nearby forests. The area is dubbed the "Switzerland of the Orient" by Chinese netizens because of its abundance of trees.
August 17
http://eng.tibet.cn/2012sy/xw/201508/t20150817_3846751.html
India-Himalaya
China Himalaya

LEOPARD CUBS FOUND- China

Two leopard (Panthera pardus) cubs have been found by a local while cleaning the boundary of Gymed monastery, Rabgyaling, Tibet, southern China. They were handed to local forest department authorities for rehabilitation.
August 11
http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=36346&article=Two+leopard+cubs+found+in+Hunsur+Rabgyaling+Tibetan+settlement

AQUATIC LIFE ENDANGERED- Nepal

The aquatic life of Bedkot lake Kanchanpur, far western Nepal has been affected due to over-fishing. The endangared aquatic faunas like Tortoise (Testudo graeca), Python snake (Python regius) have been caught in the last few months.
August 13
http://gorkhapatraonline.com/news/10258