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