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COVID-19 / Covid-19, High infection rates why no new variants being reported

« on: 19/11/2021 10:46:14 »

Just curious, with such high infection rates particularly in the UK, are there no new variants emerging. Our identification ability is second to none, so I am very surprised that no knew strains are being reported. Have we scaled back on this?

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The Environment / Re: Should we conserve for a Single Species or Habitat

« on: 19/11/2021 10:37:56 »

Hi All,
I have to admit my post was a bit of a frustrated vent, apologies for that. However it was also because I am a scientist, who can accept research does change views, and ecology is ripe for that, but I have been away from active research in the field of ecology for about 10 years now, hence the question I posted. When I was more involved, common sense and the general consensus was that focusing too much on conserving a particular species was unlikely to succeed, long term. The exception to this was certain keystone species, but even then it involved extensive investigation into their preferred habitat. I am open to any evidence that refutes this view.

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The Environment / Re: Should we conserve for a Single Species or Habitat

« on: 18/11/2021 08:49:29 »

Thanks all for your input. I have contacted PTES last year. However after the introductions it has really been left for the Dormice group of the trust. I am a retired Ecologist?Environmental; Scientist, who, prior to looking after the reserve as a volunteer, worked the coppice for 8 years. I actually know what I am talking about, but my advice falls on deaf ears. Its so frustrating. I suppose my problem is I am a do'er not a networker - no influence!!

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The Environment / Should we conserve for a Single Species or Habitat

« on: 17/11/2021 13:11:32 »

I help look after a Trust reserve where Hazel Dormice have been reintroduced. There is Hazel coppice, that is degrading as time goes on. Nothing can be done in the wood until the Dormouse group has OK'd it. I feel they are making the classic mistake of focusing on a single species and  forgetting how important Hazel coppice is to them. The population is doing well for now, which has encouraged actions detrimental to coppiced  Hazel regrowth, I fear they are riding on a wave that could come crashing down in the future . There are many cases of single species focus failing or being hideously expensive.