Project targets 2016 for Asian vultures release

After the devastation wrought by a drug on Asian vulture populations, a project hopes to begin releasing captive-bred birds into the wild by 2016.

The Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction (Save) programme says it plans to release up to 25 birds into a 30,000-sq-km drug-free "safe zone".

Diclofenac - used by vets on cattle - was identified as causing a crash in vulture numbers and banned by India.

But, says Save, the version for human use is still given illegally to cattle.

Diclofenac was banned for use by vets and farmers in 2006 because of its effect on vultures that feed on livestock carcasses.

The link between the anti-inflammatory drug, used to reduce swelling in injured or diseased animals, and the devastating demise of Asia's vulture populations was firmly established in 2004.

Until the breeding programme, the threatened species of vulture had not been bred in captivity

Tests on captive vultures fed carcass flesh traced with the drug produced symptoms that were strikingly similar to those witnessed in sick birds in the wild.read more

BARN OWLS -AFECTS OF RAT POISON

MYSTERY DOG VIRUS

THE PARANORMAL CALLS

DEVON AND CORWALL POLICE recieved 7 calls relating to paranormal or extraterrestial activity since 2010.IN 2013 -3 CALLS -CALLER reporting a spiked stick which they said could only decribe as witchcraft-ILFARCOMBE.IN HOLSWORTHY AREA AUGUEST 2013 A 999 call reported being burggled by a paranormal beings,the caller assumed witches.A large white globe in the sky emanating light down over nearby forest in  BIDEFORD ,possible rave rather than u.f.o.APRIL 2012 - HOLSWORTHY the caller said a man was using witchcraft Lon her ,JULY 2012 HOLSWORTHY A caller said neighbours were witches  coven ,running around outside screaming in tongues. NORTHDEVONGAZETTE -PAGE 3 -22.01.2014

BAT FIRST RECORDED CROSSING MAINLAND

A NATHUSIUS PIPISETTE BAT  found in the NETHERLANDS flew from BLAGDON NEAR BRISTOL to a farm building in FRIESLAND-370 MILES.-part of resarch into the ecology of BRITISH BATS led by  DR FIANA MATHEWS,UNIVERISITY OF EXETER.Sadly the bat died but the discoverery is proof that thier successfully migrate across NORTH SEA-WESTERNMORNINGNEWS -PAGE 14 .

BOOK REVIEW

IN SEARCH FOR MYTHS AND MONSTERS -ALAN LANDSBURG -A COGI BOOK-0 552 10539 2.This book contains eye witness accounts of mysterious monsters,sea monsters ,giant half humans,vampires and a chapter on future monsters.The writer is entertaining and his passion comes through in reading the book,even has a forword by LEONARD NIMOY,a good starter book in CRYPTOZOOLOGY.

Beaver filmed in the wild on Devon farm

A wild beaver has been caught on film at a farm in Devon.

Images of the rare animal were taken near the River Otter on Knightstone Farm in Ottery St Mary.

Farmer David Lawrence became suspicious after he spotted damage to trees, including one trunk about 1ft (30cm) in diameter bearing teeth marks.

The mammal was captured on film by retired environmental scientist Tom Buckley who said he was "very surprised" at the discovery.

'It's fantastic'

Mr Lawrence said he "nudged" Mr Buckley into examining damage to trees after some had been found knocked over on his land last autumn.

He said: "I thought at first it was someone messing about with an axe, but I contacted Tom who had his suspicions. He set up trail cameras and - hey presto - we saw what it was."

Mr Lawrence said where the beaver came from was a mystery.

He said the beaver may be roaming through three or four fields on his farm and its traces sometimes disappeared for a week at a time, meaning it "could be because he is operating in a bigger stretch [of river]".

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“Start Quote

If that's what he can do to a tree, what about your ankles?”

David Lawrence

He said: "He's been doing a bit of damage, but nothing major.

"I don't want to mess about with him. If that's what he can do to a tree, what about your ankles?"read more