Authorities in India are being forced to step up security at Kaziranga National Park after poachers killed at least 10 endangered one-horned rhinos. Rhinoceros horn can be sold for up to $10,000 (£5,000) in China and south-east Asia, where it is con
sidered an aphrodisiac. The WWF estimates that there are fewer than 3,000 of the animals are left in the world.
DEADLY WINTER More than one in five colonies of British honeybees were killed off over the winter, according to the Government and the British Beekeepers' Association. Bad weather, stress and disease have been blamed. Low bee numbers could ruin the £165m-a-year fruit industry.
TOXIC TIDES Declining fish stocks could be responsible for the rise of toxic algal blooms. Researchers say the fall in cod stocks in the Baltic has corresponded with an increasing frequency and strength of algal blooms. Climate change could also be having an effect, changing the nutrient levels in the ocean.
'NEUTRAL' BEIJINGNew renewable energy methods will help make the Beijing Olympics "basically" carbon neutral, claims China. Options to clean up the games include lower vehicle use, rain water collection, reforestation and wind and geothermal power technology.
SLIPPERY SLOPEMore needs to be done to protect frogs and amphibians from extinction, according to Scottish Natural Heritage. It considers Dumfries and Galloway to be a Scottish amphibian stronghold as the area is home to nine native species, including the rare natterjack toad and the great crested newt. But the creatures are especially vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss, and have suffered in recent years from increased building.
The full article contains 273 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
