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The National
6 days ago
- Health
- The National
Significant decline among harbour seals in Scotland, study finds
Scotland's west coast is a region long considered as the last stronghold for the marine mammal in the UK and conservation experts have said the findings should serve as 'a real wake-up call'. Harbour seals have experienced long-term decline across much of the UK since the early 2000s, with the exception of the west coast of Scotland, where numbers held steady in the likes of the Inner Hebrides and the western Highlands. READ MORE: Green leadership have dispensed with the radicalism that got them elected Dr Debbie Russell, lead seal ecologist and deputy director of the SMRU said the figures mark a 'concerning turning point' for harbour seals' survival. 'For years, we've viewed the west coast as a refuge for harbour seals, a place where they seemed to be doing okay,' she said. She added: 'This is a real wake-up call. For years, we've viewed the west coast as a refuge for harbour seals, a place where they seemed to be doing okay. 'To now see declines in this region suggests that the pressures affecting these animals are becoming more widespread or severe.' The UK harbour seal population is genetically distinct from harbour seals elsewhere in continental Europe. Experts have said the decline of the UK population is particularly worrying in a wider geographical context. Researchers said the causes of the decline remain 'complex' as scientists are investigating several potential reasons as to why UK harbour seals numbers are dwindling. Experts have said some possible factors include disease outbreaks such as phocine distemper virus (PDV), environmental changes and reduced prey availability, possibly linked to climate change and competition with and predation by grey seals. Researchers added that decline on the west coast raises urgent questions about the resilience of the UK's marine ecosystems and the need for enhanced protections for marine mammals. Dr Carol Sparling, director of SMRU, called for urgency in addressing the matter.
STV News
6 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Concerns grow amid 'significant decline' in harbour seal numbers
The number of harbour seals across the UK are showing 'significant signs of decline', a new study has found. Monitoring figures from the University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) show that Scotland's west coast harbour seal numbers have dropped significantly for the first time in decades. The figures show a decline of 20% between 2018 and 2023. Experts said the figures mark a 'concerning turning point' for harbour seals' survival in British waters. Monica Arso Harbour seal figures show a decline of 20% between 2018 and 2023. This latest data revealed that numbers are now declining on the west coast of Scotland, where they had previously been stable or increasing. The west coast region had long been considered a 'stronghold' for the species, holding over 65% of the UK population and offering a glimmer of hope amid widespread population declines elsewhere in the UK. Since the early 2000s, harbour seals have experienced long-term declines across much of the UK, particularly in the Northern Isles, the east coast of Scotland, and, more recently, parts of south eastern England. Dr Debbie Russell, lead seal ecologist and deputy director of the SMRU said the figures are a 'real wake up call'. Monica Arso Monitoring figures from the University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) show that Scotland's west coast harbour seal numbers have dropped significantly for the first time in decades. 'For years, we've viewed the west coast as a refuge for harbour seals, a place where they seemed to be doing okay,' she said. 'To now see declines in this region suggests that the pressures affecting these animals are becoming more widespread or severe.' The UK harbour seal population (Phoca vitulina) is genetically distinct from harbour seals elsewhere in continental Europe, so the decline of this unique population is particularly worrying in a wider geographical context. Researchers said the causes of the decline remain 'complex' with scientists are investigating several potential drivers. Some possible factors include disease outbreaks such as phocine distemper virus (PDV), environmental changes and reduced prey availability, possibly linked to climate change and competition with and predation by grey seals. The decline on the west coast raises urgent questions about the resilience of the UK's marine ecosystems and the need for enhanced protections for marine mammals. Dr Carol Sparling, director of SMRU, called for urgency in addressing the matter. 'We need to act quickly. That means continued investment in research and monitoring and the development of targeted conservation measures.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
India.com
06-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
India Pakistan war: How many seconds does a nuclear bomb takes to explode? it can destroy area spread across…., India can shield atom bomb attack by…
Home News India Pakistan war: How many seconds does a nuclear bomb takes to explode? it can destroy area spread across…., India can shield atom bomb attack by… India Pakistan war: How many seconds does a nuclear bomb takes to explode? it can destroy area spread across…., India can shield atom bomb attack by… India possesses an advanced Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. They are typically used in nuclear attacks, and this defense system acts as a protective shield against them. New Delhi: India possesses one of the most advanced and capable defense systems in the world. In contrast, Pakistan's repeated assertions about countering India's defense capabilities are widely viewed as unsubstantiated and lack credibility. Alongside the S-400 air defense system, India possesses several other systems capable of neutralizing any Pakistani attack — whether it involves cruise missiles or ballistic missiles. Any ballistic missile launched by Pakistan to deliver a nuclear bomb can be targeted and destroyed. Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system: India possesses an advanced Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. They are typically used in nuclear attacks, and this defense system acts as a protective shield against them. The Prithvi Defense Vehicle (PDV) is a formidable weapon against fighter aircraft, drones, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. It can track and destroy targets at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet while still in the air. It becomes operational within just 10 minutes. Here are some of the key details: India possesses an advanced Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. They are typically used in nuclear attacks, and this defense system acts as a protective shield against them. The Prithvi Defense Vehicle (PDV) is a formidable weapon against fighter aircraft, drones, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. It can track and destroy targets at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet while still in the air. It becomes operational within just 10 minutes. In addition to intercepting missile attacks, it is also capable of launching retaliatory strikes. Using radar and missiles, it can shoot down Pakistani fighter jets, bombers, surveillance aircraft, and drones from a distance of up to 400 kilometers. This ₹40,000 crore deal was finalized in 2018. It was in the year 1996, India's missile defense program began. Israel developed a radar system capable of tracking enemy missiles, known as the Long Range Tracking Radar or Swordfish. It can detect missiles from Pakistan or China up to 300 km away. In February 2017, India tested the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV). This is a new missile tracking system, launched immediately after detection, and is similar to the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. Its advanced air defense system is considered highly effective and accurate. India also possesses a mobile missile defense system. It includes short-range surface-to-air missiles. The name of the system is the 9K33 OSA AK anti-aircraft system. In India, a team of five soldiers operates this system and launches the missiles. Its range is reported to be between 15 and 18 kilometers. These missiles can eliminate enemy targets at a speed of 3,704 km/h. The missiles are mounted on 17.5-ton BMP vehicles. This MRSAM, or Barak 8 missile system, is lethal. This air defense system—Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) Barak 8—has been jointly developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Israel. The system can intercept subsonic and supersonic missiles, fighter jets, patrol aircraft, helicopters, and missiles launched from the sea. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on More Stories
