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Zambia study finds giraffe ageing clue
Image - traveljournals.net
33-year effort tracks colour changes

A study of male Thornicroft's giraffes in Zambia has used records gathered over the previous 33 years by a local naturalist to confirm that a male giraffe's distinctive markings darken with the passage of time. The study's findings have been published in the Journal of Zoology.

The long-term nature of the study allowed the researchers to track the changes exactly over an extended period of time. In light of the finding that the males' coats began to darken at approximately 7-8 years of age and became black instead of brown approximately two years later at sexual maturity, the researchers have speculated that changes in testosterone levels due to puberty may be responsible.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.