Black and White Tales: The Hoverfly Mystery Captured on Camera

 

Greetings, everyone! Recently, I encountered a fascinating insect that resembled a hummingbird in its swift movements. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a Hoverfly, yet its exact species eluded me. It boasted a striking black and white-tailed appearance, unlike any I had seen before. If this description rings a bell and you're familiar with its kind and name, please share your insights. This intriguing sighting was captured using a cellphone camera.

 

For those curious about the Hoverfly, it's a member of the Syrphidae family, easily recognized by a distinctive longitudinal false vein in its wings. The UK alone is home to over 270 species, some of which migrate to the region. These insects are harmless mimics of bees and wasps, sporting black and yellow patterns to deter predators.

As for the black and white-tailed bee, it could be the White-tailed bumblebee, scientifically known as Bombus lucorum. This common species is found across Europe and is part of the Bombus lucorum complex, which includes nearly identical-looking species that are challenging to differentiate without close examination.

Remember, the beauty of nature lies in its diversity, and every encounter with wildlife is a chance to learn and appreciate the intricate tapestry of life around us.🌿

Source: 

ID Guide Hoverflies British Naturalists' Association

White-tailed bumblebee | The Wildlife Trusts

Bombus lucorum - Wikipedia

How to identify hoverflies - Discover Wildlife

Hoverfly (Syrphidae) - Identification, Facts and Images.

Hover flies - The Australian Museum

How to identify bumblebees | Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants 

#HoverflyMystery, #InsectIdentification, #NaturePhotography, #WildlifeWonder, #MimicryMarvels, #CellphoneCaptures, #BeeOrFly, #HummingbirdTwin, #BlackAndWhiteTailed, #SyrphidaeSightings

Protecting the Indus River Dolphins: A Call for Action

A recent meeting of Pakistani environmentalists and experts in Sukkur at the Indus River Dolphin Conservation Center, organised by WWF Pakistan, discussed the deaths of Indus River dolphins and urged for a complete ban on fishing in the dolphin reserve area. The meeting was prompted by the discovery of five dead dolphins last month, four of which were found near Rohri at the village of Ali Wahan. Three of the dead dolphins were females. Two of them were buried, while the other three were examined by WWF Pakistan conservationists Muhammad Imran, Liaqat Ali Khokhar, cetacean expert Francois Xavier Pelletier, and Sindh Wildlife Department staff. The examination revealed that the dolphins died from either net entanglement or chemical poisoning. Samples were collected for further testing and a report will be released after the analysis. Uzma Noureen, the project coordinator for the Indus River Dolphin Conservation Project (IRDCP), said that an action plan against the use of harmful chemicals will be developed once the samples are analysed. She also mentioned that a dolphin was rescued from the Nara Canal before the deaths were reported. Ghulam Mustafa Gopang, the district officer of the Sindh Fisheries Department, expressed his worry about the fishing practices and said that they need to be changed or improved. Taj Muhammad Sheikh, the deputy conservator of the wildlife department, demanded a ban on fishing in the dolphin reserve area. Abdul Sattar Saryo, the assistant engineer of the Irrigation Department, said that the department will offer any assistance to monitor the barrage gates, canals, and any other places where dolphins might be in trouble.  

     I appreciate that Pakistan is taking steps to protect its river dolphin population, but I think more needs to be done. This rare dolphin has lost 80% of its original habitat due to water scarcity, excessive use of agrochemicals in the river basin, and discharge of untreated wastewater. It has also suffered from illegal fishing methods that involve nets and poisons that kill the dolphins. These dolphins, along with their relatives the Ganges and Amazon River dolphins, are indicators of freshwater quality. They share their habitat with many other aquatic animals that depend on them. If these dolphins disappear, the whole ecosystem will be affected. That is why I strongly believe that serious measures should be taken to restore their populations. One way to do this is to raise awareness among the public about the status and importance of these dolphins. Another way is to educate the fishermen about the ecological role of these dolphins and how to avoid harming them. This way, the river dolphins can reclaim their ancestral range and thrive in their native rivers.

• How Pakistan Can Save Its Endangered River Dolphins
• The Plight of the Indus River Dolphins: Causes and Solutions
• Indus River Dolphins: A Rare Species Facing Multiple Threats
• Why Pakistan Needs to Ban Fishing in the Dolphin Reserve Area
• Protecting the Indus River Dolphins: A Call for Action

Source: 30/12/2023

Forest Department Government’s of Sindh Official

Website https://sindhforests.gov.pk

#SaveTheIndusDolphins

#IndusDolphinReserve

#BanFishingInDolphinArea

#ProtectTheRiverEcosystem

#DolphinsAreOurFriends