Link – Overlooked Nature

Some actual good news about the flatwoods salamander

A long time ago, I used to study reticulated flatwoods salamanders (Ambystoma bishopi).

By “study,” I mean that for four years in a row, I searched for them.

Any time it rained between late November and January or so, I set and checked traps around ephemeral ponds. Then, once the ponds filled with water, I spent my days wading in them with a dip net. I caught plenty of other amphibians, including literally hundreds of closely related mole salamanders, but no flatwoods salamanders. The only ones I ever saw in person were on another site where I was helping out for the night. As far as I know, that’s the only site that still has a breeding population.

So, this? This is wonderful news.

San Antonio Zoo successfully breeds endangered salamander for first time

The Devourer – bioGraphic

http://biographic.com/posts/sto/the-devourer

Excellent post on prescribed fire

For months, I’ve been meaning to write a long post on this topic. I might still do it one day, but in the meantime, here’s an article that explains why Smoky Bear was wrong: it’s sometimes a good idea to set forest fires. California’s Explosive Wildfire Call for More Southern-Inspired Prescribed Burning

Reblog: Your Wild City – Greenshield Lichen

About Greenshield Lichen -Lichens are amazing. They’re a fusion of multiple life forms: a fungus plus an alga, cyanobacterium, or both, growing intertwined. The fungus eats the sugars that its partner makes from sunlight. Greenshield Lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata) is comfortable growing on city trees so long as the pollution isn’t too bad. It

Source: Your Wild City – Greenshield Lichen

Hey, look, I’m on LGBT STEM!

I am currently on a botany field trip to the mountains, where I am likely out of cell phone range and not answering comments, but hopefully taking lots of pictures to eventually post. But through the miracle of post scheduling, I’m posting this now! A couple of days ago, LGBT STEM posted an interview with me on their site, so go check it out.

Or just look at this lovely parrot pitcher plant. You’ve probably noticed my fondness for carnivorous plants by now. Or maybe it’s not that noticeable, because doesn’t everyone like carnivorous plants?