Butterflies and the Salt of the Earth

Image CreditVictoria Roberts Sometimes in the woods I come across a swarm of butterflies hovering over a patch of earth. What’s going on? The behavior is called mud puddling, or just puddling, and is often seen in butterflies, a few moths and other insects searching for moisture, salt and other nutrients. It’s not just damp…

The Thick Gray Line: Forest Elephants Defend Against Climate Change

Poaching destabilizes nations, disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity. A recent study suggests still another consequence: Some types of poaching may also accelerate climate change. Forest elephants — the smaller, endangered relatives of African savanna elephants — promote the growth of large trees that excel at storing carbon, according to research published in the journal Nature…