Human activities threaten species with ingenious survival strategies, deep-sea mining imperils molluscs
via The Namibian3 min read
This year's Red List of endangered species highlights how human activities are overwhelming the ingenious survival strategies of various species. Deep-sea mining, for instance, threatens two-thirds of mollusc species found exclusively on hydrothermal vents, with over 200 species living in these extreme environments. One snail, Lirapex felix, is critically endangered due to mining in the Indian Ocean, though some vent species are protected in marine areas. The desert rain frog is also at risk from diamond mining and energy infrastructure expansion in Southern Africa, compounded by demand from the exotic pet trade. However, conservation efforts can succeed, as demonstrated by the numbat, an Australian marsupial. Its population has rebounded from 300 in the late 1970s to between 2,000 and 3,000 today, moving from endangered to near threatened, thanks to protection from feral cats and foxes, captive breeding, and translocations. Despite this success, five other Australian marsupials have been confirmed extinct, likely due to feral predators. The International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN, which produces the Red List, notes that while life adapts to hostile habitats, increasing pressures threaten even the most resilient creatures. The IUCN advocates for conservation, having voted for a moratorium on deep-sea mining in 2021. The Red List currently includes 175,909 species, with 49,505 threatened with extinction.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
A recent study conducted in Uganda has shown that a catnip-based lotion is as effective as diethyltoluamide Deet in repelling mosquitoes. The research, presented at the Society for Experimental Biology conference in Florence, found that mosquitoes were less likely to land on individuals using lotions containing catnip. Specifically, a 6% catnip oil solution performed comparably to Deet, while a 2% concentration was only slightly less effective. This development is significant for malaria prevention, especially in African countries where the disease infects approximately 282 million people annually and caused 610,000 deaths in 2024, predominantly among young children. Concerns about rising insecticide resistance and the high cost of commercial repellents like Deet for rural Ugandan subsistence farmers highlight the need for affordable, locally produced alternatives. The catnip lotion, which can be made by community enterprises, has been distributed for free through grant funding, with plans to increase production and sales to create a sustainable income for workers. Swai Kyeba, a research entomologist from the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, emphasized the importance of new, accessible vector-control tools in the fight against malaria.
Baronice Hans, former managing director of Bank Windhoek, has been appointed chief executive officer of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, effective September 1. Hans confirmed her new role on Wednesday. She was the first woman to lead Bank Windhoek, serving as managing director for nine years, making her the longest-serving managing director in the bank's 42-year history. During her leadership, Bank Windhoek issued southern Africa’s first green bond, listed on Nasdaq, and achieved a profit after tax of N$1 billion in 2023. Hans, a chartered accountant, has a background in finance and strategy. After leaving Bank Windhoek, she joined Burning Bush Strategy Consultants, providing strategic advisory services. She now takes the helm at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital as it continues to grow within Namibia’s healthcare sector.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially presented the Namibian flag to Team Namibia at State House, ahead of their participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The President urged the athletes to represent the country with pride, integrity, and excellence, emphasizing their role as national ambassadors. She highlighted Namibia's eighth appearance at the Games as a significant milestone and noted the government's commitment to sport, identifying it as the second national priority. The administration plans to construct and upgrade 28 sports facilities across all 14 regions to ensure access to sporting infrastructure for all Namibian children. Head of Mission Joseph Amakali presented the 24 athletes, including a guide runner, and 18 officials, who will compete in six sports: athletics, para-athletics, bowls, boxing, gymnastics, and swimming. Namibia National Olympic Committee President Ndeulipulwa Hamutumwa described the event as historic, reminding athletes that their competition reflects the nation's values. Minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita also welcomed the delegation, stating they represent Namibia's sporting ambitions, values, and principles both on and off the field. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from NNOC Chief Executive Anri Parker.