- Wiscampsin Weekly
- Posts
- New parasite discovered
New parasite discovered
PLUS restoring Kirtland's warbler, treating white nose syndrome, and spearfishing
Forrest Koslowski
July 25, 2024
Mornin' to everyone wondering why this email is arriving later than usual? Cripes, we had a cribbage tournament last night, sorry! This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.
Hey readers, want to give us a hand? We’re trying to clear out some inventory of our Recycled License Plate Frames (jeez these are sharp lookin’), and would love it if you could help us out + support our newsletter!
This week’s weekly:
Conservation success: Kirtland’s warbler comeback 💪
Mass die-off of mussels and discovery of new parasite 🦠
New study could help conservationists treat white nose syndrome 🦇
The fight for spearfishing 🐟
The “rarest North American warbler,” after being on the brink of extinction with only 167 males documented in the late 1980s, is having a comeback worth celebrating.
Logging, parasitism, and habitat loss all contributed to its former demise—now, through decades-long efforts to restore young pine forests and controlling the brown-headed cowbird, the population now numbers at 1,000 breeding pairs.
Nearly all of the population is in Michigan, but Kirtland’s have also been documented in Ontario, Quebec, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
There’s still a long way to go to reach the goal of 4,500 Kirtland’s globally, but gotta celebrate the wins!
Criminy cripes that sounds bad…
In 2018, researchers discovered a new parasitic fungus in freshwater mussels during an investigation into mass die-offs along Wisconsin's Embarrass River.
Published in Parasitologia (ah, my favorite book), biologists found sick mussels infected with the parasite, Hirsutonosema embarrassi, which impacts reproduction by infecting developing eggs.
While this parasite might not have caused the die-off, it poses a threat to mussel populations already in decline.
Researchers aim to develop tools for screening and restoring healthy mussel populations, crucial for maintaining clean waterways and ecosystems.
White nose syndrome has devastated bat populations in Wisconsin and North America for nearly two decades, killing over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown, and tri-colored bats.
The disease, caused by the fungus P. destructans, disrupts hibernation, leading to starvation and death.
Researchers at UW-Madison, led by Ph.D. candidate Marcos Isidoro-Ayza, discovered the fungus infiltrates bat skin cells without causing significant damage, evading the immune system.
The team, including Professor Bruce Klein, is exploring drugs that block the fungus's entry into cells, offering hope for bat conservation and potential applications for human diseases.
In Hayward, Wisconsin, 15-year-old Gabe Bisonette keeps the Ojibwe spearfishing tradition alive, braving chilly nights on the Chippewa Flowage in hopes of success. And filling ‘da freezer!
However, walleye numbers are dwindling due to warming waters, seasonal changes, and lakeshore development, threatening this vital practice.
Ojibwe tribes, in partnership with conservationists, are working to preserve the species and the tradition.
Despite historical and ongoing challenges, including past treaty right disputes and climate impacts, efforts like fish stocking and limited permits aim to sustain walleye populations.
Click here to read more about the Ojibwe people preserving their cultural heritage.
Now forward this email to friend, and get out ‘der!
Want to sponsor the Wiscampsin Weekly?
Reply “Sponsor” and we will get back to you with the details!
Wiscampsin Weekly Poll
We love to hear about the 41 of you that mentioned you are going to check out the Kickapoo Caverns after learning about the bat ecology tours!
Have you ever heard a Ruffed Grouse "Drumming" out in the wild?Click your answer below to see live results |
Meme of the Week 😂
A review from the trail… We’ll take it!
Well, how'd we do this week? |
Receive 2 free months of running training by participating in the 2024 RunDot Project.
Receive 2 free months of running training by participating in the 2024 RunDot Project. The RunDot Project is an annual research initiative that helps runners reach their true potential through optimized training methods.
Reply