This species has been dubbed Mecistops leptorhynchus, and characterized in a study published on October 24 in the journal Zootaxa.

It is considered to be the same species as its West African counterpart, Mecistops cataphractus

The animal was, until now, considered to be the same species as its West African counterpart, Mecistops cataphractus, which will retain its original scientific name. The new designation brings the total population of the West African species down enough that it is now considered critically endangered. There are only about 500 individuals left in the wild, estimates Matt Shirley, study lead author and a researcher at Florida International University.

Central African slender-snouted crocs have softer, smoother appearance than their West African cousins, which have larger, heavier scales and rougher skin, Shirley explains. The newly-described crocodile also lacks the bony crests on its skull found on its counterpart.

But the main differences lie in the genes—and these differences are significant. The paper shows the animals’ genetics first diverged more than eight million years ago, as volcanos arose in and around what is now Cameroon. This volcanic activity created impassable mountains that split the range of the reptiles in two, cutting off gene flow, and the two populations haven’t exchanged genes since, says Shirley, a National Geographic Explorer.

This isolation allowed the two species to diverge, and now the base pairs that make up certain important genes differ by more than five percent, he explains.

Central African slender-snouted crocs have softer, smoother appearance than their West African cousins

Scientist have, of course, described other new species of crocodiles in recent years. For example, research by George Amato, at the American Museum of Natural History has shown that dwarf crocodiles are not one but three species. Shirley, Amato, and colleagues also discovered that there are actually two different species of Nile crocodiles.

But M. leptorhynchus is the first species since 1935 to go through the full formal descriptive and naming process, Shirley says. This involved sifting through scores of museum samples from around the world with assistance from colleagues at the University of Iowa and the University of Florida. Shirley himself also did intensive field work in 14 African countries, and got malaria more than a dozen times in the course of the research, he says.

Their job was complicated by the fact that the “type” specimen, the original museum animal used to officially identify any given species, was nowhere to be found for M. cataphractus. That’s the Nazis’ fault: It was likely destroyed when German planes bombed London’s Natural History Museum in World War II, Shirley says. So the researchers had to designate a new one. What’s more, the type specimen for M. leptorhynchus is a juvenile, which muddled the effort, since young crocs are more difficult to identify. 

The newly-described croc also lacks the bony crests on its skull found on its counterpart

The study should help spur conservation work for both types of crocodiles, but especially the West African species. Shirley and colleagues are collaborating with the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana as well as a number of NGOs to breed the animals in captivity and eventually release them to the wild. The largest such effort is taking place at a zoo in Côte d’Ivoire where more than 30 of the animals currently reside.

Habitat loss and poaching affect both species, although there are so few West African slender-snouted crocodiles left, they are almost impossible to find, says Shirley, who spent “months and years” of his life looking for them. In the end, he collected DNA samples from a mere 15 to 20.

The work is more urgent now than ever. “These are genuinely critically endangered,” Shirley says, “and [could] blink out at any moment.”

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The southern tip is also world-renowned for its prime surfing spots such as Padang Padang and Uluwatu. Further inland is Ubud, a hill town known for its spa treatments, yoga and ecotourism, which may include a trip to a monkey preserve.

Ringing the island are coral reefs teeming with sea life, making it a hot spot for scuba diving. You can also get a taste of Balinese culture at a gamelan percussion performance or one of thousands of Hindu temples, which feature intricate sculpture and regular festivals.

When to visit

Peak travel periods include July–August and mid-December–early January. The tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, extremely humid during the rainy season (October–March) and less so in the dry season (April–September). Balinese New Year, or “Nyepi”, (dates vary) is observed with 24 hours of silence and fasting. The religious festivals of Galungan and Kalingang (dates vary) are celebrated with dancing, feasts and elaborately decorated bamboo poles. The Bali Arts Festival (Jun) has traditional dances, music and night markets.

10 best things to do in Bali

The 10 best things to do in Bali take you straight to the ‘can’t miss’ cultural treasures and famous landscapes found all around the magical island of Bali. There are innumerable temples, historical sites, and spots of natural beauty spread across eight regencies. This narrowing-down of choices will get you discovering the best of Bali in no time. Go east to see the majestic ‘mother temple’ of Besakih or travel to the heartland where rice paddies offer scenic photo opportunities. From scenic vistas to cultural performances, there is something for everyone.

Tanah Lot Temple

This temple is perched on top of a huge rock

Tanah Lot must be the island’s most iconic temple. This temple is perched on top of a huge rock, and surrounded by the sea with waves constantly crashing on to its base. As among Bali’s most important sea temples, Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. The temple serves as foreground to the most picturesque sunsets.
Uluwatu Temple

A monkey forest also borders the temple grounds

Uluwatu is among the Bali’s most important sea temples, perched on a cliff edge in the southwestern Bukit peninsula. Here you can catch dramatic sunsets such as at Tanah Lot, Uluwatu also features an open amphitheatre close by, where sunset kecak fire dances can be enjoyed. A monkey forest also borders the temple grounds.

Besakih Temple

It is also known as thw mother temple of Bali

Besakih Temple, also known as the ‘mother temple’ of Bali sits on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1,000m. Besakih is the largest of all the Balinese temples. Eighteen separate sanctuaries belonging to different caste groups surround the three main temples dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. 
Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The rice fields produces a beautiful Scenery

Tegallalang is famous for its scenic expanses of rice fields. And the paddies with the best vantage point are just up north from the main Ubud centre, along the road of Tegallalang. Here, roadside stalls and art shops offering items and curios of all kinds line the street, as well as small restaurants offering diners great views.
Ubud Monkey Forest

It is also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal

On the fringes of the Ubud main centre, Ubud Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s several grey long-tailed macaque-inhabited forests and perhaps the best known. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, and by its official designation as Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, Ubud Monkey Forest is a place of scientific research as well as a site of spiritual and cultural aspects with temples sanctified by the local villagers deep within its grounds.
Ubud Art Market

This market has many good products

The Ubud Art Market, locally referred to as ‘Pasar Seni Ubud’ is located opposite the the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace and is open daily. Here you can find beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets or hats; statues, kites and many other hand-crafted goods.
Kintamani and Mount Batur

Kintamani and Mount Batur

Kintamani, located in the Karangasem Regency, is home to Mount Batur and the Caldera Lake. A favourite stopover on tour itineraries to this region is Penelokan, which aptly means ‘scenic stopover’. The still-active Mount Batur volcano has erupted about 24 times since 1800, each time reshaping the surrounding landscape.

Bali Safari and Marine Park

The park is home to over 60 species of animals

Bali Safari & Marine Park is Bali’s largest animal theme park. The park is home to over 60 species, all roaming freely within their enclosures built to closely mimic their natural habitats. Bus safaris take visitors on tours ‘around the world’, and animal talent shows are held regularly. Aquariums holding exotic fish specimens are nearby.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The cool highlands and the breathtaking scenery of this village

Jatiluwih rice terraces pretty much cover the region of the namesake upland village in West Bali, most famous for its landscapes that are both dramatic and truly exotic. The site is one of the island’s must-see natural panoramas on par with Mount Batur and the caldera of Kintamani. The cool highlands and the breathtaking scenery of this village at the foot of Mount Batukaru makes for wonderful photo opportunities, and serves as a soothing retreat away from the island’s crowded south.
Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah dates back to the 11th century, built as a spiritual place for meditation

Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ is an archaeological site of significant historical value that makes it a special place to visit. Located on the cool western edge of Bedulu Village, six kilometres out of central Ubud, you do not need more than an hour to descend to its relic-filled courtyard and view the rock-wall carvings, a central meditational cave, bathing pools and fountains.

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England and Wales at their most wonderfully serene

Cumbria one of Britain’s most bewitching counties

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And these stunning pictures by photographer Steve Pipe showcase the beauty of the northern realm.

From lakes and forests to waterfalls and picturesque harbours, the county of Cumbria is one of England’s most bewitching. Pictured is Spout Force waterfall in Whinlatter Forest Park

The images capture much-loved sites including Derwent Water and Scafell Pike as well as snaps of the Westmorland County Show and the Sailor Boy statue located on Whitehaven Harbour.

These stunning pictures by photographer Steve Pipe showcase the beauty of the northern realm. Pictured is a rainbow over Martindale

Writing in the book’s introduction, Mr Pipe said: ‘How can I do something different, something that hasn’t already been captured on several thousand camera phones?

Breath-taking beauty: A jetty at Derwent Water, which is one of the Lake District’s most magical spots

‘So, as well as including some of the well-known honeypots in this book, I’ve literally visited all the corners of the county.

‘As well as the landscapes I’ve also tried to capture the people, events and traditions that make the county what it is.

Slater Bridge in Little Langdale is a truly fairytale-esque spot in Cumbria, as this image shows

‘So, in among the selection of vistas from the Lake District Unesco World Heritage Site you’ll also find a range of pictures depicting the history and ancient traditions of the region, plus a few other surprises too.

Writing in the book’s introduction, Mr Pipe said: ‘How can I do something different, something that hasn’t already been captured on several thousand camera phones? So, as well as including some of the well-known honeypots in this book, I’ve literally visited all the corners of the county’. Pictured is Windermere

‘Cumbria really does have something for everyone and, stunning though it is, there is so much more to the county than the National Park.

Mr Pipe grew up in Kent’s Bank in South Cumbria and has many fond memories of exploring the county with his parents and brothers when he was a child. Pictured is Loweswater

‘So, whether you prefer to explore on two wheels, four wheels, two legs, in a boat or even with wings, you’re bound to find something in this book to tempt you to explore just a little bit further.’

The Westmorland County Show is one of the most well-known agriculture shows in the UK

Mr Pipe grew up in Kent’s Bank in South Cumbria and has many fond memories of exploring the county with his parents and brothers when he was a child.

Pictured are Rhododendrons at Wast Water. Mr Pipe used to work in IT but he is now a full-time photographer

Having moved south with his family, in 2011 he abandoned a life in IT to move back to Cumbria, building a career as a photographer.

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Together with his wife, Beth, he has published a number of books and formed the Cumbrian Rambler team.

Steve Pipe has published a number of books and formed the Cumbrian Rambler team. Pictured is the Sailor Boy statue in Whitehaven Harbour

Cumbria In Photographs, published by Amberley Books, is available now.

Eye-catching read: Cumbria In Photographs, published by Amberley Books, is available now

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From the Peak District to Essex via North Wales, they are images bathed in quality. They show delicately frosted vegetation, autumnal canals, cascading rivers and twisted old trees 

The Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’ – which involves walking through a forest at a gentle pace for two hours or more – is said to relieve anxiety.

If that’s the case, then starring at these amazing pictures of woodland scenes in England and Wales might get you half way there.

They are all category winners and shortlisted pictures from past Landscape Photographer of the Year competitions.

This year’s contest is now accepting entries, until July 7. And so conversely, for would-be entrants, looking at these pictures might actually raise stress levels, because they show how tough the competition is likely to be.

Either way, they’re captivating.

From the Peak District to Essex via North Wales, they are images bathed in quality. 

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Lizzie Shepherd’s skills are in no doubt. This is her superb shot of Guisecliff, Nidderdale, in North Yorkshire

The Grand Union Canal in Solihull, West Midlands – a belt-and-braces name, but here looking other-worldly

Woodland at Aymestrey, North Herefordshire, takes on an ethereal glow in this image by Rob Scamp

The River Conwy flowing through Fairy Glen, near Betws-y-Coed, North Wales – captured by Paul Bullen

A wonderful pathway in Ashridge, Hertfordshire, called Lady’s Walk, captured by Damian Ward

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The bodies of Natasha Amanda-Jane Layman, 45, and James Samuel Bryers, 50, were discovered on Monday by camp workers after they grew suspicious when the couple hadn’t been seen for 48 hours.

The dead bodies of Natasha Amanda-Jane Layman, 45, and James Samuel Bryers, 50, were discovered by Turkish camp workers on Monday

Ms Layman and Mr Bryers arrived at Gunluklu Bay, a resort on the Turkish Riviera just west of the popular harbour city of Fethiye, two days earlier.

Their autopsy revealed they died of an overdose and a small amount of heroin was found near their lifeless bodies, according to local Turkish reports. 

Ms Layman and Mr Bryers arrived at Gunluklu Bay (pictured), a resort on the Turkish Riviera just west of the popular harbour city of Fethiye, two days earlier

Police and medics were called to the location but they could only confirm the death of the couple at the time.

An initial investigation found no scars or any indications of the cause of death and a postmortem was ordered. 

Their autopsies revealed they died of an overdose as a small amount of heroin was found near their lifeless bodies, according to local Turkish reports. Pictured: Natasha Layman

Local officials said that both the bodies had been taken to the Institution of Forensic Medicine in the city of Mugla for a postmortem to be carried out.

Local Doğan News Agency reported that heroin was found in their tent and that their autopsies showed they died of an overdose.  

The Fethiye public prosecutor’s office confirmed that they were carrying out an official investigation into the deaths.

Gunluklu Bay, located 12 miles west of Fethiye, has a sandy beach often photographed because of its Styrax trees, from which the bay takes its name in Turkish.

The Fethiye public prosecutor’s office confirmed that they were carrying out an official investigation into the deaths

Local media reported the area is a beloved camping spot for both locals and tourists alike and is not a secluded place.

It also features some beach clubs and restaurants.

According to British Ambassador to Turkey Dominick Chilcott, almost three million British holidaymakers are expected to visit Turkey in 2018.  

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The group of tourists  including the deceased’s husband white Gary Lynn 74 years came from Kigali Rwanda on Tuesday evening and slept in Ruhija sector in anticipation to track gorillas the next morning.

Yesterday morning they decided to go tracking and the victim was the one in front with the park guided. The wasps just attacked her at once in big numbers to death as the rest escaped unhurt.

The Kigezi region police spokes person Elly Maate said police was notified and visited the scene with a police surgeon for post mortem adding that the incidence has been registered at Ruhiija police post under file reference number SD 06/24/05/2018. Efforts to take the body to Kampala for further management and transportation back to USA are on –going.

This is not the first tourist to die in Bwindi National Park this year; on 14^th April 2018 Tutin Jean Pierre 63 years working with the French embassy in Nairobi Kenya slipped and died while tracking Gorillas in the park at Kanyambeho Kinurira Cell Buremba Parish Mpungu Sub County Kanungu district.

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The Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah has directed government to ensure that there are ramps for PWDs at Entebbe International Airport as construction works continue.

MPS have called for the improvement on the access of Entebbe Airport for persons with disabilities and ordinary people.

This comes after the Bubulo West MP Rose Mutonyi complained about the ongoing renovations which she says are inconveniencing people with disabilities as they cannot easily access the place.

Mutonyi says that construction at the airport blocked the route which ordinary people were using and has left the only passage to be the one on steps which she says is very inconveniencing for people with big luggage, Elderly and disabled.

She urged the government to set up Protective measures for ordinary citizens including the elderly and those with disabilities at Entebbe International airport as renovation is going on.

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The government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa noted that renovations on going at the airport are temporary but has promised to direct the minister of transport Aggrey Bagyire to inspect the area so that they can rectify the problem.

However this did not satisfy MPs like Jack wamanga wamai, William Nzoghu who said that the country needs to follow the same procedures like it’s done in other countries where people with disabilities are handled in a special way at the airports.

The MP representing people with disabilities Asamo Hellen informed parliament that those services exist at the airport though they are selective.

This prompted the deputy speaker Jacob Oulanyah to demand that government direct the construction company to set up ramps at the airport to deal with the problem.

ALSO READ:Deputy speaker challenges MPs to full fill voter’s expectations

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Air New Zealand is being honored for the fifth consecutive year for its record-breaking performance, multi award winning in-flight innovations, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff. These factors have stamped the airline as a clear industry leader.

The AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards, judged by six editors with over 180 years’ industry experience, combines major safety and government audits, with 12 key criteria – up from nine last year – that include: fleet age, passenger reviews profitability, investment rating, product offerings, and staff relations.

Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said: “In our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance.”

Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon said: “This award is testament to the huge effort from all of our people to deliver a world class Kiwi experience on the ground and in the air. It is extremely rewarding to see their hard work recognized by such an experienced panel of aviation judges.”

“Air New Zealand is committed to redefining the customer experience and we are looking forward to unveiling many exciting new initiatives in 2018.”

Other winners in the Airline Excellence Awards are: Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Korean Air, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Norwegian, Aegean Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Westjet and VietJetAir.com.

• Qantas, won Best Domestic Airline Service, Best Catering and Best Lounges.
• Singapore Airlines picked up Best First Class and Best Cabin Crew.
• Korean Air won Best Economy.
• Virgin Australia won Best Business Class while Best In-Flight Entertainment went to Emirates.
• Aegean Airlines won Best Regional Airline and Tianjin Airlines Most Improved Airline.
• VietJetAir took out the new category Best Ultra Low-Cost airline
• Excellence in Long Haul travel: Air Canada (Americas), Virgin Atlantic (Europe), Etihad Airways (Middle-East/Africa) and Korean Air (Asia/Pacific). Best Low-Cost Airline; Westjet (Americas), Norwegian (Europe) and Scoot (Asia/Pacific).

Top Ten Airlines 2018
AirlineRaings.com also has named its Best of the Best: Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines.

Source: www.traveldailynews.com

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Kazinga Channel [Western Uganda]-home to over 4,000 hippos! Also called the “Hippo Paradise

Kesande says several people have been killed and others injured by the hippos but government has not come to their rescue, also making students to abandon school or fail to concentrate in class.

She told parliament that the animals from Queen Elizabeth national park recently killed a person and injured several others as well as destroying their crops, causing a lot of fear in the district.

Kesande also appealed to government to compensate families of those killed or injured by the hippos in addition to coming up with a policy to assist those in candidate classes by giving them extra marks since they cannot adequately prepare for final examinations due to fear of being attacked by the wild animals.

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Lion expert Dr Luke Hunter told the BBC the images are a once-in-a-lifetime sight

These beautiful pictures are the first ever taken of a wild lioness nursing a cub from a different species – an extremely rare event.

The pair were spotted by Joop Van Der Linde, a guest at Ndutu Safari Lodge in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The scene is the Serengeti; the attentive mother, five-year-old Nosikitok.

The lioness has a GPS collar fitted by Kope Lion, a conservation NGO, and three young cubs of her own – born around the 27-28 June.

The lioness Nosikitok recently had her second litter of cubs

Dr Luke Hunter, President and Chief Conservation Officer for Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organisation which supports Kope Lion, told the BBC the incident was “truly unique”.

“It’s not something that I’m aware has ever happened before between large cats like this,” he said.

“We know there are cases where lionesses will adopt other lion cubs… But this is unprecedented.

“I know of no other case – between any large cat, for that matter – where the species has adopted or nursed the cub of another species.”

Most lionesses would normally kill a baby leopard if they found one, seeing just another predator in a competitive food-chain.

The little cub is lucky it wasn’t killed on sight, Dr Hunter says

Dr Hunter says Nosikitok has cubs the same age as the young leopard – two to three weeks.

She was around a kilometre from her den, where her own cubs are hidden, when she found the spotted substitute.

“She’s encountered this little cub, and she’s treated it as her own. She’s awash with maternal hormones, and this fierce, protective drive that all lionesses have – they’re formidable mums,” the lion expert notes.

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It is not clear yet where the baby leopard’s mother is, or if the lioness will try to adopt it full-time.

The local safari lodge say there is a resident female leopard there who almost certainly has cubs. And as Nosikitok’s pride are unlikely to prove as indulgent as she is, the best outcome for the leopard would be a safe return to mum.

Dr Hunter says his team are on tenterhooks to see what comes next.

“It’s a unique thing, it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds. Nature is unpredictable. Up until earlier this week, we would have said ‘Nah, that never happens’ – and now it happens!”

With luck, the tiny leopard will soon be back with its natural mother

Story Credit:BBC Africa

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