Yellow-bellied venomous sea snake returns to California beach after 8 years; rare reappearance after 2018 gives scientists clues about the species’ changing Pacific range

Yellow-bellied venomous sea snake returns to California beach after 8 years; rare reappearance after 2018 gives scientists clues about the species’ changing Pacific range

Yellow-bellied sea snake Representative image by Canva A yellow-bellied sea snake has washed ashore on an Orange County beach, marking the first reported appearance of the venomous species in California since 2018. The rare sighting took place at Crystal Cove, according to video footage cited by the Los Angeles Times. The snake’s return has drawn … Read more

In 1997, Florida released Australian insects to fight an invasive tree. Nearly three decades later, its invaded range has fallen by about 75%

In 1997, Florida released Australian insects to fight an invasive tree. Nearly three decades later, its invaded range has fallen by about 75%

For decades, a tree from Australia spread across South Florida’s wetlands with little to hold it back. Melaleuca quinquenervia, often called paperbark, had been introduced to Florida for practical reasons, including landscaping and efforts to alter wet ground. It eventually escaped those uses and established dense stands across parts of the Everglades and surrounding wetlands. … Read more