Natural Environment Blog

Amy, reportedly weighing 22 kg is possibly the world's largest rabbit. Photo: Paul Lewis.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, the world’s largest rabbit is a Continental Giant called Amy.

Amy, from Worcester in the UK, is more than 120 cm (4 feet) long and weighs as much as a medium sized dog.  

Her weight? Well that depends on which report you choose to believe. In February this year, the Daily Mail reported that Amy weighs two and a half stone (15 kg). But then in March, it reported that the giant rabbit weighs three and a half stone (22 kg).

Perhaps she put on 7 kilograms within a month!

In any case, whichever weight it is, this could make Amy the heaviest rabbit in the world too.

Big Appetite

Amy’s owner, Annette Edwards, says that each day, Amy goes through enough rabbit food to fill a dog’s bowl, as well as two apples, a handful of carrots, half a cabbage and fresh hay.

But Mrs Edwards insists that Amy is quite healthy and not overweight.

“She is enormous but not because she over eats on junk but because she gets plenty of exercise and eats very healthily.”

“Amy is a fussy eater, the carrots must have their green tops still on, and the hay has to be fresh and green or she won’t go near it” she continues.

Other Large Rabbits & Previous Record Holders

Herman, a German Giant, weighing 7.7 kg

There are a lot of large rabbits out there.

Here are some examples:

• Herman, a German Giant reportedly weighing 7.7 kg (although he looks much heavier than that)
• Rudi, also a German Giant, weighing 8.7 kg
• Roberto, weighing in at 16 kilograms (possibly the world’s heaviest rabbit?)
• Humphrey, weighing over 12 kg and still growing

Largest Rabbit Breed

The largest species of rabbit is the Flemish Giant. The largest Flemish Giant can grow to around 9.5 kg. The smallest weigh in at around 5 kg.

Flemish Giants are usually steel grey in colour. They are long with a large full head and the ears are long and erect.

The Flemish Giant’s diet should include plenty of fresh hay, fresh fruit and vegetables, a well-balanced dry rabbit mix and plenty of clean water.

Guinness Book of World Records

Amy or Roberto may be the largest and heaviest rabbits in the world, but they won’t be making it into the Guinness Book of World Records any time soon (at least, not for their size or weight).

Unfortunately, some rabbit owners cruelly over feed their rabbits in an attempt to get them into the record books. As a result, the Guinness World Records no longer lists the world’s largest (or heaviest) rabbit.

Did you know that in 2007, arctic summer sea ice reached its lowest extent on record?

Did you know that carbon dioxide levels are at their highest levels in 650,000 years?

And did you know that the global average sea level has risen 4 to 8 inches over the past century?

Well, if you’re into these kinds of statistics, you’ll probably be interested in NASA’s climate time machine. It’s an interactive tool that allows you to see how things have changed in recent years regarding the earth’s climate, sea levels, ice levels, and carbon dioxide emissions.

Seeing as this website is about the natural environment, I thought it would be somewhat fitting to write about building a natural shelter - a shelter made from natural resources. This is also referred to as a wilderness shelter or a survival shelter.

Knowing how to build a natural shelter can be essential to survival in the wilderness. This is especially true if you venture out in cooler climates.

Of course, if you are planning an overnight trip, you should already have your accommodation arranged (i.e. a tent, cabin, hotel…) . But if you find yourself lost on a one-day walk, then knowing how to build a shelter from natural resources could save your life.

Here are the high level steps for building a shelter:

1. Find a suitable location - such as an uprooted tree at the edge of a forest. There should be plenty of branches, leaves, and forest debris lying around on the ground. The location shouldn’t be too exposed, but at the same time, it shouldn’t be at the bottom of a valley. Close to a water supply is great.
2. Start building the shelter by placing strong, straight branches at a 45 degree angle (so that the rain can run off). If you’re using an uprooted tree, you can place them against the root. Use the thickest/strongest branches first, followed by the smaller/weaker ones. Ensure there’s a small hole that you can use to gain access.
3. Once you’ve created the framework for your natural shelter, it’s time to insulate it. To do this, place leaves and other debris on top of the branches. You’ll need plenty of leaves for this. The leaves should be at least 30 centimeters thick. This will ensure your shelter is well insulated and will keep you warm. This is one of the reasons location is important - you’ll need a location where you can find plenty of leaves and forest debris.

That’s all there is to building a wilderness shelter using natural resources.

Now, if you are somebody who loves to get out in the wilderness, I recommend that you practice building your own survival shelter. You might find that it’s more difficult than it appears. Here’s one man’s first attempt at building a natural shelter!

And if you really are interested in learning more about building natural shelters, check out this video on building a shelter in a forest. Also, here are different types of survival shelters.

CITES (which stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between the world’s governments. It was established to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of specimens. This includes wild animals and plants.

CITES exists because so many plants and animals are traded internationally. Without an international agreement to protect each species, many of these plants and animals could become extinct. Therefore, co-operation between each country is required in order to safeguard each species from over-exploitation.

The full text of the CITES convention was agreed to by 80 countries in 1973. Then in 1975 it was put in place. Back when CITES was first being considered, general public awareness of environmental issues barely existed. Nowadays, it’s an essential part of wildlife protection.

Today, over 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants are protected by CITES.

Which Species are Protected by CITES?

To see which plants an animals are protected by CITES, you can do one of the following:

• Search the CITES database. You can search by common name, species name, country, and more.
• Read the CITES appendices.

About the CITES Appendices

You’ll notice that there are three appendices. This is done because there are three different levels of protection. Here’s CITES’ explanation of the three appendices:

• Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place provided it is authorized by the granting of both an import permit and an export permit (or re-export certificate). Article VII of the Convention provides for a number of exemptions to this general prohibition.
• Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called “look-alike species”, i.e. species of which the specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reason. International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. No import permit is necessary for these species under CITES (although a permit is needed in some countries that have taken stricter measures than CITES requires). Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.
• Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation. nternational trade in specimens of species listed in this Appendix is allowed only on presentation of the appropriate permits or certificates.

For more information on CITES, check out the official CITES website.

Mount Aspiring National Park is located in the South Island of New Zealand, along the southern part of the Southern Alps.

Covering 3,555 square kilometers, Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular destination for bush walkers and mountaineers. The park is named after Mount Aspiring (3,033 meters), and contains a number of spectacular peaks (including Mount Aspiring).

Mount Aspiring National Park was established in 1964, making it New Zealand’s 10th national park at the time (New Zealand now has 14 national parks).

Some of the more popular walking tracks in the park include Gillespie Pass circuit, Rees-Dart circuit, various tracks along the Matukituki Valley, and the famous Routeburn Track (which crosses over into Fiordland National Park).

There are some great day walks, including a beautiful hike to Rob Roy Glacier. Many of the walks in the area are multi-day walks, where you carry everything you need on your back.

Accommodation on the multi day walks is usually at one of the huts or camp sites provided by the Department of Conservation. This accommodation is usually very basic - don’t expect luxury here. But of course, this is part of the wilderness experience and enables you to feel closer to nature. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Fiordland National Park is the largest of the 14 national parks in New Zealand. It is located in the south west part of the South Island and covers an area of 12,500 square kilometers. Established in 1952, Fiordland National Park is a major part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site.

Fiordland’s landscape is incredibly diverse. At any given moment, you could be staring at snow capped mountains, tussock grasslands, lush rainforests and one or more deep lakes.

Many of the peaks in Fiordland tend to be very tall and steep, and Milford Sound is home to Mitre Peak - the highest peak to rise directly from the sea (see photo).

Wildlife in the area includes dolphins, seals, mice, rats, birds, hare and deer. Most tourists to the area encounter the kea - a mischievous mountain parrot. Lucky tourists may also spot the kakapo - the world’s only flightless parrot, or the kiwi - the national symbol of New Zealand.

Most of Fiordland National Park is inaccessible by road. The only road into the park is Milford Road, or the Te Anau Milford Highway.

The area is very popular with bush walkers (referred to as “trampers” in New Zealand) and mountain climbers. There are several popular walking tracks in the area, including the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track, the Hollyford Track, and the Kepler Track. These walks take several days to complete, and some require that you organize transport to drop you off at the start, and/or pick you up at the end, of the track.

The main gateway into Fiordland is Te Anau. Te Anau is a small town with a permanent population of around 1,800. During the summer months, Te Anau can accommodate more than 4,000 people as many tourists use it as a base as they visit places like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, or tackle one of the multi-day walking tracks.

To learn more about Fiordland National Park, check out the Department of Conservation’s website.

What is the Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance is a member based organization dedicated to helping people, wildlife, and the natural environment.

Based in New York City, the Rainforest Alliance has offices throughout the United States and the world. The Rainforest Alliance works with people who depend on the land for their livelihood. It aims to help them become more sustainable in the way they work the land. In particular, the alliance helps these people grow food, harvest wood and host travelers.

The Rainforest Alliance has programs in many environmental areas such as forestry, agriculture, and tourism. It also offers third party certification and verification for forestry companies who opt for sustainable forestry.

Rainforest Alliance’s Approach

The Rainforest Alliance believes that it is possible to create a sustainable society. A society that protects the planet and provides sustainable livelihoods for its people.

To achieve this, it aims to transform the current destructive market system into one that values sustainable production, sourcing, consumption and equitable trade.

The Rainforest Alliance believes that the sustainable management of all businesses requires the following:

• Clean air and water
• Healthy biodiversity and wildlife habitat
• Reduction of waste and toxicity
• Reduction and mitigation of global warming
• Dignified and safe living and working conditions, with adequate food, education and health care for workers and their families
• Equal opportunity for all

Furthermore, it believes that the following is required in order to achieve a sustainable market:

• Sustainable sourcing, supply chain management and public accountability are standard practice
• Products carry prices that reflect their real environmental, economic and social value
• Sustainable producers, small and community-based businesses have equitable market access
• People demand and have access to high-quality, sustainable and healthy products and choices
• Financial and insurance sectors support sustainable operations and penalize unsustainable ones
• Governments support sustainability through procurement, incentives, and regulations
• Civil society sources sustainably

To learn more about the Rainforest Alliance, check out the official website.

The kea is a type of parrot that resides in the mountains of the New Zealand’s South Island. It’s one of the few alpine parrots in the world.

Although the kea can fly, it tends to spend a lot of its time hobbling around on the ground. The kea diet generally consists of roots, leaves, berries, nectar and insects.

The kea is known for its intelligence. In fact, it has been rated as one of the most intelligent birds in the world.

Is the Kea Heading for Extinction?

The kea is a fully protected species. It was once hunted and killed because it preyed on livestock. The government even offered a bounty for the bills of kea.

Although it was intended that kea would only be shot on farmland, many would hunt kea in national parks.

More than 150,000 kea were killed prior to 1970. When it was discovered that there were an estimated 5,000 left, the kea received partial protection. This partial protection still enabled farmers to shoot kea if it was interfering with their property or livestock.

The kea wasn’t fully protected until 1986. It is estimated that there are now only between 1,000 and 5,000 kea left in the world.

The Kea is Notoriously Mischievous!

Kea can often be seen hobbling around the Milford Sound region and the ski areas, attempting to cause chaos to humans at every opportunity! They are very cheeky and inquisitive birds. And, as mentioned, they are also very intelligent. Many tourists to New Zealand’s alpine regions can recall at least one occasion of being harassed by a kea!

Tourists will often park their cars to view the scenery and take photos. Kea will then often jump onto the car and try to rip out the trimmings and/or wing mirrors etc. When the tourist tries to get back into the car, the kea will often try to prevent him!

This is exactly what happened to me near Milford Sound (see the photo)! There were two kea, one on the roof of my car, and another hobbling around on the ground. The second one then decided to attack a nearby car!

Unfortunately, it is humans that have caused the kea to behave in this way. Tourists are forever feeding the kea, thinking they are doing the right thing. Although this may seem like a compassionate gesture, quite the opposite is true. Feeding the kea results in the bird becoming more aggressive. In fact, this is seen to be such a large problem that the Department of Conservation has erected signs that read “Do not feed the kea”

Here’s a video I found on YouTube, demonstrating the outstanding intelligence of the the kea:

These days, we hear a lot about the tragic consequences of plastic bags on the environment. In particular, plastic bags are causing significant damage to our oceans and marine life. But what about other plastic items?

In today’s world, we are surrounded by plastic. We live in a plastic world. What’s more, we throw out most of our plastic products at an alarming rate. Some plastic items, such as packaging, won’t even last a day before it’s tossed into the bin - or even worse, discarded onto the street or ocean. Other items - you know, those items that are supposed to last a long time - might be lucky to reach their 2nd birthday! Occasionally, we might purchase a plastic item that we keep for say, 5 - 10 years.

The ironic thing about this is that, one of plastic’s outstanding benefits has always been it’s incredible resilience and durability - plastic will last for hundreds of years. Yet, we throw it out, sometimes within a day of product purchase.

The fact that plastic doesn’t break down for hundreds of years causes a major issue for the environment. In particular, plastic is killing thousands of animals around the world every day.

Here are some (grim) facts/statistics on the impact that plastic is having on our oceans.

• Plastic causes the deaths of more than a million seabirds every year
• Plastic causes the deaths of more than 100,000 marine mammals each year
• About 90% of the rubbish floating in the ocean is plastic
• According to estimates by the UN Environment Programme in 2006, every square mile of ocean contains 46,000 pieces of floating plastic
• Hundreds of millions of nurdles (plastic pellets) find their way into the oceans each year. These nurdles act as a chemical sponge - they attract man-made chemicals, such as hydrocarbons and pesticide DDT. This makes them even more toxic. The nurdles then find themselves into marine creatures, then onto our dinner plate. We are indirectly eating our toxic waste.
• Plastic photodegrades. This means that it breaks down into much smaller parts. These smaller parts are continuously being eaten by marine creatures, who mistaken them for food. Many marine creatures actually feed their young on plastic items - again mistaking it for food. One turtle found dead in Hawaii had over a thousand pieces of plastic in its stomach and intestines.
• Floating plastic can sometimes transport marine life to a new location - one of which is outside their normal habitat. This can result in the migrant becoming a pest in the new habitat.
• Not all plastic floats. Much of it - up to 70% - ends up on the ocean floor. This ends up killing the marine life which is found there. Dutch scientists estimate that there’s up to 600,000 tonnes of plastic on the sea bed of the North Sea alone.
• The Pacific Ocean has a garbage dump twice the size of continental United States. The dump is so large that scientists believe it would be impossible to clean it up. Most of this gigantic dump consists of plastic.

A cay is a small, low elevation, sandy island formed on the surface of coral reefs. Cay is pronounced as ‘key’ and is sometimes spelled key or quay.

Cays are typically located in tropical waters such as the tropical parts of the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean. For example, there are many cays throughout the Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral reef in the world. Some popular cays in the area include Green Island, Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Cay, and Heron Island.

Cays are mostly made up of biogenic sediment from coral reef ecosystems. Biogenic sediment refers to the skeletal remains of plants and animals. Ocean currents transport the sediment across the reef surface, then deposit it in a place where currents converge or slow down. Weather and tidal patterns can impact on the formation and eradication of cays.

Some of the smaller cays often appear to be no more than a sandbar, while larger or older cays will have trees and other foliage growing on them.