What constitutes an “invasive species” and should animals associated with indigenous peoples be considered “native wildlife”? Last year, while retracing Charles Darwin’s voyage in Chile, I pondered such questions. During one of the more memorable episodes of my trip, I found myself in Punta Arenas, the most southerly city in […]
Though Charles Darwin is known for his study of finches inhabiting the Galápagos Islands, a discovery which later informed his theory of evolution, the scientist failed to scrutinize the backstory of other key wildlife during his voyage aboard HMS Beagle. While traveling in Chile in 1834, the young naturalist encountered […]
Recently, London’s Heathrow airport welcomed some unlikely visitors: dozens of small frogs named after Charles Darwin. The amphibians, which are under threat from the deadly chytrid fungus, which causes an infectious disease called chytridiomycosis, had endured an epically long journey from South America. Transported from Chile’s Tantauco Park, located in […]
If we are to successfully feed the planet, we must protect the humble potato. Indeed, the tuber is the third most important world-wide food crop after rice and wheat, and, what is more, potato is considered one of the most critical staples in terms of food security, particularly in developing […]
