Fiona Mathews
@fionamathews.bsky.social
Professor Environmental Biology. #wildlife #conservation. Red List British Mammals; State of Nature UK; Black Ops & Beaver Bombing. Loves bats. Project on Andean bears (Paddington!). Chair Mammal Conservation Europe. Sussex Uni @MathewsFiona (X). 🦇🐻🌍🐾
Bats face a dizzying array of threats, ranging from climate change to being entombed by housing insulation. Spent a busy few days in Bonn with the Eurobats Advisory Committee highlighting issues and identifying solutions. 🦇🌍🦤
November 6, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Bats face a dizzying array of threats, ranging from climate change to being entombed by housing insulation. Spent a busy few days in Bonn with the Eurobats Advisory Committee highlighting issues and identifying solutions. 🦇🌍🦤
Don't buy 'curiosities' made of dead bats!
Online stores including Amazon and Google shop are still openly selling these items, a year after we highlighted the problem. Trade in Endangered species needs to stop. #wildlife #bats #nature 🌍
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Online stores including Amazon and Google shop are still openly selling these items, a year after we highlighted the problem. Trade in Endangered species needs to stop. #wildlife #bats #nature 🌍
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
November 4, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Don't buy 'curiosities' made of dead bats!
Online stores including Amazon and Google shop are still openly selling these items, a year after we highlighted the problem. Trade in Endangered species needs to stop. #wildlife #bats #nature 🌍
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Online stores including Amazon and Google shop are still openly selling these items, a year after we highlighted the problem. Trade in Endangered species needs to stop. #wildlife #bats #nature 🌍
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
RIP the Christmas Island Shrew. Now declared extinct.
news.mongabay.com/2025/10/in-m... @mammalbiology.bsky.social @mammalconeurope.bsky.social @mammalsociety.bsky.social
news.mongabay.com/2025/10/in-m... @mammalbiology.bsky.social @mammalconeurope.bsky.social @mammalsociety.bsky.social
In memory of the Christmas Island shrew
It never weighed more than a spoonful of sugar. Five or six grams of life, soft-furred and sharp-nosed, darting among the roots and leaf litter of a tiny island in the Indian Ocean. At night, its voic...
news.mongabay.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:49 AM
RIP the Christmas Island Shrew. Now declared extinct.
news.mongabay.com/2025/10/in-m... @mammalbiology.bsky.social @mammalconeurope.bsky.social @mammalsociety.bsky.social
news.mongabay.com/2025/10/in-m... @mammalbiology.bsky.social @mammalconeurope.bsky.social @mammalsociety.bsky.social
Proposal for Rights of Nature to be protected in UK www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK campaigners launch bill to give nature legal rights
Private member’s bill backed by Chris Packham and Natalie Bennett would impose a duty of care on government and business
www.theguardian.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Proposal for Rights of Nature to be protected in UK www.theguardian.com/environment/...
My best work is interdisciplinary. Utter nonesense from politicians about rip-off degrees neatly summarised here: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Kemi Badenoch wants to end ‘rip-off degrees’ – but I wouldn’t have created Horrid Henry without mine | Francesca Simon
I studied Old and Middle English. Although I didn’t know it, I couldn’t have chosen a better subject to train me to become a children’s author, says author Francesca Simon
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:23 AM
My best work is interdisciplinary. Utter nonesense from politicians about rip-off degrees neatly summarised here: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Shame on us!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK plastic waste exports to developing countries rose 84% in a year, data shows
Campaigners say increase in exports mostly to Malaysia and Indonesia is ‘unethical and irresponsible waste imperialism’
www.theguardian.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Shame on us!
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
Ecuador revokes environmental license for Canada’s DPM to develop gold project
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/189815/
By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador’s government has revoked the environmental license granted to Canadian mining company DPM…
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/189815/
By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador’s government has revoked the environmental license granted to Canadian mining company DPM…
Ecuador revokes environmental license for Canada's DPM to develop gold project - Canada News Beep
By Alexandra Valencia
www.newsbeep.com
October 4, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Ecuador revokes environmental license for Canada’s DPM to develop gold project
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/189815/
By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador’s government has revoked the environmental license granted to Canadian mining company DPM…
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/189815/
By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador’s government has revoked the environmental license granted to Canadian mining company DPM…
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
The Waorani people of Ecuador won a historic court case blocking oil companies from entering 180,000 hectares of their ancestral land in Pastaza. The ruling, upheld on appeal, set a precedent for indigenous free, prior, and informed consent.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waorani...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waorani...
October 1, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The Waorani people of Ecuador won a historic court case blocking oil companies from entering 180,000 hectares of their ancestral land in Pastaza. The ruling, upheld on appeal, set a precedent for indigenous free, prior, and informed consent.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waorani...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waorani...
Mega-mushroom. That's supper sorted! #mushrooms
September 29, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Mega-mushroom. That's supper sorted! #mushrooms
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
LISTEN: At the upcoming #IUCNcongress, we are supporting a motion to address the international pet trade in terrestrial wildlife.
The scale of the trade is huge, says WCS’s Dr. Elizabeth Bennett.
🌍 On #WCSWildAudio, how this action could help address it: apple.co/46qZa82
The scale of the trade is huge, says WCS’s Dr. Elizabeth Bennett.
🌍 On #WCSWildAudio, how this action could help address it: apple.co/46qZa82
September 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM
LISTEN: At the upcoming #IUCNcongress, we are supporting a motion to address the international pet trade in terrestrial wildlife.
The scale of the trade is huge, says WCS’s Dr. Elizabeth Bennett.
🌍 On #WCSWildAudio, how this action could help address it: apple.co/46qZa82
The scale of the trade is huge, says WCS’s Dr. Elizabeth Bennett.
🌍 On #WCSWildAudio, how this action could help address it: apple.co/46qZa82
Beaver bombing. Good or bad? And what about those pesky wild boar? What do you think? www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Ops-Be...
September 16, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Beaver bombing. Good or bad? And what about those pesky wild boar? What do you think? www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Ops-Be...
Was very happy ro catch this lovely barbastelle bat last night. The species is rare across Europe and is usually found in ancient woodland. This one's roost is in a tiny remnant patch that clings on next to a conifer plantation. She was nice and fat ready for winter!
September 13, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Was very happy ro catch this lovely barbastelle bat last night. The species is rare across Europe and is usually found in ancient woodland. This one's roost is in a tiny remnant patch that clings on next to a conifer plantation. She was nice and fat ready for winter!
It keeps getting worse! We have already shown that agricultural fields treated with sewage sludge have high rates of microplastic contamination. Now it seems that potentially toxic liquid from landfill is added to the mix. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Thousands of tonnes of toxic landfill liquid added to sewage and spread on English farms
Exclusive: Leachate is tankered to treatment works where it mixes with sewage and industrial effluent
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:24 AM
It keeps getting worse! We have already shown that agricultural fields treated with sewage sludge have high rates of microplastic contamination. Now it seems that potentially toxic liquid from landfill is added to the mix. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Fantastic news for British wildlife and the climate 🌎🦤: a ban on burning deep peatlands (>30cm). This terrible practice is used to manage moors for grouse shooting. Comes into force on 30th Sept, a day ahead of new burning season. 👏 @defra.gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
Burning banned on England’s deep peat to protect wildlife
Ban on burning heather and grass on deep peat extended to improve air quality for local communities, reduce flood risk and protect wildlife.
www.gov.uk
September 9, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Fantastic news for British wildlife and the climate 🌎🦤: a ban on burning deep peatlands (>30cm). This terrible practice is used to manage moors for grouse shooting. Comes into force on 30th Sept, a day ahead of new burning season. 👏 @defra.gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
Can giant otters be indicators of ecosystem health?
This new Report in #EnvironmentalConservation evaluates mercury concentrations in these apex predators, suggesting the impact of contamination in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
#conservationscience🌍 #otters 🦦
This new Report in #EnvironmentalConservation evaluates mercury concentrations in these apex predators, suggesting the impact of contamination in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
#conservationscience🌍 #otters 🦦
Pervasive mercury contamination of a semi-aquatic apex predator across the Pantanal wetland | Environmental Conservation | Cambridge Core
Pervasive mercury contamination of a semi-aquatic apex predator across the Pantanal wetland
www.cambridge.org
August 29, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Can giant otters be indicators of ecosystem health?
This new Report in #EnvironmentalConservation evaluates mercury concentrations in these apex predators, suggesting the impact of contamination in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
#conservationscience🌍 #otters 🦦
This new Report in #EnvironmentalConservation evaluates mercury concentrations in these apex predators, suggesting the impact of contamination in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
#conservationscience🌍 #otters 🦦
Sewage isn't the only problem for water pollution! Farming practice is a huge contributor. Who thinks it's a good plan to spray slurry here (an old canal draining straight into a wetland) during heavy rain? I keep my mouth shut when I swim! @eea.europa.eu @theriverstrust.bsky.social #waterpollution
September 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Sewage isn't the only problem for water pollution! Farming practice is a huge contributor. Who thinks it's a good plan to spray slurry here (an old canal draining straight into a wetland) during heavy rain? I keep my mouth shut when I swim! @eea.europa.eu @theriverstrust.bsky.social #waterpollution
A very cool project that could help tackle a global problem for amphibians.
August 21, 2025 at 7:37 PM
A very cool project that could help tackle a global problem for amphibians.
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
"The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy, the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies," said co-author of the report Michael Brown of the IUCN.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Three more giraffe species than previously thought, scientists say
Giraffes have always been thought to be one species, but scientists now say there are four.
www.bbc.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
"The more precisely we understand giraffe taxonomy, the better equipped we are to assess their status and implement effective conservation strategies," said co-author of the report Michael Brown of the IUCN.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
Over a third of marine mammals, like dugongs, are threatened according to the @ipbes.net #GlobalAssessment.🌏🧪
Dugongs, known for their vital role in maintaining seagrass ecosystems, are at risk due to habitat loss, fishing & climate impacts.
Conservation is essential for healthy marine ecosystems.
Dugongs, known for their vital role in maintaining seagrass ecosystems, are at risk due to habitat loss, fishing & climate impacts.
Conservation is essential for healthy marine ecosystems.
August 21, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Over a third of marine mammals, like dugongs, are threatened according to the @ipbes.net #GlobalAssessment.🌏🧪
Dugongs, known for their vital role in maintaining seagrass ecosystems, are at risk due to habitat loss, fishing & climate impacts.
Conservation is essential for healthy marine ecosystems.
Dugongs, known for their vital role in maintaining seagrass ecosystems, are at risk due to habitat loss, fishing & climate impacts.
Conservation is essential for healthy marine ecosystems.
The rubber was just for size 🤣
Tell me you didn't clean it up with a rubber! 🤣
Great work though.
Great work though.
August 21, 2025 at 7:33 AM
The rubber was just for size 🤣
What a difference a week makes! This bat came in covered in glue, dust and cobwebs. The fluffball has just been released back to her colony. 🦇🦇 @batcon.org #bats #wildlife #nature
August 20, 2025 at 8:44 PM
What a difference a week makes! This bat came in covered in glue, dust and cobwebs. The fluffball has just been released back to her colony. 🦇🦇 @batcon.org #bats #wildlife #nature
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
Hey everybody! @drjuliawester.bsky.social and I have a new paper!
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
Scientists no Longer Find Twitter Professionally Useful, and have Switched to Bluesky
Synopsis. Social media has become widely used by the scientific community for a variety of professional uses, including networking and public outreach. For
doi.org
August 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Hey everybody! @drjuliawester.bsky.social and I have a new paper!
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
We surveyed over 800 scientists, science communicators, and science educators who use social media.
Conclusion: Scientists no longer find Twitter useful or pleasant, and many have switched to Bluesky! 🧪🌎🦑
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
Reposted by Fiona Mathews
Coffee farmers could be utilising land better through recognising standing trees rather than incentivised to plant new trees for carbon capture, whilst agroforestry goes complete monoculture and releases carbon 🌍
#CarbonCredits #CarbonSequestration #Bioeconomies
nationalzoo.si.edu/news/study-r...
#CarbonCredits #CarbonSequestration #Bioeconomies
nationalzoo.si.edu/news/study-r...
Study Reveals Carbon Markets Undervalue Shade-Grown Coffee Farms
A new Smithsonian study reveals that carbon-capture initiatives may be overlooking a critical tool in sustainable farming programs: mature trees.
nationalzoo.si.edu
August 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Coffee farmers could be utilising land better through recognising standing trees rather than incentivised to plant new trees for carbon capture, whilst agroforestry goes complete monoculture and releases carbon 🌍
#CarbonCredits #CarbonSequestration #Bioeconomies
nationalzoo.si.edu/news/study-r...
#CarbonCredits #CarbonSequestration #Bioeconomies
nationalzoo.si.edu/news/study-r...
The current planning system is indeed clunky. But you need to be out of your mind to choose the paper-shufflers at Defra deliver a swift outcomes-based approach for environmental protection. www.gov.uk/government/n.... @craigbennett3.bsky.social @cieem.bsky.social @batconservation.bsky.social
Environmental reforms to break planning system gridlock
Britain's broken planning and development system is rewired to accelerate infrastructure delivery and homebuilding while safeguarding the environment
www.gov.uk
August 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
The current planning system is indeed clunky. But you need to be out of your mind to choose the paper-shufflers at Defra deliver a swift outcomes-based approach for environmental protection. www.gov.uk/government/n.... @craigbennett3.bsky.social @cieem.bsky.social @batconservation.bsky.social