Mark Tutton
@marktutton.bsky.social
Nature lover especially butterflies and orchids - fishing a passion since childhood
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Citizen science rediscovers rare South African moth not seen for 150yrs
news.mongabay.com/2026/02/citi...
news.mongabay.com/2026/02/citi...
Citizen science rediscovers rare South African moth
A strikingly handsome emerald-green moth, lost to science for nearly one-and-a-half centuries, has been rediscovered in South Africa by citizen scientists who posted photographs of it online. The moth...
news.mongabay.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Citizen science rediscovers rare South African moth not seen for 150yrs
news.mongabay.com/2026/02/citi...
news.mongabay.com/2026/02/citi...
The Butterfly Discovery Project is investigating New Zealands largest group of butterflies: the copper butterflies (Lycaena species). While only four species have been officially identified, there could be more than 20!
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/butt...
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/butt...
The Butterfly Discovery Project - Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust
Identifying our NZ species and understanding their habitats is critical to conserve our butterflies. New Zealand is home to butterfly species that exist nowhere
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz
February 14, 2026 at 9:59 AM
The Butterfly Discovery Project is investigating New Zealands largest group of butterflies: the copper butterflies (Lycaena species). While only four species have been officially identified, there could be more than 20!
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/butt...
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/project/butt...
Not long until these little beauties are gracing our presence - Green Hairstreak
February 14, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Not long until these little beauties are gracing our presence - Green Hairstreak
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Very surprised to see one of these in the garden today. I'll take it as a good omen. www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/species-info...
Lycaena salustius - Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust
Our 'classic' copper butterfly with a history stretching back to Cook's Endeavour voyage in 1769, from which it was named. Lycaena salustius occurs in open cou
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz
February 14, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Very surprised to see one of these in the garden today. I'll take it as a good omen. www.nzbutterflies.org.nz/species-info...
Reposted by Mark Tutton
It wouldn’t be a trip to Maui without spotting my favorite invasive species, the gold dust day gecko. It posed for this picture, then tried to sell us insurance.
February 14, 2026 at 3:03 AM
It wouldn’t be a trip to Maui without spotting my favorite invasive species, the gold dust day gecko. It posed for this picture, then tried to sell us insurance.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
It's depressing that ministers ever thought this was proportionate, and disgusting that they haven't immediately accepted the judgement.
I expected such levels of knee-jerk stupidity from Braverman. But we voted Labour because we wanted better.
Be better.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
I expected such levels of knee-jerk stupidity from Braverman. But we voted Labour because we wanted better.
Be better.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
UK Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful, in humiliating blow for ministers
Thousands arrested for supporting group since proscription are now in legal limbo as Mahmood says she will appeal
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:51 PM
It's depressing that ministers ever thought this was proportionate, and disgusting that they haven't immediately accepted the judgement.
I expected such levels of knee-jerk stupidity from Braverman. But we voted Labour because we wanted better.
Be better.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
I expected such levels of knee-jerk stupidity from Braverman. But we voted Labour because we wanted better.
Be better.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Mark Tutton
This morning I posted our petition to get Palantir out of our NHS and our public services.
Over 40,000 people have now signed it - thank you.
Please do keep sharing!
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Over 40,000 people have now signed it - thank you.
Please do keep sharing!
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Stop Palantir taking over our public services!
Our public services aren’t for a secretive profit-hungry US tech firm. Sign the petition to tell the Government to scrap all contracts with secretive US tech firm Palantir.
you.38degrees.org.uk
February 13, 2026 at 8:35 PM
This morning I posted our petition to get Palantir out of our NHS and our public services.
Over 40,000 people have now signed it - thank you.
Please do keep sharing!
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Over 40,000 people have now signed it - thank you.
Please do keep sharing!
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/st...
Reposted by Mark Tutton
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
February 13, 2026 at 5:44 AM
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change—all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.
WATCH: Trump, EPA's Zeldin announce end of scientific basis for U.S. action on climate change
The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressiv...
www.pbs.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change—all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
There are only 130 siheks left in the world. Three of them share a bachelor pad at the Oregon Zoo.
February 13, 2026 at 9:01 PM
There are only 130 siheks left in the world. Three of them share a bachelor pad at the Oregon Zoo.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
There are so many fucked up things with the current administration that it's hard to focus on one but this recent move is basically a death sentence for the planet. I've been involved with more boots on the ground actions over the years than I can count and this really bums me out.
EPA reverses long-standing climate change finding, stripping its own ability to regulate emissions
The agency announced it is repealing its 2009 conclusion that greenhouse gases warm the Earth and endanger human health and well-being.
www.nbcnews.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:06 AM
There are so many fucked up things with the current administration that it's hard to focus on one but this recent move is basically a death sentence for the planet. I've been involved with more boots on the ground actions over the years than I can count and this really bums me out.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Reposted by Mark Tutton
A catch of sharks …👺Not even ‘bycatch’ 😱By killing sharks we kill the guardians of our oceans. Taking out the predators destroys the ecosystems. #Fishing = #Genocide and #Ecocide We are in our self caused #MassExtinction #LiveVegan if you care about life 🙏
February 10, 2026 at 8:24 AM
A catch of sharks …👺Not even ‘bycatch’ 😱By killing sharks we kill the guardians of our oceans. Taking out the predators destroys the ecosystems. #Fishing = #Genocide and #Ecocide We are in our self caused #MassExtinction #LiveVegan if you care about life 🙏
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Old = 2025
fascinating story about ant poachers convicted by Kenyan court
There’s a massive international trade in insects & invertebrates, much of it illegal
If an animal flies, crawls, burrows, or swims, someone has figured out how to make $$$ from it
open.substack.com/pub/thewildl...
fascinating story about ant poachers convicted by Kenyan court
There’s a massive international trade in insects & invertebrates, much of it illegal
If an animal flies, crawls, burrows, or swims, someone has figured out how to make $$$ from it
open.substack.com/pub/thewildl...
A bugs life in the illegal trade
The Kenyan case drawing attention to those creatures great but small.
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Old = 2025
fascinating story about ant poachers convicted by Kenyan court
There’s a massive international trade in insects & invertebrates, much of it illegal
If an animal flies, crawls, burrows, or swims, someone has figured out how to make $$$ from it
open.substack.com/pub/thewildl...
fascinating story about ant poachers convicted by Kenyan court
There’s a massive international trade in insects & invertebrates, much of it illegal
If an animal flies, crawls, burrows, or swims, someone has figured out how to make $$$ from it
open.substack.com/pub/thewildl...
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Three-year General Licence restriction imposed on Raeshaw Estate (again), this time relating to shooting of Golden Eagle ‘Merrick’ – Raptor Persecution UK...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/10/t...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/10/t...
Three-year General Licence restriction imposed on Raeshaw Estate (again), this time relating to shooting of Golden Eagle ‘Merrick’
NatureScot has today announced a three-year General Licence restriction on Raeshaw Estate (and on neighbouring Watherston Wood, which is understood to be under separate management to Raeshaw), in r…
raptorpersecutionuk.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Three-year General Licence restriction imposed on Raeshaw Estate (again), this time relating to shooting of Golden Eagle ‘Merrick’ – Raptor Persecution UK...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/10/t...
raptorpersecutionuk.org/2026/02/10/t...
Reposted by Mark Tutton
A mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) resting on the forest floor in the Sandia Mountains, on February 9, 2026. Mourning cloak adults overwinter (tough little buggers), so it's not a shock to see one come out on a sunny February morning.
February 10, 2026 at 1:58 AM
A mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) resting on the forest floor in the Sandia Mountains, on February 9, 2026. Mourning cloak adults overwinter (tough little buggers), so it's not a shock to see one come out on a sunny February morning.
Three years ago I was very fortunate to be able to visit the incredible Tiritiri Matangi reserve in Aotearoa New Zealand where we encountered numerous endemic birds, but the standout for me was the very confiding Takahe.
February 10, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Three years ago I was very fortunate to be able to visit the incredible Tiritiri Matangi reserve in Aotearoa New Zealand where we encountered numerous endemic birds, but the standout for me was the very confiding Takahe.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
First highly endangered Sierra Nevada red fox radio-collared
1 of the most imperiled mammals in the U.S.
Some USFWS Higher-ups refused to ESA list it, but its status is so precarious higher higher ups told them wrong answer & to designate it an endangered species
wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive...
1 of the most imperiled mammals in the U.S.
Some USFWS Higher-ups refused to ESA list it, but its status is so precarious higher higher ups told them wrong answer & to designate it an endangered species
wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive...
CDFW News | CDFW Announces First Capture and GPS Collar of Sierra Nevada Red Fox in the Southern Sierra Nevada
CDFW biologists announce the first capture and collar of a Sierra Nevada Red Fox in the southern Sierra.
wildlife.ca.gov
February 10, 2026 at 6:41 AM
First highly endangered Sierra Nevada red fox radio-collared
1 of the most imperiled mammals in the U.S.
Some USFWS Higher-ups refused to ESA list it, but its status is so precarious higher higher ups told them wrong answer & to designate it an endangered species
wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive...
1 of the most imperiled mammals in the U.S.
Some USFWS Higher-ups refused to ESA list it, but its status is so precarious higher higher ups told them wrong answer & to designate it an endangered species
wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive...
Reposted by Mark Tutton
🦋 New preprint showing the convergent evolution of iridescence, a conspicuous colouration that likely participates in the ability of Morpho butterflies to escape their predators!
We bring evidence supporting evasive mimicry, i.e. the evolution of similar confusing patterns in hard-to-catch prey.
We bring evidence supporting evasive mimicry, i.e. the evolution of similar confusing patterns in hard-to-catch prey.
February 10, 2026 at 2:13 PM
🦋 New preprint showing the convergent evolution of iridescence, a conspicuous colouration that likely participates in the ability of Morpho butterflies to escape their predators!
We bring evidence supporting evasive mimicry, i.e. the evolution of similar confusing patterns in hard-to-catch prey.
We bring evidence supporting evasive mimicry, i.e. the evolution of similar confusing patterns in hard-to-catch prey.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
OOFF! Just seen a preview of Dirty Business (Ch4 factual drama) on the sewage scandal. This will start a conflagration. Tears and fury. Could it spark a Post Office-style reckoning? I think it could. Watch it later this month. Kudos to the heroes Ash Smith and Peter Hammond from WASP
February 10, 2026 at 1:13 PM
OOFF! Just seen a preview of Dirty Business (Ch4 factual drama) on the sewage scandal. This will start a conflagration. Tears and fury. Could it spark a Post Office-style reckoning? I think it could. Watch it later this month. Kudos to the heroes Ash Smith and Peter Hammond from WASP
Reposted by Mark Tutton
The alluring deep blue Glaucous #Macaw 🦜 has an immeasurably tragic tale to tell 😭🙁 Critically endangered in #SouthAmerica, fight for their survival, when you shop make sure you #Boycottpalmoil #BoycottGold 🚫🔥#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect.bsky.social wp.me/pcFhgU-7R7
February 10, 2026 at 12:02 PM
The alluring deep blue Glaucous #Macaw 🦜 has an immeasurably tragic tale to tell 😭🙁 Critically endangered in #SouthAmerica, fight for their survival, when you shop make sure you #Boycottpalmoil #BoycottGold 🚫🔥#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect.bsky.social wp.me/pcFhgU-7R7
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Trump Opens Marine National Monument in Atlantic to Commercial Fishing www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/c...
What a Fkng pri*k, he’s destroying everything that’s established to help our environment from assholes like him.
What a Fkng pri*k, he’s destroying everything that’s established to help our environment from assholes like him.
Trump Opens Marine National Monument in Atlantic to Commercial Fishing
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Trump Opens Marine National Monument in Atlantic to Commercial Fishing www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/c...
What a Fkng pri*k, he’s destroying everything that’s established to help our environment from assholes like him.
What a Fkng pri*k, he’s destroying everything that’s established to help our environment from assholes like him.
Reposted by Mark Tutton
Yesterday we found juvenile female #kakapo Ongaonga on a nest on Pukenui/Anchor Island. At just under 4 years old (her hatch day is 12th Feb), she's the youngest female ever recorded nesting. Today we also found Matilda nesting - she's just 2 days older. #kakapo2026 #conservation #birds
February 9, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Yesterday we found juvenile female #kakapo Ongaonga on a nest on Pukenui/Anchor Island. At just under 4 years old (her hatch day is 12th Feb), she's the youngest female ever recorded nesting. Today we also found Matilda nesting - she's just 2 days older. #kakapo2026 #conservation #birds