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Environment

‘Extinct’ Egg Found

An unfertilized night parrot egg discovered in Western Australia’s Kimberley region is offering new clues about one of the world’s most elusive birds. Found by Ngururrpa Rangers in September, the egg has generated excitement among Indigenous conservation groups hoping to learn more about the parrot’s breeding habits. Although tests confirmed it was infertile—likely a young female’s first clutch—it marks a rare opportunity to study a species that has long defied scientific observation.

Night parrots are nocturnal birds that nest in burrows and can be identified by their distinctive calls. Until 2013, when a wildlife photographer captured the first video of a live night parrot in almost a century, the species was considered nearly impossible to document. Indigenous communities such as Kiwirrkurra and Ngururrpa have played a key role in ongoing research, recording the birds’ calls in at least two Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA), including the Ngururrpa IPA—home to an estimated 50 night parrots, the largest known population.

Further evidence of the species’ presence emerged in December 2023, when a Kiwirrkurra ranger team recorded a night parrot call in the Gibson Desert—the fifth confirmed recording. These audio sightings are essential for mapping the parrot’s current habitats and guiding future conservation efforts. With experts like Nick Leseberg now studying the bird’s breeding patterns and vulnerabilities, Indigenous ranger groups remain at the forefront, combining traditional knowledge and modern technology to protect this rare desert dweller.

Lifestyle

Music Stimulates Development

New research suggests that listening to classical music during pregnancy may benefit unborn babies by helping regulate their heart rate. A team of researchers in Mexico, supported by the American Institute of Physics, explored the effects of classical music on fetal heart rate variability—a measure of the time between each heartbeat, which offers deeper insight into heart function than simply monitoring the average heart rate. Greater variability is linked to healthier development of the fetal autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like breathing and heartbeat.

To investigate this connection, the researchers played two calming classical pieces—The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns and Arpa de Oro by Abundio Martínez—for 36 pregnant women in Mexico. By monitoring the fetal heart rate during and after the music sessions, they observed more stable heart rate patterns, a sign of improved heart rate variability. Dr. Claudia Lerma, one of the study’s co-authors, highlighted that these findings suggest classical music may encourage the healthy development of the fetal autonomic nervous system. Co-author Professor Eric Abarca-Castro even recommended that expectant parents play soothing music to potentially enhance their baby’s development in utero.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to expand their study to examine the effects of different music genres and explore how rhythmic and cultural variations might influence fetal heart health. Dr. José Reyes-Lagos, another co-author, emphasized that future research will aim to uncover whether these positive effects are specific to classical music or extend to other types of soundscapes. Their work offers an exciting glimpse into how early sensory experiences may shape fetal development, with potential practical advice for parents-to-be.

Environment

Fighting for Mating Rights

In late summer, thousands of bison gather in Yellowstone Valley for the rut—an intense mating season where dominance is determined through fierce battles. The biggest bulls guard harems of females, mating with over 50 cows, while young challengers fight to earn their place. In this gripping video, watch as a seasoned bull faces off with a young contender, each vying for control. With powerful clashes and high stakes, the battle for mating rights unfolds, showing how every move can make the difference between victory and defeat in the wild.

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Mind Stretchers

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How do you divide 10 apples into 11 people?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

I have pages, each filled with words, I take you places without moving a step. I can be old or brand new, And I hold stories, both false and true. — Books, Debbie Ettinger got this correct first!

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