A giant frog species that hopped alongside dinosaurs and is considered a "living fossil" is now losing ground in its native Chile as climate change and human intervention damage its habitat. The Calyptocephallela gayi, or Helmeted Water Toad, is one of the largest frogs in the world, growing up to over 30 cm (1 foot) in length and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs). Environmental researchers extract genetic material from a Chilean frog's leg (Calyptocephalella gayi) in a wetland in the middle of a neighbourhood in the city of Quilpue, Chile, December 8, 2024. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido The amphibian has seen little genetic variation for millions of years, but now its future is at risk, scientists say. "It's sad that a species that managed to coexist with dinosaurs, that managed to res...
Read MoreDay: December 18, 2024
Short, and dark, and young, and tired, the seal on Ipanema was basking ... The fur seal on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beach was turning heads of locals and tourists alike Wednesday morning — though not for the same reasons as the famous “Girl from Ipanema.” A fur seal stands on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) The animal is often spotted along Brazil’s coastline during winter and spring, but rarely is it seen this time of year, a few days before the start of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, said Suelen Santiago, a biologist who works at the company that monitors the beach. “This year we’re having atypical situations,” she said. Cordoned off by tape and flags, the young male seal became the main attraction on one of the world’s ...
Read MoreSlot regulation should push airports to squeeze more capacity from existing infrastructure The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the airport capacity crunch is threatening the freedom for people to travel, and constraining economies. With little prospect for airport infrastructure to fully keep pace with growing demand, IATA released a White Paper including proposals for how slot regulations must incentivize airports to generate more capacity from existing infrastructure. The number of airports unable to fully meet the demand for air connectivity and requiring slot coordination using the IATA Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines has already grown to nearly 400 worldwide. If current trends prevail, this number could grow by 25% over the next decade. ...
Read MoreTravelers favour domestic trips, driven by affordability, convenience, and safety
Traveloka study unveils shifting travel trends in APAC, Motivations vary widely, from urban escapes to nature and wellness retreats Digital platforms play a critical role in travel planning with travellers showing trust in their reliability and ease of use Traveloka, Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, in partnership with YouGov, has released a study, "Travel Redefined: Understanding and Catering to the Diverse Needs of APAC Travelers". Based on a survey of nearly 12,000 respondents across nine countries, the study highlights the evolving travel habits and preferences that are shaping the Asia-Pacific (APAC) tourism landscape, providing actionable insights to anticipate trends and create meaningful traveller experiences in 2025 and beyond. "APAC is bursting with op...
Read MoreAnantara Santorini Abu Dhabi hosts Michelin-Starred chef Louis Anjos This January, Minor Hotels’ Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat will host its first-ever Michelin-star dining event, featuring the culinary artistry of renowned Chef Louis Anjos. Over three extraordinary evenings, from 12 to 14 January, guests will embark on a gastronomic journey at Thalassa, where the allure of the Arabian Gulf meets Greek-inspired elegance. Guests will savour an exclusive five-course menu expertly crafted by Chef Louis Anjos, celebrated for his innovative approach to Portuguese cuisine and his respect for traditional flavours. Signature dishes, such as the Caviar-Kissed Tuna & Oyster, layered with Oscietra caviar and cucumber, and the Lobster Royale, accented with green apple and galanga...
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