Viral Stories: Environment

Bald Eagle In Mora Is Saved (Photos)

An injured bald eagle was successfully captured this afternoon and sent to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center for treatment following several calls from a worried Mora resident.

The large bird was spotted by Jerry Williams of Mora in a field behind his house. Williams claimed that his initial response was to bring his small dog inside and away from the bird, but as soon as he discovered the bird was hurt and unable to fly, Williams started making calls to arrange for the bird’s rescue.

In response, the University of Minnesota Raptor Center dispatched transport volunteer Terry Headley to the Williams’ residence to capture the bird.

Headley set out with the intention of approaching the bird from the side and guiding it away from a denser grove of trees and thorny vegetation. The eagle noticed her as she drew near and flew off into the distance.

Headley called after the bird, which was sluggishly hopping through the dense undergrowth between the cornfields, “He’s a runner.”

Headley was armed only with a pair of thick gloves and had just had her hip replaced, but she managed to immediately grab and restrain the bird.

Headley cradled this enormous raptor like a baby in her arms in a matter of seconds.

She told the eagle, “You are lovely.

After giving the eagle a cursory examination, Headley concluded that it was probably a female and that the foot wounds she had were the result of territorial battles with other females. Also, according to Headley, the bird’s wing was either damaged or dislocated, which may have resulted from a collision with another eagle or being hit by a car.

Williams and his wife Lynne assisted Headley in loading the bird into a tiny crate after they had returned through muddy fields.

Williams stated that the eagle was brought to the raptor clinic at the U of M and examined by medical professionals today evening. They discovered that in addition to the broken wing, the eagle also had lead poisoning and a heart murmur. Doctors predicted that with therapy, she should recover and resume flying within a month.

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The World’s Largest Edible Mushroom Lives in Symbiosis with Termites and That’s Why It Grows So Huge

Most edible mushrooms are relatively small, but in West Africa as well as Zambia, there’s one particularly enormous species that outgrows all the rest of them.

Termitomyces titanicus. A rather fitting name for such a huge species. Image credit: Danny Newman

In Zambia, where mushroom-gathering is an important part of life, the Termitomyces titanicus is especially held in high regard.

While the largest fungus (and organism) in the world is of the genus Armillaria and is currently consuming Oregon on 1,000 hectares, Termitomyces titanicus is the world’s largest edible mushroom, with a cap that can measure a little more than three feet (one meter) across.

Interestingly, this giant mushroom species was unknown to Western science prior to 1980, despite its size and the fact it was a common item in native markets.

This family living in Zambia purchased this giant specimen on the road to Lusaka, the capital city. Image credit: Words from the Wild

The name Termitomyces refers to how the mushroom grows inside a termite hill. The mushrooms in this genus have a symbiotic relationship with termites and grow on their fecal matter, breaking down plant material as food for them.

Decayed mushroom tissue is another food source for the termites. In turn, the fungi associated with termites receive a steady supply of plant material, in a location with fine-tuned temperature and moisture content optimal for growth.

The mushrooms are connected to the heart of a colony of fungal breeding termites. Image credit: Aanen and de Beer

But why does the mushroom grow so big? Well for one, it acquires a huge amount of resources from its insect mutualist, as termite colonies can reach densities in the millions, with countless individuals foraging for organic material to feed them. But it’s size is not only due the large amounts of energy it obtains: this horizontally transferred fungus must spread enough spores to be found by suitable termite species.

In low producing savanna ecosystems, the distribution of termite mound may be quite patchy. So, to ensure that it gets a good chance at finding a suitable substrate, the fungus has evolved one of, if not the, largest mushrooms on the planet. The larger the mushroom, the more spores it produces, making it easier for initial termite foragers to actually find them.

A Termitomyces titanicus found in a village outside Upemba National Park. Image credit: Blimeo

Titanicus grows in the winter during the rains, which is prime mushroom season in its habitat. It has a meaty texture and a savory, smoky taste which is considered to be particularly delicious.

And a single cap can provide a full meal for an entire family…