Author Archives: Yoko Lu

Yoko Lu

Contributing Writer

Yoko is a 4th-year student at Simon Fraser Univeresity, majoring in Environmental Science. She is interested in anything related to environment, ranging from environmental education to conservation (wildlife, energy, etc.). She tries to find any volunteer that is related to environment, especially focusing on the wildlife, as she loves animals. She is currently volunteering at Stanley Park, at various positions – Bird Monitor, Habitat Restoration, etc. She is planning to create a wildlife conservation club at SFU. She would also like to form a environmental education non-profit organization.

Sharks Eat Land Birds?!

By Yoko Lu , Published: 01/25/12

Photo by Alkok via flickr

It is difficult to imagine sharks eating birds that do not associate with water, but they do. Not all sharks do; tiger sharks are one example.

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Posted in Biodiversity, Ecology, Science | Tagged | 0

How Empathically the Animal Kingdom Works

By Yoko Lu , Published: 01/02/12

Photo by Noa Brandt via flickr

Scientists recently conducted research on rats to see whether animals other than apes can perform selflessly. It is long observed that we inherit our empathy from our closely related apes and ape-like ancestors. Non-ape animals were not tested at first because the scientists did not want to be mocked as anthropomorphic according to the psychologist Jeffery Mogil of the McGill University. However, the recent research shows that rats inherit the empathy personality and other mammals will likely have the same character.

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Posted in Culture, Ecology, Nature, Science | Tagged , | 0

Manta Ray: The New Red List of Threatened Species

By Yoko Lu , Published: 11/30/11

Photo by Biplab Narendra via flickr

Seeing the manta rays have always been a popular tourist attraction. People have described a feeling of marvel and wonder when diving with the rays, and awe at the majesty of the enormity of their size. Yet, as time comes and goes by, this may not be possible. Soon, the manta rays will only be viewed through pictures and videos.

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Posted in Animal Welfare, Biodiversity, Community, Conservation, Ecology, Nature, Science | Tagged , | 0

Farmed Salmon to Blame for Increased Wild Salmon Disease

By Yoko Lu , Published: 11/18/11

Salmon farm off BC coast. Photo by Obominog via flicker.

Salmon disease is, unfortunately, not new to the wild but is increasing at alarming rates. The cause of this? It is not global warming or water change – salmon farming is the culprit. Alterations of the living style of these fish and stocking practices have created new viruses and increasing fatalities. As it turns out, this is harmful not only the fish, but also other species further down the food web, including herring.

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Posted in Animal Welfare, Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecology, Nature | Tagged , | 0