Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1335208
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 JANUARY 2021 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 747. Pygmy White-toothed Shrew If you write out the name 'pygmy white-toothed shrew', chances are the name will be longer than the animal it represents. Shrews are small mammals, and at just 50mm the pygmy white-toothed (M. bugeddum) – also known as the Etruscan shrew – is the smallest among the small; indeed it was long thought to be the smallest mam- mal on earth until a seriously minuscule bat snatched the trophy for smallness. Shrews are related to hedgehogs but as they look rather like mice they are often persecuted as vermin, which they are not. Indeed, shrews are excellent hunters of creepy crawlies, and a cock- roach stands no chance once the shrew's long nose locks on its scent. Shrews are also very timid, which is why few people get to see these endearing creatures. Like the hedgehog, the pygmy shrew is a pro- tected species. Victor Falzon, Raymond Galea www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 640 You can also sign the petition online and download the forms from Help us safeguard nature and healthy food YOU want to eat healthy, locally sourced food because you believe it is good for your body and for the planet? Help us fight for that by signing our petition "Save Bees and Farmers". If you contact us by email at info@foemalta.org we can send you signature sheets so that you can spread the word around you. This European Citizens' Ini- tiative (ECI) led by Friends of the Earth Malta together with over a hundred organisations from across the EU has to collect at least one million signatures in Europe to stop the extinction of biodiversity and support farmers. Be part of the change that will help transform our agriculture, save nature and support sustainable farmers that protect our countryside. VISIT Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foe- malta.org/donate www.foemalta.org/beesaver Appster Smartphone fun and smarter work Blinkist: 15min Book Book Insights Free Apple, Andriod Blinkist is an intriguing new app that encourages you to read more nonfiction books. Its a fun and fascinating way to discover new nd interesting topics. TECH RETAILERS contact afarrugia@ mediatoday.com.mt A GOOD WEEK FOR Good Week/Bad Week Don't miss this A BAD WEEK FOR Serenading Strings 7 February, 7:30pm Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz The Gaulitanus Choir will be organising yet another public fully Covid-complaint event. Entitled 'Serenading Strings' this will feature the Gaulitanus String Orchestra, made up of some of the top string players in Malta led by Marcelline Agius. Colin Attard conducts and artistically directs. Entrance is free with limited seating available. In view of this, reservations via gaulitanus@ gmail.com are required, with the full contact details provided. For roller skaters.People have been turning to hobbies old and new to pass the time in lockdown. One that's really caught on is roller skating, and there's now a worldwide shortage of skates due to its popularity. For nature lovers. Alpine flowers could go extinct after glaciers disappear as more competitive species colonise terrain higher up the mountain. Up to 22% of species studied on four glaciers in the Italian Alps would disappear from the area once the glaciers have gone. The first reported use of roller skates was on a London stage in 1743 Proglacial environments are highly sensitive to global warming Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member