Swoop Rabbit Swoop

A note in Nature Alert [Subscribe at Nature.com] brings attention to increased evolutionary pressures brought about by human predation. I am particularly alarmed by evidence given in the accompanying photograph. This rabbit hunter is not aiming for any normal ground-dwelling creature. Note the elevated position of his hunting weapon, he is clearly aiming at some airborne target; a newly evolved species of Coniculous lepin flappin! (OK, I didn't see it first, but I'm naming it anyway.)


Here is a close-up photo of Coniculous flappin in low-altitude flight.
[photo by Jody Melanson]







Here is another example, this one shown with wings extended. It is not clear if this individual is of the same species or in another newly mutated offshoot.
[photo copyright Natasha Leong]





Of even greater concern: what might happen if the flight mutation should spontaneously develop in domesticated species ... such as sheep!



Finally, I apologize for my recent dry-spell in posting. A nasty flu bug had me out of action for a few days, and I'm still getting caught up.