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Arizona Republic

'All up to fate': Arizona sends 18 black-footed ferrets into the wild

'All up to fate': Arizona sends 18 black-footed ferrets into the wild

Despite low survey numbers after years of ferret releases, new plague prevention and cloning techniques are giving scientists hope for the future.

A California frog is on the brink of extinction. Long Beach’s aquarium has a plan to save it

A California frog is on the brink of extinction. Long Beach’s aquarium has a plan to save it

Biologists at the Aquarium of the Pacific are working to revive the mountain yellow-legged frog population

Mammal Fur's Roles Beyond Insulation Revealed

Mammal Fur's Roles Beyond Insulation Revealed

Fur, the thick layer of hair covering the skin of most mammals, is far more than just a simple coat. While its primary function is thermoregulation...

Sea turtle nesting at SoCal beach may be a first for the West Coast

Sea turtle nesting at SoCal beach may be a first for the West Coast

Beachgoers are urged not to disturb the sites as officials monitor the nest throughout its incubation period.

Maryland Prioritizes Natural Solutions for Chesapeake Bay Marsh Restoration

Maryland Prioritizes Natural Solutions for Chesapeake Bay Marsh Restoration

Maryland is actively engaged in marsh restoration efforts across the Chesapeake Bay, emphasizing natural, vegetated approaches to protect shorelines and enhance water quality. Coastal wetlands, including marshes, are crucial for sheltering wildlife, absorbing tides and stormwater, and filtering pollutants. The state's Living Shoreline Protection Act of 2008 mandates nonstructural shoreline stabilization measures, such as marsh creation, over traditional methods like bulkheads, unless proven infeasible. A University of Maryland study on the Nanticoke River subestuary revealed tidal wetlands are losing elevation at a rate of 1.8 millimeters per year, falling short of the 5 millimeters per year needed to keep pace with global sea-level rise. Restoration projects are designed site-by-site, considering local conditions, and are part of a larger strategy that includes pollution reduction and habitat protection.

Tiny wild cat newly identified as a species draws curious visitors in Bolivia

Tiny wild cat newly identified as a species draws curious visitors in Bolivia

A tiny wild cat newly identified as a species in Bolivia has become an unlikely tourist attraction

San Miguel Island Fox Population Recovers Significantly After Conservation Efforts

San Miguel Island Fox Population Recovers Significantly After Conservation Efforts

The San Miguel Island fox population, once critically low at 15 individuals, has rebounded to approximately 322 by 2024. This recovery is attributed to comprehensive conservation strategies implemented on San Miguel Island, located off the coast of Southern California. These efforts included the removal of golden eagles, which preyed on the foxes, and the eradication of feral pigs that provided a food source for the eagles. Additionally, captive-breeding programs were initiated, and captive-bred foxes were reintroduced into the wild. Vaccination programs were also crucial in protecting the foxes from diseases like canine distemper. The decline in the fox population was linked to the disappearance of native bald eagles due to DDT contamination, which allowed golden eagles to establish themselves and prey on the smaller island foxes. While the 2024 population of 322 is lower than the previous year's peak of 525, researchers indicate that pup numbers are typical, and individual foxes appear healthy, suggestin...

Whale Shark Milo Sets World Record for Longest Tracked Shark Migration

Whale Shark Milo Sets World Record for Longest Tracked Shark Migration

Collaborative research involving the Guy Harvey Foundation, the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Mexican conservation organization Ch’ooj Ajauil AC, and the University of Rhode Island has resulted in a new world record. A whale shark named Milo was successfully tagged and tracked for nearly a decade, covering an astonishing distance of over 34,000 miles. This achievement marks the longest documented track of any shark, providing invaluable data for the ongoing research program focused on the endangered whale shark species. Dr. Mahmood Shivji, a shark expert and director of NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute, highlighted that this extensive migratory research significantly enhances the understanding of whale shark movements and is crucial for their conservation efforts. The findings were recently featured by Forbes, bringing broader attention to this remarkable scientific endeavor and the importance of protecting marine life.

Aquarium cares for nearly 500 trafficked marine animals

Aquarium cares for nearly 500 trafficked marine animals

After a major wildlife seizure, the Aquarium of the Pacific helped rehabilitate trafficked animals, including endangered and near-threatened species.

Joshua Tree National Park Offers Diverse Desert Experiences and Activities

Joshua Tree National Park Offers Diverse Desert Experiences and Activities

Joshua Tree National Park, situated in southern California, provides a unique blend of desert landscapes and recreational opportunities. The park is accessible from communities like Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms and encompasses portions of both the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. These two distinct desert regions vary in elevation and vegetation. The higher elevations within the Mojave Desert are characterized by the park's iconic Joshua trees, while the lower Colorado Desert areas feature sparse shrubs and expansive plains. Visitors to the park can engage in a variety of activities, including hiking, shopping in nearby towns, and enjoying live music events. The park also offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty, famous Joshua Trees, and distinctive rock formations.