Explore

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

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.

World Rhino Day Celebrates Global Conservation Efforts and Raises Awareness Against Poaching

World Rhino Day Celebrates Global Conservation Efforts and Raises Awareness Against Poaching

World Rhino Day, observed annually on September 22nd, celebrates all five of the world’s rhino species and aims to raise awareness about the significant conservation threats they face, particularly poaching driven by the illegal demand for rhino horn. The observance highlights the fact that rhino horn is composed almost entirely of keratin, the same protein found in human fingernails, making the poaching crisis particularly tragic and pointless. First announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010, the initiative gained international traction in 2011 through the collaborative efforts of Lisa Jane Campbell from Zimbabwe and National Geographic blogger Rhishja Cota-Larson. Their partnership expanded the day into a global movement, bringing together NGOs, zoos, rhino sanctuaries, and concerned citizens worldwide to promote protection efforts for white, black, greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos.

States Aid Monarch Butterfly Migration with Roadside Habitats

States Aid Monarch Butterfly Migration with Roadside Habitats

Eastern monarch butterflies have begun their annual 2,000-mile migration south through the central U.S. to overwinter in Mexico. States are actively assisting this migration by planting milkweed and native plant habitats along roadways. This initiative stems from a significant decline in monarch populations, which reached a record low in 2013, with their overwintering grounds in Mexico shrinking from 50 square acres to fewer than three. The Obama administration formed a task force to address this decline, leading to the idea of creating monarch habitats along interstate highways. While the initial "Monarch Highway" project along I-35 faced funding and priority challenges, states like Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa have independently embraced the concept. Illinois, whose official state insect is the monarch, has established the Route 66 Monarch Flyway, and Missouri has the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail. Iowa has been reintroducing native plants along roadsides for decades, providing crucial habitat for butterfli...

Male Lions Patrol Extensive Territories Daily, Covering Significant Distances

Male Lions Patrol Extensive Territories Daily, Covering Significant Distances

Male lions are known to patrol vast territories daily, a task that requires them to cover considerable distances. This daily patrol is essential for maintaining their dominance and protecting their territory from other males. For the largest territories, a male lion might walk between 10 to 15 kilometers per day. This activity is a fundamental aspect of their behavior, ensuring the boundaries of their domain are clearly marked and defended. The continuous movement across their territory is not merely for defense but also plays a role in their overall survival strategy, including hunting and interaction with other pride members. The physical demands of this daily routine highlight the robust nature of these animals and their commitment to their territorial imperative.

Kaikōura's Little Penguins Excluded from New Zealand's H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccination Program

Kaikōura's Little Penguins Excluded from New Zealand's H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccination Program

Kaikōura wildlife advocates and local councils in New Zealand are expressing disappointment after the Department of Conservation (DOC) decided not to include the district's little penguins (kororā) in the government's H5N1 avian flu vaccination program. Despite calls from the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust and Deputy Mayor Vicki Gulleford, DOC stated that little penguins are not at risk of extinction and that wildlife vaccinations are labor-intensive and stressful for the birds. The decision has been criticized by Sabrina Luecht, manager of the Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust, who argues that DOC's species prioritization system is flawed, focusing solely on threat classification and failing to incorporate multi-threat assessments for highly vulnerable populations. The little penguin population in Kaikōura is described as having low and declining numbers, limited breeding locations, and requiring high intervention care, largely provided by volunteers.

Mountain Lion Spotted in Southwestern Illinois; Officials Urge Residents to Leave It Alone

Mountain Lion Spotted in Southwestern Illinois; Officials Urge Residents to Leave It Alone

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has confirmed multiple sightings of a mountain lion moving through southwestern Illinois. The University of Illinois Extension is advising the public to leave the animal alone and allow it to roam naturally. While large predators like mountain lions, black bears, and wolves are uncommon in Illinois, individual animals have been observed reappearing over the past few decades, often detected through increased use of trail cameras. Experts suggest it is unlikely that an apex predator will establish a permanent presence in the region due to insufficient contiguous forested habitat, even in southern Illinois. Mountain lions typically require a minimum home range of 70 square miles. Residents in Jackson and Union counties are being advised to keep pets and children indoors or under supervision as a precautionary measure. Mountain lions are a protected species, and it is illegal to hunt, kill, or harass them unless they pose an imminent threat to a person or pro...

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.

Burmese pythons have established a foothold outside Florida Everglades

Burmese pythons have established a foothold outside Florida Everglades

Burmese pythons — destructive and invasive snakes with few natural predators in Florida — have developed a foothold outside the Everglades.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Rare Florida Scrub-Jays get a new home in Manatee

Rare Florida Scrub-Jays get a new home in Manatee

Conservationists recently moved 48 threatened Florida Scrub-Jays to Wingate Creek State Park to boost genetic diversity and population.

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

Highway 101 lanes to close in Agoura Hills for wildlife crossing work

Highway 101 lanes to close in Agoura Hills for wildlife crossing work

Caltrans announced overnight lane closures on Highway 101 in Agoura Hills for wildlife crossing work. Here's what to know.

President Prabowo Subianto Emphasizes Food and Energy Self-Reliance for Indonesia Amidst Global Conflicts

President Prabowo Subianto Emphasizes Food and Energy Self-Reliance for Indonesia Amidst Global Conflicts

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia has underscored the critical importance of food and energy self-reliance for the nation to maintain its strength and independence from other countries. Speaking at the 100th anniversary of the Darussalam Gontor Modern Islamic Boarding School in Ponorogo, East Java, President Subianto highlighted the current global landscape, characterized by conflicts and wars, as a testament to the necessity of achieving self-sufficiency in these vital sectors. He asserted that Indonesia has already made significant strides in securing its food reserves and has implemented measures to counteract potential disruptions from adverse weather conditions like El Nino and drought. Furthermore, President Subianto noted that Indonesia has not imported diesel fuel since July 1, now meeting its domestic diesel needs through local production, largely attributed to its abundant palm oil resources. He referred to palm oil as a 'miracle plant' for its role in supporting the country's fuel requirem...