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Illegal Wildlife Trade on Facebook Exposed by BBC Investigation

Illegal Wildlife Trade on Facebook Exposed by BBC Investigation

A BBC investigation has uncovered the illegal sale of endangered species, including tiger teeth, dried seahorses, and shark fins, on Facebook. The investigation revealed that sellers are using the platform to offer these items, despite Facebook's policy against such sales. The report highlights the global issue of wildlife trafficking, with sellers offering to ship products internationally. The findings coincide with Interpol's announcement of a global crackdown on wildlife trade, resulting in the seizure of nearly 30,000 live animals.

Illegal Wildlife Trade on Facebook Uncovered Amid Global Crackdown

Illegal Wildlife Trade on Facebook Uncovered Amid Global Crackdown

A BBC investigation has revealed that endangered species, including tiger teeth, dried seahorses, and shark fins, are being sold illegally on Facebook. The investigation found sellers offering these items, which are protected under international law, for sale on the platform. This comes as Interpol announced the results of Operation Thunder, a global initiative involving 134 countries aimed at combating the illegal wildlife trade. The operation led to the seizure of nearly 30,000 live animals and 30 tonnes of animal parts. Facebook, owned by Meta, claims to remove such content when identified and encourages users to report violations.

Elephant Conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Wildlife Protection

Elephant Conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Wildlife Protection

Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a renowned elephant conservationist, passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 83. Douglas-Hamilton dedicated nearly six decades of his life to the protection of elephants in Africa. He was known for his deep connection with these animals, often recognizing them by unique features such as ear patterns and skin wrinkles. His work began in Tanzania's Lake Manyara National Park, where he conducted his first field study on elephant behavior. In 1993, he founded Save the Elephants, an organization that utilized GPS technology to track elephant migrations and protect them from poachers. His efforts were instrumental in advocating for a global ban on the ivory trade, which was achieved in 1989. Douglas-Hamilton's contributions to conservation have been widely recognized, and his legacy continues through the ongoing work of Save the Elephants.

Save the Elephants Founder Iain Douglas-Hamilton Dies at 83, Leaving Legacy in Conservation

Save the Elephants Founder Iain Douglas-Hamilton Dies at 83, Leaving Legacy in Conservation

Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a renowned British-born zoologist and conservationist, has passed away at the age of 83. He was the founder of Save the Elephants, an organization dedicated to the protection of elephants. Douglas-Hamilton was instrumental in pioneering the use of trackers and collars to combat poaching and the illegal ivory trade. His efforts were crucial in exposing the ivory poaching crisis and documenting the significant decline in Africa's elephant population, which led to a pivotal intergovernmental decision to ban the international ivory trade in 1989. His work continued to influence policies into the 2010s, contributing to the closure of domestic ivory markets in several countries, including China. Douglas-Hamilton's dedication to elephant conservation was widely recognized, and he was deeply respected in the field.

Conservation Efforts Highlight the Importance of Esker Kettle Lakes

Conservation Efforts Highlight the Importance of Esker Kettle Lakes

Esker kettle lakes, formed by glacial retreat, are gaining attention for their unique ecological value. These lakes, often isolated from surface hydrological networks, serve as biodiversity hotspots with distinct aquatic communities. Human activities, such as fish introductions and recreational use, pose significant threats to these ecosystems. The introduction of fish, both legal and illegal, can drastically alter the aquatic food web, impacting native species. Additionally, forest disturbances and mineral extraction around these lakes further threaten their ecological integrity. Conservation strategies are being developed to protect these unique environments and their biodiversity.

Conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton Passes Away, Leaving Legacy in Elephant Protection

Conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton Passes Away, Leaving Legacy in Elephant Protection

Iain Douglas-Hamilton, a renowned British-born zoologist and conservationist, has passed away at the age of 83. He was the founder of Save the Elephants, an organization dedicated to the protection of elephants. Douglas-Hamilton was instrumental in pioneering the use of trackers and collars to combat poaching and the illegal ivory trade. His efforts were crucial in exposing the ivory poaching crisis and led to the international ban on ivory trade in 1989. Despite the ban, the demand for ivory continued, threatening the survival of African elephants. Douglas-Hamilton's advocacy was pivotal in closing domestic ivory markets in several countries during the 2010s. He was a respected figure in conservation, admired for his lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting elephants.

New Species of Tiny Pumpkin Toadlet Discovered in Brazil's Cloud Forests, Highlighting Conservation Needs

New Species of Tiny Pumpkin Toadlet Discovered in Brazil's Cloud Forests, Highlighting Conservation Needs

A new species of tiny pumpkin toadlet, named B. lulai, has been discovered in the Serra do Quiriri mountain range in southern Brazil. This bright orange frog, belonging to the Brachycephalidae family, was identified by researchers who have been cataloging Bracycephalus populations in the region over the past seven years. The species inhabits a small area of mountainous forest, living in the leaf litter more than 750 meters above sea level. Despite its small range, B. lulai is considered to live in a relatively pristine environment and is currently of 'least concern' in terms of conservation status. However, other frog species in the area face critical endangerment due to habitat loss from activities such as grassland burning, cattle grazing, and deforestation.

Plastic Pollution Threatens River Ecosystems and Wildlife

Plastic Pollution Threatens River Ecosystems and Wildlife

Rivers, vital natural corridors connecting mountainous regions to oceans, are increasingly threatened by plastic pollution. These waterways facilitate the migration of species like the European eel and Atlantic salmon and transport nutrients and organic material downstream. However, they are now carrying significant volumes of plastic waste, which negatively impacts freshwater habitats. The presence of microplastics in rivers is particularly concerning, as they interfere with natural processes and are often mistaken for food by aquatic wildlife. This pollution can lead to bioaccumulation, where microplastics build up in the food chain, causing physiological issues in animals. The problem is exacerbated by poor wastewater management and surface runoff, which introduce plastics into river systems.

Bezos Earth Fund boosts marine conservation with $24.5 million

Bezos Earth Fund boosts marine conservation with $24.5 million

By Simon Jessop LONDON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The world's biggest climate philanthropy has given $24.5 million to protect coastal ecosystems as part of a plan to create the planet's first cross-border marine biosphere reserve, its head of nature told Reuters.

Grolar Bears: Hybridization in the Arctic Raises Ecological Concerns

Grolar Bears: Hybridization in the Arctic Raises Ecological Concerns

In the Arctic, a unique hybridization event between polar bears and grizzly bears has resulted in the emergence of 'grolar bears.' This phenomenon is attributed to the changing climate, which is causing polar bears to move south due to shrinking sea ice, while grizzly bears expand northward. The interbreeding has led to a small population of hybrids, which are genetically distinct from both parent species. These hybrids, however, face challenges in adapting to either the polar or grizzly bear environments, as they lack the specialized traits necessary for survival in the Arctic or terrestrial habitats.

First Giant Panda Cub Born in Indonesia Marks Milestone in Conservation Efforts

First Giant Panda Cub Born in Indonesia Marks Milestone in Conservation Efforts

The first giant panda cub born in Indonesia, named Satrio Wiratama or 'Rio', was born on November 27 at Taman Safari Indonesia in West Java. The cub is healthy, showing strong vocalization and effective nursing. The birth is part of a conservation partnership between Indonesia and China, with the adult pandas Cai Tao and Hu Chun arriving in Indonesia in 2017. The park is prioritizing the health of the mother and cub, and the public will not have access to them yet. The birth is a significant achievement in the conservation of giant pandas, a species known for its breeding challenges.

Rwanda Plans to Restore Nearly 1,000 Abandoned Mines by 2030 to Enhance Climate Resilience

Rwanda Plans to Restore Nearly 1,000 Abandoned Mines by 2030 to Enhance Climate Resilience

The Rwandan government has announced a plan to rehabilitate 994 abandoned mining and quarrying sites by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader climate action plan for 2025-2035, which was submitted as part of Rwanda's third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to the UNFCCC during COP30. The plan aims to position the mining sector as a key partner in climate resilience. The government estimates that transitioning to climate-compatible mining will require an investment of $23.2 million. Key actions include shifting to low-carbon operations, adopting renewable energy, reducing deforestation, improving water management, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. The rehabilitation efforts will focus on refilling abandoned pits and restoring vegetation using native tree species to enhance stormwater absorption, reduce erosion, and support biodiversity.