All articles tagged with #conservation efforts
Scientists have identified the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida as the cause of sea star wasting disease, a devastating condition that has wiped out millions of sea stars along the West Coast, by conducting controlled infection experiments. This discovery paves the way for better detection and management strategies to help restore affected sea star populations and their ecosystems.
A new study has found that the sounds emanating from coral reefs change rapidly as the Moon rises and sets, indicating shifts in ecosystem activity. Researchers monitored three reefs off the west coast of Hawaii and discovered that fish sounds increase during moonlight hours while invertebrate sounds decrease. This discovery suggests that the rising and setting of the Moon triggers regular shifts in coral reef ecosystem interactions, which could aid in conservation efforts and tracking long-term ecosystem activity in remote locations.
A new global study using wildlife cameras challenges the belief that wild animals thrived during pandemic lockdowns, revealing that human absence during lockdowns led to varied effects on wildlife. The study found that while some animals, such as carnivores and those in remote areas, became more active, others, like large herbivores and urban animals, were less active. This highlights the complex and nuanced ways in which human activity impacts wildlife, emphasizing the need for diverse conservation efforts tailored to different species' responses to human presence.
A comprehensive report released at a United Nations wildlife conservation conference reveals that over 20% of migratory species are at risk of extinction due to human activity, with fish being particularly vulnerable. Threats include habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. However, successful conservation efforts have led to the recovery of species like the Saiga antelope and humpback whale, demonstrating that action can make a difference. Urgent measures, such as dimmable streetlights and clean energy, are needed to protect these vital species and their habitats.
A wild Siberian tiger, also known as an Amur tiger, killed a man in Russia's Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk. The tiger had entered a village and killed the man's dog, prompting him to follow the animal into a nearby forest where he was later found dead. Authorities have reported an increase in tiger encounters, which experts believe is due to habitat destruction, excessive hunting of prey, and African swine fever. Residents have called for better protection against Siberian tigers, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a vocal advocate for their conservation.
Ecologists in Mexico have relaunched the "Adoptaxolotl" campaign to raise funds for the conservation of axolotls, a critically endangered species of salamander. The campaign allows people to virtually adopt an axolotl and receive live updates on its health. The population density of Mexican axolotls has declined by 99.5% in under two decades, primarily due to water pollution, amphibian fungus, and non-native rainbow trout. The campaign aims to support captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts. However, there is a lack of resources for comprehensive research and monitoring. The Mexican government recently approved an 11% funding cut for its environment department, exacerbating the challenges faced by conservationists.
The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC, is bidding farewell to its giant pandas as China's panda program at the zoo comes to an end after more than 50 years. The departure of the pandas marks the conclusion of a popular panda program that began as part of "panda diplomacy" in 1972. The National Zoo's pandas will be returning to China, leaving Zoo Atlanta as the only other US zoo with pandas from China, but their contracts expire next year with no word on an extension. The dwindling panda program in the United States may indicate a diplomatic shift, as China's loan program for pandas is meant to foster friendship between China and the host country.
The white rhino population in Africa has rebounded for the first time in a decade, according to new figures from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The data shows that protection and biological management initiatives have led to a 5.6% increase in the white rhino population, reaching 16,803 individuals. The black rhino population has also risen by 4.2% to 6,487. However, poaching remains a significant threat to all rhino species, with poachers shifting their focus to more vulnerable populations. Climate change and human-wildlife conflict also pose risks to rhino conservation efforts. Efforts to combat poaching and increase conservation measures are crucial to ensure the continued growth of rhino populations.
Customs officials at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris seized nearly 400 primate skulls, mostly from Cameroon, over a seven-month period in 2022. The skulls were destined for recipients in the United States, likely collectors and hunting clubs, where they are given as gifts or prizes. The illegal trade in protected species, including primates and other animals, generates billions of euros annually. The seized skulls will be evaluated by the Museum of Natural History in Aix-en-Provence. Wildlife experts express concern over the decimation of endangered biodiversity and call for stronger conservation efforts.
An endangered Marsican bear named Amarena was shot and killed by a local man in central Italy, sparking outrage among park authorities and conservationists. Amarena, known for her fondness for black cherries, was a beloved figure in the Abruzzo National Park. Authorities are now focused on finding her two cubs and ensuring their protection. The incident has prompted an investigation into possible charges of animal killing, and the World Wide Fund for Nature Italia is seeking civil action against the shooter. The Marsican brown bear is endemic to the Apennine Mountains and is at risk of extinction.
The selection of a location for a new Toyota dealership in Coomera, Australia has sparked controversy as it involves clearing habitat for endangered koalas. The area has been experiencing rapid urbanization, with the opening of various businesses and shopping centers. This development is negatively impacting the koala population, leading to concerns of their extinction by 2050. The City of Gold Coast is implementing a Koala Conservation Plan to regulate development, restore habitat, and raise awareness to reduce koala fatalities caused by vehicles and dogs. The Australian government has also increased protections for koalas and allocated funds for recovery and conservation efforts.
A Tennessee zoo is seeking help from the public to name a rare spotless giraffe that was born last month. This unique giraffe is the only known one in the world, and its birth has brought attention to the conservation efforts for the endangered reticulated giraffe species. The zoo will hold a naming contest on Facebook, offering four name options for people to vote on. The reticulated giraffe is characterized by large brown spots separated by cream-colored lines, and the spots serve both as camouflage and a means to release heat through blood vessels underneath.
Eel pies have been a staple of London's food scene for centuries, with eel-filled pastries once being a popular fast food option. M. Manze, London's oldest surviving eel and pie house, has been serving customers since 1902. However, the tradition is slowly dying out as eel sales decline and London gentrifies. The European eel, once abundant in the Thames River Basin, is now critically endangered due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and improve its migration routes. Despite the challenges, the proprietor of M. Manze remains hopeful that eel pies will continue to be part of London's culinary heritage.
India's tiger population has increased by almost 24% in four years, with the latest estimate placing the number at 3,682 tigers. This is up from the 3,167 tigers announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April. The report, released on International Tiger Day, highlights the efforts of various states, with Madhya Pradesh leading the way with 785 tigers. However, there are areas of concern, as some states have seen a decline in tiger numbers. Overall, the increase in tiger population is seen as a significant achievement in India's conservation efforts.
A new study has revealed that using seaweed as an indicator of coral reef health may be misleading scientists and misdirecting conservation efforts. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 oceanic sites and found that different species of macroalgae react differently to contamination, potentially obscuring signs of reef stress. Scientists have long assumed that increased macroalgae indicates reef damage, but the study suggests that this approach can actually hide signs of harm and misidentify reefs in need of intervention. The findings highlight the need for new methods to accurately assess the impact of human activity on coral reefs.