Trump’s face on new national park passes outrages conservationists is a situation that has many people, to put it mildly, feeling quite a bit of emotion. The decision to feature the former president on these passes has, unsurprisingly, ignited a firestorm of controversy, primarily among those dedicated to the preservation of these precious natural spaces. It’s a move that’s perceived by many as tone-deaf and a blatant display of ego, especially when considering the context of his administration’s policies towards national parks and conservation efforts in general.
The immediate reaction to the news seems to be a mix of shock, disgust, and disbelief.… Continue reading
As part of its Predator Free 2050 initiative, New Zealand has announced plans to eradicate feral cats by 2050 to protect its native species. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka confirmed that feral cats, described as “stone cold killers,” will be added to the list due to their detrimental impact on birds, bats, lizards, and insects. Proposed eradication methods include poisoned sausage bait and poison spray devices. The decision follows a public consultation that overwhelmingly supported improved feral cat management, with an updated strategy scheduled for release in March, while explicitly excluding domestic pets from the target.
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Scientists in Australia have identified a new native bee species, naming it “Lucifer” due to the tiny, devil-like horns found on the female bees. This marks the first discovery of a new bee species in its group in two decades. The species, found in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, is closely linked to a rare wildflower, and researchers are advocating for the formal protection of the area to safeguard both the bee and the plant from habitat disturbance and climate change. The discovery highlights the need for greater awareness and conservation efforts for native bee species and the ecosystems they support.
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The Christmas Island shrew has been officially declared extinct, adding to Australia’s concerning environmental record. This small mammal, last seen in 1985, faced extinction due to factors like the introduction of black rats and associated parasites, highlighting the impact of human activities on the island’s unique ecosystem. Its extinction underscores the loss of four out of five endemic mammals on Christmas Island since settlement, renewing concerns for the remaining native wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Christmas Island flying fox. Experts are calling for urgent government action and a dedicated recovery plan for this surviving species, emphasizing the need for focused conservation efforts to prevent further losses on the remote territory.
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A new global assessment reveals that over half of all bird species are experiencing population declines, largely due to habitat loss from deforestation and human development. The assessment, released before a biodiversity summit, shows a significant worsening of the biodiversity crisis, with a rise in declining bird populations compared to previous years. While conservation efforts have led to the recovery of species like the green sea turtle, Arctic seals face extinction due to the effects of climate change, specifically the loss of sea ice. Scientists emphasize the urgent need for governments to fulfill their commitments to protect nature and mitigate the effects of climate change.
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It is with deep sadness that the Jane Goodall Institute announced the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. A renowned primatologist and anthropologist, Goodall’s groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania, starting in 1960, revolutionized the field of ethology. Goodall’s observations of chimpanzee behavior, including tool use, blurred the lines between humans and animals, raising awareness of their emotional and social complexity. She also dedicated her life to conservation efforts, advocating for the protection and restoration of the natural world, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.
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It is with great sadness that the world mourns the loss of Dr. Jane Goodall, who died at the age of 91. Her groundbreaking work as an ethologist revolutionized the field, particularly her observations of chimpanzees in east Africa, where she documented their complex social behaviors, tool use, and distinct personalities. Goodall’s research, including giving chimps names instead of numbers, transformed our understanding of primates, paving the way for future female primatologists and conservationists, and ultimately shifted towards climate advocacy. Awarded a damehood in 2003 and the US Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year, her legacy will continue to inspire generations.
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Dr. Jane Goodall, the esteemed chimpanzee researcher and animal advocate, passed away at the age of 91 due to natural causes. Her groundbreaking ethological research revolutionized science, particularly her work with chimpanzees, and she dedicated her life to conservation efforts. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, and through her work she developed an innovative approach to species conservation, recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment. The renowned scientist was in California at the time of her death, on a speaking tour.
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The recent killing of a collared lion named Blondie in Zimbabwe by a trophy hunter has sparked outrage, reminiscent of the 2015 Cecil the lion case. Blondie, part of an Oxford University study, was lured from a protected area and killed in a legal hunt with permits, despite the visible research collar. Zimbabwe’s National Parks defends the hunt, citing the revenue generated for conservation efforts, although others condemn trophy hunting practices. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over lion hunting, its ethics, and its impact on the vulnerable lion population across Africa.
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Michigan residents are experiencing a vibrant firefly display due to favorable warm and wet weather conditions. These conditions have allowed fireflies to thrive, resulting in a spectacular showing this year. However, experts caution that firefly populations are susceptible to environmental changes and other threats, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution, which could impact their presence in the future. Though there is a need for consistent data collection, the public can contribute to protecting fireflies by creating native plant gardens and minimizing pesticide use and outdoor lighting.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker