The Biden administration announced it will maintain federal protections for approximately 2,000 Rocky Mountain grizzly bears, despite opposition from Republican-led states. While easing some restrictions to address human-bear conflicts—allowing ranchers to shoot bears attacking livestock and authorizing bear relocation—protections will be withdrawn in states where grizzlies are absent. This decision, potentially reversible under a future administration, faces criticism from Republican officials, while wildlife advocates express support. The agency will accept public comment on proposed hunting exemptions and loosened rules for shooting bears that attack livestock.
Read More
Tahlequah (J35), a Southern Resident killer whale known for carrying her deceased calf for 17 days in 2018, has tragically lost another calf. Researchers have confirmed the calf’s death and observed Tahlequah carrying its body, mirroring her previous behavior. This event is particularly devastating due to the endangered status of the Southern Resident orca population and the fact that the calf was female. Concerns exist regarding Tahlequah’s well-being and energy expenditure from carrying the body, although she remains integrated within her pod.
Read More
Kazakhstan’s snow leopard population has rebounded significantly, with estimates reaching near-historic levels of 152-189 individuals, a 26% increase since 2019. This success, attributed to conservation projects like the UNDP initiative and the expansion of protected areas, contrasts with global declines in the species. However, threats from human activity, including poaching and habitat encroachment, persist, necessitating continued conservation efforts and mitigation strategies such as livestock compensation programs. The ongoing collaboration with neighboring countries further strengthens regional snow leopard protection.
Read More
A record-high 36 Florida panthers died in 2024, surpassing the previous high of 42 in 2016. Vehicle collisions accounted for 29 of these deaths, highlighting the significant threat posed by human infrastructure to the endangered species. While a litter of three cubs offers a glimmer of hope, the current population estimate of 120-230 adults remains critically low and vulnerable to habitat loss, low genetic diversity, and disease. Continued efforts to reduce vehicle-related deaths are crucial for the species’ survival.
Read More
A federally protected Mexican gray wolf, known as Hope, was found dead near Flagstaff, Arizona on November 7th. A $103,500 reward is offered for information leading to those responsible for her death, which is a violation of state and federal law. Hope, collared and tracked after being documented outside her designated area, was part of the Tu Dil Hil pack and had been traveling with another uncollared wolf. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Read More
As a child, I vividly remember the enchanting sight of fireflies lighting up the night sky. Their mesmerizing glow, like little green stars blinking in and out of the darkness, brought joy and wonder to my heart. Fast forward to today, and I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that future generations might not have the same experience. The news of firefly species facing the threat of endangerment due to human actions is disheartening, to say the least.
The decline in firefly populations is not a coincidence. The use of pesticides, herbicides, and the loss of natural habitats due to coastal development are major contributors to the dwindling numbers of these magical insects.… Continue reading
As a strong advocate for conservation and the protection of all living beings, the news of Japan killing its first fin whale despite global condemnation deeply troubles me. The fin whale, being the second-largest animal on earth, deserves our respect and protection, not to be hunted down for profit or outdated cultural traditions.
It is disheartening to see Japan, a country with so much to offer in terms of culture, technology, and innovation, continuing this senseless practice of slaughtering these magnificent creatures. The international community has made strides in recent years to protect endangered species and promote sustainability, yet Japan’s decision to resume whale hunting undermines these efforts and sets a dangerous precedent for other countries to follow suit.… Continue reading
The news of U.S. officials planning to kill hundreds of thousands of barred owls to save another species from extinction is as controversial as it is disheartening. The spotted owl, imperiled and facing potential extinction due to the encroachment of barred owls, is in desperate need of protection. Under former President Donald Trump, habitat protections for spotted owls were stripped at the request of the timber industry, a decision that was rightfully reversed under President Joe Biden due to faulty science used to justify the weakening of protections.
As someone who cares deeply about the environment and the delicate balance of nature, the idea of trained shooters entering West Coast forests to kill almost half a million barred owls is a difficult pill to swallow.… Continue reading
I’m up to my ears in people. I rarely see an elephant. The Botswana president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, made a bold statement recently by claiming that Europeans care more about elephants than people. And to be honest, I can see where he’s coming from. In a world where animal rights activism is on the rise, it’s not uncommon to see more concern for endangered species like elephants than for the well-being of fellow humans.
Masisi’s stance on elephant hunting in Botswana, advocating for controlled ivory trading to fund conservation efforts, garnered mixed reactions. While some criticized his methods, it’s crucial to acknowledge that elephants are near extinction while human population growth shows no signs of slowing down.… Continue reading
9 dead, 78 others hospitalized after eating sea turtle meat on Zanzibar’s Pemba Island. What a tragic and avoidable situation. The concept of chelonitoxism, a severe poisoning caused by consuming contaminated sea turtle meat, should be enough to deter anyone from trying this risky delicacy. There is no antidote for this condition, and the consequences can be fatal, as evidenced by the recent deaths on Pemba Island.
I can’t help but wonder why anyone would take the chance of eating something that poses such a significant risk. The idea of consuming an endangered species alone should be enough to dissuade anyone from partaking in such a meal.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker