Critically endangered hooded vultures in Nigeria that once fed on the carcasses of wild animals are now largely dependent on scraps discarded by people. But changes in the way waste is disposed of at slaughterhouses has left them desperately short of food, researchers say. In the 1970s, hooded vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) were among at least […]
Norfolk bird surveyors find Britain’s oldest known oystercatchers
If your ears are assaulted by the shrill piping calls of an excitable bird on the east coast of England, fear not: it’s probably an oystercatcher experiencing a midlife crisis. Two of the handsome black and white birds with bright red-orange bills have been found to be the oldest known oystercatchers ever recorded in Britain, […]
Antarctic Krill Supertrawler Kills Humpback Whale
A criminal complaint has been lodged against a Chilean-flagged krill supertrawler named Antarctic Endeavour for killing a humpback whale on the 25th of March, the same day that it was witnessed by crew on board the Sea Shepherd vessel Allankay, dragging its trawl net through waters where Sea Shepherd scientists documented humpback whales foraging on […]
Nepal announces its snow leopard population after first-of-its-kind assessment
KATHMANDU — Following decades of speculation, skepticism and lack of consensus, Nepal’s government has announced the country’s first-ever consolidated national estimate of snow leopards (Panther uncia): 397 individuals. The figure, which translates to 1.56 individuals per 100 square kilometers (38.6 square miles), was reported by an expert committee following months of work which involved aggregating […]
Bonobos Communicate in Complex Phrases, a Language Process Once Thought Unique to Humans
Bonobos—the closest living relatives to humans—create complex and meaningful combinations of calls resembling the word combinations of humans, says a new study that challenges long-held assumptions about what makes human communication unique. The study conducted by researchers at Harvard and the University of Zurich, has investigated the vocal behavior of wild bonobos on the Kokolopori […]
Sniping koalas from helicopters: here’s what’s wrong with Victoria’s unprecedented cull
Snipers in helicopters have shot more than 700 koalas in the Budj Bim National Park in western Victoria in recent weeks. It’s believed to be the first time koalas have been culled in this way. The cull became public on Good Friday after local wildlife carers were reportedly tipped off. A fire burned about 20% […]
Petition: Urgent Action Needed — Investigate the Tragic Death of Anchorage’s Reindeer Star
The people of Anchorage have lost a local treasure. Star, the beloved reindeer who had become a symbol of joy and tradition in the heart of the city, was euthanized after a series of disturbing incidents. For years, Star was a fixture of the Anchorage community, bringing happiness to children and adults alike. Star’s presence, […]
Rare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline
With its chalk-white face and bright flame-coloured markings, the white-faced darter dragonfly is a distinctive sight as it flutters around England’s peat bogs. The rare dragonfly, which breeds in mossy pools, is at threat of local extinction, but now conservationists are trying to end its population crash by introducing it into a remote corner of […]