The smiles on the faces of Iman Ebrahimi and his colleagues in the photograph are revealing: After more than a month of war in Iran, a tenuous ceasefire in mid-April offered a brief window for the team to travel to one of Ebrahimi’s favorite field sites. Maharloo Lake is the “hottest spot for flamingo breeding […]
Tag: cheetah
Endangered West African leopards show signs of recovery, despite odds. ‘It’s a win’
It’s been difficult to monitor West African leopards in Benin’s Pendjari National Park: It’s a large wilderness area, situated within a hotspot of armed conflict. The park is among the last strongholds for this geographically distinct leopard population — but a recent study shared hopeful news. Leopard density in the park increased over a six-year period, according […]
Iran rearrests prominent conservationists freed just two years ago
Iranian security forces in Tehran arrested wildlife conservationists Houman Jowkar and Sepideh Kashani, alongside Sepideh’s sister, Sima Kashani, on July 1, 2026, according to reports from multiple Iranian news sources. Jowkar and Sepideh, who are married, are experts on the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) and were previously arrested in 2018 on espionage […]
What’s the fastest land mammal in the Americas? Meet the speed demon that could outrun a cheetah in a long-distance race
The Americas, which encompasses North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, has a huge variety of landscapes – and therefore animals. From imposing mountains to desert plains and tropical beaches, these habitats provide a home for all sorts of creatures. But have you ever wondered what the fastest land mammal in the Americas is? […]
Poop pills and gut microbes: Wildlife microbiome studies aid conservation
Human microbiome research is a blossoming field of study, shedding light on the millions of microbes living within us — microscopic species frequently vital to our health. In tandem, researchers across the globe have also been delving into the microbes living inside wildlife in hopes of developing a new conservation and rewilding tool. Early research […]
U.S. Proposes Listing Giraffes Under the Endangered Species Act for the First Time
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed that giraffes be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time. The agency hopes listing the iconic tallest mammal on Earth will crack down on poaching, as the U.S. is one of the largest destinations of items such as rugs, boots […]
Top 12 Reasons to Save the African Wild Dog
The African wild dog, also known as the painted dog (Lycaon pictus), is a magnificent creature that roams the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. These social carnivores, with their vibrantly patterned coats and highly efficient hunting tactics, are a vital part of the African ecosystem. Sadly, their populations have declined dramatically in recent decades, […]
Final cheetah conservationists freed in Iran, but the big cat’s outlook remains grim
In December 2023, three staff members from the Iranian Cheetah Society crowded around a laptop, moved to tears by the sight of a mother cheetah and her four cubs, caught on a camera trap. Population estimates for the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) vary, but experts say fewer than 30 may remain. Once […]