JAKARTA — When scientists made the bombshell announcement in 2017 that the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) was a new species, the apes were immediately put under the global spotlight. With fewer than 800 individuals surviving in a tiny tract of forest in the western part of Indonesia, scientists declared the Tapanuli orangutan as the rarest […]
Tag: endangered species
Wildcrafting: A Guide to Ethical Harvesting of Nature’s Gifts
Wildcrafting, the ancient practice of harvesting plants from their natural habitats for food, medicine, or crafting, has experienced a resurgence in recent years. From flying saucer mushrooms to medicinal roots, there are a plethora of valuable natural resources that can be found through wildcrafting. While often confused with foraging, wildcrafting is focused on the careful […]
Environmental Groups are Suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Over the Dwindling Gopher Tortoise
The Gopher tortoise, a species native to the southeastern United States, is facing a dire situation as its habitat is rapidly disappearing. This species has been a crucial part of the ecosystem for millions of years, but due to human development, agriculture, climate change, invasive species, and other factors, the Gopher tortoise population has declined […]
Thai Poaching Kingpin Sentenced to Prison
After years of investigations and appeals, Bach “Boonchai” Mai, the alleged leader of a major international wildlife trafficking ring, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Thai Supreme Court. Mai was convicted of attempting to smuggle 14 rhino horns into Thailand, but his network, Hydra, has been involved in trafficking ivory, rhino […]
Indian Army Teams Up With Wildlife SOS to Save Collapsed Elephant
Moti, a 35-year-old elephant was found in critical condition and was so malnourished and deprived of veterinary attention that he was on the verge of death. Thankfully, the Mathura-based Wildlife SOS team has been working with the Indian Army to help Moti. Moti was unable to stand, and his feet, especially the footpads, were worn […]
Petition: Help Protect and Conserve Turtle and Tortoise Populations
Gopher tortoises are generally found in the southeastern United States, yet one was recently discovered in Massachusetts. Experts believe this is due to the illegal wildlife trade of turtles and tortoises, which is growing increasingly popular in the United States. This is not only a traumatic experience for turtles, but removing them from their habitats […]
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Looking into Removing Grizzlies from Endangered Species List in 2 States
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (U.S.F.W.S.) announced its intention to review two petitions that could ultimately remove grizzly bears from the federal Endangered Species List. “Why?” you might be asking yourselves right now. Have their numbers reached levels that would warrant such action? Is it time to celebrate? The petitions were actually filed […]
The illegal jaguar trade is thriving online. Why aren’t governments stopping it?
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO — Purchasing illegal jaguar parts — from teeth to skins to claws — doesn’t always involve seeking out the dark, nefarious corners of the black market. Often, they can be found with a quick Google search. Or by pursuing social media sites and online marketplaces. A new report from the Wildlife Conservation […]