Every year, during the Northern Hemisphere spring and autumn, the skies over Lebanon are dotted with millions of birds on their epic migrations. From soaring Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) to charismatic white storks (Ciconia ciconia), more than 500 species of birds traverse the African-Eurasian flyway, which funnels over Lebanon, as they migrate between their breeding […]
The fate of this beloved American creature is in Trump’s hands
In late 2021, I stood in a forest about two hours from Mexico City and watched as a river of butterflies passed overhead. They were monarchs — the iconic, Halloween-colored butterflies — and they were coming here from the US to rest for the cold winter months. Nearly all of the monarchs east of the […]
Mercury Pollution Detected in Antarctic Penguins
In a new study, scientists have confirmed mercury contamination in Antarctic penguins and are raising alarms that this pollutant and its impact on birds mimics the spread of DDT uncovered in the 1960s. Despite the lack of humans near the penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers have confirmed mercury contamination in these birds. According to […]
Endangered greater gliders recorded in proposed great koala national park in NSW as logging continues
Government surveys have found tens of thousands of endangered greater gliders could be living within the proposed area for a great koala national park in New South Wales, prompting new calls for the area to be quickly protected from logging. Data from aerial drone and ground-based surveys at 169 sites within the proposed park were […]
Sick brown pelicans flood Huntington Beach wildlife facility. How you can help
Brown pelicans suffering from domoic acid toxicity — a harmful neurotoxin that affects their brain and nervous system — have inundated a Huntington Beach wildlife facility. The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center is currently caring for more than 650 animals, including 50 sick pelicans, many of which need intensive treatment. Debbie McGuire, executive director, told […]
Pollution From Anxiety Medications Influences Salmon Behaviors, Study Finds
In a new study, researchers have confirmed that pharmaceutical pollutants are influencing how Atlantic salmon behave. The study, published in the journal Science, revealed that migrating salmon exposed to a type of psychoactive medicine under the benzodiazepine class caused the fish to be more bold and take more risks during migration. Although this led to […]
Live colossal squid captured on video in wild for first time ever
The colossal squid, the heaviest invertebrate in the world, has been filmed alive in the wild for the first time since it was identified a century ago. Growing up to 23ft (seven metres) long and weighing up to half a tonne, the squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, is the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. The individual captured […]
‘No One Voted to Slaughter Hummingbirds’: Trump’s DOI Guts Bird Protections, Again
The Trump administration moved on Friday to weaken protections for migratory birds threatened by industrial activities, including oil and gas operations. Acting Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Gregory Zerzan restored an opinion from the first Trump administration that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) “does not apply to the accidental or […]