A recent study in Nature Climate change reveals alarming news for frog populations worldwide. Due to increasing aridity caused by climate change, scientists predict that by 2080 to 2100, between 7 percent and over one-third of frog habitats may become too dry for survival. If human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, isn’t curtailed, […]
As Nepal counts its snow leopards, even the best estimate is still a guess
KATHMANDU — Scientists and government officials have embarked on the uphill task of coming up with a number, or even just a range, for the population of snow leopards in the Himalayan country. To do so, they’re having to rely on several fragmented studies carried out during different periods of time in different landscapes across […]
Hedgehogs ‘near threatened’ on red list after 30% decline over past decade
Hedgehogs are now listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list after a decline in numbers of at least 30% over the past decade across much of their range. While hedgehogs were once common across Europe, and were until now listed as of “least concern” on the red list, […]
A Community’s Bond with India’s Endangered Hoolock Gibbons
In the village of Barekuri, Assam, Mohit Chutia and his community share a unique connection with the endangered hoolock gibbons, the only ape species in India. Chutia, often called “bandar” (monkey) by locals, has formed a deep bond with the gibbons, treating them like family. The village is home to just 19 of these apes, […]
Polar Bears at Higher Risk of Contracting Some Pathogens
As the environment warms, polar bears are more likely to contract several pathogens than they were three decades ago. In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers looked for antibodies for six pathogens in blood samples taken from polar bears in the Chukchi Sea from 1987-1994 and from 2008-2017. They found that five of the […]
Parrots missing from London zoo found behind Cambridgeshire garden
London zoo‘s “critically endangered” missing parrots have been found 60 miles away behind a family’s garden in Cambridgeshire. The escaped birds were tracked down after numerous sightings from local residents, and were eventually found in the back garden of a family in Buckden. They flew away once more before being traced to a field and […]
Jaguars Bid for Survival in Brazil’s Wetlands
As fires rage across the Pantanal in central-western Brazil, the world’s largest tropical wetland, jaguars are showcasing a remarkable ability to adapt to the intensifying threats of their environment. While countless species suffer from the impacts of these fires, jaguars survive by using riverside refuges and sustaining themselves on prey like caimans and capybaras, which […]
China’s plans to trace wildlife trade risks inflaming trafficking, critics warn
Chinese authorities are considering changes to wildlife trade regulations that govern the live trade in 18 parrot and reptile species, several of which are gravely threatened by poaching and illegal trade. The proposals involve the implementation of a “special marking system” of ID tags on bird leg rings or microchips inserted in reptiles to enable […]