A surprising discovery has highlighted a troubling link between human pharmaceuticals and marine life. Researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi recently identified traces of fentanyl and other drugs in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico, signaling a growing environmental issue. The finding came after a routine boating survey in September 2020 […]
The state of lions, leopards and hyenas in Uganda
The first comprehensive population estimate of Uganda‘s lions, leopards and spotted hyenas in almost two decades has revealed that lion numbers in the country are extremely low. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are holding on across the country, and hyenas are faring well. In a collaboration involving more than 100 conservation stakeholders, researchers used spatial capture-recapture methods […]
Zoo Worker Killed by Tiger in Romania
A tragic incident occurred at Pitești Zoo in Romania when a 52-year-old janitor was fatally attacked by a tiger on Monday, December 9. The man had entered the tiger’s enclosure to clean it, but did not adhere to the proper safety protocols, which led to his death. Judicial sources revealed that the tiger bit the […]
Bighorn sheep could face deadly avalanches
As snow cover declines with a warming climate in the Sierra Nevada, bighorn sheep could actually be facing more deadly avalanches. This could have population impacts on the genetically distinct Sierra Nevada subgroup, which is only made up of 350 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierra). Researchers recently simulated future climates in the area to find […]
Gum-eating Tanzanian monkey is AWOL, fueling extinction fears
For more than a year, there have been no confirmed sightings of the critically endangered southern patas monkeys in their last known refuge, in western Tanzania. In 2021, fewer than 200 of these lithe-limbed primates, Erythrocebus baumstarki, were thought to remain in the open woodlands of this region, and scientists now fear the species is […]
Ferrero and Agropur Commit to Ending Cruel Animal Testing
In a landmark decision for animal welfare, two major corporations, Ferrero International and Agropur Cooperative, have pledged to end their involvement in harmful animal testing. This change comes after discussions with PETA, which advocates for cruelty-free practices in the food and beverage industry. Ferrero, known for iconic brands like Nutella and Tic Tac, and Agropur, […]
Leopard Population Has Nearly Tripled in the World’s Largest Conservation Area
In parts of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, a conservation organization specializing in wildcats has reported that the number of leopards there has nearly tripled. With an increase of 2.9, there are now 4.4 leopards per 100 square kilometers of terrain, which is much more than it sounds when you consider just how big Kafue is. […]
Sea Shepherd’s Valentina Crast Speaks Out Against Whale Hunts
Sea Shepherd’s Faroe Islands Director, Valentina Crast, joined an expert panel on November 25, 2024, as part of the American Bar Association’s inaugural “Blue Crimes Webinar Series.” This session, titled “Legality of Dolphin and Whale Hunts,” examined the legal, ethical, and environmental implications of cetacean hunts worldwide. The event launched a three-part series addressing crimes […]