Yellowstone “Research” Wolf Killed – Wolf Project Data Jeopardized
Nov/090
Gray Wolf pack in Yellowstone National Park
Several predator species living within the borders of Yellowstone National Park–most notably the Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf (Canus lupus)–are protected from hunting. But outside the borders of the park, “big game” predator hunting is sometimes allowed. This is the case for the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in Montana, lying just outside and to the north of Yellowstone (which is principally in Wyoming, but extends into Montana and Idaho). In early October of this year, the State of Montana opened its first wolf hunting season, with a maximum quota of 12 wolves. The legal hunt came in the wake of a May 2009 decision to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list, following the wolf’s successful reintroduction to the park.
Wolf 527F
Originally posted here:
Yellowstone “Research” Wolf Killed – Wolf Project Data Jeopardized
Spider Tortoise Population Ravaged by Poachers
Aug/090
The northern Madagascar spider tortoise, one of the three subspecies of Pyxis arachnoids, is currently facing a threat to their population brought about by poachers.
The spider tortoise is small compared to other tortoise species, and is characterized by the presence of web-like patterns on adult shells. The northern Madagascar spider tortoise subspecies (P. a. brygooi) can only be found in a narrow strip on the coast. Since they’re endemic and hence, can easily be caught, the subspecies is currently “extinct across 50% of its former historical range.” Senior wildlife biologist at Nautilus Ecology UK, Ryan Walker, conducted this population survey last March, and came to the conclusion that the wild population of the northern Madagascar tortoise has fallen by 90%, mostly due to massive collection for illegal pet trade.
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Spider Tortoise Population Ravaged by Poachers
Giant Jellyfish Prepare to Invade Japan
Jul/090
Giant poisonous jellyfish are poised to assault Japanese waters, experts warn.
Reports of massive bloomings indicate that this season’s Nomura’s jellyfish spawn may be a big one. The good news is that there may not be a nation on Earth more psychologically prepared for the invasion of giant monsters than Japan.
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Giant Jellyfish Prepare to Invade Japan
New Marshland Habitat Established in the Heart of London
Jul/090
A new series of wildlife-rich ponds and marshlands will attract frogs, toads, water voles, great crested newts and dragonflies to London’s city center.
The habitat will be found in Paddington Recreation Ground, and it will be made readily accessible to the public via a network of decking pathways and a wooden “dipping” platform to allow school children to take part in pond-dipping and to learn about the variety of animals that live in the water.
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New Marshland Habitat Established in the Heart of London
David de Rothschild Discusses His Upcoming Plastiki Voyage
Jun/090
For those who say that plastic is evil or plastic represents the devil then those proactive types can do one of two things – 1) educate people about why not to use, buy or sell plastic goods (a tough assignment) or 2) use the plastic that we have for some other useful purpose. Plastic is everywhere but as much as we would like to wave a wand a make it disappear, the fact is that the “devils material” it is going to be here for a while so let’s with it. David de Rothschild seeks to change the perception of plastic. He has created a plastic love boat named the Plastiki which he discussed in depth in a presentation/lecture a couple nights ago at San Francisco’s Academy of Sciences .
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David de Rothschild Discusses His Upcoming Plastiki Voyage
Mass Migrations May Face Mass Extinction
Jun/090
25% of all the world’s large-scale terrestrial migrations have already ceased due to habitat loss and human-caused changes to the landscape, and it may not be long before all migrations disappear entirely.
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Mass Migrations May Face Mass Extinction
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