Predators like bears and wolves have always stirred strong feelings in people. We love them in stories and as cuddly toys, but we often fear them in reality. This fear can lead to harmful actions, like hunting them to near extinction. Yet, these animals play a vital role in nature. They help keep ecosystems balanced and healthy. Recently, in California, tensions bet...
Doc Antle, a key figure from the popular Netflix series Tiger King, is facing serious legal consequences. He might go to prison for up to 10 years. This is because he admitted to illegal animal trafficking and money laundering back in November 2023. The court hearing to decide his sentence happened in Charleston, South Carolina. Before this, three other people invol...
The Eurasian lynx is a species that needs protection. It is listed in CITES Appendix II and is covered by the Bern Convention and the EU Habitats Directive. Yet, it is still often targeted by wildlife criminals. This makes it crucial to have reliable methods for identifying these animals. One approach is using molecular tools, specifically quantitative real-time PCR ...
Antarctica is a place of extremes, and filming there is no easy task. Helen Hobin, a wildlife cinematographer, spent nine months in Antarctica, capturing the lives of emperor penguins. This was no ordinary filming job. It involved living in one of the coldest places on Earth, dealing with temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Hobin was part of a small team t...
Minnesota, famous for its chilly winters and sports teams that often fall short in the big games, is also known for its vast wildlife. But how well does the state protect its natural inhabitants? A recent study has some surprising answers. The study, which looked at factors like government and community support, legal protection, and ecosystem status, ranked all 50 ...
First, let's talk about the recent bird flu outbreak. It's causing a lot of trouble in New York City. Several ducks and wild birds at the Queens Zoo have died. The Bronx Zoo, one of the biggest and most famous zoos in the country, has also been affected. The Wildlife Conservation Society, who runs the zoos, is taking action. The bird flu scare isn't just happenin...
Southern Ground Hornbills (SGHs) face big trouble with aggression among their fellow birds when living in captivity. Captive breeding can be tricky and unsafe for these birds. Birds from the same species can get aggressive toward each other, especially during the breeding season. It happens a lot when they get older and reach sexual maturity. Dont forget that thes...