CONSERVATION

Jan 16 2025ENVIRONMENT

Whale Protections on Hold: Last-Minute Rule Change

In a surprising last-minute move, the U. S. government has decided to drop a plan to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales from ship collisions. These whales, of which fewer than 380 are left, were supposed to get better protection off the East Coast. A proposal to slow down ships near thei

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Jan 12 2025ENVIRONMENT

Solving Wildlife Crime: How DNA Forensics Helps Identify Indonesia's Stolen Cats

Indonesia's diverse Felidae species (also known as cats) are under threat from illegal wildlife trade. To combat this, scientists are using DNA forensics to identify these confiscated animals. Recently, researchers analyzed 38 samples from seized wildlife products and found four species: the Sumatra

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Jan 11 2025ENVIRONMENT

Partnerships in Africa's Protected Areas: A Game Changer for Deforestation

Over the past two decades, a new approach has emerged in Africa to tackle deforestation. This method involves state wildlife authorities teaming up with nonprofit conservation groups to manage protected areas (PAs). Known as collaborative management partnerships (CMPs), these initiatives aim to enha

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Jan 07 2025SCIENCE

Discovering Roxy: A 26, 000-Year-Old Fox in a Utah Cave

Imagine a time when the world was much colder and humans were just starting to roam the earth. In a remote cave in Utah, a team of scientists and cavers found something extraordinary: a nearly complete skeleton of a red fox. This isn't just any fox; it's one that lived over 26, 000 years ago, during

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Jan 03 2025ENVIRONMENT

A Mother Orca's Grief: Carrying Her Lost Calf

In 2018, an orca named Tahlequah, part of the critically endangered southern resident killer whales, made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days. Recently, she's been spotted doing the same with a newborn that has passed away. Scientists believe this behavior shows her grief. Orcas, like

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Dec 31 2024POLITICS

Jimmy Carter's Impact: A Surprising Connection to Idaho

Did you know that the late President Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from Georgia, left a mark on Idaho's political landscape? Long before he became the 39th President of the United States, Carter considered Idaho Senator Frank Church for the role of vice president during his presidential campaign in

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Dec 30 2024POLITICS

Jimmy Carter's Green Legacy: A Lifelong Love for the Environment

Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, is remembered for his strong commitment to the environment. Growing up on his family's farm, he developed a deep love for nature. This passion led him to protect over a million acres of land and waterways during his presidency. One of his notable achi

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Dec 28 2024ENVIRONMENT

New Orca Calf in Trouble: Scientists Worry

A new orca calf, J61, has joined the endangered southern resident killer whale population in British Columbia. But scientists are concerned about her health. The calf, spotted on December 20 with J pod, is believed to be premature. Her mom, J35 Tahlequah, might not be in the best shape to nurse her.

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Dec 20 2024ENVIRONMENT

Exploring Peru's Alto Mayo: Uncovering 27 New Species

In northern Peru’s Alto Mayo region, scientists made an exciting discovery: 27 new species, including a unique amphibious mouse and a peculiar "blob-headed" fish. Surprisingly, this biodiversity hotspot thrives despite high human population density and environmental pressures. The 38-day survey, led

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Dec 17 2024ENVIRONMENT

Saving the Siberian Crane: Genetics to the Rescue

The Siberian crane, a beautiful yet critically endangered waterbird, is facing a tough time. Its population has been declining due to changes in climate over time, which has led to a loss of genetic diversity and an increase in inbreeding. This means the birds are more likely to have harmful genetic

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