#their biggest threats are loss of habitat and poaching

[cerealxperimentslain]

“This is at our rescue sanctuary. We are the only people in the world to send gorillas back to the wild❤️”

“My gorilla family❤️”

💀💀💀

Adding a tiny piece of text saying “they’re not pets guys” doesn’t mean this isn’t HORRIBLY irresponsible “science” communication. Multiple studies have shown that images and videos like this can and do encourage the exotic pet trade.

This is NOT how you interact with animals that you will send back to the wild.

The fact that she has 1.3 million followers is disturbing

[infodumpingaboutnature]

Great news for monotreme lovers!!!

The Sir David Attenborough's Long-Beaked Echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi) has been sighted for the first time since 1961!

Also known as the Cyclops Long-Beaked Echidna, this nocturnal critter was first described by Western scientists in 1961 during the Dutch colonial era of what was then known as Dutch New Guinea. It was only described from a fragmentary preserved specimen (pictured below) and was of course named after the famous naturalist Sir David Attenborough. However, I do want to point out that, as is the case with many newly discovered species, it was known to the native people of this region way before this and was traditionally hunted for both food and for ceremonial peace offerings. However, according to my research since the species was classified as Critically Endangered, the native villagers were very enthusiastic about its conservation and agreed not to hunt them in order to help preserve the species.

Z. attenboroughi is native to the Cyclops Mountain Chain in northern Indonesian New Guinea and feeds mostly on worms, ants, termites, and other invertebrates by using their long beaks to forage through the soil and creating distinct “nose pokes”. For a long time, these “nose pokes” were the only sign scientists had that this species hadn’t gone extinct. The last unconfirmed sighting by locals was in 2005, though some tracks and burrows that were thought to belong to the species were discovered in 2007.

Now, over 60 years after it was initially described, an expedition of scientists from Oxford University to the Cyclops Mountains has resulted in this elusive monotreme being videotaped by a game trail camera.

Photo credit: Cyclops Expedition

Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna might somewhat resemble hedgehogs in appearance and behavior, however, they are one of only five species of egg-laying mammals known as monotremes! The other four species are the Short-Beaked Echidna, Western Long-Beaked Echidna, Eastern Long-Beaked Echidna, and the Platypus. The Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna is the smallest species of Echidna and is apparently more closely related to the Short-Beaked Echidna than it is to the other two species of Long-Beakeds. It also possesses a more reddish coloration. All species of monotremes are known for, as I mentioned before, laying eggs instead of giving live birth like placental mammals and marsupials do. Monotremes also lack nipples and instead produce milk for their young out of modified sweat glands like how the early ancestors of all mammals did. Male Platypi/Platypuses (both terms are correct) and Echidnas also have ankle spurs which are highly venomous in the case of the Platypus, but Echidnas seem to have lost their venom and instead use them to help dig. Apparently, they also seasonally secrete a creamy substance their spurs but this, while kinda gross, is harmless.

While the rediscovery of this species is super exciting, we mustn’t forget that Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna is considered Critically Endangered and is still at risk of extinction. Habitat loss and poaching seem to be the biggest threats to this species and many other unique creatures endemic to Oceania.

[astranine101]

Silly adopt time. These guys are based on some endangered species, and I think it would be super cool if you all went and searched how to help these guys and other endangered species <3 They're all $15 a piece, through paypal only! First come first serve of course <3 Just comment or DM me to claim! Adopt 1 - Guam Kingfisher - these guys are marked as critically endangered, and extinct in the wild. There's less than 200 of them left in the world. They became extinct in the wild because of the invasive brown tree snake! Adopt 2 - Sunda Tiger - also known as the Sumatran tiger. These guys are the smallest subspecies of tigers! They are marked as critically endangered, and there are less than 600 adults left in the wild. The biggest threats to the sunda tiger are habitat loss and poaching. Adopt 3 - Javan Rhino - these guys are marked as critically endangered, with less than 100 of them remaining in the world. The biggest threats to the javan rhinos are habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade, and disease. Adopt 4 - Saola - these guys are marked as critically endangered, with none held in captivity and an estimated 750 exist. Though it has only been documented in the wild four times by scientists since 1992. Their biggest threat is poaching. Ways to help endangered species - Educating yourself is always the first step! Visiting websites such as WWF (world wild life) allow you a glimpse into learning about each species. - Looking up how you can help your local wildlife is an easy step into conservation, as each state has its own diverse wildlife! This can range from native plants, bugs, birds, and more! - Advocating for conservation! An online presence can make the world of a difference for so many different organizations. Finding local ones to support and even ones for the other side of the planet! If you can't donate, spreading awareness helps just as much. Any help these animals can get is a step in the right direction <3

[plethoraworldatlas]

Animal Welfare, Conservation Groups Announce Intent to Sue in Wake of Wolf’s Killing in Wyoming

On the heels of the recent drawn-out torture of a captured and bound gray wolf, a coalition of organizations has filed their 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for their refusal to restore Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections to the Western gray wolf. The Notice of Intent may be viewed at this link.

In July 2021, this coalition—Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, Project Coyote, Kettle Range Conservation Group, Footloose Montana, and Gallatin Wildlife Association—along with dozens of other organizations filed a petition with the FWS requesting federal ESA protections for gray wolves in the Western United States. 

The FWS released an initial 90-day finding in September 2021 that relisting the Western gray wolf as endangered “may be warranted.” The agency then inexplicably reversed course on February 7, 2024, when it found in its final decision on the petition that the Western gray wolf is not entitled to ESA protection. 

Three weeks after this decision, a man in Wyoming ran down a gray wolf with a snowmobile, captured her, taped her muzzle shut, paraded her in a local bar while subjecting her to extended abuse—including going so far as to kiss the dying wolf while being filmed, the wolf too weak to do anything but bare her teeth—and finally killing her. While Animal Wellness Action argues that these actions are punishable under Wyoming criminal law, and numerous veteran law enforcement professionals have called for felony charges, he was required only to pay a $250 fine for live possession of wildlife.

“States have proven they cannot be trusted to sustain the wolf species,” commented Jessica Karjala, executive director of Footloose Montana, based in Missoula, MT. “They not only allow but endorse bounties on wolves. They have encouraged increased hunting and quotas on wolves, spotlighting, baiting, trapping, snaring, hound hunting. Here, Wyoming is turning a blind eye to the heinous acts of Cody Roberts. The delisting of wolves has led to the failure of state wildlife agencies to protect wolves.”

“It is so disappointing to see one of our Nation’s federal agencies, the only agency that has the  responsibility to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants in their native habitat, become so disengaged from their mission and from reality on the ground,” said Clint Nagel, president of the Gallatin Wildlife Association, based in Bozeman, MT. “Our Nation’s wildlife deserve so much better.”

“It was illegitimate for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to continue to deny gray wolf relisting protection under the ESA for our small population of state-listed endangered gray wolves in Washington state,” said Timothy Coleman, director of Kettle Range Conservation Group, based in Republic, Washington. “Outside of Northeast Washington, just a couple of wolf packs exist, and there are no packs in the entire southern Cascade and Pacific Coast wolf recovery region that includes high quality habitat in Olympic National Park. Slaughter of gray wolf source population stifles migration from Idaho and Montana and will likely delay wolf recovery for decades across Washington state.”

The biggest threat facing the gray wolf is human-caused mortality. Since 2021, Rocky Mountain states have liberalized legal killing of wolves and removed discretion from their fish and wildlife agencies in favor of letting lawmakers use wolves as a political cudgel. Unlawful killings, including poaching and poisoning, are on the rise too. Higher mortality rates will result in further loss of genetic diversity and connectivity between wolf populations across the Western U.S. And worse, in their refusal to list the wolf, the FWS is relying heavily on highly suspect data on wolf populations from states that use population-estimate methodologies that have been criticized by scientific experts.

“Despite having admitted that Rocky Mountain states use means and measures ‘at odds with modern professional wildlife management,’ the FWS has still failed to properly account for the impact of the uptick in human-caused mortality on Western wolf populations, as they are required to do under law,” said Kate Chupka Schultz, senior attorney with the Center for a Humane Economy, who prepared the Notice. “Compounding that error, FWS is also failing to apply best available science to the analysis—ignoring the good science and instead relying on the bad. These are just two of the multiple ways the FWS is violating federal law.

Now, this coalition of conservation organizations has formally sent their notice, arguing that the FWS’ failure to list the Western gray wolf violates both the ESA and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This notice is the third filed in recent months by various organizations against the FWS for failing to protect the gray wolf.

[rabbitcruiser]

World Elephant Day

These magnificent creatures are among the largest animals on earth, with incredible memories and emotional intelligence that astound researchers and animal lovers alike.

They’re intelligent. They’re family-oriented. They have great memories. They are capable of feeling a wide range of deep emotions, from intense grief to joy bordering on elation, as well as empathy and stunning self-awareness. They create complex, supportive societies much like our own.

Taking into consideration all of that and much, much more, what’s not to love about elephants? Still, countless elephants are brutally killed every year for their ivory by greedy poachers who then leave their carcasses to rot in the sun. As Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair put it:

We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits, but the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.

World Elephant Day is the perfect time to find out more about these amazing animals and what we can do to preserve and protect them so they do not go the way of the mammoth.

History of World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day was created in 2011 by two Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and first celebrated on August 12, 2012. The initiative was greatly supported by film star and Star Trek legend William Shatner who narrated the documentary Return to the Forest, a fascinating 30-minute film about the reintroduction of captive Asian elephants to the wild.

The motivation for the first World Elephant Day was to draw attention to the plight of these majestic creatures to populations and cultures all over the world. Due to their pleasant and intelligent nature, the world’s largest land animals are loved worldwide. But, unfortunately, these magnificent creatures face multiple threats to their survival.

One major issue is the ivory trade. Currently, the demand for ivory is the biggest in China, with the price of ivory often exceeding the price of gold, something that makes elephants bigger targets than ever. The economics here work firmly against the humble elephant. Extreme levels of poverty in Africa mean that people can often make a month’s wages or more from the ivory of a single animal, selling it on the international market.

Furthermore, the parts of the world that demand ivory, such as China, are becoming increasingly wealthy, meaning that they can pay more for tusks. These dual factors are combining to make elephant poaching one of the most lucrative activities on the plant.

Habitation loss is also a danger to the world’s elephant population as it deprives elephants of the hundreds of pounds of food they need every day, making it more difficult for them to breed and making it easier for poachers to track them down. Unfortunately, researchers believe that loss of habitat is the primary driver for the loss of elephants in the wild. A century ago, they numbered more than 12 million in the wild. Today, that figure may be as low as 400,000, with as many as 20,000 per year killed by poachers.

Data suggest that the geographic range of elephants fell by around 30 percent between 2002 and 2011, with a similar loss of savannah for them to roam. The introduction of large parks throughout Africa has allowed habitat destruction to stabilize, but illegal poaching remains a dire threat. Circuses and tourism are also serious problems for the animals’ well-being.

World Elephant Day is an opportunity for everyone to get together to find ways to reduce conflict between humans and elephants. The solution probably lies in a combination of strategies. These could include land development that minimizes habitat destruction, electric fences to keep elephants away from farms, and changes in local attitudes.

Luckily, an increasing number of both celebrities and politicians have become interested in the cause, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashley Judd, and President Barack Obama.

World Elephant Day Timeline

50 million BC Elephants roam Africa

The elephant species is believed to have originated in Africa and then eventually spread across land bridges to Asia and Europe.

2012 World Elephant Day is founded

Canadian Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, which is a royal initiative in Thailand. The day continues to be led by Patricia Sims.

19th-20th Centuries Elephant populations are reduced

The number of elephants decreases, even with international efforts to protect them.

1976 African Elephants are placed on the Endangered Species list

The growing popularity of ivory leads to a severe decrease in populations and elephants are considered endangered as poachers continue to kill them for their tusks.

2015 World Elephant Society is started

Founded as a charitable organization, World Elephant Society was created to help support the World Elephant Day campaign.

How to Celebrate World Elephant Day

The best way to celebrate this day is to take the opportunity to educate yourself about these magnificent mammals and share your knowledge with others. As ever, simply spreading the word about the dangers these magnificent mammals face via social media can actually make a real change.

Thanks to your sharing a few of World Elephant Day’s Facebook posts, that old high school acquaintance of yours who is traveling to Thailand on her honeymoon this year may just decide to skip the elephant ride when she realizes that “training” elephants often involves tying and beating them daily for months on end.

Watching the aforementioned documentary will only take half an hour of your time but is sure to be a real eye-opener, not to mention the absolutely stunning landscapes shown in it. If you want to get a bit more involved, you could choose to make a donation to a foundation dedicated to protecting elephants from poachers or relocating them to locations better suited to their needs.

The organizers of World Elephant Day also provide plenty of ideas they encourage for helping these incredible creatures in the wild.

The first thing you can do is sign the World Elephant Day pledge. This document allows you to join with countless other people around the world to put pressure on governments to change their policies.

Organizers also want people to promote ethical elephant hashtags on their social media accounts, raising awareness of the abuse of animals worldwide, including in the tourism industry.

Clearly, buying any products containing ivory is a big no-no and should be avoided wherever possible. When buying pianos, antiques, or other products, always check to ensure that the manufacturer has not used elephant tusks in the production process.

You can also support organizations working hard to protect natural elephant habitats. Many of these areas are under threat right now because of population pressures in sub-Saharan African countries as well as India, where cities are sprawling and booming.

Finally, you can invest in projects that seek to provide sustainable and lucrative livelihoods to people who live alongside elephants. These programs improve economic circumstances so that locals don’t feel that they need to poach to make ends meet.

Whichever way suits you best, make sure that you spend this day in a way that helps elephants the world over so we, in turn, can continue to marvel at them and their uniquely fascinating way of life. By playing your part, you can make a big difference.

World Elephant Day FAQs

When is World Elephant Day?

World Elephant Day takes place on August 12 of each year. Other celebration days for elephants include Save the Elephant Day on April 16 and National Elephant Appreciation Day on September 22.

How is World Elephant Day celebrated?

One of the best ways to celebrate World Elephant Day is to help elephants by raising awareness, learning more about elephants, or signing the World Elephant Day Pledge.

Are elephants endangered?

The elephant species is classified as endangered, with only 40,000-50,000 left in the wild.

Why is World Elephant Day celebrated?

World Elephant Day is observed to bring attention to the plight of Asian and African elephants, conserving and protecting them from the numerous threats they face.

How much does an elephant weigh?

As the largest land animals on earth, a large male elephant can weigh up to 15,000 pounds.

Source

[manessha545]

Extremely rare white cougar highlights a quirk of the species

“Another white cougar may not appear in my lifetime,” scientist says of unusual young male spotted in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

BY CHRISTINE DELL'AMORE

A leucistic cougar walks through southeastern Brazil's Serra dos Órgãos National Park on July 5, 2013. The animal has not been seen since.

Move over, black panther—there’s a white cougar in the limelight. Photographs recently resurfaced of a ghostly young male striding through Serra dos Órgãos National Park in southeastern Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Taken in 2013, the photographs were the first confirmed case of a wild cougar with leucism, a genetic mutation that turns most of its body white. “That shows you how extremely unusual it is,” says Luke Hunter, executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Big Cats Program and author of the book Wild Cats of the World. “It’s a striking set of photos.” Genetic color aberrations, such as albinism and leucism, are relatively common among wild cats, but for unknown reasons, they’re almost unheard of in cougars, a successful predator whose habitat stretches from Canada to Chile, the biggest north-south range of any wild cat. (Read about a “strawberry” leopard found in Africa.)

Extremely rare white cougar highlights a quirk of the species (nationalgeographic.com)

Do white cougars exist?

Genetic color aberrations, such as albinism and leucism, are relatively common among wild cats, but for unknown reasons, they're almost unheard of in cougars, a successful predator whose habitat stretches from Canada to Chile, the biggest north-south range of any wild cat.

About Mountain Lions

Mountain lions are known by many names, including cougar, puma, catamount, painter, panther, and many more. They are the most wide-ranging cat species in the world and are found as far north as Canada and as far south as Chile.

Solitary cats, mountain lions are highly adaptable to situations and environments, and this adaptability has enabled them to survive across much of their original range in the America's, despite severe habitat loss and active threats.

While their longitudinal range has remained, their latitudinal range has shrunk by more than half. Mountain lions used to be found throughout the United States, but due to bounty hunts in the early 1900s and threats such as persecution, trophy hunting, poaching, retaliation in response to livestock depredation, kitten orphaning, poisoning and habitat loss and fragmentation, mountain lions are now only found in 15 western states, and the genetically isolated Florida panther remains in the East. For more information about mountain lion life history, evolution and historical range, read Cougar: The American Lion below.

About Mountain Lions - Mountain Lion Foundation

First-Ever White Cougar Spotted In Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

A series of striking photos of an extremely rare white cougar have recently baffled the Internet. The four images were taken in 2013, but they recently resurfaced as scientists confirmed this was the first ever recorded case of a leucistic puma. The snaps were taken using trap camera in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park, a reservation located in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest…

Read more: https://aubtu.biz/2171

[craigfine]

2024 A Remarkable Year for Animal Rights in America

Several laws, policies, and campaigns made significant progress in advancing the welfare and protection of animals

By Craig A. Fine, Esq.

March 21, 2024

“The year 2024 is a remarkable one for animal rights in America, as several laws, policies, and campaigns made significant progress in advancing the welfare and protection of animals. From farm animals to wildlife, from research animals to companion animals, here are some of the highlights and challenges of the past year.” Said Craig A. Fine, Esq. 

One of the biggest victories for farm animals in 2024 was the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold California's Proposition 12, widely considered the world's strongest law for the protection of farm animals. The law bans the extreme confinement of mother pigs, hens, and calves in California, and also prohibits the sale of products from animals raised in such conditions in other states. The law, which was approved by voters in 2018, faced several legal challenges from the pork industry, but the Supreme Court rejected them in June 2024, paving the way for its full implementation https://www.humanesociety.org/blog/good-news-start-2024-these-laws-are-now-place-help-animals.

Another milestone for farm animals was the approval of cultivated meat by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in March 2024, making the U.S. the second country in the world to allow the sale of meat grown from animal cells, after Singapore. The approval was hailed by animal advocates as a breakthrough for reducing animal suffering and environmental impact, as well as meeting the growing demand for meat alternatives https://animalcharityevaluators.org/blog/victories-for-animals-in-2023-and-our-hopes-for-2024/.

However, not all news was positive for farm animals in 2024. Several states, such as Arkansas, Montana, and Oklahoma, passed or proposed bills that aimed to restrict or ban the labeling of plant-based and cultivated products as "meat", claiming that they were misleading or confusing for consumers. These bills were seen by many as attempts to protect the interests of the animal agriculture industry and stifle the innovation and competition of the alternative protein sector https://sentientmedia.org/important-laws-for-animals/.

Wildlife also received some attention and support in 2024, as several initiatives and actions sought to protect and conserve wild animals and their habitats. In April 2024, President Biden announced a new plan to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, as part of his broader agenda to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. The plan, dubbed "America the Beautiful", involved collaboration among federal, state, local, tribal, and private stakeholders, and aimed to restore and enhance the natural resources and ecosystems that support wildlife and human well-being https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/new-animal-welfare-laws.

In July 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it would restore the endangered species status of gray wolves in the lower 48 states, reversing a controversial decision by the previous administration that removed federal protections for the animals in 2020. The agency cited new scientific evidence and public input that showed that gray wolves still faced significant threats from habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans and livestock. The agency also pledged to work with state and tribal authorities to ensure the long-term recovery and management of the species.

However, wildlife also faced some challenges and threats in 2024, especially from the illegal trade and exploitation of wild animals and their parts. In September 2024, a major undercover investigation by the Humane Society International revealed the shocking scale and cruelty of the U.S. trophy hunting industry, which involved the killing of thousands of exotic animals, such as lions, tigers, bears, and zebras, in fenced enclosures for sport and entertainment. The investigation also exposed the loopholes and lack of oversight that allowed the import and export of trophies, skins, bones, and other products from these animals, fueling the global wildlife trafficking network.

Research animals also saw some progress and hope in 2024, as several laws and policies aimed to reduce or replace the use of animals in scientific experiments and testing. In January 2024, a first-of-its-kind law in Maryland required animal research facilities in the state to pay into a Human Relevant Research Fund, which provided grants to scientists working to develop non-animal methods, such as human organoids and computer models. The law, which was supported by animal rights groups and medical experts, was expected to save millions of animals from suffering and death, and also improve the quality and relevance of biomedical research.

In February 2024, Michigan became the 16th state to enact a law that ensured dogs and cats used in research facilities were given the opportunity to be adopted after their time in research had ended. The law, named "Teddy's Law" after a beagle who was rescued from a testing facility in 2019, was welcomed by animal advocates and rescue groups, who said that it gave a second chance to animals who had endured pain and trauma in the name of science.

However, research animals also faced some challenges and barriers in 2024, especially from the resistance and inertia of some institutions and industries that relied on animal testing. In October 2024, a coalition of animal rights groups filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, alleging that the agency violated federal law by requiring unnecessary and cruel animal tests for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. The groups claimed that the agency ignored the availability and validity of alternative methods that did not involve animals and that it wasted time, money, and lives in the process.

Companion animals also received some attention and support in 2024, as several initiatives and actions sought to improve the welfare and protection of pets and their owners. In March 2024, New York became the first state to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, to crack down on the puppy mill industry and to promote adoption from shelters and rescues. The law, which was applauded by animal advocates and humane societies, also provided financial assistance and incentives to pet stores that transitioned to a humane business model.

In June 2024, California passed a landmark law that required landlords to allow tenants to keep at least one pet in their rental units, as long as they paid a reasonable pet deposit and complied with the health and safety rules. The law, which was supported by animal welfare groups and housing advocates, aimed to prevent the discrimination and eviction of pet owners, and also reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters due to housing issues.

However, companion animals also faced some challenges and threats in 2024, especially from the abuse and neglect of irresponsible or malicious owners. In August 2024, a nationwide investigation by the ASPCA revealed the shocking extent and severity of animal hoarding in the U.S., which involved the accumulation of large numbers of animals in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. The investigation also exposed the lack of awareness and resources to address this complex and hidden problem, which affected the health and well-being of both animals and humans.

The year 2024 was a remarkable one for animal rights in America, as several laws, policies, and campaigns made significant progress in advancing the welfare and protection of animals. However, the year also showed that there were still many challenges and obstacles to overcome and that there was still much work to be done to achieve a more humane and compassionate world for all animals. As we approach 2025, we hope that the animal rights movement will continue to grow and succeed and that more people will join us in this noble and urgent cause.

ABOUT CRAIG ALBERT FINE, ESQ.

NOT LEGAL ADVICE

Links, media, and other information related to Attorney Craig Albert Fine (Craig Fine/ Craig A. Fine, Esq.  and other variations as published) and information obtained related to Mr. Fine’s expertise pertaining to the housing markets, mortgage rates, landlord-tenant law, real estate prices and forecasts, budgeting before buying a home and countless other opinion pertaining to real estate, legal advice and legal strategy and other topics in which Craig Albert Fine is mentioned should not be misconstrued as legal advice. For legal advice please consult with the attorney of your choice. 

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR CRAIG A. FINE, ESQ.

The Law Office of Craig A. Fine 

Telephone:  (718) 351-5190

Address: 159 New Dorp Plaza

Staten Island, NY 10306, USA

Website: https://craigafinelawoffice.com/

[giraffeswales]

What are the main threats to giraffes?

Giraffe populations naturally fluctuate due to mortality through predation and disease, and this varies from population to population.

Lion are giraffe’s biggest natural predator. In some populations, lion are responsible for the mortality of more than 50% of calves in their first year.

Giraffe are less vulnerable to leopard and spotted hyena and to an even lesser extent to cheetah and crocodile. Population growth is also limited by drought, which results in poor food quality and quantity and malnutrition, as well as diseases such as anthrax and, historically, rinderpest. Additionally, the poaching (illegal hunting) of giraffe by humans poses a threat throughout certain areas of their range.

Human-giraffe conflict is not common, but can develop due to crop loss and damage, and potential disease transmission can result from habitat sharing with domestic livestock.

The fragmentation and loss of giraffe habitat caused by human encroachment and infrastructure development often leads to the isolation of giraffe populations which, in turn, can limit the flow and exchange of genetic diversity between populations.

#Indangeredgiraffes #threat #giraffefacts

[twf2020]

What are the main threats to the leopard?

The Leopard ( Panthera pardus -Linnaeus, 1758) ,once found to be widely distributed in Asia and Africa are facing various threats amidst declining numbers. The carnivore is classified as ‘vulnerable’ according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020. It is also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

So why is the leopard in danger?

The threats to leopards are mainly anthropogenic. There is evidence that, leopard populations have declined dramatically due to population growth, habitat fragmentation, increased illegal wildlife trade, the loss of prey and trophy hunting Across North, East and West Africa, the Middle East and East and South-East Asia, leopards are facing significant threats and regional extinctions due to the above mentioned factors.

Habitat fragmentation and Poaching are two biggest threats

Recent meta-analyses of leopard status and distribution suggest 48–67% range loss for the species in Africa and 83–87% in Asia (Jacobson et al. 2016).The human population increased by 2.57% per year between 1994 and 2014 (UN 2014), and the conversion of potential leopard habitat to agricultural areas increased by 57% between 1975 and 2000 (Brink and Eva 2009).

Conversion of forest land into palm oil and rubber plantations has increased in South east Asia and have further augmented the habitat loss.

In an attempt to feed the ever growing human population, forest habitats are being converted into farmlands. Farmers often blame leopards for loss of their livestock and often resort to retaliatory killings. Attempts to poison the carcass, use of snares, traps, electrocution are carried out to kill these predators.

Trophy Hunting is not helping the case of leopards

Trophy hunting is still legal in parts of Africa which has a negative impact on the density of big cats. Though there are laws pertaining to the age and sex of the leopards to be hunted for trophy many leopards are hunted outside protected areas. Captive breeding of big carnivores in private ranches also leads to a decrease in the number of prey animals for those leopards who are still in the wild.

Illegal hunting or poaching is also common in Africa and Asia. The skin and other body parts fetch a high price at international wildlife markets which make these animals susceptible to poaching. The skin of leopards are used by tribesmen in Africa and is also displayed as wall decor in many countries.

In one year 2020, in India around 23 dead bodies of leopards were found minus the skin and the claws. On further examination, trap marks and wound marks were also found on the bodies which signified unnatural cause of death.

It is well known that predator density depends on prey density (Carbone & Gittleman 2002, Karanth et al. 2004). Wild dogs kill prey and compete with large carnivores for food. Several studies show that eating habits have changed over the years. Feral dogs, pigs and goats have become the main prey for leopards living outside protected areas in India (Athreya et al., 2004).

Human-Leopard conflict has become more intense than ever

The rapid expansion of urban areas worldwide has been markedly increasing the frequency of encounters humans have with wildlife and large carnivores such as leopards being no exception. Especially in densely populated countries of Asia, where half of the world’s population reside, sometimes in close proximity to wildlife reserves, there is an intense competition over natural resources.

When there are incidents of large cats such as tigers and leopards injuring or killing humans, it evokes public outrage which obstructs conservation efforts. In India,recent media reports implicate the leopard as the most common carnivore in man — carnivore conflict. The major hotspots of man- leopard conflict in India are Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Due to habitat fragmentation, protected areas are unable to contain leopards, who have extensive home ranges and are likely to stray out. As a result they come in contact with human dominated landscapes and are prone to increased interactions with humans. Crops such as sugar cane, tea plantations and other tall crops are involved in providing an “ideal” habitat for the leopard, allowing it to wander at close proximity to humans.

Patterns of Human-Leopard Conflict

A study by Mizutani (1999) in Kenya found that losses due to leopard attacks on livestock differed in ranches devoid of wild prey compared to ranches with wild prey. It was also recommended that presence of a wild prey was a good strategy for reducing livestock predation.

A socio economic survey conducted in Junnar district of Maharashtra by Jhamvar-Shingote & Michael A. Schuett in 2013 showed both positive and negative opinions harbored by humans regarding the leopard. Some people who lived with the predator have become accustomed to the need for coexistence whilst people who had encountered livestock losses and personal attacks or mere sightings of the animal live in fear and prefer the big cat to be relocated away from their residence.

A study conducted by Naha D et al in Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand highlights the negative perception of humans towards leopards.A total of 121 leopards were killed in this district either in retaliation by local communities or declared as man-eaters and shot with a range of 2–16 per year between 1990- 2005. Around 350 attacks of leopards were recorded in this period. The authors conducted a similar study in tea estates of North Bengal which showed a lesser number of leopard attacks or deaths.

They concluded leopard attacks are driven by many socio- ecological factors.

Given the close proximity with humans, an odd leopard may fall into a well, get trapped in wires, stray into an empty cattle shed, prey on livestock or may accidentally attack a human being. In the worst case it may get habitual to prey on cattle or humans. Such leopards are referred to as ‘man eaters’ in earlier days or ‘problem animals’ nowadays.

The Thing about “Problem Leopards”

Why do tigers, lions or leopards suddenly become man-eaters? Many behavioral studies have evolved around this question although there is no definitive answer.

There was a fearsome leopard that operated over a large territory of Garhwal from 1918 to 1926 who was known to have killed at least 125 humans ( or probably more). He was ultimately hunted by Jim Corbett and immortalized in his book ‘ The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag���

Researchers and conservationists have churned out various reasons from shrinking habitats to easy accessibility to prey for the leopards. Big cats preying on domestic livestock often find it easy to hunt them. Humans on other hand could be accidental or deliberate victims.

In her book ‘Crooked Cats’ — wildlife conservationist Nayanika Mathur has explored this question in detail through numerous interviews with victims, researchers and people living near the territory of big cats.

She further states “ Corbett, too, has argued that in the 1920s Himalayas there was a surge in man eating leopards, due to the non cremation of dead bodies after a cholera pandemic.” Dead bodies of those succumbing to cholera were dumped in nearby forests and leopards might have become accustomed to human flesh.

Leopards targeting livestock and humans often find themselves at the center of man-animal conflict and vulnerable to retaliatory killing. A management plan should be established for proper handling of these leopards and strict implementation should be closely monitored at the range office level. Such plans should balance both sides, threats and financial losses people face from predatory leopards and the endangered status of these animals.. Captive leopards not involved in human attacks should be released immediately before trespassers invade their territory.

Lack of Studies also an issue

Inadequate ecological information on Indian leopards along with social and political pressure often complicate the management of problem animals. Telemetric studies are essential for understanding the lifestyle of these secretive animals. It is essential to identify individual animals in conflict areas and areas which have potential for conflict. The Forest Departments must be in a position to identify if a trapped animal has had a history of livestock or human attacks.

However, this will require regular monitoring of the leopard population which can be done by DNA analysis of scats and leopard hair/tissue obtained from the site of attack. This is time consuming and in countries like India, requires a great deal of bureaucratic Intervention. Such cases are solved quickly by capturing and translocating the problem animal.

Political Interference as usual is problematic

Politicians and Bureaucrats often decide the fate of such captured animals. A letter from angry locals, a mob attack from locals on the forest department can quickly spin wheels into action before conservationists can confirm the identity of the animal. Social media often churns out fake messages which can influence the decision makers to act rapidly.

In one such example, an increased political interference had managed to win a hunting license from the Maharashtra government, which allowed known hunters from the official government certified board to be called on to try to capture a problem leopard.

Do translocations of problematic animals actually work?

Translocation is a process that involves capturing a perceived “problem animal” alive in the area of conflict and transporting it to another area where the animal is duly released. Often the captured animal lays in captivity throughout its entire life or if released in wild, again restores to preying upon livestock.

A problem leopard captured in Gujarat was translocated 30 km away and fitted with a radio collar. It was found to immediately return to its earlier territory and resume livestock depredation. Nevertheless, this practice still continues.

An important study was undertaken in Mumbai in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, (Athreya et al 2014) claims that the large peak of leopard attacks during 2002- 2004 was a direct outcome of the large-scale capture and release of leopards in and around this area.

Translocation of big cats for any reason involves trapping and caging which is a traumatic experience for these animals. As described by Naynika Mathur in her book, ‘Crooked Cats’ “The rough trapping experience, poor transportation facilities, and abysmal conditions of the cages in most of the rescue centers lead to injury, stress, and the deterioration of the animal’s health prior to its release” She also further explains how this hidden bureaucratic maneuvering is one stop solution for all ‘problem animals’ in India.

She further describes how during the legislative assembly elections in Uttarakhand in 2012, many leopards were captured and taken away from bigger towns so that the incumbent political party would not be blamed for such sightings. “ Sighting these big cats in a town or other such spaces that are considered non beastly is widely considered a damning failure of governance.”

Example of Human- Leopard co-existence in Mumbai

The city of Mumbai has sprawled across the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a protected forest area that continues to exist as a piece of paradise for wildlife, surrounded by the bustling growth of a megacity.

Over the past few decades, parts of SGNP and its surroundings have been diverted for different developmental projects. This has resulted in habitat fragmentation.

With the spread of human settlement along the margin of the forest area, there has not only been a rise in the number of people but also in domestic animals such as cats, dogs, and pigs, which are easy prey to the leopards ( Subramanian 2018). The improper disposal of waste around many human settlements attracts feral pigs and dogs, which make for easy prey for leopards.

According to a study conducted in 2018, there are 47 adult leopards and 8 cubs in SGNP (Ghai 2020).

Conclusion

However very few cases of conflict are reported from this area. The tribal living inside the park and those living outside have adapted themselves to live with the predators. A chance stroll in the late evening in this area, one can hear the roar of leopards intermingling with noises of loud T.V ‘s, loud chatter and busy hustling of human activities. The forest department conducts education and awareness programmers from time to time in this area. Effective garbage management and cleanliness has kept feral animals off the garbage dump which has lead to decrease in chances of leopards straying close to attack domestic animals.

We at Think Wildlife Foundation recently launched our Livelihoods for Conservation project to provide alternative, sustainable livelihoods to the communities living with wildlife. This is with the aim to incentivize conservation while uplifting these communities economically. You can purchase merchandise from these communities here!

Written by: Dr. Nupur Sawant

Originally published at https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com on Jun

[filaantrocrowdfunding]

World Lion Day: Significance and Conservation of the King of the Jungle

First started by Big Cat Rescue in 2013, the world’s largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to lions, World Lion Day has been an annual celebration of the kings of the jungle every August 10th.

On this day, art, photography and cultural events are held which celebrate the significance, beauty and conservation of the species. Workshops, seminars, and talks are also held on this day to raise awareness about the importance and conservation of lions. Some organizations even raise funds for conservation efforts.

The estimated population of lions stands between 23,000 to 39,000, out of which 674 reside in the Gir Forest of India. The worldwide population of lions has seen a steep decrease of 20% in the past two decades. Human-wildlife conflict, natural prey decline, habitat loss, climate change and wildlife trade are to be blamed for the decline in the population of lions.

Lions are the apex predators in the animal kingdom. They drive the ‘circle of life’ in the wild. Lions play a significant role in maintaining the balance between herbivores and grasslands. This also helps the local population who rely on these natural resources.

One of the most wholesome ways to save a lion is to adopt one. No, we are not saying that you need to keep one in your home, but you can sponsor a lion. Through GG Conservation, you can actually adopt a lion. Your sponsorship will enable them to raise funds for food, veterinary care and housing costs. You would also get regular updates on how your lion is doing.

If a monthly donation is not feasible for you, you can donate to an organization for a single time. Wildlife Trust of India is one such organization working for the conservation of animal habitats. Your donation would not only help lions but the whole animal kingdom.

Wildlife poaching is one of the biggest threats to lions, as the demand for animal products is high. So, what better way to reduce poaching than to destroy the poaching industry? Your sole refusal to stop purchasing and selling lion products can have a significant impact on conservation efforts.

Lastly, you can spread awareness in your community by organizing fundraisers. You can also spread the word on social media regarding the importance of conserving lions. Never underestimate the power of your single voice, as it can lead to a chain reaction of shares, which can have a lasting impact.

Filaantro understands the importance of animals in our vicinity. We have conducted a lot of feeding and awareness campaigns in the past. Filaantro supports animal conservation, and users can even start a fundraising campaign for animal conservation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Please feel free to share this article with all your friends and family members. Your shares will help more people to understand the importance of lions in our society.

[livefuntravelposts]

The New Big 5

What is the New Big 5? Most people know the traditional Big 5 animals:  Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant.  They were named as the top animals to kill on Safari in Africa.  In time, they became the top animals to photograph. The New Big 5 was an international initiative to create a New Big 5 of Photography and not hunting.  Animals that we want to shoot with a camera and not a gun.  The New Big 5 are Polar Bears, Gorillas, Lions, Tigers and Elephants. The traditional Big 5 was relatively easy to see.  Travel to Africa and more than likely you will encounter most if not all of the Big 5.  The New Big 5 is harder.  It means traveling to the Arctic, Asia and Africa.  Even then you might not encounter all of these animals. Kati and I did just that. We travelled to the Arctic and saw over 40 polar bears in the wild.  We have ventured to Africa and saw Gorillas, Lion and Elephant.  And we went to Asia and saw Tigers and the Asian Elephant.  And it has been incredible. Yes, it was great to be able to photograph these animals in the wild.  But more importantly we were able to learn about the struggles these iconic animals go through.  Whether it is habitat loss, or poaching or from climate change, these mighty animals are all struggling. Wildlife throughout the world is struggling.  Whether it be pangolins, jaguars, or even the Florida panther, much of wildlife is on the verge of extinction.  A tiger in a zoo is not a wild tiger.  A gorilla in Disney World is not a wild gorilla.  To continually destroy their habitats or kill them because of some ancient belief is insane.  And yet that is what is happening. To not believe in climate change is incredible.  It means that all the scientific data is wrong.  It means that our own eyes are wrong.  It means that the unbeliever has tuned out everything around him or her and ignores what is apparent and right in front of them.  We hope this changes before many of these animals will no longer be here. Here are our favorite photos from the New Big 5:

Tigers

A Tiger sleeping in the Jungle. It was the first wild Tiger we saw.  

This large male Tiger was with a female and mated while we watched.   According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the current tiger conservation status is classified as endangered / critically endangered.  There are approximately 4,000 wild tigers left in the world.  With poaching, human encroachment and climate change, the wild tiger population is seriously under threat.  Can you imagine a world without wild tigers?

Lions

This is the Black Rock Pride in the Masai Mara. With 3 cubs, the males were very protective.  

A female lion in the Maasai Mara  

These two lion cubs were waiting for their mother in Uganda.   According to the WWF, the IUCN estimates that between 23,000 to 39,000 lions remain in the wild. However, other data from recent years suggests that that number may be closer to 20,000, as three-quarters of their population is in decline. In just the last two decades, lion populations have decreased by 43%.  Down 90% over the last 100 years.  The lion is vulnerable due to the same reason as the Tiger above.  

Gorillas

Trekking into the jungle to experience Gorillas is amazing experience.  

Thinking!  

Taking a nap. Experiencing a gorilla in the wild is a life-changing experience   Mountain Gorillas are endangered.  There are about a thousand mountain gorillas remaining on Earth, and about half live in the forests of the Virunga mountains in central Africa.  

Polar Bears

  Seeing Polar bears in the Arctic  

Seeing so many polar bears together was amazing.  

Polar Bears are the most iconic animal in the Arctic. We cannot lose these amazing animals.   The IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group lists the polar bear as a vulnerable species, citing sea ice loss from climate change as the single biggest threat to their survival.  There are about 26,000 polar bears left in the world.  Their lives are changing and without action on climate change, we could lose all but a couple of the populations left by the end of the century.  

Elephants

An elephant family in Uganda.  

Elephants need saved. They are lovely creatures.  

Big Tuskers like this are becoming more rare. There are estimated that only 24 survive today due to the devastating effects of poaching.   Following population declines over several decades due to poaching for ivory and loss of habitat, the African forest elephant is now listed as critically endangered.  African elephant populations are down 90%,  

Our Final Word

The New Big 5 is just a start.  There are so many animals on the brink of extinction in the world.  I cannot imagine a world without wild tigers, or elephants.  You have to wonder if the human race will be forgiven for almost wiping out mountain gorillas or turning our backs on Polar Bears.  There are so many other species that are almost gone.  There is only about 200 Florida Panthers left in the wild.  There are only about 3,500 shoebill storks left in the world.  In 1900 there were 500,000 rhinos in Africa and Asia.  Today there are about 26,000 left.  We have seen the effects of climate change firsthand as well as what happens when poaching occurs.  Human encroachment is a huge problem in many parts of the world. Organizations like the WWF and Project Tiger are working to ensure that these animals will still be here for generations to come.  Find an organization and support it.  It is not just about the animals, but about all of us.

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[kedreeva]

That's not really the whole story. Endangered status isn't based purely on size of the animal or even purely on habitat size; asian elephants, for example, are still considered endangered despite having a population around 40,000 and needing several thousand square km of habitat. Bengal tigers, higher on the food chain than pandas technically, are still endangered despite the 2023 census finding 3,100 individuals.

The thing is "stable population" takes into account a LOT of factors, including native range, active habitat/habitat loss rate, territory overlap, genetic diversity, predation potential, human harvesting (esp. poaching), reproduction rate, maximum & historival population, and others.

Look at predation. VERY little preys upon an adult pandas as a main food source; their biggest threat is habitat loss and humans. Those 2k pandas are pretty much all going to make it to adulthood barring disaster. They're going to make more pandas that will mostly make it to adulthood. On average, a hawk like a redtail has a population density of two hawks (a pair) per 1.4 square miles (x). Cottontail rabbits average around 250 per square mile (1-2.2 per hectare). Most of the hawk babies, barring disaster, will survive. Most of the rabbits will be eaten by birds of prey, coyotes, foxes, people's housecats and dogs, etc etc etc. Some nests won't survive because the mother gets eaten. Some will be killed by humans during hunting season, or hit by cars. Minnesota found that 80% of the population is killed every year (x). The "stable population" of a rabbit has to account for the average potential losses due to predation and other deaths.

This is also a hugely important factor for native release of animals with an aim toward conservation. Bobwhite quail, native to most of the US, have been declining due to habitat loss and predation, hugely by housecats. When wild releases of farm-raised birds occurs, they very notably do Bad- one study found ALL released birds dead within 12 weeks of release, eaten mainly by avian predators. Another found some surviving, but with abysmal survival instincts (x). With pandas, the chances are pretty much guaranteed that if you release an individual, it's going to survive as long as it can figure out how to eat and where to get water. There's likely going to be humans monitoring it because they put a ton of effort into getting it there.

You ALSO have to look not just at how much space they take up, but at their native range and the space it takes up as a whole. Pandas have a set range- they live in the mountains in china. You're not gonna come find them in the Rockies. This is where "pandas per territory" comes in; biologists look at the total possible land that is the panda's native range, and how many pandas can even be supported on it, and that's the maximum population even possible. Look at Devil's Hole pupfish that lives in that one bin of water in a cave; the ENTIRE wild population, and the entire population at all until recently, was like max 550 fish. That seems like a really tiny number compared to the 40,000 of a MUCH bigger animal, but there can't be more than that in the wild, because they ONLY live in this one cave pool. But, despite being at maximum wild capacity (rather about half max at the last census), they're listed as endangered not because their population is low for their species, but because if something happens to that ONE pool, they're toast. If left alone, the fish would probably be fine, they clearly have been doing fine for a long time but listing them as endangered is what protected them from stuff like the mining that wants to destroy their only known habitat.

Conservation statuses also look at historical populations of animals. Take the endangered bengal tiger- the current 3,100 tigers, a "record number" lately, is at a higher population than the panda. But it's been estimated that in 1900, numbers in excess of 100k tigers existed (x), down to 40,000 in 1950 (x). Whereas the panda population was around 3,000 in 1950, and seems to mostly have hung out around that level from what i can tell. Their population just isn't very big, even looking back in time. The only places I could find suggested a "peak" population 30,000 years ago, but no one I could find at a quick glance listed a number or even the study name the "peak" info came from. Still, historical numbers vs present day numbers may help to suggest what counts as the "endangered" number for an animal.

You also just have you understand the difference between "endangered" meaning "high risk of going extinct in the wild" vs "vulnerable" meaning "high risk of endangerment in the wild." Moving from one list to the other doesn't mean they're fine, it just means that they're no longer on the verge of utter extinction. They have conservation efforts in place for their habitat and lives, genetic diversity is rising and being protected in captivity, they're not a species highly preyed upon so the population that exists is unlikely to experience an 80% loss via natural predation. Released individuals have a high likelihood of survival and reproduction. They're filling their native range out better.

2,000 rabbits would be a nearly extinct population of rabbits because their habitat range is massive, and they get eaten by, like, everything. 2,000 pandas that are actively being protected by the government, zoos, and other conservation organizations are not in imminent danger of going extinct. It's not their maximum, and they're not at "totally fine everyone can go home" levels of population, but they're doing better, they're relatively protected, and getting closer to a historical and normal population of giant pandas for their available habitat, with decent diversity in genes looking forward.

The population of giant pandas in the wild has nearly doubled as China steps up its conservation efforts.

China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration said on Jan 25 there are now around 1,900 pandas in the wild from some 1,100 in the 1980s.

This has been due to China’s efforts to protect the species, considered a national treasure, said Mr Zhang Yue, an official with the administration.

The Giant Panda National Park was established in October 2021, covering a total area of over 22,000 sq km and providing a home to around 72 per cent of the wild giant panda population.

Protected areas for giant pandas have grown from 1.39 million ha to 2.58 million ha since 2012.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has adjusted the status of giant pandas from “endangered” to “vulnerable”.

“This indicates that China’s giant panda conservation efforts have been recognised by the international wildlife conservation community,” Mr Zhang said.

The global captive population of giant pandas, meanwhile, has now reached 728, with 46 pandas successfully bred in captivity in 2023.

The genetic diversity of captive giant pandas has also improved. The current captive population of giant pandas can maintain 90 per cent genetic diversity for up to 200 years.

As for giant pandas living abroad, Mr Zhang said China has organised field inspections and assessments of 23 overseas cooperation institutions in 19 countries since 2023.

“The cooperation institutions generally meet the requirements in terms of venue construction, feeding and nursing, and disease prevention and control measures,” Mr Zhang said, adding that pandas living abroad are generally “in good health”.

He said China will further improve the international cooperation management mechanism for giant pandas, carry out regular daily health monitoring and field inspection and assessment, and continue to strengthen cooperation with international partners for the protection of endangered species and biodiversity.

-via The Straits Times, January 25, 2024

[is-the-primate-vid-cute]

Q: I know that gorillas shouldn't be kept as pets for moral and safety reasons, but that goes with all other primates as well, and people seem to not care about that when it comes to chimps or capuchins, is there a specific reason gorillas are usually not involved in the illegal pet trade.

A: I believe it’s a combination of factors, the biggest deterrent likely being the size and strength that adult gorillas grow to. While all great ape species grow to be very large and strong, gorillas are the largest and the most obviously muscular. While a baby gorilla may be petite and cute, I think even the most ambitious would be poachers and pet owners recognize that an adult gorilla would be dangerous and much too large for a human household.

As to why people think this about gorillas and not other great ape species, reputation plays a large role. Gorillas tend to be associated with media such as King Kong and have an undeserved reputation for being violent and antagonistic, whereas chimpanzees tend to be thought of as more gentle and human-like despite the fact that an adolescent chimpanzee could easily maul or kill any person.

When it comes to wildlife poaching and trafficking, demand is everything. A huge proportion of poachers and traffickers are people desperate for money due to genuine disenfranchisement, so making a profit without getting hurt is vital. Gorillas are more frequently hunted for bushmeat or trophies, and where a chimpanzee might make a valuable pet it would be a hard sell to find someone who wants to keep a gorilla knowing how large they get. Additionally, gorillas are such tight knit troupes that accessing babies would likely necessitate wiping out a whole troupe, including the dominant silverback. Gorilla hunters try to target gorillas out on their own to avoid being outnumbered and overpowered by their troupe, and baby gorillas would be staying with the group until they are past the age when capture for the pet trade is desirable. 

Gorillas are lucky to have survived the demand of the exotic pet trade where other primates have not been as lucky. Unfortunately, their reputation as brutes harmed them for a long time in a different way as they were popular targets for trophy hunters. Due to the work of the Fossey Foundation and the stricter regulations on animal goods, gorillas are now bothered by humans far less than the other apes. Their numbers still need a lot of help to return to stable populations and habitat loss is still a major threat, but there are silver linings to being huge and strong.

[how2skinatiger]

Facts matter and misinformation can have devastating real-world impacts. This is as true in the African bush as it is in the U.S. Capitol. That is why we are deeply concerned when we read overt misinformation about trophy hunting, such as in the opinion pieces by photographer Cyril Christo.

Trophy hunting is an emotive and polarizing issue ripe for misinformation. Much of the discussion on both sides occurs in echo chambers, where falsehoods and half-truths are shared and perpetuated. Misinformation can eventually make its way into policy debates as it has in Congress, the California Legislature, and the UK Parliament. Just as with anti-vaccine falsehoods and climate change denial, these misinformation campaigns must be called out for the significant harm they do. As the scientist Kelvin Peh stated so well: "Truth not only continues to matter; it remains the biggest weapon and shield for all wildlife conservationists and environmental scientists in a world of increasingly wanton, politically-motivated myth-making."

There are many statements in Mr. Christo’s contributions which could be debated, but three central (and common) misconceptions stand out. These are not unique to Mr. Christo’s articles: these misconceptions are commonly spread by anti-trophy hunting campaign groups. Such misinformation must be tackled so that policymakers can be better informed.

The first is the idea that trophy hunting is driving species to extinction. Decades of published, scientific research and field experience show this is demonstrably false. There is not, as far as we can tell, a single species where trophy hunting is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List as a key threat driving it to extinction. Humane Society International, an organization that campaigns against trophy hunting, listed the top 20 species imported by American trophy hunters (the bulk of international hunters). If that hunting was intensifying decline, it would be a major concern in a world that has lost over two-thirds of its vertebrate wildlife since 1970. However, far from hunting driving those species to extinction, nine of the 20 are increasing in numbers and 6 are stable. Eighteen are ranked as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with the other two "Near Threatened:" so none are threatened species. For four of the 20, including one of the "Near Threatened" ones, trophy hunting is identified by the IUCN as a positive instrument in their conservation, and is implied for a further three species. None of the 20 have trophy hunting documented as a threat to their populations. These facts matter.

Trophy hunting can be successful at conserving wildlife because it provides the economic incentive to conserve large tracts of wildlife habitat where there are few or no alternative funding sources. This helps maintain species, including lions, which can threaten the lives and livelihoods of rural people. One seminal study documented at least 340 million acres conserved by trophy hunting across sub-Saharan Africa: more land than has been set aside for National Parks, where photo tourism is concentrated. Furthermore, there are clear examples where trophy hunting has benefited the conservation of wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, argali and many others. These examples are well documented, including in an IUCN Briefing Paper, the academic literature and a US Congress report. Again, these facts matter. 

By incentivizing the conservation of wildlife habitat and the maintenance of dangerous species, trophy hunting can play an important role in reducing far greater threats such as habitat loss and poaching. This conservation benefit is particularly significant given that IPBES highlighted land use change as the primary driver of massive global biodiversity loss. This is why over 130 scientists and local stakeholders, including Chairs of multiple IUCN Specialist Groups, signed a 2019 letter in Science, warning that banning trophy hunting without viable alternatives ready would imperil biodiversity.

The second theme of the misinformation campaign is the false equivalence between trophy hunting and poaching. Trophy hunting differs from poaching as much as shopping differs from shoplifting. In both cases, the former is legal, regulated and generates wider benefits. Conversely, because poaching is illegal and unregulated, it is often indiscriminate, kills many non-target species and plays a key role in wildlife decline.

Oddly, the "evidence" that has been cited for poaching being linked to trophy hunting is that they can occur in the same area, such as in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, which has undoubtedly suffered severe poaching. But recent data from South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of the most popular photo tourism destinations in Africa, showed that rhino numbers fell by 67 percent since 2011. Does this mean that "where photo-tourism is allowed, poaching follows?" Should photo-tourism be banned, in Kruger or more widely, especially as most African protected areas maintain wildlife far below carrying capacity, due to threats such as poaching?

The sensible answer is no; whether managed for photo-tourism and/or trophy hunting, most African protected areas are woefully under-funded, so removing either one of those key revenue streams without adequate replacement would only exacerbate those threats. For example, in Tanzania’s Ruaha landscape — internationally important for lions and many other species — it is indeed likely that lions are in decline. However, as with many other landscapes, far more lions around Ruaha are speared, snared and poisoned than are killed by trophy hunters. An exaggerated focus on trophy hunting simply draws attention away from the real threats such as intense human wildlife conflict, or the disempowerment of local people in conservation. This is of real concern.

Clearly, trophy hunting has huge impacts for the individual, and in some cases can negatively impact populations, such as with lions in Hwange or Selous. But in Africa just as in the U.S., the science exists that can, and does, underpin sustainable trophy hunting. This includes age-based adaptive quotas and targeted actions such as quota reductions or time-limited moratoria for some species. Poor governance, including corruption, and poor design of and adherence to regulations, can doubtless have real impacts on wildlife in trophy hunting areas, and the same is true for photo-tourism areas.

The key question however is whether removing trophy hunting in an area would ultimately decrease overall threats. Currently, it is unlikely to be the case. Indiscriminate bans, without better alternatives to replace incentives from high-fee trophy hunting to maintain wildlife and habitat, risk significantly amplifying major threats such as poaching and land conversion.

The third, and crucial, topic where we often see misinformation is around trophy hunting and colonialism. Much of the current conservation model – including land set aside for both photo-tourism and trophy hunting – has deep colonial underpinnings, and this must be understood and acknowledged. But that makes it ever more important that today, the post-colonial decision-making and rights of African countries and communities are respected. Westerners must not continue to externally impose their own ideals upon Africans, such as pushing trophy hunting bans and restrictions, where local communities warn they are directly undermining both successful conservation and human rights.

What is all too rarely recognized is that Africans themselves have long realized the failure of conservation models, and have in many places reversed them. At the core of these new African-invented wildlife conservation models is the principle that legal rights should be given back to local people to sustainably use their wildlife. These rights, the global markets that add so much value to a uniquely African product, and the democratic awakening associated with them should not be undermined because utilization offends people elsewhere. Let the communities that live with wildlife be the ones to decide whether the benefits they receive from trophy hunting are meaningful — as many have. Recently, the Community Leaders Network of Southern Africa made a powerful statement on this very topic. Tired of getting a raw deal, rural African communities are demanding a new deal in which they are shareholders (not disempowered stakeholders) in their own wildlife resource. Thus, externally imposed bans, including import bans, undermine not only the foundations of sustainable wildlife management but also of human rights.

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[rabbitcruiser]

World Elephant Day

These magnificent creatures are among the largest animals on earth, with incredible memories and emotional intelligence that astound researchers and animal lovers alike.

They’re intelligent. They’re family-oriented. They have great memories. They are capable of feeling a wide range of deep emotions, from intense grief to joy bordering on elation, as well as empathy and stunning self-awareness. They create complex, supportive societies much like our own.

Taking into consideration all of that and much, much more, what’s not to love about elephants? Still, countless elephants are brutally killed every year for their ivory by greedy poachers who then leave their carcasses to rot in the sun. As Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair put it:

We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits, but the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.

World Elephant Day is the perfect time to find out more about these amazing animals and what we can do to preserve and protect them so they do not go the way of the mammoth.

History of World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day was created in 2011 by two Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and first celebrated on August 12, 2012. The initiative was greatly supported by film star and Star Trek legend William Shatner who narrated the documentary Return to the Forest, a fascinating 30-minute film about the reintroduction of captive Asian elephants to the wild.

The motivation for the first World Elephant Day was to draw attention to the plight of these majestic creatures to populations and cultures all over the world. Due to their pleasant and intelligent nature, the world’s largest land animals are loved worldwide. But, unfortunately, these magnificent creatures face multiple threats to their survival.

One major issue is the ivory trade. Currently, the demand for ivory is the biggest in China, with the price of ivory often exceeding the price of gold, something that makes elephants bigger targets than ever. The economics here work firmly against the humble elephant. Extreme levels of poverty in Africa mean that people can often make a month’s wages or more from the ivory of a single animal, selling it on the international market.

Furthermore, the parts of the world that demand ivory, such as China, are becoming increasingly wealthy, meaning that they can pay more for tusks. These dual factors are combining to make elephant poaching one of the most lucrative activities on the plant.

Habitation loss is also a danger to the world’s elephant population as it deprives elephants of the hundreds of pounds of food they need every day, making it more difficult for them to breed and making it easier for poachers to track them down. Unfortunately, researchers believe that loss of habitat is the primary driver for the loss of elephants in the wild. A century ago, they numbered more than 12 million in the wild. Today, that figure may be as low as 400,000, with as many as 20,000 per year killed by poachers.

Data suggest that the geographic range of elephants fell by around 30 percent between 2002 and 2011, with a similar loss of savannah for them to roam. The introduction of large parks throughout Africa has allowed habitat destruction to stabilize, but illegal poaching remains a dire threat. Circuses and tourism are also serious problems for the animals’ well-being.

World Elephant Day is an opportunity for everyone to get together to find ways to reduce conflict between humans and elephants. The solution probably lies in a combination of strategies. These could include land development that minimizes habitat destruction, electric fences to keep elephants away from farms, and changes in local attitudes.

Luckily, an increasing number of both celebrities and politicians have become interested in the cause, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashley Judd, and President Barack Obama.

World Elephant Day Timeline

50 million BC Elephants roam Africa

The elephant species is believed to have originated in Africa and then eventually spread across land bridges to Asia and Europe.

2012 World Elephant Day is founded

Canadian Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, which is a royal initiative in Thailand. The day continues to be led by Patricia Sims.

19th-20th Centuries Elephant populations are reduced

The number of elephants decreases, even with international efforts to protect them.

1976 African Elephants are placed on the Endangered Species list

The growing popularity of ivory leads to a severe decrease in populations and elephants are considered endangered as poachers continue to kill them for their tusks.

2015 World Elephant Society is started

Founded as a charitable organization, World Elephant Society was created to help support the World Elephant Day campaign.

How to Celebrate World Elephant Day

The best way to celebrate this day is to take the opportunity to educate yourself about these magnificent mammals and share your knowledge with others. As ever, simply spreading the word about the dangers these magnificent mammals face via social media can actually make a real change.

Thanks to your sharing a few of World Elephant Day’s Facebook posts, that old high school acquaintance of yours who is traveling to Thailand on her honeymoon this year may just decide to skip the elephant ride when she realizes that “training” elephants often involves tying and beating them daily for months on end.

Watching the aforementioned documentary will only take half an hour of your time but is sure to be a real eye-opener, not to mention the absolutely stunning landscapes shown in it. If you want to get a bit more involved, you could choose to make a donation to a foundation dedicated to protecting elephants from poachers or relocating them to locations better suited to their needs.

The organizers of World Elephant Day also provide plenty of ideas they encourage for helping these incredible creatures in the wild.

The first thing you can do is sign the World Elephant Day pledge. This document allows you to join with countless other people around the world to put pressure on governments to change their policies.

Organizers also want people to promote ethical elephant hashtags on their social media accounts, raising awareness of the abuse of animals worldwide, including in the tourism industry.

Clearly, buying any products containing ivory is a big no-no and should be avoided wherever possible. When buying pianos, antiques, or other products, always check to ensure that the manufacturer has not used elephant tusks in the production process.

You can also support organizations working hard to protect natural elephant habitats. Many of these areas are under threat right now because of population pressures in sub-Saharan African countries as well as India, where cities are sprawling and booming.

Finally, you can invest in projects that seek to provide sustainable and lucrative livelihoods to people who live alongside elephants. These programs improve economic circumstances so that locals don’t feel that they need to poach to make ends meet.

Whichever way suits you best, make sure that you spend this day in a way that helps elephants the world over so we, in turn, can continue to marvel at them and their uniquely fascinating way of life. By playing your part, you can make a big difference.

World Elephant Day FAQs

When is World Elephant Day?

World Elephant Day takes place on August 12 of each year. Other celebration days for elephants include Save the Elephant Day on April 16 and National Elephant Appreciation Day on September 22.

How is World Elephant Day celebrated?

One of the best ways to celebrate World Elephant Day is to help elephants by raising awareness, learning more about elephants, or signing the World Elephant Day Pledge.

Are elephants endangered?

The elephant species is classified as endangered, with only 40,000-50,000 left in the wild.

Why is World Elephant Day celebrated?

World Elephant Day is observed to bring attention to the plight of Asian and African elephants, conserving and protecting them from the numerous threats they face.

How much does an elephant weigh?

As the largest land animals on earth, a large male elephant can weigh up to 15,000 pounds.

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Venus Flytrap Knowledge Nuggets

Nugget 1: These carnivorous wonders are not only cool, but rare too. Flytraps have been introduced to other areas outside their original habitat, but their natural range is North Carolina and a small section of South Carolina. Nugget 2: They get most of their energy through photosynthesis, but they also famously get some of their nutrients from digesting insects too. An insect will crawl across the leaves, brushing against tiny hairs that trigger a response for the leaves to snap shut. Boom! Lunch is served. Nugget 3: Venus flytraps do have some threats, the biggest of which is habitat loss and poaching. You can help keep these insect munching friends safe. 

Check out our tips on how to spot a poached flytrap:  http://ow.ly/E0Uf50HzrXL Photo: Venus flytraps by Jennifer Koches/USFWS

via: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service