Animals

Rhinos: 11 Incredible Facts, Plus Photo Gallery

November 20, 2009

Thanks to rampant poaching and habitat destruction, rhinos have the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most endangered animals on earth. Over the last 30 years, the world’s overall rhinoceros population has declined by over 90% – and if not for dedicated conservation efforts over the last 100 years, it is likely that all rhinoceros species would already be extinct. To help raise awareness for these proud pachyderms, here are 11 incredible facts about rhinos – plus a compilation…

Global Honey Bee Population Increasing, Despite Local Losses

October 29, 2009

Foragers coming in loaded with pollen on the hive landing board. In 2007, large commercial beekeepers started reporting big drop-offs in their bee colony populations. By 2008, estimated colony losses of between 30 and 70% were being reported, as a flurry of bad news about bees made the media rounds. The loss since then of over 40% of the nation’s commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies–most seemingly due to so-called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD; caused most likely by the IAPV…

Bats: 10 Fun Bat Facts, Plus Photo Gallery

October 27, 2009

Bats may be considered a spooky Halloween mascot, but they are actually one of the most beneficial animals on the planet: 70% of the world’s bat species feed on insects – and one bat can consume up to 1,000 insect pests in an hour. Bats also play a critical role in pollination and seed dispersal. To help raise awareness for bats, here is a compilation of 10 facts about bats – and a diverse photo gallery of bat species celebrating the surprising cuteness of these creatures.

Undercover Investigation Exposes China’s Illegal Big Cat Skin Trade

October 26, 2009

Officials from the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) recently took part in an undercover investigation that revealed the illegal big cat skin and bone trade is still taking place in China despite the fact it is against the law. The investigation took place from July 25th and August 19, 2009. Other rare animal skins, including snow leopards and other big cats, were also being sold.

100 Elephants Killed Daily To Meet Illegal Ivory Demand, Chinese Appetite Whetted

October 20, 2009

Thanks to the controversial approval of a one-off ivory sale, illegal trade in ivory has been reinvigorated – and 100 elephants a day are being slaughtered. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) approved a one-off elephant ivory auction in 2008 of 119 tons (108 tonnes) – representing over 10,000 dead elephants – and this decision is believed to have stimulated the growing illegal ivory market.

More Frozen Tiger Carcasses Found in Vietnam

October 17, 2009

Two frozen tigers have been seized by environmental authorities near Hanoi. Hanoi police made a horrifying discovery when they stopped a taxi in the central province of Thanh Hoa: The frozen carcasses of two tigers.

World's Last Yangtze Turtle Pair Fails to Reproduce, Again

October 15, 2009

The last known female Yangtze giant soft-shell turtle laid 188 eggs this year, but none of them will be hatching. A disappointment for turtle conservationists: The world’s only known pair of critically endangered Yangtze giant soft-shell turtles (Rafetus swinhoei) have failed to reproduce for the second consecutive year. 81-year-old “China Doll” is the last known female of the species and her 101-year-old partner is one of possibly three known males.

10 Incredible California Condor Facts — Photo Gallery!

October 2, 2009

Did you know there are only 358 critically endangered California condors left? In 1980, the wild population of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) was thought to consist of just five breeding pairs. In 1987, the species became extinct in the wild when the last wild California condors were taken into captivity to become part of a captive breeding program – the only way to save the species. Today, thanks to that decision to start a captive breeding program, 189 California condors…

10 Fascinating Tiger Facts — And Photo Gallery!

September 28, 2009

Still in the mood for International Tiger Day? Enjoy a photo gallery of gorgeous tigers – and 10 fascinating tiger facts. One day hardly seems like enough for endangered tigers. To celebrate International Tiger Day a bit longer, here is a gallery of gorgeous tiger photos – and ten fascinating tiger facts. Enjoy!

15 Cool Facts About Tapirs — Plus Photo Gallery

September 25, 2009

To help raise awareness about these special herbivores, we have compiled a list of 15 cool facts about tapirs, including some great photos.

Shoot to Kill: Shooters Hired to Cull Animals on Robben Island

September 18, 2009

A team of “experienced professionals” have been hired to shoot the feral population of rabbits, fallow deer, guinea fowl and cats on Robben Island. According to officials, thousands of rabbits and hundreds of deer are destroying the island’s vegetation and are burrowing under historic buildings.

11 Cool Facts About Bactrian Camels

September 18, 2009

Wild Bactrian camels are critically endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, illegal mining activities, and competition with livestock for grazing areas. Here is a list of eleven things you might not know about the beautiful Bactrian:

Silence of Marcus the Lamb: Pet Lamb Butchered After Vote by Children

September 15, 2009

Marcus the little lamb was slaughtered Monday despite angry protests, negative publicity and possible threats. The decision to have the hand-raised, six-month-old pet lamb butchered was made by the school children who raised him.

11 Cool Facts About Pangolins

September 11, 2009

Pangolins – scaly, toothless anteaters that resemble a giant walking artichoke – are being hunted to near extinction in Southeast Asia to meet the demands of illegal trade in pangolin meat and body parts in China. To help raise awareness of these gentle creatures, here is a list of 11 cool facts about pangolins. Enjoy!