As 2016 draws to a close, it’s important to reflect upon the last 365 days. Just like the preceding years, 2016 had triumphs and failures in wildlife and habitat protection. Although we still have a lot of battles before us in the field of conservation, I feel that 2016 was the year of awareness. Global issues were brought to the… Read more »
Despite staunch conservation efforts, global big cat populations continue to decline. In just the last 30 years, data collected by conservation groups in Africa show that some big cat populations fell by at least 50% (table 1). Loss of habitat, human-wildlife conflicts, hunting, and poaching continue to threaten the long –term survival of these iconic creatures. Population 1985 2015… Read more »
From 2010-2012, the world lost more than 100,000 African elephants. At present, it is estimated that we lose 98 elephants a day. The biggest threat to both African and Asian elephants continue to be poaching to fill the demand of a thriving illegal ivory trade in China, the U.S., and Southeast Asia. In July 2013, President Obama revealed his Executive… Read more »
Authors: Sunil Nawaz, MSc Zoology, M.phil Microbiology Scholar Natasha Zarish M.Sc Zoology M.Ed Science Education Pakistan is blessed with several natural beauties including indigenous wildlife (including several rare endangered species), beautiful mountains of Himalayas, deserts of Cholistan and Thar, Manmade forests like changa manga forest as well as several natural resources from the Baluchistan trails. It also holds second… Read more »
The last 365 days have proved to be one of the worst years for poaching since the 1980s. In 2012, it is estimated that over 17,000 elephants and 700 rhino were lost during this ongoing global war against wildlife poaching. Keep in mind these are but two out of hundreds of species that were affected. The last year has been… Read more »
Five years ago, if you heard the words “human-wildlife conflict” (or HWC) the first thing that probably came to mind was the challenges agriculturalists in range countries face coexisting with native fauna. Maybe you thought about the struggle between Namibian goat herders and cheetahs or East African farmers protecting their crops from raiding elephants. In short, humans had what animals… Read more »
With the holidays right around the corner many people have started their yearly quest for one of a kind gifts. It is very easy amidst the hustle and bustle to purchase items based on beauty alone. Please be wildlife aware when buying and receiving gifts. The cost may only be a few dollars out of your pocket, but for an… Read more »
Across the globe animal species are going extinct. From such contributing factors such as disease, persecution, poaching, displacement, and habitat destruction, we are losing some of our most amazing creatures at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, species extinctions are nothing new. But can we learn from past mistakes to ensure more magnificent animals do not do the way of the dodo?… Read more »
In the past, poaching of wildlife for bushmeat or sale of animal products was typically carried out by people living locally to wildlife habitats. Particularly in severely impoverished areas, poaching was done to feed and support families. In the last few years the face of poaching has changed. Poaching has become very sophisticated utilizing GPS, helicopters, and tranquilizers instead of… Read more »
2011 was considered the bloodiest year for elephants since 1989, the same year the ivory ban began. Confiscated ivory from illegal sales estimate over 3000 elephants were killed by poachers to fuel the black market demand; and that is just what was found. In a single month, Malaysian authorities seized over $1.3 million US worth of ivory that was being… Read more »