Animal populations experience average decline of almost 70% since 1970, report reveals
Earth’s wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69% in just under 50 years, according to a leading scientific assessment, as humans continue to clear forests, consume beyond the limits of the planet and pollute on an industrial scale. From the open ocean to tropical rainforests, the abundance of birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles […]
Bird populations in decline across U.S., Mass., some species near ‘tipping point’
Bird populations are declining rapidly in the U.S., including 22 species that live in or pass through Massachusetts, according to a report. The U.S. State of the Birds 2022 report introduces a “tipping point list,” identifying 70 species at risk of becoming endangered. These species have already declined by at least 50% and could lose […]
U.S. officials “Red-List” lobsters to help critically endangered whales
Lobster nets and pots have become such a threat to the survival of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales that the crustaceans have been “red-listed” as seafood to avoid by a major fish sustainability guide. Fewer than 340 of these whales exist today, including only 80 breeding females. The population is estimated to have dwindled […]
Dugong functionally extinct in China due to habitat degradation and hunting
The dugong is now functionally extinct in China after widespread degradation of their habitat and historical hunting, scientists have said. Fishing and ship strikes are also among the reasons dugong activity has declined, said Prof Samuel Turvey of ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, who described the findings as a “wake-up call” to prioritize conservation efforts.
Indonesia’s dog meat business booms despite welfare concerns
About 7 percent of Indonesians are estimated to eat dog meat, according to Dog Meat Free Indonesia, a group that campaigns against the dog meat trade. Although 87 percent of Indonesia’s 270 million people are Muslim and view dog products as haram, or forbidden, in the same way as pork, about 9 percent of the […]
How Chinese traditional medicine is fuelling the illegal donkey skin trade in SA, via Lesotho
A traditional medicine known as ejiao in China is spurring the illegal trade of donkey skins in South Africa and, possibly Lesotho, threatening the donkey population and causing a spike in theft. Donkeys are stolen, inspector Keshvi Nair and public relations officer at the National Council of SPCAs told Business Insider South Africa, and typically […]
Bullfighting in French town creates angry protests across political divide
Demonstrators marched against bullfighting in towns across southwestern France at the weekend as MPs mounted a new effort to ban a bloodsport that is still popular in some areas despite a court ruling that it constitutes cruelty to animals. It remains legal on the grounds that it is a local tradition.
Paper Straws Are Not Enough. Only “System Change” Can Halt Climate Crisis
A massive heat wave has scorched much of Europe this week, with the U.K. shattering its record for highest temperature ever recorded Tuesday. We’re joined by author and environmental activist George Monbiot, whose latest column for The Guardian is headlined “This heatwave has eviscerated the idea that small changes can tackle extreme weather.”
Beloved monarch butterflies now listed as endangered
The monarch butterfly fluttered a step closer to extinction Thursday, as scientists put the iconic orange-and-black insect on the endangered list because of its fast dwindling numbers. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch butterfly for the first time to its “red list” of threatened species and categorized it as […]
Rescue of 4,000 beagles from shuttered Virginia breeding facility Envigo
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides pet adoption in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, announced the rescue will be assisting with the transfer of 4,000 Beagles from breeding facility Envigo. Following Virginia legislative actions and a 2021 PETA undercover investigation of the massive Envigo breeding factory in Cumberland, Virginia, Homeward Trails […]
Appetite for frogs’ legs in France and Belgium ‘driving species to extinction’
A voracious appetite for frogs’ legs among the French and Belgians is driving species in Indonesia, Turkey and Albania to the brink of extinction, according to a report. Europe imports as many as 200 million mostly wild frogs every year, contributing to a serious depletion of native species abroad.
Endangered Species Act restored by federal judge after Trump-era weakening
A federal judge in California has overturned a 2019 Trump administration move to gut the landmark Endangered Species Act, vacating that administration’s changes and restoring protections for hundreds of species. The move is a win for environmental and conservation groups and climate advocates. The restoration of the protections could also be a boon for climate […]
