Conservation News for week of June 15, 2018
Amur Leopard News
The Amur Leopard is the most endangered large cat on our planet. With an estimated less than 100 in the wild, and 200 housed under human care, this species is struggling to survive. This week the San Diego Zoo announced the birth of two FEMALE cubs. This has also been followed up with the announcement (a few hours after we recorded) of two MALE Amur Leopard cubs at the Brookfield Zoo. Fantastic news for this animal.
San Diego Zoo Breeds Critically-Endangered Leopards, Producing Two Cubs
2 Healthy Amur Leopard Cubs Born at Brookfield Zoo
IUCN Information on Amur Leopard (under general Leopard)
Technology Helping Fisherman Avoid Bycatch
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has developed an application that helps fisherman go to areas where their targeted fish are currently at. The software called EcoCast using advanced algorithms can predict based on weather and other oceanographic variables in predicting where the fisherman will find their fish. This helps them avoid general fishing where they might catch endangered species in their nets.
Smart Software Helps Fisherman Catch the Fish They Want, Not Endangered Species
Viewing Wildlife Documentaries Are Good For Mental Health
Research now indicates that viewing nature documentaries help improve a person’s mood and makes them happier. Scientists have compared the benefits as the same as those for people who mediate daily. Even listening to this podcast (we hope) should improve your mood and motivate you to make positive changes for Mother Earth.
Watching This Type of TV is as Healthy as Meditating
Watching Nature Programmes Make You Happier New Research Reveals
United Kingdom Mammals in Crisis
This week multiple news agencies are reporting on the current extinction crisis in the UK. Reports now indicate that 1 in 5 mammals in the UK are endangered and threatened with extinction. The Wildcat, Greater Mouse-eared Bat and the Black Rat are all listed as critically endangered. Even the beloved Hedgehog is listed as endangered suffering a 70% decline in populations in the last 20 years. However, populations of otter, pine marten, polecat, badger and red deer are increasing.
One in Five Britain Mammals at Risk of Extinction
Healthy Habits for a Healthy Planet
This week Angie highlighted the use of Shampoo bars. Let’s get rid of those plastic bottles. The bars can be found HERE.
Dave Mathews Band Fundraiser
Meet Dave Mathews at the Hollywood Bowl & Travel to Africa
Scientists Using Robots to Study Bird Behavior
Researchers are using any new tools they can to study animal behavior. This week we discuss the use of a “fembot” to observe Saige Grouse mating rituals. We highly recommend you view the video attached to the article.
Why Scientist Turned This Taxidermy Bird Into a Robot
New Species Discovered
Coming out of their shells: New turtle discovered in Mexico
New Species of Shrew Discovered in the Philippines Sky Island