You might not think of a porcupine living in the Brazilian rainforest, but a new-to-science species has been recently documented there. Even more surprising: they live in trees. While the discovery is exciting, it is also very sad, because these tree-dwelling porcupines are under threats due to loss of their natural habitat. They live in […]
New Porcupine Species Discovered In Brazil Read More 👉
Richard Turere lives in Kenya where conflict between lions and humans has resulted in many lion and livestock deaths. Livestock is a precious commodity for many herdsman, so when even one cow or goat is killed by a lion the economic impact is harsh. The thirteen-year-old Turere had an epiphany while guarding his father’s livestock
Teen Uses Solar-Powered Lights To Repel Lions Read More 👉
A new study has found that Air pollution stunts coral growth, new research from the University of Exeter has found. The fine particulate matter that is released into the air as a result of fossil fuel burning, amongst other things, effectively “shades” the coral and subsequently cools the water that they reside in, both of
Air Pollution Stunts Coral Growth, Research Finds Read More 👉
A new type of Indian Tiger Spider has been discovered in northern Sri Lanka, and it’s about the size of your face. The new, venomous, face-sized, and rather fast, species of tarantula measures about 8 inches across. The Indian tiger spider is informally labeled with that name as a result of the stripes on its
Tiger Spider, New Species Of Tarantula The Size Of A Face Found In Sri Lanka Read More 👉
Amur leopards in eastern Russia increased to about 48-50 individuals according to a new survey. In 2007, in the same area there were just 27-34. These very rare cats live in a region near the Chinese, North Korean and Russian borders. Nearly half dwell in the Land of Leopard national park which is almost 700,000
Critically Endangered Leopard Numbers Increase Read More 👉
Over 50 Ploughshare Tortoises and 21 Radiated Tortoises were seized at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Both species are critically endangered. Authorities arrested two adults – one a Thai national and the other was a woman from Madagascar. Both species of tortoise are native to Madgascar and the women had flown from her home country
Critically Endangered Tortoises Seized at Airport Read More 👉
Bees, bumblebees, and variety of wild pollinating insects, have seen their numbers dropping considerably in recent years. Most recent research has found a strong connection between these declines and the use of of certain pesticides, loss of wild habitat/deforestation, and growing urban/agricultural areas. And now, another major cause of decline has been discovered, metal pollution,
African forest elephants are fast approaching extinction, primarily as a result of poaching, but also other factors. The species has declined by an incredible 62% in just the last decade. This decline, throughout all of the species range in central Africa, has been largely as a result of the growing trade in ivory. A new
“The Triple Bottom Line Solution” – When it comes to to preserving and conserving this planet’s dwindling crucial ecosystems and biodiversity “hot spots”, the mission is full of trade-offs. Effective conservation efforts can be costly and limiting access to natural resources (exploitation of which has led to the need for conservation in the first place)
In Search Of Conservation's 'Holy Grail' – Dealing With The Trade-Offs Read More 👉
One of the last regions on the planet to be colonized by humans, the Pacific Islands, were home to over 1,000 unique species of birds that became extinct concurrently with the colonization, new research from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has found. As recently as 2000 BC, many of the tropical Pacific Islands were
Mass Extinction Of Birds In The Pacific Islands Was Caused By Humans, Research Shows Read More 👉
River dolphins in the Ganges River are facing extinction due to human fecal matter, pollution and loss of habitat. This species of dolphin can only live in fresh water and are mostly blind. They navigate by making very high-pitched sounds which bounce off of objects and then the dolphins use the incoming sounds to form
Dolphins Threatened By Human Waste And Pollution Read More 👉
It’s a true crime what poachers are doing to endangered wildlife in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. And it is driven by irrational demand for animal products that don’t actually help people in any way. It’s a sad story. In order to help spread awareness and increase action to stop this, Jan Schnell has made the
3 Musketeers Working To Save African Wildlife Read More 👉
In Peak Wilderness, Central Hills, of Sri Lanka eight new frog species have been discovered. Seven of them are already in danger of extinction. Research was conducted in a period between 2009 – 2011, mostly at night. Photographs were taken in color to document variation in physical appearances between them all. The habitat where they
8 New Frog Species Discovered Read More 👉
No, it isn’t news of a full extinct species restoration, but scientists did successfully clone cells from an extinct frog species. Researchers in Australia used somatic cell nuclear transfer to make gastric brooding frog embryos. Cell nuclei were taken from tissue samples of the extinct species collected in the 1970s. Then they were placed in
Extinct Frog Species Cloned Read More 👉
A significant number of manatees have died this year as a result of red tide blooms off the southwest coast of Florida, more than 180 so far. These red tide blooms are largely caused, and made more severe, by agricultural and urban runoff that the alga Karenia brevis then uses for food. And now in
Manatees Dying In Large Numbers On Both Coasts Of Florida Now Read More 👉
A mass extinction of lizard species is a real possibility in coming decades as a result of climate change, new research from the University of Lincoln has found. Certain lizard species have taken a one-directional evolutionary path that involves them giving live birth rather than laying eggs, this has allowed lizards to live further north
Sharks may become extinct within only the next few decades as a result of the significant declines they are experiencing, new research has found. Shark populations have been declining at a rapid rate as a result of the booming trade in their fins, recreational fishing, and being caught as by-catch in other forms of fishing.
Sharks May Go Extinct Within The Next Few Decades, 100 Million Sharks Killed Every Year Read More 👉
All of the sudden people said, “Wait a minute, this is not how we have to live.” …Call us Peace, We’re about peace… Paul Watson on a wide screen is sweet looking, kind of like a baby as a young man, thinner with dark curly hair framing his doe-eyed face as he stands in life-threatening
Fierce Green Fire, Passion For Life, Passion In Activism — In 5 Acts Read More 👉
Monster goldfish, more than a foot long, have recently been found living in the fragile environment of Lake Tahoe. Including one individual that was 1.5 feet long and 4.2 lbs. The invasive and environmentally-destructive goldfish were likely originally dumped there by aquarium owners, before becoming established as they are now. Researchers note that the monster
Every one of us is on a learning curve capable of transformation. Every one of us chooses a path, or the path takes us. We grow attached to our efforts, ideas, the commitment to our beliefs — the environmentalist who concerns himself with saving the trees; the logger, happy to have the only real work
Polar bear populations could be more than cut in half in a single year with only one extreme melting event in the Arctic, according to a new repot from the University of Alberta. The report is strongly urging the relevant governments to actively begin planning for the conservation of the animal, specifically with regards to
Did you know that World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in February? This year, the special day falls on February 16th — so be sure to mark your calendar if you haven’t already done so! World Pangolin Day is an opportunity for pangolin enthusiasts to join together in raising awareness about these
World Pangolin Day is February 16 #worldpangolinday Read More 👉
The Tasmanian Tiger, also known as the thylacine, was killed off entirely by humans, disease did mot factor in, new research from the University of Adelaide has found. The primary cause of the iconic animal’s extinction was the paid bounties that the Tasmanian government put on their heads. Previously, some people have argued that bounty
Tasmanian Tiger Was Killed Off Entirely By Humans, Not Disease, Research Finds Read More 👉
In less than a month, South Africa and India have lost a combined total of at least thirty-five rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade. 32 rhinos were killed in South Africa as of January 24th and 13 suspects were arrested for rhino crimes, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The country’s rhino death
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Killing Spree Continues in South Africa and India Read More 👉
Lowland tapirs are a rather strange looking, and large, herbivore native to the forest and grassland environments of many parts of South America. Owing to their large size and reliance on mineral licks, they are rather easy to hunt, and this has resulted in their numbers falling in recent years. Habitat loss via deforestation is
Tapir Populations Are Thriving Inside Of Madidi National Park, Research Finds Read More 👉
The rapid deforestation of the Sundarbans Mangroves is expected to intensify as human development in the area continues and climate change worsens, according to a new report from the Zoological Society of London. This will result in the extinction of a great many plants and animals, including the Bengal tiger. The Sundarbans are currently losing
Bengali Forests Are Rapidly Disappearing, Research Finds Read More 👉
During the first ten days of 2013, a total of seven rhinos have already been killed in South Africa and India, while arrests have been made in India, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, South Africa’s final body count for 2012 was even higher than expected. The South African Department of Environmental Affairs announced on January
Rhino Crisis Round Up: The First 10 Days of 2013 Read More 👉
Four subspecies of ringed seals and two distinct population segments of bearded seals have now been listed under the Endangered Species Act. To be specific, the Beringia and Okhotsk populations of bearded seals have now been listed as threatened, along with the Arctic, Okhotsk, and Baltic subspecies of ringed seals. While the Ladoga subspecies of
Ringed And Bearded Ice Seal Populations Listed On Endangered Species List Read More 👉
The large-scale farming of marijuana in California thanks to the legalization of medical marijuana there is causing extensive damage to the environment, multiple new studies have found. Pushing many animals to the brink of extinction, damaging salmon runs and spawning grounds, siphoning rivers dry, causing deforestation, large-scale application of dangerous and sometimes illegal pesticides and
Funny cartoon. And certainly true. Here’s some more information on human-caused species extinctions, deforestation and agricultural failure, human-caused climate change, and ocean acidification for those interested. Happy Holidays
The Future Of The World (Funny Cartoon) Read More 👉
Three new species of slow loris have been discovered in Borneo. They had previously been grouped with other species, but research has found them to be separate species, and thus much more vulnerable to extinction. A loris is a type of venomous primate that has two tongues. With their large eyes and teddybear-like appearance, they
Venomous Primates, Three New Species Of Loris Discovered Read More 👉
The number of rhinos killed in South Africa in 2012 has reached a staggering 618, according to a December 10th update from the Department of Environmental Affairs. There have been 257 arrests for rhino crimes this year in South Africa. Earlier this week, the much-anticipated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by South Africa’s Minister
Rhino Crisis Round Up: South Africa Death Toll At Least 618 Read More 👉
In many parts of Africa lions are rapidly going extinct. Newly released research has found that over the last fifty years their total population has fell by two-thirds. There were almost 100,000 lions in 1960, and now about 32,000. Their territorial range has suffered an even more drastic loss, they’ve lost about 75% of their
The oldest fossils of any species from the Giant Panda family were recently discovered in Spain. These fossils represent the oldest known evidence of the endangered giant panda and the ecological niche that it fills. The fossils have also shed some light on the origins of this unique bear, and its highly specialized diet. The
Oldest Panda Fossil Ever Discovered Found In Spain, May Be Where They Originated Read More 👉
Wildlife lovers may already know that the U.S. Department of the Interior has removed the gray wolf (Canis lupus) from it’s endangered species list — leaving the wolves vulnerable to local State “management” policies. In the State of Wyoming, the current management policy seems almost indistinguishable from an eradication effort; the state’s management plan, which went
It's Open Season On Gray Wolves In Wyoming [VIDEO] Read More 👉
A five-meter-long whale that has remained almost unknown by science has recently been seen for the first time. Previously, these whales had only been known from a handful of bones collected over the past few hundred years. Two individuals have actually been found, a mother and her male calf. They were recently stranded and
Rarest Whale In The World Seen For The First Time Read More 👉
Nine new species of endangered arboreal tarantulas have just been discovered in Central and Eastern Brazil, including four of the smallest arboreal species ever seen, a species that lives in bromeliads, and four new species in a “resurrected” and likely very old genus. Arboreal tarantulas are known to live in only a few tropical
The massacre of South Africa’s rhinos continues at a horrifying pace, with 467 killed this year as of October 22nd, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. Gareth Morgan, Shadow Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, is questioning the decision to withdraw “a dedicated group of police personnel” and a “dedicated helicopter used in
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 467 in South Africa & More Read More 👉
Here’s a nice video of and song about elephants, courtesy of one of our great Planetsave readers/musicians. Here’s more information on the video from the musician who contacted us, Jan Schnell: With the help of some top Danish musicians, I have made a music video tribute to the African Elephant. It is a positive
Elephant Song from Planetsave Reader: "Standing As One" Read More 👉
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is a bit of a mouthful, but that’s rather the point. Penguins, seals and other land-based animals living on the Antarctic continent enjoy a privileged, if slightly chilly, position. The land they live upon is protected from human exploitation in a way no
Can Penguins Survive Without Fish? I Don't Think So… Read More 👉
People are accustomed to equalize terms of “global warming” and “climate change,” but in fact they are pretty much distinctive. Global warming is one of the reflections of climate change, which might be compared to glaciers’ meltdown, natural disasters, and overwhelming precipitations. Certainly, they follow the global process of climate change, which results in major influence
The First Victims Of Climate Change Read More 👉
This is worth a read, courtesy of ScienceHeathen. The 25 most endangered primates in the world have been identified in a new report released by the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity COP11 earlier today. The report, titled “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2012-2014,” was created by the Primate Specialist Group
World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates List Released Read More 👉
South Africa has now lost at least 430 rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade since the start of 2012, according to figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs. 258 of the rhinos were killed in Kruger National Park, and 205 people have been arrested this year in South Africa for rhino crimes. India
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 430 Rhinos Killed in S Africa & More Read More 👉
On September 22nd, the third annual World Rhino Day was celebrated, with over a dozen countries participating this year. World Rhino Day brought NGOs, zoos, rhino sanctuaries, and concerned citizens across the globe together to raise awareness and funds for the five species of rhinoceros — all of which are under threat from the
World Rhino Day 2012 Round Up Read More 👉
One of our totally awesome readers (Jason Chua) recently created some beautiful pieces of art for our site. They are below, and below them is a very elegantly written note on the work, from Jason. (By the way, if you want to check out more of Jason’s stuff, go to his Behance page.) From
Planetsave Art: Species on the Brink of Extinction Read More 👉
The disappearance of forest birds in Guam’s island ecosystem, as a result of the invasive brown treesnake, has led to a ‘plague’ of spiders in the local jungles. Nearly 40 times more spiders live in Guam’s jungles than in the jungles of neighboring islands that haven’t been exposed to the brown treesnake. Researchers from
India’s Kaziranga National Park has unfortunately lost another rhino, as a female rhino was found dead this week in the park’s Bagori range. PTI reports that “empty shells and a mobile phone” were recovered near the rhinos body; she was at least the tenth rhino killed in India since the start of 2012. In Kenya,
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhinos Killed in India, Kenya & More Read More 👉
Update: Depressed by this news. Check out: “A Transformation From Environmental Grief to Environmental Action,” which will be on Google+ on Wednesday, 3/12/2004 at 11:00 am PST. The gist: environmental news can be depressing. How do you maintain your resolve to fight for a better environmental future? A new report issued by the International Union for Conservation of
Caribbean Coral Reefs "On the Verge of Collapse" Read More 👉
