New evidence shows that the triceratops (like this fossil) may have simply been a shape-shifting juvenile of another dinosaur species. If you asked me a few decades ago what my favorite dinosaur was, you would have heard me answer “triceratops”. And my five year old self wasn’t alone in picking this rather cute three-horned dinosaur […]
The Galapagos Tortoise is one of the best known species on the famous Galapagos islands woff the coast of Ecuador. The region is now removed from the UN’s endangered species list. The Galapagos Islands have been essential to our understanding of the evolution of species and the origins of the animal planet. This exotic locale
Darwin's Species Will Continue to Evolve: Galapagos Islands No Longer Endangered Read More 👉
Extremely rare yellow lobster found by lobsterman — yes, this one will live. Ever heard of a yellow lobster? Me neither. Apparently, they are about 1 in 30 million. But a lucky lobsterman from Rhode Island found one recently.
Yellow Lobster Found in Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island) Read More 👉
A variety of oil spill condoms, political condoms, or endangered species condoms are available for folks practicing safe sex these days. Want to help the Gulf of Mexico while also having safe sex? Exactly what you’ve been thinking about lately, right? Well, now you can! Practice Safe Policy has started selling Oil Spill Condoms. 20% of
17 amazing zebra pictures, to follow the birth of a zedonk (zebra-donkey hybrid) earlier this week. Ok, I have to make a confession, this post has turned into a 10 + 7 Friday Photos post. I love zebras — one of my very favorites animals (maybe favorite) since I was a child — they are
Zebra Pictures (10 Friday Photos) Read More 👉
Too wild not to share: zebra/donkey hybrid (i.e. zedonk) was born in Georgia this week. A “zedonk” was just born in the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve in north Georgia (the state, not the country). She’s got a donkey for a mother and a zebra stallion for a father. It is a rather rare animal and even
Zebra/Donkey Hybrid — Zedonk Read More 👉
Tons of big green news stories in one short article. There are tons of big green news stories out there every day. Although we can’t (and probably shouldn’t) cover all of them here on Planetsave, it drives me crazy not to cover everything I think is big news. Hopefully, a new idea I’ve had to
Green News Stories Read More 👉
Genetic barcoding is a technique that involves identifying segments of animal DNA (genomes) that are unique to each species. These unique genetic sequences are preserved in a database (the iBOL library) that anyone can access for free.
'Bar Code of Life' Project Gears Up for Global Test Run Read More 👉
470 endangered sea turtles and thousands of birds officially killed by BP oil spill so far. Many more covered in oil and on the brink of death. Well, BP has stopped burning endangered sea turtles alive and has apparently gotten the leak stopped, but official reports show that, as of yesterday, at least 470 endangered
470+ Endangered Sea Turtles Killed by BP Oil Spill (so far) Read More 👉
Industrial fishing fleets can catch fish in numbers unimaginable to fishermen a few decades ago. The capabilities are more than unimaginable, though. They are also unsustainable. With bluefin tuna on the brink of extinction, fishing quotas are set for these giants of the sea in the European Union. But annual quotas can be caught in
Annual Quota of Bluefin Tuna Caught in 1 Week Read More 👉
Updates on the International Whaling Committee decision about legalizing whaling of endangered species. Some organizations see the decision as a (temporary) win, some see it as a big failure. We wrote a few articles leading up to a major International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting that was supposed to involve a vote on whether or not
How Did the IWC Meeting About Legalizing Whaling of Endangered Species Turn Out? Read More 👉
A short video on Wired discusses the unique and interesting creatures that are seahorses and their near extinction due to unsustainable fishing practices. Used in Chinese medicine, and a common by-catch in industrial fisheries, especially trawling fisheries, seahorses are endangered and quickly getting closer to extinction.
Seahorses Threatened with Extinction [VIDEO] Read More 👉
When it comes to highly intelligent sea creatures, dolphins, whales tend to get most of the cerebral credit. But the “lowly” octopus—a popular dish in many Mediterranean cuisines—may be one of the most intelligent creatures in the sea, and is the only invertebrate (animals lacking bones) that has been conclusively shown to use tools…Possessing both a short and longer-term memory capacity, octopuses exhibit a wide range of fascinating behaviors, many of which have led some scientists to describe them as “highly intelligent”.
Are Octopuses Psychic? No, but They Are Darned Clever [VIDEO] Read More 👉
Following up on a post I wrote a couple weeks ago about BP burning endangered sea turtles alive, the news is now that they have responded to the criticism (as if burning endangered sea turtles and blocking hired rescue crews from saving them isn’t something they could have seen was beyond wrong in the first
BP No Longer Burning Endangered Sea Turtles, They Say Read More 👉
Smallest whale population in the world is truly on the brink of extinction. The smallest known whale population in the world is down to 30 individuals, only 8 of them being females according to a study released last week.
World's Smallest Whale Population Close to Extinction Read More 👉
Endangered sea turtles are being burned alive in BP oil spill “clean-up” efforts. Bad enough, right? But why are rescue crews hired by BP to save and protect these turtles being blocked from doing so? Is this on purpose in order to burn costly legal evidence? Yes, you read that title correctly, endangered sea turtles
[social_buttons] Ancient lizards from the time of dinosaurs may go extinct due to climate change in the coming decades. A 200-million-year-old lizard, the three-eyed Tuatara, may go extinct due to climate change, scientists warn. The problem is that climate change is reportedly turning the whole species into males.
Lizard that Outlived Dinosaurs May Go Extinct from Climate Change Read More 👉
Sperm whales in the Gulf were already at risk before the BP oil disaster, and now their endangered population may be even more threatened. A young sperm whale carcass was found by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship on Tuesday a mere 77 miles from the center of the Gulf Coast oil spill
BP Oil Disaster Kills Baby Whale: NOAA To Confirm Cause of Death Read More 👉
Although there has been some local, positive improvements in stemming or reversing biodiversity loss (primarily in protected areas), globally, the findings in this aggregate analysis show that the rate of increase in biodiversity loss is stable.
World's Biodiversity Loss Not Slowing, Major Analysis Finds [Video] Read More 👉
One of the last countries on Earth to still hunt whales, Japan, is considering withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission. [social_buttons]Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Masahiko Yamada said Tuesday that, unless an international ban on commercial whaling is eased, Japan could withdraw from the IWC, the international body that regulates whaling. The IWC are
Japan Considering Withdrawing from Whale Commission Read More 👉
Tell President Obama to vote “no”on commercial-whaling at the International Whaling Commission’s annual meeting next week. This is it! It’s the final hour. If you don’t want to see the international commercial-whaling moratorium come to an end, now is the time to make your voice heard. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is meeting from June
IWC Voting on Whale Hunting Moratorium Next Week Read More 👉
The recent Gulf oil spill threatens the habitat of two species of sawfish–the smalltooth and largetooth sawfishes–as it works its way into the loop current and into the Gulf Stream, passing by Florida’s treasured marine habitats.
U.S. Endangered Species Listing Proposed for Florida's Sawfish Read More 👉
Environmental groups debate whether it’s more humane to euthanize or save the wildlife impacted by the BP oil disaster in Louisiana. The great debate is on as environmental groups and other agencies around the world attempt to find the best way to manage wildlife, specifically birds, that have been victimized by the oil spill in
Should the Birds Affected by the BP Oil Disaster Be Saved or Euthanized? Read More 👉
Four fishery stocks have been rebuilt to healthy levels. [social_buttons]The Atlantic scup, Atlantic black sea bass, and St. Matthew’s Island, Alaska, blue king crab and Atlantic swordfish, have all been rebuilt to healthy levels, and the report shows a continuing year-over-year improvement across the US. A lot of the time we focus on the big
Four Fishery Stocks Healthy Again Read More 👉
Hundreds of dogs and cats at the OSPCA in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada were set to be euthanized due to the spread of ringworm amongst shelter animals and people. Many were saved as a result of positive human impact. [social_buttons] Something has been happening in the Toronto area in Canada that hasn’t been receiving the international
Canadians Step Up for Animal Advocacy: Protesting Unreasonable Animal Euthanization Read More 👉
A controversial new proposal would allow nations (i.e. Japan, Norway and Iceland) to kill endangered whales. Quotas will be based on politics, not science. In 1986, commercial whaling was officially banned by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), an entity established to protect dramatically declining whale stocks. Despite this ban, certain nations, most notably Japan, Norway
Controversial New Whaling Quotas Proposed by IWC Read More 👉
“The Obama Administration is backing a deadly deal that would make it legal once again to kill whales for profit. Please call on the President to reverse course,” explains Pierce Brosnan. [social_buttons] Help OO7! To the rescue James Bond! Brosnan is saving the whales and needs our collective help. Assist Pierce and his campaign with
Pierce Brosnan Pleads US to Help End the Killing of Whales for Profit Read More 👉
Louisiana’s oil spill is releasing 42,000 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, sure to threaten wildlife and resources. [social_buttons] It’s not hard to wonder why people are seemingly apathetic when it comes to environmental issues when there isn’t more focus going towards environmental emergencies that could cause severe degradation to natural resources
Economy over Environment: The Limited Coverage of Louisiana's Oil Spill Read More 👉
Sea turtles are getting killed in the millions from large-scale fisheries. See how this happens, potential solutions to the problem, and what you can do below. [social_buttons] A new report published in the journal Conservation Letters shows the results of the first global assessment of turtle “bycatch” by longline, gillnet and trawl fisheries. Basically, bycatch
Millions of Endangered Sea Turtles Killed by Fisheries Read More 👉
The Wildlife Conservation Society lists 10 animals that they have dubbed the Rarest of the Rare. [social_buttons]The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a list of “Rarest of the Rare” in the 2010-2011 edition of State of the Wild. The ten animals in the list have been extracted from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s
Rarest of the Rare Brought to Light Read More 👉
Greenpeace successfully targets Trader Joe’s and convinces the supermarket chain to adopt sustainable seafood practices by the end of 2012. [social_buttons] I have to admit the folks at Greenpeace are quite effective, resourceful, and clever. Most recently, the NGO challenged a popular supermarket chain known for its organic, healthy food offerings. Trader Joe’s has positioned
Trader Joe's Offers Sustainable Seafood Thanks to Greenpeace Read More 👉
Hundreds of endangered species not listed in most threatened endangered species category. Because they are hopeless? [social_buttons] The International Union for the Conservation of Nature released a report early last month that included categorizations of the most threatened species in the world, including well over 600 primate species that are at risk due primarily to
"Most Threatened" Species Category Doesn't Include Animals that Need the Most Help Read More 👉
Greenpeace activists blocked a shipment of endangered fin whale meat going from Iceland to Japan via Rotterdam in Holland and sent a request to the Dutch government as well. [social_buttons] On Friday morning, Greenpeace activists sacrificed their Easter holidays in order to help stop the killing and trade of endangered fin whales. Fewer than 50,000
Greenpeace Blocks Ship with Endangered Fin Whale Meat Going to Japan Read More 👉
The world’s tiger population is 90% lower than in 1900, and yet it is the year of the tiger? What can you do? [social_buttons] Since the start of the last century, the Earth’s tiger population has decreased ninety percent. I am writing this post thinking of how it is now the traditional year of the
Last season NRDC announced it’s mission to save the Hawaiian island’s Whales, and now that this decision is facing the president we’re asking the Obama Administration to protect Hawaii’s false killer whales under the Endangered Species Act because the loss of even a few whales could endanger the survival of the entire population. These whales
Saving BioGems : False Killer Whales Still in Danger in Hawaii Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Eating dogs and cats–which is an age-old delicacy in China–could soon be against the law. It’s the nation’s first law against such animal abuse. Currently, dog and cat meat is viewed as promoting bodily warmth. But if the law passes, people who eat either animal could face fines of up to $730 or 15
China to Ban Eating Cats and Dogs Read More 👉
The Common Barn Owl is not so common in Midwestern states where it’s considered vulnerable. A recent surprise appearance in Wisconsin highlighted the species’ fragile status in the region. [social_buttons] A raptor listed as an endangered or threatened species in seven Midwestern states made a rare appearance in Wisconsin late in 2009. The ailing barn
Barn Owl's Wisconsin Appearance A Rare Event Read More 👉
http://youtu.be/515ejIas544 If we could all just get along like these three unusual friends, we would live in a much different world. In human society, people often do not like others simply because they are different. Humans kill over this matter. In more normal and everyday life, people may not kill each other but may not
Friendship between LION, TIGER and BEAR [VIDEO & PICS] Read More 👉
A recent study has produced some astonishing and disturbing results. Tuna was ordered from 31 sushi restaurants. Genetic tests were then used to identify the species of fish ordered. Nineteen of the restaurants surveyed incorrectly described or could could not indicate which species of fish they had served. A few establishments actually served endangered bluefin tuna not knowing which
Some Restaurant Sushi Contains Endangered Species Read More 👉
[social_buttons] Writing for GreenOptions I sometimes get contacted by PR firms wanting to promote projects. Sight unseen I usually shrug them off, I happen to only write about items that I have seen or used, and can feel good about endorsing. When MSNBC contacted me the other day with a preview of a new special
MSNBC to Air 2 Hour Special on Animal Conservation: "100 Heartbeats" Read More 👉
[social_buttons] When I first read the news that NASA was going to start experimenting on monkeys with radiation to study the effects of deep space travel, my heart sunk. As an anthropologist who has studied non-human primates I have seen up close the emotions, the feelings, and the physical qualities we share with our evolutionary
NASA to Irradiate Monkeys. Horrible Animal Experiments or a Sign of Progress? Read More 👉
[social_buttons] In 2007 federal protections were dropped for the protection of Yellowstone grizzlies. Ever since then, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition have been fighting to give protection back to the bears. They argued that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) failed to address the loss of essential food sources for the bears, whitebark pine seeds
Yellowstone Grizzlies Back on Endangered Species List Read More 👉
Communities of all sorts are being disturbed by the fires in California. As another result of climate change, bird communities are expected to see some big changes in other ways, according to a new report released on September 1.
California Fires Not the Only Thing Hurting Communities in California Read More 👉
[social_buttons] We have all been waiting for this day. Finally, shark repellent has arrived to the world… except this shark repellent is not used to save humans from sharks. No this shark repellent was made to save sharks from humans. With good reason, while only about 4 people die of unprovoked shark attacks each year,
Shark Repellent, Saves Sharks! Read More 👉
[social_buttons] A 13-foot, 600-pound alligator was killed in a state-managed coastal preserve just north of the Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) in Pasadena, Texas. The alligator, estimated to be 50-years-old, was a popular tourist attraction at the Center and possibly one of the largest gators in the state.
Popular Gator Killed by Poachers in Texas Read More 👉
Since January, nearly 20 horses have been stolen and brutally killed in Florida. The latest horse was stabbed in the neck and most likely still alive when butchered. Officials believe the mutilated horses are being killed for their meat which is being sold on the black market. Buying or selling horse meat is illegal
Horses Stolen and Brutally Butchered for Meat in Florida Read More 👉
Several years ago, orphaned baby Chhouk was found wandering alone in the forest without a foot. The endangered Asian baby elephant apparently lost his left front foot due to injuries sustained from a poacher’s snare. Rescued in a remote area of northeastern Cambodia, the injured elephant was transported by truck to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife
Crippled Baby Elephant Chhouk: Now Walking and Running on Prosthetic Foot Read More 👉
[social_buttons] A man lost control of his car and caused mayhem in a Connecticut street, after two snakes escaped from his pants. Angel Rolon told police that he lost control of his sports utility vehicle after the baby reptiles distracted him by slithering over the throttle and brake pedals. Eyewitnesses then report seeing the 20-year-old’s
Multiple Car Crash After Snakes Escape from Man's Pants Read More 👉
