<p>Animals reclaimed their nature-mandated spaces this pandemic. Soon, they are going to take over your Instagram feed!</p>

<p>A monkey shooting videos and clicking selfies is not some goof up. It actually happened! A monkey in Malaysia recently invaded a human house. The creature, then picked up a phone and took it out for an adventure.</p>

<p>The monkey stared at the phone camera, and also attempted to eat it. Then the primate got bored, so it trashed the phone, and disappeared.</p>

<p>Take a look:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Something yang korang takkan jumpa setiap abad. Semalam pagi tido bangun bangun tengahari phone hilang. Cari cari satu rumah geledah sana sini semua takde then last last jumpa casing phone je tinggal bawah katil tapi phonenya takde. Sambung bawah. <a href="https://t.co/0x54giujnY">pic.twitter.com/0x54giujnY</a></p>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305115289269362688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, the phone owner found his cellphone idling away in the backyard. When he went through its media, he found the unexpected. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="lt">Santai bos <a href="https://t.co/NEyFvVWIho">pic.twitter.com/NEyFvVWIho</a></p>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305117475466481665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Pokok tu ha dia panjat <a href="https://t.co/ORvQrDf4A0">pic.twitter.com/ORvQrDf4A0</a></p>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305402977570570240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The monkey had documented its day out!</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yawnn <a href="https://t.co/1uC36vxQZh">pic.twitter.com/1uC36vxQZh</a></p>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305946500346724352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>And at the same, he left some bite marks on the phone.</p>

<p>The overwhelmed owner, took to Twitter to express his amusement, where he also swore to have washed his phone 7 times.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cutie <a href="https://t.co/iLm1UALx60">pic.twitter.com/iLm1UALx60</a></p>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305946579417722880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Now this monkey and the man are trending, and may have joined the trending selfie club!</p>

<p>Here's the parting gift:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The suspect <a href="https://t.co/7uofsddkKL">pic.twitter.com/7uofsddkKL</a></p>
— z (@Zackrydz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zackrydz/status/1305116626925232128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>WATCH|<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Animals reclaimed their nature-mandated spaces this pandemic. Soon, they are going to take over your Instagram feed! A monkey shooting videos and clicking selfies is not some goof up.

Animals reclaimed their nature-mandated spaces this pandemic. Soon, they are going to take over your Instagram feed! A monkey shooting videos and clicking selfies is not some goof up. It actually happened! A monkey in Malaysia recently invaded a human house. The creature, then picked up a phone and took it out for an adventure. The monkey stared at the phone camera, and also attempted to eat it. Then the primate got bored, so it trashed the phone, and disappeared. Take a look: Something yang korang takkan jumpa setiap abad. Semalam pagi tido bangun bangun tengahari phone hilang. Cari cari satu rumah geledah sana sini semua takde then last last jumpa casing phone je tinggal bawah katil tapi phonenya takde. Sambung bawah. pic.twitter.com/0x54giujnY — z (@Zackrydz) September 13, 2020 × Later, the phone owner found his cellphone idling away in the backyard. When he went through its media, he found the unexpected. Santai bos pic.twitter.com/NEyFvVWIho — z (@Zackrydz) September 13, 2020 × Pokok tu ha dia panjat pic.twitter.com/ORvQrDf4A0 — z (@Zackrydz) September 14, 2020 × The monkey had documented its day out! Yawnn pic.twitter.com/1uC36vxQZh — z (@Zackrydz) September 15, 2020 × And at the same, he left some bite marks on the phone. The overwhelmed owner, took to Twitter to express his amusement, where he also swore to have washed his phone 7 times. Cutie pic.twitter.com/iLm1UALx60 — z (@Zackrydz) September 15, 2020 × Now this monkey and the man are trending, and may have joined the trending selfie club! Here's the parting gift: The suspect pic.twitter.com/7uofsddkKL — z (@Zackrydz) September 13, 2020 × WATCH| ×

Malaysia: A monkey stole a smartphone to click hilarious selfies

<p>Extreme climate changes, natural disasters, raging pandemic, and high tensions in global politics: 2020 has seen it all. Now, it looks like the cohabitants of planet Earth are suffering too.</p>

<p>A report by The Guardian recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States.</p>

<p>Experts have called it a national tragedy, and one which needs immediate attention, and is being perceived as direct result of the climate crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Falling out of the sky'</strong></p>

<p>Among species that were found dead across the region, “falling out of the sky” were flycatchers, swallows, and warblers. This is happening across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A professor from the New Mexico State University told The Guardian that hundreds of thousands of such birds could already be dead.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/rare-species-of-birds-goes-missing-in-new-zealand-experts-unsure-about-reasons-of-this-frustrating-disappearance-311878" hreflang="en">Rare species of birds goes missing in New Zealand; experts unsure about reasons of this 'frustrating' disappearance</a></p>

<p>According to witnesses and first responders, many birds simply nose-dived into the ground, which instantly killed them.</p>

<p>It is customary for long-distance migratory birds to fly from cold habitats in Alaska and Canada towards South America. In this process, the fly over US’ south western regions, which are currently burning - quite literally.</p>

<p>The western regions in the US are currently witnessing intense wildfires, leading to mass evacuations, ringing climate change alarm bells.</p>

<p>Due to this fire, the birds may have been forced to take a longer route along the Chihuahuan desert, where resources are low, meaning they weren’t getting any food.</p>

<p>A student fro NMSU wrote on Twitter, “they’re literally just feathers and bones”, implying that the birds simply died off after they couldn’t fly anymore.</p>

<p><strong>Raging wildfires</strong></p>

<p>Many American regions are currently engulfed in wildfires, hazy with smoke emanating from these fires, which are seen as the direct result of climate change. Owing to this, fewer insects now survive in the area, which means less food for these birds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/79-per-cent-decline-in-indian-species-of-birds-study-281435" hreflang="en">79 per cent decline in Indian species of birds: Study</a></p>

<p>Scientists believe these weather events are directly responsible for the mass deaths of birds. The changing pattern may have fooled birds into beginning their migration earlier than usual, or the smoke from the fires could have chosen the birds.</p>

<p>The first such deaths were reported on August 20 in New Mexico. Initially thought to be isolated incidents, social media reports revealed a pattern forming in the region, whereby migratory birds were dropping dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before dying, birds are reportedly displaying unusual behaviour - like lethargy, approachability, etc.</p>


Extreme climate changes, natural disasters, raging pandemic, and high tensions in global politics: 2020 has seen it all. Now, it looks like the cohabitants of planet Earth are suffering too.

Extreme climate changes, natural disasters, raging pandemic, and high tensions in global politics: 2020 has seen it all. Now, it looks like the cohabitants of planet Earth are suffering too. A report by The Guardian recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States. Experts have called it a national tragedy, and one which needs immediate attention, and is being perceived as direct result of the climate crisis. 'Falling out of the sky' Among species that were found dead across the region, “falling out of the sky” were flycatchers, swallows, and warblers. This is happening across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska. A professor from the New Mexico State University told The Guardian that hundreds of thousands of such birds could already be dead. Also read: Rare species of birds goes missing in New Zealand; experts unsure about reasons of this 'frustrating' disappearance According to witnesses and first responders, many birds simply nose-dived into the ground, which instantly killed them. It is customary for long-distance migratory birds to fly from cold habitats in Alaska and Canada towards South America. In this process, the fly over US’ south western regions, which are currently burning - quite literally. The western regions in the US are currently witnessing intense wildfires, leading to mass evacuations, ringing climate change alarm bells. Due to this fire, the birds may have been forced to take a longer route along the Chihuahuan desert, where resources are low, meaning they weren’t getting any food. A student fro NMSU wrote on Twitter, “they’re literally just feathers and bones”, implying that the birds simply died off after they couldn’t fly anymore. Raging wildfires Many American regions are currently engulfed in wildfires, hazy with smoke emanating from these fires, which are seen as the direct result of climate change. Owing to this, fewer insects now survive in the area, which means less food for these birds. Also read: 79 per cent decline in Indian species of birds: Study Scientists believe these weather events are directly responsible for the mass deaths of birds. The changing pattern may have fooled birds into beginning their migration earlier than usual, or the smoke from the fires could have chosen the birds. The first such deaths were reported on August 20 in New Mexico. Initially thought to be isolated incidents, social media reports revealed a pattern forming in the region, whereby migratory birds were dropping dead. Before dying, birds are reportedly displaying unusual behaviour - like lethargy, approachability, etc.

Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America?

Across France, horse breeders, pony clubs and equestrian centres are in a state of high alert after horses have been found with ears cut off, eyes gouged out, and genitals mutilated. Police say they have no idea what the motive is: theories include a satanic rite, macabre trophy hunt, or internet challenge

Fearful French horse owners want mystery mutilator caught

Visitors and staff at Thailand's Khao Kheow open zoo gathered on Tuesday (September 8) to celebrate its senior hippopotamus resident Mae Mali's 55th birthday with a special cake made from colourful tropical fruit and vegetables.

Thai zoo celebrates country's oldest hippopotamus's 55th birthday

<p>Human activity is solely responsible for 96 percent of mammal extinctions in the past 126,000 years, according to a new study. In addition, the fossil records, as examined by scientists also indicate further extinctions of 558 mammal species in the near future.</p>

<p>A new study from the US journal Science Advances researched on the levels of impact humans had on the extinction of mammals and found that human population size in many parts of the world will “undoubtedly pose a serious challenge for the future conservation of biodiversity."</p>

<p><strong>In Pics:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/8-animals-you-didnt-know-could-sing-312908" hreflang="en">8 animals you didn't know could sing!</a></p>

<p>The study contradicts previous researches that indicated climate change to be the reason behind historical extinctions, as a mixed model has been tested in this study that accounts for human and climate factors and the interaction between the two. "We find no detectable effect of climate on mammal extinctions throughout the studied time frame. These results stand in contrast to previous support of the hypothesis that the interaction of humans and climate has been driving mammalian extinctions (albeit limited to megafaunal genera) during this same time frame (6). Human population density increases, on the other hand, have had a large detectable effect on mammal extinctions, explaining past extinctions with ~97% accuracy."</p>

<p>According to these models, the extinctions that have occurred in the past centuries only represent the "tip of the iceberg", compared to the looming extinctions of the next decades. Researchers have further predicted that the number of mammal species going extinct globally is likely to reach 558 by the year 2100.</p>

<p>The current diversity of mammals consists of approximately 5700 extant species. In addition, at least 351 mammal species have gone extinct since the beginning of the Late Pleistocene 126 thousand years ago, 80 of which are known from historical reports since the year 1500 CE (Common Era), while all others are only known from fossil or zoo archeological records.</p>

<p><strong>In Pics:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/are-animals-next-see-how-many-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19-so-far-290812" hreflang="en">Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far!</a></p>

<p>Despite the findings, scientists say there is still a window of opportunity to prevent many species from going extinct by improving conservation efforts. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently has more than 120,000 species on their red list of threatened species. Many conservation successes have taken place in recent years, with some species moving toward less threatened IUCN categories.</p>

<p>Researchers say they hope their alarming predictions will "foster increased realization on the urgency and scale of the conservation efforts needed to safeguard the future of mammalian diversity." According to the IUCN, more than 32,000 are currently threatened with extinction.</p>


Human activity is solely responsible for 96 percent of mammal extinctions in the past 126,000 years, according to a new study. In addition, the fossil records, as examined by scientists also indicate further extinctions of 558 mammal species in the near future.

Human activity is solely responsible for 96 percent of mammal extinctions in the past 126,000 years, according to a new study. In addition, the fossil records, as examined by scientists also indicate further extinctions of 558 mammal species in the near future. A new study from the US journal Science Advances researched on the levels of impact humans had on the extinction of mammals and found that human population size in many parts of the world will “undoubtedly pose a serious challenge for the future conservation of biodiversity." In Pics: 8 animals you didn't know could sing! The study contradicts previous researches that indicated climate change to be the reason behind historical extinctions, as a mixed model has been tested in this study that accounts for human and climate factors and the interaction between the two. "We find no detectable effect of climate on mammal extinctions throughout the studied time frame. These results stand in contrast to previous support of the hypothesis that the interaction of humans and climate has been driving mammalian extinctions (albeit limited to megafaunal genera) during this same time frame (6). Human population density increases, on the other hand, have had a large detectable effect on mammal extinctions, explaining past extinctions with ~97% accuracy." According to these models, the extinctions that have occurred in the past centuries only represent the "tip of the iceberg", compared to the looming extinctions of the next decades. Researchers have further predicted that the number of mammal species going extinct globally is likely to reach 558 by the year 2100. The current diversity of mammals consists of approximately 5700 extant species. In addition, at least 351 mammal species have gone extinct since the beginning of the Late Pleistocene 126 thousand years ago, 80 of which are known from historical reports since the year 1500 CE (Common Era), while all others are only known from fossil or zoo archeological records. In Pics: Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far! Despite the findings, scientists say there is still a window of opportunity to prevent many species from going extinct by improving conservation efforts. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently has more than 120,000 species on their red list of threatened species. Many conservation successes have taken place in recent years, with some species moving toward less threatened IUCN categories. Researchers say they hope their alarming predictions will "foster increased realization on the urgency and scale of the conservation efforts needed to safeguard the future of mammalian diversity." According to the IUCN, more than 32,000 are currently threatened with extinction.

Humans behind 96% mammal extinctions over 126,000 years: Study

<p>Thailand celebrated the 55th birthday of its oldest hippopotamus - Mae Mali&nbsp;with fervour on September 8.</p>

<p>Mae Mali means “Mother Jasmine” in Thai, and was moved to a compound at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand in 2018, two years ago from a Bangkok zoo.</p>

<h6><img alt="Thailand's oldest hippopotamus &quot;Mae Mali&quot; is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87857a48-044c-44ee-a33e-631061b739a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_130.jpg" /><em>Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters</em></h6>

<p>The hippo has outlived the typical hippo’s life expectancy, which is at 40-50 years on an average.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mali’s birthday was celebrated with an assortment of fruits and vegetables arranged in the shape of a cake. Spectators including children sang songs around the hippo.</p>

<h6><img alt="Thailand's oldest hippopotamus &quot;Mae Mali&quot; eats fruit during her 55th birthday party at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a43eb6d-9352-43d6-a59c-820d5f5b9837" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_150.jpg" /><em>Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" eats fruit during her 55th&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;party at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters</em></h6>

<p>"Mae Mali is now a grandma. We have been taking great care of her regarding her health, food, and environment," zoo director Attaporn Srihayrun told Reuters.</p>

<p>Mali has given birth to calves, and her descendants now amount to 21 hippos that are now scattered across zoos in the Southeast Asian country.</p>

<h6><img alt="Thailand's oldest hippopotamus &quot;Mae Mali&quot; is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbc2f7e4-6b16-41f5-b777-1a3d7d4deb40" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_104.jpg" /><em>Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters</em></h6>

<p><br />
"Mae Mali cannot reproduce anymore because she's quite elderly. But we will still take great care of her so that she can become one of the longest living hippopotamus in the world," Attaporn said.</p>

<p>Hippopotamuses live in rivers and lakes in the sub-Saharan African area. Due to habitat loss, they’re now considered vulnerable.</p>

<p>According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are around 115,000 to 130,000 hippopotamuses left in the wild.</p>


Thailand celebrated the 55th birthday of its oldest hippopotamus - Mae Mali with fervour on September 8. Mae Mali means “Mother Jasmine” in Thai, and was moved to a compound at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand in 2018, two years ago from a Bangkok zoo.

Thailand celebrated the 55th birthday of its oldest hippopotamus - Mae Mali with fervour on September 8. Mae Mali means “Mother Jasmine” in Thai, and was moved to a compound at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand in 2018, two years ago from a Bangkok zoo. Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters The hippo has outlived the typical hippo’s life expectancy, which is at 40-50 years on an average. Mali’s birthday was celebrated with an assortment of fruits and vegetables arranged in the shape of a cake. Spectators including children sang songs around the hippo. Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" eats fruit during her 55th birthday party at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters "Mae Mali is now a grandma. We have been taking great care of her regarding her health, food, and environment," zoo director Attaporn Srihayrun told Reuters. Mali has given birth to calves, and her descendants now amount to 21 hippos that are now scattered across zoos in the Southeast Asian country. Thailand's oldest hippopotamus "Mae Mali" is seen during her 55th birthday at Khao Kheow zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand September 8, 2020 | Reuters "Mae Mali cannot reproduce anymore because she's quite elderly. But we will still take great care of her so that she can become one of the longest living hippopotamus in the world," Attaporn said. Hippopotamuses live in rivers and lakes in the sub-Saharan African area. Due to habitat loss, they’re now considered vulnerable. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are around 115,000 to 130,000 hippopotamuses left in the wild.

In pics: Thailand celebrates 55th birthday of Mae Mali, its oldest hippopotamus

Three giant panda cubs were born this week at the Qinling research center of giant panda breeding in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Research center in northwest China welcomes three newborn giant panda cubs

With the summer heat gripping Italy on Thursday (August 13), zoo residents in the country's capital were chilling out as they cool off with tasty frozen treats.

As Rome sizzles, zoo treats animals to ice lollies 

One creature's poo is another one's treasure, as Krone zoo is finding out the good way. Home to 26 lions and tigers Krone zoo has found a side income by selling off its big cat poo.

A spoonful of turd helps the garden thrive, lion poo pop-up shop offers pest solutions

Giant panda Hefeng had his second birthday celebration in Shanghai Zoo on Sunday. Hefeng had a feast of birthday cake together with his brother Xingguang.

Shanghai Zoo holds birthday party for giant panda Hefeng

Taipei Zoo, in China's Taiwan province, kicked off a month-long event on Monday to solicit a name from the public for a newly-born giant panda cub by live and online activities.

Taipei Zoo solicits name for newly-born giant panda cub from public

<p>Canada’s famous “grey ghosts”, or as how the most world knows them - caribou may disappear forever in the foreseeable future.&nbsp;The caribou is famous for sturdily navigating across the snow, and taking charge of cold forests. However, their population has declined tremendously over the last few years.</p>

<p>There are many factors in play for this potential extinction, the biggest being wolves. Yes, wolves attack the caribou and may have been responsible for a mass murder of the species. The government took this seriously. In 2015, British Columbia went as far as putting bounties on wolves. This, in turn, led to the murder of over thousand wolves.</p>

<p><strong>New information pours in</strong></p>

<p>New facts have emerged, after a study conducted by the University of Alberta, which claims that this purge of predatory wolves has done little to change the ground reality.&nbsp;The mountain caribou has roamed snowy territories for years, but has recently been marred with declining populations.</p>

<h6><img alt="A stuffed caribou which bells, part of its seduction ritual, is on display at the Palais de la Decouverte (scientific museum) in Paris on October 23, 2012 as part of the exhibition &quot;Betes de sexe&quot; (Sexual beasts) dedicated to the sexual life of animals. The event runs from October 23 to August 25, 2013" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="822c6c32-bc89-4b64-a8c6-c5abac8bd636" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_26.jpg" /><br />
A stuffed caribou which bells, part of its seduction ritual, is on display at the Palais de la Decouverte (scientific museum) in Paris on October 23, 2012 as part of the exhibition "Betes de sexe" (Sexual beasts) dedicated to the sexual life of animals. The event runs from October 23 to August 25, 2013 | AFP<br />
&nbsp;</h6>

<p>According to scientists, this may be blamed on the loss of habitat, which could have been&nbsp;a product of human activity, along with of course, predatory wolves. Additionally, when humans navigate through snow, they leave behind trails of ski vehicles, which may set off a path for the wolves to follow.</p>

<p>Only 46,000 mountain caribou remain in the forest now, with no more sightings being reported in the United States. The animal can only be found in Canada. In the central and southern regions, the animal has been declared endangered.</p>

<p><strong>Killing wolves not enough</strong></p>

<p>A study from 2019 believes this can be reversed by a mass purge of wolves, and by creating fencing around pregnant caribous to prevent them from getting killed. Following this, the Canadian government has killed 460 wolves in the last year.</p>

<p><strong>You might also like:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-60-of-infectious-75-of-emerging-diseases-originate-from-animals-says-study-293767" hreflang="en">At least 60% of infectious, 75% of 'emerging' diseases originate from animals, says study</a></p>

<p>However, new research claims that this simply isn’t enough. Published recently in the journal Biology and Conservation, it claims that there is no proof any culling or protective measures will work. It also found that caribous are being preyed on not by wolves, but by bears, cougars, and wolverines.</p>

<p>In fact, researches found that habitat degradation, including mass cutting of logs is a major contributing factor. When old trees are cut down, a source of food is lost for the caribous, which also serve as a shelter for the same. And this is an imperative detail because the major food of caribous, the “lichen”, requires trees to mature for more than 80 years, which is being disrupted by loggers.</p>

<p>Ironically, the government had permitted logging of over 900 square kilometres of land listed as a critical caribou habitat.</p>


Canada’s famous “grey ghosts”, or as how the most world knows them - caribou may disappear forever in the foreseeable future. The caribou is famous for sturdily navigating across the snow, and taking charge of cold forests.

Canada’s famous “grey ghosts”, or as how the most world knows them - caribou may disappear forever in the foreseeable future. The caribou is famous for sturdily navigating across the snow, and taking charge of cold forests. However, their population has declined tremendously over the last few years. There are many factors in play for this potential extinction, the biggest being wolves. Yes, wolves attack the caribou and may have been responsible for a mass murder of the species. The government took this seriously. In 2015, British Columbia went as far as putting bounties on wolves. This, in turn, led to the murder of over thousand wolves. New information pours in New facts have emerged, after a study conducted by the University of Alberta, which claims that this purge of predatory wolves has done little to change the ground reality. The mountain caribou has roamed snowy territories for years, but has recently been marred with declining populations. A stuffed caribou which bells, part of its seduction ritual, is on display at the Palais de la Decouverte (scientific museum) in Paris on October 23, 2012 as part of the exhibition "Betes de sexe" (Sexual beasts) dedicated to the sexual life of animals. The event runs from October 23 to August 25, 2013 | AFP According to scientists, this may be blamed on the loss of habitat, which could have been a product of human activity, along with of course, predatory wolves. Additionally, when humans navigate through snow, they leave behind trails of ski vehicles, which may set off a path for the wolves to follow. Only 46,000 mountain caribou remain in the forest now, with no more sightings being reported in the United States. The animal can only be found in Canada. In the central and southern regions, the animal has been declared endangered. Killing wolves not enough A study from 2019 believes this can be reversed by a mass purge of wolves, and by creating fencing around pregnant caribous to prevent them from getting killed. Following this, the Canadian government has killed 460 wolves in the last year. You might also like: At least 60% of infectious, 75% of 'emerging' diseases originate from animals, says study However, new research claims that this simply isn’t enough. Published recently in the journal Biology and Conservation, it claims that there is no proof any culling or protective measures will work. It also found that caribous are being preyed on not by wolves, but by bears, cougars, and wolverines. In fact, researches found that habitat degradation, including mass cutting of logs is a major contributing factor. When old trees are cut down, a source of food is lost for the caribous, which also serve as a shelter for the same. And this is an imperative detail because the major food of caribous, the “lichen”, requires trees to mature for more than 80 years, which is being disrupted by loggers. Ironically, the government had permitted logging of over 900 square kilometres of land listed as a critical caribou habitat.

'Grey ghost' caribous may disappear forever, courtesy predatory wolves and human logging

<p>In a series of uncanny events, a squirrel recently tested positive for the bubonic plague in the US town of Morrison in the state of Colorado. This marks the first such case in the area this year. The news was shared by the Jefferson County Public Health department.</p>

<p><strong>Responsible for millions of deaths</strong></p>

<p>The bubonic plague has made the rounds for centuries and has killed millions over the course of humanity. It triggered the deadliest pandemic in all of human history which left more than 50 million dead in Europe, in what was called the “Black Death” pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mongolian-teenager-dies-of-bubonic-plague-report-313439" hreflang="en">Mongolian teenager dies of bubonic plague: Report</a></p>

<p>The health department has put out a warning saying humans need to up their guards, as the disease can infect animals and humans alike if precautions are not taken.&nbsp; Usually transmitted through fleas or infected animals, it can wreak havoc if it goes out of control. Even though much of the threat has been eliminated owing to the progress made in the field of medicine, the threat of the disease looms large.</p>

<p>When somebody develops the disease, it causes pain and swelling of one’s lymph nodes. Just like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it can cause fever, chills, and coughing.</p>

<p><strong>The plague resurges every year</strong></p>

<p>As per data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country records over a dozen cases of the plague every year, which was also responsible for two deaths in the state of Colorado in 2015.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="/world/bubonic-plague-being-well-managed-in-china-not-high-risk-who-311353" hreflang="en">Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO</a></p>

<p>Even though it had remained dormant over the last few years, this resurgence has created panic, given the dire situation globally owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The WHO has also warned of its re-emergence. On a yearly basic, it infects 1,000 to 2,000 people. But the organisation claims that this number is misleading, as many cases go unreported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="/world/bubonic-plague-yet-another-plague-originating-from-china-311196" hreflang="en">Bubonic plague: Yet another plague originating from China</a></p>

<p>Just a week ago, on July 7, a case of bubonic plague was confirmed by China in the region called Inner Mongolia. Following this acknowledgement, a citywide warning was set out to prevent another epidemic. According to the local authorities, the warning is set to stay in place for the whole year.</p>

<p>The bubonic plague can be lethal if not treated on time. If it progresses to the stage of pneumonic plague, it can cause major lung damage, and may become fatal.</p>


In a series of uncanny events, a squirrel recently tested positive for the bubonic plague in the US town of Morrison in the state of Colorado. This marks the first such case in the area this year.

In a series of uncanny events, a squirrel recently tested positive for the bubonic plague in the US town of Morrison in the state of Colorado. This marks the first such case in the area this year. The news was shared by the Jefferson County Public Health department. Responsible for millions of deaths The bubonic plague has made the rounds for centuries and has killed millions over the course of humanity. It triggered the deadliest pandemic in all of human history which left more than 50 million dead in Europe, in what was called the “Black Death” pandemic. Also read: Mongolian teenager dies of bubonic plague: Report The health department has put out a warning saying humans need to up their guards, as the disease can infect animals and humans alike if precautions are not taken. Usually transmitted through fleas or infected animals, it can wreak havoc if it goes out of control. Even though much of the threat has been eliminated owing to the progress made in the field of medicine, the threat of the disease looms large. When somebody develops the disease, it causes pain and swelling of one’s lymph nodes. Just like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it can cause fever, chills, and coughing. The plague resurges every year As per data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country records over a dozen cases of the plague every year, which was also responsible for two deaths in the state of Colorado in 2015. Also read: Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO Even though it had remained dormant over the last few years, this resurgence has created panic, given the dire situation globally owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The WHO has also warned of its re-emergence. On a yearly basic, it infects 1,000 to 2,000 people. But the organisation claims that this number is misleading, as many cases go unreported. Also read: Bubonic plague: Yet another plague originating from China Just a week ago, on July 7, a case of bubonic plague was confirmed by China in the region called Inner Mongolia. Following this acknowledgement, a citywide warning was set out to prevent another epidemic. According to the local authorities, the warning is set to stay in place for the whole year. The bubonic plague can be lethal if not treated on time. If it progresses to the stage of pneumonic plague, it can cause major lung damage, and may become fatal.

A squirrel in Colorado develops bubonic plague, authorities issue health warning

<p>A 2018 census to map and work on preserving tiger population in India has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Now, this effort is officially the world’s largest wildlife survey being conducted on cameras.</p>

<p>According to data from the All India Tiger Estimation from 2018, around 2,967 tigers exist in India, which amounts to a whopping 75 per cent of the global tiger population.&nbsp;This data was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Global Tiger Day in 2019, which is celebrated to raise awareness about tiger conservation every year on July 29.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="/world/tigers-lions-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-new-york-zoo-294346" hreflang="en">Tigers, lions test positive for COVID-19 in New York zoo</a></p>

<p>The achievement was acknowledged by the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who tweeted, "The All India Tiger Estimation is now in the Guinness World Records for being the largest camera trap wildlife survey, a great moment indeed and a shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)."</p>

<p><strong>Attainment through resolve</strong></p>

<p>Calling it the achievement based on “sankalp se sidhi” (translates into “attainment through resolve”), the minister claimed that this was attained under the leadership of Modi, whereby the country was able to double the number of tigers way before the target. To be exact, the numbers came to fruition four years before the envisaged plan.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Under the leadership of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, India fulfilled its resolve to double tiger numbers 4 years before the target through <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SankalpSeSiddhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SankalpSeSiddhi</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/GWR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GWR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ChnPkCEzUG">pic.twitter.com/ChnPkCEzUG</a></p>
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashJavdekar/status/1281755194020130819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The website of the Guinness World Records said, "The fourth iteration of the survey - conducted in 2018-19 - was the most comprehensive to date, in terms of both resource and data amassed. Camera traps (outdoor photographic devices fitted with motion sensors that start recording when an animal passes by) were placed in 26,838 locations across 141 different sites and surveyed an effective area of 121,337 square kilometres (46,848 square miles)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="/india-news/social-distancing-for-tigers-indian-zoo-takes-measure-over-coronavirus-fears-292338" hreflang="en">Social distancing for tigers? Indian zoo takes measure over coronavirus fears</a></p>

<p>According to Guinness, the cameras have taken 34,000,000+ pictures of animals in their natural habitats. Through these images, 2,461 unique tigers were identified. "In total, the camera traps captured 34,858,623 photographs of wildlife (76,651 of which were tigers and 51,777 were leopards; the remainder were other native fauna). From these photographs, 2,461 individual tigers (excluding cubs) were identified using stripe-pattern-recognition software."</p>

<p>The conservation project aimed at tigers began as early as 1973, under the name “Project Tiger”, and was heralded by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.</p>


A 2018 census to map and work on preserving tiger population in India has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Now, this effort is officially the world’s largest wildlife survey being conducted on cameras.

A 2018 census to map and work on preserving tiger population in India has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Now, this effort is officially the world’s largest wildlife survey being conducted on cameras. According to data from the All India Tiger Estimation from 2018, around 2,967 tigers exist in India, which amounts to a whopping 75 per cent of the global tiger population. This data was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Global Tiger Day in 2019, which is celebrated to raise awareness about tiger conservation every year on July 29. Also read: Tigers, lions test positive for COVID-19 in New York zoo The achievement was acknowledged by the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who tweeted, "The All India Tiger Estimation is now in the Guinness World Records for being the largest camera trap wildlife survey, a great moment indeed and a shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)." Attainment through resolve Calling it the achievement based on “sankalp se sidhi” (translates into “attainment through resolve”), the minister claimed that this was attained under the leadership of Modi, whereby the country was able to double the number of tigers way before the target. To be exact, the numbers came to fruition four years before the envisaged plan. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, India fulfilled its resolve to double tiger numbers 4 years before the target through #SankalpSeSiddhi. @GWR @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/ChnPkCEzUG — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) July 11, 2020 × The website of the Guinness World Records said, "The fourth iteration of the survey - conducted in 2018-19 - was the most comprehensive to date, in terms of both resource and data amassed. Camera traps (outdoor photographic devices fitted with motion sensors that start recording when an animal passes by) were placed in 26,838 locations across 141 different sites and surveyed an effective area of 121,337 square kilometres (46,848 square miles)." Also read: Social distancing for tigers? Indian zoo takes measure over coronavirus fears According to Guinness, the cameras have taken 34,000,000+ pictures of animals in their natural habitats. Through these images, 2,461 unique tigers were identified. "In total, the camera traps captured 34,858,623 photographs of wildlife (76,651 of which were tigers and 51,777 were leopards; the remainder were other native fauna). From these photographs, 2,461 individual tigers (excluding cubs) were identified using stripe-pattern-recognition software." The conservation project aimed at tigers began as early as 1973, under the name “Project Tiger”, and was heralded by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

India's tiger census from 2018 is now a Guinness world record!

8 animals you didn't know could sing!

<p>Marine life in the Mediterranean off Italy flourished during the coronavirus lockdown as water quality improved and species moved into spaces vacated by people and ships, the Italian coastguard has found.</p>

<p>The strict rules halting business and movement for two months offered an unprecedented opportunity to monitor the impact of human activity on the sea that surrounds Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since April, the coastguard has used water samples, underwater footage filmed by remotely operated vehicles and its own divers, and a census of unusual sightings of marine species close to heavily populated areas to monitor the sea.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-induced-disruption-in-resources-may-cause-1-million-extra-deaths-due-to-other-diseases-311086" hreflang="en">Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases</a></p>

<p>In the Secche di Tor Paterno, a protected marine reserve 8 km (5 miles) off the coast of Rome, moray eels and colourful fish crowd a forest of gorgonians, or sea fans and corals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were able to ascertain a significant improvement in the transparency of the waters and a significant reduction in suspended material," Lieutenant Alessandro Mino, commander of the coastguard diving unit of the Campania region, told Reuters, speaking from a boat off the coast of Lazio, near Rome.</p>

<p>Even before the full results of the study are published in late July, improvements have been tangible.</p>

<p>A pod of sperm whales was spotted in the blue waters of the Sicilian sea near the port of Milazzo and dolphins replaced container ships in ports in northwestern Liguria.</p>

<p>"The marine environment and marine life have regained spaces that human activity had eroded," Mino said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing new threats, with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer bottles increasingly found in the sea.</p>

<p>The so-called "COVID waste" is adding to marine pollution made up of microplastics - tiny particles from the breakdown of everything from shopping bags to car tyres.</p>

<p>Since July 2019, the coastguard has recovered 75 tonnes of plastic and 5 tonnes of abandoned plastic nets.</p>

<p>Coastguard spokesman Cosimo Nicastro said he was optimistic the lockdown had given people more understanding of how fragile the environment is.</p>

<p>"This patrimony of beauty has been given to us on loan from our parents and we must preserve it and give it to our children and future generations. It is not something that belongs to us," Nicastro said.</p>


Marine life in the Mediterranean off Italy flourished during the coronavirus lockdown as water quality improved and species moved into spaces vacated by people and ships, the Italian coastguard has found.

Marine life in the Mediterranean off Italy flourished during the coronavirus lockdown as water quality improved and species moved into spaces vacated by people and ships, the Italian coastguard has found. The strict rules halting business and movement for two months offered an unprecedented opportunity to monitor the impact of human activity on the sea that surrounds Italy. Since April, the coastguard has used water samples, underwater footage filmed by remotely operated vehicles and its own divers, and a census of unusual sightings of marine species close to heavily populated areas to monitor the sea. Also read: Coronavirus-induced disruption in resources may cause 1 million extra deaths due to other diseases In the Secche di Tor Paterno, a protected marine reserve 8 km (5 miles) off the coast of Rome, moray eels and colourful fish crowd a forest of gorgonians, or sea fans and corals. "We were able to ascertain a significant improvement in the transparency of the waters and a significant reduction in suspended material," Lieutenant Alessandro Mino, commander of the coastguard diving unit of the Campania region, told Reuters, speaking from a boat off the coast of Lazio, near Rome. Even before the full results of the study are published in late July, improvements have been tangible. A pod of sperm whales was spotted in the blue waters of the Sicilian sea near the port of Milazzo and dolphins replaced container ships in ports in northwestern Liguria. "The marine environment and marine life have regained spaces that human activity had eroded," Mino said. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is posing new threats, with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer bottles increasingly found in the sea. The so-called "COVID waste" is adding to marine pollution made up of microplastics - tiny particles from the breakdown of everything from shopping bags to car tyres. Since July 2019, the coastguard has recovered 75 tonnes of plastic and 5 tonnes of abandoned plastic nets. Coastguard spokesman Cosimo Nicastro said he was optimistic the lockdown had given people more understanding of how fragile the environment is. "This patrimony of beauty has been given to us on loan from our parents and we must preserve it and give it to our children and future generations. It is not something that belongs to us," Nicastro said.

Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown: Italian coastguard

<p>A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050.</p>

<p>The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently.</p>

<p>Currently, the state has 36,000 koalas. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that these numbers&nbsp;are&nbsp;unreliable, and outdated. As logging and habitat displacement continues, koalas may be wiped from the state, and consequentially the country over the next three decades.</p>

<p><strong>Bushfires add to woes</strong></p>

<p>The report was presented on Tuesday, and claimed that the loss of habitat for koalas had been amplified owing to the 2019-2020 bushfires, which rendered 24 per cent of their habitat unliveable. Some habitat regions suffered damage amounting to over 80 per cent loss.</p>

<p>Climate change, complemented by fires and droughts, may drive koalas to extinction.</p>

<h6><img alt="Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7ddf5ea-2689-4ec9-b7d9-b9b2c703b438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_115.jpg" /><br />
<em>Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011 | AFP</em><br />
&nbsp;</h6>

<p>According to the report, intervention is the need of the hour. “Given the scale of loss as a result of the fires to many significant local populations, the committee believes the koala will become extinct in New South Wales well before 2050 and that urgent government intervention is required to protect their habitat and address all other threats to their ongoing survival,” the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="/world/koala-bears-wounded-during-australian-bushfires-re-released-into-forests-again-294165" hreflang="en">Koala bears wounded during Australian bushfires re-released into forests again</a></p>

<p>The state once had a thriving koala population, and the report found that the local extinction happened before the bushfires hit the country.</p>

<p>The report brings to light the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with the threat. “The report found that habitat loss and fragmentation was the biggest threat to koalas, yet at every turn we were handed evidence that showed our current laws are inadequate and facilitating the clearing of core koala habitat”.</p>

<p><strong>Prioritised action</strong></p>

<p>Based on their findings, the committee made 42 recommendations. They demanded a prioritised action from the government in protecting the koalas, to work on strengthening monitoring methods, and to increase funding for conservation groups that seek to help the koalas.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/koala-population-in-east-australia-faces-extinction-by-2050-warns-wwf-164175/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Additionally, the committee demanded the government to ban opening old forests to logging, and to provide incentives to farmers willing to protect their lands instead of clearing it.</p>

<p>They asked for a “significant increase in koala habitat protected from logging, mining, land clearing and urban development”.</p>

<p>The state’s conservation council reiterated the findings of the committee and called for immediate help. “We are pleased that there is a growing political consensus that koala extinction is a very real possibility if we don’t act urgently to protect koala habitat,” the council’s chief executive, Chris Gambian told the Guardian.</p>

<p>A report on Australia’s environmental laws is due this week, with the threat of loss of habitat looming large on the koala population.</p>


A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050. The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently.

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050. The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently. Currently, the state has 36,000 koalas. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that these numbers are unreliable, and outdated. As logging and habitat displacement continues, koalas may be wiped from the state, and consequentially the country over the next three decades. Bushfires add to woes The report was presented on Tuesday, and claimed that the loss of habitat for koalas had been amplified owing to the 2019-2020 bushfires, which rendered 24 per cent of their habitat unliveable. Some habitat regions suffered damage amounting to over 80 per cent loss. Climate change, complemented by fires and droughts, may drive koalas to extinction. Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011 | AFP According to the report, intervention is the need of the hour. “Given the scale of loss as a result of the fires to many significant local populations, the committee believes the koala will become extinct in New South Wales well before 2050 and that urgent government intervention is required to protect their habitat and address all other threats to their ongoing survival,” the report said. Also read: Koala bears wounded during Australian bushfires re-released into forests again The state once had a thriving koala population, and the report found that the local extinction happened before the bushfires hit the country. The report brings to light the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with the threat. “The report found that habitat loss and fragmentation was the biggest threat to koalas, yet at every turn we were handed evidence that showed our current laws are inadequate and facilitating the clearing of core koala habitat”. Prioritised action Based on their findings, the committee made 42 recommendations. They demanded a prioritised action from the government in protecting the koalas, to work on strengthening monitoring methods, and to increase funding for conservation groups that seek to help the koalas. Additionally, the committee demanded the government to ban opening old forests to logging, and to provide incentives to farmers willing to protect their lands instead of clearing it. They asked for a “significant increase in koala habitat protected from logging, mining, land clearing and urban development”. The state’s conservation council reiterated the findings of the committee and called for immediate help. “We are pleased that there is a growing political consensus that koala extinction is a very real possibility if we don’t act urgently to protect koala habitat,” the council’s chief executive, Chris Gambian told the Guardian. A report on Australia’s environmental laws is due this week, with the threat of loss of habitat looming large on the koala population.

Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050

Double celebrations were held at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in southwest China's Sichuan Province on Thursday, with the 100-day anniversary of a special pair of twin panda cubs coinciding with the traditional Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival.

Double celebrations held for Duanwu Festival, twin panda cubs' 100-day anniversary

Visitors of all ages on Tuesday (June 23) attended Madrid's zoo which re-opened on Monday (June 22) after being shut for over three months due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Madrid's zoo re-opens after three-month lockdown ends

<p>The giant Galápagos tortoise Diego who is single-handedly responsible for saving his threatened species is now retiring.</p>

<p>After decades of breeding in captivity, and giving offsprings in Ecuador, Diego will now be moved from Galápagos national park to his native pasture island.</p>

<p>Ecuador’s minister for environment said that Diego was sent from the national park’s breeding programme based in Santa Cruz to a remote island in Española.</p>

<p>“We are closing an important chapter in the management of the park”, minister Paulo Proano tweeted. Proano added that 25 tortoises including Diego “are going back home after decades of reproducing in captivity and saving their species from extinction”.</p>

<h6><img alt="Diego, a tortoise of the endangered Chelonoidis hoodensis subspecies from Española Island, is seen in a breeding centre at the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago, located some 1,000 km off Ecuador's coast, on September 10, 2016" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47008e64-ba84-4823-b06d-7a5ab3560ce7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_31.jpg" /><br />
<em>Diego, a tortoise of the endangered Chelonoidis hoodensis subspecies from Española Island, is seen in a breeding centre at the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago, located some 1,000 km off Ecuador's coast, on September 10, 2016 | AFP</em></h6>

<p>He further said that Española welcomed the tortoises “with open arms”.</p>

<p>Before being sent to the island, Diego and his comrades were put in quarantine for a while so that no seeds native to the island may end up on the island.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-tortoise-who-saved-his-species-306366/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The 100-year-year Diego weighs 80 kgs, is 90 cms long, and 1.5 metres tall.</p>

<p>Out of the 2,000-tortoise population, Diego is believed to be the father of at least 40 per cent of the population.</p>

<p>50 years ago, only two males and 12 females of Diego’s species were alive, and were unable to reproduce for they were too spread out.</p>

<p>As part of the breeding programme, the tortoise was brought from the San Diego Zoo in the mid-1960s. His species is officially called <i>Chelonoidis hoodensis</i>.</p>


The giant Galápagos tortoise Diego who is single-handedly responsible for saving his threatened species is now retiring. After decades of breeding in captivity, and giving offsprings in Ecuador, Diego will now be moved from Galápagos national park to his native pasture island.

The giant Galápagos tortoise Diego who is single-handedly responsible for saving his threatened species is now retiring. After decades of breeding in captivity, and giving offsprings in Ecuador, Diego will now be moved from Galápagos national park to his native pasture island. Ecuador’s minister for environment said that Diego was sent from the national park’s breeding programme based in Santa Cruz to a remote island in Española. “We are closing an important chapter in the management of the park”, minister Paulo Proano tweeted. Proano added that 25 tortoises including Diego “are going back home after decades of reproducing in captivity and saving their species from extinction”. Diego, a tortoise of the endangered Chelonoidis hoodensis subspecies from Española Island, is seen in a breeding centre at the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago, located some 1,000 km off Ecuador's coast, on September 10, 2016 | AFP He further said that Española welcomed the tortoises “with open arms”. Before being sent to the island, Diego and his comrades were put in quarantine for a while so that no seeds native to the island may end up on the island. The 100-year-year Diego weighs 80 kgs, is 90 cms long, and 1.5 metres tall. Out of the 2,000-tortoise population, Diego is believed to be the father of at least 40 per cent of the population. 50 years ago, only two males and 12 females of Diego’s species were alive, and were unable to reproduce for they were too spread out. As part of the breeding programme, the tortoise was brought from the San Diego Zoo in the mid-1960s. His species is officially called Chelonoidis hoodensis.

Diego, the tortoise responsible for saving his species retires

British dog breeders have seen a huge surge in demand for puppies during the coronavirus lockdown and are worried that many families will give them up once they realise the scale of the responsibility ahead.

They call it puppy love: Lockdown Britain sees surge in demand for dogs

Paris's zoo re-opened on Monday (June 8) after a three month closure because of COVID-19 shutdown with 62 new residents.

Paris zoo re-opens with 62 new residents born during coronavirus shutdown

More than a thousand pets are currently stranded worldwide by the flight cancellations and border closures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic

Stranded pets, desperate owners: coronavirus separates furry family members

A dog grooming service in Bangkok re-opened after lockdown on Monday (May 4) to welcome furry dogs in need of hair cuts but business is not the same from before the coronavirus outbreak which forced business around the world, including in Thailand, to close for months.

Scruffy dogs head to the groomer as Thai lockdown eases

People in isolation, looking for animal companionship, have started to adopt dogs. And many dogs have made new friends in the volunteers who walk the pets of elderly people.

Abandoned pets find new homes in Moscow

One year old orphan bears Bradley and Cooper were released into the wild on Saturday (May 2) after being trained on how to make it on their own.

Young orphan bears released from sanctuary into the wild in Greece

A six-month-old giant panda cub Jia Jia zai, son of his mother Jia Jia, began to meet visitors through the glasses of the panda house in the Shanghai Wildlife Zoo on Saturday.

Panda cub meets visitors in Shanghai

Frank Messing's herd of alpacas and llamas is helping to calm the nerves of Germans stressed by the coronavirus restrictions.

Online alpacas calm Germans suffering coronavirus stress

Looking after an orphaned baby rhino is hard work: you feed them bottled milk at all hours, comfort them through constant fear and bereavement and endure long nights of screaming for the absent mother they witnessed being shot dead by poachers.

South Africans volunteer to keep rhino orphanage going during lockdown

Everyday after his paper route, Abdelaziz El-Edresy gets on his bicycle carrying bags of meat scraps, and rides around the Moroccan capital looking for stray cats to feed.

"We're not alone on this planet," Moroccan man feeds hungry street cats

Activists in Latin America are scrambling to house and feed animals abandoned by owners who misguidedly fear their pets will infect them with the coronavirus or who are unable to feed animals amid lockdowns that have caused increased unemployment.

Coronavirus Outbreak: People abandoning pets due to fake news and misinformation

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