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For the first time in Rajasthan, ostriches have successfully bred in captivity at the zoo located in Ramniwas Bagh. Watch to know more!

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Nepal is using low-value plastics in road construction which is helping the country address dual problems simultaneously,
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Sweden on Wednesday (Aug 21) began a killing spree to eliminate nearly 500 brown bears, or 20 per cent of the animal's population in the Nordic country, despite outcry by environment activists who call it more of a 'macho pride' issue than something motivated by real ecological concerns.

The brown bears can be shot dead as&nbsp;part of the annual license to kill. The hunting season will go into October 15.&nbsp;For this season, 486 brown bears can be killed in the so-called licensed hunt.

Activists say that a century&nbsp;of conservation efforts will go to waste after campaigns and laws had brought back the population of brown bears that were once killed to near-extinction by hunters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>The 'trophy hunt' of bears&nbsp;</h2>

Brown bears that number more than 3,000 in Sweden,&nbsp;are a strictly protected species within the European Union. Hunting them is being seen by some as a matter of 'macho pride', allege the activists.

Watch: Polar Bears on verge of extinction due to starvation amid global warming

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“There are several ways to better live side by side... by taking preventive measures to avoid damage and by using the great tourism value of bear watching as a tool for countryside development, which our neighbouring country Finland has proven to be very good at,” Euronews quoted Magnus Orrebrant, chairman of the Swedish Carnivore Association, as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-for-bears-romanias-parliament-approves-culling-of-500-bears-741413">No country for bears? Romania's parliament approves stepping up bear culling</a>

Measures to protect them from trophy-hunting were introduced in 1927. Over several decades since then, their population gradually grew. It was&nbsp;around 2,200 in the year 2000, and&nbsp;peaked at around 3,300 in 2008.&nbsp;

But after the licensed hunt of 2023, the population dropped to 2,450.

Sweden’s Big Five, a conservation group, alleged the&nbsp;government was on a clear path to cull the big carnivores to 1,400, which is the minimum number required for conservation purposes.&nbsp;This would represent a 60 per cent loss from the 2008 peak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/humans-can-learn-to-sleep-like-bears-to-save-their-lives-study-673901">Sleeping like a bear might help humans live a healthier life, study suggests</a>

“We can absolutely not continue to shoot this many bears if we are to have a stable bear population around the 2,400 bears we have today,” says Jonas Kindberg, leader of the Scandinavian Bear research project.

Officially known as Ursus arctos, brown&nbsp;bears mature slowly, taking up to four years to become adults.

Kindberg noted that only a few cubs are born at a time, and that too once in two to three years.&nbsp;“During the hunt, it is very difficult to tell females from males, and the females are much more valuable to the population. Therefore, you risk ending up in a situation that may take a very long time to repair.”

In addition to the annual licensed hunts, brown bears are allowed to be killed in 'protective' hunts if they're considered damaging to property or threat to life.

Last year, 648 bears were shot during licensed hunting, while 74 more were killed during protective hunting. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sweden on Wednesday (Aug 21) began a killing spree to eliminate nearly 500 brown bears, or 20 per cent of the animal's population in the Nordic country, despite outcry by environment activists who call it more of a 'macho pride' issue than something motivated by real ecological concerns.

Sweden on Wednesday (Aug 21) began a killing spree to eliminate nearly 500 brown bears, or 20 per cent of the animal's population in the Nordic country, despite outcry by environment activists who call it more of a 'macho pride' issue than something motivated by real ecological concerns. The brown bears can be shot dead as part of the annual license to kill. The hunting season will go into October 15. For this season, 486 brown bears can be killed in the so-called licensed hunt. Activists say that a century of conservation efforts will go to waste after campaigns and laws had brought back the population of brown bears that were once killed to near-extinction by hunters. The 'trophy hunt' of bears Brown bears that number more than 3,000 in Sweden, are a strictly protected species within the European Union. Hunting them is being seen by some as a matter of 'macho pride', allege the activists. Watch: Polar Bears on verge of extinction due to starvation amid global warming × “There are several ways to better live side by side... by taking preventive measures to avoid damage and by using the great tourism value of bear watching as a tool for countryside development, which our neighbouring country Finland has proven to be very good at,” Euronews quoted Magnus Orrebrant, chairman of the Swedish Carnivore Association, as saying. Also read: No country for bears? Romania's parliament approves stepping up bear culling Measures to protect them from trophy-hunting were introduced in 1927. Over several decades since then, their population gradually grew. It was around 2,200 in the year 2000, and peaked at around 3,300 in 2008. But after the licensed hunt of 2023, the population dropped to 2,450. Sweden’s Big Five, a conservation group, alleged the government was on a clear path to cull the big carnivores to 1,400, which is the minimum number required for conservation purposes. This would represent a 60 per cent loss from the 2008 peak. Also read: Sleeping like a bear might help humans live a healthier life, study suggests “We can absolutely not continue to shoot this many bears if we are to have a stable bear population around the 2,400 bears we have today,” says Jonas Kindberg, leader of the Scandinavian Bear research project. Officially known as Ursus arctos, brown bears mature slowly, taking up to four years to become adults. Kindberg noted that only a few cubs are born at a time, and that too once in two to three years. “During the hunt, it is very difficult to tell females from males, and the females are much more valuable to the population. Therefore, you risk ending up in a situation that may take a very long time to repair.” In addition to the annual licensed hunts, brown bears are allowed to be killed in 'protective' hunts if they're considered damaging to property or threat to life. Last year, 648 bears were shot during licensed hunting, while 74 more were killed during protective hunting. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden starts killing 20 per cent of its brown bear population despite outcry against 'macho pride'

The world is losing four football fields worth of healthy land every second, warned the United Nations chief in a strong message ahead of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought which will be marked on Monday (Jun 17).&nbsp;

<h2>‘We are vandalising the Earth’</h2>

“The security, prosperity, and health of billions of people rely on thriving lands supporting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems, but we’re vandalising the Earth that sustains us,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement published on Sunday (Jun 16).&nbsp;

According to the UN, nearly 40 per cent of land across the planet is degraded and we are losing more hectares every second. “Every second, around four football fields of healthy land are degraded,” Guterres added.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-earth-turn-as-arid-as-sahara-desert-heres-what-disappearance-of-grasslands-hint-720991">Will Earth turn as arid as Sahara Desert? Here's what disappearance of grasslands hint at</a>

The land lost each second adds up to a loss of 100 million hectares each year, according to the UN. Notably, healthy land reportedly provides us with almost 95 per cent of our food, not to mention the fact that it also shelters people, provides jobs and is important for livelihoods.&nbsp;

According to the UN, millions of people across the world are at risk of being displaced due to desertification and drought.&nbsp;

<h2>World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024: All you need to know</h2>

The statement by the UN chief came ahead of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought which is observed each year on June 17, in a bid to draw attention to one of the most pressing environmental challenges – desertification, land degradation and drought. &nbsp;

This year’s theme is ‘United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future’. The global observance of the day will be hosted by the Government of Germany in Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn.&nbsp;

The event will also mark the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a legally binding international agreement, adopted in 1994, linking environment and development to sustainable land management.&nbsp;

The agreement has sought to address issues faced particularly by those who live in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, also known as drylands.&nbsp;

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“As the focus of this year’s World Day reminds us, we must be ‘United for Land’,” said the UN chief. He called on governments, businesses and communities to “come together and act.”

According to the UNCCD, nearly 84 per cent of all terrestrial ecosystems face the risk of drought-related wildfires.&nbsp;

The data by the UN also suggests that by 2045 around 135 million people may be displaced due to desertification.T he UNCCD says it is working on restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The world is losing four football fields worth of healthy land every second, warned the United Nations chief in a strong message ahead of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought which will be marked on Monday (Jun 17).

The world is losing four football fields worth of healthy land every second, warned the United Nations chief in a strong message ahead of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought which will be marked on Monday (Jun 17). ‘We are vandalising the Earth’ “The security, prosperity, and health of billions of people rely on thriving lands supporting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems, but we’re vandalising the Earth that sustains us,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement published on Sunday (Jun 16). According to the UN, nearly 40 per cent of land across the planet is degraded and we are losing more hectares every second. “Every second, around four football fields of healthy land are degraded,” Guterres added. Also Read | Will Earth turn as arid as Sahara Desert? Here's what disappearance of grasslands hint at The land lost each second adds up to a loss of 100 million hectares each year, according to the UN. Notably, healthy land reportedly provides us with almost 95 per cent of our food, not to mention the fact that it also shelters people, provides jobs and is important for livelihoods. According to the UN, millions of people across the world are at risk of being displaced due to desertification and drought. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2024: All you need to know The statement by the UN chief came ahead of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought which is observed each year on June 17, in a bid to draw attention to one of the most pressing environmental challenges – desertification, land degradation and drought. This year’s theme is ‘United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future’. The global observance of the day will be hosted by the Government of Germany in Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn. The event will also mark the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a legally binding international agreement, adopted in 1994, linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The agreement has sought to address issues faced particularly by those who live in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, also known as drylands. Also Read | 'Deaths happen within 48 hours': Rare flesh-eating bacteria spreads in Japan “As the focus of this year’s World Day reminds us, we must be ‘United for Land’,” said the UN chief. He called on governments, businesses and communities to “come together and act.” According to the UNCCD, nearly 84 per cent of all terrestrial ecosystems face the risk of drought-related wildfires. The data by the UN also suggests that by 2045 around 135 million people may be displaced due to desertification.T he UNCCD says it is working on restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

Healthy land worth 4 football fields lost every second globally, warns UN chief

Malaysia plans to introduce “orangutan diplomacy” for countries that buy its palm oil, including India, as it hopes to ease criticism of deforestation linked to its multibillion-dollar industry and as a part of a diplomatic strategy.&nbsp;

<h2>What is ‘orangutan diplomacy’?</h2>

Malaysia’s Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said that the country hopes to generate the same goodwill as China has with its “panda diplomacy” over the years by offering orangutans as gifts to its major trading partners.&nbsp;

The plan, which has already sparked criticism from conservation groups, comes after the European Union last year approved an import ban on commodities linked to deforestation, which could impact Malaysia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-we-already-lost-the-battle-april-continues-damning-11-month-trend-emerges-as-hottest-since-1940-719261">Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940</a>

Notably, Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil which is used in everything from chocolate to lipstick. However, the multibillion-dollar industry has also been attributed as the cause of the shrinking of the natural rainforests where the large apes live.

Ghani said Malaysia would offer orangutans as gifts to trading partners, particularly major importers such as the EU, India and China, as part of a diplomatic strategy.

“This will prove to the global community that Malaysia is committed to biodiversity conservation,” said the minister, in a statement, on X.&nbsp;

He added, “Malaysia cannot take a defensive approach to the issue of palm oil. Instead we need to show the countries of the world that Malaysia is a sustainable palm oil producer and is committed to protecting forests and environmental sustainability.”

<h2>Criticism from conservationists</h2>

While there were no further details about the plan or its implementation, the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) told Reuters that orangutans – which means “man of the forest” in Malay – are critically endangered, with a population of less than 105,000 on the island of Borneo.&nbsp;

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The large apes only live on the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List had previously estimated that the population of orangutans in Borneo will decline to about 47,000 by next year as a result of human pressures and loss of habitat.&nbsp;

“WWF supports in-situ conservation of wildlife, and would urge that trading partners are brought to Malaysia to support this initiative, as opposed to sending orangutans out of the country,” said the group in a statement to Reuters.

Advocacy group Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, as per the news agency, said that the government should consider alternative diplomatic measures, as its plan for “orangutan diplomacy” would require research about the potential impact and feasibility against other conservation efforts.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Malaysia plans to introduce “orangutan diplomacy” for countries that buy its palm oil, including India, as it hopes to ease criticism of deforestation linked to its multibillion-dollar industry and as a part of a diplomatic strategy.

Malaysia plans to introduce “orangutan diplomacy” for countries that buy its palm oil, including India, as it hopes to ease criticism of deforestation linked to its multibillion-dollar industry and as a part of a diplomatic strategy. What is ‘orangutan diplomacy’? Malaysia’s Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said that the country hopes to generate the same goodwill as China has with its “panda diplomacy” over the years by offering orangutans as gifts to its major trading partners. The plan, which has already sparked criticism from conservation groups, comes after the European Union last year approved an import ban on commodities linked to deforestation, which could impact Malaysia. Also Read | Have we 'already lost climate battle'?: April continues damning 11-month trend, emerges as hottest since 1940 Notably, Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil which is used in everything from chocolate to lipstick. However, the multibillion-dollar industry has also been attributed as the cause of the shrinking of the natural rainforests where the large apes live. Ghani said Malaysia would offer orangutans as gifts to trading partners, particularly major importers such as the EU, India and China, as part of a diplomatic strategy. “This will prove to the global community that Malaysia is committed to biodiversity conservation,” said the minister, in a statement, on X. He added, “Malaysia cannot take a defensive approach to the issue of palm oil. Instead we need to show the countries of the world that Malaysia is a sustainable palm oil producer and is committed to protecting forests and environmental sustainability.” Criticism from conservationists While there were no further details about the plan or its implementation, the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) told Reuters that orangutans – which means “man of the forest” in Malay – are critically endangered, with a population of less than 105,000 on the island of Borneo. Also Read | UK lawmaker Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour in fresh setback to Conservatives The large apes only live on the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List had previously estimated that the population of orangutans in Borneo will decline to about 47,000 by next year as a result of human pressures and loss of habitat. “WWF supports in-situ conservation of wildlife, and would urge that trading partners are brought to Malaysia to support this initiative, as opposed to sending orangutans out of the country,” said the group in a statement to Reuters. Advocacy group Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, as per the news agency, said that the government should consider alternative diplomatic measures, as its plan for “orangutan diplomacy” would require research about the potential impact and feasibility against other conservation efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia plans to introduce ‘orangutan diplomacy’ for nations that import palm oil

Botswana&nbsp;president Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send around 20,000 elephants to Germany saying that its conservation efforts and suggestion to limit importing trophies from hunting animals could have an impact on Botswanans.&nbsp;

<h2>Botswana to send elephants?</h2>

The threat comes after Germany’s environment ministry, earlier this year, raised the possibility of having stringent limits on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns.&nbsp;

However, the President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi told German daily Bild that it would only impoverish Botswanans.&nbsp;

According to Masisi, the population of elephants has exploded due to conservation efforts and hunting is an important way to keep them in check.&nbsp;

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The Botswanan president also spoke about how these elephants have wreaked havoc in his country by damaging property, eating crops, and trampling residents.&nbsp;

“It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world,” Masisi said.&nbsp;

Germans should “live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to,” he told the Bild, adding that, “This is no joke.”&nbsp;

Notably, the Southern African country banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted the restrictions in 2019 under pressure from local communities.

Botswana is home to over 130,000 elephants, one of the world’s largest populations&nbsp;and more than it has space for.&nbsp;

The country has previously sent 8,000 elephants to Angola and another 500 to Mozambique. Last month, Botswana had also threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London.&nbsp;

“We would like to offer such a gift to Germany,” Masisi said, adding that he would “not take no for an answer”.

<h2>Germany and trophy hunting</h2>

The German environment ministry led by Green minister Steffi Lemke has sought to ban the import of trophies.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, animal rights groups have backed Lemke’s proposal and sought the measure calling the practice of shooting an animal and then taking a part of it back home as a trophy, cruel.&nbsp;

It is “a hobby of rich, jaded people who have more money than morals,” a PETA spokesperson told Politico.&nbsp;

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A spokesperson for the environment ministry in Germany told news agency AFP, that Gaborone had not raised any concerns with Berlin on the matter and would remain in talks with African countries affected by import rules, including Botswana.&nbsp;

Berlin is the European Union’s largest importer of African elephant trophies, and hunting trophies overall, said the spokesperson.&nbsp;

The spokesperson also told AFP that as per the current rules African elephant hunting trophies require import authorisation, but that the EU is planning harsher restrictions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send around 20,000 elephants to Germany saying that its conservation efforts and suggestion to limit importing trophies from hunting animals could have an impact on Botswanans.

Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi has threatened to send around 20,000 elephants to Germany saying that its conservation efforts and suggestion to limit importing trophies from hunting animals could have an impact on Botswanans. Botswana to send elephants? The threat comes after Germany’s environment ministry, earlier this year, raised the possibility of having stringent limits on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns. However, the President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi told German daily Bild that it would only impoverish Botswanans. According to Masisi, the population of elephants has exploded due to conservation efforts and hunting is an important way to keep them in check. Also Read | Russians rush to join army seeking to avenge Moscow concert hall attack The Botswanan president also spoke about how these elephants have wreaked havoc in his country by damaging property, eating crops, and trampling residents. “It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world,” Masisi said. Germans should “live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to,” he told the Bild, adding that, “This is no joke.” Notably, the Southern African country banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted the restrictions in 2019 under pressure from local communities. Botswana is home to over 130,000 elephants, one of the world’s largest populations and more than it has space for. The country has previously sent 8,000 elephants to Angola and another 500 to Mozambique. Last month, Botswana had also threatened to send 10,000 elephants to London. “We would like to offer such a gift to Germany,” Masisi said, adding that he would “not take no for an answer”. Germany and trophy hunting The German environment ministry led by Green minister Steffi Lemke has sought to ban the import of trophies. Meanwhile, animal rights groups have backed Lemke’s proposal and sought the measure calling the practice of shooting an animal and then taking a part of it back home as a trophy, cruel. It is “a hobby of rich, jaded people who have more money than morals,” a PETA spokesperson told Politico. Also Read | Entire population of Japan to have same surname by 2531, study suggests A spokesperson for the environment ministry in Germany told news agency AFP, that Gaborone had not raised any concerns with Berlin on the matter and would remain in talks with African countries affected by import rules, including Botswana. Berlin is the European Union’s largest importer of African elephant trophies, and hunting trophies overall, said the spokesperson. The spokesperson also told AFP that as per the current rules African elephant hunting trophies require import authorisation, but that the EU is planning harsher restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No joke’: Botswana threatens to send thousands of elephants to Germany over hunting row

Scientists as per reports are planning to plant "living fossils" of Wollemi pines, an around145 million old tree that is believed to have gone extinct in 1994. Where will these living fossils be planted? Well, that's a secret.

<h2>Why does the tree matter?</h2>

The tree&nbsp;just a decade ago was believed to be lost, however in 1994, hikers in Australia's Blue Mountains stumbled upon a relict of these ancient conifers, reported&nbsp;Live Science.

Today, only around 60 of the tree specimens remain in Wollemi National Park. However, in spite of conservation efforts, a pathogenic water mould called Phytophthora cinnamomi that causes dieback or a gradual deterioration in the tree's health, sometimes leading to its death threatens the ancient tree's existence. It is also threatened by rampant wildfires that intermittently rage through this region of New South Wales.

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What's amazing about the tree is that it is more than 145 million years old, and since then it has barely changed in appearance — as evident by fossils that date back to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago).

<h2>Saving in secret&nbsp;</h2>

Since its rediscovery, the tree has been grown in botanical gardens and private spaces around the world. Now, the tree saviours—the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, which is a partnership between Australian government scientists and conservationists, has begun the process to reintroduce Wollemi pine seedlings to three sites in Wollemi National Park.

"The sites comprise high-elevation sandstone gorges that are sufficiently deep, narrow and steep-sided to provide refugia from frequent, intense wildfires and drought," said a representative of the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, in a statement emailed to Live Science.&nbsp;

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"There was no evidence of infection with pathogenic Phytophthora species at either site when surveyed immediately prior to the translocations, and there is a low (but non-zero) likelihood of unauthorised visitation due to their remoteness," it further said.

Already, there have been multiple transplantation efforts: in 2012, 2019, and 2021. Over 400 saplings were planted in 2019, but only 58 saplings made it to 2023. Many of the rest were destroyed by bushfires.&nbsp;

In 2021, around 502 trees were planted to replace the ones lost, but in 2022 landslides caused by heavy rains destroyed&nbsp;about 80 per cent of the trees.

Now, to prevent introduction of Phytophthora to the sites, the&nbsp;location of the trees&nbsp;are concealed from the public. Experts while visiting the&nbsp;site limit their time near the plants and repeatedly disinfect their shoes to reduce the likelihood they will track in traces of the water mould. Even a few spores might spell death for this nascent population.

However, the efforts to save the tree will take decades, if not centuries, as they grow less than 0.4 inches (1.02 centimetres) a year.&nbsp;

"Given the slow growth and maturation of Wollemi pines in the wild, this is likely to take many decades, if not centuries. Given predicted increases in the frequency and severity of fire and drought due to climate change — arguably the two greatest threats to these populations — their long-term security is far from guaranteed," said the researchers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists as per reports are planning to plant "living fossils" of Wollemi pines, an around145 million old tree that is believed to have gone extinct in 1994. Where will these living fossils be planted?

Scientists as per reports are planning to plant "living fossils" of Wollemi pines, an around145 million old tree that is believed to have gone extinct in 1994. Where will these living fossils be planted? Well, that's a secret. Why does the tree matter? The tree just a decade ago was believed to be lost, however in 1994, hikers in Australia's Blue Mountains stumbled upon a relict of these ancient conifers, reported Live Science. Today, only around 60 of the tree specimens remain in Wollemi National Park. However, in spite of conservation efforts, a pathogenic water mould called Phytophthora cinnamomi that causes dieback or a gradual deterioration in the tree's health, sometimes leading to its death threatens the ancient tree's existence. It is also threatened by rampant wildfires that intermittently rage through this region of New South Wales. Also read | Earth-like exoplanet destroys its own atmosphere, reduces hope of existence of alien life What's amazing about the tree is that it is more than 145 million years old, and since then it has barely changed in appearance — as evident by fossils that date back to the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago). Saving in secret Since its rediscovery, the tree has been grown in botanical gardens and private spaces around the world. Now, the tree saviours—the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, which is a partnership between Australian government scientists and conservationists, has begun the process to reintroduce Wollemi pine seedlings to three sites in Wollemi National Park. "The sites comprise high-elevation sandstone gorges that are sufficiently deep, narrow and steep-sided to provide refugia from frequent, intense wildfires and drought," said a representative of the Wollemi Pine Recovery Team, in a statement emailed to Live Science. Also read | 'Sorry for the trouble': Mayor of a Japanese town resigns after probe identifies 99 acts of sexual harassment "There was no evidence of infection with pathogenic Phytophthora species at either site when surveyed immediately prior to the translocations, and there is a low (but non-zero) likelihood of unauthorised visitation due to their remoteness," it further said. Already, there have been multiple transplantation efforts: in 2012, 2019, and 2021. Over 400 saplings were planted in 2019, but only 58 saplings made it to 2023. Many of the rest were destroyed by bushfires. In 2021, around 502 trees were planted to replace the ones lost, but in 2022 landslides caused by heavy rains destroyed about 80 per cent of the trees. Now, to prevent introduction of Phytophthora to the sites, the location of the trees are concealed from the public. Experts while visiting the site limit their time near the plants and repeatedly disinfect their shoes to reduce the likelihood they will track in traces of the water mould. Even a few spores might spell death for this nascent population. However, the efforts to save the tree will take decades, if not centuries, as they grow less than 0.4 inches (1.02 centimetres) a year. "Given the slow growth and maturation of Wollemi pines in the wild, this is likely to take many decades, if not centuries. Given predicted increases in the frequency and severity of fire and drought due to climate change — arguably the two greatest threats to these populations — their long-term security is far from guaranteed," said the researchers. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists try to resurrect almost extinct, millions of years-old tree, by replanting in secret locations

Cats are one of the most well-loved pets. These furry, purring creatures are adorable human companions are however also one of nature's most effective killers. As per a new study, cats eat more than 2,000 species globally, and their hunting skills are a cause of conservation concern.

<h2>Cats: A problematic invasive species</h2>

The study published in Nature Communications describes cats as "amongst the most problematic invasive species in the world".

Researchers write that their study "sheds light on the predatory habits of one of the world’s most successful and widely distributed invasive predators."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-giant-blue-dragon-monster-haunted-prehistoric-waters-of-the-pacific-ocean-72-million-years-ago-669185">Pacific waters were home to a giant blue dragon mosasaur 72 million years ago</a>

As per the study by Christopher Lepczyk from Auburn University in the US, birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles are all part of cats' prey. About 17 per cent of these hunts are a cause of conservation concern.&nbsp;

The Guardian reports that this study is the first to quantify a cat's diet on a global scale. It found that cats consume 981 species of birds, 463 different types of reptiles, 431 mammals, 119 species of insects and 57 amphibians.

<h2>Where the cats cause the most damage</h2>

As per the Guardian, the felines are particularly damaging on islands. There, compared to continents, they eat three times the number of species of conservation concern.

They are known to have eaten now-extinct species, including New Zealand's Stephens Island Rockwren and the New Zealand quail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-lets-rewind-2023-to-medical-breakthroughs-that-gave-world-hope-668897">Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope</a>

In Australia, the small felines kill an estimated 300 million animals every year, prompting conservation groups to call for keeping cats indoors.&nbsp;

Some places, as per the Guardian, have even implemented feline lockdowns. In Walldorf, a German town, to protect an endangered population of a small bird species: the crested larks, people have been instructed to keep cats locked inside for three months in spring — when the bird breeds.

<h2>Fierce debate in New Zealand</h2>

In New Zealand, cats have become the topic of a fierce debate. One politician has even begun campaigning to eradicate the domesticated felines, erupting in controversy as children were encouraged to shoot feral cats.

The research found that "Cats are largely eating what is present."

"If a species is missing in the diet analysis, it is likely that the prey is either absent or rare in the surrounding environment," write the researchers. They estimate that cats eat&nbsp;nine per cent of known birds, six per cent of known mammals and four per cent of known reptile species.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cats are one of the most well-loved pets. These furry, purring creatures are adorable human companions are however also one of nature's most effective killers. As per a new study, cats eat more than 2,000 species globally, and their hunting skills are a cause of conservation concern.

Cats are one of the most well-loved pets. These furry, purring creatures are adorable human companions are however also one of nature's most effective killers. As per a new study, cats eat more than 2,000 species globally, and their hunting skills are a cause of conservation concern. Cats: A problematic invasive species The study published in Nature Communications describes cats as "amongst the most problematic invasive species in the world". Researchers write that their study "sheds light on the predatory habits of one of the world’s most successful and widely distributed invasive predators." Also read | Pacific waters were home to a giant blue dragon mosasaur 72 million years ago As per the study by Christopher Lepczyk from Auburn University in the US, birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles are all part of cats' prey. About 17 per cent of these hunts are a cause of conservation concern. The Guardian reports that this study is the first to quantify a cat's diet on a global scale. It found that cats consume 981 species of birds, 463 different types of reptiles, 431 mammals, 119 species of insects and 57 amphibians. Where the cats cause the most damage As per the Guardian, the felines are particularly damaging on islands. There, compared to continents, they eat three times the number of species of conservation concern. They are known to have eaten now-extinct species, including New Zealand's Stephens Island Rockwren and the New Zealand quail. Also read | Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope In Australia, the small felines kill an estimated 300 million animals every year, prompting conservation groups to call for keeping cats indoors. Some places, as per the Guardian, have even implemented feline lockdowns. In Walldorf, a German town, to protect an endangered population of a small bird species: the crested larks, people have been instructed to keep cats locked inside for three months in spring — when the bird breeds. Fierce debate in New Zealand In New Zealand, cats have become the topic of a fierce debate. One politician has even begun campaigning to eradicate the domesticated felines, erupting in controversy as children were encouraged to shoot feral cats. The research found that "Cats are largely eating what is present." "If a species is missing in the diet analysis, it is likely that the prey is either absent or rare in the surrounding environment," write the researchers. They estimate that cats eat nine per cent of known birds, six per cent of known mammals and four per cent of known reptile species. (With inputs from agencies)

Killer instinct: Cats kill more than 2,000 species globally, trigger conservation concern

India's General Elections are just five months away, and will take place after the conclusion of assembly elections in five states:&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana. A total of 83 Lok Sabha seats are held by these states, of which 65 are located in the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh (29), Chhattisgarh (11), and Rajasthan (25).

But what about the two largest national parties in the nation, Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress? How would this affect them in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections? Let us see here.&nbsp;

The reason BJP needs two wins

Sentiment towards or away from the ruling BJP in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would undoubtedly be influenced by the assembly election results. 
 
If Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP prevails, it would indicate that his popularity with voters has not diminished as much as is thought in the wake of his campaign's failure to overcome strong anti-incumbency sentiment in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.

A victory in the state elections will be seen as a guarantee that the BJP, regardless of the strategies used by its rivals, will continue to be the most popular party to win a third term in central government in 2024.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-commences-natpolrex-to-combat-oil-and-chemical-spills-at-sea-662394">Indian Coast Guard commences 'NATPOLREX' - to combat oil and chemical spills at sea</a>

“The stake for the BJP is very huge in these elections as it will set a tone for the upcoming Lok Sabha election,"&nbsp;Prof Sanjay Kumar, co-director at Lokniti CSDS told WION.

"If BJP manages to win at least two states this will boost their morale and will be a stronghold for the party. If not, then it may put up an impression of the diminishing Modi popularity in front of the entire nation,” said the&nbsp;political analyst &nbsp;and psephologist.

The negative narrative for opposition parties will be reinforced if they face&nbsp; defeats in Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and fail to retake power in Rajasthan.

<h2>Possibilities for Rahul Gandhi and Congress</h2>

At the moment, the BJP rules Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress rules Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The Congress and the BJP received just 0.5% of the vote in Rajasthan's 2018 Assembly election, yet&nbsp;won 100 seats to the BJP's 73. The Congress won 68 out of 90 seats in Chhattisgarh. Although the Congress won 114 seats to the BJP's 109 in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP managed to unseat the Congress government in 2020 by persuading Jyotiraditya Scindia to defect.

However, these states have a track record of surprising people.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/deepfake-india-gives-social-media-platforms-seven-day-deadline-to-address-issue-662402">Deepfake: India gives social media platforms seven-day deadline to address issue</a>

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being an important leader, if Congress comes to power in one, two or three states, it will certainly boost his image, said Sanjay Kumar.

"If that happens, it will certainly act as a catalyst in the 2024 elections. Chattisgarh seems like a good victory for Congress. It is heading towards a win in the state. In other states, Congress is facing a challenge.”

<h2>An overview of states</h2>

In Rajasthan's 2018 Assembly election, there was a meager 0.5% difference in the vote shares between the Congress and the BJP. But the strike rate of Congress was far higher. Against the BJP's 73 seats, it secured 100.

With the help of the anti-incumbency movement against three-term Chief Minister Raman Singh, the Congress crushed the BJP in Chattisgarh, winning 68 of 90 seats.

In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress secured five additional seats in 2018 compared to the BJP, while receiving 0.12% fewer votes.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana remains optimistic about K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) winning a third term. However, the Congress has succeeded in unseating the BJP as the main opposition following its stunning victory in neighboring Karnataka, where minority votes were extremely important.

In Mizoram, the Congress and the BJP-allied Mizo National Front are in a straight-up race, with the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) viewed as the main opposition. The Bharat Rashtra Samiti, led by K. Chandrashekar Rao, appears to be ahead in Telangana.

<h2>The implications for 2024</h2>

Parties can also use these surveys to refine their agendas and methods in an effort to win over as many voters as possible. Given that women have outnumbered men in several constituencies when it comes to exercising their right to vote, it is obvious that the BJP and Congress are focusing on winning over more female votes this time.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asias-air-pollution-woes-659934">South Asia's air pollution woes</a>

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Given that women have surpassed males in several constituencies in terms of voting participation, it is obvious that the BJP and Congress are focusing on winning over more female voters this time around.

The narrative surrounding the General Elections, according to experts, may have an impact on state votes. In light of opposition parties uniting behind the INDIA alliance for the Lok Sabha elections, there may be a concentration of votes in certain seats, but there may be dispersion in other areas. The BJP and Congress have also engaged in direct combat in these three states.

 
&nbsp;

India's General Elections are just five months away, and will take place after the conclusion of assembly elections in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana.

India's General Elections are just five months away, and will take place after the conclusion of assembly elections in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana. A total of 83 Lok Sabha seats are held by these states, of which 65 are located in the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh (29), Chhattisgarh (11), and Rajasthan (25). But what about the two largest national parties in the nation, Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress? How would this affect them in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections? Let us see here. The reason BJP needs two wins Sentiment towards or away from the ruling BJP in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would undoubtedly be influenced by the assembly election results. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP prevails, it would indicate that his popularity with voters has not diminished as much as is thought in the wake of his campaign's failure to overcome strong anti-incumbency sentiment in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. A victory in the state elections will be seen as a guarantee that the BJP, regardless of the strategies used by its rivals, will continue to be the most popular party to win a third term in central government in 2024. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard commences 'NATPOLREX' - to combat oil and chemical spills at sea “The stake for the BJP is very huge in these elections as it will set a tone for the upcoming Lok Sabha election," Prof Sanjay Kumar, co-director at Lokniti CSDS told WION. "If BJP manages to win at least two states this will boost their morale and will be a stronghold for the party. If not, then it may put up an impression of the diminishing Modi popularity in front of the entire nation,” said the political analyst and psephologist. The negative narrative for opposition parties will be reinforced if they face defeats in Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and fail to retake power in Rajasthan. Possibilities for Rahul Gandhi and Congress At the moment, the BJP rules Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress rules Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The Congress and the BJP received just 0.5% of the vote in Rajasthan's 2018 Assembly election, yet won 100 seats to the BJP's 73. The Congress won 68 out of 90 seats in Chhattisgarh. Although the Congress won 114 seats to the BJP's 109 in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP managed to unseat the Congress government in 2020 by persuading Jyotiraditya Scindia to defect. However, these states have a track record of surprising people. Also Read | Deepfake: India gives social media platforms seven-day deadline to address issue Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being an important leader, if Congress comes to power in one, two or three states, it will certainly boost his image, said Sanjay Kumar. "If that happens, it will certainly act as a catalyst in the 2024 elections. Chattisgarh seems like a good victory for Congress. It is heading towards a win in the state. In other states, Congress is facing a challenge.” An overview of states In Rajasthan's 2018 Assembly election, there was a meager 0.5% difference in the vote shares between the Congress and the BJP. But the strike rate of Congress was far higher. Against the BJP's 73 seats, it secured 100. With the help of the anti-incumbency movement against three-term Chief Minister Raman Singh, the Congress crushed the BJP in Chattisgarh, winning 68 of 90 seats. In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress secured five additional seats in 2018 compared to the BJP, while receiving 0.12% fewer votes. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana remains optimistic about K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) winning a third term. However, the Congress has succeeded in unseating the BJP as the main opposition following its stunning victory in neighboring Karnataka, where minority votes were extremely important. In Mizoram, the Congress and the BJP-allied Mizo National Front are in a straight-up race, with the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) viewed as the main opposition. The Bharat Rashtra Samiti, led by K. Chandrashekar Rao, appears to be ahead in Telangana. The implications for 2024 Parties can also use these surveys to refine their agendas and methods in an effort to win over as many voters as possible. Given that women have outnumbered men in several constituencies when it comes to exercising their right to vote, it is obvious that the BJP and Congress are focusing on winning over more female votes this time. Watch | South Asia's air pollution woes × Given that women have surpassed males in several constituencies in terms of voting participation, it is obvious that the BJP and Congress are focusing on winning over more female voters this time around. The narrative surrounding the General Elections, according to experts, may have an impact on state votes. In light of opposition parties uniting behind the INDIA alliance for the Lok Sabha elections, there may be a concentration of votes in certain seats, but there may be dispersion in other areas. The BJP and Congress have also engaged in direct combat in these three states.

Explained: How will elections in 5 Indian states impact BJP, Congress in Lok Sabha polls?

Whale sharks, which once used to swim the oceans of our planet in great numbers are now dwindling in population. Now, scientists in Indonesia are tracking whale sharks in an attempt to protect the species.

Indonesian conservationists save wild sharks using 'trackers'

A ship is tracing back Darwin's voyage around the world after almost two centuries the aim of the journey which will be across four continents and aims to study endemic wildlife and boost conservation the group of environmentalists will set sail on board.

Darwin200: The project aims to inspire young conservationists

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The debt-for-nature swaps have recently gained some popularity among conservation finance, particularly after Ecuador struck the biggest deal of its kind and refinanced $1.6 billion of its commercial debt.&nbsp;

<h2>What are ‘debt-for-nature swaps’?</h2>

Debt-for-nature swap is when creditors provide debt relief for developing countries who commit to taking steps towards the conservation of the environment, like decarbonizing the economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or protecting biodiverse forests or reefs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).&nbsp;

These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate change-related resilience. Typically, a country’s debt, bought up by banks or specialist investors is replaced with cheaper ones with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”.&nbsp;

Therefore, these debt-for-nature swaps free up fiscal resources for governments to improve resilience without triggering a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities, said the IMF.&nbsp;

The supporters of this concept, which was first ideated by the late “godfather of biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy,&nbsp;in the 1980s, call it a win-win for financiers, countries and conservationists, as per media reports.

<h2>About Gabon’s deal</h2>

The central African nation’s beaches and coastal waters are home to nearly a third of the global population and the world’s largest population of leatherback turtles, an endangered species.&nbsp;

Citing a regulatory filing, Reuters reported that Gabon on the London Stock Exchange had “launched invitations to tender for purchase by the Republic for cash its 2025 Notes and 2031 Notes”.&nbsp;

The filing has since prompted the three Eurobonds, that it referred, to rise as much as 2.2 cents on the dollar, reported the news agency. Furthermore, the February 2031 maturity rose 2.203 cents to 83.702 cents and the November 2031 maturity jumped 2.129 cents to 83.573 cents.&nbsp;

The Gabonese government offered to buy back the bonds for 85 cents per $1 of the bond. Meanwhile, the 2025 maturity, which rose 1.194 cents to 95.4 cents, is also lower than the offer price of 96.75 cents.

A report by Reuters citing industry sources also said that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would provide political risk insurance as it has for Ecuador and Belize.

Earlier this year, Ecuador sealed the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap on record amounting to $1.6 billion which has freed up as much as $18 million every year for the next two decades. The amount currently serves as a consistent revenue stream for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters.

Gabon became the African nation to launch a debt-for-nature swap, on Tuesday (July 25) and plans to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt in exchange for an eco-friendly blue bond, reported Reuters. The debt-for-nature swaps have recently gained some popularity among conservation finance, particularly after Ecuador struck the biggest deal of its kind and refinanced $1.6 billion of its commercial debt. What are ‘debt-for-nature swaps’? Debt-for-nature swap is when creditors provide debt relief for developing countries who commit to taking steps towards the conservation of the environment, like decarbonizing the economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or protecting biodiverse forests or reefs, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These so-called swaps can be useful for countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and often unable to afford investment to strengthen climate change-related resilience. Typically, a country’s debt, bought up by banks or specialist investors is replaced with cheaper ones with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”. Therefore, these debt-for-nature swaps free up fiscal resources for governments to improve resilience without triggering a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities, said the IMF. The supporters of this concept, which was first ideated by the late “godfather of biodiversity,” Thomas Lovejoy, in the 1980s, call it a win-win for financiers, countries and conservationists, as per media reports. About Gabon’s deal The central African nation’s beaches and coastal waters are home to nearly a third of the global population and the world’s largest population of leatherback turtles, an endangered species. Citing a regulatory filing, Reuters reported that Gabon on the London Stock Exchange had “launched invitations to tender for purchase by the Republic for cash its 2025 Notes and 2031 Notes”. The filing has since prompted the three Eurobonds, that it referred, to rise as much as 2.2 cents on the dollar, reported the news agency. Furthermore, the February 2031 maturity rose 2.203 cents to 83.702 cents and the November 2031 maturity jumped 2.129 cents to 83.573 cents. The Gabonese government offered to buy back the bonds for 85 cents per $1 of the bond. Meanwhile, the 2025 maturity, which rose 1.194 cents to 95.4 cents, is also lower than the offer price of 96.75 cents. A report by Reuters citing industry sources also said that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) would provide political risk insurance as it has for Ecuador and Belize. Earlier this year, Ecuador sealed the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap on record amounting to $1.6 billion which has freed up as much as $18 million every year for the next two decades. The amount currently serves as a consistent revenue stream for the conservation of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most precious ecosystems. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gabon releases tender for Africa’s first 'debt-for-nature swap': What is it?

A group of coffee farmers in Colombia, who were once at war with an indigenous species of bear, are welcoming a truce. The spectacled bear of the tropical Andes is believed to be the inspiration for the popular children's book character 'Paddington Bear'. Farmers are calling for a halt to their poaching, and are even willing to sacrifice their land for the benefit of South America’s last surviving bear species.

Colombian coffee farmers’ help in Andean bear conservation efforts

Forests worldwide hold immense value right from acting as carbon sinks to playing a vital role in the water cycle to supporting natural biodiversity and being a source of livelihood for millions they play such vital roles in our lives yet they are under relentless assault. A new report reveals that Earth lost an area of carbon-absorbing rainforest larger than Switzerland or the Netherlands last year in 2022.

Forests being wiped out at alarming rate, says report

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.&nbsp;

<h2>Who are the Maasai people?</h2>

The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists.&nbsp;

They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions</h2>

The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district &nbsp;– Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so.&nbsp;

According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre,&nbsp;the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups.&nbsp;

At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police&nbsp;demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”.&nbsp;

A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property.&nbsp;

As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people&nbsp;injured, while thousands fled to Kenya.&nbsp;

Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number&nbsp;of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died.&nbsp;

K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya.

<h2>So-called quieter approach&nbsp;</h2>

This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”.&nbsp;

The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
A report by HRW,&nbsp;citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two.&nbsp; 
 
The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there.&nbsp;

This was after the land demarcation exercise which&nbsp;restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks.&nbsp;

Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands.&nbsp;

<h2>What is all of this for?</h2>

Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt.

The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament,&nbsp;have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now.&nbsp;

According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.”&nbsp;

Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem.&nbsp;

The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian.&nbsp;

In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area.&nbsp;

<h2>The UAE connection</h2>

A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates.

Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”.&nbsp;

Maasai delegation to meet European leaders&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.”&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment. Who are the Maasai people? The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists. They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past. Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district – Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so. According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre, the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups. At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”. A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property. As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people injured, while thousands fled to Kenya. Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died. K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya. So-called quieter approach This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”. The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now. A report by HRW, citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two. The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site. Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there. This was after the land demarcation exercise which restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian. Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks. Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands. What is all of this for? Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt. The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament, have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now. According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.” Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem. The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts. Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian. In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area. The UAE connection A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates. Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”. Maasai delegation to meet European leaders Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Tanzania’s Maasai are being 'forcefully relocated' for a 'game reserve'

Representatives from 193 member nations of the United Nations convened on Monday (February 20) in the United States city of New York and for the next two weeks will negotiate its long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans. This meeting comes after decades of formal and informal talks which opened with cautious optimism as many hope to make a decision at the end of it. The global agreement will protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) known as the high seas.

What do we know about the meeting so far?

The talks which opened on Monday will go on till March 3 and are supposed to be the final round of negotiations after no agreement has been reached after more than 15 years. Notably, this is the third time in less than one year that delegates have gathered at the UN headquarters and due to the historic deal reached by the end of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference or COP15 in Montreal, Canada many are hopeful.&nbsp;

“I hope we've come together here with a will to get us to the finish line,” said conference chair Rena Lee, addressing the delegates as the talks began, reported AFP. She added, “an agreement that is universal, that is effective, that is implementable and that is future proofed is within our reach.” The President of the Intergovernmental Conference also encouraged delegates to build on the progress made during the August session, last year and focus on developing an agreement “that will bridge the existing gaps.”

The fifth session of the conference was convened following the General Assembly resolution 77/248 on “Oceans and the law of the sea”. The aim of these rounds of talks is to finalise an international legally binding agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas which are beyond national jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.&nbsp;

What per cent of our oceans are protected?

Last year, ministers and government officials from about 190 countries in Montreal signed an agreement known as 30 by 30 which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected.&nbsp;

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only eight per of the world’s marine areas are protected which includes 1.4 per cent of the high seas. The areas of the high seas that are protected fall under North East Atlantic and Antarctic oceans but they are regional and not global, or even binding for all governments, said Jessica Battle, a senior expert on ocean policy and governance at the World Wide Fund for Nature, as per Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

Why is this agreement important?

As mentioned earlier, the agreement will focus on the high seas which begin at the border of countries' EEZ and extend up to 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometres from the coast and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of no country. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no&nbsp;attention since there are no borders.&nbsp;

Last month UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Humanity has been waging a senseless and self-defeating war on nature, and the ocean is on the front lines of the battle,” and called on the nations to finish the delayed negotiations. The oceans contribute significantly to global climate as well as provide oxygen, drive weather systems, and store a quarter of human-generated carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas heating up the planet.&nbsp;

The ocean supports a huge range of biodiversity and is home to possibly millions of species which are yet to be discovered. According to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, at least 10 per cent of underwater plants and animals assessed are under threat of going extinct. Additionally, oceans have been subjected to overfishing, depleting not only the fish stocks but also their ability to rebuild, said Battle, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

She also addresses the lesser-known phenomenon of “bycatch” which means that fish that is accidentally caught is later discarded as waste. It is estimated that bycatch accounts for at least 40 per cent of the world’s global commercial catch. Not to mention the human-induced climate change which has adversely affected ocean health and caused coral reefs to bleach and forced fish to migrate to cooler waters.

What’s the problem?

The UN draft treaty is said to include provisions to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing, pollution and other threats but&nbsp;also comprises parenthetical clauses and multiple options which reflect the long list of contentious issues at hand. The delegates are reportedly divided on one core issue which is how would these sanctuary zones be established. Additionally, there is no agreement on the assessment of the environmental impact of activities like mining in the high seas, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the debate on the division of future profits collected by pharmaceutical, chemical or cosmetic manufacturers, for example from newly discovered marine substances also remains unresolved. As developing countries have argued that they will not be able to afford costly research and fear they might get left behind. This is something that observers had accused rich countries, particularly&nbsp;European Union member states, of doing during the previous session in August 2022, as per reports.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Representatives from 193 member nations of the United Nations convened on Monday (February 20) in the United States city of New York and for the next two weeks will negotiate its long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans.

Representatives from 193 member nations of the United Nations convened on Monday (February 20) in the United States city of New York and for the next two weeks will negotiate its long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans. This meeting comes after decades of formal and informal talks which opened with cautious optimism as many hope to make a decision at the end of it. The global agreement will protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) known as the high seas. What do we know about the meeting so far? The talks which opened on Monday will go on till March 3 and are supposed to be the final round of negotiations after no agreement has been reached after more than 15 years. Notably, this is the third time in less than one year that delegates have gathered at the UN headquarters and due to the historic deal reached by the end of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference or COP15 in Montreal, Canada many are hopeful. “I hope we've come together here with a will to get us to the finish line,” said conference chair Rena Lee, addressing the delegates as the talks began, reported AFP. She added, “an agreement that is universal, that is effective, that is implementable and that is future proofed is within our reach.” The President of the Intergovernmental Conference also encouraged delegates to build on the progress made during the August session, last year and focus on developing an agreement “that will bridge the existing gaps.” The fifth session of the conference was convened following the General Assembly resolution 77/248 on “Oceans and the law of the sea”. The aim of these rounds of talks is to finalise an international legally binding agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas which are beyond national jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. What per cent of our oceans are protected? Last year, ministers and government officials from about 190 countries in Montreal signed an agreement known as 30 by 30 which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only eight per of the world’s marine areas are protected which includes 1.4 per cent of the high seas. The areas of the high seas that are protected fall under North East Atlantic and Antarctic oceans but they are regional and not global, or even binding for all governments, said Jessica Battle, a senior expert on ocean policy and governance at the World Wide Fund for Nature, as per Al Jazeera. Why is this agreement important? As mentioned earlier, the agreement will focus on the high seas which begin at the border of countries' EEZ and extend up to 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometres from the coast and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of no country. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no attention since there are no borders. Last month UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Humanity has been waging a senseless and self-defeating war on nature, and the ocean is on the front lines of the battle,” and called on the nations to finish the delayed negotiations. The oceans contribute significantly to global climate as well as provide oxygen, drive weather systems, and store a quarter of human-generated carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas heating up the planet. The ocean supports a huge range of biodiversity and is home to possibly millions of species which are yet to be discovered. According to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, at least 10 per cent of underwater plants and animals assessed are under threat of going extinct. Additionally, oceans have been subjected to overfishing, depleting not only the fish stocks but also their ability to rebuild, said Battle, as per Reuters. She also addresses the lesser-known phenomenon of “bycatch” which means that fish that is accidentally caught is later discarded as waste. It is estimated that bycatch accounts for at least 40 per cent of the world’s global commercial catch. Not to mention the human-induced climate change which has adversely affected ocean health and caused coral reefs to bleach and forced fish to migrate to cooler waters. What’s the problem? The UN draft treaty is said to include provisions to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing, pollution and other threats but also comprises parenthetical clauses and multiple options which reflect the long list of contentious issues at hand. The delegates are reportedly divided on one core issue which is how would these sanctuary zones be established. Additionally, there is no agreement on the assessment of the environmental impact of activities like mining in the high seas, reported AFP. Meanwhile, the debate on the division of future profits collected by pharmaceutical, chemical or cosmetic manufacturers, for example from newly discovered marine substances also remains unresolved. As developing countries have argued that they will not be able to afford costly research and fear they might get left behind. This is something that observers had accused rich countries, particularly European Union member states, of doing during the previous session in August 2022, as per reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | UN ocean treaty talks resume: Why the deal to protect the world’s oceans is so important

Former Filipino poachers who used to hunt turtles are now at the forefront of conservation on the beaches of the northern Philippine province of La Union.

Filipino turtle poachers now at forefront of conservation

Conservation and climate change mitigation are often considered two separate environmental issues but both are deeply linked to each other. We know that tackling climate change can help save wildlife populations around the world but the opposite is also true.

WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions

Australia is planning to set aside 30% of the land and oceans for conservation. The announcement was made by the Australian environment minister. As per the reports, Australia is suffering species decline.

WION Climate Tracker: Australia plans to set aside 30% of its territory for conservation

European wildlife is making a comeback across the continent, following effective interventions including legal protection, habitat restoration and reintroductions of several species which has driven recovery in the region, says&nbsp;a report in the Guardian.&nbsp;

This comes after a report for which researchers analysed the data of at least 50 wildlife species. The study indicated that the population size and geographical distribution of the once-declining populations of wildlife are making a comeback.&nbsp;

The report named Wildlife Comeback Report 2022&nbsp;was compiled by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council.&nbsp;

The researchers looked at the data for 24 mammals, 25 birds and one reptile, while the main sources of data were the Living Planet Index Database, the EU Birds Directive and the IUCN red list, which measure different species and their risk of extinction, reported the Guardian. 
 
The team also indicated that insects or plants have not been included in the report given the lack of documentation on long-term trends.

“The vast majority have recovered thanks to human efforts,” said Louise McRae from ZSL and one of the contributors of the report, during an interview. Commissioned by Rewilding Europe, it indicates that wolves, brown bears and white-tailed eagles are some of the top predators that have come back across Europe. Additionally, grey wolf has been the fastest to return among other carnivores.&nbsp;

The grey wolf had been hunted by humans till the population reached so low in the 1970s that there were reportedly only a few left in Europe. However, now their population has grown by 1,800% following the introduction of legislation to protect them, the growth has also been attributed to an increase in public tolerance of living alongside them.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-animal-day-2021-conservation-efforts-bring-animals-back-from-extinction-in-wild-418112">World Animal Day 2021: Conservation efforts bring animals back from extinction in wild</a>

“Coexistence with species like carnivores is still a challenge, but attitudes are changing – we’re still learning about ways to live alongside these species,” said McRae.&nbsp;

Furthermore, there has been an increase in the population of white-tailed eagles, particularly around the west coast of Scotland and the Isle of Wight. While the rest of Europe also saw a 445% growth in numbers between 1970 and 2018, said the report. There was also a 44% increase in the population of bears since 1960 which has been attributed to better legal protection.&nbsp;

“We chose those species because they are doing so well – both with monitoring and conservation there can sometimes be a bias towards larger, or more charismatic species,” said McRae during the interview. The report also describes the comeback of selected birds and mammals which have done so in the past 40-50 years, indicated the Rewilding Europe.&nbsp;

On the other hand, some of the most successful bird comebacks include Barnacle goose, griffon vulture and great white egret. While there has been a 120% increase in the bearded vulture population since 1991 which is thriving in European nations like France, Spain and Germany. This has been attributed to reintroduction programmes and bans placed on killing them.&nbsp;

“This new report not only sheds light on which European wildlife species are recovering well, but why they are recovering well too,” said executive director of Rewilding Europe, Frans Schepers. He also said how these “success stories” can be learned from and be used to maximise comeback across the board.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earths-wild-animal-population-plummets-60-per-cent-in-44-years-wwf-174289">In 44 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF</a>

Meanwhile, among the herbivores, the Eurasian beaver has made the most significant comeback with an increase in range by 835% since 1955. The report also showed that the species has witnessed a 16,000% increase since 1960, this is from just 1,200 of them left by the end of the 20th century.

Under the European Union’s directive for habitat, the brown bears, wolves, bitterns and Eurasian lynxes received the same amount of funding as all invertebrates got collectively, showed the analysis. Notably, the first Wildlife Comeback Report was published in 2013 with the aim to not only learn more about wildlife comeback in Europe but also better support it in the future.&nbsp;

But despite positive findings, wildlife across the world is being lost at a record pace, with at least 1 million species being at the risk of extinction. Meanwhile, the condition of protected landscapes in Europe is worsening, said the Guardian.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European wildlife is making a comeback across the continent, following effective interventions including legal protection, habitat restoration and reintroductions of several species which has driven recovery in the region, says a report in the Guardian.

European wildlife is making a comeback across the continent, following effective interventions including legal protection, habitat restoration and reintroductions of several species which has driven recovery in the region, says a report in the Guardian. This comes after a report for which researchers analysed the data of at least 50 wildlife species. The study indicated that the population size and geographical distribution of the once-declining populations of wildlife are making a comeback. The report named Wildlife Comeback Report 2022 was compiled by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), BirdLife International and the European Bird Census Council. The researchers looked at the data for 24 mammals, 25 birds and one reptile, while the main sources of data were the Living Planet Index Database, the EU Birds Directive and the IUCN red list, which measure different species and their risk of extinction, reported the Guardian. The team also indicated that insects or plants have not been included in the report given the lack of documentation on long-term trends. “The vast majority have recovered thanks to human efforts,” said Louise McRae from ZSL and one of the contributors of the report, during an interview. Commissioned by Rewilding Europe, it indicates that wolves, brown bears and white-tailed eagles are some of the top predators that have come back across Europe. Additionally, grey wolf has been the fastest to return among other carnivores. The grey wolf had been hunted by humans till the population reached so low in the 1970s that there were reportedly only a few left in Europe. However, now their population has grown by 1,800% following the introduction of legislation to protect them, the growth has also been attributed to an increase in public tolerance of living alongside them. ALSO READ: World Animal Day 2021: Conservation efforts bring animals back from extinction in wild “Coexistence with species like carnivores is still a challenge, but attitudes are changing – we’re still learning about ways to live alongside these species,” said McRae. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the population of white-tailed eagles, particularly around the west coast of Scotland and the Isle of Wight. While the rest of Europe also saw a 445% growth in numbers between 1970 and 2018, said the report. There was also a 44% increase in the population of bears since 1960 which has been attributed to better legal protection. “We chose those species because they are doing so well – both with monitoring and conservation there can sometimes be a bias towards larger, or more charismatic species,” said McRae during the interview. The report also describes the comeback of selected birds and mammals which have done so in the past 40-50 years, indicated the Rewilding Europe. On the other hand, some of the most successful bird comebacks include Barnacle goose, griffon vulture and great white egret. While there has been a 120% increase in the bearded vulture population since 1991 which is thriving in European nations like France, Spain and Germany. This has been attributed to reintroduction programmes and bans placed on killing them. “This new report not only sheds light on which European wildlife species are recovering well, but why they are recovering well too,” said executive director of Rewilding Europe, Frans Schepers. He also said how these “success stories” can be learned from and be used to maximise comeback across the board. ALSO READ: In 44 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Meanwhile, among the herbivores, the Eurasian beaver has made the most significant comeback with an increase in range by 835% since 1955. The report also showed that the species has witnessed a 16,000% increase since 1960, this is from just 1,200 of them left by the end of the 20th century. Under the European Union’s directive for habitat, the brown bears, wolves, bitterns and Eurasian lynxes received the same amount of funding as all invertebrates got collectively, showed the analysis. Notably, the first Wildlife Comeback Report was published in 2013 with the aim to not only learn more about wildlife comeback in Europe but also better support it in the future. But despite positive findings, wildlife across the world is being lost at a record pace, with at least 1 million species being at the risk of extinction. Meanwhile, the condition of protected landscapes in Europe is worsening, said the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Wolves and brown bears among wildlife returning to Europe after conservation efforts: Report

Since 2018, only 2 Northern white Rhinos are left in the world. A report read At least 2,707 rhinos were poached in Africa between 2018 and 2021, including critically endangered black rhino and near threatened white rhino.

WION Climate Tracker:  South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off

Human activities impact the world in more ways than we know. We build roads through forests, build dams that submerge large tracts of land previously over the water-level and many more things. Fortunately, efforts have been on to recognise such threats and then petition governments to take preventive or curative petition.

Such efforts have again been visible in case of blue whale conservation in Indian Ocean off the southern tip of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since 2008, researchers have discovered a population of blue whale, an endangered species, in Indian Ocean off southern Sri Lanka. What's special about population of these whales is that unlike other whales who travel vast distances in oceans during a year, this whale population lives roughly in the same area of the ocean. They thrive on shrimps.

What puts this whale population in danger is that its habitat falls in the way of one of world's busiest shipping routes. This part of the sea connects Southeast Asia to Suez Canal. Because of this, this part of the sea sees daily traffic of about 200 huge ships, each about 300 metres across. Whales risk collisions with these ships and noise pollution due to shipping traffic interferes with whales's communication through vacalisations.

Conservation groups are calling on Sri Lanka government to propose shifting of sea lanes 15 nautical miles to the south. Such a request by Sri Lanka to global authorities may help in conservation of these whales.

“Studies indicate that if a shipping lane were to be established 15 nautical miles to the south of the current lane, the risk of collisions with blue whales would be reduced by 95%,” reads the letter from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Great Whale Conservancy and OceanCare. The content from the letter was quoted by The Guardian.

Human activities impact the world in more ways than we know. We build roads through forests, build dams that submerge large tracts of land previously over the water-level and many more things.

Human activities impact the world in more ways than we know. We build roads through forests, build dams that submerge large tracts of land previously over the water-level and many more things. Fortunately, efforts have been on to recognise such threats and then petition governments to take preventive or curative petition. Such efforts have again been visible in case of blue whale conservation in Indian Ocean off the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Since 2008, researchers have discovered a population of blue whale, an endangered species, in Indian Ocean off southern Sri Lanka. What's special about population of these whales is that unlike other whales who travel vast distances in oceans during a year, this whale population lives roughly in the same area of the ocean. They thrive on shrimps. What puts this whale population in danger is that its habitat falls in the way of one of world's busiest shipping routes. This part of the sea connects Southeast Asia to Suez Canal. Because of this, this part of the sea sees daily traffic of about 200 huge ships, each about 300 metres across. Whales risk collisions with these ships and noise pollution due to shipping traffic interferes with whales's communication through vacalisations. Conservation groups are calling on Sri Lanka government to propose shifting of sea lanes 15 nautical miles to the south. Such a request by Sri Lanka to global authorities may help in conservation of these whales. “Studies indicate that if a shipping lane were to be established 15 nautical miles to the south of the current lane, the risk of collisions with blue whales would be reduced by 95%,” reads the letter from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Great Whale Conservancy and OceanCare. The content from the letter was quoted by The Guardian.

Conservation groups call for rerouting sea lanes for whale conservation

Lions are listed as endangered species across the world but South Africa is going against the global trend. The population of the big cat is rising here due to a successful conservation programme.

South Africa sets up small reserves to protect Lions

Water is an extremely valuable natural resource that is essential to life on earth. In spite of the fact that nearly 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, only 2.5 per cent of it is fresh.&nbsp;

As a result of unsustainable population growth, freshwater is in short supply on the planet.

There are currently over 7 billion people on earth, and still, about one-third of the world's population lacks access to clean drinking water, what will happen when that number reaches 9 billion by 2050?

Freshwater demand will grow exponentially as society grows, and if precautions are not taken today to conserve water, its scarcity will without a doubt become one of the biggest threats in the future.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-education-and-empowerment-are-significant-to-population-stabilisation-422922">Why education and empowerment are significant to population stabilisation?</a>

Quite predictably, due to the human population's water requirements, our existing water resources are depleting.

United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) seeks to provide water and sanitation for all by 2030, however, the latest UN-Water 2021 report is alarming.

According to the report, 1.6 billion people face 'economic' water scarcity, which means that although water is physically available, it is inaccessible due to a lack of infrastructure.&nbsp;

Additionally, the report states that freshwater use has increased by a factor of six over the past 100 years and continues to grow at a rate of about 1 per cent per year since the 1980s.

Human activities that adversely affect water resources:

Globally, agriculture accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater withdrawals. It is also a major source of water pollution, since agrochemicals, drug residues, and organic matter are disposed of/drained into nearby bodies of water.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pressure-on-global-energy-crisis-deepens-with-population-growth-422913" hreflang="en">Pressure on global energy crisis deepens with population growth</a>

As the world's population grows, declining water quality has become a global issue. Besides agriculture, many factors contribute to water pollution, but the most significant is sewage and industrial waste discharged into rivers.

Additionally, concerns over the impact of personal care and pharmaceutical products on water quality are also emerging.

Drought - The next pandemic

Recently, the United Nations warned that drought is a hidden global crisis that could become the next pandemic. Droughts are often caused by human activities like large-scale deforestation, soil degradation, over-pumping, and unsustainable water use.

Some estimates say that up to 20 per cent of the world's groundwater wells may dry up, leaving billions without freshwater.&nbsp;

The water crisis in India

India has almost 16 per cent of the world's population, but only 4 per cent of the world's freshwater resources. Of that, fewer than half have access to safe drinking water.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/overpopulation-and-human-greed-the-two-enemies-of-biodiversity-388506" hreflang="en">Overpopulation and human greed, the two enemies of biodiversity</a>

Experts estimate that nearly 70 per cent of the country's water resources are contaminated and many major rivers are heavily polluted. Besides polluted rivers, India is also the world's largest consumer of groundwater; the depletion of this resource may lead to a reduction in farm output of up to 20 per cent by 2025.

Water recycling and reuse have been identified as the most practical solution to India's water crisis. Utilising water-saving techniques can go a long way toward helping the country prevent water shortages in the future.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Billions are at risk of water scarcity, says UN

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/billions-are-at-risk-of-water-scarcity-says-un-418776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The global water crisis can be alleviated in a number of ways, including reducing corporate water consumption, addressing increasing water pollution, battling climate change, developing new technologies for treating water resources, and stabilising the human population.

The world must awaken before it is too late. The need to adopt sustainable practices and stabilise the human population cannot be understated. These measures are vital to preserving our water resources and maintaining access to freshwater for generations to come.&nbsp;

Water is an extremely valuable natural resource that is essential to life on earth. In spite of the fact that nearly 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, only 2.

Water is an extremely valuable natural resource that is essential to life on earth. In spite of the fact that nearly 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, only 2.5 per cent of it is fresh. As a result of unsustainable population growth, freshwater is in short supply on the planet. There are currently over 7 billion people on earth, and still, about one-third of the world's population lacks access to clean drinking water, what will happen when that number reaches 9 billion by 2050? Freshwater demand will grow exponentially as society grows, and if precautions are not taken today to conserve water, its scarcity will without a doubt become one of the biggest threats in the future. Also read | Why education and empowerment are significant to population stabilisation? Quite predictably, due to the human population's water requirements, our existing water resources are depleting. United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) seeks to provide water and sanitation for all by 2030, however, the latest UN-Water 2021 report is alarming. According to the report, 1.6 billion people face 'economic' water scarcity, which means that although water is physically available, it is inaccessible due to a lack of infrastructure. Additionally, the report states that freshwater use has increased by a factor of six over the past 100 years and continues to grow at a rate of about 1 per cent per year since the 1980s. Human activities that adversely affect water resources: Globally, agriculture accounts for 70 per cent of freshwater withdrawals. It is also a major source of water pollution, since agrochemicals, drug residues, and organic matter are disposed of/drained into nearby bodies of water. Also read | Pressure on global energy crisis deepens with population growth As the world's population grows, declining water quality has become a global issue. Besides agriculture, many factors contribute to water pollution, but the most significant is sewage and industrial waste discharged into rivers. Additionally, concerns over the impact of personal care and pharmaceutical products on water quality are also emerging. Drought - The next pandemic Recently, the United Nations warned that drought is a hidden global crisis that could become the next pandemic. Droughts are often caused by human activities like large-scale deforestation, soil degradation, over-pumping, and unsustainable water use. Some estimates say that up to 20 per cent of the world's groundwater wells may dry up, leaving billions without freshwater. The water crisis in India India has almost 16 per cent of the world's population, but only 4 per cent of the world's freshwater resources. Of that, fewer than half have access to safe drinking water. Also read | Overpopulation and human greed, the two enemies of biodiversity Experts estimate that nearly 70 per cent of the country's water resources are contaminated and many major rivers are heavily polluted. Besides polluted rivers, India is also the world's largest consumer of groundwater; the depletion of this resource may lead to a reduction in farm output of up to 20 per cent by 2025. Water recycling and reuse have been identified as the most practical solution to India's water crisis. Utilising water-saving techniques can go a long way toward helping the country prevent water shortages in the future. Watch | Billions are at risk of water scarcity, says UN The global water crisis can be alleviated in a number of ways, including reducing corporate water consumption, addressing increasing water pollution, battling climate change, developing new technologies for treating water resources, and stabilising the human population. The world must awaken before it is too late. The need to adopt sustainable practices and stabilise the human population cannot be understated. These measures are vital to preserving our water resources and maintaining access to freshwater for generations to come.

'Water is life': Global water crisis threatens life on planet

After hatching from eggs kept on artificial beaches as part of a conservation effort, around 3,000 baby river turtles, which were native to the Amazon rainforest, were released into a Peruvian river on Thursday. &nbsp;

For many years, the river turtles are considered "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as they are killed for human consumption or kept as pets. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandoned-dog-deng-deng-goes-under-hammer-fetches-25000-in-china-427150" hreflang="en">Abandoned dog Deng Deng goes under hammer, fetches $25,000 in China</a>

Sabrina Pipa, a biologist, who works on the protection of freshwater turtles, said, "The importance lies in the conservation of the species in the area because it has already been threatened for a long time. The objective is the repopulation of the species." &nbsp;

According to Pipa, the taricaya project began in 2019. It has protected around 6,000 river turtles, in addition to those conserved this year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-camels-a-llama-on-loose-spanish-cops-end-circus-animals-night-out-427118">Eight camels, a llama on loose: Spanish cops end circus animals’ night out</a>

The scientific name of these turtles is Podocnemis unifilis. But Peruvians call them taricayas. These turtles are yellow-spotted. The baby ones measure just a couple of inches. &nbsp;

After Brazil, Peru has the second largest share of the Amazon rainforest. &nbsp;

Some people had also gathered to see the baby turtles make their way down a river beach towards the water in the city of Iquitos. "Go! Go be happy!," one onlooker chanted. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After hatching from eggs kept on artificial beaches as part of a conservation effort, around 3,000 baby river turtles, which were native to the Amazon rainforest, were released into a Peruvian river on Thursday.

After hatching from eggs kept on artificial beaches as part of a conservation effort, around 3,000 baby river turtles, which were native to the Amazon rainforest, were released into a Peruvian river on Thursday. For many years, the river turtles are considered "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as they are killed for human consumption or kept as pets. Also Read: Abandoned dog Deng Deng goes under hammer, fetches $25,000 in China Sabrina Pipa, a biologist, who works on the protection of freshwater turtles, said, "The importance lies in the conservation of the species in the area because it has already been threatened for a long time. The objective is the repopulation of the species." According to Pipa, the taricaya project began in 2019. It has protected around 6,000 river turtles, in addition to those conserved this year. Also Read: Eight camels, a llama on loose: Spanish cops end circus animals’ night out The scientific name of these turtles is Podocnemis unifilis. But Peruvians call them taricayas. These turtles are yellow-spotted. The baby ones measure just a couple of inches. After Brazil, Peru has the second largest share of the Amazon rainforest. Some people had also gathered to see the baby turtles make their way down a river beach towards the water in the city of Iquitos. "Go! Go be happy!," one onlooker chanted. (With inputs from agencies)

Major conservation effort: 3,000 baby turtles released into river in Peru

World Animal Day 2021 (October 4) is perhaps a good time to reflect that thousands of species of birds and animals have gone extinct till now. The rate of extinction is such that even now, several species go extinct literally every day. This not only is bad for the environment but one day may even hurt mankind due to severely disturbed balance of nature. Serious efforts are needed to stop the worrying trend.

Fortunately, scientists are doing what they can to bring these animals back into the wild. Even when some species went extinct in the wild, scientists used translocation and captive breeding to make these species roam the wilds again.

However, this is easier said than done and a whole lot of precautions, research and data gathering is required before a species is successfully reintroduced in wild.

It's not just a matter of breeding an animal in captivity and then simply releasing it in wild. Reintroduction into the wild takes place in phases due to variety of reasons.

Foremost is the consideration that reintroduction should not disturb balance of the wild ecosystem the animal went extinct from. Once an animal goes extinct from its wild habitat, the ecosystem changes in order to adapt to the absence. New food chains may gradually develop and reintroduction of the animal may disturb the delicate balance again. Conservationists need to take into account threat to and from the animal that is being reintroduced.

However, all the conservation efforts over decades are gradually paying off. A study conducted in 2020 says that conservation action between 1993 and 2020 saved up to 48 species of birds and mammals from extinction.

Examples of some of these animals are Eurasian lynx, Tasmanian devil, Przewalski's horse, Red wolves and Eurasian beaver

World Animal Day 2021 (October 4) is perhaps a good time to reflect that thousands of species of birds and animals have gone extinct till now. The rate of extinction is such that even now, several species go extinct literally every day.

World Animal Day 2021 (October 4) is perhaps a good time to reflect that thousands of species of birds and animals have gone extinct till now. The rate of extinction is such that even now, several species go extinct literally every day. This not only is bad for the environment but one day may even hurt mankind due to severely disturbed balance of nature. Serious efforts are needed to stop the worrying trend. Fortunately, scientists are doing what they can to bring these animals back into the wild. Even when some species went extinct in the wild, scientists used translocation and captive breeding to make these species roam the wilds again. However, this is easier said than done and a whole lot of precautions, research and data gathering is required before a species is successfully reintroduced in wild. It's not just a matter of breeding an animal in captivity and then simply releasing it in wild. Reintroduction into the wild takes place in phases due to variety of reasons. Foremost is the consideration that reintroduction should not disturb balance of the wild ecosystem the animal went extinct from. Once an animal goes extinct from its wild habitat, the ecosystem changes in order to adapt to the absence. New food chains may gradually develop and reintroduction of the animal may disturb the delicate balance again. Conservationists need to take into account threat to and from the animal that is being reintroduced. However, all the conservation efforts over decades are gradually paying off. A study conducted in 2020 says that conservation action between 1993 and 2020 saved up to 48 species of birds and mammals from extinction. Examples of some of these animals are Eurasian lynx, Tasmanian devil, Przewalski's horse, Red wolves and Eurasian beaver

World Animal Day 2021: Conservation efforts bring animals back from extinction in wild

On realising how fragile the Earth was after looking at it from space, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he is committing $1bn for its conservation. The billionaire is going to invest in such projects around the world. &nbsp;

Last year, the Amazon founder had formed $10bn Bezos Earth Fund. The money made through it will go for conservation of nature in the tropical Andes, Congo Basin and Pacific Ocean. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:

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It will also be used to protect 30% of the world’s oceans and land by the end of the decade. The billionaire made the announcement during New York Climate Week. &nbsp;

At the launch event on Monday, the Washington Post owner said, “Nature is our life support system and it’s fragile. I was reminded of this just this July when I went into space with Blue Origin. I’d heard that seeing the Earth from space changes one’s point of view of the world. But I was not prepared for just how much that would be true.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-rare-60-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-melbourne-414800" hreflang="en">Australia: Rare 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Melbourne</a>

“Living down here, the world and the atmosphere seem vast and they seem stable. But looking back at Earth from there, the atmosphere seems thin and the world finite. Both beautiful, both fragile,” said Bezos. &nbsp;

The grants will be distributed this year. It will prioritise regions and countries with a standing commitment of protecting nature. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-california-even-fire-resistant-trees-need-to-be-protected-from-flames-414740" hreflang="en">In California, even fire-resistant trees need to be protected from flames</a>

The money would help in expanding, managing and monitoring protected areas while also putting indigenous and local communities at the heart of efforts to protect biodiversity, Bezos said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

On realising how fragile the Earth was after looking at it from space, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he is committing $1bn for its conservation. The billionaire is going to invest in such projects around the world.

On realising how fragile the Earth was after looking at it from space, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said he is committing $1bn for its conservation. The billionaire is going to invest in such projects around the world. Last year, the Amazon founder had formed $10bn Bezos Earth Fund. The money made through it will go for conservation of nature in the tropical Andes, Congo Basin and Pacific Ocean. Watch: × It will also be used to protect 30% of the world’s oceans and land by the end of the decade. The billionaire made the announcement during New York Climate Week. At the launch event on Monday, the Washington Post owner said, “Nature is our life support system and it’s fragile. I was reminded of this just this July when I went into space with Blue Origin. I’d heard that seeing the Earth from space changes one’s point of view of the world. But I was not prepared for just how much that would be true.” Also Read: Australia: Rare 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Melbourne “Living down here, the world and the atmosphere seem vast and they seem stable. But looking back at Earth from there, the atmosphere seems thin and the world finite. Both beautiful, both fragile,” said Bezos. The grants will be distributed this year. It will prioritise regions and countries with a standing commitment of protecting nature. Also Read: In California, even fire-resistant trees need to be protected from flames The money would help in expanding, managing and monitoring protected areas while also putting indigenous and local communities at the heart of efforts to protect biodiversity, Bezos said. (With inputs from agencies)

After finding Earth fragile from space, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos commits $1bn for conservation

Chilean scientists have rediscovered a species of frog last seen more than 80 years ago, prompting new calls for the conservation of its habitat in the far-flung Chilean desert.

Chilean scientists rediscover 'ghost' frog in far-flung desert hot spring

A flutter of wings faster than the eye can see, a quick sip of nectar, and he vanishes from view. Once a common site in Mexico City but in 2020 a rarity in the sprawling metropolis.

Urban gardens in Mexico fight hummingbirds' extinction

More than half of the tigers that Thai authorities confiscated in 2016 from an infamous Tiger Temple tourist attraction have died from a viral disease because their immune systems were weakened by inbreeding, media reported.

 
The Buddhist temple west of Bangkok was a tourist destination where visitors took selfies with tigers and bottle-fed cubs until authorities removed its nearly 150 tigers in 2016 in response to global pressure over wildlife trafficking.

 
The confiscated animals were taken to two state-run sanctuaries but it soon became apparent they were susceptible to canine distemper virus, said a senior official from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 
"When we took the tigers in, we noted that they had no immune system due to inbreeding," the department's deputy director-general, Prakit Vongsrivattanakul, told the state-owned broadcaster MCOT on the weekend.

 
"We treated them as symptoms came up," Prakit said.

 
Prakit did not give a figure for the number of tigers that had died but public service broadcaster Thai PBS reported that the toll was 86 of the 147 rescued animals.

 
The temple had promoted itself for years as a wildlife sanctuary, but it was eventually investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and animal abuse.

 
Wildlife activists accused the temple's monks of illegally breeding tigers, while some visitors said the animals appeared drugged. The temple denied the accusations.

 
Government officials could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

More than half of the tigers that Thai authorities confiscated in 2016 from an infamous Tiger Temple tourist attraction have died from a viral disease because their immune systems were weakened by inbreeding, media reported.

More than half of the tigers that Thai authorities confiscated in 2016 from an infamous Tiger Temple tourist attraction have died from a viral disease because their immune systems were weakened by inbreeding, media reported. The Buddhist temple west of Bangkok was a tourist destination where visitors took selfies with tigers and bottle-fed cubs until authorities removed its nearly 150 tigers in 2016 in response to global pressure over wildlife trafficking. The confiscated animals were taken to two state-run sanctuaries but it soon became apparent they were susceptible to canine distemper virus, said a senior official from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. "When we took the tigers in, we noted that they had no immune system due to inbreeding," the department's deputy director-general, Prakit Vongsrivattanakul, told the state-owned broadcaster MCOT on the weekend. "We treated them as symptoms came up," Prakit said. Prakit did not give a figure for the number of tigers that had died but public service broadcaster Thai PBS reported that the toll was 86 of the 147 rescued animals. The temple had promoted itself for years as a wildlife sanctuary, but it was eventually investigated for suspected links to wildlife trafficking and animal abuse. Wildlife activists accused the temple's monks of illegally breeding tigers, while some visitors said the animals appeared drugged. The temple denied the accusations. Government officials could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

Scores of tigers rescued from infamous Thai temple have died: Report

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