Freezing of koala sperm could be a way to protect the endangered species from extinction, suggested researchers in Australia.

The population of these animals has been dwindling due to several hardships like bushfires.

A biolab of collected sperm could be built to ensure the survival of the endangered marsupials, scientists at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales said, according to reports.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-discovers-malware-capable-of-gaining-access-to-industrial-control-systems-issues-alert-471072" hreflang="en">US discovers malware capable of gaining access to industrial control systems, issues alert</a>

These sperms can later be used in a breeding programme to bring a spike in the population of the species and improve genetic diversity, they said. &nbsp;

Dr Ryan Witt, a conservation scientist, said the proposal is a cost-effective way to preserve the genetic diversity of koalas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US claims advanced hackers have shown ability to hijack critical infrastructure

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"Currently... we have no insurance policy against natural disasters like the 2019-2020 bushfires that threaten to wipe out large numbers of animals at the one time. If the koala population dies in these kind of fire events, there is no way to bring them back or preserve their genetics," Witt told BBC. &nbsp;

Dr Lachlan Howell from University of Newcastle, said, "By using frozen sperm, we can reintroduce genetic variation into wild koala populations without having to relocate koalas. We've identified 16 wildlife hospitals and zoos across Australia that could act as nodes to collect koala sperm." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Freezing of koala sperm could be a way to protect the endangered species from extinction, suggested researchers in Australia. The population of these animals has been dwindling due to several hardships like bushfires.

Freezing of koala sperm could be a way to protect the endangered species from extinction, suggested researchers in Australia. The population of these animals has been dwindling due to several hardships like bushfires. A biolab of collected sperm could be built to ensure the survival of the endangered marsupials, scientists at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales said, according to reports. Also Read: US discovers malware capable of gaining access to industrial control systems, issues alert These sperms can later be used in a breeding programme to bring a spike in the population of the species and improve genetic diversity, they said. Dr Ryan Witt, a conservation scientist, said the proposal is a cost-effective way to preserve the genetic diversity of koalas. Watch: US claims advanced hackers have shown ability to hijack critical infrastructure × "Currently... we have no insurance policy against natural disasters like the 2019-2020 bushfires that threaten to wipe out large numbers of animals at the one time. If the koala population dies in these kind of fire events, there is no way to bring them back or preserve their genetics," Witt told BBC. Dr Lachlan Howell from University of Newcastle, said, "By using frozen sperm, we can reintroduce genetic variation into wild koala populations without having to relocate koalas. We've identified 16 wildlife hospitals and zoos across Australia that could act as nodes to collect koala sperm." (With inputs from agencies)

Freeze koala sperm to protect endangered species from extinction, scientists suggest

With an update of the wildlife Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that several species in the world are in acute danger due to numerous reasons. &nbsp;

The list says nearly two in five sharks have been threatened with extinction due to overfishing and Indonesia’s Komodo dragons, which are the world’s largest living lizards, have also become “endangered” due to the rise in sea levels. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US-Mexico border faces its worst migrant crisis

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The destructive effect of human activity on the natural world seems to be deepening as about 28 per cent of the 138,000 species, which are assessed by the global conservation body for its survival watchlist, are now at risk of getting extinct. &nbsp;

According to the IUCN, climate change has become a direct threat to global wildlife populations along with decades-old factors, such as overexploitation, habitat loss and illegal trade. &nbsp;

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Komodo dragons, which are found only in the World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores, are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change as the sea levels are expected to shrink its tiny habitat by at least 30 per cent in the next 45 years. &nbsp;

The latest update of the Red List for Threatened Species also highlights the potential for restoration. It says after a decade of efforts to curb overexploitation, four commercially fished tuna species are pulling back from a slide towards extinction.&nbsp;

With an update of the wildlife Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that several species in the world are in acute danger due to numerous reasons.

With an update of the wildlife Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that several species in the world are in acute danger due to numerous reasons. The list says nearly two in five sharks have been threatened with extinction due to overfishing and Indonesia’s Komodo dragons, which are the world’s largest living lizards, have also become “endangered” due to the rise in sea levels. Watch: US-Mexico border faces its worst migrant crisis × The destructive effect of human activity on the natural world seems to be deepening as about 28 per cent of the 138,000 species, which are assessed by the global conservation body for its survival watchlist, are now at risk of getting extinct. According to the IUCN, climate change has become a direct threat to global wildlife populations along with decades-old factors, such as overexploitation, habitat loss and illegal trade. Also Read | 7,000 steps a day cuts risk of heart disease: Study Komodo dragons, which are found only in the World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park and neighbouring Flores, are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change as the sea levels are expected to shrink its tiny habitat by at least 30 per cent in the next 45 years. The latest update of the Red List for Threatened Species also highlights the potential for restoration. It says after a decade of efforts to curb overexploitation, four commercially fished tuna species are pulling back from a slide towards extinction.

IUCN’s Red List puts focus back on world's endangered species

Divers have made a rare sighting of what they say are hundreds of seahorses, a threatened species, in a pollution ravaged lagoon in western Greece, and warn they could be lost if efforts are not made to clean up the lagoon.

Divers make rare sighting of 'hundreds' of seahorses in polluted Greek lagoon

White rhinos are the second-largest land mammal and are an endangered species with a near-threatened status. As part of efforts to save the species from extinction, a zoo in Taiwan is preparing to send a young female southern white rhinoceros, called Emma, to Japan where they hope she will breed.

Southern White Rhino to be sent to Japan for breeding programme

Pakistan stands at the nexus of the illegal falcon trade, in which the birds of prey - including some endangered species - are trapped and trafficked for wealthy Gulf Arabs, for whom falconry is a treasured tradition.

Poachers' paradise: Gulf hunts fuel falcon trafficking surge in Pakistan

Eight endangered Mexican wolf pups have become stars at the Museum of the Desert in Saltillo, Mexico as conservationists seek to bring the species back from the brink of extinction.

Endangered Mexican wolf pups frolick in win for their species

A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment.

Data for land-clearing in both states suggests the department is failing to ensure developers and farming operations are following environmental laws, according to the analysis.

Under the&nbsp;Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, anyone undertaking activities likely to have a significant impact on nationally listed threatened species and habitats is required to seek federal approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-helps-to-save-chinas-endangered-species-pangolin-304944">Coronavirus helps to save China's endangered species 'Pangolin'</a>

WWF Australia’s analysis used publicly available geospatial data held by state and federal governments to analyse land-clearing in the two states in the period from 2004-2017.

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The analysis examined known clearing for each year, its ascribed purpose and whether it occurred in known or likely threatened species habitat. It was then cross-checked with the federal environment department’s referrals database to determine which clearing activities had been lodged for assessment.

WWF’s study found that while 87.4 per cent&nbsp;of the land was cleared for agriculture without EPBC referral, only 1,499 hectare or 0.12&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the land was cleared for agriculture with referral.&nbsp;1.19m hectares of known or likely threatened species habitat was cleared in the 13-year period.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;made several recommendations, including better outreach to assist farmers in understanding their obligations under both state and federal laws and the establishment of a $1bn trust fund to help farmers to protect the environment.

In its submission to the audit office, WWF said it was concerned about “pervasive failures” to refer actions that could affect threatened species and a corresponding lack of enforcement action to redress or prevent these failures.

A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment.

A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment. Data for land-clearing in both states suggests the department is failing to ensure developers and farming operations are following environmental laws, according to the analysis. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, anyone undertaking activities likely to have a significant impact on nationally listed threatened species and habitats is required to seek federal approval. Also read: Coronavirus helps to save China's endangered species 'Pangolin' WWF Australia’s analysis used publicly available geospatial data held by state and federal governments to analyse land-clearing in the two states in the period from 2004-2017. The analysis examined known clearing for each year, its ascribed purpose and whether it occurred in known or likely threatened species habitat. It was then cross-checked with the federal environment department’s referrals database to determine which clearing activities had been lodged for assessment. WWF’s study found that while 87.4 per cent of the land was cleared for agriculture without EPBC referral, only 1,499 hectare or 0.12 per cent of the land was cleared for agriculture with referral. 1.19m hectares of known or likely threatened species habitat was cleared in the 13-year period. The report made several recommendations, including better outreach to assist farmers in understanding their obligations under both state and federal laws and the establishment of a $1bn trust fund to help farmers to protect the environment. In its submission to the audit office, WWF said it was concerned about “pervasive failures” to refer actions that could affect threatened species and a corresponding lack of enforcement action to redress or prevent these failures.

Australia: Million hectares of endangered species' habitat cleared without federal approval

British Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;called for greater global action to tackle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-ireland-declares-climate-emergency-217465">climate change</a> and biodiversity loss and announced a $ 1.25 Billion&nbsp;Fund to help save endangered animals like the Black Rhino, African Elephant, Snow Leopard and Sumatran tiger.

The 220-Million-Pound <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/take-biodiversity-seriously-otherwise-one-day-everything-will-perish-aparna-kumar-first-ips-officer-to-complete-7-summits-challenge-to-wion-236530">biodiversity</a> fund will also&nbsp;invest&nbsp;in projects to tackle illegal wildlife trade by strengthening law enforcement, training anti-poaching rangers and helping communities find alternative ways to make a living.

Johnson&nbsp;said "there are more U.N. officials than there are lions in the wild in Africa" and joked about feeding Britain's House of Lords to tigers during his remarks at the Climate Action Summit at the United Nations.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday called for greater global action to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss and announced a $ 1.25 Billion Fund to help save endangered animals like the Black Rhino, African Elephant, Snow Leopard and Sumatran tiger.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday called for greater global action to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss and announced a $ 1.25 Billion Fund to help save endangered animals like the Black Rhino, African Elephant, Snow Leopard and Sumatran tiger. The 220-Million-Pound biodiversity fund will also invest in projects to tackle illegal wildlife trade by strengthening law enforcement, training anti-poaching rangers and helping communities find alternative ways to make a living. Johnson said "there are more U.N. officials than there are lions in the wild in Africa" and joked about feeding Britain's House of Lords to tigers during his remarks at the Climate Action Summit at the United Nations.

Boris Johnson says UK will invest $1.25 billion to save endangered species

Ecological Disaster In North America: 9 Billion Birds Lost In Less Than 5 Years

Gravitas: Climate Change places Birds in Danger, too

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalised rollbacks to key provisions of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-some-300-endangered-sea-turtles-killed-in-southern-mexico-162269">Endangered Species Act</a>, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear.

The changes include removing a rule that automatically conveys the same protections to threatened species and endangered species, and striking language that says economic considerations should play no part in making determinations on how wildlife is listed.

In a statement characterising the amendments as "improvements," Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said: "The best way to uphold the Endangered Species Act is to do everything we can to ensure it remains effective in achieving its ultimate goal -- recovery of our rarest species."

"An effectively administered Act ensures more resources can go where they will do the most good: on-the-ground conservation," added the former oil and gas lobbyist.

"The revisions finalised with this rulemaking fit squarely within the president's mandate of easing the regulatory burden on the American public, without sacrificing our species' protection and recovery goals," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.&nbsp;

Conservation groups reacted in dismay, saying the rollbacks would pave the way for the gradual destruction of a listed species' habitat as long as each individual step was sufficiently modest.&nbsp;

"This effort to gut protections for endangered and threatened species has the same two features of most Trump administration actions: it's a gift to the industry, and it's illegal," said Drew Caputo of non-profit Earthjustice. "We'll see the Trump administration in court."

Species like the gray wolf saw their population decimated in the early 20th century, but staged a remarkable comeback thanks to the law -- which was signed by former Republican president Richard Nixon in 1973 -- and are now legally hunted in the Northern Rockies.

Similarly, there are today some 10,000 nesting pairs of bald eagles, the national symbol of the US, from a low of 417 in 1963.

A 2018 paper published in the journal Conservation Letters found that about four in five Americans support the act, while one in 10 oppose it and support for the law has remained stable over the past two decades.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has targeted more than 80 environmental and health regulations in the name of easing regulatory burdens on business.&nbsp;

Environmentalists have fought back with lawsuits, and some rollbacks have later been reinstated. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalised rollbacks to key provisions of the Endangered Species Act, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalised rollbacks to key provisions of the Endangered Species Act, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear. The changes include removing a rule that automatically conveys the same protections to threatened species and endangered species, and striking language that says economic considerations should play no part in making determinations on how wildlife is listed. In a statement characterising the amendments as "improvements," Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said: "The best way to uphold the Endangered Species Act is to do everything we can to ensure it remains effective in achieving its ultimate goal -- recovery of our rarest species." "An effectively administered Act ensures more resources can go where they will do the most good: on-the-ground conservation," added the former oil and gas lobbyist. "The revisions finalised with this rulemaking fit squarely within the president's mandate of easing the regulatory burden on the American public, without sacrificing our species' protection and recovery goals," said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Conservation groups reacted in dismay, saying the rollbacks would pave the way for the gradual destruction of a listed species' habitat as long as each individual step was sufficiently modest. "This effort to gut protections for endangered and threatened species has the same two features of most Trump administration actions: it's a gift to the industry, and it's illegal," said Drew Caputo of non-profit Earthjustice. "We'll see the Trump administration in court." Species like the gray wolf saw their population decimated in the early 20th century, but staged a remarkable comeback thanks to the law -- which was signed by former Republican president Richard Nixon in 1973 -- and are now legally hunted in the Northern Rockies. Similarly, there are today some 10,000 nesting pairs of bald eagles, the national symbol of the US, from a low of 417 in 1963. A 2018 paper published in the journal Conservation Letters found that about four in five Americans support the act, while one in 10 oppose it and support for the law has remained stable over the past two decades. Since taking office, the Trump administration has targeted more than 80 environmental and health regulations in the name of easing regulatory burdens on business. Environmentalists have fought back with lawsuits, and some rollbacks have later been reinstated.

Trump administration removes key provisions in Endangered Species Act

Hundreds of turtles and tortoises, including rare and endangered species, face an uncertain future after their Singapore sanctuary -- a Guinness World Record holder -- was forced to relocate due to government redevelopment plans.

Crawling to extinction: Singapore turtle haven fights for life

The Chinese giant salamander, the largest amphibian in the world, is not cute.&nbsp;

Weighing as much as an adult human, it has slimy brown skin, a giant mouth curled to a gormless grin, and puny, mistrustful eyes. &nbsp;

It is also one of the world's most endangered species.&nbsp;

And yet, unlike its compatriot the giant panda, the giant salamander rarely makes the news. &nbsp;

Why do some animals strike a chord with humans, prompting them to donate millions towards their conservation, while others draw little more than disgust?&nbsp;

And is a sad-eyed panda really worth saving more than a slimy salamander?&nbsp;

Size, intelligence, behaviour, rarity, how closely an animal resembles the human form -- all play a part in our reaction to various endangered creatures.&nbsp;

"One of the biggest factors is 'cuteness',&nbsp;physical characteristics such as big eyes and soft features that elicit our parental instincts because they remind us of human infants," Hal Herzog, emeritus professor at West Carolina University's Department of Psychology, told AFP.

An expert in human-animal relationships, Herzog said the dark rings around pandas' eyes triggered humans nurturing instincts.&nbsp;

"Compare that to the Chinese giant salamander," he said. "Google it. It looks like a six-foot-long, 150-pound bag of brown slime with beady little eyes."&nbsp;

The salamanders are a vital part of their ecosystem, just as worms are essential to soil health around the steams and lakes they live in -- which is just about everywhere.&nbsp;

Yet, like maggots, rats and snakes, the main instinct they inspire in humans is revulsion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

'Learned' disgust

According to Graham Davey, a specialist in phobias from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology, we learn to revile certain creatures at a young age.&nbsp;

"Disgust is a learned emotion. Babies are not born with it... it's probably transmitted socially, culturally and within families," he said.&nbsp;

Some animals are reviled due to their resemblance to "primary disgusting things" such as mucus or faeces, Davey said, while others are perceived -- rightly or wrongly -- to pose a direct danger to the beholder. &nbsp;

"In terms of threat to humankind, disease and illness are bigger than being attacked by an animal," he said. &nbsp;

This might explain why most of us don't find lions and bears repellant -- they are covered with the same type of soft fur that coat cuddly toys for children, even if it might be better to avoid one in real life.&nbsp;

An orca by any other name

As with most things, popular culture has a huge effect on how society perceives animals. &nbsp;

Whereas the movie "Free Willy" prompted a wave of sympathy for the protection of endangered orcas, "Arachnophobia" hardly helped spiders' cause.&nbsp;

See also,&nbsp;"Jaws" for sharks.&nbsp;

Even the depiction of fictional creatures can have a knock-on effect on public perception towards certain animals.&nbsp;

Take the main being in "Alien", for example.

"Seeing the one from the first film that had that mucus-y drawl dripping from the alien's mouth... sensitises people to disgusting things," Davey said.&nbsp;

Nor is it just the public at large who are liable to "speciesism", or discrimination against other species in favour of our own. &nbsp;

A study in 2017 found a strong correlation between society's preferred animals and those most studied in scientific research.&nbsp;

"Maybe that's because it's easier to get money" to study well-known animals, said Frederic Legendre, a researcher at France's National History Museum.&nbsp;

And popular species make money in return, according to Christo Fabricius from WWF -- a conservation group indelibly linked to its panda logo. &nbsp;

"Reptiles, for example, are not very marketable," he said.&nbsp;

'Protect species, protect habitat'

Not that favouring certain cute or charismatic species is necessarily a bad thing for conservation.&nbsp;

"When we protect an iconic species, we protect their habitat and therefore all the organisms within it also benefit," said Legendre.&nbsp;

But such species can become a victim of their own popularity. &nbsp;

One recent study suggested that a "virtual" presence of wild animals such as elephants and tigers -- be that on computer screens, T-shirts or in children's books -- can fool people into thinking they are more common in the wild than they really are.&nbsp;

The populations of most megafauna -- from hippos to giraffes and gorillas -- remain in peril. &nbsp;

Then there's the risk of poaching. &nbsp;

The rarer the species "the more value they provide for traditional medicine, for trophy hunting, and therefore they are poached more often," said Franck Courchamp, an ecologist at France's National Centre for Scientific Research.&nbsp;

So the next time you see a picture of a Giant Chinese Salamander, remember that there's more to saving Earth's wild species than looks.&nbsp;

The Chinese giant salamander, the largest amphibian in the world, is not cute. Weighing as much as an adult human, it has slimy brown skin, a giant mouth curled to a gormless grin, and puny, mistrustful eyes.

The Chinese giant salamander, the largest amphibian in the world, is not cute. Weighing as much as an adult human, it has slimy brown skin, a giant mouth curled to a gormless grin, and puny, mistrustful eyes. It is also one of the world's most endangered species. And yet, unlike its compatriot the giant panda, the giant salamander rarely makes the news. Why do some animals strike a chord with humans, prompting them to donate millions towards their conservation, while others draw little more than disgust? And is a sad-eyed panda really worth saving more than a slimy salamander? Size, intelligence, behaviour, rarity, how closely an animal resembles the human form -- all play a part in our reaction to various endangered creatures. "One of the biggest factors is 'cuteness', physical characteristics such as big eyes and soft features that elicit our parental instincts because they remind us of human infants," Hal Herzog, emeritus professor at West Carolina University's Department of Psychology, told AFP. An expert in human-animal relationships, Herzog said the dark rings around pandas' eyes triggered humans nurturing instincts. "Compare that to the Chinese giant salamander," he said. "Google it. It looks like a six-foot-long, 150-pound bag of brown slime with beady little eyes." The salamanders are a vital part of their ecosystem, just as worms are essential to soil health around the steams and lakes they live in -- which is just about everywhere. Yet, like maggots, rats and snakes, the main instinct they inspire in humans is revulsion. 'Learned' disgust According to Graham Davey, a specialist in phobias from the University of Sussex's School of Psychology, we learn to revile certain creatures at a young age. "Disgust is a learned emotion. Babies are not born with it... it's probably transmitted socially, culturally and within families," he said. Some animals are reviled due to their resemblance to "primary disgusting things" such as mucus or faeces, Davey said, while others are perceived -- rightly or wrongly -- to pose a direct danger to the beholder. "In terms of threat to humankind, disease and illness are bigger than being attacked by an animal," he said. This might explain why most of us don't find lions and bears repellant -- they are covered with the same type of soft fur that coat cuddly toys for children, even if it might be better to avoid one in real life. An orca by any other name As with most things, popular culture has a huge effect on how society perceives animals. Whereas the movie "Free Willy" prompted a wave of sympathy for the protection of endangered orcas, "Arachnophobia" hardly helped spiders' cause. See also, "Jaws" for sharks. Even the depiction of fictional creatures can have a knock-on effect on public perception towards certain animals. Take the main being in "Alien", for example. "Seeing the one from the first film that had that mucus-y drawl dripping from the alien's mouth... sensitises people to disgusting things," Davey said. Nor is it just the public at large who are liable to "speciesism", or discrimination against other species in favour of our own. A study in 2017 found a strong correlation between society's preferred animals and those most studied in scientific research. "Maybe that's because it's easier to get money" to study well-known animals, said Frederic Legendre, a researcher at France's National History Museum. And popular species make money in return, according to Christo Fabricius from WWF -- a conservation group indelibly linked to its panda logo. "Reptiles, for example, are not very marketable," he said. 'Protect species, protect habitat' Not that favouring certain cute or charismatic species is necessarily a bad thing for conservation. "When we protect an iconic species, we protect their habitat and therefore all the organisms within it also benefit," said Legendre. But such species can become a victim of their own popularity. One recent study suggested that a "virtual" presence of wild animals such as elephants and tigers -- be that on computer screens, T-shirts or in children's books -- can fool people into thinking they are more common in the wild than they really are. The populations of most megafauna -- from hippos to giraffes and gorillas -- remain in peril. Then there's the risk of poaching. The rarer the species "the more value they provide for traditional medicine, for trophy hunting, and therefore they are poached more often," said Franck Courchamp, an ecologist at France's National Centre for Scientific Research. So the next time you see a picture of a Giant Chinese Salamander, remember that there's more to saving Earth's wild species than looks.

Cute or creepy: Why humans love some species, loathe others

Climate change and rising sea levels could destroy the mangroves of Sundarbans, the last coastal stronghold of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sundarbans-world-heritage-forest-declared-pirate-free-by-bangladesh-19469">Bengal tiger</a> in India and Bangladesh, according to a study published by the James Cook University on Monday.

The littoral habitat of the predator, the world's biggest cat, could be completely destroyed over the next five decades, the study by the Australian university found.

"Fewer than 4,000 Bengal tigers are alive today," said JCU's Professor Bill Laurance, a co-author of the study.

The scientist said that the animal was now "mainly confined to small areas of India and Bangladesh" and warned that the Tigers were getting a "double whammy - greater human encroachment on the one hand and a worsening climate and associated sea-level rises on the other."

"Beyond climate change, the Sundarbans are under growing pressure from industrial developments, new roads, and greater poaching," Laurance added in a statement by the university.

The study's lead author, Sharif Mukul, of the Independent University Bangladesh, said that the Sundarbans region, which spans over 10,000 square kilometres (3,861 square miles), is the biggest mangrove forest on the planet and is "the most critical area for Bengal tiger survival."

"What is most terrifying is that our analyses suggest tiger habitats in the Sundarbans will vanish entirely by 2070," he added in the statement.

The study is based on computer simulations to assess the future suitability of the low-lying Sundarban region for tigers and their prey species and uses mainstream estimates of climatic trends from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The researchers' analyses also included factors such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise. In spite&nbsp;of the&nbsp;bleak forecast, the researchers are still hopeful of the Bengal tiger's survival.

"The more of the Sundarbans that can be conserved-via new protected areas and reducing illegal poaching-the more resilient it will be to future climatic extremes and rising sea levels," Laurance said.

"There is no other place like the Sundarbans left on Earth,' said Professor Laurance. 'We have to look after this iconic ecosystem if we want amazing animals like the Bengal tiger to have a chance of survival," he concluded.

Climate change and rising sea levels could destroy the mangroves of Sundarbans, the last coastal stronghold of the Bengal tiger in India and Bangladesh, according to a study published by the James Cook University on Monday.

Climate change and rising sea levels could destroy the mangroves of Sundarbans, the last coastal stronghold of the Bengal tiger in India and Bangladesh, according to a study published by the James Cook University on Monday. The littoral habitat of the predator, the world's biggest cat, could be completely destroyed over the next five decades, the study by the Australian university found. "Fewer than 4,000 Bengal tigers are alive today," said JCU's Professor Bill Laurance, a co-author of the study. The scientist said that the animal was now "mainly confined to small areas of India and Bangladesh" and warned that the Tigers were getting a "double whammy - greater human encroachment on the one hand and a worsening climate and associated sea-level rises on the other." "Beyond climate change, the Sundarbans are under growing pressure from industrial developments, new roads, and greater poaching," Laurance added in a statement by the university. The study's lead author, Sharif Mukul, of the Independent University Bangladesh, said that the Sundarbans region, which spans over 10,000 square kilometres (3,861 square miles), is the biggest mangrove forest on the planet and is "the most critical area for Bengal tiger survival." "What is most terrifying is that our analyses suggest tiger habitats in the Sundarbans will vanish entirely by 2070," he added in the statement. The study is based on computer simulations to assess the future suitability of the low-lying Sundarban region for tigers and their prey species and uses mainstream estimates of climatic trends from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The researchers' analyses also included factors such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise. In spite of the bleak forecast, the researchers are still hopeful of the Bengal tiger's survival. "The more of the Sundarbans that can be conserved-via new protected areas and reducing illegal poaching-the more resilient it will be to future climatic extremes and rising sea levels," Laurance said. "There is no other place like the Sundarbans left on Earth,' said Professor Laurance. 'We have to look after this iconic ecosystem if we want amazing animals like the Bengal tiger to have a chance of survival," he concluded.

Climate change threatens Sundarbans, coastal home of endangered Royal Bengal tiger: Study

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October 1, 1998: Almost 20 years ago,&nbsp;Salman Khan&nbsp;along with&nbsp;Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam&nbsp;were charged with the poaching of blackbucks, an endangered species protected under Wildlife Protection Act near Kankani village, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Salman Khan was in Rajasthan along with his co-stars for the shooting of the film&nbsp;Hum Saath Saath Hain.

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October 2, 1998:&nbsp;Bishnoi community filed a complaint against the actor.

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October 12, 1998:&nbsp;Salman Khan arrested for the poaching of endangered species. Later, granted bail.

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April 10, 2006:&nbsp;Salman Khan convicted by a trial court under Wildlife Protection Act. Khan was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment along with a fine.

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August 31, 2007:&nbsp;Rajasthan High Court sentenced Salman Khan 5 years in prison. Khan was kept in Jodhpur Central Jail for a week.&nbsp;

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After Salman Khan's appeal, Rajasthan High Court suspended the sentence. The court also dropped charges under the Arms Act against the Bollywood star.July 24, 2012:&nbsp;A bench of Rajasthan High Court finalised charges against the accused in the poaching case.

<a href="Also see: Meet the Bishnois: The community which kept the case going for the ">Also see: Meet the Bishnois: The community which kept the case going for 20 years</a>

 
July 9, 2014:&nbsp;Supreme Court challenged Rajasthan High Court's decision of Salman's Conviction and issued a notice.

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July 25, 2016:&nbsp;Rajasthan High Court acquitted Salman in Jodhpur case. The High Court acquitted the actor saying there was no proof that the animals who were&nbsp;found dead were killed by Salman's gun.

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October 19, 2016:&nbsp;The Rajasthan government filed a plea in Supreme Court against Rajasthan High Court's rule, which acquitted Salman in two cases of chinkara and blackbuck poaching.

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November 11, 2016:&nbsp;After Rajasthan government's plea, Supreme Court fast-tracked hearing in two cases of blackbuck and chinkara poaching.

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January 18, 2017:&nbsp;Salman Khan acquitted in Arms Act case by Jodhpur High Court.

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April 5, 2018:&nbsp;Salman Khan found guilty in the blackbuck poaching case. Other actors accused in the case including Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre have been acquitted.

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Salman Khan was in Rajasthan along with his co-stars for the shooting of the film Hum Saath Saath Hain

October 1, 1998: Almost 20 years ago, Salman Khan along with Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam were charged with the poaching of blackbucks, an endangered species protected under Wildlife Protection Act near Kankani village, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Salman Khan was in Rajasthan along with his co-stars for the shooting of the film Hum Saath Saath Hain. × October 2, 1998: Bishnoi community filed a complaint against the actor. October 12, 1998: Salman Khan arrested for the poaching of endangered species. Later, granted bail. April 10, 2006: Salman Khan convicted by a trial court under Wildlife Protection Act. Khan was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment along with a fine. August 31, 2007: Rajasthan High Court sentenced Salman Khan 5 years in prison. Khan was kept in Jodhpur Central Jail for a week. After Salman Khan's appeal, Rajasthan High Court suspended the sentence. The court also dropped charges under the Arms Act against the Bollywood star.July 24, 2012: A bench of Rajasthan High Court finalised charges against the accused in the poaching case. Also see: Meet the Bishnois: The community which kept the case going for 20 years July 9, 2014: Supreme Court challenged Rajasthan High Court's decision of Salman's Conviction and issued a notice. July 25, 2016: Rajasthan High Court acquitted Salman in Jodhpur case. The High Court acquitted the actor saying there was no proof that the animals who were found dead were killed by Salman's gun. October 19, 2016: The Rajasthan government filed a plea in Supreme Court against Rajasthan High Court's rule, which acquitted Salman in two cases of chinkara and blackbuck poaching. November 11, 2016: After Rajasthan government's plea, Supreme Court fast-tracked hearing in two cases of blackbuck and chinkara poaching. January 18, 2017: Salman Khan acquitted in Arms Act case by Jodhpur High Court. April 5, 2018: Salman Khan found guilty in the blackbuck poaching case. Other actors accused in the case including Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre have been acquitted.

Blackbuck case timeline: Salman Khan gets convicted, others acquitted

It took the court 20 long years to convict 'serial offender' Salman Khan in the Blackbuck poaching case. And while most would accuse the judiciary for taking such a long time to declare its judgement, it is also a small victory for the Bishnoi community which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blackbuck-poaching-case-verdict-salman-khan-convicted-128435">kept the legal battle going for the past two decades.</a>&nbsp;

According to the case, Salman Khan and others were accused of killing two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998 -- during the shooting of their film Hum Saath Saath Hain. They were charged under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The trial of the case has been in progress for the last 20 years.

The actor was also charged with two other poaching cases of Chinkara deer and black up in Bhawad village and Mathania village respectively.

Those who have been following the case for the past 20 years, would know that the case would not have gained such prominence in the media had it not involved the superstar and for the relentless persuasion of Bishnoi community to keep the legal battle going.&nbsp;

The community for centuries has worshipped and protected the nature. The community, started by Jammeshwarji Maharaj (Jambaji) around the 16 century AD, are governed by 29 set principles which include the protection and preservation of wildlife. The community is known to put their lives at stake in order to protect the rare antelope or a tree.&nbsp;

The Bishnois of Jodhpur consider the black buck to be the reincarnation of their religious Guru Bhagwan Jambeshwar also known as Jambaji.&nbsp;

The people of this community are known to be God-fearing and gentle but show their aggressive side only when it comes to protecting their blackbucks.&nbsp;

According to Bishnoi folklore, Jambaji is believed to have instructed his followers that blackbuck was to be revered as his manifestation. &nbsp;It is believed that when these animals raid the crops of the Bishnois, they prefer losing the crop than driving them away.&nbsp;

Blackbucks are found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. The blackbuck is considered the most handsome member of the bovine family. Measuring a length of 120cm, with a height of 60 to 80cm, they weigh nearly 30 to 40kg.

The males have 50-60cm long horns while the females are hornless. Blackbucks do not shed their horns.&nbsp;

The quantum of punishment is yet to be decided. Even if he is sentenced to jail, he will in all likelihood get bail and will in all probability appeal to the higher court. But one thing is for sure that the community which protects the animal like one of its on, will continue to put pressure and fight till they get justice.&nbsp;

The community is god fearing and can sacrifice their own lives in order to protect the wildlife

It took the court 20 long years to convict 'serial offender' Salman Khan in the Blackbuck poaching case. And while most would accuse the judiciary for taking such a long time to declare its judgement, it is also a small victory for the Bishnoi community which kept the legal battle going for the past two decades. According to the case, Salman Khan and others were accused of killing two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur on the night of October 1, 1998 -- during the shooting of their film Hum Saath Saath Hain. They were charged under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The trial of the case has been in progress for the last 20 years. The actor was also charged with two other poaching cases of Chinkara deer and black up in Bhawad village and Mathania village respectively. Those who have been following the case for the past 20 years, would know that the case would not have gained such prominence in the media had it not involved the superstar and for the relentless persuasion of Bishnoi community to keep the legal battle going. The community for centuries has worshipped and protected the nature. The community, started by Jammeshwarji Maharaj (Jambaji) around the 16 century AD, are governed by 29 set principles which include the protection and preservation of wildlife. The community is known to put their lives at stake in order to protect the rare antelope or a tree. The Bishnois of Jodhpur consider the black buck to be the reincarnation of their religious Guru Bhagwan Jambeshwar also known as Jambaji. The people of this community are known to be God-fearing and gentle but show their aggressive side only when it comes to protecting their blackbucks. According to Bishnoi folklore, Jambaji is believed to have instructed his followers that blackbuck was to be revered as his manifestation. It is believed that when these animals raid the crops of the Bishnois, they prefer losing the crop than driving them away. Blackbucks are found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country. The blackbuck is considered the most handsome member of the bovine family. Measuring a length of 120cm, with a height of 60 to 80cm, they weigh nearly 30 to 40kg. The males have 50-60cm long horns while the females are hornless. Blackbucks do not shed their horns. The quantum of punishment is yet to be decided. Even if he is sentenced to jail, he will in all likelihood get bail and will in all probability appeal to the higher court. But one thing is for sure that the community which protects the animal like one of its on, will continue to put pressure and fight till they get justice.

Meet the Bishnois: The community that kept the Blackbuck case against Salman going for 20 years

A turtle in a zoo in India&#39;s southern Tamil Nadu state has been fitted with wheels after it lost one of its front legs in a suspected predator attack. 
 
The two-year old female star turtle, an endangered species, was seriously injured and faced difficulty moving around. It had even stopped consuming food. 
 
The veterinary doctors at the zoo then thought of the novel idea of fitting wheels on her. 
 
They made it a point to use lightweight material, including wheels used for rolling windows and a light steel rod, in order to make movement easy for the turtle. 
 
&quot;We had a small plan of a prosthetic involvement already,&quot; Dr. Boon Allwin said on Thursday.&nbsp;&quot;So what we did was we used special window wheels with a stainless steel grid. We pasted the entire lot on the vental surface of the tortoise using an epoxy non-irritant compo. So the moment it was pasted and the moment the surgery was done the next second the tortoise started walking. It has been doing very good,&quot; 
 
Allwin added that an upgradation of the wheels was on the cards. 
 
The turtle can now be seen freewheeling around and is probably the fastest of all in its enclosure. 
(Reuters)

The fitting was made using light-weight materials like wheels used for rolling windows and light steel rod to allow smooth motion

A turtle in a zoo in India's southern Tamil Nadu state has been fitted with wheels after it lost one of its front legs in a suspected predator attack. The two-year old female star turtle, an endangered species, was seriously injured and faced difficulty moving around. It had even stopped consuming food. The veterinary doctors at the zoo then thought of the novel idea of fitting wheels on her. They made it a point to use lightweight material, including wheels used for rolling windows and a light steel rod, in order to make movement easy for the turtle. "We had a small plan of a prosthetic involvement already," Dr. Boon Allwin said on Thursday. "So what we did was we used special window wheels with a stainless steel grid. We pasted the entire lot on the vental surface of the tortoise using an epoxy non-irritant compo. So the moment it was pasted and the moment the surgery was done the next second the tortoise started walking. It has been doing very good," Allwin added that an upgradation of the wheels was on the cards. The turtle can now be seen freewheeling around and is probably the fastest of all in its enclosure. (Reuters)

Turtle in Indian zoo fitted with wheels after losing a leg

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