In a shocking incident, Japanese police found 30 endangered green sea turtles with wounds around their neck.

The turtles, found near the remote Japanese island of Kumejima in southern Okinawa prefecture, were bleeding and barely breathing.

According to a police officer from the Naha Police Station in Okinawa, they had wounds around their necks caused by what appeared to be a blade.

After the sea turtles were found during low tide, police continues to investigate and question witnesses.

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Yoshi Tsukakoshi, a spokesman at the Kumejima sea turtle museum, said that the area where the sea turtles were found in their natural habitat&nbsp;was covered with seagrass.

Highlighting that they can be considered a "nuisance" because they rip the nets, he added that the sea turtles get entangled in the nets laid by local fishers.

"Some fishers think the turtles eat all the seagrass before it grows and that prevents the fish from spawning in the area," said Tsukakoshi.

Sea turtles, which are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, are coming under increasing threat from factors such as coastal development.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a shocking incident, Japanese police found 30 endangered green sea turtles with wounds around their neck. The turtles, found near the remote Japanese island of Kumejima in southern Okinawa prefecture, were bleeding and barely breathing.

In a shocking incident, Japanese police found 30 endangered green sea turtles with wounds around their neck. The turtles, found near the remote Japanese island of Kumejima in southern Okinawa prefecture, were bleeding and barely breathing. According to a police officer from the Naha Police Station in Okinawa, they had wounds around their necks caused by what appeared to be a blade. After the sea turtles were found during low tide, police continues to investigate and question witnesses. × Yoshi Tsukakoshi, a spokesman at the Kumejima sea turtle museum, said that the area where the sea turtles were found in their natural habitat was covered with seagrass. Highlighting that they can be considered a "nuisance" because they rip the nets, he added that the sea turtles get entangled in the nets laid by local fishers. "Some fishers think the turtles eat all the seagrass before it grows and that prevents the fish from spawning in the area," said Tsukakoshi. Sea turtles, which are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, are coming under increasing threat from factors such as coastal development. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Japan: Police finds 30 endangered green sea turtles with 'bleeding' neck wounds

After lifting heavy logs and rummaging through rocks, biologist Andrea Terán can finally say eureka! In her hands she has one of the two species of frog that are waging a unique legal battle against mining in Ecuador.

Drenched by the icy water that comes down from a crystalline waterfall, Terán studies the fragile life of the resistance rocket frog (still without a scientific name) and the long-snouted harlequin (Atelopus longirostris), which was believed to be extinct for 30 years.

The discovery a few years ago of both amphibians, which measure up to four centimeters, caused joy among scientists and environmentalists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/one-species-may-benefit-from-climate-change-study-483922">One species may benefit from climate change: Study</a>

And it became an argument to try to stop a 4,829-hectare mining project inside a cloud forest with prehistoric-looking trees in Junín, in the province of Imbabura, three and a half hours by car north of Quito.

Atelopus longirostris first appeared in 2016. “It was a frog that came back from the dead,” said an emotional Terán, who was accompanied by AFP on an expedition to study these amphibians in a wooded area that is reached after almost two hours of walking.

But “if the water is contaminated (by mining) the last population of this frog is lost,” explained the biologist from the Jambatu Center, dedicated to amphibian research and conservation.

The harlequin snout is extinct according to the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). But scientists found it again in a forest handed over to the Llurimagua copper project, in charge of the state-owned Enami and the Chilean Codelco, whose operation is scheduled for 2024 with a production of 210,000 tons of copper per year.

The concession set off the alarms. And the discovery of a new rocket frog in 2019 only increased action to save this habitat.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Scientists: One of the oldest living trees in Chile

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Terán led a lawsuit in 2020 in court to stop the exploitation. Although a judge agreed with him in the first instance, he lost on appeal.

In Ecuador -which entered large-scale mining in 2019- there are at least 12 projects in an advanced stage with reserves of some 43.7 million ounces of gold, 46,156 million pounds of copper and 183 million ounces of silver, according to the consultancy Grupo Spurrier.&nbsp;

Endurance

When scientists at the Jambatu Center found the new species of rocket frog, they thought it was the confused nurse frog (Ectopoglossus confusus).&nbsp;

However, an anatomical difference in its tongue and genetic studies determined in 2019 that it was a completely unknown species of the genus Ectopoglossus.

In an optimistic nod, they named this agile little brown frog “resistance.”

“The conditions in which it lives are unique, with the noise of the waterfall we don’t know what its communication mechanisms are, we don’t know what its reproductive biology is like,” explains Terán.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/believe-it-or-not-male-mice-hate-bananas-find-out-why-483365">Believe it or not: Male mice hate bananas. Find out why</a>

In a second battle against the mining concession, a group of inhabitants of Junín and neighboring towns promoted a new protection action. Terán was a witness in this process.

The argument? Errors in the environmental impact and management studies in the first phase of advanced exploration, including the omission of a protection plan for the two species of frogs, says lawyer Mario Moncayo, whose law firm supports the case.

“There are so many errors. The rights of nature were violated, in addition, the documents were never properly disseminated to the community and an environmental consultation was not carried out” with the residents, Moncayo explained to AFP.

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After lifting heavy logs and rummaging through rocks, biologist Andrea Terán can finally say eureka! In her hands she has one of the two species of frog that are waging a unique legal battle against mining in Ecuador.

After lifting heavy logs and rummaging through rocks, biologist Andrea Terán can finally say eureka! In her hands she has one of the two species of frog that are waging a unique legal battle against mining in Ecuador. Drenched by the icy water that comes down from a crystalline waterfall, Terán studies the fragile life of the resistance rocket frog (still without a scientific name) and the long-snouted harlequin (Atelopus longirostris), which was believed to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery a few years ago of both amphibians, which measure up to four centimeters, caused joy among scientists and environmentalists. Also read | One species may benefit from climate change: Study And it became an argument to try to stop a 4,829-hectare mining project inside a cloud forest with prehistoric-looking trees in Junín, in the province of Imbabura, three and a half hours by car north of Quito. Atelopus longirostris first appeared in 2016. “It was a frog that came back from the dead,” said an emotional Terán, who was accompanied by AFP on an expedition to study these amphibians in a wooded area that is reached after almost two hours of walking. But “if the water is contaminated (by mining) the last population of this frog is lost,” explained the biologist from the Jambatu Center, dedicated to amphibian research and conservation. The harlequin snout is extinct according to the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). But scientists found it again in a forest handed over to the Llurimagua copper project, in charge of the state-owned Enami and the Chilean Codelco, whose operation is scheduled for 2024 with a production of 210,000 tons of copper per year. The concession set off the alarms. And the discovery of a new rocket frog in 2019 only increased action to save this habitat. Watch | Scientists: One of the oldest living trees in Chile Terán led a lawsuit in 2020 in court to stop the exploitation. Although a judge agreed with him in the first instance, he lost on appeal. In Ecuador -which entered large-scale mining in 2019- there are at least 12 projects in an advanced stage with reserves of some 43.7 million ounces of gold, 46,156 million pounds of copper and 183 million ounces of silver, according to the consultancy Grupo Spurrier. Endurance When scientists at the Jambatu Center found the new species of rocket frog, they thought it was the confused nurse frog (Ectopoglossus confusus). However, an anatomical difference in its tongue and genetic studies determined in 2019 that it was a completely unknown species of the genus Ectopoglossus. In an optimistic nod, they named this agile little brown frog “resistance.” “The conditions in which it lives are unique, with the noise of the waterfall we don’t know what its communication mechanisms are, we don’t know what its reproductive biology is like,” explains Terán. Also read | Believe it or not: Male mice hate bananas. Find out why In a second battle against the mining concession, a group of inhabitants of Junín and neighboring towns promoted a new protection action. Terán was a witness in this process. The argument? Errors in the environmental impact and management studies in the first phase of advanced exploration, including the omission of a protection plan for the two species of frogs, says lawyer Mario Moncayo, whose law firm supports the case. “There are so many errors. The rights of nature were violated, in addition, the documents were never properly disseminated to the community and an environmental consultation was not carried out” with the residents, Moncayo explained to AFP. 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.

Two frogs are at the centre of a battle against mining in Ecuador

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tanzania-to-free-5500-inmates-from-overcrowded-prisons-267277">Tanzania</a> will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock.

To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/arizona-three-mountain-lions-killed-after-they-were-found-eating-human-remains-271665">Lions</a> are an endangered species, but they have been affected by the activities of human beings which are intruding their personal space.

<img alt="lions" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a65a05e-76c0-4774-8c18-3884697be579" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-19T123905.184_0.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;Arizona: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/arizona-three-mountain-lions-killed-after-they-were-found-eating-human-remains-271665">Three mountain lions killed after they were found eating human remains</a>

According to Simon Mduma, director-general of the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pope-decries-conflicts-extremist-attacks-in-africa-amid-burkina-faso-mourning-270228">East African</a> country’s Wildlife Research Institute, ''11 out of the 36 lions have already been caught and will be moved to the Burigi Chato national park, located in the country’s north-west''.

Nine&nbsp;more lions will be rehoused at this national park. A venue is yet to be found for the remaining 16.

''Earlier, a lion used to be killed if it attacked any person. But since this is a huge group the same action cannot be taken,'' he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

It is necessary that action is taken for the sustenance of lions as they have become extremely vulnerable.

As per an estimate of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global lion population has subsided 43 per cent in the last twenty years to around 20,000.

<img alt="lions in Africa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93b61c5c-1464-4c20-a45e-0c6159867f7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1KQ8H3_0.jpg" />

After an assessment of the land dispute, the Tanzanian government had quashed the special status of seven&nbsp;wildlife and forest reserves and 12 protected zones in September last year.

It had allocated approximately 700,000 hectares of land for farming and livestock.

(With inputs from AFP)

Tanzania will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock. To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park.

Tanzania will move 36 lions to a new home after they attacked humans and livestock. To avoid conflicts between humans and cattle, the lions will be moved from the edge of the Serengeti national park. Lions are an endangered species, but they have been affected by the activities of human beings which are intruding their personal space. Also read: Arizona: Three mountain lions killed after they were found eating human remains According to Simon Mduma, director-general of the East African country’s Wildlife Research Institute, ''11 out of the 36 lions have already been caught and will be moved to the Burigi Chato national park, located in the country’s north-west''. Nine more lions will be rehoused at this national park. A venue is yet to be found for the remaining 16. ''Earlier, a lion used to be killed if it attacked any person. But since this is a huge group the same action cannot be taken,'' he added. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN It is necessary that action is taken for the sustenance of lions as they have become extremely vulnerable. As per an estimate of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global lion population has subsided 43 per cent in the last twenty years to around 20,000. After an assessment of the land dispute, the Tanzanian government had quashed the special status of seven wildlife and forest reserves and 12 protected zones in September last year. It had allocated approximately 700,000 hectares of land for farming and livestock. (With inputs from AFP)

After attacks on people and livestock, Tanzania to relocate 36 Serengeti lions

International Union for Conservation of Nature recently updated their red list of threatened species putting a spotlight on hundreds of plant and animal species who are facing the threat of habitat destruction.

Here we explain the process of mass extinction.

Scientists believe the earth is experiencing another "mass extinction event" since non-avian dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago.

More than 40% per cent of amphibians and one-quarter of all mammals are currently at risk of disappearing entirely from our planet.

It’s the result of changes set in motion by human activity and climate change, with life in the oceans particularly affected.

Coral reefs, home to over a quarter of all marine species, could disappear by 2050, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which compiles an annual ‘red list’ of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

Antarctic blue whales, the largest creatures on the planet, are critically endangered, just one step away from extinction.

With possibly as few as 10 left in the world, the vaquita, the planet’s smallest porpoise, is probably the species most at risk of extinction. The mammal gets caught in illegal fishing nets and drowns.

Some 60 per cent of freshwater species such as crocodiles, hippos, and river dolphins are classified as threatened and lacking adequate protection.

The reclusive pangolin has become the most trafficked mammal on earth due to soaring demand in Asia for its scales for traditional medicine and its meat which is considered a delicacy.

More than half of all primates are under threat of extinction due to habitat destruction, the illegal wildlife trade and hunting.

Four out of six of the Earth’s great apes are endangered or critically many wild cats are also on the cusp of extinction, including the Sumatran tiger and Javan leopard.

All five surviving species of rhinoceros in the wild are threatened, mainly by poaching. The northern white rhino is already extinct in the wild, with less than a handful left in captivity.

The number of Asian elephants has fallen by at least 50% over three generations, there are less than 50,000 left in the wild.

The future of four out of eight bear species is also cause for concern: the giant panda and polar bears are both vulnerable’.

Source: International Union for the conservation of Nature, CITES, WWF, International Rhino Foundation.

International Union for Conservation of Nature recently updated their red list of threatened species putting a spotlight on hundreds of plant and animal species who are facing the threat of habitat destruction.

International Union for Conservation of Nature recently updated their red list of threatened species putting a spotlight on hundreds of plant and animal species who are facing the threat of habitat destruction. Here we explain the process of mass extinction. Scientists believe the earth is experiencing another "mass extinction event" since non-avian dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago. More than 40% per cent of amphibians and one-quarter of all mammals are currently at risk of disappearing entirely from our planet. It’s the result of changes set in motion by human activity and climate change, with life in the oceans particularly affected. Coral reefs, home to over a quarter of all marine species, could disappear by 2050, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which compiles an annual ‘red list’ of the world’s most endangered wildlife. Antarctic blue whales, the largest creatures on the planet, are critically endangered, just one step away from extinction. With possibly as few as 10 left in the world, the vaquita, the planet’s smallest porpoise, is probably the species most at risk of extinction. The mammal gets caught in illegal fishing nets and drowns. Some 60 per cent of freshwater species such as crocodiles, hippos, and river dolphins are classified as threatened and lacking adequate protection. The reclusive pangolin has become the most trafficked mammal on earth due to soaring demand in Asia for its scales for traditional medicine and its meat which is considered a delicacy. More than half of all primates are under threat of extinction due to habitat destruction, the illegal wildlife trade and hunting. Four out of six of the Earth’s great apes are endangered or critically many wild cats are also on the cusp of extinction, including the Sumatran tiger and Javan leopard. All five surviving species of rhinoceros in the wild are threatened, mainly by poaching. The northern white rhino is already extinct in the wild, with less than a handful left in captivity. The number of Asian elephants has fallen by at least 50% over three generations, there are less than 50,000 left in the wild. The future of four out of eight bear species is also cause for concern: the giant panda and polar bears are both vulnerable’. Source: International Union for the conservation of Nature, CITES, WWF, International Rhino Foundation.

Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'?