Tamil Nadu is turning technology into a lifeline for wildlife. Using AI-powered alerts and data-driven tracking, the state has helped prevent train collisions and given elephants a safer path. The intelligent system sends real-time warnings when elephants are near tracks, turning near-misses into safe crossings. 9,481 safe elephant crossings on railway tracks so far. 


Tamil Nadu turns tech into wildlife safety

The Hong Kong Zoo reported the death of a 12th monkey on Thursday (Oct 24) amid a bacterial outbreak probably caused by infected soil that has already killed 11 other primates including some critically endangered species.

The melioidosis infection deaths happened within a short span of 10 days at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the city's oldest park sprawled over 14 acres.&nbsp;

Watch: Bacterial infection causing sudden deaths: Here's what you should know | Gravitas

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The latest casualty was a De Brazza's monkey that had been in quarantine since October 13 when the first deaths were reported. It had signs of sepsis and lesions similar to the others that died.

The autopsies of the other monkeys had revealed the bacteria's presence. Some of the dead included critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and white-faced sakis.

Zoo workers may have carried the bacteria in their shoes and accidentally contaminated the soil near the enclosures, according to the Hong Kong tourism secretary who spoke with the RTHK channel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/absolutely-wild-your-toothbrushes-and-shower-heads-are-teeming-with-viruses-and-bacteria-study-finds-767284">Also read: ‘Absolutely Wild’: Your toothbrushes and shower heads are teeming with viruses and bacteria, study finds</a>

The sudden spike in monkey deaths is concerning, veterinary epidemiologist Dirk Pfeiffer was quoted by BBC as saying.

The zoo has closed its mammals section since October 14 and started cleaning and disinfection.

The other 78 animals in the section are reported to be healthy.

The melioidosis outbreak in Hong Kong was first reported in the 1970s, leading to the deaths of 24 dolphins at Ocean Park.

<h2>What is Melioidosis?</h2>

Melioidosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei or B pseudomallei.&nbsp;

It mostly affects animals and in rare cases, humans could be affected too. Human-to-human infection is also low.

The infection usually spreads via soil, air or water through inhalation, or physical contact through cuts in skin.

Infections usually spike in areas hit by weather events like hurricanes and heavy rains when the bacteria rise to the soil surface, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-flesh-eating-bacteria-kils-13-in-hurricane-hit-florida-cases-at-record-what-is-vibrio-vulnificus-769936">Also read: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria kills 13 in Hurricane-hit Florida, cases at record: What is vibrio vulnificus?</a> 
&nbsp;

The infection mainly affects animals like sheep, pigs, horses, cats, dogs and cows

The bacteria usually live in tropical climates in Southeast Asia and North Australia&nbsp;

<h2>Symptoms and treatment of Melioidosis&nbsp;</h2>

Symptoms appear between one to four weeks of exposure or could take months or years.

Melioidosis could affect the entire body or parts of it, like the liver, spleen, prostate, joints, bones, lymph nodes, skin, or brain.&nbsp;

These factors make diagnosis very difficult, often leading to misdiagnosis.

The most common symptom is lung infection, apart from ulcers, skin sores, fever, swelling and muscle aches.

Patients may also show up with a cough, chest pain, high fever, headache and lack of appetite.

Melioidosis can lead to a dangerous bloodstream infection or sepsis.

It is treated with antibiotics pills or injections.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Hong Kong Zoo reported the death of a 12th monkey on Thursday (Oct 24) amid a bacterial outbreak probably caused by infected soil that has already killed 11 other primates including some critically endangered species.

The Hong Kong Zoo reported the death of a 12th monkey on Thursday (Oct 24) amid a bacterial outbreak probably caused by infected soil that has already killed 11 other primates including some critically endangered species. The melioidosis infection deaths happened within a short span of 10 days at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the city's oldest park sprawled over 14 acres. Watch: Bacterial infection causing sudden deaths: Here's what you should know | Gravitas × The latest casualty was a De Brazza's monkey that had been in quarantine since October 13 when the first deaths were reported. It had signs of sepsis and lesions similar to the others that died. The autopsies of the other monkeys had revealed the bacteria's presence. Some of the dead included critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and white-faced sakis. Zoo workers may have carried the bacteria in their shoes and accidentally contaminated the soil near the enclosures, according to the Hong Kong tourism secretary who spoke with the RTHK channel. Also read: ‘Absolutely Wild’: Your toothbrushes and shower heads are teeming with viruses and bacteria, study finds The sudden spike in monkey deaths is concerning, veterinary epidemiologist Dirk Pfeiffer was quoted by BBC as saying. The zoo has closed its mammals section since October 14 and started cleaning and disinfection. The other 78 animals in the section are reported to be healthy. The melioidosis outbreak in Hong Kong was first reported in the 1970s, leading to the deaths of 24 dolphins at Ocean Park. What is Melioidosis? Melioidosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei or B pseudomallei. It mostly affects animals and in rare cases, humans could be affected too. Human-to-human infection is also low. The infection usually spreads via soil, air or water through inhalation, or physical contact through cuts in skin. Infections usually spike in areas hit by weather events like hurricanes and heavy rains when the bacteria rise to the soil surface, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDS. Also read: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria kills 13 in Hurricane-hit Florida, cases at record: What is vibrio vulnificus? The infection mainly affects animals like sheep, pigs, horses, cats, dogs and cows The bacteria usually live in tropical climates in Southeast Asia and North Australia Symptoms and treatment of Melioidosis Symptoms appear between one to four weeks of exposure or could take months or years. Melioidosis could affect the entire body or parts of it, like the liver, spleen, prostate, joints, bones, lymph nodes, skin, or brain. These factors make diagnosis very difficult, often leading to misdiagnosis. The most common symptom is lung infection, apart from ulcers, skin sores, fever, swelling and muscle aches. Patients may also show up with a cough, chest pain, high fever, headache and lack of appetite. Melioidosis can lead to a dangerous bloodstream infection or sepsis. It is treated with antibiotics pills or injections. (With inputs from agencies)

12 monkeys die in Hong Kong zoo amid bacterial infection: What's sepsis-causing melioidosis?

In China, a young caretaker Xi Xiamen has taken upon herself to nurture cubs of wild animals in a zoo. From Tiger cubs to baby pandas to little bears she has taken care of around 200 animals in the past 4 years. Her videos gather millions of views on social media platforms.

Young caretaker helps nurture wild animals

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc.&nbsp;

In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972.&nbsp;

According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-drops-crucial-dates-when-city-could-experience-artificial-rain-656602">Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in</a>

“The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg&nbsp;in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI.&nbsp;

According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg,&nbsp;apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-cave-road-connectivity-project-kicks-up-row-politicians-say-environmental-disaster-in-making-656575">Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making</a>

Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.&nbsp;

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders.

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc. In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972. ALSO READ | Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in “The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI. According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg, apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department. ALSO READ | Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.

India: Wildlife Act amendment helps crackdown on illegal trade; elephant tusks seized

A surfer from the Australian city of Gold Coast, whose video of surfing with his pet python went viral, has been fined nearly US$1,500 by the country’s wildlife authorities, as per Australian media reports on Monday (September 18).&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Higor Fiuza took his carpet python ‘Shiva’ surfing at Gold Coast’s Rainbow Bay and&nbsp;it was not long after the video of them surfing went viral that he became a local celebrity.

In an interview, Fiuza told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he had taken his three-year-old Morelia bredli carpet python at least 10 times.

“She is such an amazing snake,” said the surfer earlier this month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/goat-this-surfer-likes-to-go-to-the-ocean-with-his-pet-372616/#birthday-party-372613">G.O.A.T: This surfer likes to go to the ocean with his pet</a>

He also told ABC how ‘Shiva’ loved to be in the water and one day he decided to take her surfing and “she loved it,” adding that her grip is so strong that he was not scared of losing her even if they fell.

“She is big now and she holds my neck really tight,” said Fiuza.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

<h2>Why was he fined?</h2>

It was not long after the video went viral and Fiuza’s interview that Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science began investigating the surfing duo.&nbsp;

The surfer was fined A$2,322 (US$1,495) after officials said he took the reptile out in public without permission.

In a statement, senior wildlife officer John McDonald said while Fiuza had permission to keep native animals, taking them out in public can cause them “unnecessary stress” and make them “behave in an unpredictable way”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-blake-johnston-australian-man-who-went-on-record-breaking-surfing-for-more-than-30-hours-572956">Who is Blake Johnston? Australian man who went on record-breaking surfing for more than 30 HOURS</a>

“The python would have found the water to be extremely cold, and the only snakes that should be in the ocean are sea snakes,” the statement added.

<h2>Not so strange</h2>

Notably, ‘Shiva’ is not the first animal to find fame for surfing at Rainbow Bay, where people surfing with their pets is more common than one might think.

‘Duck’, the surfing duck, is regularly seen surfing with Australian surfing champion Steph Gilmore.&nbsp;

Pork Chops, a British bulldog garnered a large following on Instagram for surfing with owner surf instructor Sam Rollinson before the dog passed away in 2021, as per media reports. 
 
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A surfer from the Australian city of Gold Coast, whose video of surfing with his pet python went viral, has been fined nearly US$1,500 by the country’s wildlife authorities, as per Australian media reports on Monday (September 18).

A surfer from the Australian city of Gold Coast, whose video of surfing with his pet python went viral, has been fined nearly US$1,500 by the country’s wildlife authorities, as per Australian media reports on Monday (September 18). What happened? Higor Fiuza took his carpet python ‘Shiva’ surfing at Gold Coast’s Rainbow Bay and it was not long after the video of them surfing went viral that he became a local celebrity. In an interview, Fiuza told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that he had taken his three-year-old Morelia bredli carpet python at least 10 times. “She is such an amazing snake,” said the surfer earlier this month. ALSO READ | G.O.A.T: This surfer likes to go to the ocean with his pet He also told ABC how ‘Shiva’ loved to be in the water and one day he decided to take her surfing and “she loved it,” adding that her grip is so strong that he was not scared of losing her even if they fell. “She is big now and she holds my neck really tight,” said Fiuza. View this post on Instagram A post shared by World Surfers (@worldsurfers) × Why was he fined? It was not long after the video went viral and Fiuza’s interview that Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science began investigating the surfing duo. The surfer was fined A$2,322 (US$1,495) after officials said he took the reptile out in public without permission. In a statement, senior wildlife officer John McDonald said while Fiuza had permission to keep native animals, taking them out in public can cause them “unnecessary stress” and make them “behave in an unpredictable way”. ALSO READ | Who is Blake Johnston? Australian man who went on record-breaking surfing for more than 30 HOURS “The python would have found the water to be extremely cold, and the only snakes that should be in the ocean are sea snakes,” the statement added. Not so strange Notably, ‘Shiva’ is not the first animal to find fame for surfing at Rainbow Bay, where people surfing with their pets is more common than one might think. ‘Duck’, the surfing duck, is regularly seen surfing with Australian surfing champion Steph Gilmore. Pork Chops, a British bulldog garnered a large following on Instagram for surfing with owner surf instructor Sam Rollinson before the dog passed away in 2021, as per media reports. 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.

WATCH | Australian man fined nearly $1,500 for taking pet snake surfing

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

During these dwindling days of summer, black bears and park rangers are in a fight over Canada's mountain fruit trees.&nbsp;

Black bears are drawn to fruit trees, so townsite residents have been warned to remove the trees. This has become the main focus of park staff including removing cherry trees as well as fruit bushes, which can lure bears in search of food ahead of winter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isolated-subpopulation-of-polar-bears-found-in-southeast-greenland-489104">Also read |&nbsp;Can polar bears survive without Arctic ice? Scientists think so. Here's why</a>

Parks Canada in a statement said, "The continuous presence of bears in the Jasper townsite, often in residential yards just metres from people, is an unacceptable safety risk for visitors and residents." In addition, "Bears living in constant proximity to people and residences have an increased likelihood of gaining access to human food or garbage, and of accidental aggressive physical encounters."

Till now, at least 10 bears have been discovered in the region. The most recent one was of a black bear and her two cubs.&nbsp;

The bears are reluctant to leave as the fruit trees offer a high food reward for them, especially, when they are preparing for hibernation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/after-getting-milk-can-stuck-in-its-mouth-veterinarians-rescue-polar-bear-in-russia-500660">Also read |&nbsp;Russia: After polar bear gets milk can stuck in its mouth, veterinarians rescue it</a>

Till now, at least 20 fruit trees have been removed from the region. This isn't a new problem as with converting wildland for urban uses, the mammals are pushed towards human habitation.

The Guardian reported the municipality saying in its statement, "Removing the trees is a necessary measure from wildlife conservation and public safety perspectives."

The neighbouring Banff also struggled with the same problem, to reduce human-bear interactions and the municipality earlier by law banned fruit trees. But this plan was halted as it was difficult to remove existing plants, so it swapped fruit-bearing trees for native flora.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

During these dwindling days of summer, black bears and park rangers are in a fight over Canada's mountain fruit trees. Black bears are drawn to fruit trees, so townsite residents have been warned to remove the trees.

During these dwindling days of summer, black bears and park rangers are in a fight over Canada's mountain fruit trees. Black bears are drawn to fruit trees, so townsite residents have been warned to remove the trees. This has become the main focus of park staff including removing cherry trees as well as fruit bushes, which can lure bears in search of food ahead of winter. Also read | Can polar bears survive without Arctic ice? Scientists think so. Here's why Parks Canada in a statement said, "The continuous presence of bears in the Jasper townsite, often in residential yards just metres from people, is an unacceptable safety risk for visitors and residents." In addition, "Bears living in constant proximity to people and residences have an increased likelihood of gaining access to human food or garbage, and of accidental aggressive physical encounters." Till now, at least 10 bears have been discovered in the region. The most recent one was of a black bear and her two cubs. The bears are reluctant to leave as the fruit trees offer a high food reward for them, especially, when they are preparing for hibernation. Also read | Russia: After polar bear gets milk can stuck in its mouth, veterinarians rescue it Till now, at least 20 fruit trees have been removed from the region. This isn't a new problem as with converting wildland for urban uses, the mammals are pushed towards human habitation. The Guardian reported the municipality saying in its statement, "Removing the trees is a necessary measure from wildlife conservation and public safety perspectives." The neighbouring Banff also struggled with the same problem, to reduce human-bear interactions and the municipality earlier by law banned fruit trees. But this plan was halted as it was difficult to remove existing plants, so it swapped fruit-bearing trees for native flora. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Canadian national park authorities advise people to remove fruit trees to keep bears away

A recent study revealed that over 1.1 million sea turtles have been illegally killed over the last 30 years. According to Arizona State University scientists, over the last ten years, at least 44,000 turtles have been illegally killed and exported annually across 65 countries, despite legislation designed to protect them.

The UN said that the global illegal wildlife market will be worth $23 billion annually, including trafficking and hunting.

Jesse Senko, the principal author of the study, said that the turtles were killed for their meat, their&nbsp;shells, and their parts were used to make jewellery, artifacts, and traditional medicines. Senko classified the species as critically endangered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-smallest-and-endangered-sea-turtles-discovered-on-louisiana-islands-after-75-years-509129">Also read |&nbsp;World’s smallest sea turtles discovered on Chandeleur Islands after 75 years</a>

The researchers examined over 209 different peer-reviewed articles, reports, and surveys from conservation organisations to determine the extent of illegal turtle hunting. The study was published in the journal Global Change Biology, The Guardian reported.

According to the report, over 43,000 turtles were smuggled between 1990 and 2010, although Senko believes the data to be understated.

The study claimed that Southeast Asia and Madagascar are prime locations for illegal hunting. Vietnam holds the majority of the illegal sea turtle trade, and the two most common markets for illegal turtle items are China and Japan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dugongs-functional-extinction-in-china-due-to-habitat-destruction-a-wakeup-call-to-prioritise-efforts-509745">Also read |&nbsp;Dugong’s functional extinction in China due to habitat destruction, ‘a wakeup call’ to prioritise efforts</a>

Senko said that as long as higher-income nations continue to want turtles as luxury commodities, developing nations will continue to supply them.

The report's estimation that illegal sea turtle exploitation has decreased by 28 per cent over the previous 10 years is one of the more encouraging facts in the report.

Senko said that this information can be used to know which turtles are being hunted and where. This could help pave the way for figuring out what steps environmentalists and lawmakers should take to safeguard sea turtle populations in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A recent study revealed that over 1.1 million sea turtles have been illegally killed over the last 30 years. According to Arizona State University scientists, over the last ten years, at least 44,000 turtles have been illegally killed and exported annually across 65 countries, despite legislation designed to protect them.

A recent study revealed that over 1.1 million sea turtles have been illegally killed over the last 30 years. According to Arizona State University scientists, over the last ten years, at least 44,000 turtles have been illegally killed and exported annually across 65 countries, despite legislation designed to protect them. The UN said that the global illegal wildlife market will be worth $23 billion annually, including trafficking and hunting. Jesse Senko, the principal author of the study, said that the turtles were killed for their meat, their shells, and their parts were used to make jewellery, artifacts, and traditional medicines. Senko classified the species as critically endangered. Also read | World’s smallest sea turtles discovered on Chandeleur Islands after 75 years The researchers examined over 209 different peer-reviewed articles, reports, and surveys from conservation organisations to determine the extent of illegal turtle hunting. The study was published in the journal Global Change Biology, The Guardian reported. According to the report, over 43,000 turtles were smuggled between 1990 and 2010, although Senko believes the data to be understated. The study claimed that Southeast Asia and Madagascar are prime locations for illegal hunting. Vietnam holds the majority of the illegal sea turtle trade, and the two most common markets for illegal turtle items are China and Japan. Also read | Dugong’s functional extinction in China due to habitat destruction, ‘a wakeup call’ to prioritise efforts Senko said that as long as higher-income nations continue to want turtles as luxury commodities, developing nations will continue to supply them. The report's estimation that illegal sea turtle exploitation has decreased by 28 per cent over the previous 10 years is one of the more encouraging facts in the report. Senko said that this information can be used to know which turtles are being hunted and where. This could help pave the way for figuring out what steps environmentalists and lawmakers should take to safeguard sea turtle populations in the future. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Study reveals more than a million sea turtles illegally killed over past 30 years

As the rest of the world puts the issue of wildfire conservation on the back burner. Uganda has made efforts to reverse the deterioration of Fauna.

WION Climate Tracker | Uganda Wildlife authority deploys ways to tackle poachers

Steppe Bison, a majestic creature roamed the face of Earth about 10,000 years ago before it went extinct. It roamed at a place that would later be named 'England'. Now, thousands of years later, three bisons have been released in the woods of Kent&nbsp;to bring the olden days.&nbsp;

An older female from Highland Wildlife Park, Scotland and two young females from Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland form the triumvirate group. All three females have been fitted with tracking collars so that their movements can be recorded. Officials associated with the project have stated that a young male bison will soon be flown from Germany, around mid-August to join the herd.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-issues-national-emergency-as-europe-swelters-due-to-wildfires-497782">Britain issues national emergency as Europe swelters due to wildfires</a>

These gentle giants, also dubbed 'ecosystem engineers' were released into the wildlife under the $1.4 million 'Wilder Blean project', funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery. It is an experiment that attempts to use the bisons and their natural behaviour to transform the commercial pine forest into a natural woodland, in a way that no other animal can.&nbsp;

According to wildlife experts, the bison can transform the entire area and allow new flora and fauna to thrive. These giants eat the bark of the tree to create dust baths, which has numerous benefits for other plant and animal species.

Similarly, the trees that will fall will allow light to reach the forest ground, making the plants grow. Moreover, the woodlands are expected to absorb more carbon as Britain continues to battle its worst ever heatwave.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-prepares-for-temperatures-hotter-than-the-sahara-desert-498176">Britain prepares for temperatures `hotter` than the Sahara desert</a>

Initially, the females will have a five-hectare area to explore which will soon be expanded to 50 hectares, once the bull arrives. Eventually, 200 hectares of area in Wilder bean will be opened for the bisons, with other animals also expected to join them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Steppe Bison, a majestic creature roamed the face of Earth about 10,000 years ago before it went extinct. It roamed at a place that would later be named 'England'.

Steppe Bison, a majestic creature roamed the face of Earth about 10,000 years ago before it went extinct. It roamed at a place that would later be named 'England'. Now, thousands of years later, three bisons have been released in the woods of Kent to bring the olden days. An older female from Highland Wildlife Park, Scotland and two young females from Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland form the triumvirate group. All three females have been fitted with tracking collars so that their movements can be recorded. Officials associated with the project have stated that a young male bison will soon be flown from Germany, around mid-August to join the herd. Read More: Britain issues national emergency as Europe swelters due to wildfires These gentle giants, also dubbed 'ecosystem engineers' were released into the wildlife under the $1.4 million 'Wilder Blean project', funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery. It is an experiment that attempts to use the bisons and their natural behaviour to transform the commercial pine forest into a natural woodland, in a way that no other animal can. According to wildlife experts, the bison can transform the entire area and allow new flora and fauna to thrive. These giants eat the bark of the tree to create dust baths, which has numerous benefits for other plant and animal species. Similarly, the trees that will fall will allow light to reach the forest ground, making the plants grow. Moreover, the woodlands are expected to absorb more carbon as Britain continues to battle its worst ever heatwave. Read More: Britain prepares for temperatures `hotter` than the Sahara desert Initially, the females will have a five-hectare area to explore which will soon be expanded to 50 hectares, once the bull arrives. Eventually, 200 hectares of area in Wilder bean will be opened for the bisons, with other animals also expected to join them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bison make a comeback in Britain, 10,000 years after they went extinct

An Olive ridley turtle (vulnerable species), roughly aged between four and seven years of age, got a new lease of life as it was released into the sea, near the Chennai coast, in Southern India. On January 21st this year, this turtle was found south of the Chennai coast, entangled in a "ghost net'(fishing nets that are abandoned and lost in the ocean) that weighed over 1.4 tonnes. Being entangled in the net for several months had caused near-fatal injuries to the soft tissue around the neck and amputation of the right frontal flipper.

Turtles find it difficult to survive in the wild without their flippers, as the fore flippers are used for navigation, whereas the hind flippers act as a rudder and help the turtle with steering. Having one frontal flipper damaged creates great difficulty for them in locating food and going after it. Generally, turtles remain just below the surface of the water and come up to the surface only to breathe, and they make a deep dive when finding prey.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-shaped-human-evolutions-last-2-million-years-472349">Climate change shaped human evolution's last 2 million years</a>

Brought to the TREE Foundation Rescue Rehabilitation Centre, the turtle was treated by specialist vet Dr. Jayaprakash, who has experience of working with injured turtles. Fondly called 'Saki', the turtle was intensively cared for throughout the period of healing of the right shoulder and the deep cut across the neck.

While under medical care, the turtle is placed in seawater rehabilitation tanks, that are cleaned daily and replenished with seawater. A sufficient and required diet consisting of fish, squids, shrimp, and crabs was also provided during the period.

Watch |&nbsp;Turtles dying from eating plastic trash in UAE

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Dr Jayaprakash, Director of Clinics (retd), TANUVAS said that the challenging task is giving turtles their daily medication and caring for them for a long time, as they are reptiles. Expressing happiness that Saki healed well, he reemphasized the arduous nature of the process of providing care for reptiles.

Once certified fit to return to her original home, Saki was released on Wednesday afternoon after being taken 3 km into the sea (South of Chennai), via boat. In the presence of students, volunteers, and Sea Turtle Protection Force members, Saki was released near a rock formation, where a wide variety of prey is available, thus making it easy for the turtle to feed and re-adjust to the open ocean once again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/marine-biologists-spot-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whales-read-details-about-the-sighting-471928">Marine biologists spot endangered North Atlantic right whales. Read details about the sighting</a>

Dr. Supraja Dharini, Chairperson, TREE Foundation, said, "Seeing the turtle return to the ocean and knowing the challenges she will face can be a very bittersweet feeling." Deep down, we know that, despite the challenges she may face, her life belongs in the ocean, so that is where she should rightfully be.

According to experts, Saki may choose to return to shore once again, but only when it is ready to mate (around 15-16 years later).

An Olive ridley turtle (vulnerable species), roughly aged between four and seven years of age, got a new lease of life as it was released into the sea, near the Chennai coast, in Southern India.

An Olive ridley turtle (vulnerable species), roughly aged between four and seven years of age, got a new lease of life as it was released into the sea, near the Chennai coast, in Southern India. On January 21st this year, this turtle was found south of the Chennai coast, entangled in a "ghost net'(fishing nets that are abandoned and lost in the ocean) that weighed over 1.4 tonnes. Being entangled in the net for several months had caused near-fatal injuries to the soft tissue around the neck and amputation of the right frontal flipper. Turtles find it difficult to survive in the wild without their flippers, as the fore flippers are used for navigation, whereas the hind flippers act as a rudder and help the turtle with steering. Having one frontal flipper damaged creates great difficulty for them in locating food and going after it. Generally, turtles remain just below the surface of the water and come up to the surface only to breathe, and they make a deep dive when finding prey. Also read | Climate change shaped human evolution's last 2 million years Brought to the TREE Foundation Rescue Rehabilitation Centre, the turtle was treated by specialist vet Dr. Jayaprakash, who has experience of working with injured turtles. Fondly called 'Saki', the turtle was intensively cared for throughout the period of healing of the right shoulder and the deep cut across the neck. While under medical care, the turtle is placed in seawater rehabilitation tanks, that are cleaned daily and replenished with seawater. A sufficient and required diet consisting of fish, squids, shrimp, and crabs was also provided during the period. Watch | Turtles dying from eating plastic trash in UAE Dr Jayaprakash, Director of Clinics (retd), TANUVAS said that the challenging task is giving turtles their daily medication and caring for them for a long time, as they are reptiles. Expressing happiness that Saki healed well, he reemphasized the arduous nature of the process of providing care for reptiles. Once certified fit to return to her original home, Saki was released on Wednesday afternoon after being taken 3 km into the sea (South of Chennai), via boat. In the presence of students, volunteers, and Sea Turtle Protection Force members, Saki was released near a rock formation, where a wide variety of prey is available, thus making it easy for the turtle to feed and re-adjust to the open ocean once again. Also read | Marine biologists spot endangered North Atlantic right whales. Read details about the sighting Dr. Supraja Dharini, Chairperson, TREE Foundation, said, "Seeing the turtle return to the ocean and knowing the challenges she will face can be a very bittersweet feeling." Deep down, we know that, despite the challenges she may face, her life belongs in the ocean, so that is where she should rightfully be. According to experts, Saki may choose to return to shore once again, but only when it is ready to mate (around 15-16 years later).

After months of treatment, severely injured Olive Ridley turtle released back into sea

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho.

According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year.

The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”.

Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria.

However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species.

“It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

“Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.”

The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020.

The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian. The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho. According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year. The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”. Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria. However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species. “It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.” The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020. The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

A ‘barbaric’ federal programme killed 1.75 million animals in US in 2021: Report

Authorities in Kenya are deploying planes, helicopters, boats, 4x4 trucks, camera traps, satellite collars and much more to kickstart its first-ever national census of wildlife.

This new census will cover Kenya’s 58 national parks, reserves, private and community conservancies. It will cost the country £1.6m (250m shillings) and will be completed by the end of July 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/species-of-extinct-mouse-rediscovered-after-150-years-in-australia-394715" hreflang="en">Species of 'extinct' mouse rediscovered after 150 years in Australia</a>

It will involve a count of all marine and terrestrial mammals, endangered primates and important birds such as ostriches and kori bustards, among a few others.

This census aims at establishing a count of the wildlife in the country which will then help set a wildlife status and distribution to inform policy direction. It will also help recommend modern strategies on efficient and effective wildlife conservation and management in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-solve-mystery-behind-elusive-supernova-which-birthed-crab-nebula-394698" hreflang="en">Scientists solve mystery behind elusive supernova which birthed Crab Nebula</a>

The census will help monitor the distribution and the number of threatened and nearly extinct species of wildlife, and will further help in shaping policies to protect these species from poaching.

Key wildlife landscaped in Kenya has, in recent years, experienced challenges related to land tenure and use and other climate-related factors.

"It is therefore important to undertake this national survey to establish baseline data on wildlife population status and distribution for future use, to understand wildlife population trends and shifts in their distribution. We also need to know if any given area has the carrying capacity for particular animals, and the effects climate change and increase in human population have on wildlife conservation," Kenya’s tourism and wildlife cabinet secretary, Najib Balala, said.

Authorities in Kenya are deploying planes, helicopters, boats, 4x4 trucks, camera traps, satellite collars and much more to kickstart its first-ever national census of wildlife.

Authorities in Kenya are deploying planes, helicopters, boats, 4x4 trucks, camera traps, satellite collars and much more to kickstart its first-ever national census of wildlife. This new census will cover Kenya’s 58 national parks, reserves, private and community conservancies. It will cost the country £1.6m (250m shillings) and will be completed by the end of July 2021. Also read | Species of 'extinct' mouse rediscovered after 150 years in Australia It will involve a count of all marine and terrestrial mammals, endangered primates and important birds such as ostriches and kori bustards, among a few others. This census aims at establishing a count of the wildlife in the country which will then help set a wildlife status and distribution to inform policy direction. It will also help recommend modern strategies on efficient and effective wildlife conservation and management in the country. Also read | Scientists solve mystery behind elusive supernova which birthed Crab Nebula The census will help monitor the distribution and the number of threatened and nearly extinct species of wildlife, and will further help in shaping policies to protect these species from poaching. Key wildlife landscaped in Kenya has, in recent years, experienced challenges related to land tenure and use and other climate-related factors. "It is therefore important to undertake this national survey to establish baseline data on wildlife population status and distribution for future use, to understand wildlife population trends and shifts in their distribution. We also need to know if any given area has the carrying capacity for particular animals, and the effects climate change and increase in human population have on wildlife conservation," Kenya’s tourism and wildlife cabinet secretary, Najib Balala, said.

In a first, Kenya set to launch wildlife census

World Wildlife Day: Alarming figures of species nearing extinction

Against human interference: Electric fences protect forests in Kenya

Wildlife conservation efforts across the globe took a major hit in 2020. However despite the lockdown logistical and financial challenges, efforts to save northern white rhino continued throughout 2020. WION brings you a report.

Ramped up efforts to save Northern White Rhino in 2020

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-university-professor-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy-269461">Pakistani</a> wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi.

Nesting was interrupted by storms in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-re-designates-pakistan-china-as-countries-curbing-religious-freedom-269447">Arabian Sea</a> recently, but more than 4600 sea turtle babies have been released into the ocean.

Sea turtles can live up to 100 years.

According to the Sindh Wildlife Department, green sea turtles arrive at the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit to lay eggs during this time.

The eggs are usually looked after by the department staff for 40-60 days in the Marine Turtle Conservation Nursery before they hatch.

They are then released back into the Arabian Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi.

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi. Nesting was interrupted by storms in the Arabian Sea recently, but more than 4600 sea turtle babies have been released into the ocean. Sea turtles can live up to 100 years. According to the Sindh Wildlife Department, green sea turtles arrive at the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit to lay eggs during this time. The eggs are usually looked after by the department staff for 40-60 days in the Marine Turtle Conservation Nursery before they hatch. They are then released back into the Arabian Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Hundreds of baby turtles released into Arabian Sea

Indonesia&nbsp;plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday.

The island is part of Komodo National Park, a conservation area between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores visited by more than 176,000 tourists from all over the world in 2018.

As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, many visitors came to see the dragons, only found in the wild in eastern&nbsp;Indonesia.

"We have to save Komodo dragons from extinction, that's the point," Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters.

Even after the closure of the island, where about 1,700 of the animals are estimated to live, others in the national park that are home to Komodo dragons, such as the islands of Rinca and Padar, will stay open, he said.

Closing the island to tourists aims to avert interference and cut the risk of poaching to allow a recovery in the numbers of the animals' preferred prey, such as deer, buffalo and wild boar.

"People come wanting to see... how (the dragons) mate, how they lay their eggs, how they hatch, and how the young Komodos fight for their life," Soi said.

The island could reopen a year later, but it was planned to be a premium tourist destination, he said.

Media had previously suggested the province planned to charge tourists an entrance fee of $500, but Soi said no fee had been decided.

Plans to limit visitors have sparked controversy in the island's tourism industry as well as among residents who depend on visitors for their livelihood.

Soi acknowledged some resistance but said President Joko Widodo approved the plan and authorities were holding talks with local leaders on how best to relocate residents.

"We want Komodo island to be intended for conservation," Widodo was quoted on the website of the cabinet secretary as saying after a visit to the nearby island of Rinca last week. "If you can't afford it, you don't need to go there."

Indonesia plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday.

Indonesia plans to close its eastern island of Komodo to the public next year in a bid to conserve rare Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizard, a provincial official said on Tuesday. The island is part of Komodo National Park, a conservation area between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores visited by more than 176,000 tourists from all over the world in 2018. As well as the beautiful beaches and scenery, many visitors came to see the dragons, only found in the wild in eastern Indonesia. "We have to save Komodo dragons from extinction, that's the point," Josef Nae Soi, deputy governor of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, told Reuters. Even after the closure of the island, where about 1,700 of the animals are estimated to live, others in the national park that are home to Komodo dragons, such as the islands of Rinca and Padar, will stay open, he said. Closing the island to tourists aims to avert interference and cut the risk of poaching to allow a recovery in the numbers of the animals' preferred prey, such as deer, buffalo and wild boar. "People come wanting to see... how (the dragons) mate, how they lay their eggs, how they hatch, and how the young Komodos fight for their life," Soi said. The island could reopen a year later, but it was planned to be a premium tourist destination, he said. Media had previously suggested the province planned to charge tourists an entrance fee of $500, but Soi said no fee had been decided. Plans to limit visitors have sparked controversy in the island's tourism industry as well as among residents who depend on visitors for their livelihood. Soi acknowledged some resistance but said President Joko Widodo approved the plan and authorities were holding talks with local leaders on how best to relocate residents. "We want Komodo island to be intended for conservation," Widodo was quoted on the website of the cabinet secretary as saying after a visit to the nearby island of Rinca last week. "If you can't afford it, you don't need to go there."

Indonesia to close island in bid to save Komodo dragons

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction.

After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today.

On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold.

The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth.&nbsp;

"It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP.

"It felt like we are part of something big."

Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity.&nbsp;

More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle.

"It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks.&nbsp;

These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected.

Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens.

The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected.

"We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike."

'Our wealth'&nbsp;

Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors.

A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger.

In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010.&nbsp;

Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains.&nbsp;

In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. &nbsp;

"Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group.

"People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us."

Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers.

The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious.

Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations.

In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones.

The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine.

In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target.

"If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung.

But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts.

Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed.

"It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance. Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction. After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today. On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold. The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth. "It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP. "It felt like we are part of something big." Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity. More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle. "It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks. These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected. Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens. The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected. "We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike." 'Our wealth' Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors. A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010. Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains. In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. "Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group. "People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us." Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers. The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious. Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations. In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones. The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine. In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target. "If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung. But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts. Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed. "It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Crouching tigers, hidden cameras: Nepal counts its big cats

WION Fineprint: 60% of wildlife wiped out around the world in last four decades, reports WWF

Unbridled consumption has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/rising-mercury-levels-in-india-posing-threat-to-indias-wildlife--138386">decimated global wildlife</a>, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713">wiped out</a> by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe.

"The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP.

"The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening."

For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period.

Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years.&nbsp;

Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence.

Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest.

The great acceleration

Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. &nbsp;

"The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report.

"Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible."

For corals, it may already be too late.

Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life.

Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent.

A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month.&nbsp;

Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles.

"If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said.

But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged.&nbsp;

"Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview.&nbsp;

"It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything."

'New deal' for nature 
The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man".

In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration.

"We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty.

"One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said.

Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year.

"A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini.

The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible.

The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said.

"The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were wiped out by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe. "The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening." For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period. Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years. Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest. The great acceleration Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. "The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report. "Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible." For corals, it may already be too late. Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent. A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month. Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles. "If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said. But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged. "Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview. "It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything." 'New deal' for nature The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man". In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration. "We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty. "One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said. Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year. "A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini. The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said. "The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

In 44 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF

A monkey got tangled in a telephone line on a tree outside Udyog Bhawan on Wednesday.

However, the animal was rescued by a wildlife conservation NGO, after they received a call from a passerby. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
In a statement, it stated that the personnel from the fire department aided its rescue team in the operation. Police were also pressed into service to control the crowd that gathered there.

&quot;We are grateful to the fire department and the police for their support in carrying out this rescue,&quot; Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO of Wildlife SOS, said in the statement.

The monkey is currently under treatment and observation.&nbsp;

Upon recovery, it will be released back into its natural habitat.

The animal was rescued by a wildlife conservation NGO

A monkey got tangled in a telephone line on a tree outside Udyog Bhawan on Wednesday. However, the animal was rescued by a wildlife conservation NGO, after they received a call from a passerby. In a statement, it stated that the personnel from the fire department aided its rescue team in the operation. Police were also pressed into service to control the crowd that gathered there. "We are grateful to the fire department and the police for their support in carrying out this rescue," Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO of Wildlife SOS, said in the statement. The monkey is currently under treatment and observation. Upon recovery, it will be released back into its natural habitat.

Monkey caught in wire outside Udyog Bhawan for 72 hours, rescued

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