Latest news with #Panthera
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What's the difference between a leopard and a jaguar?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A large predator lurks in the brush, flashing a long tail and fur printed with telltale black and tan rosettes. It must surely be a leopard. Or … could it be a jaguar? With their stealthy hunting habits and similar builds, patterns and hues, the two large cats can be strikingly difficult to tell apart. What, in fact, is the difference between a leopard and a jaguar? To begin with, they live in completely different parts of the world, with jaguars found in the Americas today, and leopards occurring across a large range spanning Africa, parts of the Middle East and Asia. "They're on the opposite sides of the globe, but a long time ago they shared a common ancestor," Allison Devlin, jaguar program director for Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization, told Live Science. Jaguars and leopards are part of the Panthera genus, which also includes lions, tigers and snow leopards. Tigers and snow leopards form their own branch of the Panthera family tree, while leopards, jaguars and lions are grouped together on another branch because they descend from a separate common ancestor. However, between 3.6 million and 2.5 million years ago, jaguars split from the common ancestor shared by their leopard and lion cousins. The origins of the Panthera genus are uncertain, but fossil evidence shows that jaguars dispersed across the Eurasian plateau about 2 million years ago, and from here they migrated across the Bering Land Bridge during the last ice age to North America, and eventually down into Mexico through South America, where this species occurs today. In fact jaguars are the only Panthera lineage that occurs in the Western Hemisphere, and exist as just one species across their entire range, Devlin said. Meanwhile, leopards split off from their closer relatives, lions, about 2 million years ago, and spread into Africa, Southeast and Northeast Asia, where they occur as eight regional subspecies across this range today. This evolutionary history means that leopards and jaguars are different species that aren't even each other's closest relative, despite their striking similarities. Most noticeable among these common features is their spots, but even these have subtle differences that can be used to tell the animals apart. "The rosettes on the jaguar quite often have spots in the middle of them, whereas the leopard doesn't," Tara Pirie, a lecturer in ecology and conservation at the University of Surrey in the U.K., told Live Science. She shared another clue: "[Leopard] rosettes are tightly packed, whereas the jaguar, with the spot in the middle, their rosettes are quite large and not as tightly packed." Related: What's the difference between apes and monkeys? Their shared ancestry might partly explain why these two remote species both have spots. But it could also be an adaptive response to the environments they live in, a phenomenon known as convergent evolution, Devlin explained. Rosettes, spots and other light-and-dark mixed patterns are in fact quite common in felid predators that live in partly-shaded landscapes, where their spots help keep them camouflaged. Jaguars and leopards both occur in places with partial forest cover, and both animals also rely on ambush tactics to hunt. So their coats provide critical camouflage enabling them to sneak up and pounce on prey at close range, Devlin said. There are, however, some key differences in their hunting styles that also reveal striking physiological distinctions between the two animals. "The way I think of it is that a leopard is built more like your all-around athlete. They can climb trees, they can run, they can ambush," Devlin said. "For jaguars, they're built more like a bodybuilder, where they're heavier in the barrel, in the chest and in the head. And part of that is related to their hunting techniques." Jaguars are real heavyweights that can reach up to 260 pounds (120 kilograms). Their generally stockier frames include a much bulkier head than leopards have, formed by larger bones that support bigger muscles and give this animal some of the strongest jaws in the cat family, Devlin said. Whereas most cats kill their prey through strangulation or breaking the neck, the jaguar's powerful bite gives it the extraordinary ability to kill its prey by puncturing the skull. Their bite is so strong that they can crush through the upper shells of tortoises and sea turtles, both of which they target as prey, Devlin explained. On the other hand, at a much lighter 176 pounds (80 kg), leopards kill prey through suffocation, by biting the throat. Their smaller frames allow them to spring up into trees — something that jaguars can also do, although in general they spend far less time in trees. The leopard's arboreal preferences, meanwhile, have given them the advantage of being able to store or "cache" prey away from others' prying eyes, Pirie said. Up in the canopy, the leopard's nimble-footed ways are helped along by another key tell that separates them from jaguars: a lengthier tail. "Whereas in the leopard, it could be up to a meter [3.2 feet long], in the jaguar it is maybe 60 centimeters [1.9 feet]. So even just that 40 centimeters [1.3 feet] could bring a lot more balance," Pirie said. With these features as a guide, it's just about possible to tell leopards and jaguars apart. But nature has one more trick up her sleeve: all-black leopards and jaguars. The satiny sable coats on these animals are caused by a genetic mutation, and while they might look like it, they are not a different species. In fact, they're what's known as the "melanistic phase" of the species in each case, according to Devlin. RELATED MYSTERIES —Why do cats' claws retract but dogs' claws don't? —Why are tigers orange? —Did cats really disappear from North America for 7 million years? Interestingly, in both leopards and jaguars, these darker cats appear more commonly in heavily-shaded habitats. Black jaguars occur more in the dimly-lit depths of the Amazon rainforest, Devlin said. Meanwhile "you've got leopards over in [the Malaysian jungle], they tend to be melanistic … which would help blend them in with that dense habitat," Pirie said. The rarity of melanistic leopards and jaguars makes them even more vulnerable than their regularly-spotted siblings, who are threatened by hunting, shrinking habitats and the illegal wildlife trade. As a result, jaguars and leopards share the unfortunate fact that their populations are both in decline, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. But we have the tools to change that, Devlin said. "If they have the habitat, the prey and the protection that they need, they can persist."
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Eurasian Otter rediscovered in Sabah
Map showing location of Tangkulap Forest Reserve (dark green) in central Sabah. Tangkulap Forest Reserve becomes Malaysia's first habitat for all four native otter species Malaysia is a haven to wildlife, including four of the world's 14 species of otters. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, these include the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus), and the rare, elusive, and Endangered Hairy-nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana). For years, the existence of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in Malaysia had remained uncertain, with the last confirmed sighting reported in 2014 near the Danum Valley Field Centre in Sabah. Panthera's recent work within the Deramakot-Tangkulap Landscape has provided definitive evidence, dispelling any lingering doubts. This discovery marks a significant leap forward in understanding Malaysia's rich wildlife and underscores the necessity of continued conservation efforts in this region. Who is Panthera? The Panthera logo. Panthera, established in 2006, is a global conservation organization committed to the survival of all 40 wild cat species and the diverse ecosystems we inhabit. Panthera's team of biologists, data scientists, law enforcement specialists, and advocates works tirelessly to study and protect the seven big cat species: cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards, and tigers. The team also prioritizes conserving overlooked small cat species through tailored strategies. Immersed in the murky waters of a freshwater swamp, strategically set up the camera trap to study wildlife. Panthera Malaysia was established as a subsidiary in 2020. In Sabah, with the crucial support of the Sabah Forestry Department and the Sabah Wildlife Department, the efforts focus on combating poaching and protecting critical habitats for the region's diverse small cat populations. These include the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), Borneo Bay cat (Catopuma badia), flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps), marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata). Panthera's office in Sabah is based at the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok. How did the presence of Eurasian otters was discovered? An elusive and endangered flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) holds its prey, a striped snakehead (Channa striata), commonly known as 'ikan haruan' in Malay. As part of Panthera's efforts to understand the elusive Flat-headed cat, a survey targeting the freshwater-aquatic habitat within the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, Sabah, was conducted. During this survey, an unexpected discovery was encountered: the first photographic evidence of the Eurasian otter in Malaysia was captured since 2014. This discovery was made possible using remote-sensing cameras, commonly known as camera traps. These cameras, placed strategically within the forest, are autonomously triggered by motion, capturing images or videos when an animal passes by, acting as silent, watchful eyes. Why is the discovery of Eurasian otters important? The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, pointed out that this discovery is particularly significant because Tangkulap Forest Reserve now holds the unique distinction of being the only location in Malaysia where all four of the country's otter species coexist. This information will enhance the protection of Tangkulap as a Class I forest reserve. This 27,258 ha forest is managed by the Deramakot District Forestry Officer, Johnny Kissing. The Eurasian otter is the most widely distributed otter of the 14 species in the world, ranging from Europe to Asia. However, its presence in the Southeast Asia region is largely unknown and extremely rare. Therefore, its local status in this region is highly endangered. Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian bin Abu Bakar. This significant finding highlights the dedication to biodiversity conservation in Sabah. Mohd Soffian bin Abu Bakar, Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), affirms this commitment, stating, 'The SWD, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and Panthera, is dedicated to the conservation of otter species in Sabah. Through joint monitoring efforts at the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, we aim to better understand otter populations and address their priority conservation needs. This work is essential to ensure the long-term protection of otters within our protected areas and to support broader biodiversity conservation goals in Sabah.' Panthera Malaysia project coordinator, Tee Thye Lim. 'The challenges of studying aquatic habitats like freshwater swamps are immense, yet essential for understanding the ecological roles of wildlife communities,' remarked Thye Lim, project coordinator for Panthera Malaysia. 'Despite losing over 30 camera traps to flash floods while pursuing the elusive flat-headed cat, we have made significant progress. Not only did we successfully detect the cat, but we also confirmed the presence of the Eurasian otter after an 11-year absence from documented sightings outside of Danum Valley. This discovery highlights the diverse species that depend on these critical freshwater ecosystems, and our team is eager to further explore their intricate relationships.' 'It is exciting to hear about this recent discovery of the Eurasian otter in Sabah as studying otters are challenging and always goes underrepresented in many natural history-related research in Malaysia,' said Professor Dr. Mohd Azlan Jayasilan bin Abdul Gulam Azad, from the Institute Of Biodiversity And Environmental Conservation, UNIMAS, Chairman of the Malaysia Otter Network (MON) and a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Otter Specialist Group. He highlighted the need to confirm the presence of the Eurasian otter in other parts of Malaysia by conducting more surveys and research. 'There is a need to focus on understanding the habitat requirement and niche overlap of these species, particularly the Eurasian otter.' The mysterious Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was detected in Tangkulap Forest Reserve, with the last confirmed sighting reported in 2014 near the Danum Valley Field Centre in Sabah. A group of small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). The presence of all four otter species within this landscape is a crucial indicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. In ecological terms, otters are apex predators within this environment, and their well-being is intrinsically linked to the overall health of their surroundings. For example, the recent return of otters to the Klang River, following The Ocean Cleanup initiative's removal of over 3.2 million kilograms of trash, demonstrates how improved water quality directly benefits these species. Otters are known for their sensitivity to environmental changes. Pollution, habitat fragmentation, and overfishing pose significant threats to their survival. Therefore, their confirmed presence in the Tangkulap Forest Reserve, as captured by the vigilant camera traps, is a positive sign, suggesting that the reserve's aquatic system remains relatively healthy. The rare and endangered hairy-nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana) deposits its spraint on the tree. The recent discovery serves as a crucial reminder of the need to safeguard our precious water resources, as the health of our aquatic ecosystem directly impacts community well-being. To ensure this, we must prioritize the protection and enhancement of otter habitats by identifying critical areas and restoring degraded swamp forests with native vegetation. Implementing buffer zone management around the Tangkulap Forest Reserve is also essential to mitigate external impacts through sustainable land-use practices and controlling harmful human activities. Finally, establishing a long-term monitoring and research program will be vital to assess these habitats, understand their ecological needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of our conservation efforts. Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata). 'Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that play a huge role in the freshwater ecosystem. Not only do they indicate the health of the ecosystem, but they are also the top predator in the food chain. The discovery of the fourth species of otter in the Tangkulap Forest Reserve indicates that the habitat is abundant in prey species and serves as a safe refuge for four species of otters, potentially for many other wildlife species as well. Hence, it is essential to conserve these species because of habitat fragmentation. Malaysia Otter Network (MON) was established to bring together a group of agencies, researchers, and conservationists to conserve Malaysian otters through multidisciplinary and holistic approaches,' said Chee Yoong from the MON and the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group. What are next steps for the Eurasian otter in Malaysia? Otter Species Manager at Sabah Wildlife Department, Siti Nur'ain Ampuan Acheh. The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), as a member and in collaboration with MON, will take a significant step towards otter conservation by planning a Human-Otter Conflict Workshop and developing the National Otter Action Plan this year in Sabah. This initiative aims to address the growing challenges of human-otter conflicts by finding practical solutions that balance conservation efforts with human needs. Setting up a remote-sensing camera trap in Tangkulap Forest Reserve by Panthera Malaysia staff. The workshop will also serve as a crucial platform for experts, stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss key issues, close critical information gaps, and develop actionable strategies for otter conservation in Malaysia. Siti Nur'ain Ampuan Acheh, Otter Species Manager at SWD and a member of the MON and IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group stated, 'Through this effort, MON and SWD are reinforcing their commitment to otter protection while fostering coexistence between people and otters, especially with Sabah being home to four otter species in a single site — a rare and significant conservation opportunity'. Article contributed by Panthera Malaysia, Sabah Forestry Department and Sabah Wildlife Department
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed University hosts "GlobCom Symposium 2025"
23 May 2025 18:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Zayed University (ZU) announced the launching of the "GlobCom Symposium 2025" on May 23-24, at its Abu Dhabi campus. The event will bring together nine student teams from 14 universities across 13 countries to contend in a global strategic communications competition focused on conservation and in collaboration with Panthera, a global organisation devoted to the conservation of the world's 40 wild cat species, and the Global Communication Institute (GlobCom), an international academic platform empowering future public relations professionals, this year's symposium will explore the theme 'Game On: Interactive Campaigns for Biodiversity.'The student teams, who have been working together virtually across borders for the past two and a half months, will now come together in person to present their proposals to Panthera, showcasing how gamification can be leveraged to promote conservation awareness and engage global two-day programme will feature mentorship sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions with experts in biodiversity, communications, and youth engagement, concluding with a gala dinner and the announcement of the winning student team on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Hosting the event reflects the University's commitment to global collaboration, experiential learning, and equipping students to tackle real-world challenges through innovative and strategic communication. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Officials uncover horrifying international scheme hidden behind online pet ads: 'A global criminal organization'
Spanish authorities seized 19 exotic cats from Majorca and arrested the couple who allegedly intended to sell them, The New York Times reported. A Russian couple was arrested on charges of operating a smuggling ring in multiple continents. On the island, police arrested the two suspects and seized exotic felines, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrids. Caracals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. In the raid, authorities uncovered travel documents for more than 40 other animals to countries including Russia, Belarus, and China. "The detainees sold various animal species internationally through internet portals, including white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas," they said in a statement, according to the Times. "The operation has uncovered a global criminal organization involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians." According to Panthera, the illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion dollar market. Big cats, such as tigers and lions, are a sought-after commodity across the globe. Unusual pets have become popular on social media, too. For example, the Persian Gulf is a big market for exotic pets, with the crown prince of Dubai having shown off his pet lion, Moochi, on social media. The World Wildlife Fund found that "online platforms are now the dominant market for the trafficking of live wildlife for exotic pets and wildlife products." The World Economic Forum reports that 4,000 animal and plant species are affected by illegal trade. According to a United Nations report, it is part of a larger problem that puts over one million species at risk of extinction. In captivity, cats can become distressed and harm themselves and others. In South Africa, a captive tiger chewed through its own front legs. Wildlife trafficking doesn't just put those animals at risk; since they are taken out of their habitats and upset ecosystems, plants, other creatures, and insects are also in danger. Invasive species threaten ecosystems, human health, and the economy as well, causing over $423 billion in losses annually throughout the world. Even domestic cats are considered an invasive species, as they can impact bird species in certain countries. Do you think people should be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets? Yes No It depends on the animal It depends on the person Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Because animal trafficking is an international affair, conservationists say, curbing it requires a unified global approach," Ephrat Livni wrote for the Times. Roughly 5,800 animals, including tigers and caracals, are protected by CITES. In 2022, the United States passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which provides protections for exotic cats against trade, purchase, breeding, and possessing. Despite this, wildlife trafficking still happens. However, authorities do make stops. In Israel, officials discovered exotic cats were being trafficked with the use of heavy-duty drones. In Canada, a woman was fined $15,000 for illegally breeding Savannah cats. In 2024, a global operation saved more than 20,000 endangered animals, including 18 big cats. "Efforts to combat wildlife trafficking call for a decisive shift toward harmonized and dissuasive criminal sanctions at the international level," wildlife conservation specialist Meganne Natali said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Voice of America
23-02-2025
- General
- Voice of America
Mystical beliefs fuel Senegal's illegal big cat trade
The morning sun slants through the canopy of Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park as Sgt. Abdou Diouf and his brigade of rangers march in single file, guns at the ready. They scan the brush for signs of poachers, but today, it seems, the only hunters are the lions themselves, their fresh tracks pressed into the sand. As the sun climbs, a guttural call reverberates across the forest. The rangers pause. "Lions," Diouf says. Spanning more than 9,000 square kilometers – double the size of Rhode Island – Niokolo-Koba is the last sanctuary in Senegal for lions, which are critically endangered in West Africa. But even here, they find little respite. Driven by deeply rooted beliefs in the mystical powers of animal skin talismans known as "gris-gris," the illegal trade of lion and leopard parts is growing, according to a new report by wild cat conservation group Panthera. Panthera's investigation found lion and leopard parts sold in 80% of markets surveyed, with 63% of artisans reporting increased sales in recent years. For Niokolo-Koba's lions, the impact has been devastating. Despite enhanced protections that doubled the population to around 35 since 2017, helping delist the park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in danger, an unsustainable average of two cats are still lost to poachers each year. The only other place lions are found in West Africa is in the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, a border region of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, and Panthera estimates there are fewer than 250 adults left in the region. The allure of the gris-gris The gris-gris, prescribed by influential religious leaders called marabouts, are crafted from bits of skin with written prayers or Quranic verses sewn inside. They are widely used across Senegal; police don them for protection, wrestlers for strength, politicians for clout. Average citizens wear them to ward off curses that other people may have put on them for a variety of reasons — matters of romance, perhaps, or jealousy at economic success. Gris-gris are rooted in traditional African faiths that believe vital powers in animals and nature may be unlocked — to harm, to heal, or to protect, said Dr. Cheikh Babou, a history professor and expert in West African Islam at the University of Pennsylvania. With Islam's arrival in West Africa in the eighth century, gris-gris became hybrid objects, melding Quranic verses with the perceived powers of animal parts. "People started to drink the Quran, to wear the Quran – in the same way that they did with animals," Babou said. Reverence for the lion makes it a special gris-gris At a market stall in Tambacounda, Ibrahim, a customer who asked that his last name be withheld because the trade of lion parts is illegal, wears several amulets around his waist. Made from hyena, honey badger, goat, fox, jackal, monkey, and lion, each serves a specific purpose. He began wearing them years ago after falling ill; someone had cast a spell on him, he said, so he went to a marabout who prescribed the gris-gris. "Here in Africa people are very mean," he said. "If they see you succeed a little, they will go to the marabout. They don't want to see you in good health." Traditional African societies are very egalitarian, Babou said – those with wealth are expected to share it. "Those who don't share break the ethic of communalism. And when you do that, you become a witch." A gris-gris can offer protection from those looking to retaliate. Among these protective talismans, lion parts hold particular allure. As the national emblem, the image of the lion adorns everything from the country's coat of arms to billboard advertisements, and it serves as namesake for the beloved national soccer team, the Lions of Teranga. "You cannot prevent a Senegalese person from believing that a lion skin has some kind of power," said Daouda Ngom, Senegal's minister of Environment and Ecological Transition. Smuggling networks are tough to dislodge This demand has given rise to a complex smuggling network that spans the continent. Likely sourced from East and Southern Africa, the skins travel by public bus and truck along clandestine routes through the Sahel region, evading checkpoints and border security on their journey into Senegal, according to Panthera's report. "These are well-established networks," said Paul Diedhiou, the director of Niokolo-Koba National Park. "Dismantling them requires time, strategy and a lot of professionalism." Between 2019 and 2024, authorities in Senegal confiscated some 40 lion and leopard skins, according to the Eco Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Network, a wildlife law enforcement organization operating across Africa. During that same period, 40 people were arrested for trafficking skins and other parts such as teeth, claws, and skulls. "These seizures represent only a fraction of the actual trade," said Cécile Bloch, coordinator of EAGLE Senegal. "Today, traffickers cut lion skins into thousands of pieces to cross borders more easily and avoid detection in local markets." Since partnering with Niokolo-Koba in 2016, Panthera has helped strengthen security measures. The conservation group tripled the park's anti-poaching force from 20 to 60 agents, equipping them with vehicles and gear, while investing more than $7 million in infrastructure – including a ranger base with an airstrip, hundreds of camera traps, and new roads and bridges. Lions' fate may depend on convincing marabouts to change Yet the crisis' roots run deeper than poaching. At its heart are the marabouts whose gris-gris prescriptions drive the trade. Those involved often see no contradiction between their prescription or purchase of lion parts and their desire to protect the species, the Panthera report found. As one marabout, Cheikh Camara, put it in an interview with The Associated Press: "I prescribe the gris-gris to help people get better. It's the poaching that's making the lions go extinct." At the park's headquarters, the scale of the challenge is clear. A storeroom overflows with confiscated skins — leopards, lions, antelopes, even a crocodile. A rusting phalanx of seized firearms hangs on the wall. "Sometimes the poachers fire at you," said Diouf, the sergeant. "It's very risky." Such dangers are compounded by Senegal's toothless hunting and wildlife laws, which date to 1986. Recent arrests include a Burkinabe man found with leopard and lion parts who was sentenced to just one month in prison, while a Malian trafficker received the same penalty for smuggling leopard skins. One vendor told AP he can get a little over $3 for a small bit of lion skin that makes a single gris-gris. A belt can go for the equivalent of nearly $80, he said. The Panthera report said an entire lion skin can fetch the equivalent of $1,900 or more. "The sentences are too short," said Ndeye Seck, the head of litigation and armament for the parks department. "We would like to see the hunting and protection of wildlife codes updated." Ngom, the environment minister who assumed his role early last year, said pushing through tougher laws will be a priority for his team. But the battle to protect Senegal's lions is as much about culture as enforcement, and lasting change will require rethinking the role of gris-gris in modern Senegalese society, Babou said. "Culture is very powerful," he said. "Until you can convince people that there are more effective tools to achieve your goals, then they will continue to believe in it."
