Latest news with #RedListofThreatened
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
Cambodia spots newborn rare Mekong dolphin, bringing total population to 111
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has welcomed seven newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins so far this year, bringing the total population of the aquatic mammals to 111, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said in a press release on Monday (May 26). The latest newborn dolphin calf, about two days old, was spotted on Sunday at the Kampi dolphin pool in Kratie province's Preaek Prasab district by a team of researchers from the Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). "This newborn dolphin was seen swimming alongside a pod of four adult dolphins," the press release said. "It is the seventh dolphin calf born in 2025." The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed since 2004 as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. In 2024, the South-East Asian country recorded a total of nine newborn dolphin calves, with four deaths, according to the news release. The MAFF estimates that to date, there are 111 Irrawaddy dolphins living along a 120-km main channel of the Mekong River in northeast Stung Treng and Kratie provinces. - Xinhua
Business Mayor
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Meet Violeta! Oakland Zoo helps rescue adorable endangered spider monkey after drug bust
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US The Oakland Zoo has rescued a baby spider monkey after authorities found her in a drug bust earlier this month. They named the infant Violeta, who zoo staff say is in decent health and around 18 months old. After she was surrendered by her owner to the Solano County Sheriff's Office in Vallejo, California, Violeta was taken by an Oakland Zoo Animal Care staff member to the Zoo's Veterinary Hospital. Since then, veterinary staff have given her calcium supplements and begun ultraviolet light treatments. The staff is expected to perform a CT scan, bloodwork, and a more thorough physical exam of Violeta this week. 'Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated,' the zoo said. 'They are providing her with a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, and she is drinking formula that will help to minimize the likelihood of pathologic bony fractures.' Baby spider monkey Violeta was recently rescued by the Solano County Sheriff's Office and the Oakland Zoo. She is being taken care of until they can find her a new home (Oakland Zoo) After she has recovered, the Oakland Zoo will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscation Network to find her an appropriate home in an accredited zoo or sanctuary, where she can grow up in a troop of other spider monkeys. Spider monkeys like Violeta are endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and the exotic pet trade. They are one of the world's most trafficked animals. 'Infant spider monkeys in the pet trade are often the result of their mothers and family members being shot down from the trees to capture the baby. Many times, the baby is killed or injured due to the fall,' Colleen Kinzley, VP of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research at Oakland Zoo, explained. 'Once they enter the pet trade, these animals typically do not receive a proper diet or adequate socialization with other monkeys, which can lead to lifelong physical and mental health issues.' Native to rainforests of Central and South America, black spider monkeys have seen a population decline of at least 50 percent over the past 30 years, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. It is difficult to determine how many are left, and the numbers vary by species, the International Fund for Animal Welfare notes. Spider monkeys are one of the world's most trafficked animals. They are also threatened by habitat degradation and hunting (Solano County Sheriff's Office/Facebook) Of all the species of spider monkeys, black spider monkeys are the largest, according to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. They can weigh more than 20 pounds and live for up to 40 years under human care. It is illegal to own primates privately in California, although many people do. This is the second spider monkey rescue the Oakland Zoo has assisted with this year. In January, the zoo assisted in the rescue of a spider monkey named Azules on New Year's Eve. Azules was discovered in the front seat of a Rolls-Royce after a traffic stop conducted by the California Highway Patrol in Madera County. The zoo has received over 100 requests to assist with animal rescue efforts since 2021. They noted recently introduced legislation could help primates exploited through the exotic pet trade. 'It is crucial to raise awareness about the threats these animals face and to take action to end this deadly trade,' said Kinzley.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Meet Violeta! Oakland Zoo helps rescue adorable endangered spider monkey after drug bust
The Oakland Zoo has rescued a baby spider monkey after authorities found her in a drug bust earlier this month. They named the infant Violeta, who zoo staff say is in decent health and around 18 months old. After she was surrendered by her owner to the Solano County Sheriff's Office in Vallejo, California, Violeta was taken by an Oakland Zoo Animal Care staff member to the Zoo's Veterinary Hospital. Since then, veterinary staff have given her calcium supplements and begun ultraviolet light treatments. The staff is expected to perform a CT scan, bloodwork, and a more thorough physical exam of Violeta this week. 'Veterinary Hospital staff are taking measures to ensure Violeta's overall wellbeing and have reported that she is doing well in her temporary home where keepers have set up enrichment, along with blankets and toys to keep her comfortable and stimulated,' the zoo said. 'They are providing her with a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, and she is drinking formula that will help to minimize the likelihood of pathologic bony fractures.' After she has recovered, the Oakland Zoo will work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Wildlife Confiscation Network to find her an appropriate home in an accredited zoo or sanctuary, where she can grow up in a troop of other spider monkeys. Spider monkeys like Violeta are endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and the exotic pet trade. They are one of the world's most trafficked animals. "Infant spider monkeys in the pet trade are often the result of their mothers and family members being shot down from the trees to capture the baby. Many times, the baby is killed or injured due to the fall,' Colleen Kinzley, VP of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research at Oakland Zoo, explained. 'Once they enter the pet trade, these animals typically do not receive a proper diet or adequate socialization with other monkeys, which can lead to lifelong physical and mental health issues.' Native to rainforests of Central and South America, black spider monkeys have seen a population decline of at least 50 percent over the past 30 years, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. It is difficult to determine how many are left, and the numbers vary by species, the International Fund for Animal Welfare notes. Of all the species of spider monkeys, black spider monkeys are the largest, according to the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. They can weigh more than 20 pounds and live for up to 40 years under human care. It is illegal to own primates privately in California, although many people do. This is the second spider monkey rescue the Oakland Zoo has assisted with this year. In January, the zoo assisted in the rescue of a spider monkey named Azules on New Year's Eve. Azules was discovered in the front seat of a Rolls-Royce after a traffic stop conducted by the California Highway Patrol in Madera County. The zoo has received over 100 requests to assist with animal rescue efforts since 2021. They noted recently introduced legislation could help primates exploited through the exotic pet trade. 'It is crucial to raise awareness about the threats these animals face and to take action to end this deadly trade," said Kinzley.
Egypt Today
13-05-2025
- Science
- Egypt Today
Whale Shark spotted in Laguna in Dahab 'poses no threat to humans': Environment Min.
Whale Shark - file photo CAIRO - 13 May 2025: The Egyptian Ministry of Environment followed up on news reports about the appearance of a whale shark in the Laguna area of Dahab. Egyptian Minister of Environment, immediately directed the South Sinai Protected Areas team to confirm the sighting of a whale shark off the coast of Dahab, South Sinai Governorate. The South Sinai Protected Areas team tracked the shark and found it was sighted last Saturday. The shark was identified as a whale shark and "poses no threat to humans." The Minister of Environment emphasized the importance of fully adhering to responsible environmental behavior when dealing with rare marine creatures, particularly whale sharks, to avoid any risks or injuries that may result from their reactions. Excessive proximity or attempts to catch them could lead to unintended human injury due to their large size and powerful movements. The Minister of Environment explained that whale sharks are one of the most important components of the Red Sea marine ecosystem, playing a key role in maintaining the balance of this unique ecosystem. It is considered the largest fish species, reaching approximately 18 meters in length and weighing approximately 15 tons. Its maximum lifespan is estimated at around 100 years. Dr. Yasmine Fouad added that the whale shark is one of the most widespread fish species, having been observed worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. It often lives alone, but sometimes appears in large groups, and has also been spotted in the southern Red Sea and off the coast of Qatar. It is characterized by its dark color, punctuated by light lines and circles, in addition to its large mouth and dorsal fin, which sometimes appears above the water surface in shallow areas. The Minister of Environment also indicated that the whale shark is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species due to the human pressures it faces, such as bycatch, vessel collisions, and overfishing. In this context, the Ministry of Environment calls on all citizens and concerned authorities to refrain from approaching whale sharks within 15 meters and to refrain from using boats of any kind in areas where they are found, to avoid injury or death. Her Excellency also stressed the need to stop using fishing gear incompatible with the Red Sea's marine environment, such as trawls and chinshola nets, given the danger they pose to this rare species, which is a major tourist attraction due to its distinct environmental and economic value on Egypt's coasts.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Can Mexico bring back the endangered axolotl?
One of the world's most endangered amphibians – the primordial and fish-like axolotl – has successfully adapted to a new environment after being released into artificial wetlands in Mexico, scientists say. In a study that provides hope for the survival of the Ambystoma mexicanuma, a creature that has been pushed to the brink of extinction by pollution and human activity, scientists recently released 18 captive-bred axolotls into two artificial wetlands close to Mexico City. Researchers fitted the smiley-face amphibians with trackers and found they were feeding at both sites. Lead researcher Alejandra Ramos from the Autonomous University of Baja California told the BBC it was an 'amazing result'. The findings were published in the journal PLoS One and suggest the axolotl can be successfully restored to its native has it that the axolotl was not always an amphibian. Long before it became Mexico's most beloved salamander, it was believed to be the embodiment of the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl. While there are no official estimates on its current population, the species – which is endemic to central Mexico – was classed as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species in 2019. They breathe through their gills and skin, which allows them to adapt to their aquatic environment. They can also regenerate parts of their heart, spinal cord and brain. The salamander's skin is typically dark although an albino variety can be bred. They can stay stock still for hours in their natural habitat, buried in mud to conserve energy and wait for prey. In their main stronghold, Lake Xochimilco, located in the southern part of Mexico City, axolotl numbers have plummeted by 99.5 percent in less than two decades. In 1998, researchers estimated there were 6,000 axolotls per square kilometre in Lake Xochimilco. By 2014, this number had dropped to just 36. Mexico is a biodiversity hotspot for amphibians and reptiles owing to its unique and varied habitats from tropical rainforests and deserts to cloud forests and temperate woodlands. The waters of Xochimilco, once used for traditional farming and flushed with spring water from the mountains, used to teem with large, smiley-faced axolotls. But pollution from Mexico City's expanding urban sprawl has damaged the water quality of the city's canals, which flow into the lakes. Furthermore, rainbow trout, which have escaped from nearby farms, have displaced axolotls in lakes around the capital and eaten their food. Researchers have also found that increasing numbers of axolotls have died from chytrid fungus, a skin-eating disease causing a catastrophic reduction in amphibian numbers in other parts of the world from Europe to Australia. The fungus has also been found in Mexico although it is not yet a major problem. Climate change is another factor threatening the axolotl as even small shifts in temperature and rainfall can disrupt ecosystems and erode biodiversity. In 2013, scientists voiced fears that they might disappear altogether by 2025. The axolotl isn't the only species in Mexico facing an uncertain future. The pine forest stream frog, the clarion night snake and the Mexican alligator lizard are some of the other species that are also critically lay the foundations for the rewilding project, researchers meticulously monitored the ecology of the axolotls to establish their ideal living conditions. Then they worked with local farmers and a team of volunteers to create wetland 'refuges', or artificial wetlands, near Xochimilco by installing natural filtering systems to clean the water. The scientists then released the amphibians into two types of wetland environments: restored natural wetlands and the artificial wetlands designed specifically for conservation purposes. These environments differ in their ecological structure, water chemistry and temperatures, variables that are critical determinants of amphibian physiology and behaviour. The axolotls were tagged with radio tracking devices to keep tabs on the amphibians. One of the key findings from the study was the axolotls' ability to navigate and inhabit both artificial and restored wetland ecosystems effectively. While biologists and officials have led efforts to save the species and its habitat from extinction, a parallel, unexpected preservation phenomenon has emerged in recent years as the creature has benefitted from an unexpected resurgence of interest. The axolotl attracted international attention after the Minecraft computer game added the creature in 2021. That same year, the Bank of Mexico also decided to print an image of the animal on the 50-peso bill. Axolotls can now be spotted all over Mexico on murals, clothing and as children's toys. Some bakeries have caused a sensation with their axolotl-shaped cakes and biscuits. 'If we lose this species, we lose part of our Mexican identity,' co-lead researcher Luis Zambrano from the National University of Mexico told the BBC. Climate change, habitat loss and outbreaks of disease have taken their toll on amphibians around the world. Half of all amphibian species are in decline while a third are threatened with extinction. The team overseeing the axolotl study said public funding is key to preventing the loss of other species as well. Over his six-year term, however, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who was in office from 2018 to 2024, reduced funding to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources by 35 percent. While scientists involved in the project hope to restore the axolotl's population, they also highlighted the need for government, business and individual engagement. 'Many animals are losing their habitat around the world,' Ramos said. 'And restoration projects are not easy, but they can be done. They just need a lot of people.'
