Latest news with #endangeredSpecies
Telegraph
12 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Endangered species could be saved by faeces, say scientists
Animal dung could be used to save endangered species, scientists believe. A new trial by the University of Oxford and Chester Zoo is aiming to harvest living cells from faeces in the hope they could be transformed into stem cells and eventually sperm and eggs. If successful, it could allow conservationists to collect genetic samples of rare and endangered animals from their waste without having to bother, or even see, the creature itself. The cells could be used to inseminate or clone animals and bring them back from the brink of extinction. Dr Rhiannon Bolton, carrying out research on dung from lions, elephants, giraffes and okapi at Chester Zoo, said: 'If this works, it could be a total game-changer. Right now, UK veterinary guidelines mean you can only collect genetic samples in very specific circumstances or following death, which limits the samples you can collect. 'It's early days yet, but this would allow us to collect cells from a far broader range of animals than we currently can, both individuals within a species and in terms of different species. 'It would make collecting and storing living animal cells non-invasive, cost-effective and efficient.' Oxford is currently trialling new techniques to isolate, wash and culture living cells to store them for conservation purposes. The faecal matter is processed to strip away anything left by the animal's diet or bacteria, allowing scientists to separate out living cells from the donor animal, which can then be extracted and cultured. These living cells have the potential to be used to create stem cells further down the line. Stem cells in turn could become sperm and egg cells, which would be used in conservation breeding or even cloning. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that more than 41,000 species are currently under threat of extinction. Dr Bolton said: 'The keepers and scientists at the zoo pick up samples left in animal habitats. Because these are new techniques, we're trying to collect the freshest samples possible, so I'll get a delivery to the zoo lab, which is processed here. 'The clean cells are then posted to Oxford on the same day. We're looking at a range of animals as the cells from some species might be harder to culture than others. It's likely that the techniques will have to be tweaked for different species.' Currently, the samples must be collected quickly to ensure their freshness, so zoo animals are the perfect donors, but this technique could one day be used in the field, preserving cells from rare animals in the wild. The goal is to bank as much material as possible to prevent extinctions.' Chester Zoo already monitors the dung of its animals to track their health and breeding potential. By testing hormones in animal scat, scientists at the zoo can tell whether animals are ready to mate. Dr Sue Walker, the head of science at Chester Zoo, said: 'Faecal testing is integrated into the daily care of our animal species. We use it to monitor the reproductive and overall health of the animals. 'For instance, we track progesterone in the females which allows us to predict their cycles and lets us know when they are likely to be receptive to a breeding partner, and hormonal analysis also gives us a picture of how they respond to their environment. It helps us offer them optimal care. 'As a conservation zoo, many of the animals we look after are critically endangered. This means their genetics are extremely valuable to the survival of a species as a whole. As science advances, these methods could offer a lifeline to species on the brink.'
Sky News
a day ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Famous chimpanzee sanctuary faces existential threat from illegal land grab
There is a distinct moment when the tranquillity of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary envelops our car as we drive higher up the mountain. The buzz of Freetown gives way to the hushed calm of this pocket of pristine rainforest reserved for critically endangered western chimpanzees rescued from across Sierra Leone. The quiet is necessary. These bright primates - closest related to humans in the animal kingdom - are easily disturbed and the ones living in Tacugama are particularly sensitive. The more than 120 chimpanzees brought here are traumatised survivors of mistreatment, hunting and violent separation from their families in the wild. They are now facing another existential threat. Illegal encroachment is eating away at the edges of the conservation area. Despite wildlife laws, forest has been cleared to make way for houses being constructed closer and closer to chimp enclosures. "We've been issuing several warnings over the last year," says Tacugama founder Bala Amarasekaran. "Four months ago - again - we gave a warning. Then we had presidential intervention say that some of this encroachment will be stopped. It started very well for the first month then everything stopped again and we are back at square one. So, we are very tired and very stressed." Thirty years ago, Mr Amarasekaran appealed to the government to donate land and partner with him to create a sanctuary for the protection of the abused orphaned chimps he was finding across Freetown. Today, land in the Western Area Forest Reserve is being grabbed right under the government's nose. "The government has been very good in terms of helping us in every way - however we expect the leadership to be more firm," says Mr Amarasekaran. "When we talk to them, they are all with us. They all want to help. But when it comes to action it looks like some of the departments that have the mandate to institute certain laws and take the necessary law enforcement action are not acting." Sanctuary closes its doors to focus on conservation, rehabilitation and research Tacugama has grown to become Sierra Leone's most popular tourist attraction over the last three decades. But in a stand against the fast-approaching illegal encroachment, the sanctuary has closed its doors to visitors to focus on conservation, rehabilitation and research. "It is not a tourist attraction - we made it become a tourist attraction. It is supposed to be an orphanage for rescued chimpanzees," Mr Amarasekaran says. "They are used to us and some visitors but they will start to see strangers come and that is where the problems start. They are not comfortable with strangers - don't forget it is the stranger who killed their mother. It is the stranger that wiped out their group." 'A complex problem' We asked Sierra Leone's government spokesperson and minister of information and civic education, Chernor Bah, about the illegal encroachment. "It is a complex problem. You have a city that is growing. People need places to stay and we have not done the best job in terms of enforcing all these limitations," he replied. "Some of our agents seem to have been complicit in allocating and giving people land in places they are not supposed to stay. So, I don't think I can sit here and say we have done enough - there is much more we can do. "[Tacugama] is probably our most cherished and significant wildlife asset in the country." A national symbol for tourism In 2019, the government designated the western chimpanzee as the national animal and national symbol for tourism. The image of a chimp is now etched in Sierra Leonean passports, a result of Tacugama's advocacy Mr Amarasekaran and his team hope will entrench a love and respect for chimps that will curb the need for intervention. "We wanted something more - that is how the national animal bill came through," says Mr Amarasekaran. "We thought if the agencies that are mandated to do all the law enforcement are not active and effective, then maybe we need to create a synergy between the people and the animals." Chimpanzees hunted for bushmeat But chimpanzees are still being hunted as bushmeat for food across Sierra Leone and baby chimps are being torn from their families to be kept as illegal pets. Tacugama's latest rescue is only eight months old. Baby Asana is frail with thinning hair and is being nursed back to health by his chimp mum, Mama P, when we meet him. He was rescued after an informant sent a video of Asana wearing human clothes and being mistreated as an illegal pet in Bo, Sierra Leone's second largest city. "For me as the founder of the sanctuary, I feel defeated," says Mr Amarasekaran with Asana being cared for behind him. "These chimps shouldn't be arriving here if we have done enough work outside - there shouldn't be any killings, there shouldn't be any rescues. That is the time when I can say that I achieved something." Research from the Jane Goodall Institute identified that between five and 10 chimpanzees die for every surviving rescued chimpanzee. And with the sanctuary closed, much-needed public advocacy work will take a hard hit. 'Until I came to the sanctuary, I didn't see a chimpanzee' "I'm really concerned because I only even started to experience chimpanzees when I started working here. I knew that we had chimps here. But until I came to the sanctuary, I didn't see a chimpanzee," says 25-year-old Tacugama communications officer, Sidikie Bayoh. "Now, we are at a situation where we are closed indefinitely but what if this becomes something wherein we can never open the sanctuary again for people to visit? Then you will have all these young Sierra Leoneans never fully understanding what their national animal is." The closure also means there will be no revenue from visitors at a time when USAID funding has been halted. "In the absence of funding from - at the moment - the US government, it is going to be difficult for us to turn around quickly," says Mr Amarasekaran.
News24
2 days ago
- Health
- News24
Five ‘lost' species that have been recovered in SA
In recent years, South African researchers have rediscovered several lost animal species, some of which had not been seen for decades. Some of these species include the Blyde River flat gecko, Branch's rain frog, orange-tailed sandveld lizard, Pennington's blue butterfly and De Winton's golden mole. Rediscovering these species is essential for their conservation. For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future. In recent years, South African organisations have rediscovered 'lost' animal species in the country, many of which occur nowhere else. According to the Endangered Wildlife Trust's (EWT) conservation and data scientist Oliver Cowan, South Africa is vast, and the environment is changing. As a result, species may remain undetected either because they have gone extinct or because no one has found them in recent years. He said rediscovering them was an essential first step in their conservation. Learn more about the five species recovered recently in SA: Blyde River flat gecko In April 2025, two researchers from EWT, Darren Pietersen and John Davies, rediscovered the Blyde River flat gecko that had last been seen 34 years previously by scientist Niels Jacobsen. According to Cowan, the Blyde River flat gecko is less than 10cm long and flat, allowing it to access rock crevices. Its large eyes, excellent night vision, and colour enable it to blend into the rock surfaces upon which it moves. 'Flat geckos do not have eyelids but a permanent transparent membrane protecting their eye. To keep this membrane clear, geckos are often observed using their tongue to clean their eyes,' Cowan said. The Blyde River flat gecko feeds on insects. According to the EWT report, Jacobsen collected two males in 1991 from a nearly unreachable, isolated hill in the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, but the gecko was not observed again until early 2025. As the species had not been recorded for more than 10 years, Re:Wild, an international organisation that supports conservation, classified it as a 'lost' species. In April 2025, Pietersen and Davies visited the Blyde River Canyon area to determine whether the gecko still inhabited the same isolated hill. After securing the required permits to visit the site, which took two years, the researchers were able to access the area with a helicopter and found the species. Branch's rain frog Branch's rain frogs are different from most species of frogs as they do not have a tadpole phase, said Cowan. Instead, they emerge from eggs fully formed, even though tiny. The species has a 'grumpy' face. It feeds on moths, beetles, and insect larvae. A single specimen of the rain frog was originally found before 2008 in Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape. The species was officially identified by scientist Alan Channing in 2012. It was rediscovered in 2023 through a survey led by EWT. Its habitat is subject to alluvial diamond mining and extreme weather events, and gathering more information on its distribution will help us protect its natural habitat. Oliver Cowan Orange-tailed sandveld lizard Chad Keates/Supplied The orange-tailed sandveld lizard is about the size of a ruler, characterised by its long orange tail. They eat invertebrates such as termites, grasshoppers, and beetles. Cowan stated that the lizard was captured once in 2005 near Lambert's Bay and again was coincidentally photographed on a camera trap in 2011. He said the habitat where the species occurs has undergone substantial historical transformations, primarily due to agriculture. 'In more recent years, a slew of mining developments has occurred along the West Coast,' Cowan stated. A two-week targeted survey by a team of herpetological (reptile and amphibian) experts rediscovered this species in 2022. 'The species will be uplisted to an endangered threat category as a result of the information gathered, which will ensure it is accounted for during future proposed developments within its habitat,' Cowan said. Pennington's blue butterfly Andrew Morton/Supplied Pennington's blue butterfly is scientifically known as Lepidochrysops penningtoni. Its wingspan is between 3cm and 5cm. 'The upper parts of the Lepidochrysop males have a slightly pale, pearlescent, blue or blue-violet sheen, [while] the females are a duller brown,' Cowan explained. He said this butterfly species was rediscovered in 2021 by the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa in the Northern Cape and was last recorded in 1968. They have a fascinating relationship with ants. Some live in ant nests, where the ants tend to them. Others have evolved to exploit ants, using them for shelter, food, or both. They feed on the flower buds or developing seed ovules of their host plants. De Winton's golden mole JP le Roux/Supplied The De Winton's golden mole got its name from its shiny coat. Unlike mole rats, which eat plant roots and make large mole hills, they are not destructive. Cowan said an interesting fact about the golden mole is that it is more closely related to elephants than normal garden moles, and it is blind. De Winton's Golden Mole is listed as critically endangered as its habitat has been significantly transformed, predominantly due to mining activities. Oliver Cowan The De Winton's golden mole was rediscovered in 2023 by researchers from the EWT who employed thermal detection, a sniffer dog, and eDNA analysis in targeted surveys after it had last been spotted 86 years ago. eDNA is genetic material that organisms shed and leave in their environment, such as skin cells, hair, or excretions. Soil samples from underground tunnels were tested to detect the golden mole's DNA successfully.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Trail cameras reveal stunning glimpses of endangered wildlife in protected region: 'These natural treasures endure for future generations'
Trail cameras captured elusive sightings of a few endangered species in Oman in the first half of this year. Times of Oman reported that the Arabian lynx, Arabian tahr, and Arabian wolf were recorded. They are all unique to the Arabian Peninsula and some surrounding countries. This is great news for the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman, which is where the animals were found. These observations mean that natural resources are becoming balanced again. The Oman Environment Authority has been observing the Arabian lynx since the 1990s. Trail cameras have observed the species at least since 2021. Suhail bin Muhammad Al-Mushaykhi, an environmental systems specialist at the Jabal Samhan Natural Reserve, told Arabian Daily that 15 observations of Arabian lynx were captured between 2021 and 2023. Of those, five were caught by trail cameras. Jabal Samhan is the largest nature reserve in Oman. As of 2023, it has an approximate population of 50 Arabian lynx. While human activity is very limited inside the reserve, people can still visit and appreciate its environment. Being in nature can be great for your mental health. An experience like this can also drive home how we all affect each other within an ecosystem. By using tools like trail cameras, researchers are using non-invasive methods to keep tabs on animal populations. Observing in this way allows animals to act as they would without human intervention. It can also aid in rehabilitating how an ecosystem functions. Ahmed Salim Al Amiri, director of Al Dakhiliyah's Environment Department, has been pleased with Oman's use of trail cameras. Al Amiri told the Times of Oman that local communities are critical "in supporting environmental efforts, stressing the need to comply with regulations protecting wildlife to ensure these natural treasures endure for future generations." By monitoring animal populations, local researchers play a huge role in ensuring our environment's stability for years to come. Should the U.S. invest in building more wildlife overpasses? Absolutely Depends on how we do it Depends on where we do it Nope Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Alasdair McDonald
Forest ecologist Professor David Lindenmayer says the shock discovery of critically endangered Leadbeater's possum is likely a new subspecies. 2h ago 2 hours ago Sun 1 Jun 2025 at 7:57am The Australian Workers Union says it is looking at legal action over claims Snowy 2.0 workers were locked down during this week's strike action. Fri 23 May Fri 23 May Fri 23 May 2025 at 5:43am The family of Canberra man Harri Jokinen, who was killed during a high-speed police pursuit on the Monaro Highway in 2021, hopes an inquest into his death will lead to a change in policy. Fri 16 May Fri 16 May Fri 16 May 2025 at 5:24am Snowy Mountains councillor Andrew Thaler has been ordered to apologise for alleged misconduct. He says he has been denied the presumption of innocence. Tue 6 May Tue 6 May Tue 6 May 2025 at 9:42am NSW government reviews Snowy Mountain councillor Andrew Thaler's behaviour after his colleagues accuse him of poor conduct. Thu 20 Mar Thu 20 Mar Thu 20 Mar 2025 at 12:47am The 34-year-old's body was found south of Eden after a three-day search by emergency services. Mon 10 Mar Mon 10 Mar Mon 10 Mar 2025 at 6:10am Senior Constable Brett David Lindsay will face two separate court hearings for six assault charges relating to alleged incidents while he was on duty on the NSW Far South Coast. Mon 17 Feb Mon 17 Feb Mon 17 Feb 2025 at 9:49pm Missing hiker Hadi Nazari left a trail of clues, but trying to find him in some of the most rugged terrain in NSW was still hard work. Thu 9 Jan Thu 9 Jan Thu 9 Jan 2025 at 7:20am The family of Hadi Nazari, missing in the NSW Snowy Mountains for over a week, is calling for resources from Victoria to be called in to help find the 23-year-old. Fri 3 Jan Fri 3 Jan Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 9:45pm As the search for Hadi Nazari continues in Kosciuszko National Park, the man's friends say they have been given hope by the discovery of some of his possessions in the rugged NSW Snowy Mountains. Thu 2 Jan Thu 2 Jan Thu 2 Jan 2025 at 6:30am Sailor Luke Watkins spent 45 minutes in the water after he was thrown overboard during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race early on Friday morning. He says his safety training and quick thinking from his crew saved his life. Fri 27 Dec Fri 27 Dec Fri 27 Dec 2024 at 5:22pm Hundreds of cases of flesh-eating Buruli ulcer have been reported in Victoria this year, a new study has named a NSW tourist town as the next potential hotspot and has warned of possible spread along NSW coastline Fri 20 Dec Fri 20 Dec Fri 20 Dec 2024 at 9:20pm A high school on the NSW far south coast has closed today after two cleaners found a staff room alight early this morning. The cleaners suffered smoke inhalation, and an investigation into the fire is underway. Wed 4 Dec Wed 4 Dec Wed 4 Dec 2024 at 6:15am Senior Constable Brett David Lindsay pleads not guilty to six assault charges relating to alleged incidents while he was on duty on the NSW far south coast. Mon 25 Nov Mon 25 Nov Mon 25 Nov 2024 at 3:01am A police officer is suspended with pay over the charges, which stem from an incident at a Batemans Bay shopping centre. Fri 8 Nov Fri 8 Nov Fri 8 Nov 2024 at 1:25am Iain Dawson has pleaded guilty to transferring $34,000 of art gallery funds into his own bank account. Wed 16 Oct Wed 16 Oct Wed 16 Oct 2024 at 7:15am Senior Constable Kristian White will face a jury trial in November after he pleaded not guilty over the death of the great-grandmother who was tasered in a Snowy Mountains nursing home in 2023. Wed 16 Oct Wed 16 Oct Wed 16 Oct 2024 at 6:18am Robert Karl Huber has pleaded not guilty to murdering his partner Lindy Lucena, 64, in a Ballina laneway in January 2023. He will face trial later this year. Fri 11 Oct Fri 11 Oct Fri 11 Oct 2024 at 5:01am The Walbunja people of the NSW far south coast have been handed back an important piece of their culture, once owned by the late environmental activist, academic and philosopher Val Plumwood. Mon 23 Sep Mon 23 Sep Mon 23 Sep 2024 at 8:33pm Kristian White is set face trial in NSW Supreme Court on one count of manslaughter after the death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. Wed 11 Sep Wed 11 Sep Wed 11 Sep 2024 at 3:30am These First Nations students are the traditional people of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, yet some of them had never set foot on snow before. Sun 8 Sep Sun 8 Sep Sun 8 Sep 2024 at 6:40am A hydrologist says the Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro scheme will be more resilient to climate change than its predecessor but predicted extreme droughts will cause issues. Thu 5 Sep Thu 5 Sep Thu 5 Sep 2024 at 4:45am The snow season at Charlotte Pass could be under threat after a devastating fire, as its owners meet with the State Government to help plan their recovery. Thu 23 May Thu 23 May Thu 23 May 2024 at 4:21am After 55 years growing oysters, Bernie Connell and his oyster "Jill" look set to break world records after this weekend's Narooma Oyster Festival on the NSW far south coast. Sun 5 May Sun 5 May Sun 5 May 2024 at 7:57am Yuliya Pashkovska, who died at an unpatrolled beach on the New South Wales' South Coast on Tuesday is being remembered as a "much-loved" health care provider. Thu 21 Mar Thu 21 Mar Thu 21 Mar 2024 at 6:25am
