The usual biodiversity hotspots in the United States are thought to be Hawai’i, the Rocky Mountains, and maybe even Alaska; however, conservation biologists are looking closer at the Southeastern United States, describing it as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. E.O. Wilson reported that the central Gulf Coast states “harbor the most diversity of any part of Eastern North America and probably any part of North America.”
Read MoreThe UN Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ, was convened in late 2017 to develop a new legally binding instrument under the UN Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Read MoreDuring the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, river otters and other Rocky Mountain wildlife faced severe challenges because of the rapid increase in industrialization and development in the region. Mining, agriculture, and ranching significantly polluted and destroyed the clean waterways that otters and their prey, including fish, crustaceans, and amphibians relied on.
Read MorePollination is an ecosystem function that serves as the foundation for all life on Earth. Pollination occurs when the pollen grains from the anther of one flower are transferred to the stigma of another flower. Often facilitated by insects, bats, and birds, this process is necessary for plants to produce seeds. Unfortunately, the importance of pollination in our lives is often overlooked and undervalued.
Read MoreTo one unfamiliar with the work of Wildlife Service, the name may lead one to believe the division aims to serve and benefit the interests of wildlife; that notion could not be further from the truth. Wildlife Services is a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for the death of 1.85 million animals in 2022.
Read MoreOn October 5th, more than 1,000 birds collided into McCormick Place in downtown Chicago, IL. While Chicago has historically been one of the most dangerous cities for migratory birds, this catastrophe in the worst in recent history.
Read MoreWolves are returning to Colorado, and with them comes a 10(j)-rule. Many may wonder what exactly a 10(j)-rule is, whether they are effective, and how it will affect wolf reintroduction in Colorado.
Read MoreThroughout the mid-1900s, bald eagles were on the brink of extinction. A combination of habitat destruction, illegal killing, and insecticide poison reduced the population of these magnificent birds to dangerously low numbers. Fortunately, through the enactment and implementation of a variety of environmental laws, bald eagles have made one of the most successful recoveries in this history of conservation.
Read More“A manatee was floating sideways, drifting as it stared helplessly up at her. ‘That happens when they are starving and lacking energy,’” said Monica Ross, a senior research scientist at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This is the reality of many manatees in Florida’s waters. They’ve run out of their primary food source, seagrass, and are starving to death.
Read MoreThis fall, the Western U.S. saw an unprecedented—and currently inexplicable—massive bird die-off. Two coinciding events are top suspects for potential explanations: an early cold snap and record-breaking wildfires.
These days, the only howls Coloradans hear are likely from our own furry canine companions. Colorado hasn’t heard a wolf howl in decades.
Read MoreIn 2019, there were an estimated 88,000 wild horses in the United States. While the flourishing population of such a beautiful animal may seem like good news, it is actually…
Read MoreA recent study found one in five land-based species are affected by trade, with indications that an additional 3,196 species could be at risk. Certain phylogenetic groups like pangolins and hornbills are…
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