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Tortoise in Trouble

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Radiated tortoises are growing scarce across the red Malagasy soil. These Madagascar natives are now the most common tortoise for sale in Bangkok's infamous Chatuchak wildlife market. According to a new report by WCS and partners, more than 1,000 critically endangered radiated and ploughshare tortoises have been confiscated from smugglers in the first three months of 2013 alone.

Hope for the Huemul

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

In Chile, the Huemul deer earns national recognition as part of the country’s coat of arms, but the animals themselves are scarcely seen. Hunting and habitat loss have caused their numbers to plummet to just 2,500 in the wild.

But a recent study by Cambridge, WCS and CONAF, the Chilean national forestry commission, offers hope for the Huemul. The deer appear to be returning to areas of Patagonia from which they had completely disappeared.

Efforts to control the spread of cattle farming and ongoing work to reduce poaching led to a resurgence of Huemul deer in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, covering more than 8 million acres at the southern tip of South America.

Face-Off

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:28:22 GMT

For the first time, researchers in the Brazilian Pantanal have photographed white-lipped peccaries eating fish. These forest mammals are generally known as fruit-eaters, so conservationists were surprised to discover this behavior. Here, a peccary competes with a southern crested caracara for a limited stock of fish, trapped in small ponds created by receding waters in the Pantanal’s dry season.

Herd Is the Word

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Don’t ignore the wildebeest, urge the authors of a new paper about abundant wildlife and their importance to ecosystems and humans worldwide.

“Many once abundant species are currently in decline, yet conservationists and institutions often take notice and action only when they become rare,” says lead author and longtime WCS scientist Kent Redford, now head of Archipelago Consulting.

Abundant species provide vital ecosystem services on which nature and humans rely. For their part, wildebeest provide nutrient cycling, stimulating grass growth through their grazing habits.

Baby doll sheep and lambs

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Sharing the Road

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

In Montana, a portion of U.S. Highway 93 provides thoroughfare not just for motorists, but grizzly bears, too. In fact, 41 wildlife-crossing structures (underpasses and overpasses) dot this roadway for use by bear, elk, moose and other species. WCS has worked with the Montana Department of Transportation and various other partners to help ensure safe passage for wildlife along key migration corridors.

Cormorant Colony

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

New marine protected areas in Argentina shelter some of the world’s most unique seabirds, as well as sea lions, dolphins, and other marine species. This handsome pair is part of the country’s largest colony of red-legged cormorants, now safeguarded within Makenke Coastal Marine Park. The park spans 230 square miles of shore and ocean. Click here to read more about Patagonia’s coastal haven.

Just Another Curious Cat

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Just Another Curious Cat

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

A tiger cub meandering through India’s Bhadra Tiger Reserve couldn’t resist investigating a remote camera trap set up to monitor local wildlife like itself. Look closely, and you’ll see a second camera in the background, which likely snapped images of the curious creature’s rear. The more photos, the better. No tiger sports the same pattern of stripes, so researchers are able to use pictures to identify individual cats and track their movements. Our conservation efforts in India are led by tiger expert Ullas Karanth, and we’re delighted to report that Bhadra’s tiger numbers are on the rise.

Forests and Life Within

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Today, the world celebrates International Day of Forests, so we turn our attention to Madagascar’s Makira-Masoala Landscape. There, in the country’s largest remaining rainforest, creatures dwell at every level, including here in the leaf litter. Unfortunately, however, illicit logging and slash-and-burn agriculture threaten these havens of biodiversity. Take a moment to appreciate them by watching this stunning video, courtesy of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.