This link is the top 15 animal news of 2013 as we close out 2013 in about 8 days we look back at this year some good news, sad news, new discoveries & ideas of how to help and better ourselves..
Have a great New Year!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-24/animal-stories-from-2013-you-may-have-missed/5173368
Monday, December 23, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Lily's Frog Pad / Howard Christiansen Nature Center
www.lilysfrogpad.com
Hello, I would like to post on here that a Center for Nature and Conservation education for children in school is going through hard times right now in my local area and would appreciate any help at this point.
Howard Christiansen Nature Center is a place where children can go on a field trip and learn about nature and their habitats aswell as how we can preserve and save forests to help better our and animals futures.
Many schools are starting to fall out in teaching children about animals and conservation. Children should have a place where they can go to use their senses and know for themselves about nature.
I have had the pleasure of walking and speaking to the guides who work at Howard Christiansen Nature Center about their jobs and how they feel about the childrens need of learning about nature and guiding them ...All of the guides were supportive and energetic in teaching the children and took the time to guide and help each child understand natures place... The guides are barely able to be paid minimum wages for their help because they all put so much in just keeping the bills paid..
Howard Christiansen Nature Center is asking for donations to help pay bills and help funding field trips.. College interns are placed to work here for extra credit hours aswell as volunteers, If the center is no longer open and available we will not have that as an option for college students and volunteers.
Please visit www.lilysfrogpad.com for further information on the nature center and how you can help create a better future for our children, teens and even adults ...
Thank You,
Sarah K.
Hello, I would like to post on here that a Center for Nature and Conservation education for children in school is going through hard times right now in my local area and would appreciate any help at this point.
Howard Christiansen Nature Center is a place where children can go on a field trip and learn about nature and their habitats aswell as how we can preserve and save forests to help better our and animals futures.
Many schools are starting to fall out in teaching children about animals and conservation. Children should have a place where they can go to use their senses and know for themselves about nature.
I have had the pleasure of walking and speaking to the guides who work at Howard Christiansen Nature Center about their jobs and how they feel about the childrens need of learning about nature and guiding them ...All of the guides were supportive and energetic in teaching the children and took the time to guide and help each child understand natures place... The guides are barely able to be paid minimum wages for their help because they all put so much in just keeping the bills paid..
Howard Christiansen Nature Center is asking for donations to help pay bills and help funding field trips.. College interns are placed to work here for extra credit hours aswell as volunteers, If the center is no longer open and available we will not have that as an option for college students and volunteers.
Please visit www.lilysfrogpad.com for further information on the nature center and how you can help create a better future for our children, teens and even adults ...
Thank You,
Sarah K.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
2 Toads
This is one of the toads that I found while we were hauling wood outside, one toad is female & the other is a male...
A Beauty & a fighter
Here is the little handful! She has been through having to have ticks removed then she ended being sick for alittle while but she is back up & kicking, shes alittle over the size of my hand now-she's eating anything that gets put in her cage : alfalfa, seeds, grass, & she LOVES dandelions! but for a wild rabbit she is the most friendliest rabbit I have had in awhile!
She was definately the runt of the litter, we saw one of the other little ones outside and they are getting alot bigger than her, but so proud of her! She's a beauty!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Rabbits
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Rabbits: Video footage : WEEK 8
RABBITS : WEEK 8 ...more footage two weeks after the last, they have grown so big! last footage was of week 6, Just in two weeks they have started getting fur on their tails. Vocals are alittle muffled but you can make them out okay it was taken with my cellular phone great footage though. Hope you enjoy!
NATURE & WILDLIFE PHOTOS
RED CARDINAL
REDBACK SALAMANDER
TREE CONSUMING ANOTHER TREE
MUSHROOM
WORM
BLUE SPOTTED SALAMANDER
These photos were shot by myself and my family during my training at HCNC to become an interpretive naturalist. Enjoy!
Friday, May 10, 2013
WILD UPDATE!
Habitat Restoration!
Here are some information for fellow Michigander's who are interested in reading up on habitat restoration, Habitat restoration is huge right now because so many animals in the wild are having their habitats taken away from them from either climate changes (global warming), Housing taking over forests, and many more reasons... Here are some links that have about different sorts of habitats such as praries,wetlands,grasslands,swamp,etc..
http://miwildlife.org/h-prairies.asp - History of Praries
http://miwildlife.org/h-wetlands.asp - Over a dozen reasons to restore wetland habitats
http://miwildlife.org/h-pge.asp - Establishment of Praries Grasses
older update about baby siamese crocs but if you haven't read it here it is!
Nineteen Baby Siamese Crocodiles Released in Lao PDR by Wildlife Conservation Society and Partners
Feb. 21, 2013 — The Wildlife Conservation Society announced today the successful release of 19 critically endangered baby Siamese crocodiles into a local wetland in Lao PDR, where they will be repatriated into the wild.
The 19-month-old hatchlings, approximately 70 cm (27 inches) in length, are part of a head-starting program where crocodiles are hatched at the Lao Zoo for eventual release into their native habitat.
Conservationists estimate that less than 250 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss.
The release took place in the village of Than Soum in the Xe Champhone wetland complex in Savanakhet Province near where the eggs of the 19 crocodiles were found during wildlife surveys in 2011.
The hatchlings were transported from the Lao Zoo to a 'soft release' pen and will remain for several months to acclimate with the local area. Members of the Village Crocodile Conservation Group will guard the pen and provide supplementary feeding of the hatchlings to ensure their survival. Once the rainy season begins, the water level in the wetland will rise and allow the crocodiles to swim away, where they will be monitored periodically by conservationists.
A public ceremony will take place on March 6th in Than Soum where local community members will celebrate this collaborative effort with WCS, Government of Lao PDR, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Minmetals Resources Limited, and the Lao Zoo.
WCS Lao PDR Program designed and implemented the release as part of the Community-based Crocodile Recovery and Livelihood Improvement Project. The goal of the program is the recovery of the local Siamese crocodile population and restoration of associated wetlands, linked by socio-economic incentives that improve local livelihoods.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of this collaborative program and believe it is an important step in contributing to the conservation of the species by involving local communities in long term wetland management," said Alex McWilliam a conservation biologist with WCS's Lao PDR Program. "The head starting component of this integrated WCS program represents a significant contribution to the conservation of this magnificent animal in the wild."
Rick Watsford, General Manager, MMG Lane Xang Minerals Limited Sepon, said: "MMG is proud to support the work of the Government of Lao PDR and the WCS in relation to this program. This support demonstrates our company's commitment contributing positively to the communities in which we operate."
Joe Walston, WCS Executive Director for Asia Programs, said: "Successful conservation is about partnerships -- whether it's at the global level with climate change and wildlife trade or the local level with tigers and crocs -- the collective support of local communities, governments, and the private sector in Laos makes stories like this so encouraging."
Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Siamese crocodile grows up to 10 feet in length. The species has been eliminated from much of its former range through Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia by overhunting and habitat degradation and loss.
In 2014, the head-starting component of the program will be taken on by local communities in the Xe Champhone wetland complex. WCS has already conducted training for this transition and implemented a trial program of rearing young crocodiles at Than Soum village.
Conservationists estimate that less than 250 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss.
The release took place in the village of Than Soum in the Xe Champhone wetland complex in Savanakhet Province near where the eggs of the 19 crocodiles were found during wildlife surveys in 2011.
The hatchlings were transported from the Lao Zoo to a 'soft release' pen and will remain for several months to acclimate with the local area. Members of the Village Crocodile Conservation Group will guard the pen and provide supplementary feeding of the hatchlings to ensure their survival. Once the rainy season begins, the water level in the wetland will rise and allow the crocodiles to swim away, where they will be monitored periodically by conservationists.
A public ceremony will take place on March 6th in Than Soum where local community members will celebrate this collaborative effort with WCS, Government of Lao PDR, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Minmetals Resources Limited, and the Lao Zoo.
WCS Lao PDR Program designed and implemented the release as part of the Community-based Crocodile Recovery and Livelihood Improvement Project. The goal of the program is the recovery of the local Siamese crocodile population and restoration of associated wetlands, linked by socio-economic incentives that improve local livelihoods.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of this collaborative program and believe it is an important step in contributing to the conservation of the species by involving local communities in long term wetland management," said Alex McWilliam a conservation biologist with WCS's Lao PDR Program. "The head starting component of this integrated WCS program represents a significant contribution to the conservation of this magnificent animal in the wild."
Rick Watsford, General Manager, MMG Lane Xang Minerals Limited Sepon, said: "MMG is proud to support the work of the Government of Lao PDR and the WCS in relation to this program. This support demonstrates our company's commitment contributing positively to the communities in which we operate."
Joe Walston, WCS Executive Director for Asia Programs, said: "Successful conservation is about partnerships -- whether it's at the global level with climate change and wildlife trade or the local level with tigers and crocs -- the collective support of local communities, governments, and the private sector in Laos makes stories like this so encouraging."
Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Siamese crocodile grows up to 10 feet in length. The species has been eliminated from much of its former range through Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia by overhunting and habitat degradation and loss.
In 2014, the head-starting component of the program will be taken on by local communities in the Xe Champhone wetland complex. WCS has already conducted training for this transition and implemented a trial program of rearing young crocodiles at Than Soum village.
The 19-month-old hatchlings, approximately 70 cm (27 inches) in length, are part of a head-starting program where crocodiles are hatched at the Lao Zoo for eventual release into their native habitat.
Conservationists estimate that less than 250 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss.
The release took place in the village of Than Soum in the Xe Champhone wetland complex in Savanakhet Province near where the eggs of the 19 crocodiles were found during wildlife surveys in 2011.
The hatchlings were transported from the Lao Zoo to a 'soft release' pen and will remain for several months to acclimate with the local area. Members of the Village Crocodile Conservation Group will guard the pen and provide supplementary feeding of the hatchlings to ensure their survival. Once the rainy season begins, the water level in the wetland will rise and allow the crocodiles to swim away, where they will be monitored periodically by conservationists.
A public ceremony will take place on March 6th in Than Soum where local community members will celebrate this collaborative effort with WCS, Government of Lao PDR, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Minmetals Resources Limited, and the Lao Zoo.
WCS Lao PDR Program designed and implemented the release as part of the Community-based Crocodile Recovery and Livelihood Improvement Project. The goal of the program is the recovery of the local Siamese crocodile population and restoration of associated wetlands, linked by socio-economic incentives that improve local livelihoods.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of this collaborative program and believe it is an important step in contributing to the conservation of the species by involving local communities in long term wetland management," said Alex McWilliam a conservation biologist with WCS's Lao PDR Program. "The head starting component of this integrated WCS program represents a significant contribution to the conservation of this magnificent animal in the wild."
Rick Watsford, General Manager, MMG Lane Xang Minerals Limited Sepon, said: "MMG is proud to support the work of the Government of Lao PDR and the WCS in relation to this program. This support demonstrates our company's commitment contributing positively to the communities in which we operate."
Joe Walston, WCS Executive Director for Asia Programs, said: "Successful conservation is about partnerships -- whether it's at the global level with climate change and wildlife trade or the local level with tigers and crocs -- the collective support of local communities, governments, and the private sector in Laos makes stories like this so encouraging."
Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Siamese crocodile grows up to 10 feet in length. The species has been eliminated from much of its former range through Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia by overhunting and habitat degradation and loss.
In 2014, the head-starting component of the program will be taken on by local communities in the Xe Champhone wetland complex. WCS has already conducted training for this transition and implemented a trial program of rearing young crocodiles at Than Soum village.
NORTHERN WATER SNAKES:
"I believe sustainable use is the greatest propaganda in wildlife conservation at the moment."
Conservationists estimate that less than 250 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss.
The release took place in the village of Than Soum in the Xe Champhone wetland complex in Savanakhet Province near where the eggs of the 19 crocodiles were found during wildlife surveys in 2011.
The hatchlings were transported from the Lao Zoo to a 'soft release' pen and will remain for several months to acclimate with the local area. Members of the Village Crocodile Conservation Group will guard the pen and provide supplementary feeding of the hatchlings to ensure their survival. Once the rainy season begins, the water level in the wetland will rise and allow the crocodiles to swim away, where they will be monitored periodically by conservationists.
A public ceremony will take place on March 6th in Than Soum where local community members will celebrate this collaborative effort with WCS, Government of Lao PDR, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Minmetals Resources Limited, and the Lao Zoo.
WCS Lao PDR Program designed and implemented the release as part of the Community-based Crocodile Recovery and Livelihood Improvement Project. The goal of the program is the recovery of the local Siamese crocodile population and restoration of associated wetlands, linked by socio-economic incentives that improve local livelihoods.
"We are extremely pleased with the success of this collaborative program and believe it is an important step in contributing to the conservation of the species by involving local communities in long term wetland management," said Alex McWilliam a conservation biologist with WCS's Lao PDR Program. "The head starting component of this integrated WCS program represents a significant contribution to the conservation of this magnificent animal in the wild."
Rick Watsford, General Manager, MMG Lane Xang Minerals Limited Sepon, said: "MMG is proud to support the work of the Government of Lao PDR and the WCS in relation to this program. This support demonstrates our company's commitment contributing positively to the communities in which we operate."
Joe Walston, WCS Executive Director for Asia Programs, said: "Successful conservation is about partnerships -- whether it's at the global level with climate change and wildlife trade or the local level with tigers and crocs -- the collective support of local communities, governments, and the private sector in Laos makes stories like this so encouraging."
Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Siamese crocodile grows up to 10 feet in length. The species has been eliminated from much of its former range through Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia by overhunting and habitat degradation and loss.
In 2014, the head-starting component of the program will be taken on by local communities in the Xe Champhone wetland complex. WCS has already conducted training for this transition and implemented a trial program of rearing young crocodiles at Than Soum village.
NORTHERN WATER SNAKES:
I have had the experience of spotting quite a few of these the past couple of weeks during my training at the nature center and honestly they are such beautiful creatures, they may not be venomous but you sure don't want to go all Irwin and jump at this one! The Northern Water Snake has anti-coagulant in its spit actually that if you grab them and they turn around and bite you, you will continue to bleed and it will not stop for a very long time. These snakes use anti-coagulant on their prey so that they will more than likely bleed to death before they feed on them. Snakes have a sort of glasses they have over their eyes to see and they never blink, they have no ears but feel vibrations underneath its long, slithering stomach and head that they are able to find their way around their habitat and find prey.
Their tongues flick which I think honestly freaks people out the most! but they use that tongue flicking to sense their food and their surroundings to see if they will be in for a feast or be defending themselves from a predator.
So many children and even adults are so frightened by snakes and I just think they are one of the most beautiful creatures!
SAYING NO TO WILDLIFE PRODUCTS!
HOW is killing a crocodile to make croc-skin boots and selling them sustainable in any way? They sell souveneirs to support a cause that is for saving our environment but in the same way are promoting such ignorance to the situations around us.
I have not understood it for years since it became so popular. I have read up on it over the years and it just begins to disgust me more and more by how many people fall for a bargained mind set that this is perfectly fine.
We are supposed to set an example for future generations on animals and keeping the environment working and flowing together the right way so we can all live in an healthy environment that will continue to grow. If you have animals going extinct because of hunting and poaching to use for purses,necklaces,bracelets,boots, etc. the environment will not rotate and stay healthy we NEED animals in the wild to support the trees,oceans, and soil.
Anything can become extinct and as long as that species is "in trend" and popular it will continue to be made, causing more and more of the population to spiral down closer and closer to extinction. The only reason cheetahs have made it so long is because real cheetah print went out of style, Now I'm not talking about walmart brand zebra printed shoes that are not real, but places who are using real live fur & skin for wear that will someday end up at a goodwill somewhere or in a dumpster because it's not Fall's style trend.
If you would like to help-Recycle, Recycle your papers, plastics, etc. food; put it in a compost! Take cloth bags to the store instead of using plastic or paper, they only cost about 0.25 cents a bag at the store, If you have children there are so many crafts that you can use, I have recently started using lunchables for my sisters to hold their paints when they want to paint. and all you have to do is wash it out after their done! and reuse it again, it even holds the water so you don't have to dirty a cup.
Plant trees instead of cutting them down. Leave wildlife where it is at because if you disrupt it's peace it continues to have to adapt to a new habitat and it can't always adapt and usually results in death for the animal and if you are uneducated about that species and if they are near endangerment you could be pushing it further towards extinction depending on the location and species. I think people would really be able to find cool and trendy fun ways of helping the environment if they really started to put thought into it and research more, Researching is always good and always helps you feel alittle more like you can make a difference.
This is a HUGE world but it is always filled with BILLIONS of people who could change and help our environment, make the air alittle cleaner and the environments that these habitats are a little more safe for what is living inside of them.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Baby Rabbits & Footage!
My family & I were in our backyard and we came across this hole, well whatever was under the fuzz covering the hole was moving so I ofcourse was curious if it were a snake, mole, rat, whatever it was I wanted to see what it was so I used a stick and slowly moved the fuzz out of the way so the head of whatever it was could come up alittle, It was a baby bunny well, about seven of them! and who knows how many more there was further down in the nest.
They are about six weeks old, no fur on their tails, tiny ears.
But I did not touch them once or move them in any way but I took footage for you guys to check out for yourself to get an idea, The rabbits kept burrowing down further because of the light and they still had their eyes closed so they definately are not very far along!
Some information about Rabbits I can tell you is they are small mammals, family Leporidae and at this age they reingest their own pellets, A mother rabbit is called a Doe, males are Bucks and babies like these are called Kits or Kittens.
Alot of people think at this age when they don't see a mother around it is up to them to take in these "abandoned" animals and take care of them, very rarely do they survive when you take them out of the care of their mother, their mothers are not going to be by them every second so they are not abandoned but they are waiting for their mother to return. I always grew up by the rule that you do not touch a "baby" animal because your scent will stay on them and the mother will refuse them. Alot of people say this is not true but do you really want to take the chance?
This is the footage I took today, I hope you all enjoy and more updates will come soon!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Animal of the Week: Central Bearded Dragon
Central Bearded Dragon - (Pogona Vitticepo)
Species of agamid lizard occurring in a wide range of arid to semiarid regions of Australia.
Popularly kept as a pet or in zoos.
Adults usually grow to about two feet long, The tail takes up about half of the two feet of its length.
Native to the semiarid woodland, arid woodland, and Rocky desert regions of Central Australia.
Very skilled climbers, They spend much time perching on tree limbs, fenceposts, and in bushes as they do on the ground.
They sun themselves in the early-evening and morning on exposed branches or rocks and retreat to shady areas or underground burrows during the hottest parts of the afternoon.
Bearded Dragons do not vocalize, except to hiss softly when threatened.
They communicate through color, display, posture and physical gestures. Not social animals.
Different gestures:
* Slow bowing motions- Often used by adult females to signal submission to a male.
*Fast bob- used by males to signal dominance.
*Violent bo- used by males just before mating, much more vigorous, and usually sets the whole body in motion.
They vary in color as : Brown, Grey, Reddish Brown, Yellow, White, Orange, but there is yet to be a green Bearded Dragon.
Species of agamid lizard occurring in a wide range of arid to semiarid regions of Australia.
Popularly kept as a pet or in zoos.
Adults usually grow to about two feet long, The tail takes up about half of the two feet of its length.
Native to the semiarid woodland, arid woodland, and Rocky desert regions of Central Australia.
Very skilled climbers, They spend much time perching on tree limbs, fenceposts, and in bushes as they do on the ground.
They sun themselves in the early-evening and morning on exposed branches or rocks and retreat to shady areas or underground burrows during the hottest parts of the afternoon.
Bearded Dragons do not vocalize, except to hiss softly when threatened.
They communicate through color, display, posture and physical gestures. Not social animals.
Different gestures:
* Slow bowing motions- Often used by adult females to signal submission to a male.
*Fast bob- used by males to signal dominance.
*Violent bo- used by males just before mating, much more vigorous, and usually sets the whole body in motion.
They vary in color as : Brown, Grey, Reddish Brown, Yellow, White, Orange, but there is yet to be a green Bearded Dragon.
Rhino's! Great News Update from the Volunteers at Australia Zoo!
Steve inspires counter poachers
29 April 2013
Former Australia Zoo volunteers Zach and Morgan Cooney make a dynamic duo as they fight rhino poaching in Africa. Morgan reports from the field on their journey to become Wildlife Warriors.
Spreading the message
For all our lives, my brother Zach and I have loved wildlife and wild places. Since before either of us can remember we were surrounded by everything relating to wildlife including many books, wall posters, and videos on animals. Once we were old enough to understand what conservation was, we became passionate about spreading the message to everyone we met about the importance of preserving our planet's amazing animals. Our goal became making the world a better place for wildlife.
Hurrah for a hero
We were six when we first saw Steve Irwin on television in the United States. Within the first five minutes, he became our absolute hero. Everything that he was about, we loved. He was Australian, he surfed, he rescued wildlife in distress, and he caught the world's most venomous snakes and biggest crocs. How could you get any better than this? From then on, we were positive that working with crocodiles and snakes was exactly what we were meant to do.
Worldwide warriors
Since then, Zach and I have worked with wildlife all over the world. We rehabilitated injured monkeys in Guatemala, rescued crocodiles in Costa Rica, helped with stranded turtles in Uruguay, caught snakes in Swaziland, cared for lions in South Africa, and volunteered at the Australia Zoo! While our goal is still to work with crocodiles and snakes primarily, if Steve has taught us anything, it is that becoming a Wildlife Warrior means being there for wildlife when it needs you the most.
While the original plan was to work with crocodiles and snakes in Costa Rica... every single day, Zach and I would hear about another rhino being killed. Eventually, we decided to take action; we had to do something. To us, this meant combating the poaching crisis that was driving these amazing animals to extinction.
Positive action
The Cooney twins have trained to become part of the counter-poaching program at SanWild, owned and founded by Louise Joubert. Set on 14,826 acres, SanWild offers injured wildlife a safe haven because it is also home to one of Africa's most formidable counter-poaching teams. Morgan says Louise, one of Africa's most dedicated wildlife conservationists "is by every definition, a Wildlife Warrior". The anti-poaching teams put everything on the line to help the animals they love. "We wanted to do the same," says Morgan.
Rhino deaths in South Africa as a direct result of poaching:
Australia Zoo's efforts
Australia Zoo is part of a regional co-operative programme, working with other zoos in Australasia to maximise breeding potential and genetic diversity of the southern white rhino. We've had success with the birth of rhino Savannah in 2011 and there's another baby rhino due in April 2013!
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors is working closely with a select group of conservation programs across Africa to protect endangered species. Funds donated by Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors currently go towards direct protection and security operations of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa. For more information check out our conservation projects.
29 April 2013
Spreading the message
For all our lives, my brother Zach and I have loved wildlife and wild places. Since before either of us can remember we were surrounded by everything relating to wildlife including many books, wall posters, and videos on animals. Once we were old enough to understand what conservation was, we became passionate about spreading the message to everyone we met about the importance of preserving our planet's amazing animals. Our goal became making the world a better place for wildlife.
Hurrah for a hero
We were six when we first saw Steve Irwin on television in the United States. Within the first five minutes, he became our absolute hero. Everything that he was about, we loved. He was Australian, he surfed, he rescued wildlife in distress, and he caught the world's most venomous snakes and biggest crocs. How could you get any better than this? From then on, we were positive that working with crocodiles and snakes was exactly what we were meant to do.
Worldwide warriors
Since then, Zach and I have worked with wildlife all over the world. We rehabilitated injured monkeys in Guatemala, rescued crocodiles in Costa Rica, helped with stranded turtles in Uruguay, caught snakes in Swaziland, cared for lions in South Africa, and volunteered at the Australia Zoo! While our goal is still to work with crocodiles and snakes primarily, if Steve has taught us anything, it is that becoming a Wildlife Warrior means being there for wildlife when it needs you the most.
While the original plan was to work with crocodiles and snakes in Costa Rica... every single day, Zach and I would hear about another rhino being killed. Eventually, we decided to take action; we had to do something. To us, this meant combating the poaching crisis that was driving these amazing animals to extinction.
Positive action
The Cooney twins have trained to become part of the counter-poaching program at SanWild, owned and founded by Louise Joubert. Set on 14,826 acres, SanWild offers injured wildlife a safe haven because it is also home to one of Africa's most formidable counter-poaching teams. Morgan says Louise, one of Africa's most dedicated wildlife conservationists "is by every definition, a Wildlife Warrior". The anti-poaching teams put everything on the line to help the animals they love. "We wanted to do the same," says Morgan.
Rhino deaths in South Africa as a direct result of poaching:
- 2007 - 13
- 2008 - 83
- 2009 - 122
- 2010 - 333
- 2011 - 448 (19 were critically endangered black rhino)
- 2012 - to 1 October 455 animals; estimated loss by year end in excess of 1200 animals inclusive of natural mortalities and those hunted legally by trophy hunters.
Australia Zoo's efforts
Australia Zoo is part of a regional co-operative programme, working with other zoos in Australasia to maximise breeding potential and genetic diversity of the southern white rhino. We've had success with the birth of rhino Savannah in 2011 and there's another baby rhino due in April 2013!
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors is working closely with a select group of conservation programs across Africa to protect endangered species. Funds donated by Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors currently go towards direct protection and security operations of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa. For more information check out our conservation projects.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
DNR Advises Leaving Wildlife In The Wild...
SPORTS/OUTDOORS ARTICLE IN THE CEDAR SPRINGS POST- MICHIGAN.
It happens every Spring, Someone finds an "abandoned" fawn and takes it upon themselves to "rescue" it.
The Department of Natural REsources Wildlife Division staff has a word of advice: Don't.
"When young fawns are born, they're not very mobile and don't appear to have much scent to them so their best defense is to just stay still, on their own, apart from their mother," explained Brent Rudolph, the deer and elk program leader for the DNR.
"Predators can't track them down by following mom around, so she stays away and the fawns stay alone- that's their best defense during their first few days of life."
For the most part, does know exctly where their fawns are, " Sometimes what mom sees as a safe place to stash a fawn is a flower bed at the edge of the house or maybe underneath a deck," Rudolph said. " So people think 'That's a weird place for a fawn--it must be an orphan." Generally they're not orphaned. Through those first few weeks, mom will feed them, clean them, check up on them, and then take off again so she's not drawing attention to them.
So we encourage people to let them be."
There are times --say, you find a dead doe by the side of the road with a nearby fawn--when fawns have been orphaned.
Remember it is illegal to take them into your home. Call a licensed rehabilitator If you feel the need. For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators,
Visit www.michigan dnr.com/dlr/.
The same advice applies to other animals as well. Though many young animals are adorable as babies, raccoons, for instance, they grow up to be less adorable as adults.
Acoording to DNR wildlife biologist Erin Victory, wild animals do not make good pets and once habituated to humans, they generally do not do well when returned to the wild. They also pose the possibility of bringing disease or parasites that could affect you or your pets into your home.
Raccoons, for example, are not only potentially rabid, but they can carry canine distemper, not to mention round worms, fleas and mange.
"Please resist the urge to try to help seemingly abandoned fawns or other animal babies this spring," Victory said, " We appreciate the good intentions of if you want to get more enjoyment of your yard, you can consider creating attractive outdoor spaces that are both easy to take care of and agood for the environment.
American homeowners are increasingly drawn to adding outdoor rooms for entertaining and recreation on their properties.
That's what the most recent REsidential Landscape Artchitecture Trends survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects discovered.
The survey results also show demand for both sustainable and low-maintenance design.
Landscape architects who specialize in residential design were asked to rate the exoected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements.
The category of outdoor living spaces, defined as kitchens and entertainment spaces, received a 94.5 percent rating as somewhat or very popular, Ninety-seven percent of respondents rated fire pits and fireplaces as somewhat or very in demand, followed by grills, seating and dining areas , and lighting.
Decorative water elements--including waterfalls, ornamental pools and splash pools --were predicted to be in demand for home landscapes. Spas and pools are also popular.
Terraces, patios and decks are also high on people's lists.
Americans prefer pracical yet striking design elements for their gardens including low-maintenance landscapes and native plants.
In addition, more people are opting for food and vegetable gardens, including orchards and vineyards.
Good to know:
If you're thinking of joining them, a few food-growing facts and hints may help:
-Food gardens can be easy,rewarding and sustainable. For starters, you can use fallen leaves in autumn and grass clipping in Spring and Summer as mulch and weed suppressant.
- Perennial plants can be low maintenance-- they come back every year without replanting. Some great examples include asparagusm blueberries, blackberries and rhubarb
- Herbs can make for an especially sustainable food garden, as many prefer hot and dry areas pf upir yard, with chives, sage and tarragon returning every year.
LEARN MORE:
Additional information on the survey and on residential landscape architecture in general can be found at www.asla.org/residentialinfo and (888) 999-2752.
Credit goes to: The Cedar Springs Post
@SarikaAshley
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Cigarette Butts Litter Waterways, Creating Toxic Aquatic Ecosystems
Cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic which is technically biodegradable. However, cigarette butts only degrade under conditions described by researchers as "severe biological circumstances," such as when filters end up in sewage. Even under optimal conditions, it can take at least 9 months for a butt to degrade.
And even though these filters are only an inch long, with over 360 billion cigarettes being consumed in the United States (according to a 2007 estimate), cigarette remnants are bound to end up in our natural environments and public spaces.
A new survey conducted by Legacy, an organization committed to public education of tobacco products, evaluates Americans' attitudes on the issue, their own littering behaviors, and whether survey respondents consider cigarette butts to be an environmental concern.
Some of the key findings include:
- More than 88 percent of Americans surveyed think that cigarette butts are an environmental concern, however, more than 44 percent of those polled who had ever smoked admit to having dropped a cigarette on the ground and nearly 32 percent have dropped a cigarette out of a car window.
- Over the prior 30 days, Americans surveyed reported seeing cigarette butts on sidewalks (80.1 percent), in parks (32.1 percent), on playgrounds (16.6 percent) and on beaches (15.7 percent).
- While more than 93 percent of those surveyed agree that dropping a cigarette butt on the ground is a form of littering, many smokers still litter them.
Cigarette butts are in fact toxic waste. Not only are these small stubs an eyesore, but they can also leach toxic chemicals and carcinogens into the environment, poisoning wildlife and contaminating waterways. Environmental cleanup reports also find that cigarette butts are the No. 1 littered item found on beaches and waterways worldwide.
Data from the Ocean Conservancy shows that in 2010, over one million cigarettes or cigarette filters were removed from American beaches and inland waterways as part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). This represents about 31% of the total debris items collected and by far the most prevalent item found.
As studies start to show how the toxicity of cigarette butts in aquatic ecosystems affect wildlife, more actions will need to be taken by municipalities and government organizations in order to prevent cigarette littering in their parks and beaches.
For more information, visit Legacy.
Article posted on : http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/45874
The Majestic Cheetah could be extinct by 2030! ...NONONONO
The cheetah survived mass extinction
10,000 years ago, but now they may have to do it again!
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The majestic cheetah survived mass extinction 10,000 years ago. But the athletic big cat, famous for being the world's fastest sprinter, may now face it again.
Experts have warned that the cheetah, which is already on the endangered species list, is losing its natural habitat fast and does not adapt well to living in wildlife reserves. It's possible it could disappear by 2030, they said.
"Cheetahs don't do well in protected wildlife reserves due to increased competition from other larger predators, such as lions and hyenas, which thrive in protected areas," Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia told Agence France-Presse.
"Most protected areas are unable to maintain viable cheetah populations," she added.
NGO Panthera said that cheetahs have disappeared from 77 percent of their original African habitat. The wildlife organization claimed that if no special measures are taken, cheetahs may disappear by 2030.
Marker, of the fund in Namibia, said human development is the major threat against the cats. "The main limitation to the survival of the species in the wild is reduction and fragmentation of habitat as well as human wildlife conflict."
The cheetah population — originally spread throughout Africa, the Middle East and several Asian countries — was at around 100,000 in the early 20th century, but now sits at just 10,000.
In southern Africa, most cheetahs live outside of protected reserves where they sometimes prey on livestock at farms, and as a result face being shot or poisoned by angry farmers. Outside the African wild, a small population of the big cats living in Iran is critically endangered.
One effort to protect cheetahs involves placing Anatolian shepherd dogs on farms. The dogs, a Turkish breed renowned for their ability to guard livestock, help farmers by protecting their herds from predators. As result, the cheetahs are no longer targets.
Erin Conway-Smith contributed to this report from Johannesburg.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/science/wildlife-news/130424/cheetah-could-be-extinct-2030
10,000 years ago, but now they may have to do it again!
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The majestic cheetah survived mass extinction 10,000 years ago. But the athletic big cat, famous for being the world's fastest sprinter, may now face it again.
Experts have warned that the cheetah, which is already on the endangered species list, is losing its natural habitat fast and does not adapt well to living in wildlife reserves. It's possible it could disappear by 2030, they said.
"Cheetahs don't do well in protected wildlife reserves due to increased competition from other larger predators, such as lions and hyenas, which thrive in protected areas," Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia told Agence France-Presse.
"Most protected areas are unable to maintain viable cheetah populations," she added.
NGO Panthera said that cheetahs have disappeared from 77 percent of their original African habitat. The wildlife organization claimed that if no special measures are taken, cheetahs may disappear by 2030.
Marker, of the fund in Namibia, said human development is the major threat against the cats. "The main limitation to the survival of the species in the wild is reduction and fragmentation of habitat as well as human wildlife conflict."
The cheetah population — originally spread throughout Africa, the Middle East and several Asian countries — was at around 100,000 in the early 20th century, but now sits at just 10,000.
In southern Africa, most cheetahs live outside of protected reserves where they sometimes prey on livestock at farms, and as a result face being shot or poisoned by angry farmers. Outside the African wild, a small population of the big cats living in Iran is critically endangered.
One effort to protect cheetahs involves placing Anatolian shepherd dogs on farms. The dogs, a Turkish breed renowned for their ability to guard livestock, help farmers by protecting their herds from predators. As result, the cheetahs are no longer targets.
Erin Conway-Smith contributed to this report from Johannesburg.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/science/wildlife-news/130424/cheetah-could-be-extinct-2030
Michigan Bill trying to pass NOT good for Wolves safety or Wildlife!
Introduced on April 9 by state Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, Senate Bill 288 seeks to allow unelected members of the Natural Resources Commission — and not the voters of Michigan — to determine whether wolves and other animals should be hunted and trapped for trophies after decades of protection. This is an egregious attack not only on Michigan wildlife but also on the fundamental rights of Michigan voters.
As important as the wolf issue is, this debate has now spiraled into one even greater. No longer is this just about wildlife. This is now about voting rights. Do not let this blatant display of political bullying go by unnoticed. Call your representative now and urge him or her to oppose SB 288.
John Di Leonardo
Berkley
Beatrice M. Friedlander
Canton
As important as the wolf issue is, this debate has now spiraled into one even greater. No longer is this just about wildlife. This is now about voting rights. Do not let this blatant display of political bullying go by unnoticed. Call your representative now and urge him or her to oppose SB 288.
John Di Leonardo
Berkley
Bill tries to go around petition drive
Why would legislators voluntarily give up authority? Under current law, only the Legislature can add an animal to the list of species to be hunted. Senate Bill 288 would give seven unelected members of the Natural Resources Commission that same right to designate animals as game species. Proponents claim that, if the bill passes, the decision of which animals are hunted would be based on only “sound science” and not on politics. Is it just a coincidence that this bill was introduced less than two weeks after the Keep Wolves Protected campaign, a coalition of Michigan citizens and organizations, turned in more than a quarter million signatures in a referendum to let voters decide whether to hunt wolves? If SB 288 is signed into law, public oversight of the process would be marginalized if not curtailed. This bill is bad for legislators, bad for people and, ultimately, bad for wildlife.Beatrice M. Friedlander
Canton
You're Never Too Young to Help! So Adorable !
Julie Traweek
Anyone can help to protect sea turtles, no matter how old--or young--you may be. Lena and Naomi, ages 6 and 4, love sea turtles and wanted to help, so they put together an art exhibition and took donations. Lena says:
"Mummy had the idea of making an art exhibition, and we did. Then Mummy printed out lots of invitations to our neighbours and other people. And lots of them came. We asked for a gold coin donation, and one person gave us $5! We got $44 altogether for the Sea Turtle Foundation. There was lots of paintings, some clay figures of dolphins, a horse mask, koalas and owls made from pom-poms (Naomi made the owls and I made the koalas), two melamine plates that we made, and a dress and necklace for a sea turtle."
Well done, Lena and Naomi! Their generous donation to the Sea Turtle Foundation helps us continue working in the field, responding to calls about sick turtles and getting them the help they need. We are very proud of them and we hope their passion for sea turtles and the marine environment spreads!
SEA TURTLE FOUNDATION ..www.seaturtlefoundation.org How you can help!
I love Sea Turtles they were born to survive, a mighty creature of the sea and I believe they can survive these hard times! We need to help preserve the oceans and see everything we can do to help these creatures though! They cannot ask for your help as a human could so we need to do it for them! Most of the problems happening are because of humans so I think they deserve us to think of them.
Help Me, Help Them!
READ these articles and please consider helping whether it's cleaning, not littering or donating, Consider all of your options! ....
www.seaturtlefoundation.org
Sea turtles have survived for millions of years, evolving many strategies for dealing with all forms of natural threats. They were so successful that early explorers reported on seas that teemed with sea turtles as far as the eye could see. Today this situation has radically changed. Sea turtles have become so rare that a sighting is a cause of great excitement for those lucky enough to see them.
Simply put, there are 2 types of threats to sea turtles: natural and human.
Sea turtles have been swimming in the world’s oceans for over 120 million years. During that time they encountered many natural threats. Individual turtles still faced many dangers, but as a population they were incredibly successful.
Human impacts are the sole cause of all sea turtle species being listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. Take a look at the main threats:
 | Climate Change Although the full impact of climate change on sea turtle populations is difficult to measure, the effects of rising sea levels, growing storm activity and increased temperatures are grave. |  | Unsustainable Hunting Indigenous coastal communities have long hunted sea turtles for their meat, shells and eggs. |
 | Habitat Change Sea turtle nesting beaches and foraging grounds are critical to their survival. |  | Poor Water Quality Water pollution from coastal development, industrial waste and agriculture has already created a negative impact on sea turtles and their habitat. |
 | Boat Strikes With the rise of coastal communities and the popularity of boating, boat strikes have become a common cause of injury and death among sea turtles. |  | Feral Animal Predation Nest attacks by feral animals are a serious threat in Australia, with pigs, foxes and dogs digging up nests to eat turtle eggs. |
 | Marine Debris Marine debris refers to any piece of rubbish thrown, blown or dumped into the ocean. |  | Fishing Activities Discarded fishing gear, unattended nets and crab pots, and commercial fishing practices can entangle and drown turtles. |
| Tourist Souvenirs Turtles are highly prized for jewelry and souvenirs, leading to some species being hunted just for their shells. |
Despite many populations of sea turtles facing an uncertain future, there is still time to act. Sea Turtle Foundation is at the forefront in the battle to halt the decline in sea turtle numbers. Some of the solutions require international government co-operation but some solutions are simple and easy. Click on the link to see some of the solutions that you can do to make a difference.
CLIMATE CHANGE:
The full extent to which climate change could affect sea turtles is currently unknown. However there is potential for climate change to have serious impacts on all turtle species through rising sea levels, increased storm activity and temperature rises.
Rising sea levels and increased storm activity will lead to the erosion and inundation of nesting beaches. Particularly at risk are low-lying sand islands. These nesting habitats are important to sea turtles as their remoteness often means they provide safe nesting sites away from feral animals that dig up nests to eat eggs. Sea turtles have already lost much of their mainland nesting habitats to coastal developments.
Increased temperatures could lead to skewed sex ratios. Hatchling gender is dependant on nest temperatures with lower nest temperatures resulting in mainly males and higher temperatures resulting in females. Additionally eggs can fail to hatch altogether if temperatures become too hot.
Turtles have survived climate changes in the past. However the difference now is that human-induced climate change may happen too fast for evolutionary changes for turtles, their foods and all the organisms they are connected to, to keep up. Additionally as a result of an overwhelming range of other human threats, the resilience of sea turtles has been greatly reduced leaving them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Sea Turtle Foundation is researching the impacts of climate change on hawksbill turtles on Milman Island, northern Great Barrier Reef (Australia). Read more about this research here.
Download Myrtle’s Battle Against Climate Change here. This children’s book is based on the findings of Dr. Mariana Fuentes.
FISHING ACTIVITIES:
Commercial and recreational fishing cause the death of many sea turtles.
Sea turtles drown after getting entangled in fishing nets and fishing line. They take the bait used by long-line fisheries and drown while being dragged behind fishing boats.
Sea turtles become entangled in ‘ghost nets’: fishing nets that are discarded or accidentally washed overboard at sea. Ghost nets drift with currents and continue to fish, and kill many animals including sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, whales and fish, for many years. Ghost nets have been found in northern Queensland (Australia) that are 4 kilometres long and 12 metres deep.
Trawling fisheries have been responsible for the deaths of many thousands of sea turtles. They are part of what is called ‘by-catch’, the part of a catch that is not the targeted species the trawl is fishing for. By-catch is usually thrown overboard once the catch has been sorted. This most destructive of fishing practices can have a by-catch of 90%. Changes to legislation requires commercial trawlers on the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) to include Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), which have reduced the by-catch of sea turtles. However, TEDs are not required in many places around the world.
Shark control programs that use baited hooks or nets also cause turtle deaths by snagging and entanglement.
SOUVENEIRS:
Jewellery made from sea turtle shell
In many countries souvenirs made from sea turtle shells and skins are readily available for tourists to buy. ‘Tortoise shell’ or ‘Bekko’ items are traditional handicrafts and highly prized in Japan. Complete sea turtle shells and stuffed sea turtles are commonly found on market stalls and in shops in many popular tourist destinations.
The possession or purchase of products made from sea turtle parts is illegal in countries that are signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). All sea turtle species are listed under the convention. Australia became a signatory to CITES in 1976 and joined around 150 other countries that have signed CITES. Persons attempting to bring products made from sea turtle parts into Australia face heavy penalties when caught.
DEBRIS:
Marine debris consists of any piece of rubbish thrown, blown or dumped into the ocean. Items of rubbish dropped on streets and parks many kilometres from the shore will end up in the ocean by moving down stormwater drains into creeks, streams and rivers.
Most plastics are designed to last almost indefinitely, but most plastic packaging, bottles, containers and bags are used once and then thrown away.
Globally about 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles, and 1 million sea birds die every year from ingesting or becoming entangled in marine debris.
Photo: Neil Mattocks
Plastics are the worst offenders. Most plastics do not biodegrade, they photodegrade, which means that they never entirely decompose, they just break down into smaller pieces that are more easily mistaken for food. Because of the long periods of time required to break down, plastics become serial killers, killing many animals over many hundreds of years. It is estimated that in some parts of the oceans minute particles of plastic outnumber plankton by 4:1.
Plastic bags kill many sea turtles who mistake their pale colours and gently undulating form for the jellyfish that they feed on. Once ingested, plastics can choke the animal or, if it blocks the stomach, cause it to starve to death.
A look at the numbers reveals the extent of the problem. Australians use almost 4 billion plastic shopping bags – and drop 50 million of them as litter – every year. Additionally 1000s more are blown from landfill sites into waterways and the ocean.
Hatchlings have been found with small pieces of polystyrene in their stomachs, having mistaken them for food. Sea turtles also become entangled in larger discarded items such as tyres and plastic containers.
WAYS TO HELP!!!:
VOLUNTEERING:
Volunteering brings amazing experiences and all the time you are helping to protect sea turtles.Our volunteers gain valuable career experience, build networks in the conservation field and gain a useful referee. Please note: field volunteering opportunities, including nesting and population monitoring, are open to members only--click here to become a member!
You don’t have to patrol beaches at midnight to help – see below for current positions or contact us if you have other skills you would like to use to help turtles.
Updated March 2013
Casual Volunteer: Help clean up rubbish and collect data at beach clean-up events, staff our stall at community events, or volunteer in our office with administrative work. These opportunities are great for those who have heavy time commitments but would like to help out for a day when they can!
Education Officer: Reach the next generation of land users with a conservation message. Education officers go into schools and visit community groups to give interactive talks about sea turtles and the dangers facing them. Must have Blue Card and background in sea turtle biology.
School Talks Assistant: Gain experience with presenting to primary school children under the guidance of our Education officer. Must have Blue Card.
Educational Resource Development: Develop workshop materials such as workbooks and drawing sheets, or write lesson plans and presentations.
Graphic Designer: Give us a professional look or make our educational resources stand out!
Fund Raise: Sponsored swims, sausage sizzles, garage sales, school events – there are many ways you can help us raise funds to protect and conserve sea turtles.
Contact us to get involved or if you have an idea of your own you would like to try.
Make a Donation
Sea turtles are at risk of extinction. They drown in fishing gear, choke on marine debris, are hunted for meat and eggs and lose their nesting beaches to coastal developments.
With your donation we will complete research that identifies solutions, deliver education programs to remove threats, and campaign government and industry to ensure there are Turtles for Tomorrow.
Your donation is crucial to keeping our researchers in the field, our educators in the community and our campaigners at the negotiating table.
Please choose your preferred donation gateway, all online methods are through safe and secure providers. Donations over $2 from Australian residents are tax deductible.
PayPal
Use your PayPal account, or simply use your credit card if do not have a PayPal account (PayPal does not require you to open an account to use this facility). Australian residents can enter their address to receive a receipt for tax purposes.
Bank Transfer
Donate directly from your bank account to ours:Bank: St. George
Account name: Sea Turtle Foundation Ltd
BSB: 114879
Account No.: 068160019
Reference: Donation
Please contact us about your donation and include an address to receive your tax receipt.
Cheque or Money Order
Please forward your cheque or money order with a brief note including your address to receive your tax receipt to:Sea Turtle Foundation
PO Box 1190
Townsville
QLD 4810
Australia
In Person
Call us to donate by credit card or arrange to visit our office to make your donation in person +61 (07) 4721 2699.Thank you for donating to Sea Turtle Foundation.
Your generous donation will protect and conserve sea turtles.
& MORE AT WWW.SEATURTLEFOUNDATION.ORG HELP BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
April is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month!
April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month; and it's time to not only celebrate the victories made all over the world in regard to animal cruelty, but to also talk about what exactly animal cruelty is so that you can help fight the abuse in your community. Make sure you spread the word to people everywhere to raise awareness for the animals! Here are five steps you can take to making your community safer for animals.
1. Recognize the signs.
It is never okay to hit or physically abuse an animal. There are plenty of positive based techniques that can be used to handle behavior problems in pets. Other signs of cruelty are dirty, missing fur, flea/tick infested pets, injured, fearful or aggressive pets, repeatedly pregnant pets, emaciated/starving pets, or roaming pets. It is also cruel and illegal to leave pets chained or leave them in extreme weather conditions with no access shelter, food, or water. There is, however, a difference between neglect and cruelty. Some pets exhibiting these signs are being neglected, and unfortunately the owners will not be reprimanded. Education is important; so if you know someone neglecting their animal, try educating them in a non-confrontational way or even offering them some help with their pet.
2. Know who to contact.
Most communities have either an animal shelter or animal control agency with a humane law enforcement officer. Search for who is in charge of your area, and put their contact information in your phone. If you are unable to find the correct agency to contact, call or visit your local police department and ask for their help in enforcing the law.
3. Be proactive.
Without calls from concerned public, law enforcement would not be aware of animal cruelty issues in a community. Don't be indifferent to the cruelty. It is a crime, and those who do it need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Even if you are not 100% sure, it is better to be safe than sorry because the animals cannot speak for themselves. They need those who care to be their voice. Get involved in any way you can to bring a perpetrator to justice, whether it's providing a safe haven for an abused cat, or writing down details and taking pictures of a neglected or injured dog and contacting law enforcement .
4. Know your local and national laws.
Maybe you don't know that in Texas it is illegal to operate as a dog or cat breeder without a license or that in Massachusetts any form of animal abuse or cruelty is punishable by prison. Make sure you keep up to date on your current laws and the proposed laws that may need help through promoting them or making sure that they are not passed. The ASPCA and Michigan State University Law have teamed up to provide a great Database with quick access to the animal-related laws.
5. Talk to kids about treating animals with respect.
Children are sponges. Make sure you talk to your kids about how to properly treat an animal. If you are a teacher, incorporate it into your lessons. In order to make this world a better place, we need to continue to educate. Some kids live in households where their pets are being abused or neglected. Let them know it's okay to help and get them on the right path of caring and understanding that animals are living, breathing, feeling creatures who need to be taken care of.
Visit : www.isfoundation.org
1. Recognize the signs.
It is never okay to hit or physically abuse an animal. There are plenty of positive based techniques that can be used to handle behavior problems in pets. Other signs of cruelty are dirty, missing fur, flea/tick infested pets, injured, fearful or aggressive pets, repeatedly pregnant pets, emaciated/starving pets, or roaming pets. It is also cruel and illegal to leave pets chained or leave them in extreme weather conditions with no access shelter, food, or water. There is, however, a difference between neglect and cruelty. Some pets exhibiting these signs are being neglected, and unfortunately the owners will not be reprimanded. Education is important; so if you know someone neglecting their animal, try educating them in a non-confrontational way or even offering them some help with their pet.
2. Know who to contact.
Most communities have either an animal shelter or animal control agency with a humane law enforcement officer. Search for who is in charge of your area, and put their contact information in your phone. If you are unable to find the correct agency to contact, call or visit your local police department and ask for their help in enforcing the law.
3. Be proactive.
Without calls from concerned public, law enforcement would not be aware of animal cruelty issues in a community. Don't be indifferent to the cruelty. It is a crime, and those who do it need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Even if you are not 100% sure, it is better to be safe than sorry because the animals cannot speak for themselves. They need those who care to be their voice. Get involved in any way you can to bring a perpetrator to justice, whether it's providing a safe haven for an abused cat, or writing down details and taking pictures of a neglected or injured dog and contacting law enforcement .
4. Know your local and national laws.
Maybe you don't know that in Texas it is illegal to operate as a dog or cat breeder without a license or that in Massachusetts any form of animal abuse or cruelty is punishable by prison. Make sure you keep up to date on your current laws and the proposed laws that may need help through promoting them or making sure that they are not passed. The ASPCA and Michigan State University Law have teamed up to provide a great Database with quick access to the animal-related laws.
5. Talk to kids about treating animals with respect.
Children are sponges. Make sure you talk to your kids about how to properly treat an animal. If you are a teacher, incorporate it into your lessons. In order to make this world a better place, we need to continue to educate. Some kids live in households where their pets are being abused or neglected. Let them know it's okay to help and get them on the right path of caring and understanding that animals are living, breathing, feeling creatures who need to be taken care of.
Visit : www.isfoundation.org
HELP ISF build their NEW Animal Sanctuary! ..ways to help
ISF Animal Sanctuary!
Yep--you heard right. We want to open an Animal Sanctuary! While we have tremendous love for all the existing animal sanctuaries, we are aiming for something a little different. ISF intends on creating a safe haven for all the outcast animals that have been neglected, mistreated and ultimately misunderstood. Some may see the potential in an abused animal as ending at the animal's personal rehabilitation. In our eyes, this is just the beginning. What if ISF provided opportunities for these misfits creatures to continue their emotional journey alongside others who were hurting from a life filled with dejection?
Through the art of compassion, the continuously devastating issue of bullying in our country could be approached in an intensely impactful manner that encourages healthy relationships. We know in our hearts that animals and bullies share common emotional baggage. For example, an abused and neglected pitbull has the power to transform a school bully into a compassionate leader with a shift in benevolent consciousness. While both the dog and the bully are refused the opportunity to demonstrate their true potential within their daily lives, a healing and educational journey side by side has the power to manifest massive changes in perspective. We will bring the bruised together as a family to learn just how unique--and just very the same--we all are...and how if we unite...we are NOT the outcast, we ARE the UNSTOPPABLE. We believe in the understanding that all living creatures deserve dignity, love, compassion and the right to life. If you support this understanding as well, and you see the potential in bringing together kids and bullies into an environment where their hearts can grow and flourish, we need your support to make this happen. Please help us create the funds necessary to establish this haven. We plan to responsibly raise 5 million dollars towards this goal--we promise to keep you informed on the amount we raise.
Let's be the fit for the misfits!
ONE TIME DONATIONS
RECURRING DONATIONS
Mail to:
Ian Somerhalder Foundation
Animal Sanctuary
PO BOX 1760
Santa Monica, CA 90406
Through the art of compassion, the continuously devastating issue of bullying in our country could be approached in an intensely impactful manner that encourages healthy relationships. We know in our hearts that animals and bullies share common emotional baggage. For example, an abused and neglected pitbull has the power to transform a school bully into a compassionate leader with a shift in benevolent consciousness. While both the dog and the bully are refused the opportunity to demonstrate their true potential within their daily lives, a healing and educational journey side by side has the power to manifest massive changes in perspective. We will bring the bruised together as a family to learn just how unique--and just very the same--we all are...and how if we unite...we are NOT the outcast, we ARE the UNSTOPPABLE. We believe in the understanding that all living creatures deserve dignity, love, compassion and the right to life. If you support this understanding as well, and you see the potential in bringing together kids and bullies into an environment where their hearts can grow and flourish, we need your support to make this happen. Please help us create the funds necessary to establish this haven. We plan to responsibly raise 5 million dollars towards this goal--we promise to keep you informed on the amount we raise.
Let's be the fit for the misfits!
Credit Card/PayPal
ONE TIME DONATIONS
RECURRING DONATIONS
Check
Please make your contribution payable to: Ian Somerhalder FoundationMail to:
Ian Somerhalder Foundation
Animal Sanctuary
PO BOX 1760
Santa Monica, CA 90406
"ISF reserves the right to use gifts as deemed appropriate and any funds received over and above the budget of a solicited purpose will be put into the general fund."
Visit www.isfoundation.org for more information and updates from Ian Somerhalder!
APRIL 17,2013 - SEABIRDS AFFECTED BY SECOND WAVE OF STICKY POLLUTION 'could number thousands'
Seabirds affected by second wave of sticky pollution 'could number thousands'
Wildlife agencies warn that the numbers of birds affected could be far greater than those harmed earlier this year
A dead guillemot on Wembury beach, Devon. Wildlife agencies in Devon and Cornwall said numbers of birds killed or rendered helpless could reach 'thousands'. Photograph: Teresa Naylor/PA
The numbers of seabirds affected by a sticky substance in the sea off south-west England over the past week could be far greater than those harmed by a similar – or possibly the same – spill earlier this year.
Wildlife agencies in Devon and Cornwall said numbers of birds killed or rendered helpless could reach "thousands" and that "a whole generation of seabirds" may have been wiped out in a single pollution incident.
Dead and distressed birds have been washing up along beaches in Devon and Cornwall since the middle of last week, covered in a sticky substance that has been confirmed as polyisobutylene, also known as PIB or polyisobutene, an oil additive often used to improve the performance of lubricating oil and in products ranging from adhesives to sealants and chewing gum. Affected species include razorbill, puffin and gannets, but predominantly guillemots.
The Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) said that more than 400 seabirds have already washed ashore on Cornish beaches, from Whitsand Bay to Falmouth. Abby Crosby, marine conservation officer for the trust, which also coordinates the Marine Stranding Network, said: "Over a 24-hour period yesterday, the public reported 130 birds in one stretch small of the south-east coast, plus 140 on just one other beach itself. That's 270 birds in 24 hours in one tiny stretch of coast between Portwrinkle and Seaton. It's tragic, it's horrific."
Richard White, senior marine officer for the Devon Wildlife Trust, said the trust was still trying to get a full picture of the numbers and was asking volunteers to count the dead birds they found.
"The numbers we do know about are quite concerning. We had reports of 50 dead birds along one relatively short stretch of beach near Wembury but we could be looking at thousands along the whole south Devon and Cornwall coast. This seems bigger to us than the January-February spill in terms of birds coming ashore – there are very few live birds coming ashore now."
A guillemot covered in a transparent substance is seen struggling ashore. Photograph: Richard Austin/Rex Features The deaths come less than three months after PIB was found to have affected more than 500 birds between 29 January and 6 February this year along a 200-mile stretch of coastline from Sussex to Cornwall. It is thought that the pollutant could even be from the same ship, affecting the coast once more due to a change in wind direction or tidal patterns.
While the exact source of this pollution is unknown, it is thought to have been flushed into the sea during cleaning of a ship's tanks or flushing of ballast water. Although PIB is considered to present a hazard to the marine environment, is it legal to discharge it in certain quantities into the sea under certain circumstances.
Steve Rowland, professor of organic geochemistry from the centre for chemical sciences at Plymouth University, confirmed today that samples he had tested showed that the birds had been affected by PIB. "Whether this is the original spill washing around I don't know but the substance seems to be the same as the January-February spill. There has been a change in wind direction and maybe this is the same material."
PIB is extremely hazardous to seabirds, who dive underwater to feed and become covered in the sticky substance. This leads to immobilisation, hyperthermia, starvation and eventually death.
"PIB is very adhesive and appears as transparent on the birds, but all the debris on the beach and surf collects on them so they look quite coated," said Peter Venn, centre manager for RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton, Somerset, where surviving birds are being brought for treatment. "Their feathers become completely matted so they lose their ability to fly and to retain heat. Some of the birds that have been coming in have been quite poorly and what we've seen from both spills is inflammation and burns and lesions on their legs."
Wildlife agencies said the priority now was to try to get an accurate picture of the number of birds that have died so that conservation agencies can make a strong case for a change to the maritime law that governs polluting substances.
"It's really important for us to gather this data to ensure we have a clear picture of the scale of this incident so we can take it forward and ensure this never happens again," Crosby said.
Joan Edwards, the head of living seas at the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, wrote in a blog on Wednesday: "What we need to do is to put firm controls in place that minimise the chance of any release into the marine environment and – in the case of deliberate release – allow culprits to be tracked and punished. In these days of financial constraints it will be argued that these controls will be too expensive, and will put an unnecessary burden on business. But the cost of doing nothing may well be greater."
White said that a single pollution incident can affect a "huge proportion" of a particular breeding colony. "It's more than likely that there was a raft of guillemots, which float out at sea in large numbers just before they come back to their breeding colony, that have been caught up. Even a relatively small slick can affect a colony as they congregate in such big numbers."
Staff at the RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton, Somerset, clean a guillemot using margarine. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Venn has admitted 200 birds to the centre in a week, which have been mostly adults with breeding plumage. He said 189 of these have been guillemots, along with razorbills, gannets, Arctic skua and fulmar.
The birds are cleaned first with margarine or vegetable oil, which acts as a solvent on the PIB, then washed twice and dried in a warm room. They are rehydrated and treated with antibiotics, and will stay in pools at the rehabilitation centre for 12-14 days until they are waterproof, buoyant and comfortable, before being released at sites along the coast.
"Large numbers of animals being washed ashore is always a concern and takes its toll emotionally," Venn said. "But it's distressing to see large numbers of animals affected by something that might have been avoided."
Prof Rowland, who is being funded by the European Research Council on a five-year project to look at pollutants broadly of this type, said the last known PIB pollution case was near Liverpool in 1994.
"PIB is actually a range of substances. In one form it can be slightly yellow – in another form it is colourless and thick like glue. As the molecules get bigger it eventually takes a solid form. The intermediate tacky colourless substances seem to be what we are dealing with on the birds so far, and these are used as additives to lubricant oils."
Prof Rowland said some birds were also found to be covered in a white substance. "This suggests that either there is additional material or the PIB material has changed in form."
The government's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is investigating the extent and source of the spill, said it would be difficult to trace as PIB is a fairly common chemical carried aboard ships, and produced in a large numbers of countries. It was unable to link the January-February spill to a particular time or vessel and was forced to close its investigation.
Spokeswoman Jo Rawlings said: "It's all speculation at the moment. We are going through same process again of trying to trace it and seeing if we can pinpoint it to a certain ship or time."
Under international shipping regulations, chemical tankers are permitted to discharge at sea any residue remaining after unloading their cargo as long as they are travelling at a certain speed, discharging below the waterline and at a distance of "less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land in a depth of water of not less than 25 metres."
White said: "At the moment it's perfectly legal to dump PIB. We don't know whether this was legally or illegally released - but whatever the situation, it shouldn't be released into the marine environment when it causes this much devastation."
• Anyone finding a stranded live seabird is advised to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. The charity advised the public not to attempt to wash the birds and warned dog walkers to keep their pets away from the pollution.
• The Cornwall Wildlife Trust has today called on members of the public to record the numbers of dead birds being washed up on the coastline in an effort to understand the full extent of the pollution. The 24-hour Marine Stranding Network hotline can be reached on 0845 201 2626.
Affected species include razorbill, puffin and gannets, but predominantly guillemots. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Wildlife agencies in Devon and Cornwall said numbers of birds killed or rendered helpless could reach "thousands" and that "a whole generation of seabirds" may have been wiped out in a single pollution incident.
Dead and distressed birds have been washing up along beaches in Devon and Cornwall since the middle of last week, covered in a sticky substance that has been confirmed as polyisobutylene, also known as PIB or polyisobutene, an oil additive often used to improve the performance of lubricating oil and in products ranging from adhesives to sealants and chewing gum. Affected species include razorbill, puffin and gannets, but predominantly guillemots.
The Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) said that more than 400 seabirds have already washed ashore on Cornish beaches, from Whitsand Bay to Falmouth. Abby Crosby, marine conservation officer for the trust, which also coordinates the Marine Stranding Network, said: "Over a 24-hour period yesterday, the public reported 130 birds in one stretch small of the south-east coast, plus 140 on just one other beach itself. That's 270 birds in 24 hours in one tiny stretch of coast between Portwrinkle and Seaton. It's tragic, it's horrific."
Richard White, senior marine officer for the Devon Wildlife Trust, said the trust was still trying to get a full picture of the numbers and was asking volunteers to count the dead birds they found.
"The numbers we do know about are quite concerning. We had reports of 50 dead birds along one relatively short stretch of beach near Wembury but we could be looking at thousands along the whole south Devon and Cornwall coast. This seems bigger to us than the January-February spill in terms of birds coming ashore – there are very few live birds coming ashore now."
A guillemot covered in a transparent substance is seen struggling ashore. Photograph: Richard Austin/Rex Features The deaths come less than three months after PIB was found to have affected more than 500 birds between 29 January and 6 February this year along a 200-mile stretch of coastline from Sussex to Cornwall. It is thought that the pollutant could even be from the same ship, affecting the coast once more due to a change in wind direction or tidal patterns.While the exact source of this pollution is unknown, it is thought to have been flushed into the sea during cleaning of a ship's tanks or flushing of ballast water. Although PIB is considered to present a hazard to the marine environment, is it legal to discharge it in certain quantities into the sea under certain circumstances.
Steve Rowland, professor of organic geochemistry from the centre for chemical sciences at Plymouth University, confirmed today that samples he had tested showed that the birds had been affected by PIB. "Whether this is the original spill washing around I don't know but the substance seems to be the same as the January-February spill. There has been a change in wind direction and maybe this is the same material."
PIB is extremely hazardous to seabirds, who dive underwater to feed and become covered in the sticky substance. This leads to immobilisation, hyperthermia, starvation and eventually death.
"PIB is very adhesive and appears as transparent on the birds, but all the debris on the beach and surf collects on them so they look quite coated," said Peter Venn, centre manager for RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton, Somerset, where surviving birds are being brought for treatment. "Their feathers become completely matted so they lose their ability to fly and to retain heat. Some of the birds that have been coming in have been quite poorly and what we've seen from both spills is inflammation and burns and lesions on their legs."
Wildlife agencies said the priority now was to try to get an accurate picture of the number of birds that have died so that conservation agencies can make a strong case for a change to the maritime law that governs polluting substances.
"It's really important for us to gather this data to ensure we have a clear picture of the scale of this incident so we can take it forward and ensure this never happens again," Crosby said.
Joan Edwards, the head of living seas at the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, wrote in a blog on Wednesday: "What we need to do is to put firm controls in place that minimise the chance of any release into the marine environment and – in the case of deliberate release – allow culprits to be tracked and punished. In these days of financial constraints it will be argued that these controls will be too expensive, and will put an unnecessary burden on business. But the cost of doing nothing may well be greater."
White said that a single pollution incident can affect a "huge proportion" of a particular breeding colony. "It's more than likely that there was a raft of guillemots, which float out at sea in large numbers just before they come back to their breeding colony, that have been caught up. Even a relatively small slick can affect a colony as they congregate in such big numbers."
Staff at the RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton, Somerset, clean a guillemot using margarine. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Venn has admitted 200 birds to the centre in a week, which have been mostly adults with breeding plumage. He said 189 of these have been guillemots, along with razorbills, gannets, Arctic skua and fulmar.The birds are cleaned first with margarine or vegetable oil, which acts as a solvent on the PIB, then washed twice and dried in a warm room. They are rehydrated and treated with antibiotics, and will stay in pools at the rehabilitation centre for 12-14 days until they are waterproof, buoyant and comfortable, before being released at sites along the coast.
"Large numbers of animals being washed ashore is always a concern and takes its toll emotionally," Venn said. "But it's distressing to see large numbers of animals affected by something that might have been avoided."
Prof Rowland, who is being funded by the European Research Council on a five-year project to look at pollutants broadly of this type, said the last known PIB pollution case was near Liverpool in 1994.
"PIB is actually a range of substances. In one form it can be slightly yellow – in another form it is colourless and thick like glue. As the molecules get bigger it eventually takes a solid form. The intermediate tacky colourless substances seem to be what we are dealing with on the birds so far, and these are used as additives to lubricant oils."
Prof Rowland said some birds were also found to be covered in a white substance. "This suggests that either there is additional material or the PIB material has changed in form."
The government's Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is investigating the extent and source of the spill, said it would be difficult to trace as PIB is a fairly common chemical carried aboard ships, and produced in a large numbers of countries. It was unable to link the January-February spill to a particular time or vessel and was forced to close its investigation.
Spokeswoman Jo Rawlings said: "It's all speculation at the moment. We are going through same process again of trying to trace it and seeing if we can pinpoint it to a certain ship or time."
Under international shipping regulations, chemical tankers are permitted to discharge at sea any residue remaining after unloading their cargo as long as they are travelling at a certain speed, discharging below the waterline and at a distance of "less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land in a depth of water of not less than 25 metres."
White said: "At the moment it's perfectly legal to dump PIB. We don't know whether this was legally or illegally released - but whatever the situation, it shouldn't be released into the marine environment when it causes this much devastation."
• Anyone finding a stranded live seabird is advised to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. The charity advised the public not to attempt to wash the birds and warned dog walkers to keep their pets away from the pollution.
• The Cornwall Wildlife Trust has today called on members of the public to record the numbers of dead birds being washed up on the coastline in an effort to understand the full extent of the pollution. The 24-hour Marine Stranding Network hotline can be reached on 0845 201 2626.
Affected species include razorbill, puffin and gannets, but predominantly guillemots. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images 
Desperate Officials launch program to save Florida Grasshopper Sparrow..
www.tampabay.com/news
In a desperate bid to save a nearly extinct species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that it is launching a captive breeding program for Florida's grasshopper sparrow.
If they do nothing, experts predict the sparrow will go extinct in three to five years, just like its cousin, the dusky seaside sparrow. The dusky disappeared from the Earth in 1987 when the last survivor died at Disney World.
If the Florida grasshopper sparrow vanishes, it would be the first bird species to go extinct in the United States since then, according to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
Biologists estimate that fewer than 200 of the tiny birds remain. State and federal biologists plan to spend the next three months hunting for sparrow eggs, hoping to collect up to 20 to take to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Loxahatchee. The eggs would be placed in incubators until they hatch.
Biologists hope any hatchlings will emerge in 11 to 13 days. They will receive round-the-clock care in hopes they will grow up and breed further in captivity. The cost of starting the program, estimated at $68,000, is being covered by grants, said Ken Warren, a spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The ultimate goal is to release some back into the wild, perhaps in two to three years, Williams said. But biologist Paul R. Reillo, president of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, said getting captive-raised birds ready for release could take a long time.
Florida grasshopper sparrows are about 5 inches long, with flat heads, short tails and black and gray feathers that help them hide their nests amid the low shrubs and saw palmetto of the state's grassy prairies.
They are generally heard more than seen, with a call that consists of two or three weak notes followed by an insectlike buzz —- hence their name. Biologists hope to follow the sound of their songs to track down their nests.
"We know it's going to be hard," Williams said. "They're small birds living in dense vegetation and they're secretive by nature."
The bird was first described in 1902 by U.S. Army surgeon Maj. Edgar A. Mearns, when their population was widespread across south-central Florida. By the 1970s, so many of the prairies that form their habitat had been ditched and drained and converted to pastures or sod production that the sparrow population plummeted.
They were added to the federal endangered species list in 1986, when an estimated 1,000 remained on public preserves at the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Osceola County, the Avon Park Air Force Range in Highlands and Polk counties and the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee County.
In the past decade, Williams said, state and federal biologists have worked hard to restore lost habitat and to guard against losing any. Yet the most recent bird counts found the population now remains only in Osceola and Okeechobee counties, and may number fewer than 200. So far, no one knows why.
One possibility, Williams said, is that each small colony of birds hit the point "where there might be many more males than there would be in a healthy population," which would hurt reproduction and cause a spiral toward extinction.
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