"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.."

Fowler Toad (Anaxyrus Fowleri)

Class: Amphibia

Order: Anura

Family: Bufonidae

Genus: Anaxyrus

Species: A. Fowleri

 The Fowler Toad is usually a brown, grey, olive green and rust red in color with darkened warty spots.. If the toad has a pale sripe on its back it is an adult .. Like the one shown above..
Their belly is whitish except for one dark spot which I was unable to get a picture of as I didn't want to disturb of cause any distress to this Amphibian ..
Toads are usually about 5 to 9 cm in length..

Reproduction:
When the male finds a mate the pair will initiate "amplexus" and up to 7,000 to 10,000 eggs will be fertilized.. They hatch within 2 to 7 days...

This toad has many predators that include species of Snakes, Birds and other small mammals.. It secretes a compound from the warts on its back that is distasteful to its predators and sometimes is lethal to small mammals who try to feast on this toad..
The toad is also known to play dead which I did not experience in my observation of this amphibian but as I said I tend to try to cause as little distress by only observing it or carefully locating it into an open container that I can observe it better in..

These toads love open woodlands, sand prairies , meadows and beaches but they definitely love back yards here in Michigan..
The adults of this species of Toad eats insects and other small terrestrial invertebrates, It will not eat earthworms, Unlike the American Toad the tadpoles of an Fowler Toad scrapes algae and bacterial mats from rocks and plants using the tooth like structures in its mouth..

This toad is at risk in locations of Ontario, Canada..

I have to say out of the many frogs and toads I've seen since I was little and playing in mud that I've observed this has to be the best one I've come across, It's spotting on its back created a perfect camoflauge in my backyard for this animal, It made it very hard for me to keep track of it while I kept track of observing the smaller, Fowler Toad that was not far behind to what I assumed would be its mother (pictured above)..
I also noticed when I had located into a large bucket we have in our backyard that this amphibian was a magnificent and determined climber, Its sticky toes clung onto the sides of the bucket and it eventually climbed its way out of the bucket..
Unfortunately the photographs of the smaller Fowler Toad did not turn out ...

Some information I studied off of Wikipedia and the others were my own observations...

Thank You for visiting Be Aware 4 Wildlife!

New Black Bear Michigan Education Program!

Black Bear education program - Michigan - Grades 6-8

My mom recently came across this article in our local newspaper so I thought I would share for parents who can suggest to the schools or teachers about having their children from grades 6-8 learn about A Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear throughout their entire 2014-15 school year!

As a child I was the type to go play in the mud, carry worms, save frogs, turtles and snakes and when I was given the chance to hold a baby bear I was right there waiting for my turn. Wildlife education is something we CANNOT give up on teaching children, whether schools teach them or not it is also our responsibility to make sure these animals and children have that feel of adventure as we did as kids...

Picture taken at Devos Place Hunting expo, Grand Rapids, MI by the Kenney Family

The article is listed below:

"The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division is offering a fun way for educators to integrate Michigan's unique flora and fauna into their curriculum while still meeting the required educational standards. Teachers and their students now have an opportunity to experience A Year in the Life of a Michigan black bear, general black bear biology behavior, and how the DNR manages and maintains a healthy black bear population. An educator guide with activities and video lessons will be provided. Classes also will have the chance to "follow" a black bear by using actual data points from a radio-collared bear to track it through its seasonal movements and see what a year in a bear's life is really like.
This program is free of charge and open to all interested educators of grades 6,7, and 8.
Classes will need access to a computer lab and the internet in order to see the mapping application to follow the bear.
Educators also will need access to the internet (YouTube) in their classrooms as well as a projector to make it easier for all students to see the video lessons.
Classrooms that participate in the program will be eligible to enter the Year in the Life of a Bear contest, where students can use what they learned to tell the story of a year in the life of a Michigan black bear. Students can choose to retell the actural journey of the bear they followed or get creative and use the information to interpret a typical bear's yearly activities. Contest winners will be awarded prizes, provided by the Michigan Bear Hunters Association and the DNR, for their classrooms.
Prizes are limited to one per school.

For more information and to sign up, please visit www.michigan.gov/wildlife and click on the "Education" button. Applications are due by Aug 1. in order to receive the materials for the upcoming school year."

Steve Irwin Nature Reserve Could have possible cure for Cancer!

Steve Irwin Nature Reserve may hold flora that can lead to the cure for Cancer! 

Terri Irwin explains in a recent interview to Onya Magazine how Steve Irwins Nature Reserve with its many acres of thousands of flora in Cape York could hold a cure for cancer.. It has been seven years since the passing of Steve Irwin but his legacy continues to live on through Wildlife Conservation through Australia Zoo, Nature Reserves and Wildlife Warriors around the globe who were inspired by his enthusiatic approach to teaching and educating others about how to preserve nature and wildlife...

Please continue to Onya Magazine to read the full interview of Terri and Bindi Irwin about the possibility of a cure for cancer and how Australia plans to protect the Steve Irwin Nature Reserve from mining forever! 

Daughter Bindi Irwin also has made countless appearances and has made a name for herself on television aswell like her father, This young lady works and lives everyday spreading the message her father spread about Wildlife Conservation. She is only 15 and is making such a huge impact with her family

“As I get older, I’d like to tackle bigger issues facing our world today, like human overpopulation and the non-consumptive use of wildlife. If we don’t stop talking about them, there will never be positive change.

Read more at http://www.showbizspy.com/article/265700/bindi-irwin-spreading-her-fathers-message.html#vfO5jSCqlyjh4QVM.99

The Irwin Legacy continues to live on through Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin please visit and help out any way you can at

Australia Zoo

"I believe that education is all about being excited about something, Seeing passion and

enthusiasm helps push an educational message."

-Steve Irwin 

New Species of River Dolphin discovered in the Amazon!

A team of scientists from the Federal University of Amazonas in Manaus, Brazil have discovered a new species of freshwater river dolphin in the Amazon, the BBC reports. The small group of dolphins was living in the Araguaian basin, where they were assumed to be Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) that had broken off from the larger population.
Not so, the scientists reported in the journal Plos One. DNA tests showed that the population of dolphins were genetically distinct from their dolphin cousins and that the species likely diverged more than two million years ago.
River dolphins are extremely rare, and the Araguaian Boto is the first new species to be discovered since 1918, when scientists found the Yangtze river dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) in China.
The Yangtze river dolphin became extinct in 2006, and the Araguaian Boto population faces its own threats. The scientists who discovered the new dolphin remembered that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classify the new species as "vulnerable."

 

Read more about the Yangtze river Dolphin at Globalpost

Facts & Threats of The Wolf: Help Save them from Future Extinction

Facts Of The Wolf:
www.defenders.org
BASIC FACTS ABOUT GRAY WOLVES

Gray Wolf © John Eastcott / National Geographic Stock

Diet

Wolves eat ungulates, or large hoofed mammals, like elk, deer, moose and caribou. Wolves are also known to eat beaver, rabbits and other small prey. Wolves are also scavengers and often eat animals that have died due to other causes like starvation and disease.

Population

There are an estimated 7,000 to 11,200 wolves in Alaska and more than 5,000 in the lower 48 states. Around the world there are an estimated 200,000 in 57 countries, compared to up to 2 million in earlier times.

Range

Wolves were once common throughout all of North America but were killed in most areas of the United States by the mid 1930s. Today their range has been reduced to Canada and the following portions of the United States: Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Mexican wolves are found in New Mexico and Arizona.

Thanks to the reintroduction of wolves in 1995, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most favored places to see and hear wolves in the native habitat.

Behavior

Wolves live, travel and hunt in packs of 4-7 animals on average. Packs include the mother and father wolves, called the alphas, their pups and several other subordinate or young animals. The alpha female and male are the pack leaders that track and hunt prey, choose den sites and establish the pack's territory. Wolves develop close relationships and strong social bonds. They often demonstrate deep affection for their family and may even sacrifice themselves to protect the family unit.

Wolves have a complex communication system ranging from barks and whines to growls and howls. While they don't howl at the moon, they do howl more when it's lighter at night, which occurs more often when the moon is full.

More on Gray Wolf: Threats to Wolves »
Height: 26-32 inches (.7-.8m) at the shoulder.
Length: 4.5-6.5 feet (1.4-2m) from nose to tip of tail.
Weight: 55-130 lbs (25-59 kg); Males are typically heavier and taller than the females.
Lifespan: 7-8 years in the wild, but some have lived 10 years or more.

Threats to Wolves

The most common cause of death for wolves is conflict with people over livestock losses. While wolf predation on livestock is fairly uncommon, wolves that do prey on them are often killed to protect the livestock. Defenders is working with livestock owners to develop non-lethal methods to reduce the chances of a wolf attacking livestock. These methods include fencing livestock, lighting, alarm systems and removing dead or dying livestock that may attract carnivores like wolves.

Overall, the greatest threat to wolves is people's fear and misunderstanding about the species. Many fairy tales and myths tend to misrepresent wolves as villainous, dangerous creatures.

Government is starting to attempt to pass laws on hunting and gasing wolf cubs, this is harming to the numbers of future wolf populations: killing the young, kills the species.

Reasons for Hope

Defenders and many other conservation organizations have been working tirelessly on wolf conservation in North America, from aerial hunting in Alaska to restoration efforts in the lower 48 States. Wolves are an integral part of an ecosystem as a top tier predator and Defenders will continue to make sure this iconic symbol of America always has a place here.

October-December, 2013 - The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service held several public hearings on their proposal to delist most gray wolves in the U.S. And at each one, Defenders was there in force.
The latest articles about wildlife issues that may be of interest to those in the press.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a truly landmark law that solidified our commitment to conserve our nation’s wildlife

Posted via Blogaway

Posted via Blogaway

Link to Animal news!

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

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.

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!

Rabbits

 

Week 8 Video footage last outdoor footage taken 5 of the 6 rabbits went off with the mother so we now are raising the one rabbit that was left in our backyard, We recently had to remove ticks from her ears they grew to be very large and we are hoping she survives after how much blood loss she went through, but she is growing and has now learned how to use a water bottle and spends most of the day eating dandelions and sleeping and she's awake all night and I'm turning into a night owl myself as many times as I wake up during the night to check on her, so we are happy that she is about 10 weeks old now :)

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!

WILD UPDATE!

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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

http://miwildlife.org/h-ponds.asp

http://miwildlife.org/h-streams.asp

http://miwildlife.org/forests.asp

http://miwildlife.org/rpa.asp

 

 

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.

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 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.

 

"I believe sustainable use is the greatest propaganda in wildlife conservation at the moment."

Steve Irwin

 

 

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!

Thank You! :)

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.

Rhino's! Great News Update from the Volunteers at Australia Zoo!

Steve inspires counter poachers
29 April 2013

Info Related to this News

Animals:
Southern White Rhinoceros

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:

• 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.

Sources: African Conservation Foundation, TRAFFIC
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.

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

Cigarette Butts Litter Waterways, Creating Toxic Aquatic Ecosystems

What would you say is the most littered item on US roadways? I think of two things: gum and cigarette butts. But let's focus on cigarettes for now.

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

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

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