Species at Risk - Haggard Earth

Details: Written by: Glenn and Rick; Category: Species at Risk; Hits: 11

Protection for Jaguars and Giant Anteaters in Argentina. A spectacular region of transitional moist and dry forests known as the Southern Andean Yungas stretches from the flanks of the Andes mountains in Argentina to the great Amazon basin to the east. The Yungas and Atlantic forests of Argentina are home to nearly half the biodiversity in the country. And yet, this region of Argentina has a shockingly low level of protection, with only around 8% safeguarded to date and half of the Yungas forests here already destroyed by logging, agriculture and development. Two large parks in this biodiversity hotspot provide a significant part of existing protection: Baritú National Park and Laguna Pintascayo Provincial Park. They shelter numerous threatened species like the Endangered Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Vulnerable Giant Anteater and Azaras’s Capuchin as well as endangered endemic frogs and freshwater fish. However, a critical gap in protection between these two parks has been identified. Rainforest Trust seeks $1,362,502 to support our partner Fundación Rewilding Argentina’s purchase of 11,990 acres of highly intact Yungas forest at a total cost of $2,300,000. This will protect this critical habitat from imminent logging and cattle ranching. This strategically located property has not been surveyed for its biodiversity to date, however it has been well preserved due to its inaccessibility —an old road is now impassable and it is only reached by boat. We must prevent the reopening of the road, and the area, to exploitation. Ultimately, the new reserve will complete a 229,538-acre core conservation area in the Yungas region. The proposed reserve is 95% primary forest and part of the largest continuous area of mountain forests in Argentina. Together with the contiguous forests of Bolivia, the entire ecosystem spans over seven million acres of critical habitat for threatened species.

PROTECT THE RUGGED YUNGAS ECOREGION AND ITS RARE SPECIES FROM EXPLOITATION There is an urgent need to protect the Yungas and, in particular, the Parque Baritú property from impending deforestation and the ecological degradation that will inevitably follow....READ ON https://www.rainforesttrust.org/app/uploads/2024/10/Argentina-Parque-Baritu-Safeguard-Critical-Gap-in-Protection-for-Jaguars-and-Giant-Otters-in-Argentina-Feb-2024-min.pdf

Details: Written by: Glenn and Rick; Category: Species at Risk; Hits: 41

Polar Bears.......The largest bear in the world and the Arctic’s top predator, polar bears are a powerful symbol of the strength and endurance of the Arctic. At least two thirds of the world’s polar bears live on Canadian territory, giving Canadians a special relationship with — and responsibility for — these bears. The polar bear’s Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear.” It is an apt name for this majestic species, which spends much of its life in, around, or on the ocean — predominantly on sea ice. As sea ice melts, more and more polar bears can be found resting along Arctic coastlines. It is in these areas where their powerful sense of smell attracts them to garbage, stored food, dog teams and animal carcasses — bringing them into greater conflict with Arctic people.Polar bears have large paws the size of dinner plates that evenly distribute their weight, so they don’t fall through the sea ice. Polar bears have three sets of eyelids; the third helps protect their eyes from the glare of snow and ice.

Why Are Polar Bears Important?.......Being at the top of the food web, polar bears can signal that there are problems in the Arctic marine ecosystem. They are likely to be among the most significantly affected species as the Arctic warms and sea ice melts. Over thousands of years, polar bears have also been an important part of the cultures and economies of Arctic peoples. Polar bears depend on sea ice for their existence and are directly impacted by climate change, serving as an important indicator species.

Threats......The polar bear’s future is inextricably linked to its sea-ice habitat. As climate change continues to reduce the thickness of sea ice, the future of polar bears and their habitat are at risk. Less ice means increased conflict with humans as bears spend more time on land seeking new sources of food.

The ice is the foundation of Arctic marine life, the ecosystem on which bears rely for every aspect of their lives. It is where they mate and raise their cubs. Sea ice is also an essential habitat for the polar bear’s primary food, ringed seals, as they pup and rest on the ice. Current knowledge shows that polar bears have some capacity to adjust to the warming Arctic, but the loss of sea-ice habitat may be happening too rapidly to allow for adaptation and there are no substitutes on land for the fat-rich seals on which the bears depend. Some of the best-studied polar bear populations are spending more time on land, like those in Manitoba, Ontario and southern Nunavut. Without sea ice and seals, polar bears are left to search for other food sources. This can lead them into communities, where garbage dumps, sled dog yards and human food storage offer easy pickings. Conflict between bears and people can follow......ed- it took millennia to evolve into magnificent creatures they are, but destined to be garbage collectors and maybe in the long run, even go extinct!

And a little bit of hope- What WWF-Canada is Doing. In Canada and across the Arctic, WWF supports polar bear studies that determine the number of bears, their health and the state of sea-ice habitat. This research includes satellite telemetry studies that help us understand their movements and habitat requirements. WWF is advocating for the protection of polar bear denning areas across the Arctic and working with Northern communities on effective polar bear co-management. Many Inuit believe that polar bears will adapt to a changing climate and have reported local increases in polar bear numbers in some areas of the Arctic. There is a need to use both Inuit knowledge and scientific information to plan for a healthy future for polar bears and people in the North. What is certain is that polar bears will face a difficult future without sea ice, which has been the foundation of their lives for hundreds of thousands of years. WWF is helping Northern communities live safely alongside the Arctic’s top predator. We work with communities to improve waste management, we fund training and salaries for locals to deter bears from villages and safeguard communities, and we raise awareness within communities on best practices for reducing conflict with polar bears. WWF’s efforts to protect the Last Ice Area, the area where sea ice will be most resilient, and what this will mean for polar bears.......read on https://wwf.ca/species/polar-bears/

Details: Written by: Glenn and Rick; Category: Species at Risk; Hits: 50

African leopard......Leopard Day: A spotty outlook for the spotted cat Mongabay.com 2 May 2026 Africa Leopards are the most widespread of the big cats, but their range across Asia and Africa is shrinking. In many places, so are their numbers.Recent Mongabay coverage of leopards (Panthera pardus) revealed a global trade in leopard trophies and body parts, but also more hopeful signs, such as leopards persisting on the edge of Bengaluru, one of India’s largest cities. For International Leopard Day on May 3, we look back at Mongabay’s reporting on leopards in three regions.

Researchers have estimated that Zambia’s Kafue National Park now has one of the highest leopard densities in Southern Africa, likely because of improved law enforcement, reported Mongabay contributor Ryan Truscott. However in West Africa, the situation is more dire. The West African leopard, a genetically distinct population found across 11 countries, is now considered endangered by the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority. The population has declined by 50% over the past two decades, and only about 350 mature individuals remain, reported Mongabay’s Elodie Toto. “In Africa, the leopard is not doing too badly, but in West Africa it’s a different story,” said Robin Horion from U.S.-based wildcat conservation NGO Panthera.

Javan Leopard.....The Javan leopard (P. pardus melas) is the last surviving apex predator on the Indonesian island of Java. With an estimated wild population of around 350, it’s classified as an endangered subspecies, threatened by hunting, habitat loss and the loss of prey.....read on https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/05/world-leopard-day-a-spotty-outlook-for-the-spotted-cat/?utm_source=Global+English&utm_campaign=b08899bc1d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_08_20_01_05_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_940652e1f4-7512940ea4-677649804&mc_cid=b08899bc1d&mc_eid=e23cce29d9

Details: Written by: Glenn and Rick; Category: Species at Risk; Hits: 49

Inside the Fight to Save the little-known Galápagos Petrel Mongabay.Sean Mowbray30 Apr 2026 Ecuador

Galápagos petrels are rarely seen, yet critically endangered. These large seabirds endemic to five islands in the Galápagos archipelago face significant threats from numerous invasive species.
In the 1980s, their population plummeted to crisis levels, but sustained conservation efforts have since slowed their decline.
Conservationists are tackling invasive species and efforts are expanding to privately held farms that host important petrel breeding sites.
Experts point out that the various organizations working on petrel conservation need to coordinate their efforts so that they can plan effective interventions where most needed.
Critically endangered Galápagos petrels spend much of their life at sea, but as they return to breed in the only place they call home, a litany of threats awaits.Over the last 60 years, in particular until the 1980s, the population of the Galápagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) declined significantly, with only 15,000 individuals remaining today, according to the latest IUCN Red List assessment of the species. And although that number could be as high as 20,000 as new colonies are being discovered, pressure from invasive species that prey on the bird and degrade its habitat keeps the petrel on the edge. But decades-long conservation efforts have refined strategies to protect these seabirds, while a new initiative will involve thousands of Galápagos private landowners in securing their fragile nesting grounds.“Even though it’s an oceanic bird, you don’t see them that often,” Paola Sangolquí, a marine conservation coordinator with Ecuadorian NGO Jocotoco, told Mongabay in a video interview.
The petrels spend most of their time out on the open water, hunting squid and fish. When they return to land, it’s to the upland and remote areas of the Galápagos islands of San Cristóbal, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Santiago, where they nest in burrows or natural crevices. These tend to be far from the islands’ human settlements, and because the birds are also largely nocturnal, that makes them even more difficult to spot.“They nest in these foggy, misty areas up in the highlands, surrounded by dense vegetation,” Sangolquí says. “It combines two different worlds for two different stages of their life.” She adds the petrels are also loyal to their nests, returning to the same spot year after year. “Galápagos petrels are amongst the most elegant and acrobatic fliers,” says James Gibbs, vice president of science and conservation at the Galápagos Conservancy. “But when they get on land, they can barely walk.” Their specialized feet, also known as patapegada or “sticky foot,” allow them to reach their high nesting grounds and dig burrows. The petrels play a key role in the archipelago’s ecosystems, as they bring marine nutrients back to the islands, increasing soil fertility and plant growth.
According to Sangolquí, the seabirds face a combination of threats: “Most of them are related to human activities.” Humans have introduced nonnative species to the Galápagos since they first arrived on the islands in the 16th century. To date, more than 1,600 different species of plants and animals have been introduced there, of which about 95% have become established. Among these, black rats, pigs, dogs and cats remain the primary threat to the islands’ nesting seabirds, including the petrels, as they prey on eggs and chicks. Sangolquí and her team published the first visual evidence of a rat invading a nest only last year, although rat predation has long been known as a driver of nesting failure. Livestock like cattle, goats and donkeys trample the petrels’ nesting grounds, while fire ants swarm their burrows. As each breeding petrel pair lays only one egg per year, they’re very vulnerable to losses. Invasive plants, too, have proved to be harmful. Species like the Himalayan blackberry, guava and Cuban cedar grow rapidly, blocking entrances to burrows and crowding out the petrels’ landing sites. Other poorly understood threats include fishing bycatch and light pollution that can disorient birds returning from sea. In some cases, birds tagged for monitoring by the Jocotoco team became lost during the journey back.....read on
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/04/inside-the-fight-to-save-the-little-known-galapagos-petrel/?utm_source=Global+English&utm_campaign=b08899bc1d-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_08_20_01_05_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_940652e1f4-7512940ea4-677649804&mc_cid=b08899bc1d&mc_eid=e23cce29d9 .

Details: Written by: Glenn and Rick; Category: Species at Risk; Hits: 59

Defying conflict to track the world’s rarest chimpanzees.Mongabay Leo Plunkett, Tom Richards, Sandy Watt 13 Apr 2026 Africa Primate Planet GASHAKA GUMTI NATIONAL PARK, Nigeria — Here in Nigeria’s largest protected wilderness area lies one of the last strongholds of the Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti), the world’s rarest chimpanzee subspecies. For nearly a decade, however, this population has lived largely out of sight.

Once a leading hub for field research in West Africa, Gashaka fell silent in the late 2010s when insecurity in the area forced scientists to withdraw. “By 2018, all research had stopped,” says conservationist Elisha Emmanuel. When the researchers left, so did the rangers who protected the park. Without them, Gashaka became vulnerable to poachers and bandits, and its research stations slid into disrepairBut a handful of local research assistants refused to leave. “It’s our bush,” says Maigari, who grew up in nearby Gashaka village. “If they want to kill me, they will kill me because the chimps are my friends.” A turning point came later that year when the Nigerian government signed a co‑management agreement with the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), a local nonprofit. Since then, more than 180 rangers have been hired and trained to protect the forest. “This has really brought security to the park, which now gives us the opportunity to restart research,” Emmanuel says. For field assistants like Maigari, that stability means a chance to return to what they know best: tracking and monitoring chimpanzees in the wild.

The first step in Gashaka’s scientific revival is an ambitious camera‑trap survey. Using a newly acquired helicopter, researchers have deployed cameras across the 600,000‑hectare (1.48‑million‑acre) park, reaching remote forest basins, ridges and other rugged terrain that had remained inaccessible for years. Early results are encouraging: new groups of chimpanzees have been recorded, including several carrying infants. The Nigeria–Cameroon chimpanzee remains vanishingly rare; only 3,500 to 9,000 individuals are thought to survive across a fragmented range stretching from southeastern Nigeria to western Cameroon. Gashaka Gumti may now hold one of the subspecies’ most important remaining populations. With previously unknown groups rediscovered and new research bases planned, Gashaka is again becoming a center for primate conservation and a symbol of resilience. “The presence of Maigari and the other field assistants really gave the park hope of existing again,” Emmanuel says. “I celebrate them as heroes.”.........read on https://news.mongabay.com/video/2026/04/defying-conflict-to-track-the-worlds-rarest-chimpanzees/.

Protection for Jaguars and Giant Anteaters in Argentina.

Sea Ice is the Foundation of Arctic Marine Life, the ecosystem on which Polar Bears Rely for every aspect of their Lives.

African leopard......Leopard Day: A Spotty Outlook for the Spotted Cat

Inside the Fight to Save the little-known Galápagos Petrel.

Defying Conflict to Track the World’s Rarest Chimpanzees.

More Articles …

User Menu