Articles for category: Conservation

Carnivorous plants

Carnivorous Plants That Eat Salamanders — Not Just Insects

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture a quiet bog at dusk. The air hangs heavy with the scent of moss, and tiny frogs chirp from the underbrush. Suddenly, something astonishing happens just beneath the surface: a small salamander, seeking shelter, slides into the waiting maw of a plant. This isn’t the stuff of science fiction but a thrilling reality that’s ...

Brown Hairstreak butterfly

Brown Hairstreak: The Rare Butterfly That Is Recolonizing London

Andrew Alpin

The Brown Hairstreak butterfly, scientifically known as Thecla betulae, is one of Britain’s rarest species of butterfly. However, recent sightings show it is making a quiet yet significant comeback across London and surrounding regions, marking an important resurgence in urban and semi-urban environments. This elusive butterfly, recognized for its distinctive brown wings and small ‘tails’ ...

Camera trap attached to a tree.

The Role of Camera Traps in Wildlife Research and Discovery

Jan Otte

Camera traps, often referred to as trail cameras, have revolutionized the field of wildlife research over the past few decades. These devices, equipped with motion sensors and infrared technology, capture images or videos of wildlife with minimal human disturbance. This non-invasive tool has opened up new avenues for ecological and behavioral studies, offering invaluable insights ...

10 Urban Wildlife Species Adapting to Human Habitats

Jan Otte

The dynamic landscape of urban areas has led to a unique coexistence between humans and wildlife. As cities expand, some animal species have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, thriving in environments altered by human activity. This article explores ten urban wildlife species that have adapted to human habitats, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of nature. City-Slicker Raccoons ...

Drone with high resolution digital camera

8 Ways Technology Is Revolutionizing Wildlife Conservation

Jan Otte

In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has permeated nearly every field, including wildlife conservation. With species around the globe facing unprecedented threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and poaching, the integration of innovative technologies provides new hope. Let’s explore eight ways technology is revolutionizing wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring a brighter future for our ...

A man holds bundles of seedlings before planting them in the forest

How Habitat Restoration Transforms Ecosystems

Jan Otte

Habitat restoration involves the process of assisting in the recovery and management of ecological integrity in areas that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This crucial environmental practice seeks to reverse the negative impacts of human activities, restore biodiversity, and reestablish the natural dynamics and components of ecosystems. It is a chance to give back ...

Bison in the autumn forest.

10 Stories of Local Communities Protecting Wildlife

Anna Lee

In the depths of the Amazon rainforest, the Yawanawá community is leading efforts to protect its sacred lands and its diverse wildlife. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques, they have established a sanctuary for species like jaguars and macaws. Their strategy involves using advanced monitoring systems and community patrols that curb illegal hunting ...

Trachops cirrhosus coffini

Bats Crack the Code: How They Learn to Dodge Poisonous Frogs

April Joy Jovita

Fringe-lipped bats (Trachops cirrhosus) have developed an extraordinary ability to eavesdrop on frog mating calls to locate prey. However, new research reveals that these bats must learn to distinguish between palatable and toxic frogs over time, refining their hunting strategies through experience. How Bats Use Frog Calls These bats rely on sound rather than visual ...

Eriocheir sinensis in water

Invasive Chinese Mitten Crab Discovered in the Pacific Northwest—A Growing Ecological Concern

April Joy Jovita

The invasive Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has been confirmed in the Lower Columbia River, sparking concerns among scientists and wildlife officials. Known for their hairy, mitten-like claws, these crabs have caused environmental disruptions in other regions, notably in California’s San Francisco Bay, where they contributed to riverbank erosion and infrastructure damage. Their arrival in ...