Posts Tagged ‘species’
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New Hope for World’s Rarest Lemur
A recent scientific expedition in Madagascar's Ankeniheny-Zahamena rainforests has found evidence of the greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus) in twice the number of locations it was previously believed to inhabit. Believed to be the world's most endangered lemur, with less than 100 remaining in the wild, this discovery by a team of researchers from CI and partner organizations spells hope for this and other species that may have higher numbers than have been recorded. Local conservationists believe that the support from local communities is playing a key role in the protection of important lemur habitat. The lemurs' presence in the ... -
Cheetah Sighting
Reason #17 why I love my job: not many people get to spend their lunch hour four feet away from a live cheetah. Then again, I suppose some people might see close proximity to a large, agile carnivore as less than desirable, but I trusted in the cheetah's more than capable handlers to control him. This 11-month old "cheetah ambassador" came as a visitor from the Columbus Zoo, along with an Anatolian shepherd dog that has been raised alongside the cheetah. The zoo staff has found that raising the dogs together with the cheetahs makes the cheetahs more relaxed and even-tempered ... -
Notes from the Field: Sheep Tagging in South Africa
Although the people of South Africa's Namaqualand region have raised domestic herds for millennia, herding has recently become a more difficult livelihood. Overgrazing has led to significant land degradation, a problem which will only get worse if the effects of climate change – such as increased temperatures and more frequent drought – come to pass. Thanks to Conservation International's Conservation Stewards Programme, CI-South Africa's new Biodiversity and Red Meat Initiative (BRMI) is now working with local farmers to reduce herd size and restore degraded territories, prolonging the life of the land in the process. In August, 16 farmers in the ... -
Protecting Bonobos in Congo
The gentle bonobo – a primate living in the Democratic Republic of Congo – is facing serious threats. This genetic cousin to humans is struggling for survival, and may be just decades away from extinction after years of hunting, logging, and war throughout its fragile habitat. But there is good news. Thanks to CI’s Global Conservation Fund and CI partner Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI), this endangered primate has found a refuge deep inside the Congo River Basin. After seven years of planning and hard work, the 4,000 square kilometer Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve is set to open. Bonobos are known for their ... -
Amazing species new to science discovered in Ecuador
Today, CI announces a scientific expedition has revealed a fascinating array of species, many of which are believed to be new to science. The new species were found by Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) in the mountainous forests of the Cordillera del Condor of southeastern Ecuador, an area of high biological, ecological and social importance near to the border with Peru. The survey concentrated on the Upper Nangaritza River Basin, which is geologically isolated from other parts of the Andes, helping to stimulate the evolution of species which are found nowhere else (endemic species). The newly discovered creatures – four amphibians, a ... -
Day Seven: It’s Earth Day! We’re halfway there!
Hi Race fans! Rowdy Gaines here. Today is Earth Day, and the turtles are celebrating by making things very interesting in the Race! So much is happening today… Billy seems to have gotten stuck – maybe he stopped to look for a bite to eat? Regardless, his pause is allowing Backspacer to pass him! ON THE MAP: Don’t forget to follow the turtles on the race map! Seabiscuit appears to be following the path taken by Nueva Esperanza and Wawa Bear toward South America – can he catch up with them? Are Grembo and Searcher headed to Africa? Did they not get the memo ... -
From the Coach: Amanda Beard
Hi Race fans! Although the Race is only a third of the way through, so much is happening. It’s incredible how far these turtles still have to go, even though they’ve already covered hundreds of kilometers. And I thought the 200m breaststroke was a test of endurance! Speaking of which, being a breaststroke specialist has really helped me to prepare my turtles – Grembo Jones, Lindblad the Explorer, and Estéban – for the Race. We breaststrokers have to rely on stamina and leg strength – putting the most power to every stroke as possible. This means I’ve got a lot in ... -
Day Three: Pushing South
Rowdy Gaines here on Day 3, and now the Race is really on – Lindblad has left the Gulf and is hot on the trail of the other 10 turtles! Nueva Esperanza and Wawa Bear are really making waves! TRACK THEM: Check out the race map. Billy continues his zig-zag southward, but is closer to the US coastline than the other turtles. Will his detour help him shave some time of his trip and win the Race? Cali is spinning in circles, maybe getting his bearings before making his move south. As the turtles all move out of Canada and into international waters in ... -
Don’t Eat the Turtles When You Order the Shrimp
Headed to the supermarket to pick up some fish filets for dinner? Or perhaps you’re going to your favorite restaurant to dine on some scrumptious seafood this evening? How would you like your dinner choices to give your favorite turtle a leg up in the Great Turtle Race? Better yet, wouldn’t it be great if your evening menu helped turtles all over the globe (and seabirds, and fish, and marine mammals, and sharks)? A quick search on the Internet, or even a text message – if that’s more your speed – can have great results. When it comes to seafood, knowledge is ... -
Day One: Off and Swimming
Hi, I’m Rowdy Gaines, reporting on the 1st day of the Great Turtle Race! The turtles are off and swimming! Almost all of the turtles started deep in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, so they have a long way to go – thousands of kilometers! – to reach the Caribbean. There was a bit of a bottleneck as the racers tried to get out into the open ocean, but several of the turtles are off to a fast start! ON THE MAP: Check out National Geographic's race map. Cali got a bit of a head start to help him after his ordeal of ...
