Kenya Wildlife Service to relocate 100+ elephants...

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) will move about 50 elephants from Narok North to the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, about 80 km southwest of Nairobi to mitigate escalating human wildlife conflict in the area, said a statement from KWS on Wednesday. KWS said the 10-day exercise to be officially launched on September 22 will be the first phase of an exercise whose total cost is expected to reach USD328,000. The first phase will cost USD74,000.

The organization said the whole exercise seeks to relocate a total of 200 elephants from Narok North to Maasai Mara National Reserve in Narok South through funding by the Kenyan Government as part of drought mitigation and livelihood support. According to KWS, the area where the elephants are being moved from can no longer hold 200 elephants in view of the increasing habitat loss due to increased human activities.

KWS said local communities and their leaders, especially lawmakers and local leaders have also been sensitized about the exercise and are supportive of the translocation as the long-term solution to the current problem. Rapid change in lifestyle of local communities from pastoralism to crop farming and other incompatible land-use practices has tremendously led to increased human wildlife conflict in the Narok County.

Such conflict in many areas is mainly attributed to increased human population and loss of elephant habitat due to uncontrolled human activities, especially crop farming, charcoal burning and human settlements. Long-term monitoring of elephant movements in the affected area through satellite tracking has established that about 200 elephants have been cut off from the greater Mara ecosystem and are currently considered a sub-population of the Mara.

“For the last couple of weeks, KWS scientists have been conducting pre-translocation aerial and ground surveys to determine elephant numbers and their distribution. They have also surveyed the appropriate capture and release sites as well as the 150km route to be used,” - Kenya Wildlife Service

KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE

New species of dolphin discovered in the heart of urban Australia!

(from National Geographic)

An entirely new species of dolphin has been discovered in Australia, and not in some isolated lagoon but in the shadows of skyscrapers, scientists say. One of only three new dolphin species found since the 1800s, the Burrunan dolphin - named after an Aboriginal phrase that means "large sea fish of the porpoise kind" - is known from only two populations so far, both in the state of Victoria.

About a hundred Burrunan dolphins have been found in Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne, Australia's second most populous city. Another 50 are known to frequent the saltwater coastal lakes of the Gippsland region, a couple hundred miles or so away. It's long been known that distinct dolphin populations roam off south-eastern Australia. But now DNA tests have shown that the creatures dolphins are genetically very different from the two recognized bottlenose dolphin species, the common bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose.

The results were so surprising that the team initially thought there was a mistake and reran the tests, said study leader Kate Charlton-Robb, a marine biologist at Australia's Monash University. The team also examined dolphin skulls, collected and maintained by Australian museums over the last century, and determined that Burrunan dolphins have slight cranial differences that set the species apart. Compared to the other bottlenoses, Burrunan dolphins have a more curved dorsal fin, a stubbier beak, and a unique "tri-coloration"—including dark gray, mid-gray, and white.

Because so few of the new dolphin species are known, the Burrunan research team has petitioned the Australian government to list the animals as endangered.

"Given the small size of the population, it's really crucial that we make an effort to protect them." - Kate Charlton-Robb, Marine Biologist (AMU)

MONASH UNIVERSITY - SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Loggerhead Turtles declared Endangered today!

The Obama administration designated the North Pacific loggerhead sea turtle as endangered under the Endangered Species Act today. Populations of this rare and ancient turtle, which spends much of its time off the coasts of Mexico and Southern California, have declined by at least 80 percent over the past decade. Although loggerhead sea turtles have been listed as threatened since 1978, today’s rule recognizes that some populations are nearing extinction from fisheries bycatch, climate change and marine pollution, including oil spills.

Today’s decision by the National Marine Fisheries Service comes in response to two 2007 legal petitions by the Centre for Biological Diversity, Turtle Island Restoration Network and Oceana for additional protections for the North Pacific and Northwest Atlantic loggerheads. The rule separates loggerheads into nine populations; five are now considered endangered.

The government did not list as endangered Northwest Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles despite the fact that Florida beaches, which host the largest nesting population of loggerheads in the Northwest Atlantic, have seen an almost 40 percent decline in nesting since 1998 (before minor rebounds in recent years).

“The failure to recognize that Northwest Atlantic loggerheads are endangered ignores the massive impacts of the BP oil spill and increasing threats from shrimp-trawl fisheries on this imperilled population,” said Pincetich. “NMFS ignored thousands of coastal residents who cherish these imperiled sea turtles and wanted more protections for them.”

Now that Pacific loggerheads are endangered, significant threats such as longline and gillnet fisheries will be subject to increased scrutiny and may need restrictions to reduce their deadly impacts. North Pacific loggerhead sea turtles nest in Japan, but spend most of their lives along the coast of Mexico and Southern California. Swordfish boats from Hawaii regularly hook and drown loggerhead sea turtles on millions of longline hooks.

While critical habitat is not currently designated for loggerheads, this rule triggers its identification — an important step toward achieving improved protections for key nesting beaches and migratory and feeding habitat in the ocean. Species with protected critical habitat are twice as likely to recover as those without.

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

FULL REPORT

One of the biggest illegal animal busts in Thailand this year!!!

Officials in Thailand have seized a shipment of nearly 3000 rare animals in one of the biggest wildlife trafficking busts in Thailand this year. Including various endangered monitor lizards and turtles, considered delicacies in China.

The illegal wildlife trade is said to be rife in Thailand and generates billions of dollars worldwide. Among the animals are some protected by international conventions on endangered species.

World's largest crocodile's fate...who decides?

If you read my blog about a week ago, you will have read about Lolong, the world's largest crocodile that was captured and relocated to a secure enclosure after being suspected of killing at least one human being, a some-what more humane reaction to the attacks as to previous croc killing sprees that used to occur in the Philippines. Now there has arisen a debate as to what to do with Lolong, the crocodile estimated to be 20-21 feet long that was recently captured in the Philippines? The question is weighing on the mind of local officials and environmentalists alike.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) were quick to step forward and suggest the croc should be set free. They claim that "if it remains in captivity it is likely to develop abnormal behavior and endanger its caretakers and visitors to a proposed park."

But others are saying not so fast. Local officials in the Philippines warn that the crocodile could pose a threat to the 1,300 residents of the fishing village near where Lolong was caught. The crocodile, which weights 2,370 pounds (1,075 kilograms), is suspected of killing a local fisherman and a water buffalo in the past two months, and a child two years ago. But officials believe an even larger crocodile, which may be responsible for the deaths, is still on the loose.

With Lolong in captivity, locals plan on making the crocodile the star of a new ecotourism destination. Until a permanent enclosure is built, the Associated Press reports that Lolong is living "in a 8,610-square foot (800-square meter) pen with 4-foot (1.2-meter) -high concrete walls topped by welded wire."

PETA

Pangolin being smuggled to extinction...

A story in the Sun newspaper reports that smuggling and illegal trade in Pangolin's could be driving the species towards extinction. If it isn't bad enough that first pangolins were being hunted toward extinction, but now the "scaly anteaters" are being smuggled, adding to to their demise. Pangolins are the most illegally trafficked mammals in Asia, according to the Associated Press. It's been against the law to hunt them since 2002, but the ban is now leading to more and more incidents of smuggling -- and punishment for doing so is mild, with no offenders having faced jail time.

Some Chinese citizens have been eating pangolin meat for years, and now since the population has diminished in the country, the animals are being smuggled in from parts of Cambodia, Vietnam and Lao PDR, where the mammal's population has hence also decreased, according to National Geographic. Officials recently discovered 20 boxes full of pangolins at an airport in Jarkarta, Indonesia. The packages were thought to have contained fresh fish, the Associated Press reports.

Their scales are thought to have medicinal healing powers, and some are bringing the animals into China because they're worth big bucks. AP estimates that ten tons of meat are worth about $269,000. The nocturnal animals tend to keep to themselves, spending most of their time in trees. They move slowly, have no teeth, and their only defense mechanism is to curl up into a ball.

Naturally, pangolins are hunted by animals such as hyenas and leopards, but today, their biggest threat is humans, the San Diego Zoo states. The animals are a protected species by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an organization which strives to ensure that "international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival."

The animals used to be available for purchase for roughly $4 each, but now the scales are worth about $276,

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

AWF - PANGOLIN

Protected hawks poisoned in the UK...

Devon and Cornwall Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after four goshawks and one buzzard were found dead in woodland to the west of Exeter. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction. The RSPB was informed of the incident by a member of the public and recovered the birds in liaison with the police and the Forestry Commission who own the land.

The birds, that showed no signs of being shot, were sent for toxicological analysis where it was discovered they had been poisoned with the banned pesticide carbofuran. This substance has been identified in a number of other bird of prey poisoning incidents. In the UK there are only 410 pairs of nesting goshawks. In Devon the most recent surveys suggest no more than 20 pairs breeding in the county.

All birds of prey are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In addition, goshawks are specially protected and listed under Schedule 1 of the Act. 

If members of the public have information about this crime they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or email PC Josh Marshall directly on Joshua.MARSHALL2@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk . This will be handled in strictest confidence.

“We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears in wildlife crimes such as this so if anyone knows anything about this, please get in touch.” - PC Josh Marshall

RSPB

FORESTRY COMMISSION

Poachers walk free, whilst rhinos die!!!

Poaching for ivory and rhino horn is on the increase throughout Africa and the lenient punishment for poachers has failed to stop them. In Kenya, many elephants and rhinos have been killed by repeat poachers, often within weeks of their arrest and paying the meager fines that are defined by the law.

In July, six elephants were killed in the Siana Group Ranch just outside the world famous Maasai Mara. The poacher was arrested by patrol scouts from Predator Aware – a conservation programme in the Mara – and handed over to rangers from the Narok County Council and the Kenya Wildlife Service. He was charged in court and was released after paying the paltry fine that Kenyan law has set for such crimes. The poacher, who was arrested for the first time some 20 months earlier, is free to kill again after his recent arrest and release in July.

In Laikipia in the northern Kenyan rangelands, five rhinos were killed in July. Two were killed inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy in one week and a third was seriously injured and it is not known if he will survive. One of the two killed was Max, a tame Southern White rhino, who was shot 17 times. Ironically, Max had been dehorned six months ago but the poachers still hacked off his face and took the stumps that had been left after de-horning. The neighboring Solio Ranch, according to independent sources, has lost four rhinos in just three weeks. Mount Kenya National Park has also lost a rhino, though there is no official communication of this.

The Kenya Wildlife Service and various conservancies and wildlife ranches have stepped up efforts to arrest the situation. Recently, a notorious poacher believed to have been masterminding the poaching in Laikipa was killed by KWS rangers as he and two accomplices attempted to enter Ol Pejeta. So far, 13 people have been arrested by KWS including one dealer who operated from Nairobi’s South C suburb.

Whereas this is a marked increase in arrests and is evidence of stepping up of the fight against poaching, the prevailing law on poaching is still too lenient and is an impediment to the fight. A poacher caught with rhino horn could pay a fine of as little as $200 whereas a kilo of the same horn will fetch thousands of dollars on the Asian market. The KWS is now appealing to Parliament to pass the Wildlife Bill ,which has stiffer penalties including jailing poachers without the option of fines. 

“The Bill has been lying there and it is high time our legislators passed it if we have to protect our endangered species,” 

- Robert Njue, KWS officer

KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE

Truck-stop Tiger ruling overturned,,,

Activists have been fighting for Tony the Siberian-Bengal tiger who’s been living in a concrete cell as nothing more than an attraction for his owner Michael Sandlin at the Tiger Truck Stop in Gross Tete, La., since 2001. In May, it looked like Tony would see certain freedom when the East Baton Rouge District Court granted the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s (ALDF) request for a permanent injunction against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), preventing them from renewing the annual permit that allows Michael Sandlin to keep Tony as of this December.

Sandlin tried to have the case dismissed in mid-August, but his request was denied by Judge R. Michael Caldwell. Unfortunately, on August 29, the Louisiana Court of Appeals overturned the ruling on the basis that Sandlin and the truck stop should have been part of the lawsuit, which will lead to a new trial.

The ALDF is also now asking Louisiana State University, the state’s flagship school, to join the cause after Sandlin painted pretty much everything at the truck stop purple and gold, the school’s official colors.

While the ALDF is working to free Tony, they’re also campaigning for other captive tigers with similar plights. They estimate that there are 5,000 to 10,000 more captive tigers in the U.S. who are classified as “generic,” not pure-bred, and are therefore not protected as endangered. A USFWS rule exempts these tigers from the permit and reporting requirements that are required for endangered species.

The USFWS just published a proposed rule that would get rid of the “generic” exemption, which would require anyone owning a tiger, regardless of whether or not it’s a purebred, to report how many they have and what type of activities they’re engaged in that involve tigers.

Please submit a comment to the USFWS supporting their proposal to do away with the generic exemption.

“We are confident that the trial court got the law right the first time around and will rule the same way when we go through it again with Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop as parties,” 

- Matthew Liebman, ALDF attorney

ALDF

USFWS

Human's all-time low, wiping out an entire eco-system?!

Well this is the way we are heading, according to a new book called OUR DYING PLANET, environmentalists are always looking for allies who can blast away tree-hugger stereotypes. They should consider reaching out to the community of anyone who's ever gone snorkeling in a coral reef. (You remember that part of your Cancun vacation, don't you? It happened sometime between the margaritas and the … margaritas.) According to the new book called Our Dying Planet, humanity is on track to wipe out all coral reefs. No more bright, awesome fish and crazy plants. Ever.

The book, written by Peter Sale, a former professor at the University of Sydney who’s now at the United Nations University, says that this will be "a new first for mankind — the 'extinction' of an entire ecosystem."  ...more like a new all-time low.

OUR DYING PLANET