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Congress is voting to drastically cut funding from a vital conservation program to save threatened tigers, elephants and countless other species. With many of these animals already teetering on the brink of extinction, the decimation of a core strategy for their protection could spell disaster.
We can't let this happen. Write your Representative today and ask them not to give up on a future with wild tigers, elephants and other endangered species.
In today's economic environment, it is clear that although wildlife investment may decline in the short term as the focus moves from a sustaining mode to a survival mode of operations for most conservation organizations, this re-evaluation and change is long awaited. Using technology has become a key factor in making this transformation successful.
The challenges of this decade have helped foster and stir the creative juices of many. Idea such as the recent announcement by researchers in the United Kingdom, that are proposing a solution to utilize green energy power plants as a means to protecting the environment and simultaneously supporting conservation of wildlife by providing the land as a wildlife haven, is just one example.
This update to a previously written article provides some predictions about the impact the current economic condition will have on wildlife. Over the past two years we have seen significant pull back on funding on wildlife programs, wildlife philanthropy and animal related concerns. Serious impacts down-the-line to wildlife will be felt as curtailment of philanthropic efforts becomes evident, especially around this past year end. The current focus for most individuals is paying their mortgages and day-to-day bills.
Thousands of sharks killed daily for soup! Unfathomable, the CNN article brings to light finally the plight of the endangered shark species. We must take a stand to stop this unbelievable barbaric crime against wildlife.
Support the efforts to end shark finning.
39000 people and counting - we will not be deterred. Stop Shark Finning today... join the social media drive and spread the word.
The powerful shaking was a first for the region in centuries — and fairly surprising to seismologists.
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Black-footed ferrets continue to make progress in uphill climb
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 07 April 2010 00:00
They may not hold the same fascination as with professional sports, but to those working toward the recovery of black-footed ferrets, the records established in March hold more meaning.
“It’s exciting news,” said Jeff Corcoran, supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Black-footed Ferret Recovery Effort in Seligman. “The results and the interest level provide hope for the continued success in the recovery of this endangered animal.”
Game and Fish personnel and a record 103 volunteers (including 61 in one night) worked from dusk to dawn from March 25-29 spotlighting for the nocturnal black-footed ferret.
The crew had 54 captures overall (42 individual ferrets with 12 being captured more than once), and 17 were captured in one night. All established new highs for the project. Of the 42 individuals, 29 had never before been trapped.
“We’ve never caught that many ferrets before and we did so before this year’s breeding and reproduction,” Corcoran said.
A total of 60 never previously captured wild-born ferrets were trapped in two spotlighting efforts in 2009.
“I’m excited about the numbers,” Corcoran said. “You think about this one spotlighting effort and compare it to where the ferrets once were and you can’t help but be pleased.”
The black-footed ferret was twice thought to be extinct until a small population was discovered in 1981. After a disease outbreak, a mere 18 of the black-footed ferrets remained in the world. Those final 18 were captured and captive breeding efforts began in 1985.
In 1996, Arizona’s Aubrey Valley, outside Seligman, was selected as a reintroduction site and it was five years before the first documentation of wild-born ferrets. The reintroduction is funded primarily through Arizona’s Heritage Fund.
“From where this animal was to where it is now is a testament to the dedication of Game and Fish personnel and the volunteers who have braved the cold and long nights to bring this animal back from the brink of extinction,” Corcoran said.
The latest spotlighting effort – which involves backpack-spotlighting from dusk until dawn – was a success, in large part, because of those willing to volunteer their time.
“Volunteers have played a critical role in the reintroduction process since Day One,” Corcoran said. “Without their dedication, I’m not sure we’d have as good an understanding of where we stand in this reintroduction effort.”
A fall spotlighting effort will take place in October. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the black-footed ferret field station at
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to receive more information.
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In today's economic environment, it is clear that although wildlife investment may decline in the short term as the focus moves from a sustaining mode to a survival mode of operations for most conservation organizations, this re-evaluation and change is long awaited. Using technology has become a key factor in making this transformation successful.
They may not hold the same fascination as with professional sports, but to those working toward the recovery of black-footed ferrets, the records established in March hold more meaning.
