News
We bring you the latest from around the World in wildlife and conservation news.
Oldest Known Killer Whale Turns 105
This orca was swimming in the ocean before the Titanic made its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic. This means she has survived two world wars and her existence pre-dates than women’s right to vote. The orca name J2 Granny was spotted last week and estimates put her age at 105 years old. According to the Orca Network, J2 Granny was spotted swimming in high spirits just of the coast of Washington state. News reports suggest the Orca is thought to have been born in 1911 which would make her the oldest known living killer whale.
Researchers Optimistic Wild Tiger Numbers Can Double
A new study suggests that wild tiger numbers could be on course for doubling. Research published in the journal, Science Advances used the latest satellite technology to study the decline in wild tiger numbers in 13 countries between 2001 and 2014. The results of the study suggested that the loss was far less than was expected. The study was ambitious, taking in vast tracts of land that spanned multiple jurisdictions which proved to be challenging. Nevertheless, the researchers are hoping they have found a solution not just for tigers but other species which are also being threatened.
Indian Wildlife Officials Arrest 18 Lions In Hunt For Man Eater
Indian wildlife officials have “arrested” 18 lions as they seek to determine which of the lions is a man eater that its alleged to have killed three people. Forestry officials in Gujarat, which is a state in India where the county’s last remaining Asiatic lions live will conduct tests on the lion’s excrement and paw prints in order to identify the killer lion. Once the lion has been identified it will be moved to a zoo where it will spend the rest of its life. The other lions will be released back to the Gir Sanctuary officials say.
Wild Elephant Seeks Help For Bullet Wound
An elephant that was shot in the head was forced to wander around a wildlife park in Zimbabwe for weeks before it was able to receive treatment for the injury. When he finally came across some humans he essentially motioned for their help. The elephant is being called Pretty Boy and was shot in the forehead which experts say was too high for a kill shot. Assistance was provided inside Mana Pools National Park.
Tiger Poaching On The Rise In India
Whilst the numbers of tigers in the wild is rising, poaching has also risen at the same time says the Wildlife Protection Society of India. A recently released census report shows that the number of illegally poached tigers in the country this year is already higher than the total tally for 2015. The results of the survey show that as of April, there were at least 28 tigers that had been captured or killed which is 3 more than last year’s final count.
Hugging Your Dog Causes It Stress
New research suggests that dog lovers should stop cuddling their pets because the animals tend to find it uncomfortable and stressful. According to Dr Stanley Coren a canine behaviour scientist at the University of British Columbia, pet owners who regularly hug their pets are mistaking signs of anxiety for affection. Dr Coren said owners were blindly posting photos on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram of themselves hugging their dogs without understanding their pets are displaying clear signs of discomfort.
Lion Shot Dead By Kenyan Wildlife Service
A stray male lion that was wandering on the outskirts of Nairobi was shot dead by Kenyan wildlife rangers following an attack which resulted in a local resident getting injured according to Kenyan Wildlife Service. The agency said that a mob quickly formed around the animal which resulted in the rangers having to shoot the lion so that further injuries could be avoided.
Female Tiger Dies During Mating Attempt
Mating is not easy for any species and this is especially the case for tigers. Recently a female tiger that was housed in California’s Sacramento Zoo died following an attack by a male tiger during a mating attempt that went horribly wrong. Mohan the male tiger was sent from the Memphis Zoo to mate with… View Article