Unique Salamander Species is Critically Endangered, and You Can ‘Adopt’ One to Help
The elusive axolotl, a descendant of the tiger salamander, is found in central Mexico, primarily in Lake Xochimilco. These unique amphibians keep their juvenile characteristics as they age, including their gills, tail, and a body fin. They use their gills to breathe underwater. Unfortunately, their habitat has largely been depleted due to drainage projects. This, along with the pet trade, pollution, and competition from other animals, has left them critically endangered in the wild. To help save this species, though, you can now...
Over 50 Shelter Pets Are Grateful For Second Chance In New Jersey, Thanks to Your Support
This Thanksgiving, over 50 shelter pets were thankful to catch a Flight to Freedom. We couldn’t have done it without your support, so thank you! The 35 dog and 20 cat passengers were taken from overcrowded shelters in Louisiana and Alabama and loaded on this month’s Flight to Freedom to New Jersey. Photo:Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services In the early morning hours of November 20, the dogs and cats of all ages were loaded on the plane and began their journey. They landed safely in New Jersey a few hours later and...
From Hibernation to Foraging: The Diverse Winter Lives of Wild Animals
As the mercury dips, wildlife face the arduous task of finding sustenance in a barren landscape. The struggle for survival is intricate and varied, shaped by each species’ unique adaptations and behaviors. Photo: PexelsElk migrate to lower elevations with shallower snow for easier foraging. Ungulate Winter Foraging Ungulates, including elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep, descend to lower elevations where snow is shallower, facilitating travel and access to food. Bighorn sheep, for instance, shift to south-facing slopes where grass...
How Rising Temperatures Reshape Animal Cognition and Ecosystem Dynamics
Climate change, a global crisis, is reshaping our world in profound ways, and its impact on animal behavior and brain function is becoming increasingly evident. Recent scientific research has revealed some insight on how rising temperatures and diminishing habitats alter animal cognition and behavior. This silent threat may be causing more damage to our natural world than we previously thought possible. Photo: PexelsOcean acidification affects the cognitive abilities of reef fish and sharks. Altered Environments and Animal Responses...
Celebrating Remarkable Wildlife Recoveries as the Endangered Species Act Turns 50
In the realm of wildlife conservation, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) stands as a monumental testament to the power of legislative action in safeguarding our natural heritage. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1973, the ESA was a pioneering move by the United States to affirm a fundamental right of existence for species other than humans. This law’s purpose was crystal clear: prevent species from going extinct, regardless of the cost. As we mark 50 years since its inception, it’s fitting to celebrate the remarkable...
Eddie the ‘Tiny Tyrant’ Dog Finds a Home After Shelter’s Viral Honesty Campaign
Eddie, a dachshund mix with a personality as big as Texas itself, recently found a forever home after an unconventional adoption campaign by the Humane Society of Wichita County went viral. Dubbed the “tiny tyrant,” Eddie’s story is a testament to the power of honesty and humor in animal rescue. Cheryl Heineken, the executive director of the shelter, broke away from traditional adoption pleas, labeling Eddie as an unapologetic “jerk” who “hates other dogs” and could easily fit into a Bronx bar fight...
Serotine Bats Challenge Conventional Science with Unique Mating Strategy
In the animal kingdom, the serotine bat stands out for its unconventional approach to mating. Recent discoveries reveal that this species, Eptesicus serotinus, may be the first mammal known to mate without using penetration. This finding, published in Current Biology, overturns long-standing assumptions about mammalian reproduction and highlights the diversity of mating strategies in nature. Photo: PexelsSerotine bats are a species commonly found in Europe and Asia. The Remarkable Anatomy of Serotine Bats The serotine bat, prevalent in Europe...
Canada’s ‘Super Pig’ Invasion Threatens US Ecosystems and Farms
A concerning surge in the population of ‘super pigs’ in Canada is now posing a significant threat of invasion into the United States, particularly affecting northern states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana. As ABC7 Chicago reports, These ‘super pigs’, a robust crossbreed of wild Eurasian boar and domestic swine, are renowned for their resilience and high fertility, creating a formidable challenge for wildlife management and agricultural sectors. Photo: Pexelsuper pigs cause significant agricultural damage,...
18 Billion Animals Are Slaughtered Every Year Without Being Eaten
The global food system harbors a troubling reality: annually, 18 billion animals, including chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep, goats, and cows, are slaughtered but never consumed. This staggering figure represents not just a massive waste of life but also a significant environmental issue. The resources—feed, water, land—invested in raising these animals become essentially pointless, reports Weather.com, a squandering of environmental and economic resources. Photo: PexelsGlobally, about one-third of all food produced is lost or...
Strengthen Your Dog’s Health Naturally with These 10 Immune-Boosting Foods
A strong immune system is vital for your pet’s overall health and longevity. Pets with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections, diseases, and health complications. Factors like environmental stress, aging, and inadequate nutrition can impair their immunity, making them vulnerable. A well-balanced diet, enriched with specific nutrients, plays a crucial role in bolstering their immune defenses. While there are many options, the following ten foods are especially known for their immune-boosting properties, which can help...
