Tag Archives | climate change

Future Of Painted Turtles Is Black

May 30, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) Global warming may be doing more than just melting ice caps—it could be wiping out the male sex of an entire species of turtles. The sex of painted turtles largely relies on the temperature in their surrounding environment. Unlike human gender, which is determined by chromosomes, the gender for these turtles is determined by temperature. While these baby turtles can have a chance at a more balanced gender ratio if their mothers nest earlier, this premature nesting practice is no longer a powerful tool against the continual rising of the Earth’s temperature. Just one degree higher could increase the chances of all the eggs being female. Scientists have predicted that the earth’s temperature will rise between four and six degrees Celsius within the next 100 years. Read on to learn more about how global warming is impacting this entire species. — Global Animal

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Wolverines In Danger

February 12, 2013

(ENDANGERED SPECIES) The wolverine, in spite of Hugh Jackman’s fierce interpretation, resembles a small bear with a bushy tail. They tend to live in remote and inhospitable places away from human populations. In the early 20th century, wolverines were nearly eliminated from the contiguous United States due to a broad-scale predator trapping and poisoning programs. They have made a remarkable recovery since that time, however, climate warming over the next century is likely to reduce wolverine habitat. This likelihood is so high that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is proposing that Federal and State agencies take action by recommending that wolverines be listed as a threatened species. This will protect the wolverine from extinction by increasing its ability to persist regardless of climate change. Read on to learn more about the steps being taken to save this culturally significant animal from possible endangerment. — Global Animal

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Australia’s Iconic Koala Faces Extinction

May 1, 2012

(ANIMAL NEWS) The Koala is now listed as a threatened species in certain parts of Australia. Because of disease, habitat loss, and climate change, Koala numbers have declined in some areas by as much as 40% over the past two decades. The Australian environment minister, Tony Burke, is making an effort to halt the urban expansion that threatens this animal’s territory. Read on to learn about the initiatives to restore Koala population numbers. — Global Animal

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‘To The Arctic’ Delivers Beauty And Purpose

April 26, 2012

(MOVIE REVIEW) Immerse yourself in the earth’s last frontier, the Arctic. This dramatic, rugged landscape is magnificently captured by filmmakers Greg and Shaun MacGillivray in the new 3-D IMAX and Warner Bros. adventure, To the Arctic. While the immense glaciers, pristine waters and wildlife are reminiscent of a time past, the film focuses on the harrowing truth that this environment is quickly disappearing. Narrated by Meryl Streep, To the Arctic follows the lives of a mother polar bear and her cubs as they traverse the harsh landscape. Read on for the full review and to watch the trailer. — Global Animal

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World’s Miniature Animals (GALLERY)

October 19, 2011

(MINIATURE ANIMAL GALLERY) Scientists have found a correlation between climate change and animal size – as resources become more scarce with warmer weather, animals are getting smaller. While miniature animal lovers rejoice, this could mean something more serious for the world’s biodiversity. Read on to see these mini friends from around the world. — Global Animal

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Climate Change: Big Problem For Little Guys

October 3, 2011

(CLIMATE CHANGE) Climate change is affecting all aspects of our Earth’s ecosystem, from simple plant life to human beings. A new study shows how smaller animals that are especially sensitive to temperature changes, amphibians in particular, will have a tough time moving to other areas as their native environmental niches fluctuate. Read on to learn about the problems facing frogs, newts, and salamanders, and to find out what scientists are planning to do in an effort to save these and other creatures. — Global Animal

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Walruses Forced To Dry Land

September 20, 2011

(CLIMATE CHANGE) ALASKA —  Walruses are crowding along the Alaskan shoreline instead of breeding during their summer months on ice sheets in the Chukchi Sea, recent documentation reveals. This relocation caused by climate change is resulting in calves being crushed by forced proximity and dangerously deep waters for feeding, further threatening the endangered walrus species.  Read on why walruses need ice and the prospects for the mammals’s future. — Global Animal

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Polar Bears Forced To Swim Deadly Distances

July 21, 2011

(ENDANGERED ANIMALS) As ice melts in the Arctic sea, polar bears are forced to risk their lives travelling farther distances in search of food and stable habitats. Many of the bears drown, especially cubs. Research conducted by members of WWF’s Arctic Program and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Science Center reveals an increase in both long-distance swimming by polar bears and polar bear cub drownings associated with climate change and global warming. — Global Animal

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