(ANIMAL SCIENCE) A new species of pit viper has been confirmed in the highland forests of Honduras. Named after late conservationist Mario Guifarro, the new species of snake could be an extremely rare occurrence in the wild. In fact, some scientists argue the new viper should be classified as critically endangered, as threats to the snakes’ limited environment are increasingly imminent. Continue reading for more on the details surrounding this new discovery. — Global Animal
(ENDANGERED SPECIES) For the first time since 1980, American officials are allowing a hunter to bring a slain African rhino back to the States as a hunting trophy. David Reinke, the CEO of Liberty Parts Team, reportedly killed a black rhino in 2009 with consent from the Nambian government—which allows five male black rhinos that are too old to reproduce to be shot each year—claiming his kill was an act of “conservation hunting.” This self-serving move has angered many within the animal protection and anti-hunting communities, who believe this decision will only further glorify hunting. Read on for more on Reinke’s illogical rationalization and what he plans to do with his new “specimen.” — Global Animal
(POLITICS) MONTANA — Efforts made over the years in response to the dwindling population of gray wolves in the United States has recently taken a critical hit. Federal wildlife officials plan to nullify legislation detrimental to the preservation of the gray wolves. If passed, laws protecting gray wolves would further jeopardize the species, despite the fact that after countless years of protection, gray wolves have begun to make a promising comeback. Read on for more regarding the hardships gray wolves may have to face in the near future. — Global Animal
(WILDLIFE) SOUTH AFRICA — Home to practically all rhinos on the continent, South Africa has deployed its military, political figures, and police force in an attempt to protect rhinos from the growing number of poachers. However, with more animals being killed than born each year, these efforts are not enough to save the species from extinction. Statistics show that the region is on track to lose over 800 rhinos to poaching this year, and if this continues at its current rate, more than 1,000 rhinos would be killed in 2014. Read on to learn more about how the National Park Service plans on training new rangers to fight in the bush. — Global Animal
(CIRCUS ANIMALS) Carol, the elephant who was shot at a show in Tulepo, Mississippi, is packing up her trunk and taking a hiatus after making a full recovery. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus elephant was injured in a drive-by shooting last week, prompting a $34,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Tupelo police are investigating the shooting, which took place around two in the morning at the BancorpSouth Arena. Police say a vehicle drove by the arena and fired at the 39-year-old animal. Read on to learn more about the details of this unfortunate event and sign the petition urging Ringling Bros. to retire Carol once and for all. — Global Animal
(POACHING) Given the surging demand for rhino horn in China and Vietnam, an estimated 188 rhinos have been poached in South Africa since the start of the year, with 135 killed in Kruger National Park alone. On Wednesday, when park rangers were on patrol, they encountered a group of suspected poachers from Mozambique. When shooting ensued, three of the poachers were killed. Continue reading to learn more about the grand attempts to protect white rhino populations in South Africa. — Global Animal
(WILDLIFE) Members of U.S. Congress are demanding the Obama administration remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list. In a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the collective group of 66 Republicans and six Democrats, argued that the species no longer require legal protection and that the “unmanaged wolf population” is posing a threat to native wildlife among other issues. The letter also accused the Endangered Species Act of being bureaucratic and essentially a nuisance to hunters. The Endangered Species Act was introduced in 1973, and at the time there practically no remaining gray wolves living in the West. Right now, there are only about 6,000 of these majestic animals in the U.S., therefore it’s important to reinforce the laws protecting them. Read on to find out how quickly the gray wolf population dwindled when federal protections were lifted in the Upper Midwest last year. — Global Animal
(BIRDS) Many are unaware of the devastating impact the global animal trade has had on wild bird populations, particularly parrots. With parrots being the largest group of captive wild animals in the nation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the popular yellow-billed parrot as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Continue reading to learn about the rules being implemented to control the harmful global trade in birds. — Global Animal
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