Ack.

Sorry again. My internet has been down for the past few days. Right now I'm stealing my neighbours wireless. Back soon (hopefully).

Snuwolf and Snuwolffy

Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus)

Here's some interesting news. Scientists in Korea have successfully cloned two wolves. Although the wolves were born about a year and a half ago, the news was not released until recently. The scientists from Seoul National University (SNU) are former collaborators of the disgraced Dr. Hwang (he allegedly faked some of his human stem cell research), who is on trial for, for embezzlement, fraud and violations of bioethics law. Although there are still some doubters that the wolves are clones, others hold that scientists who were close to such scandal would not announce such news if it weren't true, and that no journal would accept it without excellent evidence. Cloning and Stemcells, a high-ranking journal on cloning has accepted the paper.

Although the Gray Wolf isn't technically endangered worldwide, some subspecies and subpopulations are vulnerable or even extinct in the wild. Still, it's possible that this research might one day lead to cloning as another tool in the conservationists arsenal for saving endangered species. Although it wouldn't necessarily be able to increase the genetic pool of small populations, it could still help to increase the individuals of species with very small numbers.

Do you have an opinion? Do you think that cloning is an avenue of research worth pursuing, or should the money be spent on other more proven conservation methods.

Rhinos Killed for $60 000

One (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Four Rhinos have recently been killed in Kaziranga National Park, as poachers have grown bolder and guards have grown fewer. Those four horns, each weighing about 1.6 kg, represent about $60 000 (USD) that buyers are willing to pay, usually for traditional medicines in south-east Asia.

Contribute to the International Rhino Foundation.

Endangered Eating - Phillipine Dish of the Day

Giant Grouper
Dwarf Pygmy Goby
Whale Shark
Basking Shark
Zebra Shark
Big-eye Tuna
Blue-fin Tuna
Giant Manta Ray
Sea Turtles
Whale
Dolphin

These are just a few of the endangered species that are found on the menus of many restaurants in Manila. Although it is illegal both within the country and internationally to harvest, sell, or trade these species, they continue to persist in restaurants in the Phillipines. With 40 million Phillipinos relying on seafood as a primary part of their diet, and unchecked poaching, barely 1% of the countries reefs remain in pristine condition.

Here's a story about some poachers who may be getting off too easy.

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Sorry for the break in posting . . . been settling into a new routine . . .

Species of the Week, 18 Mar 2007

Giant Bronze Gecko (Ailuronyx trachygaster)

Photo©Justin Gerlach

Not much is known about this lizard. It lives on two small islands in the Seychelles (north of Madagascar), with a total range of about 13 km squared.

It is rarely observed, as it spends most of its time high in the tree tops, feeding on nectar and pollen, especially of the coco-de-mer palm. There are fewer than 3500 estimated to be living, and although not in immediated danger, any loss of habitat would be disastrous. Unfortunately, invasive plants may be degrading their habitat in some areas, although efforts are under way to combat the alien plants.

Visit the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, to find out more about the people working with the Giant Bronze Gecko and other wildlife of the Seychelles.

Got Sperm?

Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

In an effort to find new methods to help save the Iberian Lynx, scientists have successfully inseminated domestic cat eggs, with sperm from male Lynxes. No, they're not trying to create cross-breeds, they are actually testing the sperm's fertility--without wasting any eggs from the rare Iberian cat.

Using this new method, scientists can try to develop methods to inseminate female Lynxes, without dealing with any of the problems associated with such a process-capturing, moving, and holding animals, being some of the main ones. It will also hopefully allow them to use sperm from male cats killed on the roads near their confined habitat. Roadkilled Lynx is one of the biggest contributors to the species decline, and by preserving their sperm, it's possible that their genes will not be lost from the population.

Another initiative addresses the Lynx's declining food supply, another major problem threatening the Lynx.

A Leopard's Spots

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Scientists have recently discovered that the Clouded Leopards that live in Borneo and Sumatra, are actually a separate species from those living on mainland Asia. Their analysis is based on genetic tests and morphology.

Read the article for more about their differences.

Biodiversity Expert

Check out this great interview with Dr. Peter Raven, an expert on biodiversity and extinction. Lots of great info and discussion.

River Dolphin Survey

Pink River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
Gray River Dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis)

A nearly complete survey of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America has turned up more Pink and Gray River Dolphins than expected. According to scientists, they have noted that the Dolphins seem to have moved to different areas, but have not suffered huge declines. Still, they continue to face threats such as pollution and habitat degradation. Having a good grasp on the state of this species will allow a conservation plan to be put into action.

Support efforts to help the River Dolphins.