Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dogs (Canis familiaris) and foxes (family Vulpus) are both canines but are distant enough genetically that producing offspring should be impossible. However, according to news reports the first such successful wild crossing has occurred in South America. The dog-fox hybrid did not live long after discovery, however. The fox in question is a Pampas foxContinue reading “First Dog-Fox Hybrid Confirmed, Birth Raises Concerns Among Experts About Dangers Of Cross-Breeding”

Tiny Bhutan has recently reported dramatic population increases among two of its largest predators. Tigers (Panthera tigris) have increased in that country by 27 percent. We recently reported that snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are up about 40 percent. Rising Bhutan big cat numbers are increasing the risk of more conflict with the nation’s residents. ThereContinue reading “Bhutan Big Cat Increase Requires Redoubled Efforts To Control Conflict As Cats Are Eating More livestock”

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) inhabit a high mountain habitat in many of Asia’s mountains. Reports that Bhutan snow leopard numbers have jumped 40 percent joins other good news about the cats from China and elsewhere. The World Wildlife Federation reported the announcement recently dateline Thimpu, Bhutan. The country counted 134 of the cats in itsContinue reading “Bhutan Snow Leopard Numbers Increase 40 Per Cent; Are The Mountain Top Cats On The Upswing?”

Tasmanian devils are the largest surviving marsupial predator. They have been confined the island of Tasmania for cenuries if not milennia. The future of the animals appeared bleak because of a ravaging disease. But the Tasmanian devil future is now brighter according to the Washington Post. Dozens of devils have been released in New SouthContinue reading “Tasmanian Devil Future Is Not As Bleak As Feared Because Release On Mainland Appears Successful”

Genetically speaking brown bears polar bears and grizzly bears are all quite similar. The appearances may vary, but deep down they are very much alike. Which means it is now time to meet the “pizzly” (or grolar bear). Sometime ago we wrote about a study showing just how closely brown bears and polar bears areContinue reading “Meet The “Pizzly,” Grizzly Bear And Polar Bear Hybrids Now Have A Name (Or Two)”

Not too long ago the idea of de-extincting the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacine) was thought to be a long shot at best. The Australian marsupial predator had left behind too little genetic material to work with. But recent discoveries and an RNA breakthrough may have started a Tasmanian tiger countdown. That, at least is the opinionContinue reading “Tasmanian Tiger Countdown: Australian Lab Rushing To Resurrect Apex Marsupial Predator; But Are They Even Extinct?”

There are neary 40 cat species in the world today. India is of major consequence in feline conservation. More than one-third (15 to be exact) of wild cat species call India home. For comparison, the African continent has 10. Caracal conservation is now in the Indian spotlight. Caracals (Caracal caracal) are perhaps the rarest ofContinue reading “Caracal Conservation Moves Into Spotlight In India As Concerns Rise For Future Of The Species”

The rarest marine mammal is one most people likely have not heard of. The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) has been on the verge of extinction but may be staging a comeback. The little guy is the smallest of the dolphin family. According to Britannica the vaquita inhabits a small portion of the Gulf of California offContinue reading “Rarest Marine Mammal May Be Pulling Back From Verge Of Extinction; Rate Of Population Decline May Have Stopped, Experts Hope”

Wind energy is sometimes touted as a futuristic “green” energy source. But is it? You can ask the birds that die in the millions from flying into the invisible fan blades. Or you can ask Brazil’s big cats. According to the Wall Street Journal the “green” energy source is driving them away from scarce water.Continue reading “Brazil’s Big Cats Face Local Extinction As Invasive Windfarms Drive Them Off Their Land”

Florida’s Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are a an ecological disaster playing out in real time. Some reports says they have eaten up to 90 percent of the small mammals in certain areas. Some recent captures weigh about 200 pounds. But could Florida’s Burmese pythons be just starting their move into the United States? According toContinue reading “Florida’s Burmese Pythons: Are They On Their Way To Oregon?”