Evolution
Rare Naked Ladies Crocus Infected with Even Rarer Smutty Fungus
Who knew botany and mycology could be so naughty? Naked ladies and smut have come to light in the U.K., but not in the way you might think.
Stories by John R. Platt
Evolution
Endangered Plants for Sale Online: Are They Legal?
Did you know that it is often legal to buy and sell endangered species of plants through the mail? It's true. Take, for example, the rare Hawaiian palm tree Pritchardia remota , one of several species collectively known as lou'lu...
Environment
To Save the Sumatran Rhino, Zoo Will Attempt to Mate Brother and Sister
Sometimes you just get desperate. In a last-ditch effort to help save the Sumatran rhino ( Dicerorhinus sumatrensis ) from extinction, the Cincinnati Zoo has gathered together the last two members of the species in North America and will now attempt to get them to mate...
Environment
Climate Change Could Wipe Out Amazing Baobab Trees in Madagascar
The Ewe people of Togo, Africa, have a proverb: "Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it." The proverb refers to the massive trees of the genus Adansonia that can live thousands of years, reach 30 meters into the sky and achieve trunk diameters of 10 meters or more...
Environment
Habitat Running Out for Rare Primate in Cameroon
Primates don't get much more spectacular than the furry, short-tailed, long-faced, pink-rumped monkeys known as drills ( Mandrillus leucophaeus ). But despite their striking looks, drills—which are closely related to baboons and the even more wildly colored, blue-faced mandrills ( M...
Environment
As Rhino Poaching Surges, South Africa Proposes Legalized Trade in Precious Horns
The South African government released two important and shocking news items last week. The first announcement revealed that 461 rhinos had been poached in the country to date as of July 3—more than were killed in all of 2011...
Environment
After 100 Years, Has the Elusive Night Parrot Finally Been Discovered?
An Australian man who calls himself "the wild detective" claims to have rediscovered a bird species that has never been photographed alive. Has the long-lost night parrot at last been found?Among Australian scientists and bird-lovers, the elusive night parrot ( Pezoporus occidentalis ) has been something of a Holy Grail...
Environment
Last Chance for Sawfish?
All species of sawfish around the world could soon gain full protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, a move that comes just in time for the iconic but critically endangered creatures...
Environment
Saiga Success: Critically Endangered Antelope Population Doubles in 5 Years
Well it's about time I had some success to report about the saiga ( Saiga tatarica ), the critically endangered antelope species native to Kazakhstan and nearby countries in central Asia...
Environment
The 4 Most Endangered Seal Species
I have a summer tradition. Every year, as close to the first day of summer as possible, I hop onto one of the many whale-watching tours that depart from Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and spend an afternoon on the ocean...
Environment
Weird Frog Discovered by Charles Darwin May be Extinct
It looks like we've lost another one. The weird and unusual Chile Darwin's frog ( Rhinoderma rufum ), whose tadpoles grew inside the vocal sacs of adult males, appears to be extinct: a four-year quest failed to turn up any evidence that the species still exists...
Environment
Philippines Cancels Planned Burn of Confiscated Elephant Tusks after Clean-Air Groups Object
This Philippine government this weekend cancelled plans to burn $10 million worth of seized elephant tusks after several clean-air groups cried foul.T
Environment
Diseased Tigers, Wounded Rhinos and Other Links from the Brink
Diseases, poachers, smartphones, sewage and animal psychology are in the news this weekend.Temper Tantrum: Evidence of canine distemper has been found in Sumatran tigers ( Panthera tigris sumatrae ) in Indonesia, according to a recent report from BBC News...
Environment
Climate Change versus Groundhogs: Even Common Species Will Suffer
A warming world will present Punxsutawney Phil and his cousins with a host of new challenges, possibly enough to put some species at risk of extinction.
Environment
Chimpanzees May Finally Gain Full Protection under the Endangered Species Act
A long-in-place loophole that exempted captive-bred chimpanzees from the full protections of the Endangered Species Act may finally be closed, Dan Ashe, director of the U.S.
Environment
Gray Wolves Declared `Recovered' and Other Links from the Brink
Gray wolves, little penguins and rare birds in Fiji are among the endangered species in the news this weekend. Prepare for the Howls: In a not-unexpected move, this U.S...
Environment
Extinct Frog Rediscovered in 2011; World Takes Notice in 2013
What was once lost has now been found. Well, it was actually found about a year and a half ago, but most people just seem to be noticing now.The Hula painted frog was probably never common...
Environment
Britain Tries (Again) to Re-Introduce Extinct Bees
Long live the queens. A species of bumblebee that went extinct in its native Britain decades ago now has a second chance, as several short-haired bumblebees ( Bombus subterraneus ) were released June 3 in a restored habitat on the southeastern corner of England...
Environment
The Last 50 Corroboree Frogs and Other Links from the Brink
A colorful frog, some Hawaiian mollusks and California's threatened fish are among the endangered species in the news this week.The Frog Extinction Crisis Continues: How much longer until we have to say good-bye to the southern corroboree frog ( Pseudophryne corroboree )?...
Environment
Does Controversial Decision Pit California Condors against Wind Turbines?
Talk about a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. The U.S. needs to generate more renewable energy if we hope to stave off the effects of climate change.
