The following clips reflect recent wildlife-related news coverage in the media. The Wildlife Society does not independently verify any statements or assertions in these articles. The statements expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect official TWS policy unless so stated. Likewise, products mentioned herein are not endorsed by The Wildlife Society unless so stated.
A manatee rests at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. USFWS is considering reclassifying the species as “threatened,” to give officials more management flexibility while still affording manatees protections they currently have as an “endangered” species. (Credit: Keith Ramos/USFWS)
Manatees May Soon Lose Endangered Species Status
(The Associated Press via The Washington Post)
As they do whenever they visit Florida, Greg Groff and his young daughter stopped by the manatee pool at Miami Seaquarium, where the speed bump-shaped marine mammals placidly swim in circles. They noted the pink scars and disfigured tail on one manatee, damage from a boat propeller that left it unable to survive in the wild. Florida’s manatees need even more stringent protections than their listing on the federal endangered species list, Groff said. More
U.S. NEWS
Utah Celebrates Big Conservation Success Story with Tiny Fish
(Deseret News)
State wildlife officials are celebrating a big success story in conservation efforts of a tiny fish found only in Utah and dating back to ancient Lake Bonneville times. The relatively rare nod of approval by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removes the least chub from the candidate list under an endangered species listing, meaning efforts to address threats to the least chub have proven successful. More
Michigan Wolf Hunt Opponents Plan Capitol Rally
(MLive.com)
Michigan’s long-simmering debate over wolf hunting may come to a boil Wednesday, when the Republican-led state House is expected to enact a citizen-initiated law paving the way for future seasons. Senate approval earlier this month was punctuated by accusations of special-interest influence on both sides of the issue and anti-democratic maneuvering. More
Conservation-Based Oyster Harvesting Changes Take Effect in Florida Sept. 1
(WMBB-TV)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission implemented conservation measures in an effort to help the Apalachicola Bay oyster population recover from the effects of low river flow. Apalachicola Bay oyster populations have significantly declined in recent years due to lack of sufficient fresh water flows in the Apalachicola River. This new suite of conservation measures enhances those the FWC put into place for the 2013 winter and 2014 summer seasons. More
Staten Island Zoo Capitalizes on the Small and Obscure
(The New York Times)
In a city where lions, tigers and — yes — bears are only a subway ride away, the Staten Island Zoo is betting on the binturong. Founded in 1933, the zoo is the only one of New York City’s six animal parks not under the auspices of the internationally regarded Wildlife Conservation Society. And with only eight acres, the zoo has in recent years decided to pursue the allure of obscurity by recruiting some of the more diminutive and lesser-known members of the animal kingdom. More
Shark-Fishing Debate Hooks Florida Town Leaders
(Florida Today via USA Today)
Mayor Jim Simmons of Melbourne Beach, Florida,has encountered kayak-paddling fishermen off the end of Avenue B who attract sharks by dumping “buckets of blood and guts and grouper heads” into the waves — a mere 30 feet from his surfboard. And while surfing in March, Simmons was startled by a group of out-of-town spring-break surfcasters near Avenue B. They had chartered a shark fishing guide for the week. More
NEWS FROM CANADA
Saskatchewan Clarifies Ban on Drones Used for Hunting
(CBC News)
A specific ban on hunting using drone aircraft has now been added to Saskatchewan’s wildlife regulations. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are becoming increasing popular with hobbyists, and there have been some cases in the United States where hunters have used them to locate animals. But the Saskatchewan government, along with hunting groups, believe UAVs cross the line of what is considered a “fair chase.” More
Park in British Columbia Gets Funding to Reduce Wildlife Collisions
(Calgary Herald)
It’s a busy mountain road with frequent wildlife-vehicle collisions, but a plan to fence another stretch of Highway 93 S. in British Columbia aims to improve safety for both motorists and animals. On Wednesday, Canadian officials announced $9.6 million to build four wildlife crossing structures and fence another 6.5 kilometers along the road to Radium in Kootenay National Park. More
Zoo Releases Captive-Bred Endangered Frogs Back to Wild
(Aldergrove Star)
In continuing their scientific work and conservation efforts for the endangered Oregon spotted frogs, last week the Greater Vancouver Zoo released more frogs back into the wild. This is the second release of the year. The 127 frogs were bred in a captive environment while studying and marking them before finally releasing them back into their natural wetland environment. More
WILDLIFE HEALTH AND DISEASE NEWS
Wildlife Officials Monitor Disease Found in Snake
(Associated Press via Idaho Statesman)
State wildlife officials say an emerging snake disease similar to one that has killed millions of bats has been found in a wild Georgia snake. Officials from the Department of Natural Resources say an emaciated mud snake in Bulloch County tested positive for snake fungal disease — which can cause scabs, crusty scales and more on a snake’s skin. More
Fish and Wildlife Service Urged to Speed Protection for Bats
(The Chattanoogan)
Two dozen conservation and animal-welfare groups sent a letter urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete its plan to protect the northern long-eared bat, a species found primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States. Opposition to the bat’s protection under the Endangered Species Act prompted the Fish and Wildlife Service to postpone a final decision on protecting the bat until spring 2015. More
Atop Food Chain, Ospreys Ingest Many Poisons, Revealing Environmental Dangers
(National Geographic)
On an early spring morning, the Pitt River flows so calmly that the peaks of the Coast Range seem to admire themselves in its glassy waters. A motorboat lifts a wake, and the docks of the marina moan. Standing on the riverfront dike, Sandi Lee quickly locates a soon-to-be mom. “There’s a nest in the scope,” says Lee, offering a look. John Elliott peers into the telescope. “What stage are we at?” he asks. More
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Top 10 Reptiles and Amphibians Benefitting from Zoos
(Phys.org)
A frog that does not croak, the largest living lizard, and a tortoise that can live up to 100 years are just some of the species staving off extinction thanks to the help of zoos, according to a new report. The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums, has compiled a list of the top 10 reptiles and amphibians benefitting from the aid of zoos in the U.K. and Ireland. More