Author: Rachel Maddow

Conservationists warned large solar farms could push rare habitats “beyond the point of no return.” Gwent Wildlife Trust blamed Llanwern Solar Farm, one of the UK’s biggest, for declines in birds, bats, and insects. Built in 2020, Llanwern covers protected land in south-east Wales and powers over 20,000 homes. Wildlife Decline Around Llanwern Natalie Buttriss, Gwent Wildlife Trust chief executive, said wildlife numbers had fallen sharply near the solar site. She noted Lapwings stopped breeding there and bat populations crashed as insects disappeared from the landscape. A Welsh government report linked the farm to losses of Lapwings, bees, and low…

Across history, the mark of humanity can be seen everywhere. Forests have been cleared, rivers redirected, and farmland expanded. But one of the most powerful changes lies not in the land but in animals themselves. A new study shows that wild creatures have steadily grown smaller while domestic animals have become larger, a trend driven by human activity. The research, led by scientists from the University of Montpellier, analyzed more than 225,000 bones from 311 archaeological sites in Mediterranean France. These remains span 8,000 years and provide a rare record of how animals shifted in size over time. The bones…

Recent floods in Punjab caused extensive damage to forest plantations across multiple districts. The Beas, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers breached dhussi bundhs, damaging trees and wildlife habitats along embankments. Massive Loss of Trees and Wildlife Preliminary estimates suggest floods destroyed or uprooted about five lakh trees, affecting nearly 780 hectares of forestland. The Forest Department is monitoring endangered gharials in the Harike Wetland. Officials reported damages at Kathgarh, Bamial-Killpur, Manjwal, Makhu, Hussainiwala, Chak Sarkar, and Hadiwal-Sasrali bundhs. Border Forests Bear the Brunt Four block forest ranges in Amritsar and Tarn Taran suffered severe impacts, affecting shrubs, mammals, birds, reptiles, and…

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will enforce Delayed Harvest Trout Waters rules on 33 waters starting Oct. 1. The rules require catch-and-release only from Oct. 1 through June 5, 2026. Anglers may use only artificial lures with a single hook, without bait or attractants. Stocking Efforts Aim to Boost Fishing NCWRC will stock Delayed Harvest Trout Waters with high trout densities to increase anglers’ chances of catching fish. The program waters display diamond-shaped black-and-white signs to identify catch-and-release areas. Anglers should note that Helene storm damage may change stocking locations and limit access along some streams. Hatchery Repairs…

Three orphaned bobcat kittens from separate litters across southwest Virginia now live at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke. Staff reported on Thursday that the kittens remain healthy, playful, and well on track for eventual release. The animals recently moved into the facility’s specialized bobcat enclosure. Workers installed infrared lighting to monitor the mostly nocturnal kittens during nighttime hours. Wildlife Center Reports Strong Growth Executive Director Chester Leonard confirmed the kittens have grown rapidly since their arrival. He explained they have likely tripled or even quadrupled in size. Each kitten now consumes food equal to one whole chicken every…

Villagers in Dupnitsa reported spotting a black panther, triggering a police investigation and widespread memes. A resident filmed an animal he believed to be the dangerous feline. Mayor Desislav Nachov visited the site with police officers and inspected the area where the footage appeared. Authorities questioned the witness who recorded the video showing a large black animal moving through tall grass. Nachov explained police have not decided whether to create an emergency headquarters to organize a search. The witness described the animal as resembling a large dog. Dupnitsa lies about 66 kilometres south of Sofia and near the Serbian border,…

Conservationists and volunteers celebrated as authorities designated Old Park and Chequers Wood a Local Wildlife Site. Kent Nature Partnership and Canterbury City Council confirmed the new status, calling it a major victory for nature. Volunteers Recognized for Conservation Efforts Dave Shenton, Kent Wildlife Trust officer, praised Friends of Old Park and Chequers Wood for their dedication. He said their work shows how nature unites communities and offers hope amid climate and biodiversity crises. Expanding Protections for Biodiversity The Local Wildlife Site now covers roughly one-third of the green space, complementing existing protections on half the land. Parts of the area…

Investigators revealed that North Korea engages in illicit wildlife trade despite laws protecting endangered species. Researchers interviewed defectors, including hunters and traders, who confirmed widespread capture of nearly all large mammals. Even highly protected species entered trade routes, often crossing into China. Investigators also found evidence suggesting state participation in unsustainable wildlife exploitation. Collapse of Economy Drove Wildlife Trade North Korea’s economy collapsed in the 1990s, leading to a famine that killed up to one million people. Citizens turned to informal markets, selling goods stolen from state factories or smuggled from China. Wild animals became a critical food resource, and…

The Kerala government announced a 45-day mission to reduce human-wildlife conflicts across the state. Officials designed the campaign to operate in three distinct phases for maximum impact. Phase One: Local Help Desks Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the first phase will set up help desks in affected grama panchayats. Local representatives and officials will gather complaints, listen to suggestions, and attempt to resolve issues immediately. Phase Two: District-Level Deliberations The government will forward unresolved local issues to district-level discussions involving MLAs and senior officials. This stage will aim to resolve problems requiring broader authority beyond the local panchayats. Phase Three:…

Cumbria Wildlife Trust surveys 1,600 Local Wildlife Sites to assess their condition decades after designation. The sites act as corridors for animals and insects, linking nature reserves and better-known habitats across the county. Emily Stewart-Rayner said many sites haven’t been studied since their designation many decades ago. Importance of Local Wildlife Sites Local Wildlife Sites include woodlands, meadows, and roadside verges. Scientists select them based on environmental criteria. Although the law does not protect them, authorities recognize their ecological importance. Stewart-Rayner said monitoring these areas provides a snapshot of how Cumbria’s habitats are currently faring. After surveys, panels of experts…