Author: OMN AI

An underweight seal pup rescued after Storm Bram is recovering well, rescuers have confirmed.The juvenile grey seal was found muddy, dehydrated, and surrounded by debris near Seatown in Dorset. A member of the public alerted British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which rescued the animal on 9 December.The pup was transferred to the RSPCA care centre at West Hatch in Somerset. Named Nirvana, the male seal weighed just 13.9kg and showed signs of prolonged struggle.After receiving fluids and warmth, he began feeding independently and gained strength. Nirvana will soon move to an outdoor pool to build fitness before release into the…

Hundreds of tiny snails were flown from Sydney to Norfolk Island in a rare conservation rescue mission.The Campbell’s keeled glass-snail was listed extinct in 1996 after disappearing from the wild.In 2020, a citizen scientist rediscovered the species in a hidden forest gully.Researchers quickly launched a plan to prevent its final extinction. Dozens of snails were moved to Taronga Zoo for captive breeding.Early losses were high because the species is sensitive to stress and transport.Despite setbacks, the population grew to more than 800 individuals. In June, 600 snails were returned to Norfolk Island to begin reintroduction.A mould outbreak killed many, leaving…

As Christmas approaches, supermarket shelves fill with products for festive meals, including turkey, potatoes, cinnamon and chocolate. Many shoppers now notice higher prices or scarcer supplies for these traditional foods. Climate change disrupts harvests across the world, cuts yields and forces farmers to adapt quickly. Rising temperatures, extreme weather and fragile ecosystems now shape what ends up on Christmas tables. These pressures already affect availability, quality and cost for many seasonal favourites. An ingredient crisis for sweet Christmas treats Festive baking remains a cherished tradition, with families preparing gingerbread, Christmas cake and cinnamon rolls. This year, several essential ingredients prove…

The European Union has softened its 2035 car emissions ban, raising alarms about climate targets and the pace of electric vehicle adoption. On Tuesday, EU officials moved to ease the ban on sales of internal combustion engine cars in response to pressure from governments and automakers. Currently, EU law requires all new cars after 2035 to have zero CO2 emissions. Following lobbying from some member states and the automotive industry, the Commission reduced the target. From 2035 onwards, carmakers will need to achieve a 90 per cent tailpipe emissions reduction instead of 100 per cent. European Commission vice-president Stéphane Séjourné…

High in the mountains of the Peloponnese, Greece’s iconic fir forests are dying in places untouched by fire, alarming scientists who warn of a deepening ecological crisis driven by climate change. Greek firs are usually resilient trees, well adapted to drought, insects and periodic wildfires. But when forest researcher Dimitrios Avtzis surveyed a recent blaze, he found something unexpected: vast areas of fir trees turning brown and dying where flames had never reached. The scale was so unusual that he immediately alerted the environment ministry. Experts say the damage is being caused by a combination of stresses. Prolonged drought, intensified…

Neighborhood Sightings Signal a Shift In late 2025, police in Eagle Pass alerted residents after wild hog sightings increased inside neighborhoods near the Rio Grande. Officers warned people to keep their distance, avoid confronting the animals, and stop attempts to scare them away. Police also reminded residents that firing weapons inside city limits breaks local law. Officials tied the activity to seasonal movement patterns and asked residents to report sightings instead of intervening. That approach allowed trained teams to coordinate trapping and removal, reducing risks to both people and animals. Around the same time, a homeowner in Altadena discovered a…

Modern Tools Reshape Wildlife Protection Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised Kenya’s move toward bold, modern and science-led conservation, saying the government is transforming wildlife protection through advanced technology. He said authorities now rely on AI-enabled surveillance, drones and satellite-linked patrol systems as part of wide-ranging reforms at the Kenya Wildlife Service. Kindiki spoke on Friday, December 19, 2025, while presiding over the graduation of 147 cadet officers at the KWS Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani after nine months of paramilitary training. “Today is a historic day as we gather here to witness the passing-out of 147 young men and…

Researchers use drones to study whale health by analyzing their breath in the Arctic. Collecting whale breath with drones Scientists flew drones equipped with specialized instruments through the exhaled droplets, or “blows,” of humpback, fin, and sperm whales. They captured the tiny droplets whales release when surfacing to breathe through their blowholes. The technique allowed them to detect a highly infectious virus linked to mass strandings of whales and dolphins worldwide. Professor Terry Dawson of King’s College London called the method a “game-changer” for monitoring whale health. “It allows us to study pathogens in live whales without stress or harm,”…

Birdsong is rare in December, but recent spells of mild winter weather have prompted several UK species to sing earlier than usual. Robins and wrens are now regularly heard in winter, joined in some areas by song thrushes and even overwintering skylarks. While these songs are softer and less frequent than in spring, their growing presence reflects changing seasonal patterns. Once unusual, winter birdsong is becoming more common, raising the question of whether it simply foreshadows spring – or highlights the effects of a warming climate disrupting natural rhythms.

The De Pere Cultural Center in Wisconsin has opened its doors to the public with free admission during the holiday season. This move allows visitors of all ages to explore exhibitions and take part in arts programs without cost. The change is made possible by a generous gift aimed at expanding access and encouraging stronger community engagement with the arts. By removing admission fees, the center hopes to welcome people who may not usually visit cultural spaces. Families, students, seniors, and tourists can now enjoy art and educational programs in a relaxed and inclusive setting. The initiative reflects a growing…