Author: Rachel Maddow

Record Numbers of Injured and Displaced WildlifeManitoba’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, Wildlife Haven, treated 30% more animals in 2025 than the previous year, at times caring for up to 300 creatures at once. Staff suspect that the province’s recent wildfire season played a role, displacing many young animals and birds. “We were seeing a lot of baby animals and songbirds, plus some unusual patients like nighthawks,” said Amy Wilkie, the centre’s education program manager. “These were likely animals being displaced by habitat loss.” Interestingly, most arrivals were not suffering from burns or smoke inhalation. Currently, in the winter months, the…

Bird Populations SoarAt the Knepp Estate, the number of birds has skyrocketed over the past two decades. In 2007, scientists counted just 55 birds from 22 species along a set walking route. By 2025, that number had jumped to 559 birds from 51 species. Among them are rare and endangered birds on the UK’s “red list,” including nightingales, whose population on the estate has grown from just nine singing males in 1999 to 62 in 2025. Ecologist Fleur Dobner attributes this remarkable recovery to changes in land management, noting, “It’s increasing still, year-on-year, we’re getting higher and higher numbers of…

In vast agricultural landscapes where dense tree cover is rare, new research is showing just how powerful a strip of trees along a stream can be. Scientists have found that planting and preserving vegetation beside waterways doesn’t just protect water quality — it brings wildlife back. A study from the University of Illinois reveals that every 10% increase in trees and shrubs along rivers and streams is linked to roughly one additional land species in the area. These vegetated zones, known as riparian buffers, are proving to be quiet but crucial biodiversity boosters. DNA in Water Reveals Hidden Wildlife To…

A once-dry stretch of land on the edge of Queenstown has been transformed into a thriving wetland, drawing back rare native wildlife and delighting conservationists. But just as success stories begin to take flight, a familiar threat is stalking the reeds — roaming pet cats that could undo years of restoration work. A Rare Return Signals a Healthy Wetland Excitement rippled through the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust when a pair of marsh crakes — one of New Zealand’s most elusive native birds — were spotted at the Shotover Wetland. Executive officer Anna Harding-Shaw, who first saw the birds, described the moment…

Governments are facing growing pressure to tackle the climate impact of the world’s wealthiest. Activists are urging action to ban carbon-heavy luxury goods and tax fossil fuel profits as essential steps to meet global climate targets and reduce inequality. New research from Oxfam highlights the extreme imbalance in emissions. The richest one per cent of people have already used up their annual carbon budget just 10 days into 2026 — a milestone dubbed “Pollutocrat Day.” Even more striking, the top 0.01 per cent exceeded their carbon limit within the first 72 hours of the year. To align with the Paris…

Fireguards, strips of cleared land designed to slow the spread of wildfires, are changing the landscape across the Canadian Rockies — and not just for humans. From Lake Louise to Banff, Canmore, and into Kananaskis Country, hundreds of hectares of forest have been cleared over the past five years, with more projects planned. Balancing Fire Safety and Wildlife Benefits While the primary goal of fireguards is to protect residents, visitors, and communities from wildfires, wildlife has also found unexpected advantages. Elk, grizzly bears, and various bird species are making use of the open spaces for movement and feeding. “They use…

Authorities in the Philippines intercepted a boat carrying rare and exotic animals, highlighting the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking in the region. Shocking Discovery on the Lower Makar River According to GMA News, the Philippine National Police’s Maritime Group inspected a vessel on the Lower Makar River in General Santos City. Inside, they found over 20 leopard tortoises, native to sub-Saharan Africa, and several Nicobar pigeons, a colorful species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, all crammed into two small crates. Six Indonesian nationals aboard the boat were arrested, while authorities continue searching for the Filipino boat operator from Sarangani…

Colorado’s high-profile wolf restoration program is facing new pressure from Washington, after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service warned it could strip the state of its authority to manage gray wolves if it fails to meet federal reporting requirements. The warning raises fresh questions about who should be in charge of the controversial program, which has drawn praise from conservationists and sharp criticism from ranchers and some federal officials. Federal Ultimatum Puts State Program at Risk In a letter dated Dec. 18, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik told Colorado Parks and Wildlife that the federal agency could…

A New Year’s Day hike in northern Colorado ended in tragedy after a woman was killed in a rare mountain lion attack, the first fatal incident involving the animal in the state in more than two decades. The victim was later identified as 46-year-old Kristen Marie Kovatch of Fort Collins. Her death has shaken local communities and prompted renewed discussion about wildlife safety in Colorado’s backcountry. What Happened on Crosier Mountain Kovatch was hiking alone in the mountains south of Glen Haven, a rugged area near the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, when she was attacked. Shortly before…

A giant bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s New Year auction, selling for a staggering sum and setting a new market record. Kiyomura Corp. Secures the Prize The 243-kilogram tuna sold for 510 million yen, around €2.78 million, at the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of the famous Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, who has repeatedly dominated the annual auctions, surpassed his own record of 334 million yen from 2019. He admitted afterward that he had hoped to pay less, but “the price…