Conservationists urge stronger rules as reptiles, birds, and other animals appear increasingly for sale online and on social media.The CITES conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, will consider proposals to restrict or ban trade in several species this week.Officials aim to protect iguanas, African tortoises, Latin American tarantulas, vipers, geckos, and sloths from illegal capture and commerce. Internet and Social Media Drive Demand Traders use online marketplaces to sell live animals directly to buyers worldwide, bypassing traditional pet shops.Social media influencers promote exotic pets, increasing demand and encouraging illegal acquisitions, experts warn.Studies show 60% of traded animals are reptiles, 30% birds, and…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She earned her degree in Political Science and Journalism from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Known for her thorough reporting and compelling storytelling, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and global developments.
Workers restore 435 acres of former salt ponds in Mountain View into tidal marshes and public hiking trails.The $20 million project, scheduled to finish by December, marks another step in the 15,100-acre South Bay restoration effort.State and federal agencies, along with environmental groups, convert former industrial ponds into habitats for ducks, shorebirds, fish, and marine life.Cargill Salt sold the lands in 2003 for $100 million, launching the West Coast’s largest wetland restoration initiative.Restoration aims to return the bay to conditions lost after 85% of wetlands disappeared between 1850 and the 1970s.Marshes filter water, absorb wave energy, reduce flooding, and provide…
The Ritz‑Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp opened in Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve. It offers private plunge pools, butlers, and panoramic savannah views at over $5,000 per night. The camp sits on a bend in the Sand River, which critics claim serves as a key corridor for mass animal migrations. Maasai and Conservationists Challenge the Camp in Court Leaders from the Institute for Maasai Education, Research and Conservation (MERC) filed a lawsuit in August 2025 to block the lodge’s operation. They contend the camp lies on a vital migration route used by wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and other species. They argue the…
CITES expanded protections for over 70 shark and ray species, a move conservationists call a “historic win.” Delegates at the Uzbekistan meeting approved stricter trade limits for species from whale sharks to manta rays. Experts warn that overfishing and climate change increasingly threaten these species. Barbara Slee, senior programme manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said, “Scientific data shows sharks need conservation, not exploitation.” Key Species Gain Stronger Safeguards CITES placed whale sharks, manta rays, and devil rays on Appendix I, banning most international trade. Countries had previously listed the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark. Other species, including…
A group of tourists began the O Circuit trek despite worsening weather and no park rangers present. Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, deep in icy Patagonia, welcomes 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands aim to complete the park’s iconic trekking routes. On 17 November, a sudden blizzard struck the O Circuit trail. Five trekkers died, and dozens became stranded in whiteout conditions for hours. Although the disaster arose from extreme weather, it revealed weaknesses in park safety and emergency management. The Blizzard and Its Impact Around 30 international trekkers left Los Perros campsite before dawn on 17 November, planning…
Minister Dr. Ashatu Kijaji pledged that her ministry will promptly address citizen challenges, including wildlife-related compensation.She emphasized respecting the value and dignity of affected people while ensuring timely consolation and payments. Official Tour Highlights Engagement Dr. Kijaji began her official tour in Morogoro, meeting Regional Commissioner Adam Malima to discuss local conservation and tourism matters.Deputy Minister Hamad Hassan Chande accompanied her as she visited the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWMA) headquarters.The minister also plans to visit Mikumi National Park, managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Strengthening Regional Cooperation Dr. Kijaji said she aims to observe conservation practices, learn…
Supporters raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to create a new refuge for rare and declining species. Suffolk Wildlife Trust confirmed it secured £775,000 to complete its purchase of Worlingham Marshes, which sits inside the Broads National Park. The trust hopes woodcock will return to the wet woodland, while otters and water voles will use the waterways for breeding. Christine Luxton, the trust’s chief executive, said the purchase expands protected space in the Lower Waveney Valley and thanked everyone who contributed to the appeal. The trust acquired 381 acres of land with help from £2m in National Lottery Heritage Fund…
U.S. travel exports reached a record high in the first half of 2025. International visitors spent $126.9 billion on travel-related goods and services. This marks the largest total for the first six months of any year on record. Experts say the figure highlights the strength of the U.S. tourism sector and the continued appeal of the country as a travel destination. The record spending includes hotels, restaurants, entertainment, attractions, and transportation. International visitors also purchased goods such as souvenirs, clothing, and specialty items. Travel agencies and tour operators benefited from higher bookings. Airlines, hotels, and local businesses reported strong sales. Many…
The UN climate summit failed to produce a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels, leaving the EU increasingly isolated. COP30 in Belém ended with a final text that contained no roadmap, prompting critics to label it an empty deal and a moral failure. The United States withdrew from climate negotiations, creating a political and financial gap, with President Donald Trump dismissing climate change as a “con job.” Countries heavily dependent on fossil-fuel revenue, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, resisted any targets or timelines for phasing out fossil fuels. One day before the summit concluded, the EU threatened to…
Researchers warn Australian governments fail to protect native wildlife from road fatalities effectively.Every year, millions of animals die in collisions, creating risks for both fauna and humans.Road crashes involve drivers, rescuers, and veterinary staff, adding social and economic costs.Wildlife Victoria reported a 288% rise in calls about animal collisions over the past decade.The organisation helped 311 species, with kangaroos accounting for 50–60% of cases.The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) recorded nearly 7,000 claims linked to animal impacts last year.Experts estimate Australia kills up to 10 million animals annually on roads. Existing Measures Remain Patchy Road tunnels, rope bridges, land…