New Horned Viper Species Discovered in Tanzania; Location Kept Secret

The Matilda's horned viper

It has been recently reported that scientists have discovered a new species of horned viper in a remote forest in Tanzania. This remarkable viper was called Matilda's horned viper, a name given by one of the discoverers Tim Davenport's daughter. It  measured up to two feet in length, and has evolved from its closest ancestor over two million years ago. However, this uniquely-colored snake is said to survive in a small fragment of habitat and is believed to be a critically endangered species. Therefore, its discoverers are now working to protect the species from any would-be threats. Part of the protection to ensure its survival is to keep the location a secret, but the team has also established an emergency conservation program.

Head study of the Matilda's horned viper

In order to keep the species safe, researchers have collected eleven snakes for captive breeding. These include four males, five females, and two juveniles. The offspring are also a guarantee against extinction. The researchers say that they are going one step further to anticipate the illegal pet trade. Mr. Davenport explained that he and the team are planning to make first few dozen offspring available from their captive population, in order to provide the market with captive-bred specimens. He further added that the goal is to avoid collecting wild specimens, lower the animal's price, and encourage responsible captive breeding in countries where the demand is high. Mr. Davenport also stated that the ultimate aim is to raise awareness and support for a community-based forest conservation program.

Matilda's horned viper showing off its distinctive color pattern

I find this discovery to be a very remarkable moment for the world of wildlife and conservation. This horned viper is truly one of the most fascinating serpents on the face of the earth. For example, it is closely related to the local forest horned viper but is larger in size, has a more unique coloration, and even a distinctive scale pattern on its head. In addition to that, genetic testing has shown that this snake can be separated by 2.2 million years ago. I also find this technique of keeping the location of the viper's discovery a secret from the outside world interesting. In fact, I think it is one effective method in order to protect a certain species from threats from the brink of extinction. While it is not clear how many total individuals maybe inhabiting the area, surveys by these researchers have shown that this viper survives in an area smaller than hundred square kilometers. Therefore, it was crucial for them to keep the location a secret. I also believe that a technique like this should be implemented in other parts of the world known for their diversity in wildlife. This way, it would allow scientists, conservationists, and other wildlife officials to conduct conservation efforts to save the wildlife from any potential man-made threats.

A Matilda's horned viper in its habitat

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Colorado and South Dakota Contemplated for Yellowstone Bison Relocation

Bison outside Yellowstone National Park

Earlier in one of my posts, I had written about an article in which tribal groups lent their support to Yellowstone's bison relocation on a couple Indian reservations up in Montana. This time, it appears that this project will possibly extend further in the states of Colorado and South Dakota in an effort to decrease periodic slaughter of these animals leaving the Yellowstone National Park. Although this idea marked for the first time in decades that the federal government is considering to move the wandering animals elsewhere in the nation, it did not sit well with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. He condemned the proposal stating his concern that the effort would allow diseases such as brucellosis and chronic wasting diseases to spread across the nation. Instead, he proclaimed to have the animals transferred to Montana's National Bison Range near the town of Moiese.

The view of the badlands in the northern section of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

However, the Interior Department rejected Governor Schweitzer's proclamation stating that the plan would stigmatize the animals that are already there and would make it harder to transfer Yellowstone's bison to other states that are worried about the spread of diseases. In addition to that, wildlife officials stated that Governor Schweitzer's rule of blocking the department's fish and wildlife shipping could affect the federal trout hatcheries that produce more than a million fish annually. Among the active members in pushing forward this bison relocation effort is Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who told Governor Schweitzer in a letter that the agency is looking into possible relocation sites in Colorado and South Dakota. Among these sites include Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park, and a portion of the Badlands National Park in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The relocation of the animals could be done in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy, who owns the Zapata Ranch adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes while those in South Dakota would be managed in alliance with the local Oglala Lakota Tribe.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park of Colorado

I'm very much proud to see that the conservation effort has taken a new turn into looking at other possible relocation sites for Yellowstone's increasing bison population elsewhere in the nation. Not only do they include Indian reservations, but also other national parks where they had once roamed centuries ago. I firmly believe that Yellowstone's bison should be relocated in other places in the nation's Great Plains region where they had long disappeared. These places could include Indian reservations, since the animal has been the major component of the culture and history of the Native Americans for generations. Not only did these people rely on the animals for food, but they also worshiped them as representatives of their spirit and reminders of how they lived their lives in harmony with nature. By bringing the bison, it would be a way of reviving that spirit that had long been affiliated with Native Americans for generations. In addition to that, these animals are a keystone species whose grazing has shaped the ecology of the region. Therefore, reintroducing the animals in such places will help in the rejuvenation of patches of lands where they had long disappeared. Also, before attempting any relocation processes, it would be useful to check any animals for brucellosis. The bison maybe an animal who has received a great deal of attention regarding the disease, but there is also a similar problem with Yellowstone's elk population which should also be looked at.

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Recent Discoveries in the Mekong- Colored Gecko and Snub-nosed Monkey

The Mekong region

The Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia is renowned for being one of the few biodiversity hotspots where new species of wildlife is discovered. Among the recent discoveries made include a unique colored gecko discovered on the Hon Khoai Island in southern Vietnam's Ca Mau Province. This reptile is very much psychedelic in appearance, sporting a variety of colors. These include bright orange legs, a yellow neck, and a blue-gray body with yellow bars on each side. Another is a black and white snub-nosed monkey, which is very much similar to its more attractive golden snub-nosed monkey of China. This unusual monkey is reported to have a "hairstyle" similar to that of Elvis Presley, and is found in the mountains of Burma's Kachin state. However, this region, like many such places, is vulnerable to threats such as deforestation and illegal poaching of wildlife. Some of the animals like the Irrawaddy dolphins are highly endangered as a result of human encroachment. But the most recent tragedy the Mekong had ever witnessed was the loss of the last Vietnamese Javan rhinoceros to extinction. This incident has marked the ongoing threats of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade continuing to exploit the natural treasures of a pristine ecosystem considered by many scientists and researchers as paradise.

This multicolored gecko is one of the recent discoveries made in the Mekong.

Whenever I hear about a news highlighting a recent discovery of some new species of animal, it immediately astonishes me knowing that some corners of the world abound with a rich variety of wildlife. But at the same time, I feel concerned that these regions are vulnerable to man-made threats ranging from deforestation to poaching. And with the discovery of new species like this gecko and monkey, it makes me wonder what will their future be like. Will they stay continue to flourish in numbers, or will they succumb to extinction? My only feeling is that the Mekong is a fragile paradise that must be tightly protected to ensure its species' survival. One of its animals, the Vietnamese Javan rhinoceros, has recently become extinct. Although this incident highlights the plight of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade, it should also be considered as a wake-up call to intensify the conservation efforts in order to ensure the species' survival.

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India's Chinkara Gazelle Slaughter- A Military Connection

Chinkara heads uncovered at the Indian Army camp in Rajasthan.

The blackbuck and the chinkara (Indian gazelle) are two of the most elegant and graceful antelopes native to the Indian subcontinent. Their proud and auspicious looks, not to mention their swift flying gaits have made them favorite subjects for wildlife photographers and filmmakers. However, these magnificent antelopes are also one of the most highly endangered animals in India. Since the Mughal era and the British Raj, they were hunted in countless numbers for the thrill of sport hunting. But as time progressed, conservation efforts began to revive their populations and saved them from being pushed to the brink of extinction. However, poaching has always remained a major threat to these antelopes and reports of such gruesome incidences continued to make the news. But none rang alarm bells across the nation more so than one which occurred in 1998 involving Bollywood's heartthrob Salman Khan. While filming for his film Hum Saath Saath Hain, he ran into major trouble for allegedly poaching these antelopes along with his co-stars. The incident shocked the entire nation, especially the Bishnoi community who are known for their tremendous love for nature. Seven years later, the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi suffered a similar fate when he was arrested for killing a blackbuck. But now, there is a new figure that has become involved in this ongoing mayhem: the Indian Army.

The incident took place when five infantrymen, known as "jawans", hunted three chinkaras in Rajasthan's Barmer district while participating in the Sudarshan Shakti exercise on the Indo-Pakistani border. The alleged perpetrators were identified as Subedar Gopilal, Havildar (Sergeant) D.R Nath, Nayak N. Sarkar, Lance Nayak P.R Pardesi, and Sipahi D.R Naidu. According to P.R Bhadu, Territorial District Forest Officer (DFO), officials rushed down to the camp where the men were stationed after being informed by the local villagers. Upon hearing the officials' raiding the camp, all five soldiers escaped. At the camp, the officials uncovered some gruesome evidence: the severed heads of the gazelles and some uncooked meat. They also found an army vehicle covered in bloodstains used while hunting. It was seized for forensic examinations. As part of the investigation, defense spokesperson S.D Goswami stated that a court of inquiry was ordered to look into the matter. He further added that if the perpetrators were found guilty, they would be dealt with harshly. In addition to that, Rajpal Singh of the state committee for wildlife and environment indicated that villagers had been complaining for long that army officers were frequently hunting the wildlife but no action was being taken. But now, with substantial evidence, he stated that senior officers should look look into the matter and guarantee such incidents will not happen in the future.

Hearing about a news like this makes me feel that our motherland has been and still is a major hot-bed for poaching and other illicit activities intended to overexploit the natural environment. The threat of poaching comes in many forms. It is not just a bunch of small-time criminals, but also sophisticated ones as well, including those who have no affiliations with such syndicates whatsoever. This was seen especially in the case of Salman Khan, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, and now officials of the nation's army. But despite their high status, we must not forget that these are also regular people and should be dealt with in the same manner as any person after committing a crime. India is one of the few places in the world with one of the richest biodiversities, but poaching and illegal wildlife trade have always been taking the toll on these natural treasures that are part of the nation's heritage. The public really needs to step up in putting an end to these ongoing atrocities. Otherwise, the entire subcontinent will lose its natural beauty in a matter of time.

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Spain's Red Corals Under Pressure of Poaching

Red coral

Recently, researchers from the University of Barcelona made a shocking discovery that poaching has taken toll of nearly 60 percent of red coral biomass in Spain's Medes Islands Marine Reserve. The study's findings underline the impact of poaching has on the reserve, and has shed new light on the effect of recreational diving has on the coral population of the islands. According to the team, the reserve effect in the area has given the conservation of several marine species a boost. However, in the case of the red coral, it is both harvested legally and illegally along the Catalan coastline. Thus, poaching is posing a major threat to this species.

A necklace, a pair of earrings, and other jewelry made of red coral.

The relationship between this coral and people dates back thousands of years when ancient Greeks and Romans used it in jewelry design. The same practice still continues today. Dr. Cristina Linares of the university's Department of Ecology stated that this is a growing problem in the western Mediterranean Basin, with the exception of some marine reserves in France. From 1992 to 2005, researchers carried out a study of this coral focusing on its basal diameter and population density both inside and outside the reserve. Their results showed that colonies in the Medes area have decreased in size, with smaller numbers and below the levels observed in France. The researchers also added that the species is more abundant in the reserve than in the surrounding areas. One of the researchers, Bernat Hereu, stated that the coral is found in much shallower depths on the Catalan coast than elsewhere in the Mediterranean. This location makes the species easily accessible for both tourists and poachers.

This article gives a clear representation about how and why it is important to protect and conserve the world's coral reefs. When we think of corals, what usually comes to our minds are the remote locations in the tropics renowned for their warm climates. One of the classic examples is the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. However, there are also corals making their homes elsewhere in the world where the climate is warm and sustainable to the species. In this case, the Mediterranean. The region's sun-drenched beaches draw millions of tourists year-round. However, these waters are also home to a rich variety of marine wildlife. The red coral is one of many invertebrates making its home in the region.

Unfortunately, research conducted by this team from University of Barcelona indicates that it is in the grave danger of poaching. In addition to  research, it has been said that the team is also working with Baix Ter, Medes Islands, and Montgri National Parks to turn around the effects of poaching. This is going to be implemented through confiscation and replanting of coral. However, Dr. Linares made it clear that this will not be a definitive solution. Instead, it will be more like reviving part of the coral that is still alive and replanting it to create a natural community that is part of a marine ecosystem. I feel that this effort can be further boosted up if communities living along the coastlines should collaborate with law enforcement, and report any suspicious activities. At the same time, the locals should be imposed on the education of the importance of corals and why it is crucial to conserve them. If the corals continue to be harvested illegally, it would have an effect on other marine species and could affect the tourist industry of the Mediterranean.

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Yellowstone's Grizzly Bears to Remain on the Endangered Species List

A mother grizzly bear and her cubs in Yellowstone National Park

A federal appeals court has recently proclaimed that grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park shall remain on the endangered species list, due to the effect of climate change on the animals' white-bark food source. The decision was a major victory for conservationists in their battle to keep the bears on the list. This ruling made by the U.S 9th Circuit Court of Appeals had struck down the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service's decision in 2007 to remove the animals from the list. The court noted that climate change has increased speed of a beetle infestation that devastates the bears' vital food source of white-bark pine trees. The three-judge panel kept note of conservationists' warnings that the loss of these trees in the upper elevations in and around the national park would force the bears to search for food in more heavily populated areas. This would bring them into conflicts with local people and livestock. And it is because of this behavior that wildlife officials had to euthanize the bears in record numbers. According to a multi-agency study team, an estimated that 75 grizzly bears were either killed or removed from the wild in 2010.

A mountain pine beetle. One of the major pests in destroying the bears' vital food source.

As part of the argument, the appellate panel quoted the Fish and Wildlife Service's as having "failed to adequately consider the impact of global warming and mountain pine beetle infestation on the vitality of the region's white-bark pine trees." The jurists also discovered that warmer temperatures in recent years allowed the beetles to survive the seasonal die-off, allowing them to destroy 16 percent of the trees and damage more than 25 percent. The extent of the damage caused by the beetles is a subject of debate for the Fish and Wildlife Service, but scientists studying the problem describe the infestation in ominous terms. According to Diana Tomback, a white-bark pine expert at the University of Colorado Denver, studies have shown that majority of watersheds have in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem have been disrupted with lots of spaces where there is 90 percent-plus mortality of beetle-damaged mature trees. The beetles attack the trees by penetrating under the bark and digging out internal canals that accommodate thousands of larvae. The carving then stresses the pines, turning them into vivid red.

White-bark pine trees

This article gives a clear representation of how global warming should be taken seriously. Not only does it affect life up in the northern regions, but also further down south away from the arctic exposure. Because of this, it is crucial to battle this environmental catastrophe in virtually every corner of this world. Wildlife everywhere is affected in one way or another. In the case of grizzly bear, they are being forced to move into places where there are people leading into conflicts and ending in tragic results. In 2010, at least 75 bears were euthanized because of this behavior. Little did wildlife officials know that global warming has been pushing the animals to search for new places to forage when beetles have been destroying their major food source. I believe that since the matters concerning the bears' status as endangered species have been taken care of, it is time to tackle the problem of beetle infestation affecting Yellowstone. The first national park of the United States is in a great need of help, and so are its inhabitants. More importantly, it is time to further battle the ongoing threat of global warming.

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Experts to Discuss Disease Control for the Arabian Oryx

Arabian oryxes

It has recently been reported that a two-day workshop was organized to establish regional disease control and management for the Arabian oryx. This workshop was set up by the General Secretariat for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx, in partnership with the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain. Among the participants included representatives from other nations where the antelope once roamed. Together with their Gulf counterparts, they discussed carrying out studies to determine genetics and different diseases, and how they can work together to adequately respond to outbreaks. The workshop was held in Al Ain, and was attended by 38 biologists and veterinarians from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq.

The meeting

As of now, the Coordinating Committee for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx (CCCAO) is overseeing the coordination of efforts in conservation for the antelope within the Arabian Peninsula. Its members have agreed to uniting and amplifying efforts of the species that once ranged from southern Syria, to Oman's and Yemen's borders with Saudi Arabia. The workshop's goal was to recognize different aspects of veterinary care required when reintroducing the oryx in its former range, and work on an annual statistics bulletin to keep track of diseases that affect the herds reintroduced that range. The participants have agreed to prepare a booklet giving description of various diseases affecting the oryx. This will focus on preventive veterinary care and how to prepare contingency plans for the management of disease outbreaks. In addition to that, the participants underlined on the importance of encouraging the range states to carry out necessary studies to identify the relationship between genetics and diseases. They also underlined on the need to aiding information exchange amongst the group of professionals involved in responding to the outbreaks.

I'm very impressed and proud to see what steps the Middle East has taken in the conservation of the Arabian oryx. This magnificent antelope has recently exceeded to a thousand individuals, thus making a comeback from the brink of extinction. Now, there have been plans to reintroduce it back into its former range where it had once disappeared. But as part of the goal, several individuals involved in the conservation have gathered together to discuss different techniques to control any diseases that can affect the antelope. I feel that it is necessary because the world cannot risk losing the animal, which slowly made a comeback thanks to captive breeding in both the Middle East and the U.S. However, the Arabian oryx's relative, the scimitar-horned oryx, is still confined to captivity. And I firmly think that captive breeding is crucial for its survival and at the same time, measures to reintroduce it back in its former range should be undertaken.

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