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Ker Than for National Geographic News Published this article on January 20, 2010.
- Photograph by Frans Lanting, National Geographic Stock
New Species Discovered With an Uncertain Future
A team of researchers from the Arizona-based Reptile & Amphibian Ecology International announced they have discovered a new rain frog along with 30 other unknown species in Ecuador’s highland forest. Unfortunately, global warming is a real threat for this new species and all creatures that live in the forest.
To read this article (CLICK HERE) or click on the photo below.
New Species of Rain Frog Discovered: Photo found on National Geographic
The Hidden Power of Everday Things
Your Signs:Â Capricorn / Aquarius
Your Elements:Â Earth / Air
Your Rulers:Â Saturn, Mercury, Uranus, 29 degrees Capricorn– 00 degrees Aquarius, Third Decanate, Yin, First Decanate, Yang
Objects / Images:Â Blindfolds, Castles with Parapets, a Spaceship Blasting Off
Shapes / Materials:Â Amber, Leather Bags, Parallel Lines
Colors:Â Mottled Blue, Shale Gray, Buttery Yellow
Animals:Â Camel, Unicorn
Plants, Herbs, Edibles: Aspen Trees, Spinach, Hips, Cornflowers, Holly Trees
Essences:Â Balsam, Rosemary
Sound / Rhythms:Â The Sound of Arrows Hitting Bull’s-Eyes, The Sound of Sheeps’ Bells
Muscial Notes: D and C#
Deep Space Object:Â Alpha Sagittarius
Camel and Unicorn
Male Indian Rhinoceros Born at The Berlin Zoo
This Indian Rhinoceros calf was born Sunday in captivity at The Berlin Zoo to Mother Jhansi. Indian rhinoceros are found in parts of India as well as Nepal. There are approximately 3,000 Indian rhinos in the WILD today.  To read this article (CLICK HERE) or click on the photo below.
Male Indian Rhinoceros Calf and Mother: Photo found on Los Angeles Times Local "L.A. Unleashed", Photo taken by: Arno Burgi / European Pressphoto Agency
20th Anniversary of the International Ban on Ivory
It’s been over 20 years since the world of ivory has been banned internationally, however GREED and the demand for products made out of ivory have surge in the last few years. Scientists are estimating that between 8% – 10% of African’s elephants are still being killed each year to meet this ivory demand.
So why are these products still in such demand? Apparently, the recent growth in the far east’s appetite for ivory, which is a status symbol for the middle class, has sent ivory prices soaring from 150 pounds a kilogram in 2004 to more than 4,000 pounds a kilogram today.
African elephants in Kenya on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the world ivory trading ban. Photograph: Martin Harvey/AP
This is definitely a topic that will be discussed in detail at this year’s meeting in March of Cites (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species).
It has been estimated that more than 38,000 elephants were killed for their tusks just in 2006 alone and the death rate is even higher today. To read this article (CLICK HERE) or click on the photo above.
Snake Spits Out New Species of Chameleon At Scientist's Feet
This is a GREAT fun story on how a conservationist from York University discovered a new Magombera chameleon species in Tanzania!
Dr. Andrew Marshall was studies monkeys in the jungle in the Magombera forest in Tanzania when he stumbled across a twig snake (which at the time was eating the chameleon). Startled by Marshall, the snake coughed up the chameleon and took off into the forest. While looking over the dead chameleon, Marshall suspected it might be a new species and took a photograph. A short time later, Marshall discovered the same species approximately 6 miles from the original finding. He photographed that creature and has published his findings formally on record in November of 2009.
Marshall is hoping to persuade the Tanzanian authorities in protecting this area of the forest which the chameleon was found. To read this entire article CLICK HERE or on the photo below.
New Species of Chameleon found in Tanzania by Dr. Andrew Marshall: Photo taken by Dr. Andrew Marshall of York University
Madagascar Sanctions Logging of National Parks
Jungle Jenny is absolutely MAD about this story!
Last week, Andry Rojoelina (the President of Madagascar), who seized power during the military coup last March, released a decree that allows the export of rosewood logs harvested from the island’s NATIONAL PARKS!!
To read this article by Rhett Butler (click here). Rhett is the founder and editor of Mongabay.com, one of the leading sites on the Web covering tropical forest and biodiversity.
Illegal Rosewood Logging in Masoala National Park. Photo by: Rhett A. Butler
Endangered Animal Trading on the Rise in Indonesia
I’m so sad to see that the forest areas in Indonesia are still being converted and taken over by humans forcing endemic wildlife species to flee the area. Indonesia is home to many wonderful animals, some of which are only found there. Is man’s needs for natural resources more important than keeping a species off the endangered species list?
The Green Turtle is “still the main turtle trade destination in Indonesia”, says Rosek Nurasahid, a ProFauna International wildlife observer. According to the 2009 end -of-the-year report, ProFauna announced that trade in protected animals species in Indonesia was still high. The latest ProFauna survey conducted at 70 birds markets in 58 cities in 2009 indicated 183 rare and protected animal species had been traded.
To read more on this, CLICK HERE to read the article found on Asia One News or click on photo below.
Photo taken by: Matt Einholf
San Diego Zoo Host "Koalapalooza"
The San Diego Zoo is celebrating the animals of the outback this weekend. There will be special demonstrations from zoo researchers and veterinarians and you will have the opportunity to meet animals such as Koalas, Kangaroos and Kookaburras! CLICK HERE to visit the zoo’s website for more information.
Photo found on LA Times Blog "L.A. Unleashed"
Giant Salamanders in Japan Receive Assistance in Their Journey Upstream
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Here is a GREAT SOLUTION and wonderful story about the Giant Salamanders in Japan.
Unfortunately, we hear too much about the destruction and habitat loss for animals and hear little about what is being done to resolve this problem. The Japanese people created an innovative way to assist the Giant Salamander make it’s way up stream by building ramps and staircases in the dams. This new solution/program is critical and essential for the Giant Salamanders, since this is where they lay their eggs!
To watch the video courtesy of National Geographic Daily News, CLICK HERE or on photo below.
Photo found on National Geographic's Website