KCNA said the visit was part of efforts to improve living standards and promote a “socialist civilisation.”

During the tour, Kim pointed to a rise in pet ownership in Pyongyang and other areas, and called for expanded production of pet-related goods, including food, grooming tools and veterinary medicines. 

He wanted to develop consumer-oriented industries, a notable emphasis in an economy still constrained by international sanctions.

The appearance also offered a rare glimpse of a more domestic, curated image of the North Korean leader — one that contrasts with the state’s usual focus on military capability and strategic strength.

Yet animals, particularly dogs, have long played a role in Kim’s political signalling.

In 2018, following a summit in Pyongyang, Kim gifted two white Pungsan hunting dogs — a breed indigenous to North Korea — to then South Korean president Moon Jae-in. The move was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill during a brief thaw in inter-Korean relations.

The dogs, named Gomi and Songgang, were initially hailed as symbols of reconciliation. However, their fate later reflected the fragility of such diplomacy. In 2022, they were transferred to a South Korean zoo after a dispute over the cost of their upkeep between Moon and the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

More recently, Kim extended a similar gesture to Russian President Vladimir Putin, gifting him a pair of Pungsan dogs in 2024 as ties between Pyongyang and Moscow deepened.

Kim ultimately leverages such gestures to serve dual purposes: reinforcing diplomatic ties while projecting a softer imagery of leadership. 

From symbolic gifts to staged public appearances, dogs have become an unlikely but consistent feature of Kim’s political playbook.

At present, each ranger is responsible for around 25,000 hectares, far above the ministry’s target ratio of one ranger per 2,500 hectares.

Rangers are civil servants tasked with patrolling protected areas, preventing illegal logging and encroachment, and enforcing conservation laws. 

Between January and October 2025, the ministry said it prosecuted 34 suspects in 21 illegal logging cases, raided 13 illegal mining sites and foiled 36 attempts to smuggle protected wildlife.

Wildlife poaching problem

Indonesia is widely described as a major hub for wildlife trafficking, reflecting its vast biodiversity. It is considered one of the world’s richest countries in terms of species diversity, making it both a source and a target for organised wildlife crime.

Interpol estimates the global illegal wildlife trade is worth about $20 billion , with Indonesia acting as a source, transit point and destination. Poachers operate on islands including Java, Sumatra and Borneo, capturing species ranging from birds and otters to critically endangered rhinos. 

Many of these animals are sold domestically, while others are trafficked across Asia through organised networks.

Recent court rulings have highlighted the scale of the threat. For instance, in 2025, Indonesian judges handed down prison terms of up to 12 years in a case linked to the killing of between 18 and 26 Javan rhinos over five years.

Despite the scale of the problem, the recruitment drive has drawn criticism. Some wildlife and environment researchers have argued that increasing ranger numbers alone will not address deeper structural issues.

Research indicates that 55.3 million hectares of forest and other land have been allocated to legal concessions, where oversight can be weak. Analysts say much forest degradation occurs within these licensed areas, raising questions over whether enforcement efforts will also target large-scale business operations.

According to the Toxinological Society of Nigeria, nearly 1,900 people die from snakebites annually. However, the real figure could be higher due to underreporting, especially in remote areas where victims rely on traditional remedies.

Antivenom is expensive, with a single dose costing between ₦180,000 and ₦250,000 (approximately $120 - $170), more than four months’ income for Nigerians earning the minimum wage. Many patients require multiple doses, pushing treatment far beyond what most families can afford.

Studies show that about half of Nigeria’s health facilities lack the capacity to treat snakebite cases, either because they do not stock antivenom or because health workers are not trained to administer it. “Nigeria records thousands of snakebites every year, yet even specialised hospitals often do not have antivenom in stock,” said Dr Nicholas Amani of the Snakebite Hospital and Research Centre in Gombe State.

Further, a Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Patricia Lar added that; “The anti-snake venom problem is that in our country, we’re not committed to the production of the anti-snake venom. We have the science, we have people who are knowledgeable about it, but there is the general problem of a lack of commitment, concerted efforts to develop and produce on a large scale the anti-snake venom. So Nigeria imports, and there are wide varieties from India, China, and from the UK, and that is the reason the cost is exorbitant, and you don’t find it in every hospital or in primary healthcare centres where people should easily access it.”

Adding; “We need expertise and a general awareness of the first line of action, which is primary health care. There is a need for this anti-snake venom to be readily available and to be administered in the event of a bite by a poisonous snake.”

Following recent high-profile deaths linked to snakebites, medical professionals and lawmakers have renewed calls for the government to subsidise antivenom, expand local production and make the treatment freely available nationwide.

What began as novelty celebrations has evolved into a structured business involving event planners, designers and pet brands.

Industry data show the scale, and perhaps the rationale, behind the trend. 

China’s urban pet population reached about 120 million in 2024, while spending on dogs and cats exceeded 300 billion yuan ($43 billion), according to the China Pet Industry White Paper. Younger consumers are driving growth, with people born after the 1990s and 2000s making up a large share of pet owners.

Specialist companies have moved quickly to monetise the demand. Firms now offer curated “pet lifestyle” services , from runway shows and outdoor sporting events to ceremonial weddings that replicate human rituals, appealing to owners seeking emotional expression and social connection.

For many Chinese nationals, dog weddings sit at the intersection of consumption and identity. Among urban residents, particularly those living alone or without children, pets have become central emotional anchors, and formalised celebrations provide a sense of meaning and belonging.

More pets than kids

The trend also mirrors broader demographic change. China’s urban pet population has already surpassed the number of children under four, as marriage and birth rates decline and households shrink.

Sociologists describe the phenomenon as part of a wider “symbolic economy ," in which consumption is used to express values and relationships rather than meet practical needs. Pets, once functional animals, have become emotional symbols in city life.

However, there have been criticisms that such ceremonies are excessive, but supporters see them as an innocuous response to modern pressures, offering new forms of social interaction in increasingly fragmented urban communities.

With millions of pet-related businesses now registered nationwide and new firms entering the market each year, industry watchers expect pet events to remain a growth area in China’s expanding lifestyle economy.

At the centre of the phenomenon is a long-running community conservation effort. Volunteers gather daily at a designated feeding ground on the outskirts of the village, where grain is laid out to protect the birds from disturbance and village traffic.

The tradition dates back to the 1970s, when a small feeding practice gradually attracted more cranes each year. As participation grew, so did the numbers, with more than 30,000 birds recorded by 2014. Arriving as early as August and staying until March, the cranes have turned Khichan into one of India’s most unusual and well-known seasonal wildlife havens.

“He became our emotional support director because everyone asks about him,” said Juan Sosa, Kaliman’s guardian and a council employee. “If I walk ahead, Kaliman follows me, and staff know I’m coming to work.” He is the first dog employed by the municipality and leads the ‘Huellitas Municipales’ programme, which now includes other rescued dogs and cats cared for by city offices.

Kaliman’s story has drawn attention as a symbol of compassion in urban animal welfare. Once timid and wary of humans, he gradually bonded with municipal staff, choosing Sosa as his companion.

Caring for such a large number of animals comes at a high cost. Sutrisno says the shelter consumes about 100 kilograms of rice a day, along with large quantities of chicken, to ensure the animals are fed. Managing these daily needs has become one of her biggest challenges.

To keep the shelter running, Sutrisno relies on selling crackers and receiving donations, adjusting her work to ensure food supplies do not run out. Indonesia continues to face widespread issues with stray animals, particularly in areas with limited access to veterinary care, though measures such as bans on the dog and cat meat trade and Trap-Neuter-Release programmes have been introduced in some regions.

The site has also become a focal point for conservation concerns, as visitors and local rangers warn that the penguin population has declined sharply in recent years. According to estimates cited by park authorities, breeding pairs on the island have fallen to around 6,000, down from more than 60,000 in the late 2000s, underscoring growing worries about the long-term survival of the species.

Although born late last year, Rio has drawn renewed attention in recent days after the park and authorities released new images and updates on his development, bringing the conservation success into the international spotlight. The cub is being closely monitored by veterinarians and remains under the care of his mother, Hu Chun, as he is still blind and deaf in his early development.

Officials say Rio’s birth highlights advances in panda conservation as well as strengthening diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China. With this success, Indonesia becomes the fourth country in Asia outside China to breed a giant panda in captivity, joining Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand .

The photographs were taken inside the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Thailand, also known as the To Daeng swamp forest. The site has been the focus of a long-running biodiversity survey led by Panthera Thailand in collaboration with government rangers.

Officials said the camera traps recorded several flat-headed cats at different times and locations, including a female accompanied by a kitten, providing clear evidence that the species is breeding in the wild.

DNP director-general Attapol Charoenchansa said the images represent the first confirmed camera-trap records of the flat-headed cat in Thailand in 29 years. According to the department, the animal was documented 13 times in 2024 and 16 times in 2025.

The flat-headed cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus planiceps, is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is found only in parts of Southeast Asia and is closely associated with wetlands, rivers and peat swamp forests.

Roughly the size of a domestic cat, the species is highly specialised for a semi-aquatic lifestyle . It has webbed feet, partially non-retractable claws and sharp, backward-pointing teeth that allow it to hunt fish, frogs and other aquatic prey.

The species has suffered sharp population declines across its range due to habitat destruction, wetland drainage and pollution . The IUCN estimates that fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain globally, and it had previously been considered possibly extinct in Thailand.

Attapol said the rediscovery reflected strengthened protection of peat swamp habitats in the south, where rangers have increased patrols and enforcement to curb illegal encroachment and environmental damage.

Krisana Kaewplang, director of Panthera Thailand, said the finding demonstrated the value of sustained conservation efforts and scientific monitoring, adding that further research and protective measures would now be expanded to secure the species’ future in Thailand.

The move was confirmed this month by the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Tokyo Zoological Park Society.

Pandas first arrived in Japan following the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Beijing, quickly becoming cultural ambassadors and a powerful draw for visitors. 

With bilateral relations strained, however, there is no indication that China will approve a new loan to replace the departing pair.

At Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo, the impending farewell has already prompted a surge in interest. The zoo has imposed daily limits on panda visitors and sharply reduced viewing times in an effort to manage crowds and ensure the animals’ welfare during their final weeks on display.

The twins can be seen until January 25, though access is tightly controlled. Reservations are being handled online, with some dates allocated on a first-come basis and others decided by lottery, reflecting demand that far exceeds available slots.

Zoo officials say the focus is now on ensuring a smooth and healthy transfer. Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, born at Ueno in June 2021, will undergo a quarantine period ahead of their return, after which they are expected to join China’s national panda conservation programme.

Their parents, Ri Ri and Shin Shin, were also loaned from China and have since been returned, leaving the twins as Japan’s only pandas. 

Despite appeals by Tokyo and national government officials to extend the arrangement or secure a replacement, Beijing has yet to respond.

Conservation experts warn that a prolonged absence of pandas could have broader implications. Advocates argue that the animals play a unique role in fostering public interest in wildlife protection and environmental conservation.

The departure is also expected to be felt beyond the zoo gates. Local tourism groups say pandas have long been a cornerstone of Ueno’s visitor economy , attracting domestic and overseas tourists in large numbers.

First launched in 2016 and initially mocked as “foolish,” the device has proved effective after rental trials, with around 330 now deployed across Japan.

Its infrared sensors activate when animals approach, triggering flashing lights and a rotating mix of 50 sounds, including wolf cries and human voices. The audio was built using artificial intelligence and copyright-free material to ensure variety so that bears do not become used to a single warning.

Ohta Seiki Co, the Hokkaido company behind the Monster Wolf, said inquiries for the mechanical animal have tripled, including from overseas. One request from India even asked whether the device might work on elephants. 

Company president Yuji Ota said bears typically avoid anything that signals human activity. The firm is now developing mobile and portable versions to help residents fend off bears during hikes or in remote communities.

This, after Japan’s bear problem took a serious and deadly turn this year. 

At least 13 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since April, according to the Ministry of Environment, the highest toll since records began in 2006. Authorities in northern prefectures have deployed troops, drones, and early-warning systems as sightings climb sharply.

Both brown bears, found mainly in Hokkaido, and Asiatic black bears, more common in the densely populated mainland, have been involved in the attacks. Experts say black bear encounters are more frequent due to their wider distribution, while brown bear attacks tend to be more severe because of their size and strength. 

Bear encounters in Akita alone have risen sixfold this year, with more than 50 people attacked since May, often in residential areas. In one November case, a bear injured two women in Gojome Town after one tried to help the other. Other attacks have occurred in farms and even inside a supermarket in central Japan.

The United States warned citizens of increased bear activity near populated zones, noting the temporary closure of Sapporo’s Maruyama Park after a sighting. The United Kingdom advised travellers to avoid forested areas unless accompanied and to properly dispose of food waste.

With communities overwhelmed, some officials say the situation has surpassed their capacity to cope. Akita’s governor warned that exhaustion among local responders “is reaching its limit.”

Whether a robo-wolf can succeed where electric fences and patrols have struggled remains to be seen. But for now, Japan is hoping that a mechanical monster might help keep the real ones away.

The reptile is seen wedged in the ceiling panels before it suddenly crashes to the floor, leaving staff and guests visibly startled. Workers then quickly secured the animal with ropes and carried it out of the room.

Komodo dragons, native to parts of southeastern Indonesia, are the world ’s largest lizards. While attacks on humans are rare, they can be dangerous due to their sharp teeth, powerful claws, and venomous bite.

Their venom prevents blood from clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding and, in some cases, death without prompt medical attention.

The report, tabled on July 3 by Omar Darboe, Upper Niumi, a co-chair of the Environment Committee, warned that unregulated livestock migration is driving environmental destruction, fueling land conflicts, and straining rural communities, Foroyaa reports.

“Both forests and grasslands in Gambia are increasingly under pressure from transhumance-related activities, such as cutting tree branches, uncontrolled use of water, farmland encroachment, and damage to planted seedlings,” Darboe told the Assembly.

He described alarming scenes of thousands of animals crossing into Gambian territory, particularly along the northern border with Senegal, resulting in overgrazed pastures and the loss of young saplings critical to climate restoration. “There are no formal agreements on migratory routes between The Gambia and Senegal,” Darboe said, adding, “Although discussions were held with the previous Senegalese government , concrete frameworks are still lacking.”

While transhumance has historically supported food security and trade, Darboe noted it is now being “abused due to unregulated movement and socio-economic pressures.” He cited climate change , erratic rainfall, and dwindling grazing resources in northern Senegal as primary drivers pushing herders into Gambia.

Beyond environmental damage, the report highlighted the introduction of invasive plant species transported by livestock . A study by scientists Lalisa Daguma and Peter Minang was cited, warning that these weeds “replace valuable forage species, further threatening biodiversity and agricultural sustainability.”

Darboe also drew attention to rising farmer-herder disputes, disease transmission among livestock, and a surge in rustling and illegal tree cutting, often carried out under cover of night to avoid detection.

Bats were studied in fruit orchards where they often come into contact with people, livestock, and fresh produce.

The team of researchers analysed 142 bats from ten different species. They found not only a wide range of viruses but also a new type of bacterium and a previously unknown parasite.

Two of the viruses belong to a group known as henipaviruses and show strong genetic similarities to Nipah and Hendra.

These viruses are known to spread from animals to people and have caused deadly outbreaks in Asia and Australia in the past.

The study was published in the journal PLOS Pathogens and led by scientists from the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention and Dali University.

Researchers say the viruses were found in the bats’ kidneys, an area that has been largely overlooked in previous studies.

The team warned that because bats roost near orchards and water sources, the chance of spillover into humans or animals should not be ignored.

While the newly discovered viruses have not yet been shown to infect humans, the researchers say their close link to known deadly viruses makes it important to monitor them.

Dr Alison Peel, a wildlife disease expert at the University of Sydney who was not involved in the study, said the risk is still being assessed.

“We have other examples of close evolutionary cousins to Hendra and Nipah that appear not to be of any concern for spillover, so there will need to be some more laboratory studies on these new viruses to determine the actual risk,” she said.

The image used for this article was AI-generated

After 13 long years of trying to mate Susi, the 15-year-old mother orangutan, Kasang Kulim conservation centre saw the birth of Ade on May 2 after a 10-month-long pregnancy.

"Thank God, after about 13 years here, we tried to mate the orangutan mother, and it managed to get pregnant. The pregnancy was 10 months long until the baby was born on May 2," Agustina, the manager of the Kasang Kulim conservation centre, told AFP.

Over 75% of the world ’s orangutan population resides in the forests of Indonesian Borneo.

Orangutans are particularly vulnerable to hunters due to their large size and slow movements. They are often killed for meat or in retaliation when they encroach on farmland and damage crops — a behaviour that typically arises when food becomes scarce in their natural forest habitat.

They are especially vulnerable due to their very low reproductive rate. Females typically give birth to a single infant only once every 3 to 5 years, making population recovery from declines a slow process.

The new measures outlined to curb this outbreak include the construction of a municipal pigsty, sanitary slaughter, quarantine procedures, epidemiological surveillance, and improvements in biosecurity.

“In response to this emergency situation, the government understands that it is necessary to reinforce investments with additional measures, which include quarantine, sanitary slaughter, epidemiological surveillance, and biosafety,” reads the Council of Ministers resolution.

Authorities have cited poor hygiene practices and the lack of biosecurity measures as ongoing contributors to repeated outbreaks over the past six decades.

African swine fever was first detected in Cape Verde in 1966 on the islands of Santiago and Maio. It later spread to the island of Fogo in 2011 and Boa Vista in 2015, where it has caused intermittent outbreaks since.

The current outbreak in Boa Vista was confirmed in February 2025.

Their arrest sparked debates over Kenya’s fight against biopiracy and the exploitation of the country’s genetic resources.

The suspects were apprehended after authorities intercepted live queen ants hidden in specially modified test tubes and syringes at JKIA.

"Investigations revealed that the test tubes had been designed to sustain the ants for up to two months and evade airport security detection, including X-ray scanners. Cotton wool was used to maintain the ants' survival during transit, indicating a premeditated and well-executed trafficking operation," the Kenyan Wildlife Service noted in a statement.

According to investigators, the accused entered Kenya on tourist visas and planned to smuggle the ants to exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia, where there is growing demand for rare insect species. 

Messor cephalotes, in particular, is prized among collectors for its sophisticated colony-building behavior and pest control capabilities, making it a popular feature in formicariums - artificial ant habitats.

The illegal export of Kenya’s ant species violates both national legislation and international agreements, including the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing, which mandates prior informed consent for the use of a country’s genetic resources.

Venomous snakes can be found in nearly every part of the world, but the highest risk of fatal snakebites exists in poor, rural regions of Africa and southern Asia, where medical treatment is often inaccessible.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , an estimated 5.4 million people worldwide are bitten by snakes each year. Of these, 1.8 to 2.7 million cases result in envenomation—bites from venomous snakes. 

Each year, between 81,410 and 137,880 people die from snakebites, and three times as many suffer amputations and other permanent disabilities.

Despite its devastating impact, snakebite remains a neglected public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Regions with the highest snakebite cases

Where are the most venomous snakes?

Certain regions have a higher concentration of deadly snake species, increasing the risk of fatal encounters.

Australia

Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous snakes. A reported 21 of the 25 most toxic snake species are found here, including the inland taipan, considered the most venomous snake on the planet.

Africa

Many African countries, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, are home to highly venomous species such as cobras, mambas, and vipers. The forest cobra, found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, and the infamous black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), known for its speed and neurotoxic venom, pose significant risks.

India

India is notorious for its venomous snake population, particularly the " Big Four" —the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper. These species are responsible for a large number of snakebite fatalities in the country. Of 285 snake species in India, the "Big Four" are the deadliest.

Brazil

Brazil’s tropical climate makes it a hotspot for venomous snakes. The Bothrops genus, responsible for more human deaths in the Americas than any other group of venomous snakes, is commonly found in this region.

Reducing snakebite fatalities

While snakebite is still a major risk in many regions of the world, most fatalities and severe side effects can be completely avoided with improved access to healthcare and widely available, potent antivenoms. 

However, preparing the appropriate immunogens (snake venoms) is a major challenge in the production of antivenoms. According to the WHO, very few nations are able to produce snake venoms of a high enough calibre for the production of antivenom.

“People come here to seek help for different conditions , and leech therapy helps them,” a local resident, Mushtaq Lone, who, like many others, turns to this traditional remedy during Nowruz, told the AFP.

Despite advances in modern medicine , leech therapy continues to hold cultural and therapeutic value in India and draws crowds each year as Kashmiris seek relief from ailments ranging from skin diseases to joint pain.

The crocodile was found along the Khlong Chomphu River by a research team studying wildlife in the area.

They first spotted it on March 5, and their camera traps later confirmed its presence. This is the first official sighting in the park since 2013, although some locals have claimed to see them over the years.

Siamese crocodiles were once common in Southeast Asia, including Thailand but hunting and the destruction of their natural homes have caused their numbers to drop sharply. They live in slow-moving rivers and lakes, usually alone, and mainly eat fish and small animals.

Experts say they are not dangerous to people unless they are disturbed.

The discovery suggests that a small population of these crocodiles may still be living in the park.

In Cambodia, efforts to breed and release the crocodiles back into the wild have helped their numbers grow, with over 1,000 released since 2012.

However, experts warn that threats remain.

Plans to build reservoirs near the river could harm the crocodile’s habitat, hence, conservationists are urging authorities to ensure that development projects do not put the species at risk.

In Anuradhapura, authorities conducted surveys as part of the initiative, officials said.

Around 40,000 local officials were deployed on Saturday morning to record wild boar, lorises, peacocks, and monkeys near farms and homes within a five-minute window.

Despite its small size, this tiny insect is responsible for approximately one million deaths each year, making it a significant threat to global public health.

Mosquitoes earn this grim title due to their ability to transmit deadly diseases, with malaria being the most notorious. Malaria, a parasitic disease spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to be a leading cause of death in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria caused an estimated 619,000 deaths in 2021 alone, with children under five being the most vulnerable victims.

The impact of mosquito-borne diseases isn’t limited to developing nations. In the United States, diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika have emerged as significant public health concerns. While many cases are linked to travellers returning from affected regions, mosquitoes in the U.S. have also become carriers of these diseases.

States like California, New York, and Texas report the highest number of mosquito-borne disease cases annually, with outbreaks often tied to rising temperatures and changing ecosystems.

In urban areas, mosquito populations thrive in stagnant water sources like drains, ponds, and containers, creating fertile breeding grounds. Public health experts warn that as global warming accelerates, the geographical range of mosquito-borne diseases could expand, putting more populations at risk.

Efforts to combat this deadly insect are ongoing. Global initiatives such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor spraying, and advancements in vaccine development have helped reduce the burden of mosquito-borne diseases in many parts of the world. The recent rollout of the RTS,S malaria vaccine offers hope for regions with high transmission rates, especially for children. Additionally, public awareness campaigns in the U.S. emphasize the importance of using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to minimize mosquito exposure.

As the fight against mosquitoes continues, experts stress the importance of international cooperation in addressing this public health challenge. With diseases like dengue and malaria showing no signs of disappearing, sustained investment in research, prevention, and treatment will be crucial to saving lives and reducing the global impact of these tiny yet deadly creatures.

However, these artisans say the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has hurt their business.

“We have just 40 percent of the work we had before the war,” artisan Muzaffar Ahmad told the AFP.

Artisans begin taking orders months before Christmas to ensure timely delivery. The demand for these decorations has grown steadily over decades, bringing significant income to the region.

 Fatiko describes donkey milk as a “miracle.” According to her, “It heals children , helps treat respiratory diseases and allergies, and strengthens the immune system.”

Donkey milk which is rare and expensive, costs about €60 per litre, with cheese prices exceeding €1,500 per kilo.

The family has had to buy extra milk from local farmers to meet demand and plans to expand their herd.

The milk is also used to make cosmetics, which are growing in popularity.

Food scarcity has become the biggest threat to these penguins who need sardines and anchovies to survive and breed, but are starving as a result of overfishing has led to starvation.

As part of efforts to curb the situation, authorities have banned commercial fishing near six penguin colonies, but experts say the zones are too small to make a difference.

“We need to limit direct competition between industrial fisheries and the penguins,” said Katta Ludynia, a researcher at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).

Tourism has also become a challenge for the penguins. While tourist visits bring much-needed funds, they can disturb the birds. Conservationists emphasise that protecting penguins helps maintain a healthy ecosystem that benefits humans as well.

Scientists have expressed optimism about the recovery of the penguin population with conservation efforts including using artificial nets, etc.

"It is possible to recover the penguin population. We can’t lose hope," she said. Conservation efforts, like artificial nests and expanding fishing bans, aim to stop the decline and ensure the species’ survival.

Meanwhile, conservationists are trying to protect these penguins in their natural habitat, using measures like disease surveillance, predator management, and artificial nests.

The new species was discovered during scientists’ study of the world’s longest venomous snake, the king cobra.

King cobras, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannahs were generally thought to be widespread across southeastern Asia but the debate was on how many varied species of the snake exist.

150 king cobras from several Asia countries were tracked down for over eight years as scientists studied their make-up and appearances.

King cobras from the Philippines were observed as the most genetically and visually distinct among the collective.

Scientifically named Ophiophagus salvatana, the new species of the venomous snakes are huge, reaching 10 feet and 11 inches in length.

Also named the Luzon king cobra after the island where it was discovered, the new species possess strong bodies with large, flattened heads and black tongues with large eyes which are ringed with yellow.

They are dangerously venomous and rare in archive collections.

They are usually found in coastal forests, urban parks and agricultural fields but not much is known about their diet.

The gecko, which is about 7 inches long, has clawed toes, spiky spurs near its tail, and dark brown markings on its back. It was found living inside and around the cave, emerging at night to hunt for food.

They are brown in colour with black and light brown stretches across the back.

The species is named after the area where it was discovered, the Khao Nam Phu hill in Saraburi Province, about 90 miles northeast of Bangkok.

The research team, including Thai and international scientists, published their findings on September 19. The research team included Montri Sumontha, Nonn Panitvong, Kirati Kunya, Nattasuda Donbundit, Winai Suthanthangjai, Maneerat Suthanthangjai, Eakarit Phanamphon and Olivier S. G. Pauwels.

Alongside the Khao Nam Phu gecko, researchers also found another new species, the Erawan bent-toed gecko. Both discoveries add to the growing list of unique wildlife hidden in Thailand’s caves.

The hippo was welcomed out of the pond with the ‘birthday song’ as she headed to enjoy her cake much to the delight of visitors and staff.

An exhibition about her history was also opened at the hippo section of the zoo during which visitors also got the opportunity to write birthday wishes for Mae Mali.

The zoo’s authorities also launched an invitation for funding to support the Wildlife Adoption Project for Mae Mali. The project seeks to provide funding for the building of a new home and also to cater for her health needs.

Mae Mali is still healthy in her old age and has produced 14 hippopotamuses in total.

She was transferred to Thailand’s Dusit Zoo from the Tilburg Zoo in the Netherlands. She arrived in June 1967 when she was only one year old and was moved to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo on December 18, 2018, Nation reports.

The sister and brother, who were born a few minutes apart were unable to feed directly from their mother’s breast because of their initial size.

Born four inches shorter than the average calf, the twins had to be fed with bottled milk until after three days when they were able to suck breast milk directly with the aid of small wooden blocks.

The arrival of the twins takes the population of the elephant camp up to nine, an official at the camp was quoted by AFP.

For some, it may be a cultural connection, or simply a love for pets, but whichever it is, some countries stand out for having large dog populations.

Here’s a list of countries where dogs are a significant part of daily life and community.

United States – 90 million

Brazil – 55 million

China – 54.3 million

Japan – 20 million

Russia – 17.6 million

United Kingdom – 12 million

Germany – 10.3 million

India – 10.2 million

Argentina – 10 million

Spain – 9.3 million

"Understanding the role vultures play in human health underscores the importance of protecting wildlife, and not just the cute and cuddly. They all have a job to do in our ecosystems that impacts our lives," said study co-author Eyal Frank, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.

The decline in vulture populations has been attributed largely to the veterinary use of diclofenac, which was banned in 2006. Although the decline has slowed in some regions, at least three vulture species have experienced long-term population losses of 91-98%, according to the latest State of India's Birds report.

The new peer-reviewed study, published in the American Economic Association journal, indicates that the decimation of these scavenging birds has allowed deadly bacteria and infections to proliferate, resulting in around half a million deaths over five years. 

"The vulture collapse in India provides a particularly stark example of the type of hard-to-reverse and unpredictable costs to humans that can come from the loss of a species," said Sudarshan, an associate professor at the University of Warwick and co-author of the study.

Specifically in India, a 2019 livestock census recorded over 500 million animals, the highest number in the world. However, researchers note that the decline of vultures in India is the fastest ever recorded for a bird species and the largest since the extinction of the passenger pigeon in the United States. 

Of the vulture species in India, the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and red-headed vulture have experienced the most severe long-term declines since the early 2000s, with populations decreasing by 98%, 95%, and 91%, respectively. 

Understanding the plight of these critically endangered animals is crucial for driving conservation efforts and ensuring that these species do not disappear forever.

Here are some of the world's most endangered animals and the challenges they face:

Javan rhino

The Javan rhino is one of the rarest large mammals on Earth, with only around 75 individuals left in the wild. These rhinos are confined to Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, where they face threats from habitat loss and potential natural disasters.

Amur leopard

With fewer than 100 individuals remaining, the Amur leopard is critically endangered. Found in the forests of eastern Russia and northeastern China, these leopards suffer from habitat loss, poaching, and inbreeding due to their small population size.

Sunda Island tiger

The Sunda Island tiger, also known as the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica), is a critically endangered subspecies found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This tiger is the smallest of all living tiger subspecies, distinguished by its darker fur and closely spaced black stripes with fewer than 600 individuals left in the wild. Habitat loss and poaching are the primary threats to their survival.

Tapanuli orangutan

The Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is one of the most critically endangered great apes in the world. Discovered as a distinct species in 2017, it is found only in the Batang Toru ecosystem in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The population is estimated to be fewer than 800 individuals, making it the rarest of the three orangutan species.

Mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. These magnificent primates inhabit the dense forests of the Virunga volcanic mountains in Central Africa, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Recent estimates show only about 1,000 mountain gorillas are left in the wild.

They were born 18 minutes apart. The first, a male came out on the night of June 7 weighing around 80kg and was shortly followed by the female who weighed about 60 kg.

The mother was trying to kill the second baby because she had never had twins, according to Elephant Stay, a non-governmental organization that cares for Elephants in Thailand.

Twins!” They announced on their social media page . “Too cute and thrilling!! Miracle of nature,” another post said.

Owner of the Kraal village and president of Phra Kochaban Foundation for Elephant Care, Laithongrian Meephan said that the twin births witnessed at the establishment in the past were either both males or females.

Their birth is the Kraal’s 94 th and 95 th in 27 years of operation.

The father of the calves is a 29-year-old elephant named Plai Siam who is popular for starring in several cultural shows in the province. This was his fourth pregnancy.

“Twin birthing is one of the miracles in this auspicious year, when His Majesty the King will celebrate his 72nd birthday on July 28,” Laithongrian was quoted by local news outlet The Nation. “We are praying that both babies are healthy and grow up fast.”

Thailand’s twin births follow the birth of the world’s first-ever twin elephants in Kenya in November 2023.

A study by a group of international researchers revealed that elephants invent arbitrary names for each other and they can relate to these names accordingly.

As part of the study, the team of international researchers used an artificial intelligence algorithm to examine the calls of two wild herds of African savanna elephants in Kenya.

Researchers also analysed elephant "rumbles" collected over the years at Kenya's Samburu and Amboseli national parks between 1986 to 2022.

They used a machine-learning algorithm that identified 469 distinct calls. Out of this, 101 elephants issued a call and 117 received one.

When names were called out by the elephants, it was often over a long distance and mostly by adults to address young elephants, indicating that it takes years for calves to learn the art of name-calling.

According to the study in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution , the most common call was “a harmonically rich, low-frequency sound”.

The research “not only shows that elephants use specific vocalisations for each individual, but that they recognise and react to a call addressed to them while ignoring those addressed to others”, the lead study author, Michael Pardo, was quoted as having said.

Recordings were played to other family or friend elephants and the receiving elephant will always respond positively. But the elephants responded with less enthusiasm when the names of others were played.

“This indicates that elephants can determine whether a call was intended for them just by hearing the call, even when out of its original context,” the behavioural ecologist at Colorado State University said in a statement.

Name-calling between elephants makes them the only other animals aside from humans that have this unique ability.

Despite our differences, humans and elephants share many similarities such as “extended family units with rich social lives, underpinned by highly developed brains”, the CEO of Save the Elephants, Frank Pope, said . “That elephants use names for one another is likely only the start of the revelations to come.”

Viatina-19 FIV Mara Móveis is valued at $4 million, and that's not all. Her selling price is said to be three times more than that of the previous record holder. Weighing 1,100 kilograms (more than 2,400 pounds), she is estimated to be twice as heavy as an average adult of her breed.

Experts attribute the cow's massive price tag to one thing: how quickly she puts on vast amounts of muscle. This, along with her fertility and—crucially—how often she has passed those characteristics to her offspring, makes her highly valuable. Those eager to enhance their livestock's genetics are paying around $250,000 for an opportunity to collect Viatina-19’s egg cells. These incredible features and characteristics are why she is monitored by security cameras and an armed guard.

Despite her recent high auction price tag, Viatina-19 has always been a star cow. She has won award after award, including "Miss South America" at the Fort Worth, Texas-based "Champion of the World" competition—a bovine version of Miss Universe where cows and bulls from different countries compete. However, at 3 years old, she had not yet proven that her egg cells, when fertilized and implanted in a surrogate cow, would reliably produce offspring bearing her champion characteristics, according to Pereira, an internet executive who transitioned into elite cow breeding.

Viatina-19's owner, Pereira, mentioned that she receives special treatment to boost egg cell production . However, he believes she would thrive if she were put to pasture, where almost all his elite cattle feed.

Currently, Viatina-19 is pregnant for the first time, which helps maintain her hormone cycles. Pereira is considering expansion; her egg cells have been sold to Bolivian buyers, and he aims to export to the United Arab Emirates, India , and the US.

"If she is the best in the world—not just in price, but in quality—I believe we need to share her with the world ," Pereira stated.

The decision made by the Ministry of Agriculture aims to address the increasing number of dog attacks in the country. These attacks have resulted in severe injuries, amputations, and even fatalities, reports the BBC .

In the first half of 2023, Mozambique reported around 9,000 instances of dog attacks which is a reduction of 21% from 2022.

However, certain exceptions are in place. Dogs used by public security agencies, private security firms, and those involved in rescue and emergency services are exempt from the ban.

The ministry has also mandated that all banned breeds already present in the country, as well as their crossed breeds, must be registered with authorities within 60 days.

Guide dogs and companion animals for individuals with disabilities are also not affected by the ban.

Josh and Sarah Bowmar claimed in their posts to have killed what could be the world’s biggest crocodile in Tanzania.

"You guys won’t believe this, look at this giant beast 100 percent free-ranging here in Tanzania. I just killed an absolute dinosaur with a bow and arrow, they don’t get better than this," he wrote in one of a series of videos posted.

The crocodile was captured in one of the disturbing videos, being dragged by a rope tied to a Land Cruiser before being lifted onto a tree for a pose.

Bowmar claims that the reptile could emerge as the world’s largest crocodile if weighed.

Tanzania’s Wildlife Authority has since reacted to the incident, indicating plans to prepare an official statement.

"We have seen the video clip. We are investigating and we will give full information to the public only when everything is completed," the authority was quoted by local news outlet The Citizen .

They further expressed displeasure about the circulation of the posts by some Tanzanian citizens.

Many other citizens have also condemned the actions of the couple which according to them go against animal rights.

Josh and Sarah have been convicted in the past for similar illegalities in the United States. They have previously been fined, put on probation, and have had to do community service as a penalty for their previous crimes against animals.

The Citizen cites the Bowmars as having gained notoriety in 2016 after slaying a giant black bear with a homemade spear while capturing how the bear was killed on camera.

The incident has ignited calls for stricter regulations and ethical considerations for wildlife in Tanzania.

The koala faces the ominous prediction of becoming extinct in the wild in New South Wales by 2050, with major threats including wildfires, habitat loss through logging, and land clearing for development. It has already been declared endangered in several states.

A 2022 government report revealed that Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent.

Established in 2019, Bangalow Koalas has planted over 336,000 trees on 119 properties, contributing significantly to koala conservation and enhancing the local ecosystem. The group, relying on community volunteers, aims to plant 500,000 trees by 2025.

A recent report by the Australian Koala Foundation stated that the iconic marsupial is estimated to contribute $3.2 billion annually to the tourism industry.

However, the World Wildlife Fund – Australia reported alarming declines in koala populations, with a 50% drop in Queensland and a 62% drop in New South Wales since 2001.

According to the founder of Bahari Labs, Jay Van der Walt, “Red seaweed reduces methane by a massive amount without having a detrimental effect on cattle.”

Van der Walt further explained that “red seaweed is being grown in indoor tanks, at two aquariums in Cape Town, one in Sea Point and another at the University of Cape Town… We will be growing the seaweed on land so that we can properly control temperature, water flow and light conditions.”

Adding that not only are they helping reduce methane emission by this initiative but also cutting down the cost burden on cattle farmers and increasing profitability of the venture.

He said, "Grain farmers who have lost their income due to extreme drought could transition to seaweed farming." 

On the reason for their initiative Van der Walt told News 24 that "the climate emergency is very real, and to prevent planetary warming beyond 1.5°C, we need to reduce emissions… we're on a mission to enable farmers, food corporations, and responsible consumers to help with this reduction whilst creating jobs in the process.”

A study conducted in 2020 concluded that emissions from livestock can be effectively controlled by lacing red seaweed with feed. The seaweed can impede the methane generation process without causing harm to the animals. Therefore, incorporating 0.10% and 0.20% of red seaweed into the diet of Brahman and Angus cattle has the potential to decrease methane emissions by approximately 40% and 98%, respectively.

Researchers further describe the new species as “a medium-sized toad reaching about 1.4 inches. It has a robust body, noticeable warts and a rough texture skin. The female toads are larger and rougher than males…its body is brownish grey with some lighter beige spots and brighter orange patches”

One of the female toads was pregnant and taken under surveillance. It later laid 545 black and white coloured eggs, the Miami Herald confirmed. 

According to researchers, further DNA analysis on the new species “revealed a 6% and about 12% divergence from other pygmy toads.”

Located along the western coast of Angola in Cuanza Sul province, the Serra da Namba mountains is home to several species of animals.