 |
|
Critically endangered Amur leopard captured
October 23, 2007A rare Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), one of only an estimated 30 left in the wild has been captured and health-checked by experts from a consortium of conservation organizations, before being released.
Representatives from a group of organizations, including the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Biology and Soils, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) captured the female in a remote location in south-west Primorye as part of their work to save the critically endangered leopard. The animal was tranquilized and an extensive and high-tech medical examination undertaken by the veterinary team.
Alexei Kostyria, biologist from the Institute of Biology and Soils in Vladivostok and co-leader of the project, commented, "This capture represents a new benchmark in assessing health of wild animals in Russia. We have brought together top experts from Russia and around the world and taken state-of-the-art equipment deep into the taiga to conduct medical assessments of the Far Eastern leopard. We have an unprecedented level of collaboration and remarkable effort that is essential if we are to save this critically endangered leopard."
Kostyria's counterpart, John Goodrich of the Wildlife Conservation Society, commented, "Catching this female was a big step forward in our efforts to understand the status of this population, and to better define necessary conservation actions needed to conserve this population."
There are estimated to be between 24 and 32 Amur leopards living in the wild, making this population the rarest big cat on the planet. The animals are found in a corner of the Russian Far East on the Chinese border, in an area where their range is restricted by human activity. As the wild population is so small, it is likely that inbreeding (breeding between close relatives) is taking place and it is important to find out if this is having damaging effects on the cats in order to plan conservation action for the future. The Wildlife Conservation Society and the Zoological Society of London are working with local organizations to initiate a wildlife health monitoring program involving leopards and other wildlife in the region.
Initial findings from the veterinary examination of the leopard include the presence of a heart murmur, which could be indicative of inbreeding depression. Remarkably given the remote location, the team was able to capture footage of the heart, using a portable sonogram device, which has already been sent out for review by heart specialists. Further results are expected once laboratory analysis has been carried out, which will provide more information about the reproductive condition of the leopard as well as any illnesses or parasites that she may have been suffering from.
Wildlife Conservation Society
Kostyria's counterpart, John Goodrich of the Wildlife Conservation Society, commented, "Catching this female was a big step forward in our efforts to understand the status of this population, and to better define necessary conservation actions needed to conserve this population."
There are estimated to be between 24 and 32 Amur leopards living in the wild, making this population the rarest big cat on the planet. The animals are found in a corner of the Russian Far East on the Chinese border, in an area where their range is restricted by human activity. As the wild population is so small, it is likely that inbreeding (breeding between close relatives) is taking place and it is important to find out if this is having damaging effects on the cats in order to plan conservation action for the future. The Wildlife Conservation Society and the Zoological Society of London are working with local organizations to initiate a wildlife health monitoring program involving leopards and other wildlife in the region.
Initial findings from the veterinary examination of the leopard include the presence of a heart murmur, which could be indicative of inbreeding depression. Remarkably given the remote location, the team was able to capture footage of the heart, using a portable sonogram device, which has already been sent out for review by heart specialists. Further results are expected once laboratory analysis has been carried out, which will provide more information about the reproductive condition of the leopard as well as any illnesses or parasites that she may have been suffering from.
Wildlife Conservation Society
Wildlife Conservation Current Events and Wildlife Conservation News RSSNew study provides insight on energy development and sage-grouse habitat in the intermountain West
A study released October 14th in the current issue of the peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE will shed new light on oil and gas development potential in the Intermountain West.
Whale-sized genetic study largest ever for southern hemisphere humpbacks
After 15 years of research in the waters of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and an international coalition of organizations have unveiled the largest genetic study of humpback whale populations ever conducted in the Southern Hemisphere.
World will miss 2010 target to stem biodiversity loss, experts say
The world will miss its agreed target to stem biodiversity loss by next year, according to experts convening in Cape Town for a landmark conference devoted to biodiversity science.
Oil and wildlife don't mix in Ecuador's Eden
What harm can a simple road do in a pristine place such as Ecuador's Yasuni National Park, home to peccaries, tapirs, monkeys and myriad other wildlife species?
Arctic oil: A boon for nest predators
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other groups reveals how oil development in the Artic is impacting some bird populations by providing "subsidized housing" to predators, which nest and den around drilling infrastructure and supplement their diets with garbage - and nesting birds.
Research recommends compromise when choosing conservation site
A lot of variables come into play when selecting a site for environmental conservation that yields benefits to people nearby such as wildlife needs, species and vegetation uniqueness, and costs to the government or community.
Tiny pump means pain relief for big cats
Veterinarians from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo and the University of Tennessee have found a solution to the challenge of providing effective pain relief to some of their most difficult patients: big cats.
WCS study on birds and streams included in federal guidelines to safeguard waterways
The results of a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) study that rapidly measures stream habitat have been adopted by a government agency working with private landowners to restore waterways throughout the U.S.
New hope for fisheries on the horizon?
Scientists have joined forces in a groundbreaking assessment on the status of marine fisheries and ecosystems.
121 breeding tigers estimated to be found in Nepal
he first ever overall nation-wide estimate of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationists.
More Wildlife Conservation Current Events and Wildlife Conservation News Articles
 |
Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management by Anthony R. E. Sinclair (Author), John M. Fryxell (Author), Graeme Caughley (Author) This extensively revised new edition of Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management provides a succinct and clear introduction to general ecological principles, and then goes on to show how those principles can be applied to wildlife management and conservation. The unique feature of this book is that general ecology is explained first, allowing those students who do not have an ecology background to get to grips quickly with applications to real world situations. This said, the book is appropriate to both undergraduate and graduate classes in applied ecology, conservation, and natural resource management. The book will also be valuable to professional wildlife biologists in developing their research and management. This edition includes new chapters on foraging and on... |
 |
John Denver - The Wildlife Concert Starring: John Denver Directed By: Jeb Brien Also With: David Williams (Editor), Ralph Scaglione (Editor), Allen Kelman (Producer), Andy Kadison (Producer), David Stallbaumer (Producer), Elizabeth Lee (Producer), Eric Trigg (Producer), Gary Pacheco (Producer), Harold Thau (Producer), Maxim Langstaff (Producer), Stephen Herman (Producer) Denver sings rocky mountain high and other favorites in this acclaimed benefit performance. Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 09/10/2002 Starring: John Denver Run time: 120 minutes Rating: Nr |
|
Conservation Land Management by British Wildlife Publishing English Nature's way of encouraging land managers to practice nature conservation - no lectures, just useful advice from fellow practitioners. Articles focus on the problems of managing different sites, using case studies to suggest practical solutions. | |
 |
8.5 Inch Plush Meerkat Conservation Collectible By Wildlife Artists by Wildlife Artists This cuddly meerkat has soft fur and brown eyes. He measures 8.5" tall and is part of the Conservation Collectibles by Wildlife Artists. |
 |
USA 5 Commemorative Stamps, MNH, Issued 1956: Benjamin Franklin, Wildlife Conservation The stamps shown on this page are enclosed in protective covers and are in mint never hinged (condition). They are not pasted or glued onto the page. Scott # 1073, 250th Anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin with illustration of Franklin's famous kite and key experiment to conduct lightning 3c bright carmine; Scott # 1076, Fipex: The Fifth International Philatelic Exhibition in New York 28 April - 6 May 1956 3c deep violet; Scott # 1077, Wildlife Conservation with illustration of wild turkey, restored to its original habitat 3c rose lake; Scott # 1078, Wildlife Conservation with illustration of the pronghorn antelope, now a protected species 3c brown; Scott # 1079, Wildlife Conservation with illustration of the King Salmon 3c blue green. |
 |
Conservation Guide to: Landscaping for Wildlife Also With: Natural History Division/MDC (Primary Contributor) Video tape producted by the Missouri Department of Conservation on how to landscape for wildlife. You can attract and enjoy birds, butterflies, and mammals and more by turning your backyard into a rich home for wildlife. |
 |
Conservation of Wildlife Populations: Demography, Genetics and Management by L. Scott Mills (Author) |
 |
Wildlife Conservation Nathan Chance (Primary Contributor) |
 |
World Wildlife Fund WWF Landscape Panda T-Shirt, Medium by Vintage Wear |
 |
The Last Refuge (1890-1915) Also With: PBS (Producer) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |