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In 2013, China installed fake birds and loudspeakers on an empty island; thousands of terns arrived in the first breeding season

Scientists created a fake colony on a barren island using decoys and speakers. This attracted thousands of greater crested terns and nineteen Chinese crested terns. The project ensured no egg poaching occurred at the site. Chicks on these islands showed a high survival rate over ten years. This success offers…

The Times of India · Aug 7

New Zealand’s rare woollyhead nearly disappeared from the wild. Two surviving plants helped produce 250 seedlings now heading back to the reserve

On the dry plains of Central Otago, a small native herb has been given another chance to survive in the wild. Craspedia argentea, a woollyhead found only around the Pisa Flats, had dwindled to just two known plants. By then, even the ordinary business of pollination had become difficult. There…

The Times of India · Aug 7

California biologist Phil Pister saved the last Owens pupfish from extinction in 1969 by carrying every surviving fish in two buckets

Phil Pister devoted his career to the conservation of vulnerable desert fish, making a significant impact in 1969 when he rescued the final Owens pupfish from a drying pond. This pivotal moment sparked vital conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding other isolated fish species. Pister's mentorship inspired a new generation of…

The Times of India · Aug 7

In 1981, five black robins remained on Earth; scientists made other birds raise their eggs

The Chatham Island black robin faced extinction with only five birds remaining. Wildlife officers used cross-fostering to encourage more nesting and increase the population. This innovative technique involved transplanting robin eggs to foster bird species. The robin population grew from five to about 300 birds today. This conservation success led…

The Times of India · Aug 7

Beginning in 2003, Arizona biologists flew endangered humpback chub in a 55-gallon drum beneath a helicopter, moving them above a waterfall to warmer habitat beyond non-native trout

Biologists airlifted humpback chub fish to a new habitat above Chute Falls. This relocation effort has significantly improved their growth and survival rates. The fish, once endangered, are now listed as threatened under federal law. Decades of dedicated conservation work have aided this species' recovery. This success highlights the impact…

The Times of India · Aug 7

Mountain lions may be making roads safer in Washington, because deer change their behaviour when pumas are nearby, and collisions drop

New research indicates mountain lions reduce deer-vehicle collisions significantly. Predator presence makes deer avoid roads and developed areas more often. This behavioural shift lowers the likelihood of dangerous animal-vehicle encounters. The study examined deer movement and collision data in Washington's Olympic Peninsula. These findings highlight the broader ecological roles of…

The Times of India · Aug 7

A humpback whale made a 7-kilometre detour through Sydney Harbour, and public sightings helped authorities track it through one of Australia’s busiest waterways

A humpback whale has made an extraordinary entrance into Sydney Harbour, marking an exceptional urban wildlife sighting. Marine experts, alongside enthusiastic locals, diligently monitored the whale's remarkable seven-kilometre journey through the bustling waterway. This rare occurrence highlights the delicate balance between metropolitan living and marine wildlife, emphasising the significance of…

The Times of India · Aug 7

UK officials issued a legal warning after protected seahorses were disturbed; divers should observe for under five minutes and never touch or pursue them

UK marine authorities are sounding an alarm for water users and film crews alike, as the rise in coastal tourism increases the chances of encountering protected seahorses. Disturbing these delicate creatures without the necessary permits can lead to legal repercussions. It’s advised to maintain a respectful distance and refrain from…

The Times of India · Aug 6

‘We expected it, but now it’s here’: on the frontline of Australia’s bird flu outbreak, people are distressed

As Australia prepares for the H5 bird flu to potentially rip through hundreds of species, residents of the Limestone Coast are already seeing the impacts

The Guardian - AU · Aug 6

Beginning in 1999, Virginia scientists scattered about 70 million eelgrass seeds, helping nearly 9,000 acres of seagrass return

The coastal bays of Virginia experienced a dramatic eelgrass decline due to disease many years ago. In 1999, a comprehensive restoration project commenced, focusing on the dispersal of millions of eelgrass seeds. This initiative successfully rehabilitated nearly 9,000 acres of marine habitat, leading to healthier eelgrass meadows that provide essential…

The Times of India · Aug 6