Latest news with #RedListofThreatenedSpecies
ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Birth of rare African ‘unicorn' caught on camera at Chester Zoo
Cameras captured the incredible moment Miloli the baby okapi was born. The 'precious' calf was born to mum Ada and dad Stomp, following a 14-month pregnancy. The footage shows the calf falling to the ground in dramatic fashion, before clambering to its feet only minutes later and taking its first wobbly steps - a special moment that very few people in the world will have witnessed, according to wildlife experts. Zookeepers have revealed the calf is male and they've named him Miloli, which translates to 'joy' in Bantu, a family of languages spoken in central Africa. Having spent weeks tucked away in a quiet, hidden nest area, the shy youngster has slowly gained in confidence and has now ventured out for the first time. Found only in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the okapi is so elusive that it went undiscovered to modern science until 1901. As a result, they've been nicknamed the 'African unicorn'. Fiona Howe, Lead Keeper at Chester Zoo, said: 'The birth of an okapi is always a very special occasion and cause for celebration, but have the privilege of being able to watch on as mum Ada calmly welcomed her new baby into the world and gently encouraged him to his feet, was nothing short of magical. "The footage we've captured offers a special insight into one of nature's most elusive and secretive species. ' "Miloli has spent his early weeks of life tucked away in a quiet nest area, bonding with mum Ada. "During the day, she'd head off and forage for food nearby, periodically returning to feed her new youngster with milk – she's a doting mum and is doing everything perfectly so far which is just great to see. 'Though Miloli appears to be wearing black-and-white striped socks, these patterns play important roles - acting as camouflage and assisting young okapi in following their mothers in the forest. Now that he's developed confidence, Miloli has just started to follow the stripes on his mother's hind legs as she leads him out of the nest to explore together for the first time.' The okapi is the national symbol of the DRC and is protected under Congolese law. Despite this, its population has declined by more than 50% over the last 20 years - driven by illegal hunting for their meat and skins, widespread habitat loss and the civil conflict in the country. The world's authority on the state of nature, The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has classified the species as endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species. Sue Walker, Head of Science at the zoo, added: "Our scientists have been supporting okapi reproduction for more than 15 years. "By using the latest technologies to test hormones in okapi faecal samples, we can confirm the observations and behavioural changes recognised by zookeepers, and in the process learn more about the species and their biology. These findings have already been used to support the wider international conservation breeding programme that's safeguarding okapi populations from extinction." The zoo's experts are also working alongside its partners at the Uganda Wildlife Authority to conduct surveys for okapis in Semuliki National Park, Uganda, which borders the DRC. The zoo is also a long-term supporter of the Okapi Conservation Project that is based at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Forest, DRC.
The Star
05-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Sabah Forestry Dept working with UK conservation group to save two critically endangered trees
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has secured a conservation grant totalling over RM270,000 to conserve two of the top endangered plant species in the state. Through the Sabah Forestry Department, this grant, which runs from now until 2027, would see the department working with one of the world's largest networks for plant conservation - the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), headquartered in the United Kingdom. Datuk Frederick Kugan, the department's chief conservator of forests, said this conservation project was titled 'Conserving Critically Endangered Adonidia dransfieldii and Saurauia sammanniana in Sabah'. 'It represents a significant milestone in global recognition of Sabah's commitment to conserving its unique and threatened plant biodiversity,' he said in a statement. He said the Adonidia dransfieldii and Saurauia sammanniana were both listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Among more than 500 threatened tree species in Sabah, these two have been identified as facing some of the highest risk of extinction, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation action to prevent their disappearance from the wild, said Kugan. 'Receiving this international grant is not only a proud moment for us, but a testament to the critical importance of Sabah's unique biodiversity,' he said. He explained that these two endemic species are only found in Sabah and may face serious threats due to habitat loss and lack of in situ protection. The department has been actively committed to biodiversity conservation efforts, more so, for the rare and threatened species, in line with the Sabah Forest Policy 2018,' Kugan said. The technical and financial assistance provided by BGCI for this work is part of BGCI's Tree Conservation Programme, dedicated to saving the world's threatened tree species in their natural habitats, funded by Fondation Franklinia and many other international donor organisations. Malaysia is one of four Southeast Asian countries to receive funding this cycle from Fondation Franklinia (2025 to 2027), under the Global Trees: Action for all tree species - Tree Conservation Action Project. Over the next three years, the project will implement a comprehensive conservation strategy based on five core objectives including identification and mapping of wild population, propagation and ex situ conservation and in situ population reinforcement, Kugan said. There will also be focus on capacity building and public awareness as well as development of conservation action plans, he added. He said field surveys will be conducted to locate and document remaining wild populations of the two species with the department aiming to achieve at least 65% success in seed and cutting propagation, leading to the establishment of genetically representative ex situ collections in Sabah,' he said Adding to this, Kugan said at least 20 individuals of each species will be planted back into their natural habitat to strengthen wild populations. He said training workshops for conservation staff and education activities for local communities will be held to raise awareness and build local capacity while species-specific action and propagation plans will be developed and published for national and global use. He said the Sabah Forestry Department will lead all project activities, with technical mentoring and oversight provided by BGCI. The Department is also responsible for reporting progress annually through BGCI's GlobalTree Portal, ensuring transparency and data sharing across the global conservation community. Project Coordinator and Assistant Research Officer at the Forest Research Centre, Alviana Damit said this collaboration places Sabah on the global conservation map and reinforces their role as a key guardian of Borneo's endemic flora. 'It's not just about saving plants. It's about protecting the natural heritage that sustains our ecosystems and communities,' she said. Earlier, Kugan thanked the BGCI and Fondation Franklinia for this opportunity and looked forward to working with local stakeholders, communities, and international partners in protecting these irreplaceable species for future generations.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Watch: Viral video shows Russian boxer giving e-cigarette to orangutan; sparks public outrage
(Video credits: X) Russian boxer Anastasia Luchkina is facing widespread criticism after a video went viral showing her handing an e-cigarette to an orangutan at the Taigan Safari Park in Crimea, as reported by the New York Post. The orangutan, named Dana, later displayed 'disturbing' behavior, according to Russian outlet Dana has reportedly lost her appetite, refuses to interact with others, and 'lies motionless throughout the day.' She has lived at the safari park since 2018. In the video, Luchkina is seen vaping herself before offering it to Dana and then smoking again. It is feared that the orangutan may have swallowed the e-cigarette cartridge, which contains between 2.5–3 ml of nicotine liquid. Veterinarians are continuing to examine Dana, with test results expected in the coming days. Dana belongs to an endangered species of orangutans listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 'I didn't know Anastasia was a smoker,' Luchkina's coach, Vladimir Akatov said. 'She is currently on vacation. We will definitely discuss this matter when she returns.' The incident sparked outrage on social media. One user on X commented: 'This is animal abuse. It shouldn't be celebrated in any way.' Another wrote: 'Has there been any action yet, or are they waiting for the orangutan to file an official complaint against Anastasia Luchkina?' PETA UK vice president Mimi Bekhechi told SunSport as quoted by NY Post: 'Anastasia Luchkina must have received a few too many knocks to the head if she thinks it's a lark to give an orangutan a vape…a violation of this intelligent, gentle ape's welfare.'
New York Post
01-07-2025
- New York Post
Russian boxer Anastasia Luchkina facing backlash after giving orangutan vape pen in shocking scene
Puffing on a vape pen at the zoo is bad enough, but a young Russian boxer somehow managed to do one far worse. Anastasia Luchkina, 24, handed her e-cigarette to an orangutan at the Taigan safari park in Crimea, as seen in shocking footage she shared. The creature later exhibited 'disturbing' behavior,' according to Russian outlet 5 Boxer Anastasia Luchkina filmed herself giving vape to an orangutan in a Russian zoo. Anastasia Luchkina 5 An orangutan puffed on the vape of Russian boxer Anastasia Luchkina through a cage. Anastasia Luchkina The orangutan, who is named Dana and is the only of its kind in Crimea, has reportedly lost her appetite, refuses to interact with others and 'lies motionless throughout the day.' She has lived in the safari park since 2018. The orangutan is feared to have swallowed the cartridge of the e-cigarette, which contains between 2.5-3 ml of nicotine liquid. Veterinarians are expected to continue with their examination of Dana, with results to arrive in the coming days. 5 Anastasia Luchkina is a Russian boxer. Anastasia Luchkina/ east2west news Dana is part of an endangered species of orangutans listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 'I didn't know Anastasia was a smoker,' Luchkina's coach, Vladimir Akatov, told reporters, per 'She is currently on vacation. We will definitely discuss this matter when she returns.' 5 Dana the orangutan. social media/ east2west news The incident elicited outrage from many on social media. 'She should be arrested and be imprisoned for life for endangering this innocent animal,' said one X user. 5 Boxer Anastasia Luchkina filmed herself giving a vape pen to an orangutan in a zoo. Anastasia Luchkina 'Generation of idiots,' wrote another, with several others agreeing the boxer should face significant punishment. PETA UK vice president Mimi Bekhechi shared a similar sentiment, telling SunSport: 'Anastasia Luchkina must have received a few too many knocks to the head if she thinks it's a lark to give an orangutan a vape…a violation of this intelligent, gentle ape's welfare.' Luchkina, from the Russian city of Pyatigorsk, lost her only pro fight to Indian boxer Vinashki at the King of Himalayan Ring in Himachal Pradesh, India, on June 22.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chinese hotel ordered to cease red panda wake-up call encounters
June 25 (UPI) -- A hotel in China was ordered to halt its offered red panda wake-up call service, which brought red pandas into guests' rooms and allowed them to climb onto the beds. The Chongqing Forestry Bureau ordered the Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Holiday Hotel to cease all activities that bring visitors into close contact with wild animals. The hotel had gone viral for its red panda wake-up calls, which gave guests, including young children, hands-on encounters with red pandas in their rooms. Hotel officials said there are four red pandas living at the facility, and they would take turns making the visits to guest rooms. How long they spent with guests depended on the animal's mood temperament on the day. Red pandas are second-class protected animals in China and they are listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Sun Quanhui, a scientist from the World Animal Protection organization, said the red panda wake-up call service could be considered animal abuse, as red pandas are sensitive animals with stress responses that could endanger themselves or the humans in their presence.
