According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, about 17,800 animal species are threatened with extinction.
Most species are threatened due to human activity, including habitat destruction, poaching, overhunting, and climate change.
The breeding window for giant pandas is only open once a year, typically from March to May, with a very short conception window of 24 to 72 hours.
The zoo collaborated with Chinese researchers to study panda biology, particularly focusing on reproduction, and successfully bred pandas through artificial insemination, producing several cubs.
Wild panda populations have rebounded due to conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and international collaboration.
Gray wolves were almost wiped out in the U.S. due to government-sponsored hunting programs in the early 1900s, which aimed to protect livestock.
The trophic cascade effect refers to how the presence of wolves, as top predators, influences the behavior of prey, leading to changes in vegetation and ecosystem health.
Colorado is reintroducing gray wolves by dispersing individuals from multiple packs across different regions, with a focus on genetic diversity and monitoring through GPS collars.
Florida panthers face inbreeding challenges, leading to health issues such as heart defects, reproductive problems, and physical abnormalities.
Genetic rescue involved introducing female pumas from Texas to reinvigorate the gene pool, reducing inbreeding and improving the panther population's health.
The current population of Florida panthers is around 200 tracked individuals, with a significant decline in birth defects due to genetic rescue efforts.
Florida is creating a wildlife corridor by preserving lands and working with private landowners to establish a travel route for panthers and other animals, allowing them to move between different habitats.
Underpasses help panthers safely cross highways, reducing the number of panthers killed by cars and facilitating their movement across the state.
Tens of thousands of animal species are facing extinction, mostly because of human activity. But thanks to conservationists, there are some animals that are making a comeback.
This is part four of “The New Conservationists,” a four-part series about the evolving world of animal conservation.
Listen to part one), part two) and part three).
Recommended reading:
– Flying Conservationists Teach Endangered Birds to Migrate)
– The Last Wild Horses Are Finally Returning to Their Natural Habitat)
– Great Nicobar Island Is a Paradise in Danger)
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman with co-host Ashleigh Papp. Our show is edited by Madison Goldberg with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.
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