The United Nations Environment Program estimates that 150 to 200 species go extinct every day, which is about 10 to 100 times the "background," or natural, rate of extinction.

One problem facing endangered species, particularly in developing countries, is poaching. Driven in part by the demand for animal parts in traditional medicine cures in parts of Asia, poaching (and capture of animals for the pet trade) has only increased — dramatically — in the past decade.

But humans are animals who come from a world replete with other creatures and forms of life. Even now, surrounded as many of you are by urban centers, devoid of forests and most wildlife, people depend on plants and animals for survival. Ultimately the loss of biodiversity will hurt you, as you, dear humans, are part of the web of life. Each species serves a specific function that can't be wholly replaced if one goes extinct, leading to a less productive ecosystem which ultimately provides fewer benefits for humans.


To avert the worst effects of global warming, humans would need to quickly find alternative fuel sources — look back to what's been provided to you and harness the sun or the wind or heat from the Earth.

The worst effects of warming can be seen in the Arctic and Antarctic, due to a phenomenon called polar amplification. Many areas throughout the Arctic have already warmed by 3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 degrees Celsius) over the last 30 years, heating up much more quickly than the rest of the world and acting as harbingers of things to come.

PROTECT WILDLIFE AND OF COURSE PROTECT WOLVES. THEY ARE ESSENTIAL.
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Posté par Animals sur jeudi 31 décembre 2015

A heartfelt message to Lakota Country from legendary musician and human rights advocate Carlos Santana appeared on Vimeo recently from user Jay Roman and quickly went viral. Santana took #DearNativeYouth to a whole new level and reaffirmed his place in the hearts of many with his powerful message to our Lakota relations.

“I want to send a special message to my young Lakota relatives. The Creator has blessed me with a successful music career. But I was tested along the way; and it has been a long, hard journey to get where I am today – and life hasn’t always been easy or a piece of cake. Although our struggles can feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that they are temporary.


“Every one of us will experience difficult times. What I’m asking you, my young relatives, is to help your classmates, your friends, and your relatives who are struggling. If you know someone who is depressed, feels alone, is pushing loved ones away, or admits that they want to hurt themselves – please tell someone who can help them. Tell a teacher, a school counsellor, a nurse, a coach, or a parent. You might be worried that this person will be mad at you. Maybe they will be for a short time; but your friend or relative will be alive. It’s OK to get help for others and it’s OK to ask for help for yourself.


“One of the things that I admire the most about the Lakota People is your compassion for each other. This compassion has the power to save lives. We are all related – and we must all support each other. Wopila for letting me share this message. Peace to you and your family.”
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The great bison or buffalo of North America is a very powerful symbol to American Indians. Though best suited to cooler climates, bison roamed virtually in entire continent.

 The smaller woodlands bison and its bigger cousin, the plains bison were revered and honored in ceremony and every day life. To the plains Indian, our Bison Brother meant sacred life and the abundance of the Creator's blessing on Mother Earth.

The bison is powerful medicine that is a symbol of sacrifice and service to the community. The bison people agreed to give their lives so the American Indian could have food, shelter and clothing.

The bison is also a symbol of gratitude and honor as it is happy to accept its meager existence as it stands proud against the winds of adversity.

The bison represents abundance of the Creator's bounty and respect for all creation knowing that all things are sacred.


The bison represents a manifestation of the divine aspects of our being.

Because of its size, speed and sharp horns, bison can be dangerous when threatened. People who hear the message of the bison spirit are reminded to temper their power in dealing with others and allow the tranquility and peace of the Bison Brother to enter their lives.

Those with this totem need to remember to see the good in all things and not let their frustration store up inside them.


Unlike the European domesticated cow that places its rump toward approaching cold and faces away, the bison turns its head to face and stand firmly against raging storm. This quality reminds us to have courage and face problems head-on.

Bison unite against danger as buffalo cows defend their young, old and sick by forming a protective circle around them and the bulls form a circle around the cows. If you see the bison circle in dream or vision, it may mean someone around you requires your strength to defend and honor them. Or, it is a call to unite with others to bring about positive change.


The huge head of the Bison Brother signifies higher mental abilities that is grounded to Mother Earth by their tough bodies.

The bison teaches us how to eliminate our burdens by directing our energy in a balanced way.

They were photographed in their habitat of Madeleine Island in Quebec, Canada

These seal-ebrities from Canada are pictured striking hilarious poses that even Cara Delevingne would be proud of.

The three Harp seal pups - just days old - were passing time while they waited for their mother to return from hunting.

One pup looked straight to the camera with a cheeky wink, while another lay on its back looking longingly at the lens.


The impressive poses were captured by photographer Gunther Riehle, who was lucky enough to get just feet away from the baby seals on Madeleine Island in Quebec. Photographer said: 'They are just waiting for their mummies to show up and feed them, which happens around every two hours.

'They like to just have a good time and play with the snow or sleep.
Source

Man Hears Someone Crying And Jumps Down A Storm Drain

Meet Piper the kitten. This little fella became the center of attention when he got stuck in a storm drain in northern California. Lucky for him, a passerby heard the terrified kitten crying out for help and contacted the animal rescue group Sierra Pacific FurBabies to see what could be done.

By 1:30 that afternoon, David Loop, a representative of the group had arrived on the scene, eager to rescue the crying kitten. However, it took an entire team until 10:30 the following evening to finally rescue the scared little guy, who, after 33 intense hours, seemed surprised yet relieved to be free and safe. He is now in the custody of Sierra Pacific FurBabies, where he is getting all of the love he needs.

This heartwarming story is a great example of what happens when people put their differences aside and work together towards a common goal, which in this case was to save a life. If only humans could do that more often, imagine what a wonderful world it would be? If you would like to help Sierra Pacific FurBabies on their mission, please visit their website by visiting here.


Piper has since been checked out by a vet and received a clean bill of health, and is staying with Loop while he gains his strength back.
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One lucky squirrel was given the greatest gift this Christmas — a fresh chance at life, and a cozy place to spend it.

 Earlier this month, a Reddit user named Chris and his wife welcomed the furry young animal into their home after discovering him injured and twitching on a road in the rain. By the time he was brought to safety, it was clear that the little squirrel would not have lasted much longer without their help.

Thanks to the family's efforts, the squirrel, who they've named Mitten, now seems to be doing much better — though, as Chris says, he'll never be fit for release back into the wild. That being the case, they're dedicated to making things as pleasant and homey as possible for Mitten as he lives out his days with them — including letting him hone his climbing skills with their Christmas tree.

"My wife was playing with him near the tree, and he acted interested in it," said Chris. "We decided to let him wander, and he went right to the tree."


Since Mitten's new tree won't be around forever, Chris is already working on building a large permanent enclosure for him inside the home. Meanwhile, the family is working with experts from a wildlife refuge to find out more about how to give their little rescue the best life possible going forward — and he may end up being one of the first of many.

The bald eagle isn't bald. The word “bald” actually comes from the word “piebald” which is used to describe something that is spotty or patchy.

 Adult eagles are dark brown and have white feathers covering their heads and tails. They also have hooked yellow beaks, large talons, and oversized feet equipped with small spikes, called spicules.

Together, eagles use these body parts as their own type of fishing pole. Eagles also have a super sense of vision, allowing them to see four to seven times farther than humans.


Young eagles are called eaglets and are light grey and fluffy when they first hatch. Their feathers turn dark brown when they're about 12 weeks old and ready to leave the nest. The feathers on their heads and tails won't turn white until they're about four years old. Life can be challenging for young eaglets, and nearly 50 per cent don't survive their first year.


“In an eagle there is all the wisdom in the world,” Lakota medicine man Lame Deer once said. “If you are planning to kill an eagle, the minute you think of that he knows it, knows what you are planning.” Eagles appear in many tribes’ creation stories, and they are revered because of their strength, boldness and courage to withstand any obstacles, said Francis Mitchell, a Navajo medicine man. “The eagle was given the power from above,” he said. “Whatever was before it, it would conquer and not back off.”

Researchers have confirmed that the Henry Mountains of southern Utah are home to a rare, genetically pure bison herd. The team included Utah State University scientists who analyzed tissue samples from the bison.

 Dr. Johan du Toit, professor of ecology and large mammal conservation at USU, took part in the research. He said that the herd is even more unique than other populations of bison that have not interbred with cattle.

“We’ve got a very, very special case in that the Henry Mountains bison is actually in fact the only population of bison in existence which is now both genetically pure and is free of the disease brucellosis and is free-ranging on public land co-mingling with cattle and is legally hunted,” du Toit said. “So, we have this very unique population which is one of a kind. It’s a large credit to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Bureau of Land Management, and the local Henry Mountains Grazing Association. Over the years, they worked together to conserve this resource.”



Dr. Dustin Ranglack, now at Montana State University, is the lead author of the study and said that the herd could have an impact on future bison conservation.


“Now, we only have 500,000 bison but, of those, only 20,000 are what we would consider to be wild bison. Now we have a third herd of free-ranging bison that is disease-free and doesn’t show any introgression of cattle genes,” Ranglack said. “That actually makes the Henry Mountains bison, in a way, almost even more valuable than [the herd in] Yellowstone. Because of that, they can represent a really important source for potential reintroduction projects that are trying to restore bison to a large portion of their native range.”

The Henry Mountains herd was transferred from Yellowstone National Park in the 1940’s.
Source

Whatever the purpose, the consequences for the trapped animals are the same — pain, suffering, and death.

Proponents argue that traps are humane and selective, and that trapping is tightly regulated, an important source of income for many people, and necessary for managing wildlife. These claims, however, are far from the truth.

Despite what trappers would have you believe, animals frequently sustain severe injuries from being trapped.

When not killed outright by the trap, animals can suffer physiological trauma, dehydration, exposure to severe weather, and predation by other animals until the trapper returns. When the trapper returns he usually clubs, suffocates or strangles the animal to death.

Let's Keep Inhumane Animal Traps Illegal Petition




Wolves are a keystone species. As the most important animal in their ecosystem, they maintain a healthy natural balance that all other plants and animals depend on. Just ask the rabbits, foxes, otters, badgers, trout, amphibians, insects, songbirds, hawks, bears and other creatures who benefit from this trophic cascade. Wolves helped save America’s most famous national park. When they were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995, the effect they had on the damaged ecosystem was nothing short of miraculous.

From moose to humpback whale, Canada goose to great blue heron, more than 650 types of vertebrate—including 90 mammal and 300 bird species—inhabit Québec’s carefully preserved territory.

 Many can be seen in the wilderness or glimpsed by chance during nature walks. This applies equally to migratory birds, land mammals—including cervids (white-tailed deer, moose, caribou), bears and beavers—and marine mammals like the many whales that call the St. Lawrence estuary home.

The large land wildlife is mainly composed of the white-tailed deer, the moose, the muskox, the Caribou, the American black bear and the polar bear. The average land wildlife includes the cougar, the coyote, the Eastern wolf, the bobcat (wild cat), the Arctic fox, the Fox, etc. The small animals seen most commonly include the Eastern grey squirrel, the snowshoe hare, the Groundhog, the Skunk, the raccoon, the chipmunk and the Canadian beaver.


The name "Québec", which comes from the Algonquin word kébec meaning "where the river narrows", originally referred to the area around Quebec City where the Saint Lawrence River narrows to a cliff-lined gap.

PHOTOS SOURCE Maxime Riendeau (Visit Website)