INSANE: 17 | Rare Historical Photos

Rare shark species spotted for first time in 20 years near Galapagos Islands

Researchers hope to better understand the movement of these rare sharks to conserve the species better

The Independent UK · Jul 30

In the late 1800s, America imported mute swans to decorate parks and estates; their descendants later damaged wetlands and displaced native waterbirds

Mute swans, introduced for their beauty, now pose an ecological challenge. These birds consume vital underwater vegetation, impacting native species and habitats. Their aggressive territorial behavior also displaces native waterfowl during breeding seasons. This gradual expansion has altered the delicate balance of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Conservation efforts now focus…

The Times of India · Jul 30

In the early 1900s, America planted European beachgrass to hold coastal sand in place; it later transformed natural dunes and displaced native wildlife

European beachgrass was introduced to North America over a century ago for dune stabilization. This invasive grass significantly altered coastal dune ecosystems and native plant diversity. Its dense root systems stabilized dunes but disrupted natural sand movement processes. Restoration efforts now focus on removing the grass and re-establishing native vegetation.…

The Times of India · Jul 30

California researchers surveyed Point Reyes lagoon 19 times and found 73 pelicans killed by river otters; some birds have now begun flying away when otters approach

Along California's Abbotts Lagoon, river otters have been spotted hunting brown pelicans, resulting in the discovery of seventy-three deceased pelicans during nineteen research visits. This unexpected predation correlates with the rising otter population in Northern California. While fish are their usual fare, larger birds provide a richer source of energy.…

The Times of India · Jul 29

Australia built a $187,000 electric fence across Wild Horse Plain, but the real reason lies beneath one of its rarest alpine wetlands

A new electrified fence protects rare alpine wetlands in Kosciuszko National Park. This enclosure safeguards endangered sphagnum bogs and associated fens from wild horse impacts. Horse activity damages these vital peatland ecosystems and their stored carbon. The $187,000 project was funded by biodiversity offsets from Snowy 2.0. This targeted measure…

The Times of India · Jul 29

In Chicago, workers covered a deadly glass building with tiny white dots, and bird collisions dropped by about 95%

Chicago's McCormick Place saw nearly one thousand bird deaths in one night. A simple film with white dots reduced these collisions by over ninety-five percent. This effective solution makes glass buildings more visible to migrating birds. The National Park Service notes window collisions kill about one billion birds annually. This…

The Times of India · Jul 29

By 2024, the Tulalip Beaver Project was relocating beavers in the Snohomish Watershed to restore wetlands, store water and support salmon habitat

Beavers are now relocated to restore degraded streams in Washington State. These animals rebuild wetlands, store freshwater, and create vital habitats for salmon. Beaver dams slow streamflow, reconnect floodplains, and retain water across the landscape. This nature-based approach addresses flooding, drought, and declining fish populations effectively. The Tulalip Tribes Wildlife…

The Times of India · Jul 29

Government set to block historic Scottish island 'guga hunt', files suggest

THE Scottish Government’s environment agency is set to block the centuries-old Western Isles “guga hunt” from going ahead, new documents…

The National (Scotland) · Jul 29

In Yellowstone, willows grew from 92 cm to 192 cm after wolves returned, while rewilding examples in the UK and India suggest ecosystems can recover with protection

Yellowstone's wolves initiated a remarkable ecosystem recovery after their reintroduction. Willow growth significantly increased, improving habitats for various wildlife species. This ecological restoration exemplifies rewilding, allowing natural processes to return. Similar rewilding projects are showing success in the United Kingdom and India. These examples highlight nature's capacity for rapid recovery…

The Times of India · Jul 29

For more than 300 years, the Bermuda petrel was believed extinct. A remarkable discovery in 1951 gave the 'lost bird' a second chance

The Bermuda petrel, once thought extinct, was rediscovered in 1951. A young naturalist, David Wingate, led a long recovery effort for the cahow. Conservationists protected nests and restored Nonsuch Island for the seabirds. The cahow population has grown, though challenges remain from storms. This story highlights species recovery and the…

The Times of India · Jul 29