American Forest Management, Inc.’s Post

Did you hear?? 👀🐺 On December 5, 2024, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) took a crucial step forward in collaboration toward Red Wolf recovery efforts by adopting a resolution that supersedes previous state agency resolutions related to the species. This new resolution was passed unanimously by WRC Commissioners and reflects a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to conservation, marking a pivotal moment for Red Wolf recovery efforts and coyote management on the Albemarle Peninsula. The WRC’s decision is in response to ongoing scientific findings, including the National Academy of Sciences’ confirmation of the Red Wolf as a distinct species. It also comes in the wake of a federal court order requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to resume Red Wolf reintroductions in recent years. Importantly, the resolution also directs WRC staff to collaborate with the FWS to create a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at effective, cooperative management of canid species in the region. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gfMNX45h #conservation #redwolves #wolves #endangeredspecies #wildlife #northcarolina

You guessed it, it's hazel dormice! 🐭 The wildlife team here at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has wrapped up the final dormouse survey of 2024. Led by Wildlife Conservation Officer Ian Court, a dedicated team of licensed handlers and volunteers monitor the local population of hazel dormice in a woodland in Wensleydale. The dormice are monitored over a six month period between May and October, when the dormice are most active - foraging, preparing for their long winter hibernation. Ian Court, Wildlife Conservation Officer at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Dormice make a nest by weaving grass together in a really tight ball, with a chamber in the middle. One of the other obvious signs that it is a dormouse nest is they like to use hazel leaves. Over winter dormice hibernate, not in the boxes but in the ground. In the spring they come out and use the boxes, as well as the coppice stools and bramble patches, for nesting and resting. They don’t need the nest boxes necessarily, but the boxes are there so we can keep the monitoring consistent. Seeing a nest in a box means that we know that dormice are still here, even if we don’t find any dormice. We are doing everything we can to manage the woodland to provide the habitat these mammals need, for example by traditional coppicing of the hazel trees to maximise nut production." A big thank you to the team involved in this important work! DISCLAIMER: Hazel dormice are an endangered species and are fully protected by law. It is an offence to disturb them (unless you are a licenced professional.) #yorkshiredales #conservation #dormice

Species reintroductions can be difficult and controversial, especially where predators are involved. Done right, however, they can be positive and inspiring. Hats off to Devon Wildlife Trust and partners for a careful and well-prepared release of these pine martens on #Dartmoor. https://lnkd.in/ed-pGjga

We just released our Wetlands Status and Trends report, and our findings show that more than half of wetlands in the lower 48 states are gone, and losses continue. Loss rates have increased by 50 percent since 2009. Without additional conservation actions taken to protect these ecosystems, wetland loss will likely continue, reducing ecosystem benefits for people and habitat for fish, wildlife and plants. Wetlands are one of the most productive and biodiverse habitats, with 40 percent of all plant and animal species living or breeding in wetlands. Threatened and endangered species are no exception, with approximately half of all Endangered Species Act species in the United States being wetland dependent. Read the full report here ▶️ https://ow.ly/w49P50R0erI Photo at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge by USFWS

Why does wetland loss matter? For starters, it impinges on public health by decreasing supplies of #cleanwater, reduces opportunities for hunting, fishing and ecotourism, and makes the practice of cultural traditions more challenging. Only have a few minutes? Scroll this StoryMap 🔎 https://arcg.is/zH0v9

A critical milestone in the fight to save one of the world’s most endangered wildlife groups was reached yesterday at the Bern Convention. The Standing Committee adopted a formal recommendation endorsing technical guidelines for: ✅ sturgeon population monitoring ✅ habitat assessment ✅ ex-situ conservation measures. European range states are now expected to apply standardized, science-based guidelines for sturgeon conservation. This step paves the way for European sturgeon range states to significantly improve and harmonize their conservation efforts, enabling better data comparison, joint conclusions, and coordinated action to protect these ancient species. The guidelines were developed under a European Commission Service Contract by WWF and the expert network of the World Sturgeon Conservation Society. Learn more about the key results from the mid-term evaluation of the European action plan to save sturgeons here: https://buff.ly/4f3LvVw #WWF #sturgeon #wildlife #Danube

The findings of the latest Wetlands Status and Trends report are stark, and they underscore how potentially damaging the impacts of the #SackettvEPA decision could be for wetland habitats across the country. Without state protections for wetlands, more of these incredible ecosystems will be lost. Learn more about what's at risk – and what Environmental Defense Fund is doing about it – here 👉 edf.org/wetlands #SCOTUS #wetlands #flooding #habitat #wildlife #climatechange #floodrisk #habitatloss #biodiversity #naturalinfrastructure #naturalclimatesolution #naturebasedsolutions

US Wildlife Officials to Cull 450,000 Barred Owls: A Controversial Plan to Save Spotted Owls The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently announced a controversial plan to cull nearly 450,000 barred owls over the next 30 years. This decision, aimed at saving the endangered spotted owl, has sparked heated debate among conservationists, wildlife advocates, and the general public. Barred owls, originally from the eastern United States, have displaced native spotted owls from their habitats in the Pacific Northwest. The population of spotted owls has plummeted, with some regions experiencing a decline of over 75%. The USFWS believes that without intervention, the spotted owl could face extinction in significant portions of its range. The culling plan involves sending trained shooters into dense forests to target barred owls, using recorded owl calls to lure them, and then eliminating them. This method, tested on a smaller scale since 2009, proposes the removal of up to 450,000 barred owls over 30 years. Reactions to the plan are mixed, with some conservation groups supporting it as necessary to save the spotted owl, while animal welfare advocates and public officials express concerns about its feasibility and ethical implications. As this debate continues, it highlights the complexities and ethical dilemmas in wildlife management. The outcome of this contentious plan will set a significant precedent in conservation policy, shaping future strategies for managing invasive species and protecting endangered wildlife. Dive deeper into the details and implications of this plan in our blog post here. https://lnkd.in/e3atQyDR #Conservation #WildlifeManagement #SpottedOwl #BarredOwl #USFWS #EnvironmentalPolicy

🐺🌲 California’s New Diamond Wolf Pack: A Milestone for Conservation 🌲🐺 Exciting news for wildlife enthusiasts! California has confirmed the presence of the Diamond Wolf Pack in Tulare County, marking an important step in the ongoing recovery of gray wolves in the state. This pack is the southernmost confirmed wolf pack since the species was reintroduced to the region. Why it matters: ✅ Gray wolves play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by regulating prey populations and supporting biodiversity. ✅ Their return signals the success of conservation efforts and the resilience of native species. ✅ It highlights the importance of coexistence strategies to support both wolves and local communities. As gray wolves reclaim their place in California’s wildlands, this milestone serves as a reminder of the power of science, policy, and community collaboration in restoring balance to our ecosystems. 🌍✨ Read more about the Diamond Wolf Pack here: https://lnkd.in/egJ99TgT #GrayWolves #WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity #CaliforniaWildlife #EcosystemHealth #Coexistence #ConservationSuccess

🐍 This week for Wildlife Wednesday from your Doherty Docent is the San Francisco Garter Snake! As many of you know we have zoo cards for guests (think Pokemon for the zoo). They tell where the animal is in the zoo and a bunch of facts on the back. 🐍 Recently we added a limited edition series (25) for California Conservation Cards. This guy is one of the highlighted species. Designated as an endangered subspecies since 1967, it is endemic to San Mateo County and the extreme northern part of coastal Santa Cruz County in California. Here are some fascinating details about this unique snake: 🐍 Appearance: Adult San Francisco garter snakes can grow to a total length of 18–55 inches. They have keeled dorsal scales of blue-green, bordered by stripes of black, red (sometimes orange), and blue-green. Their head is barely wider than the neck and is red. Their large eyes give them good eyesight, making them primarily active during the day. 🐍 Habitat: This garter snake prefers wet and marshy areas, which makes it elusive and difficult to see or capture. It can be found in scattered wetland areas on the San Francisco Peninsula. 🐍 Conservation: Researchers estimate that there are only 1,000 to 2,000 adult snakes of this subspecies remaining. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has noted that many locations with healthy populations of garter snakes are now in decline due to land development pressure and wetland filling in San Mateo County. Despite its elusive nature, the San Francisco garter snake is a remarkable and beautiful species that deserves protection. 🐍 The San Francisco Garter Snake plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem as a predator. By preying on small amphibians and fish, it helps regulate their populations and maintain a balanced food chain. #bornmatter #youmatter #docentlife #conservationeducation The Outlier Project and Oakland Zoo