Mugie Conservancy’s Post

Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced changes to how the Endangered Species Act is implemented. One of the changes known as the "blanket rule" rolls back a key distinction in how threatened and endangered species are regulated. Unfortunately, restoring the blanket rule is a setback for species recovery. Why? Because species-specific guidance informed by science results in more effective recovery plans than a one-size-fits-all approach. With two-thirds of endangered species dependent on private lands, the most effective way to help wildlife recover is to improve the incentives for private landowners to protect and restore habitat. The Fish and Wildlife Service's decision makes states and landowners indifferent to whether species are improving or declining. https://lnkd.in/guVi9_VW

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has announced their intention to list the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as a threatened species with a special Section 4(d) Rule. This means that the butterfly will have protection under the Endangered Species Act, but certain incidental take of the species will be exempt from prohibition (effectively allowed) under certain conditions or circumstances. USFWS is accepting comments on the proposed listing for 90 days, and the listing is likely to become final sometime in 2025. Monarch butterflies commonly use a wide variety of habitats, but rely strongly on select wintering areas in Southern California and Mexico. California wintering areas are proposed as critical habitat for this species. They also rely on early successional habitats (old fields) with milkweed plants for breeding. They use multiple species of milkweed, but common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) seems to be frequently used in the eastern U.S. Edgewood has been performing habitat assessments for Monarch butterflies for years, and has developed land management recommendations to support the recovery of this species. Does your land use project potentially impact Monarchs? Give us a call!

Given the resources, conservation investments can provide spectacular outcomes

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy purpose is to conserve wildlife species in Kenya with a keen focus on the critically endangered Mountain Bongo. Our projects encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at preserving the natural world and ensuring the survival of endangered species. I am thrilled to share some of the highlights of our ongoing projects and annual activities: Habitat Restoration: One of our core projects involves the restoration and protection of the critical habitats of the Mountain Bongo antelope. We have made significant strides in regenerating and conserving the forests and ecosystems essential to the Bongo's survival. In partnership with members of the community, we have so far planted 40,000 tree seedlings and seen 90% grow to maturity. Breeding and Rewilding of Mountain Bongo Antelope: We have successfully established a breeding program, working in collaboration with wildlife experts, to help bolster the Mountain Bongo population. These efforts have been essential in ensuring the continued existence of this magnificent and rare species. Animal Orphanage: Our conservancy runs an animal orphanage that provides care and rehabilitation for various orphaned and injured wildlife species. This facility has become a sanctuary for these animals and a place where they receive the necessary care and attention. Conservation Education: Education is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to raising awareness about the importance of conservation through various educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives. We believe that by instilling a sense of responsibility and care for our environment in the younger generation, we can shape a better future for our planet. Annual Activities: Trek for the Bongo - Mount Kenya Challenge: Each year, our dedicated supporters take on the ultimate challenge by trekking up Mount Kenya. This event raises both awareness and crucial funds for our Bongo conservation efforts. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with you, your organization, community groups, and your team to make a positive impact on these important initiatives. Please let me know how and if you would like to partner. #ConservationFinance #SavetheMountainBongo #MountKenyaWildlifeConservancy #AnimalOrphanage #HabitatRestoration #ConservationInitiatives

Congress had sharp criticism for a proposed rule that would prioritize a climate change agenda over a proven hunting conservation strategy that has benefitted wildlife conservation and sportsmen and women. It’s not the first time, either. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) proposed Biological Integrity, Diversity and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule update would implement a rule to “combat” climate change at the expense of wildlife conservation through hunting and angling. The proposal would put National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) decisions based solidly in Washington, D.C., and not in the hands of local biologists who are best positioned to make policy decisions for sustainable conservation. https://lnkd.in/gncWuQYT #BIDEH #USFWS #climatechange #wildlifeconservation

Big news for giraffe conservation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing giraffes under the Endangered Species Act, offering critical protections for five subspecies. This move aims to address the alarming poaching rates and curb the demand for giraffe products, as the U.S. is a major market for items like rugs, boots, furniture, and even Bible covers made from giraffe parts. Protecting these gentle giants is a crucial step toward ensuring their survival in the wild. Let’s hope this action sparks global efforts to safeguard their future. #Conservation #EndangeredSpecies #GiraffeProtection

Ultimatum, Litigation and 7+ Years; How many lives lost in the process? “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Species Act Protections for Giraffes” Published November 20, 2024 WASHINGTON - In response to declining giraffe populations caused by poaching, habitat loss and climate change , the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing federal protections for several giraffe species. After reviewing the best available scientific and commercial information, the Service proposes listing all three subspecies of northern giraffe from west, central and east Africa as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The Service also proposes listing two giraffe species from east Africa as threatened with tailored protections through a 4(d) rule. “Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster biodiversity, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. “This action supports giraffe conservation while ensuring the United States does not contribute further to their decline.” Complete Story: https://lnkd.in/gmtFTvFb Historical Perspective: Humane Society of the United States October 14, 2020 “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, do your job and protect giraffes, or we’ll see you in court.” “It’s been more than three years since we filed a petition asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to protect giraffes under the Endangered Species Act from trophy hunting and other imminent threats to their survival. During this time, the agency has responded once last year—following a lawsuit we filed—to agree with us that giraffes may qualify for such protection. But instead of taking further action, as the law requires it to do, it has gone back to sitting on its hands. Today, we are warning the USFWS that unless it acts swiftly to protect our planet’s tallest land mammal, we will see it in court.” https://lnkd.in/gWpyCrXn #endangeredspecies #hsus #usfws #giraffe #wildlifetrafficking #TheConservationGameMovie https://lnkd.in/gmtFTvFb

Given the resources, conservation investments can provide spectacular outcomes

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

🦉 US Wildlife Officials to Cull 450,000 Barred Owls: A Controversial Plan to Save Spotted Owls The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has unveiled a controversial plan to cull nearly 450,000 barred owls over the next 30 years to protect the endangered spotted owl. This decision has sparked a heated debate among conservationists, wildlife advocates, and the general public. Key Points: Barred vs. Spotted Owls: Barred owls, native to the eastern US, have encroached on the habitats of spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, causing a significant decline in spotted owl populations. Culling Plan: Trained shooters will use recorded owl calls to lure and remove barred owls. The plan aims to cull a small percentage of the barred owl population. Public Reaction: While some conservation groups support the plan, animal welfare advocates and public officials have raised ethical and practical concerns. Discover More: Explore the full story behind this controversial wildlife management plan. Understand the challenges, historical context, and future implications. Read our detailed blog post. https://lnkd.in/egqspFdK #WildlifeConservation #EnvironmentalPolicy #SpottedOwl #BarredOwl #Biodiversity