Okala’s Post

The theme for World Nature Conservation Day 2024 is, “Connecting People and Plants, Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.” I have published 9 poems on the plants and nature connection on Science Next Door Some of the poems are in this link https://lnkd.in/gJbKkY52 #ecology #ecological #conservation #plants #trees #flora #nature #earth #environment #natureeducation #climatechange #biodiversity #WorldNatureConservationDay #ConservationDay #conservation #storytelling #naturestorytelling #natueawareness

📹Rare migratory birds, the locusts, were caught in a camera trap installed on the territory of the Aralkum National Natural Park under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change. The Karavaika is a vulnerable, declining, breeding, migratory nominate subspecies. Found in the delta of the Zarafshan River (breeding), in reservoirs in the valleys of the Amu Darya and Syrdarya rivers (migration). In the 1960s The common loaf was a common species in the southern Aral region, but has now disappeared from many habitats. In the delta of the Amudarya River, up to 700–800 pairs nest, in the lower reaches of the Zarafshan River - about 100. Due to changes in the water regime in the reservoirs of the Aral Sea region, habitats were destroyed. Hunting for karavaika is strictly prohibited. Included in the Red Book of Uzbekistan, the IUCN Red List and Appendix II of the Bonn Convention.

With an estimated minimum number of 178 individuals left in the wild and a population showing an increasing trend (King et al. 2015, IUCN Red List), the Przewalski’s horse is classified as 'Endangered' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Once extint in the wild during the 20th century, reintroduction programs were realized by European zoos in 1990. Today, in Mongolia, only a small population survive in the Khustain Nuruu National Park. As members of Wildlife Initiative we are not directly involved into conservation programs. However, this species is still of great interest for us. - photo credit: Giacomo De Donà support: Parajumpers visit: www.wildlifeinitiative.org - #wildlifeinitiative #wildlife #species #wildspecies #nature #wildnature #ecosystem #environment #biodiversity #ecology #habitat #reintroductionprogram #research #wildliferesearch #conservation #wildlifeconservation #monitoring #wildlifemonitoring #iucn #threatenedspecies #threatenedanimals #endangeredspecies #endangeredanimals #mammals #mammalia #perissodactyla #przewalskishorse #equusferusprzewalskii #mongolia #asia

The Kunene region of Namibia is characterized by diverse environmental conditions, ranging from savannah to shrublands, and hosts a lion population adapted to living in various habitats. With a population of about 23,000 mature individuals, the lion is globally classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with a population showing a decreasing trend. The main causes of the species' decline are habitat loss and conversion into agricultural lands, prey depletion, and human persecution. Furthermore, trophy hunting may also have detrimental effects. The Wildlife Initiative team has been conducting research activities aimed at reducing the intensity of human-lion negative interactions. In fact, in certain areas, the territory of lions overlaps with villages, in turn increasing the risk of conflicts. - video credit: Claudio Augugliaro & Wildlife Initiative visit: www.wildlifeinitiative.org - #wildlifeinitiative #wildlife #species #wildspecies #nature #wildnature #ecosystem #environment #biodiversity #ecology #habitat #habitatloss #habitatfragmentation #research #wildliferesearch #conservation #wildlifeconservation #monitoring #wildlifemonitoring #iucn #threatenedspecies #threatenedanimals #endangeredspecies #endangeredanimals #humanwildlifeconflict #humancarnivoreconflict #livestock #predations #humanretaliation #preydepletion #poaching #humanpersecution #trophyhunting #mammals #mammalia #carnivores #predators #felids #felidae #wildfelids #wildcats #bigcats #lion #pantheraleo #kuneneregion #namibia #africa

Although the snow leopard is commonly believed to live at very high altitudes (3500-4000 meters above sea level), field observations have revealed that it can also inhabit lower elevations. During monitoring activities conducted in the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area by Dr. Claudio Augugliaro, the founder of Wildlife Initiative, the presence of the snow leopard was discovered at 1300 meters above sea level. This finding confirms the ecological plasticity of the species. - photo credit: Wildlife Initiative visit: www.wildlifeinitiative.org - #wildlifeinitiative #wildlife #species #wildspecies #nature #wildnature #ecosystem #environment #biodiversity #ecology #habitat #research #wildliferesearch #conservation #wildlifeconservation #monitoring #wildlifemonitoring #iucn #cites #threatenedspecies #endangeredspecies #cameratrap #cameratrapping #mammals #mammalia #carnivores #predators #felids #felidae #wildfelids #wildcats #bigcats #panthera #snowleopard #pantherauncia #unciauncia #gobidesert #protectedarea #mongolia #asia

The Mongolian landscape changes remarkably between seasons, shifting from a winter scene dominated by sand and bare rocks to a vibrant summer environment rich in biodiversity, offering breathtaking views. This habitat is vital for the Pallas's cat, one of our target species, as it provides both shelter and food. However, a significant threat to its survival likely stems from intensive livestock grazing in the area. In fact, overgrazing and overtrampling reduce the availability of prey, impacting the cat’s food resources. - photo credit: Valentina De Noia & Wildlife Initiative Supported by Parajumpers Officialpage, Zoo de Beauval, Zoo de Trégomeur, irbis.mongolia, Snow Leopard Conservancy, and PICA Project. visit: www.wildlifeinitiative.org - #wildlifeinitiative #wildlife #species #wildspecies #nature #wildnature #ecosystem #environment #biodiversity #ecology #habitat #research #wildliferesearch #conservation #wildlifeconservation #monitoring #wildlifemonitoring #mammals #mammalia #carnivores #predators #felids #felidae #wildcat #pallascat #otocolobusmanul #mongolia #asia

The Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) exhibits a disjunct distribution across Africa, with distinct populations in East and Southern Africa. Despite its relatively widespread occurrence, the species faces significant persecution due to its predation on livestock and role as a vector for rabies transmission. Efforts to control its population have proven largely ineffective, often resulting in only temporary reductions. Inhabiting a diverse array of habitats ranging from arid coastal deserts to montane grasslands, the Black-backed Jackal demonstrates ecological adaptability, albeit with a preference for open landscapes. While research has historically focused on its behavior and ecology, recent attention has shifted towards understanding its implications as a disease vector and problematic predator. Conservation efforts, although present within protected areas, are hindered by the species' lack of legal protection outside these zones. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate its role within ecosystems and to devise effective management strategies that balance human interests with the conservation of this enigmatic canid species. 🌐 Ready For Daily Update..!!! 🤘 Comment down Your Opinion And wait... Don't forget to Follow @leon_ashr 💥💥💥 #leonfact #iucnredlist #conservation #wildlife #nature #wildlifephotography #animals #naturephotography #wildlifeconservation #photography #africa #environment #birds #travel #naturelovers #animal #biodiversity #sustainability #wild #ocean #safari #love #endangeredspecies #climatechange #photooftheday #zoo #natgeo #hunting #outdoors #art #education #animalsofinstagram

Biodiversity MAG #9 is out and it's centered around 'debunking hunting myths'! In my article (Pages 14-15), I discuss how wolves represent a crossroad in wildlife conservation, delving into the policy context, habitat loss, rewilding and solutions. Check it out here and let me know what you think. ifaw #Conservation #Wolves #Rewilding https://lnkd.in/e55AscDx

Excluding cattle increases encounters of wild herbivores in Neotropical forests, according to a new study in Journal of Applied Ecology. Cattle ranching can increase deforestation, impacting wildlife habitat and biodiversity. To address this, researchers built ~14km of wildlife-permeable fences along forest edges in the Colombian Orinoquía and analyzed wildlife and cattle encounters. The results highlight that implementing wildlife-permeable fences could be important for biodiversity conservation in Neotropical forest regions where smaller wildlife species co-occur with cattle. Learn more: bit.ly/3TmeU5f University of Minnesota Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

🦇 Calling all ecologists with a keen interest in bat conservation! 🦇 Our ecosystems rely heavily on diverse species, including one often overlooked yet critical group: bats. These nocturnal mammals are essential to ecological balance due to their roles as pollinators and natural pest controllers. They support the health of numerous plant species and contribute significantly to agriculture by pollinating crops like mangoes and avocados, directly influencing our food security. Furthermore, bats mitigate insect populations, reducing the necessity for chemical pesticides and enhancing human recreational spaces. In regions such as the UK, bat population stability serves as an indicator of environmental quality and biodiverse habitat integrity. It is crucial to prioritize the preservation of bat habitats as this directly aids in maintaining ecological equilibrium, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and bolstering human health. To preserve these indispensable species, it is our responsibility to take informed and decisive actions that ensure their conservation, contributing to the robustness of our ecosystems. If you're eager to apply your expertise in ecology to safeguard bat populations and their habitats, we want to hear from you. Let's work together to protect these fascinating creatures and ensure a sustainable future for all species. Get in touch today for more information. 🌿 #EcologicalConservation #Chiropterology #BatEcology #EnvironmentalStewardship #JobOpportunity https://lnkd.in/e5JzwCYb