The View From My Boots

Join in these penguin games ...

2013-12-06T14:59:00.002-08:00

Learning about endangered wildlife can be lots more fun and educational when it's played as a game. The endangered African penguin is a cute critter that deserves attention. Help the next generation learn to care about this rare bird by acting like it as they play three silly games, here.

Dick Daniels / Wikimedia

One of the world's cutest rhino species is on the brink of extinction.

2013-12-06T13:59:00.001-08:00

Unlike the burly, sharp-horned rhinos of the African plains, the little Sumatran rhino looks soft and cuddly. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, small populations cling to survival in the face of constant danger from humans and genetic depletion. Learn more about these rhinos here.

International Rhino Foundation / Wikimedia

Making a comeback in Florida ...

2013-12-06T13:14:00.001-08:00

The green sea turtle, long hunted for its meat and eggs, is endangered worldwide. But, biologists in Florida are seeing an exciting increase in numbers of nests and hatchlings on the beaches. Learn more about them here.

NOAA

Do "ugly" species stand a chance?

2013-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

A recent study suggests that anthropomorphism can be used as a tool to help endangered species. Find out more here.

Jmiksanek / Wikimedia

Say What?

2013-11-22T18:57:00.003-08:00

Learn what famous people like Bruce Babbitt, below, have said about endangered species from these quotes.

Why the Bobwhite Might be in Trouble

2013-11-22T18:55:00.004-08:00

Northern bobwhite quail may seem like common birds, but their numbers have been dropping for years. Find out more about this quintessential American bird here.

Photo by cuatrok77 via Wikipedia

Save a Stream!

2013-11-22T18:53:00.001-08:00

Restoring and protecting a local stream may be easier than you think. Find out how here.

How Many Mammals are Endangered in China?

2013-11-22T18:51:00.002-08:00

Visit this list to find out.

Endangered Species Games for Kids

2013-10-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Kids who love to play computer games can have fun and learn a lot about endangered species by playing these exciting and educational games.

Endangered Species Quiz

2013-10-30T19:58:00.002-07:00

Test your endangered species know-how with this 20-question quiz!

Dam Removal

2013-10-30T19:57:00.003-07:00

Do you know which dams have been removed from U.S. rivers? Check out a timeline of dams that have been decommissioned in the past 40 years.

BirdLife International

2013-10-30T19:55:00.003-07:00

Learn more about the world's largest conservation partnership.

Marbled Murrelet v. Babbit is just one of the many lawsuits in ESA history

2013-09-30T14:04:00.002-07:00

Photo of a marbled murrelet by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikipedia

Prince William leaves the miliarry to prioritize conservation ...

2013-09-30T13:56:00.003-07:00

Photo by TheMatthewSlack via Wikipedia

How can molasses harm Hawaii's marine wildlife and their habitat?

2013-09-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Photo of a yellow-bellied sea snake by Aloaiza via Wikipedia

Would you pack up and abandon your home to help endangered animals?

2013-09-30T13:34:00.003-07:00

Photo by Sumeet Moghe via Wikipedia

Can anthropomorphism save species, or will it sabotage their survival?

2013-09-30T13:22:00.001-07:00

Photo by David Haring / Duke Lemur Center via Wikipedia

Has the ESA Been a Success?

2013-08-29T11:42:00.004-07:00

Critics say that the ESA has failed because so few listed species have actually "graduated" and been de-listed due to recovery. See what you think by reading this.

Hint ...

Jon Sullivan / Wikimedia Commons

Do Lawsuits Impede the ESA?

2013-08-29T11:39:00.002-07:00

You and I could file a lawsuit against the Endangered Species Act if we feel somehow violated buy it, or if we feel the USFWS is falling down on the job ... but should we?

Brian Turner / Wikimedia Commons

Find out more about it here.

Frog Species on the Verge of Extinction

2013-08-22T18:25:00.002-07:00

You'll be shocked to learn that over 400 species of frog are listed as critically endangered, which means that they are facing imminent extinction. One species, the Rabbs' fringe-limbed treefrog, is down to one known individual. Learn about the others here.

Photo by Brian Gratwicke / Wikimedia Commons

Welcome, Baby!

2013-08-09T12:48:00.003-07:00

After years of unsuccessful attempts to propagate the rare Przewalski's horse in captivity via artificial insemination, scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute were finally able to celebrate on July 27, 2013, when a Przewalski's horse named Anne gave birth to a healthy female foal.

Aren't they a gorgeous pair? Read more about the effort here.

Photograph courtesy Smithsonian National Zoo

Endangered Whale Meat in Dog Food?

2013-07-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

You read it right. Despite a nearly unanimous anti-whaling sentiment throughout the world, Iceland continues to kill whales commercially and export them to Japan. While human consumption is gradually falling, new markets continue to emerge--like pet food (think: endangered fin whale jerky for dogs). No kidding. Find out more here.

Rare Fish Seeks Mate

2013-07-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

There are only three known Mangarahara cichlid fish left in the world, and they're all male. This is a big problem (worst case scenario: extinction). So, the London Zoo, which houses two of the trio, is desperately seeking a female to help carry on the species. Learn more about how you might be able to help here.

ZSL London Zoo

Malasian Rainforests in Peril

2013-07-29T14:27:00.003-07:00

The rainforests of Malaysia and Southeast Asia are thought to be the most ancient and perhaps the most diverse forests in the entire world. Like most rare gems, though, they are the object of irrepressible human greed. Land clearing for multiple industries is decimating this unique ecosystem and the many amazing creatures that inhabit it. Learn more about the threats and what you can do to help here.

Photo by Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons

Small Superstars Make a Comeback

2013-07-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

In case, like me, you didn't know that there is a species of fox native to the wild, craggy Channel Islands of California, you'll be surprised by two aspects of this post:

1. The island fox (a cute, tiny fox that resembles the gray fox) nearly dropped from the face of the earth 13 years ago. Yet another example of a precarious link in nature, the decline of Channel Island bald eagles (due to DDT exposure) opened a door for golden eagles--and golden eagles had a penchant for foxes.

2. In the course of a decade, these resilient little foxes have rebounded and now number close to what they did before the eagle crisis.

Learn more about this sweet success story here.

Photo by the National Park Service