Endangered Animals

October 16, 2024

Conservation Photographer Documents Last Two Northern White Rhinos on Earth [Interview]

The plight of the Northern white rhinoceros puts into clear focus the threats that face all endangered species. The lone remaining members—Najin and Fatu—are closely guarded at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and carry the hope of the entire species. Their story intrigued Indian-American wildlife photographer Mital Patel, who traveled to Africa to document their story and learn more about the caretakers who dedicate their lives to protecting them.

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August 20, 2024

Endangered Ocelot Is Caught on Camera in the Atascosa Highlands Region of Arizona for the First Time in 50 Years

Conservationists in Arizona are excited about a highly rare sighting. An endangered ocelot was caught by a wildlife camera in the Atascosa Highlands region—the first in the area in more than 50 years. After analyzing the animal’s spots, researchers confirmed it had never been recorded before. Ocelots are small neotropical cats, about the size of a bobcat.

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August 11, 2024

New Study Reveals Komodo Dragons Have Iron-Capped Teeth

At 10 feet long, venomous, and covered with a scaly suit of armor, Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are already terrifying—and fascinating—enough.  And just to add to it, scientists have recently found that these giant lizards have iron-tipped teeth. Using chemical and structural imaging, the researchers, led by paleontologist Aaron LeBlanc, discovered that iron is the protective orange layer coating the serrations and tips of the lizard's teeth.

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