National security has never been used to call a meeting of the “God Squad.” But other federal agencies have been citing the “energy emergency” to avoid rules meant to protect endangered animals.
endangered species
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The endangered cactus behind Mexico’s sweet secret
In Mexico, September means chiles en nogada season. But one key ingredient, a candied barrel cactus called biznaga, is now illegal because it’s vanishing in the wild.
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To save its unique and rare birds, New Zealand is turning to AI and genetic research
New Zealand is planning to eradicate millions of invasive animals that prey on the country’s rare birds. The goal may not be possible, unless new technology can be developed to do it.
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To save its rare birds, New Zealand is relying on a nation of backyard trappers
New Zealand’s unique birds are at risk of extinction, like the kiwi. So the country is trying to eradicate the invasive species that prey on them. Everyday people are lining up to help.
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What it’s like to care for some of the most endangered animals on Earth
Hawaii’s native tree snails, known as the “jewels of the forest,” are rapidly disappearing. Some of the most imperiled only live in human care now, safeguarded 24 hours days.
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Pete McCloskey’s life reminds us how politics long in the past live on in the present
McCloskey’s story has both deep roots and burgeoning relevance. He died this month at 96 and had long been out of the limelight, but the issues he had been willing to champion are as salient as ever.
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Once lost to science, these “uncharismatic” animals are having their moment
Historic numbers of animals across the globe have become endangered or pushed to extinction. But some of these species sit in limbo — not definitively extinct yet missing from the scientific record. Rediscovering a “lost” species is not easy. It can require trips to remote areas and canvassing a large area in search of only a handful of animals. But new technology and stronger partnerships with local communities have helped these hidden, “uncharismatic” creatures come to light.
Have other scientific gray areas you want us to cover in a future episode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org!
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Across the world, migrating animal populations are dwindling. Here’s why
In a landmark U.N. study, researchers found nearly half of the world’s threatened migratory species have declining populations. More than a fifth of the assessed animals face extinction.
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An endangered river dolphin finds an unlikely savior: fisherfolk
In Pakistan, illiterate fishermen have become citizen scientists, helping to revive the fortunes of the endangered Indus River dolphin.
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Innovations In Fishing Gear Could Help The Lobster Industry And The Endangered Right Whale
This week a conference in Providence is considering new measures that could help endangered North Atlantic right whales avoid life-threatening entanglements in fishing gear. These measures could also affect Maine’s lobster industry. Possible solutions range from modifying the rope lobster harvesters use to haul their traps, to trap limits, to seasonal closures of the fishery. […]
