Arkive’s Week in Review — Wildlife News
ICYMI: Arkive has compiled some of the biggest and most interesting headlines from this week.
Article originally published on Friday, Jun 26, 2015
More endangered pygmy sloths discovered in Panama than previously estimated
Researchers estimate that there are between 500 – 1500 pygmy sloths residing on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas. At this time, the sloth’s island habitat is only partially protected.
Article originally published on Saturday, Jun 27, 2015
First lions to return to Rwanda after two decades
Seven lions, two males and five females, are being transported to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park from South Africa. The lions were chosen based on their future reproductive potential and ability to contribute to social cohesion.
Article originally published on Sunday, Jun 28, 2015
Will animals of the future only be safe in captivity?
In the future, perhaps lemurs, rhinos, and tigers will only survive with constant surveillance and protection. While it may seem excessive, it has already happened for the last remaining northern white rhinos. However, it may not work for all animals, like the indri that has a complex diet of leaves eaten at different times.
Article originally published on Monday, Jun 29, 2015
The truth about tarantulas: not too big, not too scary
Tarantulas are often erroneously believed to be big, deadly and prone to attacking humans. In actuality, the original tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) is actually a small, innocuous wolf spider. The spiders mistakenly called tarantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae.
Article originally published on Tuesday, Jun 30, 2015
Meet Hades, the centipede from hell
A newly discovered centipede has been named Geophilus hadesi, after the mythological god of the underworld. The centipede spends it entire life in its dark, underground environment. One specimen was collected from a depth of 3,609 feet.
Article originally published on Wednesday, Jul 1, 2015
Australia commits to saving the Great Barrier Reef – but still plans to mine more coal
Australia has made a 35 year agreement with the United Nations to restore the Great Barrier Reef. Corals have diminished by 50 percent in the last three decades. Despite the agreement, Australia is still attempting to become the world’s leading producer and exporter of coal, which has led to the reef’s decline.
Article originally published on Thursday, Jul 2, 2015
Climate change: Lizards switch sex
It appears that increasing temperatures have led male central bearded dragons to change their gender and become females. These new females can produce twice as many eggs as standard females. These lizards belong to the genus Pogona that includes the dwarf bearded dragon.
Enjoy your weekend!
William Lazaro, Arkive Social Media Intern, Wildscreen USA