Penguins International’s Post

The more we learn about oceans and the creatures there, the more we need to consider how our activities are affecting them. The more we learn about biodiversity, the more motivated we should become in protecting the species we may lose to extinction if action isn't taken. Sometimes action is stopping action in something like deep sea mining. The creatures in our oceans are not paying attention to our imaginary human boundaries. Some of them take extraordinary journeys in their migration patterns. This article makes me hopeful that humans are finally realizing what needs to happen for healthy thriving biodiversity on the ocean. Small steps - perhaps too late in the game - if done well with intention to acting quickly, may give the resilient ocean life a chance!!! #ocean #oceanconservation #biodiversity #sharks #marinelife

2️⃣ salamander species in Costa Rica—La Estrella Salamander & Richard's Salamander—are recovering thanks to conservation actions put into motion decades ago by the government! Last year's headline from the 2nd Global Amphibian Assessment seemed a bit doom and gloom...especially for salamanders, with two out of every five species threatened with extinction. Thankfully, the news isn’t all bad. These two Costa Rican species are among 63 amphibians found to have improved in IUCN Red List status since 1980 as the direct result of conservation action. https://lnkd.in/gzsdergP

As we are celebrating #WorldAnimalDay, here are some findings on threatened species in our project area in Colombia we are trying to protect: The preliminary analysis, based on available range information of certain taxonomic groups, has identified 21 species that are threatened within our project area. Moreover, the most recent conservation status of the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) highlights the Rio Iteviare, within our project area, as prime habitat with suitable nest locations in riverbanks. This is one of the largest living crocodilian species on earth, but only 90-254 individuals are estimated to still occur in their natural habitat (IUCN, 2017). We are actively looking for remnant populations in our project area and exploring possibilities to reinforce any remnant populations or invest into the recovery. Other notable species present in our project area include: Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus) - Vulnerable  Jaguar (Panthera onca) - Near Threatened White-bellied Spider Monkey (Ateles belzebuth) - Endangered  Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) - Vulnerable  Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) - Vulnerable Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyija) - Vulnerable Our monitoring efforts and techniques should reveal the presence of most of these species in the project area. Focusing on flagship species with significant keystone roles is one of our main conservation strategies. We are committed to protecting our project areas from deforestation and actively engaging local communities in the conservation efforts. More posts on biodiversity will follow! Together, we can make a difference! #biodiversity #conservation #wildlife

VERY alarming news today, out of the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report, launched by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, on the rate of human-induced extinction. Not really surprising given our unhindered rate of destroying the earth but very surprising that humanity cannot seem to do what it takes to turn this around, even it means at our own peril. The world needs to act and fast to save countless species from becoming extinct.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a global inventory of the extinction risk and conservation status of a wide range of biological species. It provides scientifically-based information on the status of species to draw attention to the magnitude and urgency of threatened biodiversity, influence policymaking, and inform conservation action, including recovery initiatives like the StAR Project. The global status of Indo-Pacific leopard sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) was most recently assessed in 2023, and the latest update published just several days ago. The species remains Endangered (EN), based on the A2bcd criteria. 👉🏽 Check out the full assessment here: https://lnkd.in/g4Vy7HUH #ReShark #StARProject #LeopardShark #ZebraShark #Ocean #Conservation #Shark #Rewilding #Indonesia #IUCN #RedList #ThreatenedSpecies #Endangered

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plays a crucial role in the global fight against species extinction. With over 10,000 IUCN Species Survival Commission Commission members in 194 Groups, distributed in Red List Authorities, Task Forces, Action Partnerships, Conservation Committees and Specialist Groups, the IUCN provides valuable technical expertise and guides conservation efforts worldwide. Their renowned IUCN @ Red List of Threatened Species™ serves as a vital tool in determining the global conservation status of species. As a proud member of the IUCN, The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund relies on the Red List to inform our grant applications, ensuring that we prioritize species in need. We also consider Data Deficient species, where information is scarce, as well as species that have yet to be evaluated, particularly focusing on fungi, plants, and invertebrates. MBZF Acting Director General, Nicolas Heard emphasizes the importance of our partnership with the IUCN, as together we are dedicated to preserving biodiversity and safeguarding threatened species for a more sustainable future. #MBZFund #IUCN #conservation #endangeredspecies #wildlifeconservation #biodiversity #sustainability #redlist #interview #wildlife #nature

The latest update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species highlights critical conservation challenges: Bornean Elephant Endangered: Only 1,000 remain due to habitat loss, human conflict, and poaching. Reptile Declines in Canary Islands: Invasive snakes threaten endemic species like the Gran Canaria giant lizard. Cacti at Risk: 82% of Copiapoa cacti face extinction due to illegal trade and climate change. Despite these challenges, the Red List also points to solutions through collaborative, science-based conservation efforts. #Conservation #Biodiversity #IUCN #WildlifeProtection #borneo #grancanaria #climatechange #sciencebased https://lnkd.in/g9SdeG2a

The Vanga Seagrass Project is located in Vanga Bay, which contains 14% of Kenya's seagrass and many seagrass species, including the IUCN Red listed species Zostera capensis. 🌾 The southern coastal region of Kenya is home to many culturally and commercially important fish that rely on seagrass. Other marine animals, including migratory species, turtles, sharks, and dugongs, also frequent Vanga Bay. Many of these important animals are listed as endangered or critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. 🦈 Protecting key habitats is essential to the survival of threatened species and supporting livelihoods. In partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy and Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance we expect to see biodiversity and seagrass abundance increase in our project areas as seagrass habitat conservation efforts progress. Learn more about this project by visiting the project page on our website: https://lnkd.in/eiMpPSsk #seagrass #biodiversity #internationalpartnership

We're thrilled to see our Global Center for Species Survival Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator, Dr. Sérgio Henriques, quoted in a new BBC Wildlife Magazine article about fireflies. The latest IUCN Red List of Threatened Species update includes assessments for 14 more firefly species, meaning there are now a total of 150 assessed species. Globally, there are more than 2,200 firefly species known to science, according to the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Firefly Specialist Group. At least 400 of those Lampyridae beetles are from Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The Firefly Specialist Group says climate change's impact on mangroves is one of the biggest threats facing synchronous fireflies in Southeast Asia. These fireflies put on spectacular light shows, drawing tourists from around the world. Additionally, European glow-worm and firefly species are in decline due to habitat loss, light and chemical pollution, and climate change. Around 65 Lampyridae species are found in Europe, and half are threatened with extinction. You can learn more about fireflies and their conservation from the Firefly Specialist Group's co-chair, Dr. Sara Lewis. https://lnkd.in/gRjsVpJx #fireflies #conservation #IUCNRedList

🦈Sharklab-Malta need your sightings of sharks and rays! Are you a keen diver or snorkeller? Would you like contribute data as a citizien scientist and help protect wild species of marine life? Sharklab-Malta need information about the populations of sharks and rays to help increase their protection. Sharks and rays play a crucial role in marine ecosystems globally - they are apex and meso predators that help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling the populations of prey species, preventing overgrazing on seagrass beds, and ensuring healthy fish stocks. They also contribute to nutrient cycling by moving nutrients across different ocean zones and habitats, supporting overall marine biodiversity. Simply fill in the form in the link below if you spot a shark or ray 👇 https://lnkd.in/eGtzaMW6 Sharklab Malta raises awareness through educational activities, conducts research, and promotes conservation efforts. MEF is supporting SharkLab Malta to publish species data and in lobbying for conservation measures. 📷Sharklab-Malta Bull Ray (Aetomylaeus bovinus) #Sharklab #Sharklab-Malta #MaltaEnvironmentFoundation #MEF #Maltaenvironment #Malta #Conservation #Sharks #Rays #Marinelife #Mediterranean #Environmentalprotection #SupportNGOs