RHINO POACHING INCREASES- INDIA

A rhino was killed by a group of suspected militants equipped with AK series rifles at Kaziranga National park, near Gorakati anti-poaching camp bordering Karbi Anglong district in Assam, north-eastern India. Forest staffs tried to retaliate the poachers immediately after hearing the gunshot but went in vain. The government is planning to set up at least eight towers for round-the-clock surveillance at the park.

February 25

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/wild-wacky/Kaziranga-loses-another-rhino-horn-chopped-off/articleshow/30977880.cms

ANTELOPE CONSERVATION BY HI-TECH- CHINA

The forestry department of Tibet has launched a study to count the population of Tibetan antelopes, their migration map along with their habit and living environment for the better preservation of this animal by using a high tech collar. Altogether 13 collars have been installed in the antelopes. This has helped obtain some first-hand information regarding their migration.

February 27

http://eng.tibet.cn/2012sy/xw/201402/t20140227_1975911.html

INCREASING GREENARY IN LHASA- CHINA

People’s living standard in Lhasa, Tibet has been improving after the increase in green space in the area. The per capita green space has reached 9.6 square meters by the end of year 2013 which is 1.6 times more than that in year 2007. Since 2009, the afforestation areas have also added up to 26,660 ha covering over 18 per cent of the city.

February 27

http://eng.tibet.cn/2012sy/xw/201402/t20140227_1975853.html

PESHAWAR FREE FROM POLIOVIRUS- PAKISTAN

Environmental water sample which were collected from the sewerage lines of Shaheen Muslim town in Peshawar, northern Pakistan has given a negative result for the poliovirus test for the first time in the last 20 months. It is a great achievement for the district as it was declared as a world polio reservoir by World Health Organization last year. Besides that water samples collected from other cities were also found to be negative which is a great leap towards the goal of worldwide polio eradication.

February 28

http://www.dawn.com/news/1090067/water-sample-from-peshawar-area-tests-negative-for-poliovirus

Happy 30th Birthday Rafiki! Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust- UK

Happy 30th Birthday Rafiki! Rafiki was born in Jersey, to the mighty Jambo.  Rafiki is currently with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and was at St Louis before hand. Image by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. 

Recent Images from Macoun Marsh, Canada

 Chickadees are common this winter with the unusually cold temperatures. 

 Downy male looking for insects.

This gray squirrel is enjoying a warm spot in a tree!

Images by Mike Leveille 2014

The Beautiful Snowy Owl! Canada

 The snowy owl's beautiful white plumage helps to hide it in its Arctic habitat.

 Many have come to Eastern Ontario in perhaps the greatest numbers in 40 years.

Forced down from the Arctic by a lack of food, they can be seen in daylight over the farm fields all around Ottawa.  The above bird is the darker female.

Images by Mike Leveille