wildlife

Four environmental organizations filed a petition asking the Federal Communications Commission to reverse its approval of a startup's plan to beam on-demand sunlight from space to Earth. The groups argue the agency ignored the project's potential impacts on wildlife and astronomy. The petition challenges regulatory oversight of commercial space ventures and their environmental consequences.

The Trump administration's push to expand domestic production of critical minerals is setting its sights on a region conservationists call America's 'forgotten wildlife corridor'. Reporting by InvestigateWest and Inside Climate News examines how mining development promoted under the minerals agenda could fragment habitat and disrupt wildlife movement, drawing criticism from environmental groups who say ecological values are being sidelined for resource extraction.

Two landmark studies published with backing from the World Organisation for Animal Health conclude that current legislation is insufficient to protect wildlife, and call for stronger legal frameworks worldwide. The findings point to gaps in existing protections for wild animal populations and urge policymakers to tighten rules. The announcement is drawing attention among conservation and animal health communities.

New reporting highlights how demand from Asian markets is transforming wildlife trade across Africa, with species ranging from donkeys to sharks increasingly targeted for export. Donkeys are in demand for products such as ejiao, a traditional Chinese gelatin, while sharks are sought for fins and other goods. Conservationists warn the trade is putting pressure on African wildlife populations and rural communities that rely on them.

A Florida district has turned to robot rabbits as a new weapon against the invasive Burmese python population. The robotic decoys are designed to lure the snakes so they can be captured, helping protect local wildlife from the pythons, which have devastated small mammal populations across the Everglades region.

Wildlife managers in south-central Montana report that conflicts between bears and humans have reached unprecedented levels, according to reports from regional outlets including Yellowstone Public Radio and Montana Public Radio. The reports point to growing encounters as bears expand into new areas, raising concerns among residents and officials about safety and management strategies.

A wildlife documentary about the Philippines' most dangerous predators is drawing widespread international attention, ranking among the most-watched content globally. The production explores the archipelago's lesser-known predatory species and their habitats. Viewers are responding strongly, with engagement in the millions, suggesting growing public interest in Southeast Asian wildlife and nature documentaries more broadly.

Conservation scientist Katie Heineman of the Frozen Zoo spoke about efforts to preserve wildlife DNA for the future. The Frozen Zoo stores genetic samples from endangered and extinct species, aiming to safeguard biodiversity and support research and potential de-extinction work. The interview covers how these collections are maintained and why genetic archives are becoming central to conservation.

An elephant was allegedly smuggled into India from Nepal, and investigators following the animal's trail have found links to a non-governmental organisation as part of a wider leopard poaching probe, the Indian Express reports. The case connects wildlife trafficking across the India-Nepal border with illegal poaching activity, raising questions about the NGO's involvement.

Authorities have rescued a mother pangolin and her newborn while seizing tiger bones during an interstate crackdown on a wildlife trafficking network in India. The operation, reported by The Times of India, targeted smugglers trading protected species parts across state lines. Pangolins and tigers are among India's most heavily trafficked protected animals.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has published its October 2026 calendar, part of its regular series of monthly calendars featuring the state's wildlife and natural landscapes. The calendars are typically offered as a free resource for residents and outdoors enthusiasts, highlighting seasonal events in California's fish and wildlife management calendar.

Federal regulators are seeking changes to wildlife protections, with New Hampshire cited as one area affected alongside broader national measures. The reported push would adjust existing rules shielding wildlife, though the scope and specific species involved have not been detailed. Wildlife advocates and landowners in the region are expected to weigh in as the proposals move forward, given their potential impact on habitat management across the state.

Pew Charitable Trusts says that well-designed wildlife crossings would benefit communities. The organisation argues that thoughtfully planned overpasses and underpasses help animals move safely across roads, reducing collisions and supporting healthier habitats. People are currently discussing the appeal for better infrastructure that protects both wildlife and drivers.

Volunteers known as 'Rat Rangers' in Washington, DC are leading evening walks through alleys to teach residents that better sanitation is the key to rodent control. Around two dozen neighbors learn about rat biology and the damage caused by poison. The group formed after a 2024 study found rodenticides in local wildlife, prompting a push for non-chemical solutions.

A wild screwworm fly has been found in Texas, the first detection there since the current outbreak began. The parasitic fly, whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals, poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife. The discovery will raise concern among ranchers and agricultural officials monitoring the pest's northward spread from Mexico.