Authorities in Colombia have approved a controversial plan to reduce the growing population of wild hippos descended from animals once owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar. The animals, often referred to as “cocaine hippos”, now roam freely across parts of the country, raising concerns among officials and environmental experts. A growing ecological problem The hippos are … [Read more...] about Colombia to kill dozens of “cocaine hippos” linked to Pablo Escobar
invasive species
Multiple states still dealing with 20-pound, orange-toothed invasive rodent: ‘This is a real issue, and we have to act quickly’
Over the past few decades, an unexpected invader has quietly been spreading across the United States: the nutria. These large, orange-toothed rodents are causing ecological havoc, prompting urgent action from wildlife experts and local authorities. What Are Nutria? Native to South America, nutria—also known as coypu, swamp beaver, or coypu rat—were brought to the U.S. in … [Read more...] about Multiple states still dealing with 20-pound, orange-toothed invasive rodent: ‘This is a real issue, and we have to act quickly’
How Adorable Sea Otters Are Saving California’s Ecosystem by Battling Invasive Species
SAN FRANCISCO – A California ecosystem has gotten a big boost from an adorable, fluffy and hungry friend. At Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a newly-reinvigorated population of native southern sea otters has eaten so many invasive European green crabs that researchers say the otters have locally solved a problem that has plagued the West Coast for … [Read more...] about How Adorable Sea Otters Are Saving California’s Ecosystem by Battling Invasive Species
Pink eggs: All you need to know about the Apple Snail
If you’ve noticed clusters of bright pink eggs in your garden, they might look harmless at first glance, but don’t be fooled. These vibrant eggs belong to the invasive apple snail, a dangerous species that poses a major threat to local ecosystems. Originally from South America, apple snails have spread worldwide, causing damage to plants, crops, and natural habitats. Keep … [Read more...] about Pink eggs: All you need to know about the Apple Snail