Controversy surrounds the intensive mining of cheap coal in the Appalachian Moutains as the social and ecological impacts continue to worsen and restoration attempts are unsatisfactory or worse.
Elephants Keep Ants in Harmony With Tree Hosts
Highlighting the unexpected effects of ecological disturbances, a new study suggests that the mutual realtionship between Acacia trees and ants that inhabit and protect the tree can turn ugly in the absence of large herbivores.
EPA Halts River Clean-up Talks With Dow Chemical
Citing the company’s lack of action, the EPA has called off settlement negotiations with Dow Chemical company over the clean-up of major dioxin pollution in the Tittawabassee River near the company’s Midland, Michigan headquarters.
Alaska Oil Exploration To Begin
In the race between the preservation of pristine wilderness and large profits, the latter once again take precedence as the US federal government announces it will be accepting bids for oil and gas exploration rights in the Chukchi Sea off the Northwestern coast of Alaska.
Timber Theft Is a Growing "Business"
As illegal logging on private property becomes more widespread in the United States, states and non-profit organizations are taking steps to curb the practice.
Humans 'Drive Out Large Mammals'
A report released by US researchers shows that human activities seriously impede the survival and well-being of large mammals, which in turn threatens the ecological fabric of their former habitats.
Indonesia's 'Lost World' Reveals More Surprises
A scientific expedition into the pristine “Lost World” of western New Guinea’s Foja Mountains – Asia Pacific’s largest un-roaded tropical forest – has yielded numerous treasures including documentation of rare and little known birds and the discovery of two mammals new to science. Return expeditions in 2008 and 2009 hope to find new species of frogs, mammals, butterflies and plants … Read More
National Park Plans to Cull Its Herd of Elk
A plan expected to be approved by the US National Park Service blames Rocky Mountain National Park’s herds of elk for ecological degradation in the park and will mandate the killing of 200 of the animals each year starting in 2009. National Park Service officials say hired sharpshooters will attempt to mimick hunting by wolves – which naturally culled herds … Read More
Habitat Loss Forces India's Tigers to High Ground
Human development, encroachment, habitat destruction and poaching are forcing India’s tigers into new terrain not known to be normal territory for the cats. India is home to about 1,200 tigers – half the global population – which are not very adaptable to such changes and whose existence is still in peril.
More Than 1/4 of US Birds Are Threatened
Watchlist 2007, a report by the National Audobon Society and the American Bird Conservancy, says that more than a quarter of US bird species are threatened including 178 species from the continental US and 39 from Hawaii. The reports cites global warming, US governmental stance on the Endangered Species Act, and habitat loss as critical factors.