1 Tahrcountry Musings: July 2007

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Massive Animal Relocation On In Meru National Park, Kenya

Meru National Park in Kenya was once famous for its magnificent wildlife and visitors thronged there. But incessant poaching has reduced the park to a mere shadow of its past. Efforts are now on to bring back past glory by translocation. Animals will be taken from better-stocked reserves in Naivasha, Nakuru and Laikipia and Translocated to Meru in a massive operation. Kenyan Widlife authorities have started moving about 2,000 animals. On top of the list are Zebras, Impalas, Hartebeests and Beisa Oryx.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Rare Mountain Gorillas Shot Dead in Congo

Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which is one of the last bastions of highly endangered Mountain Gorillas had a shocker yesterday. In a gruesome incident one silverback male and three female mountain gorillas have been shot dead. Total world population is around 700. Of these 1/5th is inside Virunga National Park. Congolese wildlife authorities are stepping up patrols.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Vietnam – New Hope For Endangered Monkey

Hope abounds for one of the world’s most endangered monkey. The Tree-Dwelling Grey-Shanked Doucs of Vietnam is one of the world's 25 most endangered primates. Surveys by WWF and Conservation International have recorded at least 116 of the species in central Vietnam infusing new hope about its survival. Until this discovery only one other population with more than 100 animals was known.

Monday, July 02, 2007

US - Shipping Lanes Changed To Save Whales

Shipping lanes have been changed to save Whales in Boston. Boston is a busy port with vessels coming in laden with oil or liquid natural gas as the prime cargo. The large vessels will travel roughly6.5 km north of their old path to avoid parts of the only whale sanctuary in the United States, Hitting whales is a recurrent feature here. Two whales have been hit in the last six weeks. The new lanes reduce the chance of whales being hit by vessels by up to 80 percent,