While still far from recovered, more endangered eastern red wolves in northeastern North Carolina are breeding, more pups are surviving, coyote hybridization has been cut, and there are fewer mortalities from vehicle strikes and gunshots.
endangered species
Public invited to learn more about red wolves, recovery efforts
The information session set for Sept. 23 will include the latest on revitalized recovery efforts for the species, the status of recovery efforts in the eastern North Carolina red wolf population area, coyote-management strategies and planning.
Shark meat could be high in mercury, mislabeled: Study
Meat labeled “shark” for sale in grocery stores and fish markets may be from critically endangered species or have significant mercury in its tissue, according to a UNC Chapel Hill study.
Only half of state’s known sea turtle nests hatched before Erin
Many of the state’s sea turtle nests had hatched before Hurricane Erin passed offshore but those still incubating suffered overwash, and some nests were entirely lost.
US Fish and Wildlife proposes listing Southern hognose snake
More than 12 years after the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the agency, its officials proposed on Thursday listing the southern hognose snake as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Conservation group’s US 64 study finds ‘remarkable carnage’
More than 5,000 vertebrates representing 144 species of wildlife were killed on U.S. Highway 64 just halfway through a two-year survey.
Center for Biological Diversity sues feds over red wolf listing
The nonprofit conservation group is challenging the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, alleging it acted illegally in deciding to continue classifying the critically endangered population of red wolves as “nonessential,” a designation of lesser protections.
Pine Knoll Shores aquarium offers special summer programs
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores has two new special events set for August, as well as its usual bevy of weekly programming.
Whale researcher, aquarium CEO, educator James Powell dies
The noted wildlife biologist and zoologist was involved in researching North Atlantic right whales and credited for his work to conserve manatees, sea turtles and other endangered species.
Roanoke aquarium plans World Sea Turtle Day festivities
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has concluded a “record-breaking” cold-stunning season and will recognize the endangered animal Monday, June 16, for both World Sea Turtle Day and its rehabilitation center’s 11th anniversary.
Wildlife agency releases draft species management plan
Public comments will be accepted through July 5 to the draft update of the North Carolina State Wildlife Action Plan, which identifies and prioritizes species of greatest conservation need in the state.
Humpback eyes see silhouettes at distance, little detail: Study
By measuring a humpback whale eye specimen, University of North Carolina Wilmington and Duke University researchers found that the species has limited vision but that it suits their natural environment.
Sam’s Field Notes: Migratory owls and climate change
Naturalist Sam Bland and his wife Bright, while in western Wyoming, recently trekked into the night to observe a researcher who specializes in capturing, banding and monitoring the movements of northern saw-whet owls, a threatened species here in North Carolina.
Holden Beach Turtle Patrol readies for summer programming
Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, also referred to as “Turtle Patrol,” is planning to offer educational programs throughout the summer starting June 18.
Senate bill pushes for prohibiting, fining for balloon releases
After lobbying, letter writing, cajoling and presentations, “one-woman crusader” Debbie Swick of Southern Shores has seen her efforts to ban balloon releases become a bipartisan-supported senate bill.
Fishermen, scientists differ on whale mortality, wind energy
Opinions up and down the North Carolina coast differ on the reasons behind rising numbers of Atlantic whale deaths, but marine researchers say the science is clear.
