SCROLLSUGAR

Just how much land—and other natural resources—do we require? We need to adapt our lifestyles to stay within the limits of what the Earth can give.

In 2024, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high. That may come as no surprise, as global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have reached record highs for at least the past several years, with 2022, 2023 and now 2024 all setting new records.

That fact begs the question: just how much of our natural resources—natural gas, as well as resources such as land and water—do our ways of life require? And how can we adapt them to stay within the limits of what the Earth can give? Scientists recently tackled those questions.

I’m glad that they did. And I’m not the only one. It seems a lot of us are thankful that there are scientists helping us out in life. In fact, despite what you may have heard about a surge in science denial and anti-science sentiments, a global survey spanning 68 countries reveals that public trust in scientists is still high.

That’s great news, because we need scientists more than ever.

With more than 40 billion metric tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere in 2024, the Earth has been thrust into a dangerous phase of global warming.

Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increase again in 2024

Not only was 2024 the hottest year on record, but total global carbon emissions are also projected to reach a record high in 2024: 41.6 billion tons, up from 40.6 billion in 2023. Included in that total are fossil CO2 emissions, which alone are expected to total 37.4 billion tons, up 0.8% from 2023. This new research comes from the Global Carbon Project science team, which includes more than 120 scientists representing more than 80 scientific institutions around the world.

Even though the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly dramatic and there’s an urgent need to cut emissions to slow climate change, the researchers say there is still “no sign” that the world has reached a peak in fossil CO2 emissions. Over the last 10 years, fossil CO2 emissions have risen while land-use change CO2 emissions have declined on average, leaving overall emissions roughly level over that period.

Both 2024’s rising fossil and land-use change CO2 emissions were exacerbated by drought conditions from deforestation and forest degradation fires during the El Nino climate event of 2023–2024. Other key findings from the 2024 Global Carbon Budget include:

• Globally, emissions from different fossil fuels in 2024 are projected to increase: coal (0.2%), oil (0.9%) and gas (2.4%). These contribute 41%, 32% and 21% of global fossil CO2 emissions, respectively. Given the uncertainty in the projections, it remains possible that coal emissions could decline in 2024, when the final results are in.

In 2024, a combination of hot and dry conditions across much of the country created record-breaking drought coverage, such as in this corn field. In October 2024, 45.3% of the Lower 48 states were in drought, and 73.2% of the Lower 48 was in drought or abnormally dry conditions.

• China’s emissions (32% of the global total) are projected to marginally increase by 0.2%, although the projected range includes a possible decrease in emissions.

• U.S. emissions (13% of the global total) are projected to decrease by 0.6%.

• India’s emissions (8% of the global total) are projected to increase by 4.6%.

• European Union emissions (7% of the global total) are projected to decrease by 3.8%.

Luckily, permanent CO2 removal through reforestation and afforestation (new forests) is offsetting about half of the permanent deforestation emissions.

• Emissions in the rest of the world (38% of the global total) are projected to increase by 1.1%.

• International aviation and shipping (3% of the global total and counted separately from national/regional totals) are projected to increase by 7.8% in 2024 but remain below their 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.5%.

• Globally, emissions from land-use change (such as deforestation) have decreased by 20% in the past decade, but they are set to rise in 2024.

• Permanent CO2 removal through reforestation and afforestation (new forests) is offsetting about half of the permanent deforestation emissions.

Wildfire emissions in 2024 were above the average since the beginning of the satellite record in 2003, particularly due to the extreme 2023 wildfire season in Canada (which persisted in 2024). Here, Canadian wildfire smoke covers Washington, D.C.

• Current levels of technology-based carbon dioxide removal (excluding nature-based means, such as reforestation) only account for about one-millionth of the CO2 emitted from fossil fuels.

• Atmospheric CO2 levels are set to reach 422.5 parts per million in 2024, 2.8 parts per million above 2023 and 52% above preindustrial levels.

• The effects of the temporary El Nino climate event also led to a reduction in carbon absorption by ecosystems on land (known as land CO2 “sinks”) in 2023, which is projected to recover since the El Nino ended by the second quarter of 2024.

• Emissions from fires in 2024 have been above the average since the beginning of the satellite record in 2003, particularly due to the extreme 2023 wildfire season in Canada (which persisted in 2024) and intense drought in Brazil.

There are many signs of positive progress on clean energy. One of them is a growing proliferation of electric cars displacing those that run on fossil fuels.

• The land and ocean CO2 sinks combined continued to take up about half of the total CO2 emissions, despite being negatively impacted by climate change.

At the current rate of emissions, the Global Carbon Project science team estimates a 50% chance that global warming will exceed the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping CO2 emissions below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) consistently in about six years. This estimate is subject to large uncertainties, primarily due to additional warming coming from non-CO2 agents (such as aerosols, methane and nitrous oxide); however, it’s clear that the remaining carbon budget—and therefore the time left to meet the 1.5-degrees-Celsius target and avoid the worst impacts of climate change—has almost run out.

The researchers state that despite another rise in global emissions this year, there are many signs of positive progress at the country level. The latest data shows evidence of widespread climate action, with the growing penetration of renewables and electric cars displacing fossil fuels and decreasing deforestation emissions in the past decades confirmed for the first time.

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Freshwater change is one of nine planetary boundaries. Altering freshwater cycles impacts natural functions, such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and can lead to shifts in precipitation levels.

Living on our planet without destroying it

With eight billion people, we use a lot of the Earth’s resources in ways that are likely unsustainable. Now, researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands have taken stock of the situation.

Our consumption patterns affect the environment, that much we know. A clear example was just mentioned. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been rising at an increasingly faster rate since the 1960s, resulting in global warming, along with all its dire consequences. There is a limit to the amount of consumption the Earth can support; and in 2009, scientists defined nine “planetary boundaries” as indicators of when we have reached that limit. Crossing the nine boundaries may lead to irreversible damage to the Earth’s resiliency and stability.

These planetary boundaries include indicators such as ocean acidification and the global use of freshwater. In 2023, six of these planetary boundaries had already been crossed. According to scientists, “the basic calculation is: given a certain number of people on the planet and the planetary boundaries, how much can we consume to stay inside these limits?”

Biosphere integrity is another planetary boundary. Both the loss of genetic diversity and the decline in the functional integrity of the biosphere have exceeded their safe levels. Mountain gorillas are just one example of a species that is currently endangered.

At the moment, the richest 1% of the world’s population produces 50 times more greenhouse gases than the four billion people in the bottom 50%, say the University of Groningen researchers in their paper, published in the journal Nature in November 2024.

Using an extensive dataset covering up to 201 consumption groups across 168 countries, the scientists analyzed the impact of spending patterns on six, key, environmental indicators. The findings revealed how different consumer behaviors contribute to planetary transgressions and showed that if the world’s top 20% of consumers shifted their consumption habits toward more sustainable patterns, they could reduce their environmental impact by 25% to 53%. Changing consumption patterns in just the food and services sectors alone could help bring critical planetary boundaries back within safe limits.

Previous research has shown that if a diet with less red meat and more legumes and nuts was adopted by the richest part of the world, food-driven emissions would fall by 17%, even when the inhabitants of poorer nations increase their meat consumption. Another paper revealed how the livestock sector is dangerously violating several of the planetary boundaries. Any measures to counter this negative effect should be “region specific”; for example, a plant-based diet is not suitable for traditional Mongolian nomads, who depend on yaks and their milk.

The livestock sector is dangerously transgressing several of the planetary boundaries. Measures to counter this negative effect should be “region specific”; for example, a plant-based diet is not suitable for traditional Mongolian nomads, who depend on yaks and their milk.

The scientists say that when transgressions of planetary boundaries are identified, we shouldn’t focus so much on creating new technical solutions, as there are already so many that we don’t implement. And most governments subsidize bad behavior—such as subsidies for fossil fuels that are overcompensating for the mitigation effect that we achieve through carbon pricing, such as carbon taxes and carbon trading schemes. There are also many inconsistent policies, such as stimulating the use of heat pumps and, at the same time, raising the price of the electricity they use.

However, not all hope is lost, conclude the scientists: humanity can stay within the planetary boundaries. But we need political will to tackle issues such as climate change. What we require, they say, are evidence-based policies.

Global trust in science remains strong

And we’re in a good place for such evidence-based policies. A global survey spanning 68 countries reveals that public trust in scientists is still high.

Across 68 countries, most people have a high level of trust in scientists and want them to play an active role in society.

This is the conclusion of an international team of 241 researchers, led by Switzerland’s University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. The survey—the largest post-pandemic study of trust in science, societal expectations and public views on research priorities—show that most people in most countries have a relatively high level of trust in scientists and want them to play an active role in politics and society. The researchers found no evidence for the often-repeated claim of a crisis of trust in science.

For this survey, the results of which were published in the journal Nature Human Behavior in January 2025, the scientists questioned 71,922 people in 68 countries, including many underresearched countries in the Global South. For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, the study provided global, representative survey data on the populations and regions of the world in which researchers are perceived to be the most trustworthy, the extent to which they should engage with the public and whether science is prioritizing important research issues.

Across the 68 countries, the survey results demonstrated that the majority of the public has a relatively high level of trust in scientists (mean trust level was 3.62 on a scale of 1 [equaling very low trust] to 5 [signifying very high trust]). Most respondents also perceive scientists as qualified (78%), honest (57%) and concerned about people’s well-being (56%).

Around the world, 83% of us believe that scientists should directly communicate with the public about their projects and study results.

However, the results also reveal some areas of concern. Globally, less than half of respondents (42%) believe that scientists pay attention to the views of others. Many people in many countries feel that the priorities of science are not always well aligned with their own. The Zurich researchers recommend that scientists find ways to be more receptive to feedback and open to dialogue with the public.

The findings confirm the results of previous studies that show significant differences between countries and population groups. People with right-wing political views in Western countries tend to have less trust in scientists than those with left-wing views. This suggests that attitudes toward science tend to polarize along political lines. In most countries, however, political orientation and trust in scientists were not related.

Most respondents want science to play an active role in society and policymaking. Globally, 83% of respondents believe that scientists should communicate with the public, providing an impetus for increased science communication efforts. Only a minority (23%) believe that scientists should not actively advocate for specific policies. Fifty-two percent believe that scientists should be more involved in the policymaking process.

Science has never been more important. It is possible to live on our planet without destroying it, but it will require policies based on scientific evidence.

Participants gave high priority to research that improves public health, solves energy problems and reduces poverty. On the other hand, research to develop defense and military technology was given a lower priority. In fact, participants explicitly believe that science is prioritizing the development of defense and military technology more than they would like, highlighting a potential misalignment between public and scientific priorities.

The state of life on Earth

While the news of the ticking time bomb of climate change feels defeating, I find the results on a worldwide, strong belief in science uplifting. It reminds me of the mission statement of The Nature Conservancy, a global, environmental nonprofit that works to protect the Earth’s lands and waters: “United by nature. Guided by science.”

That says it well. Because we’re all united by the natural processes that define our planet, and it is only through science that we will find our path forward.

Here’s to finding your true places and natural habitats,

Candy

The post The State of Life on Earth and a Big Belief in Science first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

By Rachel Foster, Development Officer, Annual Giving at World Wildlife Fund

Luck was on my side when I was able to join a recent Nat Hab journey to Costa Rica! As many in the conservation space know, Costa Rica has long been hailed as a conservation success story, and my trip to this Central American paradise only served to underscore that fact.

From its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream come true.

© Rachel Foster / WWF

Upon my arrival in San Jose, I was immediately struck by the country’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Throughout our journey, we had the chance to explore some of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes, from the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the canals of Tortuguero.

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=’text/javascript’;s.src=’https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js’;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,123366,’ch8fdokcux5mjskjbeuq’);

10 Days in Costa Rica

The first half of our trip was spent adventuring through the steamy and tropical canals of Tortuguero National Park, followed by invigorating hikes in Corcovado National Park. (Fun fact: WWF helped create the park in 1975!)

We encountered an abundance of wildlife in both national parks, to the point that it would be simpler for me to mention what we didn’t see. But, of course, it’s more fun to crow about what we did spot. Among all the incredible wildlife we spotted, my favorites were the howler monkeys, toucans and wattled jacanas.

> Explore Nat Hab’s Costa Rica Wildlife Guide

© Rachel Foster / WWF

We spent the second half of our trip in the mountainous region and cloud forests. With a considerably drier and cooler climate, we spent days immersing ourselves in knowledge about the local plants, wildlife and birdlife, and the Arenal Volcano.

Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of the trip for many in our group was the exhilarating moment when we spotted the rare and elusive resplendent quetzal. It remained perched for more than 30 minutes, allowing us to witness (and photograph) its presence in awe.

> Learn More: Project “Paraiso Quetzal” — Where Conservation Meets Development

© Rachel Foster / WWF

Conservation in Costa Rica

Learning about Costa Rica’s commitment to renewable energy, reforestation and sustainable tourism offered optimism and hope for our natural world. As I bid farewell to Costa Rica, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for all that’s been done to preserve this beautiful biodiversity hotspot—as well as a deep sense of responsibility to continue the work that I do at World Wildlife Fund and inspire those around me to engage in our natural world.

I am confident that our experiences and adventures during this 10-day adventure will serve as a catalyst for continued conservation efforts while inspiring others to join us in safeguarding the precious places around our magnificent planet.

Experience Costa Rica with WWF’s sustainable travel partner, Natural Habitat Adventures! Browse all of Nat Hab’s Costa Rica adventures. 

© Rachel Foster / WWF

The post Costa Rica: A Conservation Success Story first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

The need for a selfie in the perfect landscape to post on social media platforms has the potential to harm wild beings and spaces.

The ubiquitous social media in our lives has its benefits, including allowing us to interact quickly with our loved ones, network with our colleagues and share information almost instantaneously. Nevertheless, there are drawbacks; such as the possibility of cyberbullying, the dissemination of false information, negative impacts on mental health due to comparisons with others on the platforms and issues with privacy. Regarding nature, the drive for a dramatic selfie with a wild animal or the need for a shot of the perfect landscape has the potential to harm wild beings and spaces.

But social media has its upsides, too. Recently, researchers created a deep learning method to analyze social media images taken within protected green spaces to gain insights on human activities within these areas in order to monitor their ecological impacts.

In addition, Facebook and Instagram have demonstrated their worth. They can boost wildlife conservation efforts through public awareness and engagement. In fact, one mammal’s similarity to a domestic feline has attracted thousands of followers to Internet feeds about wildlife conservation. This online appeal is linked to the global phenomenon of cat images, memes and videos that go viral.

On the Internet, cat memes—amusing items that spread widely online through social media—gained popularity in the mid-2000s, but some argue that their origins stretch back to at least the 18th century.

Searching for the perfect selfie could put nature at risk

The advent and prominence of social media today has directly and indirectly influenced the natural environment, including disruptions to the breeding and feeding patterns of animals and the trampling of endangered plant species.

For example, social media groups have made it easy for people to identify the breeding grounds of birds and other wildlife species and the locations of endangered plant species. The quick spread of such information can cause a major influx of people into an area that would otherwise have remained untouched. As a result, animal breeding and feeding patterns are disturbed, and there is an increased risk for poaching, predation and the spread of diseases. Furthermore, the use of call playbacks, drones or the handling of wild animals for photographs leaves lasting impacts.

That’s why researchers from Edith Cowan University, Curtin University and Murdoch University in Australia and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in the Government of Western Australia’s Kings Park Science Program are advocating for the instigation of codes of ethics and tighter controls around the promotion and use of fauna and flora on social media. It seems to be highly needed because a diverse range of animals and plants are feeling the negative effects of social-media-related behavior.

Unfortunately, the handling of wild animals for photographs to post on social media can leave a lasting, negative impact on wildlife.

One of those animals is the blue-crowned laughingthrush, a critically endangered bird which has shown altered nesting behaviors due to disturbances from photographers.

Orchids, too, are highly susceptible to habitat changes and trampling, and many orchid communities are threatened by increased recreational activities and tourism promoted through social media. In fact, of all flora, orchids are particularly popular content for social media posts, and there are social media groups—with upwards of 10,000 members—dedicated to posting photos of native orchids. But these plants can have highly specific interactions with a single species of fungus or pollinator. Overvisitation, then, not only has a direct impact on orchids from trampling, but it can indirectly impact the integrity of the flowers’ ecological interactions; leaving orchids vulnerable to population collapse.

And the dangers are not just air- and land-based: flash photography and disturbances from divers can negatively affect marine life, such as whale sharks and other sensitive aquatic organisms.

The stunning blue-crowned laughingthrush lives only in Wuyuan County in China’s Jiangxi Province. Brown-backed and yellow-bellied, with a black bandit’s mask and a bright-blue crown, the bird breeds in stands of very tall, old trees near rural villages.

This growing use and omnipresent nature of social media means that it is impossible to control or restrict access to nature hot spots or species that are the target of social media content. Consequently, the Australian research team believes that the best hope relies on a mix of on-ground management or access restrictions at key public sites, buy-in from a variety of stakeholders and an increase in education promoting appropriate behavior in natural areas. They propose a framework that considers species most at risk from social media activities, especially those that are rare, sessile and have restricted ranges.

This isn’t a new concept. Many nature groups and societies already have well-established codes of ethics for responsible conduct, including for activities such as bird-watching, bird photography and orchid photography. Such codes of conduct are an excellent starting point, but they are nonbinding and rely on individuals doing the right thing or peer pressure against inappropriate behavior. However, state the researchers, this may remain the most realistic way to reduce impacts on biodiversity, asking questions of any groups that do not have or adhere to such codes.

Taking wildlife-feeding selfies could now be an evolutionary force

There’s already abundant evidence of the perils of giving handouts to wild animals. Bears that get hooked on human food are shot when they become a nuisance. Feeding sites can become breeding grounds for disease when animals pack together. Then there’s the occasional time when animals attack while they are being fed by humans. And treats can be unhealthy.

Some of Dublin’s most famous residents are the fallow deer that live in Phoenix Park in Ireland. The deer have been living there since the 17th century, when they were introduced for hunting. These days, the animals live out their lives peacefully in the park.

Now there’s another reason: it might cause a species to evolve toward being more aggressive toward humans.

Despite all these reasons and the pleas of wildlife managers, people persist in feeding wildlife. Perhaps it’s the delusion that they are helping an animal, a movie-fueled fantasy about communing with nature or a stunt in pursuit of a viral Instagram post. Whatever it is, in some places the problem has only gotten worse.

The 600 fallow deer that live in Phoenix Park on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland, are a case in point. In the past, the deer were skittish, keeping their distance from humans. But that has changed within the last decade, as more of the estimated 10 million visitors that come to the park each year decided to feed the deer.

Mozambique has an estimated population of 10,800 elephants, a number that has remained stable over the past five years despite threats to the species. Surprisingly, there’s a shift toward elephants without tusks in Mozambique, a condition tied to a history of elephant poaching for ivory.

This popular activity offered scientists at the University College Dublin a ready-made experiment for getting a more complete picture of how wild animals were affected when humans started feeding them: the deer were contained in a small, 2.7-square-mile space; they were intensively monitored; more than 80% of them could be individually tracked by unique ear tags; and there was an enormous flow of people, some of them trying to feed the deer everything from carrots to cookies.

Among the key questions posed by the scientists was this: did individual personalities among the deer influence their willingness to take food from people? And if so, was there a possible evolutionary advantage gained by the deer more willing to take part in that selfie?

There is already plenty of evidence that human activities, such as hunting, can exert evolutionary pressure on species. For instance, scientists recently reported a shift towards elephants without tusks in Mozambique, a condition they tied to a history of elephant poaching for ivory.

In a recent study, not all the fallow deer in Phoenix Park acted alike. A quarter of the deer were “consistent beggars.” Sixty-eight percent were “occasional beggars,” and 8% rarely approached people for food.

When it comes to taking food from people, however, is the behavior simply learned by any member of a species presented with the opportunity? Or were some deer better beggars?

To answer those questions, the scientists spent several months in the summers of 2018 and 2019 at Phoenix Park watching people feed the deer. They took note of which deer took food from people, even eating it directly from someone’s hand.

It turned out that not all deer acted alike. A quarter of the deer were what scientists dubbed “consistent beggars.” Those animals would approach people for food roughly 30% of the time they were watched by researchers. They received food on average more than once every two hours for male deer and roughly every seven hours for females. By comparison, 68% of the deer were “occasional” beggars; and 8% rarely approached people for food.

Heavier fawns at Phoenix Park were more likely to survive. Mothers who took food from people more frequently gave birth to fawns that weighed a half pound to one pound more than the fawns born to deer with less of an appetite for our food.

To see if these behavioral differences gave any of the deer an advantage, the scientists compared the weight of 134 newborn fawns from does with different feeding habits. In the past, the same research group found that heavier fawns at the park were more likely to survive. It turns out that the mothers who took food from people more frequently gave birth to fawns that weighed between 0.66 and 1.1 pounds more than the fawns born to deer with less of an appetite for human food, state the researchers in the Journal of Animal Ecology in August 2022.

These weight differences could translate into a growing number of deer with a behavioral disposition to seek food from people. If actions are not taken, warn the authors of the report, in 10 years we could end up with deer that consistently harass people, as the boldest individuals have been selected for, which clearly holds enormous risks for the animals and people involved.

While the study focused on a small population of a single species—and didn’t track the animals long enough to see if the feeding exerted enough evolutionary pressure to shift the herd’s behavioral makeup—the problems at the park could apply to other places. It stands to reason that if this is occurring in this population, then it is very likely also the case across other populations and species, as well.

People go to nature reserves for many reasons, such as to hike or to enjoy the views. Too many visitors, however, could lead to overcrowding and environmental harm.

Monitoring nature reserves by deep learning and social media

Many people visit nature reserves for various reasons, such as to hike, to keep fit or to enjoy the views. Despite these benefits, having too many visitors in a place could lead to overcrowding and the thwarting of conservation efforts. Consequently, to implement more effective land-use management strategies for crowd control, governments need to gain insights into how green spaces are used.

Since most nature reserves cover large land areas, however, using conventional field surveys to monitor human activities can be costly and time-consuming. So, a research team of environmental biologists at the National University of Singapore developed a technique to process social media images taken within protected areas (PAs) as a proxy for identifying human activities within them.

By parsing these images through a deep-learning, image-tagging model, the human activities depicted were automatically detected. These tagged images were then subsequently grouped into distinct categories.

In one study, it was found that social media images taken in Europe tended to be of historic castles, such as the Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland.

After analyzing 87,090 photos from 2,813 PAs in 207 countries, the researchers made some interesting observations. Most notably, distinct clusters of activity types across PAs aligned closely with expectations. For instance, there were many photographs of animals and plants in Southeast Asia PAs, while European PAs had numerous photographs of historic castles. Also, PAs within the same country showed similar activities, even if they had different physical environments.

The National University of Singapore scientists say while there have been similar studies, this is possibly the first that tries to investigate human activities within PAs on a global scale. It demonstrates the utility of social media and deep learning in empowering researchers to investigate pressing environmental issues at a much larger scale.

Publishing their findings in Scientific Reports in June 2024, the team says that it hopes that this technique can be adopted by nature organizations to monitor land-use patterns in nature reserves efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling more targeted conservation efforts to protect ecosystems despite increasing visitor numbers.

There are benefits to using smaller carnivores as flagship conservation species to communicate the aims of scientific research in rapidly urbanizing areas. Employing aesthetic species, such as caracals, is an effective way to capture public attention.

Boosting wildlife conservation efforts by social media posts

Caracals, the wild cats with distinctive tufted ears that are native to Africa, have now demonstrated how social media can harness support for the predators, which some farmers poison and shoot.

It’s well known that better public engagement is key to achieving conservation goals, especially in biodiversity hot spots. Cape Town, South Africa, is located within such a hot spot and is home to the caracal, an elusive mammal regarded as vermin by livestock farmers elsewhere in South Africa.

So, in 2014, the Urban Caracal Project (UCP) was set up to explore caracal ecology, and social media was used to influence awareness and perceptions towards caracal conservation in this urban setting. The project communicates its works in several ways—including via a website—but most interactions are through social media.

A range of species are both endangered and unique to biodiversity hot spots. Unfortunately, these same areas are increasingly urbanized and understudied, like Cape Town, South Africa.

Google Trends was used to assess the global popularity of caracals from 2004 to the present day, before and after the UCP was set up. Researchers compared the interest in caracals with that of a similar African wildcat—the serval. They also used recent Facebook and Instagram data to analyze all material UCP had posted online and looked at direct public engagement, such as reported caracal sightings, rescues and finds of dead wildcats.

Results, which were published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Communication in November 2024, showed a doubling in search interest in the term caracal since the UCP was launched. This represents a 91% increase compared to that for servals, which rose by 76% in the same period. The authors say this suggests that the project has helped raise awareness of the caracal worldwide.

Other findings showed that the project now has more than 16,800 Facebook followers and more than 7,300 followers on Instagram, figures that represent “micro-influencer” status. Most are from South Africa, but they also include those in India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Servals are wild cats native to Africa. Widespread in sub-Saharan countries, servals inhabit bamboo thickets, grasslands, moorlands and wetlands. Servals have spotted and striped coats, while caracals have plain coats. Servals are taller than caracals, but caracals are more sturdily built.

The UCP has received interactions and traffic from accounts linked to the “Big Floppa” meme inspired by an overweight caracal born in Kyiv, Ukraine. This links to the popularity of “cats on the Internet,” according to the authors. They also say caracal deaths reported by the public—often via WhatsApp and social media—allow them to perform postmortems and to assess threats to the caracal population and roadkill patterns. Tissue analysis from these animals has revealed that caracals are exposed to pollutants and pesticides, such as rat poison. Samples have even been collected from otherwise unreachable areas, thanks to this citizen network.

The sightings and Facebook comments also provide conservationists with useful information on how caracals respond to humans. Most encounters occur on paths or roads with the caracals described as “chilled” or “calm” before they quickly move away. The most common positive adjective used in Facebook comments is “beautiful.” “Sad” tended to describe a death or a population threat. This demonstrates, add the authors, the extent to which social media engagement has led to people caring about caracal welfare.

Savoring social media successes

Despite the downsides to social media users disturbing wild animal lives, encroaching on natural habitats and feeding wildlife, photography can be an incredibly powerful conservation tool, cultivating and enhancing environmental activism, nature-based connections, and providing opportunities for education and stewardship.

The global phenomenon of searches for “cats on the Internet” can be harnessed to increase public interest in urban ecology and to leverage conservation action.

The broad audience outreach of social media also means that the content can be harnessed by land-management practitioners and scientists for conservation purposes, essentially “data mining” it or actively engaging with citizen scientists to collect data as a by-product of their social media activities. For example, social media has resulted in the identification of several new plant species, and the caracal study adds to our understanding of the various ways in which the public can participate in science. It shows how charismatic species can contribute to conservation and public awareness of biodiversity in urban areas.

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with social media. I like to think that, eventually, the love side will win out.

Here’s to finding your true places and natural habitats,

Candy

The post Social Media: Selfie Searches and Nature Successes first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Pollinators are nature’s essential workers, ensuring the survival of countless plants and animals while supporting food systems. Nearly 90% of wild flowering plants and 75% of global crops rely on pollinators for reproduction.

While many pollinators hibernate through the winter, some embark on extraordinary migrations to escape the cold and find new sources of nectar and pollen. Monarch butterflies may be the most well-known of these migrations. These journeys—spanning continents and ecosystems—are a testament to nature’s ingenuity.

Here are nine awe-inspiring migrations and where these pollinators spend their winters:

1. Monarch Butterflies: The Monarch’s Mexican Retreat

Monarch butterflies are celebrated for their epic migrations, with some populations traveling up to 3,000 miles. Each fall, millions of monarchs converge in Mexico’s high-altitude forests, where a unique microclimate allows them to conserve energy during their dormancy. These forests also play a critical role in sheltering them from predators and cold weather.

Where they migrate: From southern Canada and the U.S. to central Mexico.

Overwintering location: The oyamel fir forests in the mountains of central Mexico.

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=’text/javascript’;s.src=’https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js’;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,123366,’btgjafa81bwlejf6pzef’);

Challenges: Deforestation and climate change are shrinking these vital overwintering sites. Additionally, the monarch’s dependency on milkweed—a plant increasingly lost to agricultural expansion and pesticide use—has led to an 80% decline in their population over the past three decades.

Fun fact: Monarchs use an internal compass based on the Earth’s magnetic field and the position of the sun to navigate, a feat for an insect weighing less than a paperclip.

2. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds: The Gulf Crossers

These tiny birds, weighing less than a nickel, undertake one of the most impressive migrations of any pollinator. To prepare, ruby-throated hummingbirds consume enough nectar and insects to nearly double their body weight, fueling their non-stop flight over the Gulf of Mexico, which can last up to 18 hours.

Where they migrate: From the eastern U.S. to Central America, crossing the Gulf of Mexico.

Overwintering location: Tropical forests in countries like Costa Rica.

Challenges: Habitat loss along migratory routes and in overwintering areas threatens their survival. Conservation efforts in Costa Rica and other Central American countries are crucial for maintaining their winter habitats.

Fun fact: Ruby-throated hummingbirds beat their wings up to 80 times per second and can fly up to 23 miles per day.

3. Lesser Long-Nosed Bats: The Desert Nomads

Lesser long-nosed bats are nocturnal pollinators that follow a “nectar corridor” through desert ecosystems, feeding on blooms of agave and cacti. They play a vital role in pollinating plants foundational to desert biodiversity, including species critical to tequila production.

Where they migrate: From the southwestern U.S. to central and southern Mexico.

Overwintering location: Caves in Mexico’s desert regions.

Challenges: Habitat destruction and agricultural practices that prevent agave from flowering are significant threats. Conservation efforts, such as planting flowering agave along migratory routes, are essential. (WWF)

Fun fact: Each night, a single bat can visit hundreds of flowers, transferring pollen over distances of up to 60 miles.

4. Painted Lady Butterflies: Global Nomad Pollinators

Painted lady butterflies undertake one of the most widespread migrations, with some individuals covering distances of 7,500 miles. Their movements are influenced by weather patterns, particularly rainfall, which determines the availability of host plants.

Where they migrate: From North America to northern Mexico and Central America, and between continents in other parts of the world.

Overwintering location: Warmer climates, including Mexico and North Africa.

Challenges: Habitat fragmentation and pesticide use threaten their migration routes and breeding grounds. (WWF)

Fun fact: Unlike monarchs, painted ladies remain active during the winter, feeding and breeding in warm climates.

5. Rufous Hummingbirds: The Western Trailblazers

Rufous hummingbirds undertake long migrations, navigating through the western U.S. while feeding on flowers along the way. Despite their small size, they are known for their aggressive nature, often defending feeding territories even during migration.

Where they migrate: From as far north as Alaska to Mexico and Central America.

Overwintering location: Mexican cloud forests.

Challenges: Climate change is altering the timing of blooms, creating mismatches between flower availability and migration schedules.

Fun fact: Rufous hummingbirds can fly nearly 4,000 miles round-trip during their migrations.

6. Hawk Moths: The Night Flyers

Hawk moths, such as the silver Y moth, migrate south in search of flowering plants. As nocturnal pollinators, they play a vital role in fertilizing night-blooming flowers that depend on their long tongues for effective pollination.

Where they migrate: From northern Europe to the Mediterranean.

Overwintering location: Warmer southern regions.

Challenges: Climate change disrupts the timing of their migrations, leading to mismatches between moth arrivals and flower blooms.

Fun fact: Some hawk moths can detect the faint scent of nectar from several miles away, even in the dark.

7. Long-Tailed Sylphs: South American Gems

This striking South American hummingbird moves vertically rather than over long distances, descending to warmer, lower-altitude habitats during colder months. Their altitudinal migrations ensure access to blooming flowers year-round.

Where they migrate: Seasonally within the Andes.

Overwintering location: Lower-altitude cloud forests.

Challenges: Deforestation in the Andes threatens both high- and low-altitude habitats.

Fun fact: Male long-tailed sylphs have iridescent tails that can grow up to three times their body length.

8. Globe Skimmer Dragonflies: Pollinating Predators

Although not traditional pollinators, globe skimmer dragonflies feed on nectar during their migrations, playing an incidental role in pollination. They hold the record for the longest insect migration, traveling over 11,000 miles round-trip.

Globe skimmers are primarily found in Africa during the early winter months, particularly in areas with warm temperatures and access to wetlands or water bodies. These locations provide the right conditions for them to breed and lay eggs, as their larvae develop in temporary water sources created by seasonal rains. Their presence in Africa coincides with the wet season when rainfall creates shallow pools that are ideal for their aquatic larval stage.

Where they migrate: Between India, Africa and Southeast Asia. On a Green Season safari in December or January, you might encounter a Globe Skimmer Dragonfly.

Overwintering location: Coastal wetlands and tropical regions.

Challenges: Coastal wetlands, which are critical for refueling, are under threat from development and climate change.

Fun fact: Globe skimmers are the only known pollinators to cross open oceans, using wind currents to aid their journey.

9. Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs: Madagascar’s Fruitful Migrants

These critically endangered lemurs act as pollinators while feeding on nectar-rich flowers, transferring pollen with their long snouts and fur.

Where they migrate: Seasonally within Madagascar’s rainforests.

Overwintering location: Forest areas with abundant flowering trees.

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=’text/javascript’;s.src=’https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js’;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,123366,’tt53uhksdiiakjqlhxpf’);

Challenges: Habitat destruction and hunting pose severe threats to their survival. (WWF)

Fun fact: Lemurs are the largest pollinators in the world, demonstrating that pollination isn’t limited to insects or birds.

Protecting Migratory Pollinators

Each of these migrations highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Preserving nectar corridors and winter habitats is crucial for the survival of these pollinators—and the plants and ecosystems that depend on them. By supporting conservation initiatives, planting native flowers, and protecting critical habitats, we can help ensure these incredible journeys continue to inspire future generations.

Nat Hab Chief Sustainability Officer © Court Whelan

Pollinator Conservation Success Stories

Despite these challenges, there have been notable successes in protecting migratory pollinators, demonstrating that conservation efforts can yield impactful results. These achievements highlight the importance of strategic action and public support in ensuring the survival of pollinators.

• Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve: Conservation of the oyamel fir forests in central Mexico has helped stabilize some overwintering monarch populations, offering a sanctuary for these iconic pollinators during their annual migration.
• Agave Restoration for Bats: Programs planting flowering agave along migratory corridors in Mexico have supported lesser long-nosed bats, ensuring the continuity of their “nectar corridor” through the desert ecosystem.
• Costa Rica’s Pollinator-Friendly Practices: By protecting cloud forests and promoting sustainable tourism, Costa Rica has safeguarded critical habitats for hummingbirds and butterflies, encouraging biodiversity to thrive.
• Pesticide Bans and Native Planting Initiatives: Cities and communities worldwide are adopting pollinator-friendly practices, such as reducing pesticide use and planting native flowers, to provide vital resources for migratory species.

These successes underscore the power of targeted conservation efforts, proving that with the right support, migratory pollinators can overcome the odds and continue their essential work of sustaining ecosystems worldwide.

© Court Whelan

Looking to Join Pollinators in Paradise?

Exploring the overwintering habitats of migratory pollinators offers a unique glimpse into the intricate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. Nat Hab provides immersive experiences that allow travelers to witness these natural phenomena firsthand. Here are five places Nat Hab visits where these pollinators overwinter:

Kingdom of the Monarchs and Monarch Butterfly Photo Expedition: Walk amongst millions of monarch butterflies as they blanket the oyamel fir forests during their winter sojourn. This journey offers an intimate look at one of nature’s most remarkable migrations.

Experience the lush rainforests and misty cloud forests of Costa Rica, home to a dazzling array of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. In places like Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula, encounter the vibrant biodiversity of tropical ecosystems, where pollinators thrive among towering trees and colorful flowers, sustaining the region’s delicate balance of life.

Madagascar Wildlife Adventure & Photo Expedition: Journey into Madagascar’s enchanting rainforests to meet the black-and-white ruffed lemurs, the world’s largest pollinators. These fascinating primates contribute to the reproduction of rare endemic plants as they follow seasonal fruiting patterns. Explore the island’s unique biodiversity and the ecosystems that make Madagascar a world treasure.

Explore the Galapagos Islands on Galapagos Discovery: The Nat Hab Experience. Migratory birds and insects play a vital role in the delicate ecosystems we encounter on this adventure. Experience intricate natural processes that sustain life on these remote volcanic islands.

These expeditions provide the opportunity to witness the remarkable journeys of migratory pollinators and to understand the critical importance of preserving their habitats.

Nat Hab Guests observe migratory seabirds in the Galapagos Islands © Nat Hab Expedition Leader Colby Brokvist

The post Pollinators in Paradise: Discover 9 Overwintering Destinations first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

For many people, our first encounters with vultures are as dark, shadowy, even menacing figures in fairy tales. That’s a shame, because vultures play helpful, even indispensable, roles maintaining ecological balance across five continents. They contribute to human health and even anti-poaching efforts in remarkable, rarely lauded ways.

Recent work around our Snow Leopard Himalayan itineraries has gotten me hooked on learning about bearded vultures, and vultures’ essential roles as nature’s clean up crews—they’re fascinating!

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=’text/javascript’;s.src=’https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js’;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,123366,’h26miydqw9qxx8tbdoix’);

Here are the basics and where you can spot vultures in the wild, too.

Bearded Vulture Basics

Bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as lammergeiers or ossifrage (Latin for “bone breaker”), are among the most striking members of the vulture family. They are uniquely adapted to thrive in rugged, high-altitude environments and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

Ecologists estimate that there are between 2,000 and 10,000 living lammergeiers.

Bearded Vulture Size and Appearance:

• Bearded vultures are one of the largest birds of prey, with a wingspan of 7.5 to 9 feet (2.3 to 2.8 meters) and a weight ranging from 10 to 16.5 pounds (4.5 to 7.5 kilograms).
• Their striking plumage features dark wings, a pale body, and a dramatic red “mask” around the eyes, with feathers that often appear orange due to iron oxide from mud-bathing.
• These impressive birds are built for soaring, allowing them to cover vast territories in search of food. All vultures have very long, broad wings that allow them to soar gracefully at great heights, catching the thermals and remaining aloft for hours with minimal effort. With their keen eyesight, they can scan for carrion or spot other vultures descending to prey from miles away.

Bone-Eating Vulture Specialists:

• Bearded vultures are renowned for their diet, which consists almost entirely of bones—up to 90% of their intake. This unique adaptation gives them access to calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients often unavailable to other scavengers.
• To crack large bones, they drop them from heights of 150 to 500 feet onto rocky surfaces, a behavior that has earned them the nickname ossifrage—”bone breakers.” This extraordinary preference gives them access to critical nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, essential for survival.
• Their stomachs are highly specialized, with acidic digestive juices capable of dissolving bone fragments within 24 hours—it’s the same pH as battery acid! This adaptation allows bearded vultures to thrive in rugged environments where food is scarce, and where other scavengers might struggle to find sufficient nourishment.

Bearded Vulture Habitat and Range:

• These birds inhabit mountainous regions across Europe, Africa and Asia, nesting on high cliffs to avoid predators and disturbance.
• Key ranges include the Alps, Pyrenees, Caucasus, Ethiopian Highlands and the Himalayas. They prefer areas with abundant ungulate populations, which provide a steady supply of carcasses.

Bearded Vulture Conservation Status:

• Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, bearded vultures face threats from habitat loss, poisoning (both intentional and accidental) and reduced food availability.
• In Europe, reintroduction programs have successfully boosted populations in the Alps, where they were previously extinct. Efforts focus on preventing poisoning incidents and ensuring safe food supplies.

Where to Spot Vultures in the Wild

Natural Habitat Adventures provides opportunities to witness various vulture species across different destinations:

• Griffon Vultures in Croatia & Slovenia: On Nat Hab’s Croatia & Slovenia Nature Adventure, guests spot griffon vultures soaring over the Adriatic landscapes.
• Turkey Vultures in the Grand Canyon: The United States is home to three of the vulture species listed above: turkey vultures, black vultures and the endangered California condor. Grand Canyon National Park is home to turkey vultures, easily spotted gliding over the vast canyon vistas. Guests on two Nat Hab trips, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion itinerary or our Grand Canyon & Sedona Explorer, spot turkey vultures over the Grand Canyon.
• African Vultures on Safari: African safaris in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania offer sightings of several vulture species, including the lappet-faced, white-backed and Rueppeli’s vultures, integral to savanna ecosystems.

Adult bearded vulture among griffon vultures in Europe

Benefits of Vultures in Ecosystems Worldwide

Vultures are a diverse group of scavenging birds found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Globally, there are 23 vulture species, each playing a vital role in their respective ecosystems.

Human Health Benefits: Vultures’ scavenging behavior is crucial for ecosystem health, preventing disease outbreaks and recycling nutrients. Their decline can lead to increased carcass accumulation, resulting in higher incidences of diseases.

The health benefits to humans of vultures should not be understated—WWF has shared that in India, hundreds of thousands of human deaths are said to be traced back to the collapse of the vulture population.

Anti-Poaching Support: WWF recently invested in tracking white-backed vulture movements. White-backed vultures play a pivotal role in their African ecosystems, including helping to detect animals killed illegally by poachers.

White-backed Vulture, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Information from collaring vultures will inform wildlife movement and distribution in the Zimbabwe portion of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). Collaring vultures allows researchers to do a few different and important things:

• Track movement patterns and foraging habits: By tracking foraging behaviors like migratory routes and habitat use, researchers can improve conservation strategies. Vultures travel long distances at low energy cost, a skill they need to find food. Tagging other animals such as zebras has allowed us to better understand incredible, cross-continental movements, and we are interested to see how vultures play into this activity.
• Connect vultures with mammal movements: Vulture movements often align with those of large mammals. Tracking them will provide more insight into how other wildlife in the area interact with the landscape.
• Monitor environmental health and poaching activities: Changes in vulture populations and behavior signal shifts in the ecosystem, possibly due to human activities or climate change. Tagged vultures have also been used as sentinels for poaching activities and have even led authorities to discover incidents where animals are poisoned.

Griffon Vultures

Vulture Species Worldwide

Vulture species vary widely, from the massive Andean condor in South America to the critically endangered white-backed vulture in Africa. Each of the 23 vulture species has adapted to specific habitats and feeding behaviors, contributing uniquely to ecosystem health.

Vultures are categorized into two groups: New World vultures are found in North and South America and are represented by seven species belonging to five genera. Old World vultures are found throughout the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe and are represented by 16 species belonging to nine genera. The two groups are not genetically closely related; instead, their similarities are due to convergent evolution (species have different ancestral origins and have developed similar features).

Indian Vulture

Old World Vultures (Family: Accipitridae):

• Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus):
  Habitat: Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia; commonly found in mountainous regions and open plains, including thriving populations on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Balkans, and across the Alps.
• White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus):
  Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; prefers savannas and woodlands.
• Rueppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli):
  Habitat: Central and East Africa; inhabits savannas and grasslands.
• Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis):
  Habitat: Himalayan ranges; found in high-altitude regions.
• Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus):
  Habitat: Indian subcontinent; resides in cities, towns, and countryside.
• Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris):
  Habitat: South and Southeast Asia; favors lowland regions.
• Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres):
  Habitat: Southern Africa; prefers cliffs and open savannas.

Hooded Vulture

• Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus):
  Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; commonly found near human settlements.
• Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos):
• Habitat: Africa and the Middle East; inhabits arid savannas and deserts.
• Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus):
  Habitat: Southern Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East; prefers forested mountains.
• Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus):
  Habitat: Southern Europe, Africa, and South Asia; found in open terrains.
• Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus):
  Habitat: Mountainous regions in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus):
  Habitat: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia; prefers open country.
• White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis):
  Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa; found in savannas and woodlands.
• Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis):
  Habitat: West and Central Africa; associated with palm trees and wetlands.
  The palm nut vulture is unique among vultures for its diet, which includes palm nuts and carrion, aiding in seed dispersal and carcass disposal.
• Indian White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis):
  Habitat: South and Southeast Asia; commonly found near human habitation.

Turkey Vultures

New World Vultures (Family: Cathartidae):

• Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura):
  Habitat: Widespread across the Americas; adaptable to various environments.
  The turkey vulture possesses a keen sense of smell to locate carrion, preventing disease spread.
• Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus):
  Habitat: Americas; found in open areas and near human settlements.
• California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus):
  Habitat: Western United States; inhabits rocky shrubland and coniferous forests.
• Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus):
  Habitat: South American Andes; prefers open grasslands and alpine regions.

California Condor at Grand Canyon National Park

Threats to Vulture Populations

Vultures face unprecedented threats, which have led to alarming population declines worldwide. These declines have profound ecological and human health implications, underscoring the urgency of effective conservation measures.

Across Africa, vulture populations have catastrophically declined over the last 50 years, with overall decline rates of up to 97%. Today, 7 out of 11 African-Eurasian vulture species are at risk of extinction, underlining this decline.

Poisoning:

• Intentional Poisoning: In Africa, poisoning accounts for over 60% of vulture deaths. Farmers targeting predators like lions inadvertently poison vultures that consume the tainted carcasses. In West Africa, vultures are hunted for traditional medicine and rituals.
• Veterinary Pharmaceuticals: The veterinary drug diclofenac caused a 99.9% decline in white-rumped vultures in South Asia within two decades. Even minimal residues in livestock carcasses are lethal to vultures.

Electrocution and Collisions:

• Vultures are susceptible to collisions with energy infrastructure, including power lines and wind turbines, leading to fatalities. 

Habitat Loss:

• Expansion of agriculture and urban development encroaches on vulture habitats, reducing nesting and foraging areas.

Ecological and Human Health Consequences

The decline of vulture populations has led to increased carcass decomposition times, resulting in higher populations of scavengers like rats and feral dogs. This shift has been linked to the spread of diseases such as rabies and anthrax, with studies estimating an additional 500,000 human deaths in India between 2000 and 2005 due to the collapse of vulture populations. 

Andean Condor

Vulture Conservation and Its Impact

Legislation and Policy Changes:

• Banning Harmful Drugs: India banned veterinary diclofenac in 2006, leading to stabilization of vulture populations, though recovery remains slow.

Captive Breeding and Reintroduction:

• The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Center in India has successfully bred and released critically endangered vultures, contributing to population restoration.

Community Engagement and Education:

• Numerous programs in Africa educate communities on the ecological importance of vultures, promoting coexistence and reducing persecution.

Research and Monitoring:

• Organizations like the Vulture Conservation Foundation conduct research to inform conservation strategies, including tracking vulture movements and studying their ecology.
• In India, WWF announced Vulture Count 2024, a crucial citizen-science initiative aimed at monitoring and conserving India’s vulture populations.

Vultures play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health and preventing disease transmission. Addressing the threats they face through comprehensive conservation efforts is essential not only for their survival but also for the well-being of human populations.

California Condor

The post Bearded Vultures and Beyond: Where to See Nature’s Clean Up Crew first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Orcas are among the ocean’s most intelligent and social predators, captivating us with their strong family bonds, advanced hunting strategies, and cultural behaviors. Found in every ocean, they play a vital role in marine ecosystems and are a powerful symbol of ocean health. Yet many orca populations face mounting threats that demand urgent action.

Quick Orca Facts

• Size: Males typically range from 20 to 26 feet (6 to 8 meters) long and weigh in excess of 6 tons. Females are smaller, generally ranging from 16 to 23 feet (5 to 7 meters) and weighing about 3 to 4 tons. Larger male orcas have been recorded at up to 32 feet and over 10 tons.
• Habitat: Found in every ocean, from polar waters to tropical seas, orcas clearly demonstrate a preference for coastal environments over the open ocean. The highest densities of orcas are in the northeast Atlantic around Norway, in the north Pacific along the Aleutian Islands, the Gulf of Alaska and in the Southern Ocean off much of the coast of Antarctica.
• Diet: Includes a growing number of types of fish, seals, and whales, with hunting methods passed down culturally.
• Social Structure: Live in pods with strong bonds and unique vocal dialects.
• IUCN status: Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species

In this article, we’ll dive into four extraordinary orca stories, showcasing their hunting habits, social structures, and remarkable ways they adapt to a changing world.

1. Do Orcas wear salmon hats?

In late 2024, a photo of an orca swimming with a salmon on its head went viral, reigniting interest in a quirky behavior first documented in the 1980s: orcas wearing “dead salmon hats.”

This unique trend, originating among the critically endangered Southern Resident orcas in the Pacific Northwest, involved balancing dead fish on their heads. Initially, the behavior spread across pods but disappeared within a few years. The recent image, published by the Orca Network, sparked speculation that the trend was making a comeback, but experts remain skeptical.

Salmon Hat Orca Sightings

• Two observations of orcas with fish on their heads were reported in Washington State in South Puget Sound and off Point No Point in late October 2024.
• The Orca Network, a nonprofit dedicated to killer whale education, captured and shared one of these sightings in their newsletter, fueling public fascination.

Where is the Salish Sea?

• The Salish Sea, named after the first inhabitants of the region – the Coast Salish – includes the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and the waters off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia. The area spans from Olympia, Washington, in the south to the Campbell River, British Columbia, in the north, and west to Neah Bay.

Do scientists believe salmon hats are back?

• Scientists have commented that it is a stretch to interpret two incidents as a revival of the salmon hat fad, emphasizing that if the behavior were widespread, it would have been documented more extensively, given the high levels of observation of the Southern Resident orca population.

The 1980s Origin of the Salmon Hats Fad

• In the 1980s, the dead salmon hat trend began among the Southern Residents before spreading to other pods in the Pacific Northwest. It quickly faded and had not been observed for decades until these recent sightings.
• Some experts remain cautious about declaring the return of the fad, but marine mammal experts acknowledge that orcas, like humans, engage in complex cultural behaviors. Whether it’s dragging seaweed in “kelping” or investigating floating objects, these interactions highlight the intelligence and adaptability of orcas.

Despite the excitement surrounding the salmon hat sightings, scientists stress the need for a broader understanding and conservation of the critically endangered Southern Resident Salish Sea population, numbering just 73 individuals as of 2024.

Two of our trips offer an opportunity to see Southern Resident orcas:

• Spirit Bears, Humpbacks & Wildlife of British Columbia
• Haida Gwaii: Islands at the Edge of the World

(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement(‘script’);s.type=’text/javascript’;s.src=’https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js’;s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.campaign=ac;d.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0].appendChild(s);})(document,123366,’pdv8lhil0o1kwr8klc3l’);

2. Orcas Add Whale Sharks to Diet Using Novel Techniques

Orcas are known for their diverse diets and advanced hunting strategies, and the next two stories highlight previously unobserved hunting strategies in orca populations in two different parts of the world.

In the first, orcas in Mexico’s Gulf of California have added an extraordinary target to their menu: whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks can grow up to 60 feet long,

A recent study in Frontiers in Marine Science details how orcas in the Gulf of California have developed unique techniques to hunt the marine giants.

Between 2018 and 2024, marine biologists documented four instances of orcas preying on whale sharks in the southern Gulf of California. These events were captured in photographs and videos by scientists and members of the public.

Collaborative Orca Hunting Tactics

• Orcas target juvenile or smaller whale sharks, often found in specific Gulf locations.
• The hunting pod flips the shark upside down, inducing tonic immobility—a state where the shark becomes paralyzed and defenseless.
• Once immobilized, the orcas attack the shark’s ventral side, where muscle and cartilage are minimal, allowing access to vital organs like the lipid-rich liver.

Notable Orca Individuals

• A male orca nicknamed Moctezuma was present in three of the four recorded hunts, often accompanied by a female from his pod.
• These repeat sightings suggest that certain orca pods may specialize in hunting whale sharks, indicating learned or cultural behavior.

Scientific Implications

• Whale shark livers are highly nutritious. Several of the orcas were observed with whale shark carrion in their mouths during an attack on May 26, 2024
• The documented events suggest that orcas in the Gulf of California have developed region-specific and collaborative skills, though similar behaviors may exist elsewhere and remain undocumented.

The orcas’ strategic and intelligent hunting of whale sharks offers a glimpse into their adaptability and reinforces their status as apex predators. These findings deepen our understanding of orca behavior and stress the importance of protecting both orcas and their prey to maintain oceanic balance.

3. Shark-Hunting Orca Pair off the Coast of Southern Africa

If orcas in the Gulf of California are practicing hunting larger prey, a duo off Southern Africa has mastered it.

In June 2023, researchers and tourists off the South African coast near Seal Island, Mossel Bay, observed a groundbreaking event: a single male orca killed a great white shark in under two minutes.

The behavior, documented in the African Journal of Marine Science, challenges conventional understanding of orca hunting dynamics and ecosystem health.

Port and Starboard: Shark-Hunting Specialists

A pair of male orcas have been killing sharks along a stretch of southern African coastline since at least 2015, expertly removing the sharks’ nutrient-rich livers and discarding the rest. The duo is easily identifiable by their distinctive collapsed dorsal fins—one tips to the right, the other to the left – inspiring their names: Starboard and Port.

Starboard and Port were first spotted off the coast of southern Namibia in 2009. They travel vast distances, from Namibia south, around the Cape of Good Hope, into False Bay, and then on to South Africa’s eastern coastline. And they leave a wake of shark carcasses with their livers removed, including a great white up to 16 feet long.

Prior to 2015, scientists believed orcas in the False Bay area only preyed on marine mammals; Port and Starboard began hunting copper sharks and ocean sunfish right away.

Then, they started attacking alone.

Starboard was first filmed via drone, killing a great white in May 2022 around Mossel Bay, South Africa, alongside four other orcas. After the attack, great white sharks fled the area for at least seven weeks.

On February 24, 2023, Port and Starboard killed 17 sevengill sharks in a single day off the coast of Pearly Beach. Every one of their livers had been precisely removed.

In June 2023, scientists and visitors in boats observed Starboard killing a great white shark. It was the first recorded instance of an orca attacking a great white shark alone.

Previously observed attacks on great whites involved between two and six orcas and took up to two hours, according to the study. Starboard removed the shark’s liver in under two minutes.

Ecological and Environmental Implications

Selective Feeding Behavior

The livers of great whites are enormous organs, about a third of their body mass, and rich in lipids, and the orcas discard the rest of the carcass — selective feeding behavior that’s known among other carnivores, such as harbor seals, brown bears and wolves.

Broader Ecosystem Dynamics

There are a lot of unknowns about the orcas’ behavior. One thing is certain: The orcas are scaring off shark populations, which could have cascading negative effects on marine ecosystems.

Before 2015, False Bay was known for its large population of great white sharks; by 2020 sightings were reduced to nearly zero. Scientists are increasingly concerned for the coastal marine ecology balance; local businesses are concerned about the loss oof reveu from cage diving and opportunity to see unique breeching sharks.

As great whites are top predators, their absence may lead to population increases in mid-level predators, potentially disrupting prey populations and biodiversity of the local ecosystem; sharks serve as the main predators of Cape fur seals.

Orcas have long been recognized for their ability to learn and refine hunting techniques, either independently or through cultural transmission within pods. This adaptability enables them to respond to changes in their environment, underscoring their role as apex predators with profound ecological influence.

As their IUCN Data Deficient designation denotes, we do not know enough about orcas and their ecosystems. Researchers around the world aim to change that.

4. Orca Research: Drones Unlock New Conservation Frontiers

Back at the Salish Sea, scientists are racing to improve conservation efforts for this critically endangered orca population.

A groundbreaking project is using drones to collect and analyze orca breath, a non-invasive technique that offers critical insights into the whales’ health and environmental stressors.

The project was inspired by Scarlet, a Southern Resident orca who died in 2018. Despite visible signs of illness, researchers were unable to diagnose her condition in time to save her. Scarlet’s loss highlighted the urgent need for non-invasive, real-time health assessments for wild whales.

How Orca Breath Sampling Works

• Exhaled breath contains vital information, including hormones, bacteria, viruses, and other biomarkers that can reveal an individual whale’s health and overall population trends.
• Early detection of illnesses allows scientists to intervene before health issues become critical, potentially improving survival rates for vulnerable individuals.
• The ability to track health trends over time could revolutionize conservation strategies, making real-time, non-invasive orca veterinary assessments feasible.
• This approach is challenging; aligning the drone with a moving orca’s blowhole requires precision akin to solving a complex geometry problem.
• Scientists process the data to identify health indicators, track changes over time, and understand potential stressors impacting the population.

Challenges and Benefits of Monitoring Orca Breaths

Analyzing and interpreting complex health data from orca breath samples is a developing science, but by identifying health problems in their early stages, scientists can develop targeted conservation interventions.

This is particularly critical for the Southern Resident population, which faces numerous threats, including:

• declining prey availability,
• pollution, and
• noise disturbance from increased maritime activity.

The success of this program could serve as a model for other whale populations worldwide, offering a scalable approach to marine mammal conservation.

The orca breath project demonstrates how innovative technology can advance wildlife conservation. While the Southern Residents remain critically endangered, this hands-off approach provides hope for preserving the iconic pod. By unlocking the secrets of their breath, scientists are better equipped to understand and address the challenges they face, ensuring the survival of these extraordinary creatures for future generations.

Orca Conservation Considerations

Orcas face a host of threats, including:

• habitat degradation,
• declining prey populations,
• pollution, and
• climate change.

These may account, in part, for novel and changing behaviors.

Despite challenges, recent scientific studies and real-world encounters reveal the incredible resilience and complexity of orcas. From ingenious hunting techniques to groundbreaking research on their health and behavior, it’s clear we still have a lot to learn about orcas and the coastal ecosystems in which they live.

The post 4 Fascinating Orca Stories From Around the World first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.