How an Elephant Loses Its Tusks: A Lesson in (Un)Natural Selection

SCIENCE Tuskless elephants may be a response to the selective pressure of poaching. (Nautilus) Learn more about the natural and unnatural history of the African elephant with our video study guide. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Most African elephants have tusks. In Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, however, about 33% of young females are tuskless. … Continue reading How an Elephant Loses Its Tusks: A Lesson in (Un)Natural Selection

And the ‘Golden Tusk’ Award goes to…

Hi! It’s Olivia from OMG here. Each week, I get to interview some amazing people from around the world and this week is no exception. Animal conservation is a big thing to me and my brother, so whenever we hear about someone doing something special to save animals, it makes us feel better because we know we are not the only ones helping to save … Continue reading And the ‘Golden Tusk’ Award goes to…

Extinction Minus Two

ENVIRONMENT The death of one of the three remaining northern white rhinos has further stoked fears that the subspecies is doomed to extinction. (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn how conservationists are using guns, drones, and dogs to protect the remaining northern white rhinos. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Take a look … Continue reading Extinction Minus Two

Does U.S. Ivory Crush Go Far Enough?

UNITED STATES A growing stash of more than six tons of ivory from slaughtered elephants, heaped in a warehouse north of Denver, is about to be destroyed as part of a new U.S. push to combat illegal wildlife trafficking worldwide. (Denver Post) It will be a symbolic act. But symbolism matters. (National Geographic News: Opinion) Use our resources to better understand the ivory trade. Learn … Continue reading Does U.S. Ivory Crush Go Far Enough?

Poached Plants Get Second Life

UNITED STATES U.S. Customs officials confiscate many smuggled plants (orchids, mostly). Many of those plants get a second life at designated Plant Rescue Centers. (National Geographic News, watch the video below!) Use our resources to better understand the black market, and how illegal trade affects the environment and world economy. Discussion Ideas The Nat Geo News video describes plants that are confiscated at U.S. ports … Continue reading Poached Plants Get Second Life