Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Hi everyone! We made a video about the animals' protection, hope we can enable you realize the importance of this issue! Please check out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WYKOmqlgHI&feature=youtu.be
  

Monday, 8 October 2012

Animal Welfare Organisations Around the World

Here comes the world organizations!!

In order to protect animal more efficiently, people fund some organization around the world. We will give a brief introduction about some tipical organisations.

 World Society for the Protection of Animals


The World Society for the Protection of Animals (commonly WSPA) is an international non-profit animal welfareorganization and also a federation of such organisations and active in over 50 countries with more than 1000 member societies. Their aim is to help people understand the critical importance of good animal welfare, encourage nations to commit to animal-friendly practices and build the scientific case for the better treatment of animals.

International Fund for Animal Welfare


The International Fund for Animal Welfare(IFAW) is currently one of the largest animal welfare and conservation charities in the world. IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) saves animals in need all around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, we rescue individual animals, campaign to prevent animal cruelty and advocate for the protection of wildlife and habitats.

Animal Welfare Institute


The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1951 with the goal of reducing pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. Its legislative division, the Society for Animal Protective Legislation (SAPL), pushes for the passage of laws that reflect this purpose.

National Animal Welfare Trust


The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) is an animal welfare charity founded in 1971, which operates no-kill rescue centres for animals and birds. Its aim is that

the provision of care and shelter for stray, neglected and unwanted animals of all kinds,
the protection of animals of all kinds from ill-usage, cruelty and suffering,
and in particular, to rescue and provide care and shelter for stray, neglected and unwanted animals of all kinds and find suitable homes for any such animals.

References:
http://www.wspa-international.org/latestnews/default.aspx
http://www.ifaw.org/australia/our-work
http://www.nawt.org.uk/headquarters/index.asp
http://awionline.org/content/animal-programs

Sunday, 7 October 2012

Animal Welfare Organisations In NSW


Want to do something to help animals in real life ?Check our here are some animal welfare organisations in NSW just around us!

Animal Liberation














Animal Liberation is an animal rights charity founded in 1976 by Christine Townend, based on the philosophies of Professor Peter Singer, as set out in his worldwide best-selling book Animal Liberation.
Animal Liberation believes all animals (yes humans are animals too) have a right to live how they would normally choose without other species intervention. Just like slaves, women and other minorities in society have been able to challenge views on how they should be treated and what their rights should be, Animal Liberation wants to challenge society on its views of all non-human animals.



Animal Rights & Rescue 















The Animal Rights and Rescue Group is a registered charity that was formed in 1995, following the closing of the RSPCA branch in the region.
ARRG is a small group of dedicated people who work tirelessly to help the unwanted, injured and neglected animals. The group works seven days a week and is always urgently in need of committed volunteers and foster carers.
We cover our costs through the generous support of donations and the tireless efforts of our members who organise garage sales, 2nd hand clothing and goods shops (op shops), market stalls and raffles.
The group also give support and advice to the public regarding all companion animal issues. Where breaches of the Cruelty to Animals Act occur ARRG refers to the local RSPCA Inspector or the police and supports and assists where possible to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Animals are cared for in the homes of foster carers, as we have no shelter, and fed through the generosity of public food donations, as well as our supporters, Uncle Bens and Meat E Vite.
our number 1 priority is to build a no-kill shelter, on the far north coast.
By not having a shelter, restricts the number of animals we can accept into care and therefore a number are left at risk. A shelter will give us the ability to save many more animals, as well as reduce the burden on foster carers.


 

 Animal Welfare League





Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) is a registered charity that has been caring for surrendered, neglected and abandoned animals for over 50 years. AWL is authorised to investigate allegations of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

 

References:
http://animal-lib.org.au/about-us.html
http://www.animalrights.org.au/contact.php
http://www.awlnsw.com.au/about-us.html

Saturday, 6 October 2012

How Do Zoos Help Endangered Animals?

Let's look at how zoo cares about animals! They do more than we think!
The days when zoos were simply collections of caged animals maintained for public curiosity and entertainment are long past. Modern zoos play an important role in environmental protection, conservation and awareness. Zoos help endangered animals through breeding programs, education, professional training, habitat protection and scientific research. Through organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, as well as the United Nations Environment Program and the European Endangered Species Program, zoos are able to work cooperatively to help endangered animals.

Breeding Programs

Zoos help endangered animals through breeding programs that create and sustain genetically viable numbers of particular species. Describing their zoo's participation in cooperative European breeding programs, scientists at the Edinburgh Zoo explain that genetic diversity enables animal populations to hold onto the qualities that help them adapt and survive in the wild.

 
Around the world, zoos that exchange breeding animals and sperm develop specialist knowledge of particular species. In the UK, for example, Woburn Safari Park supports breeding programs for Eastern Mountain bongos. The National Zoo in Washington has successfully bred Sumatran tiger cubs, helping to boost a population that was once only about 700 in the world.

Research

Zoos are now major scientific establishments, helping endangered species through research into every aspect of their life cycle, vulnerabilities, behaviors, diets and habitats. The San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research studies methods of African elephant conservation. The Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) Bronx Zoo monitors 350 species using high tech tools, population surveys and research cooperation with international partners, resulting in a continual flow of discoveries. Longleat Safari Park in England supports mountain gorilla and elephant conservation and monitoring in the wild.

 

Habitat Protection

Animal species that are otherwise successful can become endangered through the disappearance of their natural habitat. Although some endangered animals face a future only in captivity, zoo breeding programs aim to release animals back into the wild wherever possible. Because of this, a number of zoos work actively to conserve natural habitats and support ecologically viable landscapes and seascapes. The WCS has helped create more than 100 protected areas around the world. These range from Mongolian grasslands to coral reefs.

Public Education

Zoos help endangered animals by educating the public about wild life protection and animal conservation. All the world's major zoos have education programs that teach children about animal behavior and protection. The Bronx Zoo has an award-winning education department with programs to teach young children, teens, families and adults about wildlife and wild habitats. The WCS that operates the Bronx Zoo also runs an active program in New York's Central Park Zoo. There, the zoo’s Wildlife Theater Players use drama, puppetry, games and songs to inspire young audiences to protect the natural world.

Professional Training

The next generation of ecologists, conservationists and animal behaviorists--those who will help zoos protect endangered animals in the future--are getting their training in zoos right now. In January 2010, the National Zoo launched the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, dedicated to global conservation and the training of conservationists. The Zoological Society of London, which operates the London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, offers work experience programs for young people who want to work in conservation. In San Diego, Zoo InternQuest interns explore careers at the San Diego Zoo and the zoo's Institute for Conservation Research.

References:




 

Wednesday, 3 October 2012

Europe's Endangered Animals



Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and other types of creatures of the European continent are listed as endangered.
The European Commission has warned that not enough is being done to protect the thousands of vulnerable species across the continent. A recent report on more than 1,180 species, more than 200 types of habitat and more than 25 European Union countries concludes areas that are protected are at risk as well as the species they support.


Mammals

Among the mammals listed as endangered in Europe is the Apennine Chamois of Italy. It is a goat-like animal with hook-shaped horns. Also, the Argali, the world's largest sheep, has part of its range in Europe and has been listed as endangered since 1976.
The Asiatic Lion, whose range includes Turkey, is listed among endangered mammals, along with the Brown Bear of Italy.

The Saiga Antelope, whose range includes Russia, has been listed as endangered since 1976. Today, less than 50,000 are believed to remain in the wild.
The Stellar Sea-Lion is among the largest of seals and has been listed as endangered since 1990.

Also included are the Azorean Bat, Barbary Macaque, Bavarian Pine Vole, Canarian Shrew, Canary Big-eared Bat, Caspian Seal, Dahl's Jird, European Mink, Hoffman Pika, Kazbeg Birch Mouse, Madeira Pipistrelle, Mongolian Marmot, Pyrenean Ibex, Red Deer, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Right Whale, Saimaa Ringed Seal, Sandy Mole Rat, Sea Otter, Spanish Lynx, Urial and West Caucasian Tur.

 

Birds

Among birds listed as endangered in Europe are the Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Peregrine Falcon and Japanese Crested Ibis.
The Egyptian Vulture, also known as Pharaoh's Chicken, was first listed as endangered in 2008. Between 10,000 and 100,000 individuals are thought to exist in the world with numbers declining due to poison in the food chain, power line electrocutions and disease.
The Eurasian Peregrine Falcon was first listed in 1976, and the Japanese Crested Ibis was first added in 1970.
Among other endangered birds in Europe are the Audouin's Gull, Azores Bullfinch, Azores Wood Pigeon, Baer's Pochard, Balearic Shearwater, Black-faced Spoonbill, Blakiston's Fish-owl, Canarian Black Oystercatcher, Hooded Crane, Short-tailed Albatross and White-headed Duck
.

 

Reptiles/Amphibians

 
Among endangered reptiles in Europe is the Roque Chico de Salmor Giant Lizard of the Canary Islands. First listed in 1984, the Roque Chico de Salmor is a subspecies of the El Hierro giant lizard, which is thought to be extinct. There is a captive breeding program for the lizards, and they are protected nationally and internationally.
Also listed as endangered are several other species of lizards, several species of vipers, the Euphrates Softshell Turtle and Loggerhead Sea Turtle.
In addition to reptiles, several frogs and salamanders, as well as the Montseny Brook Newt, show up on the lists of endangered species in Europe.


 
 

Insects

The Corsican Swallowtail, a butterfly found on the Corsica and Sardinia islands, was first listed in 1993. It is a black and yellow butterfly with a wingspan up to 3 inches.
While listed as endangered, there are few efforts to protect the butterfly populations.
Also included in the lists of insects are the Agriades zullichi of Spain, the Higgin's Anamalous Blue of Italy and the Madeira Brimstone butterfly of Portugal.
 
 

Fish

The Ala Balik, also known as the Flathead Trout, is found in the Zamanti and Seyhan Rivers of Turkey. It was first listed as endangered in 1970.
While populations are abundant, illegal net fishing threatens its survival.
In addition to the Ala Balik, there are many other species of fish listed as endangered in Europe. These include the Adriatic Salmon, Almiri Toothcarp, Common Sawfish and European Eel.


References:

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/06sCQg86YVs/Bristol+Zoo+Becomes+First+Europe+Breed+Endangered/aWjGEJYPWPz

Monday, 1 October 2012

Canadian Endangered Animals

Canada has the biggest continent in the world! The endangered animals are also special!

Many animal and plant species have become extinct in Canada since the beginning of the 20th century, and many more are in danger. The threat is increasing as human reach extends to uninhabited areas, largely due to deforestation and fishing. In April 2010 alone, four new species were added to the Canadian Endangered List. Among the endangered animals in Canada are the bobolink, the rusty-patched bumblebee, the massasauga, the North Atlantic right whale, and the loggerhead sea turtle. In 2010, there were 602 endangered animal and plant species in Canada, according to Nature Canada.

 

Bobolink

The bobolink is a bird native to North America that is white on the back and black on the stomach area. Living in grasslands, these birds eat seeds and insects. The bobolink population is rapidly decreasing through loss of habitat, fragmentation, pesticide exposure, and mortality from agricultural operations, as they are shot by farmers, who consider them pests since they feed off crops.





Rusty-Patched Bumblebee

The rusty-patched bumblebee gets its name from the rust-colored patch on its midsection. These bees are common throughout Canada as well as in the upper midwest of the United States. The insects are declining in numbers mostly due to the destruction of their natural habitat--much of which is destroyed through deforestation and logging.





Loggerhead Sea Turtle

This endangered turtle, which is found throughout the world, has seen global losses in population worldwide. These migratory turtles commonly become entangled in fishing nets and have also suffered from marine pollution. In Canada, the decline in loggerhead sea turtles is mostly due coastal fishing. Loggerhead turtles are protected by international treaties and agreements as well as national laws.


Massasauga

Most people find the massasauga--one of Canada's most venomous endangered species--very intimidating. Also known as the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, this snake is only found in Ontario and is actually considered to be quite nonaggressive. The endangerment of the massasauga has mostly come about from people deliberately killing the snake, since it is easily recognizable as a venomous snake because of the rattlers at the end of its tail.

 
North Atlantic Right Whale

The North Atlantic right whale ranks as one of the most endangered marine animals in the world. Because of protective hunting laws that were established in the 1930s, the whale has seen a growth in its numbers; however, in 2004 the population was only around 300 whales, according to Hinterland Who's Who, a website published by the Canadian Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Federation.



References:







 

 

 

Sunday, 30 September 2012

What Animals in Antarctica Are Endangered & Why?


Happy Labour Day! Happy Chinese National day!! Woo!! 

Many of the most beautiful animals in the Antarctic and surrounding areas are endangered. If we are not careful, these wonderful animals that are part of a larger ecosystem will soon be gone for good. Animals of all shapes and sizes are at risk despite their endangered and protected status.


 


Southern Right Whale


The Southern Right Whale is easily distinguished from other whales by callosities on its head as well as a large mouth that arches downward from right beneath the eyes. These whales do not have a dorsal fin and they are dark gray or black and may or may not have white spots on their abdomen.

These whales are endangered due to the commercial whaling industry. The whaling industry has been endangering this species since 1791 and it wasn't until 1935 that it was realized that this species of whales was all but gone. The Southern Right Whale was the first whale to receive a protected status, meaning they could no longer be caught. Up until they received the protective status it is known that at least 26,000 Southern Right Whales were killed due to the whaling industry.

Blue Whale


The blue whale is the largest whale in the sea. They usually grow to about 80 feet and weigh in at 120 tons. The whale has eight-foot-long flippers and a dorsal fin that is toward the rear. Blue whales are distinguished not only by their size but also the blue gray skin with white or gray spots.

Blue whales are endangered because of the whaling industry. Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, tens of thousands of blue whales were killed every year. The result was that by the 1960s there were an estimated 10,000 blue whales left. Ever since, the blue whale has been protected by international law, meaning they are not to be captured or killed.


Amsterdam Albatross


The Amsterdam Albatross is a large bird that is chocolate brown in the upper body and has a white face and throat, a white lower breast and a brown undertail. The Amsterdam Albatross is endangered because its numbers have fallen to an estimated 90 individuals and only 10 to 20 breeding pairs. The numbers have been on the decline due to the presence of feral cats that feed on the birds, fires, and long line fishing. Long line fishing and avian cholera have contributed to much of the loss.

Northern Royal Albatross

The northern royal albatross is a white and black albatross that has a white head and neck and tail region and black wings. The species lives in the Antarctic and surrounding regions. The northern royal albatross is endangered because it has a very small breeding area that was negatively impacted by storms in the 1980s, which has resulted in poor breeding ever since. Since being listed as endangered, the numbers of individuals and breeding pairs have remained stable.

Tristan Albatross
The Tristan albatross is a large albatross that has a white body and black wings, and without being up close, one may not be able to distinguish between this albatross and others. The Tristan albatross is endangered because it has a very small breeding range and a dwindling population. Contributing to the dwindling population is long line fishing as well as rats and mice preying on the eggs of the birds.





http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/3702494/Rare-albatross-suffers-worst-nesting-season-on-record-says-RSPB.html