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Columbian black-tailed deer, Odocoileus hermionus columbianus, on San Juan
Island, Washington
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Parfois, tu croises quelqu'un de loin et tu commences à photographier en te disant qu'il va pas rester longtemps. Et puis en fait il te laisse approcher à même pas deux mètres.
#Charente #Moutonneau #animal #mammifère #mammal #lièvre #hare #sauvage #wildlife #wildlifephoto
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Five New Hedgehog Species Found in Southeast Asia
A recent study has identified five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs (also known as Lesser Gymnures) from #SoutheastAsia. The study used DNA analysis and physical characteristics to describe two entirely new species of soft-furred hedgehogs and to elevate three subspecies to the level of species.These tiny tree-dwelling creatures are soft and furry with a mouse-like appearance, yet they are not rodents – they are hedgehogs. Help them to survive the destruction of their natural home for #palmoil – make sure you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket!
#News: Five new species of soft-furred #hedgehogs AKA lesser Gymnures discovered deep within the Leuser Ecosystem in #Indonesia and also southern #Vietnam. Help them to survive when you shop #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife #biodiversity @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-7dg
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Research paper: Arlo Hinckley et al. An integrative taxonomic revision of lesser gymnures (Eulipotyphla: Hylomys) reveals five new species and emerging patterns of local endemism in Tropical East Asia. , 2023 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad177. Media release: “Five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia.” published in ScienceDaily, 21 December 2023.
The two new species, named Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem, a tropical rainforest in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam, respectively. The museum specimens that were vital to describing these two new species came from the natural history collections of the Smithsonian and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia where they had remained in drawers for 84 and 62 years, respectively, prior to identification.
Soft-furred hedgehogs or gymnures are small mammals that are members of the hedgehog family, but as their common name suggests they are furry rather than spiny.
Like spiny hedgehogs, they are not rodents and they have a pointy snout. Without the spines of their more well-known cousins, soft-furred hedgehogs superficially look a bit like a mixture of a mouse and a shrew with a short tail, said Arlo Hinckley, the study’s lead author and a Margarita Salas Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Museum of Natural History and University of Seville. The five new species belong to a group of soft-furred hedgehogs called lesser gymnures (Hylomys) that live in Southeast Asia and previously was only recognized to have been represented by two known species.
youtu.be/5cnEGcv8jl4?si=avJOBS…
“We were only able to identify these new hedgehogs thanks to museum staff that curated these specimens across countless decades and their original field collectors,” Hinckley said. “By applying modern genomic techniques like we did many years after these hedgehogs were first collected, the next generation will be able to identify even more new species.”
Hinckley said these small mammals are active during the day and night and are omnivorous, likely eating a diversity of insects and other invertebrates as well as some fruits as opportunities present themselves.
“Based on the lifestyles of their close relatives and field observations, these hedgehogs likely nest in hollows and take cover while foraging among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy areas, undergrowth and leaf litter,” Hinckley said. “But, because they’re so understudied, we are limited to speculate about the details of their natural history.”
Hinckley first became intrigued with the gymnure group Hylomys in 2016 during his doctoral studies, especially after he sampled them in Borneo with co-author Miguel Camacho Sánchez. Preliminary genetic data and studies of several known populations of Hylomys in Southeast Asia suggested to them there might be more species in the group than were currently recognized. This sent Hinckley combing through natural history collections searching for specimens assigned to the group, many of which were only preserved skins and skulls.
When he began his research at the Smithsonian in 2022, Hinckley leveraged the National Museum of Natural History’s collections to fill in geographic gaps in the specimens he had already studied with the help of Melissa Hawkins, the museum’s curator of mammals.
In the end, Hinckley, Hawkins and their collaborators assembled 232 physical specimens and 85 tissue samples for genetic analysis from across the entire Hylomys group from a combination of Hinckley and Hawkins’ own field collecting, as well as modern and historical museum specimens from no less than 14 natural history collections across Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Then Hinckley and his co-authors set about the lengthy process of conducting genetic analysis on the 85 tissue samples in Doñana Biological Station’s ancient DNA laboratory and the museum’s Laboratories of Analytical Biology. They also made rigorous physical observations and collected measurements to examine differences in the size and shape of skulls, teeth and fur on the 232 specimens.
The genetic results identified seven distinct genetic lineages in Hylomys, suggesting the number of recognized species in the group was about to increase by five, later confirmed by the team’s physical observations of the specimens.
“It might be surprising for people to hear that there are still undiscovered mammals out there,” Hawkins said. “But there is a lot we don’t know—especially the smaller nocturnal animals that can be difficult to tell apart from one another.”
H. macarong, which has dark brown fur and measures about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in length, was named after a Vietnamese word for vampire (Ma cà rồng) because males of the species possess long, fang-like incisors. Hinckley said more field study would be required to figure out what purpose the fangs might serve, but that their larger size in males suggests they could have some role in sexual selection. Males also have rust-colored chest markings that Hawkins said could have been stained by scent glands.
H. vorax also has dark brown fur but is slightly smaller than H. macarong at 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) long; it has a completely black tail, a very narrow snout and is found only on the slopes of Mount Leuser in Northern Sumatra. Hinckley and Hawkins gave the species the Latin name H. vorax after a striking description of their behavior from mammologist Frederick Ulmer, who collected the specimens that led to the species description on an expedition to Sumatra in 1939. Ulmer described the creature in his field notes, incorrectly identifying it as a type of shrew: “They were voracious beasts often devouring the whole bait before springing the trap. Ham rind, coconut, meat, and walnuts were eaten. One shrew partially devoured the chicken head bait of a steel trap before getting caught in a nearby Schuyler trap baited with ham rind.”
The other three new species were all formerly considered to be subspecies of Hylomys suillus, but all showed sufficient genetic and physical divergence to merit the upgrade to species in their own right. They are named H. dorsalis, H. maxi and H. peguensis.
H. dorsalis hails from the mountains of Northern Borneo and features a conspicuous dark stripe that begins atop their heads and bisects their back before fading around mid-body. It is about the same size as H. macarong. H. maxi is also on the larger end of the new species of soft-furred hedgehogs at 14 centimeters (5.5 inches).
The species is found in mountainous regions on the Malay Peninsula and in Sumatra. H. peguensis is smaller, measuring 13 centimeters (5.1 inches), and is found in numerous countries in mainland Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Their fur is a bit more yellow colored than that of the other new species, Hawkins said.
Describing new species expands humanity’s scientific understanding of the natural world can be a tool for boosting conservation in threatened habitats such as Northern Sumatra’s Leuser ecosystem.
“This kind of study can help governments and organizations make hard choices about where to prioritize conservation funding to maximize biodiversity,” Hinckley said.
Research paper: Arlo Hinckley et al. An integrative taxonomic revision of lesser gymnures (Eulipotyphla: Hylomys) reveals five new species and emerging patterns of local endemism in Tropical East Asia. , 2023 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad177. Media release: “Five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia.” published in ScienceDaily, 21 December 2023.
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
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South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazards
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
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#biodiversity #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #ForgottenAnimals #hedgehogs #Indonesia #Mammal #News #PalmOil #palmoil #SouthEastAsia #SoutheastAsia #Vietnam
The Problems with Palm Oil
Discover the environmental and social issues caused by palm oil production. Learn about its impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and how to take action with Palm Oil DetectivesPalm Oil Detectives
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Lion-tailed Macaque Macaca silenus
Lion-tailed Macaque Macaca silenus
Red List Status: Endangered
Extant (resident): India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
Lion-tailed #macaques hold the title of one of the smallest #macaque species in the world and sport a majestic lion-esque mane of hair. They exclusively call the Western Ghats in #India their home. This area has been decimated in recent years for palm oil. Prior to palm oil’s arrival in the Western Ghats, populations of Lion-tailed macaques were already fragmented. Now these beautiful small macaques are in serious trouble. Read on to discover how you can boycott palm oil every time you shop #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Lion-tailed #macaques are a small macaque species and sport a majestic lion-like mane. Their home in the Western Ghats, #India is threatened by #palmoil #ecocide. They are now #endangered! Help them and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife via @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-72o
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Magnificent Lion-tailed #Macaques 🐒🐵 of Western Ghats #India 🇮🇳🪷 are #endangered. They are hemmed in on all sides by #palmoil 🌴🔥 #deforestation. Fight for them when you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴🩸☠️🧐🙊⛔️ @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-72o
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Appearance & Behaviour
Captivating Lion-tailed macaques are known for their lion-esque, long, thin, and tufted tails. Despite their endearing appearance, this primate ranks among the most endangered macaques globally.
These majestic primates prefer the solitary life, rarely venturing from their rainforest domain, where they form tightly knit family units of up to 34 individuals. Troops are led by a dominant male who controls breeding with females. As arboreal and diurnal creatures, these macaques sleep high in the rainforest canopy, exhibiting both territorial behaviour and a sophisticated communication system that includes as many as 17 vocalisations such as ‘whoops’ to lip-smacking greetings. Lion-tailed macaques and their daily symphony in the tree tops are unique and priceless treasures of India worth cherishing.
Threats
The Lion-tailed Macaque is currently listed as Endangered, a status reflecting the critical state of their population. With fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remaining and no single subpopulation exceeding 250 mature individuals, their situation is precarious.
Projections estimate a continued decline of over 20% in their population over the next 25 years. This decline is attributed to several factors, including hunting, road kills, and the ongoing loss of their natural habitat in recent years to palm oil cultivation. This situation highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect and preserve this unique and vulnerable species.
- Habitat Fragmentation: The Lion-tailed Macaque’s primary threat today is the ongoing fragmentation of their habitat, mainly for palm oil and timber, with many forest fragments shrinking even further.
- Historical Habitat Loss: Previously, significant habitat loss was due to timber harvesting and the creation of exotic plantations like tea, eucalyptus, and coffee.
- Habitat Degradation: This is a critical concern for their conservation, particularly in Kerala, where changes in land use in private forests and plantations are problematic.
- Hunting Pressures: Hunting, both for subsistence and non-subsistence purposes, poses a significant threat in certain regions. In areas like Coorg, where wet evergreen habitat is abundant, hunting for food is a major concern.
- Local Trade Threats: There is a local trade for Lion-tailed Macaques as pets, and historically in Coorg, they were hunted for purported medicinal uses.
- Reproductive and Ecological Challenges: Features like large interbirth periods, seasonal resource availability, and female competition for mates make this species intrinsically rare in the wild, requiring active management for their survival.
- Genetic Concerns: In fragmented forests like the Anamalai Hills, Lion-tailed Macaques show less genetic diversity compared to those in contiguous forests, indicating that inbreeding and isolation in small, isolated populations could harm their long-term survival.
Habitat
The Lion-tailed macaque, native to the Western Ghats hill ranges in southwestern India, faces a precarious future. They live in altitudes of 100-1,300 m in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. A region marked by severe fragmentation. The recent surge in palm oil cultivation has further imperiled their habitat in the Western Ghats region, posing a significant threat to the survival of these unique primates.
Diet
Embracing a diverse palate, Lion-tailed macaques are true omnivores, savouring a rich array of foods. While fruits are a mainstay of their diet, these resourceful animals also indulge in leaves, stems, flowers, buds, and fungi, insects, lizards, tree frogs and small mammals.
Mating and breeding
Lion-tailed macaques embrace a polygynous lifestyle – one dominant male takes the lead in mating with several females. They breed throughout the year with a peak during the wet season when food is abundant.
The gestation period lasts around six months, resulting in a single infant entirely dependent on their mother. Motherly care extends through a year of nursing. As they reach adolescence, males venture into nomadic all-male units before forming their harems, while females commonly stick to their original groups. Reproductive maturity happens at five years old for females and eight years old for males.
Support Lion-tailed macaque by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Singh, M., Kumar, A. & Kumara, H.N. 2020. Macaca silenus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T12559A17951402. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.202…. Accessed on 26 December 2023.
Lion-tailed macaque Wikipedia article – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion-tai…
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status…
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1…
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazards
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
#animals #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #CentralAsia #deforestation #ecocide #endangered #EndangeredSpecies #ForgottenAnimals #hunting #illegalPetTrade #India #LionTailedMacaqueMacacaSilenus #macaque #macaques #Mammal #monkey #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #poaching #Primate #primates
The Problems with Palm Oil
Discover the environmental and social issues caused by palm oil production. Learn about its impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and how to take action with Palm Oil DetectivesPalm Oil Detectives
Research: Climate Change Collapsing Insect Numbers by 63%
The world may be facing a devastating “hidden” collapse in insect species due to the twin threats of climate change and habitat loss.#Palmoil 🪔 #soy #meat 🥩 and #cocoa 🍫 #agriculture along with #climatechange and #habitatloss in rainforests is driving #insects to the edge of #extinction. Take action by going #vegan and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴💀⛔️ @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-4KY
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Share to TwitterThe parts of the world with the greatest #insect abundance may be falling silent without us even realising. the Insect apocalypse would herald the end of all life on earth. The time for excuses is OVER. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-4KY
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- UCL’s Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research has carried out one of the largest-ever assessments of insect declines around the world – assessing three-quarters of a million samples from around 6,000 sites.
- The new study, published in Nature, finds that climate-stressed farmland possesses only half the number of insects, on average, and 25% fewer insect species than areas of natural habitat.
- Insect declines are greatest in high-intensity farmland areas within tropical countries – where the combined effects of climate change and habitat loss are experienced most profoundly.
- The majority of the world’s estimated 5.5 million species are thought to live in these regions – meaning the planet’s greatest abundances of insect life may be suffering collapses without us even realising.
- Lowering the intensity of farming by using fewer chemicals, having a greater diversity of crops and preserving some natural habitat can mitigate the negative effects of habitat loss and climate change on insects.
- Considering the choices we make as consumers – such as buying shade-grown coffee or cocoa – could also help protect insects and other creatures in the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Originally written by Tim Newbold, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Biodiversity and Environment, UCL and Charlie Outhwaite, Postdoctoral Researcher in Biodiversity Change, UCL. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Longer version
Insects are critical to the future of our planet. They help to keep pest species under control and break down dead material to release nutrients into the soil. Flying insects are also key pollinators of many major food crops, including fruits, spices and – importantly for chocolate lovers – cocoa.The growing number of reports suggesting insect numbers are in steep decline is therefore of urgent concern. Loss of insect biodiversity could put these vital ecological functions at risk, threatening human livelihoods and food security in the process. Yet across large swathes of the world, there are gaps in our knowledge about the true scale and nature of insect declines.
Most of what we do know comes from data collected in the planet’s more temperate regions, especially Europe and North America. For example, widespread losses of pollinators have been identified in Great Britain, butterflies have experienced declines in numbers of between 30 and 50% across Europe, and a 76% reduction in the biomass of flying insects has been reported in Germany.
Information on insect species numbers and their abundance in the tropics (the regions either side of the Equator including the Amazon rainforest, all of Brazil, and much of Africa, India and Southeast Asia) is far more scarce. Yet the majority of the world’s estimated 5.5 million insect species are thought to live in these tropical regions – meaning the planet’s greatest abundances of insect life may be suffering calamitous collapses without us even realising.
The largest of the 29 major insect groups are butterflies/moths, beetles, bees/wasps/ants and flies. Each of these groups is thought to contain more than one million species. Not only is it near-impossible to monitor such a vast number, but as many as 80% of insects may not have been discovered yet – of which many are tropical species.
Responding to these knowledge gaps, researchers at UCL’s Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research have conducted one of the largest-ever assessments of insect biodiversity change. Some three-quarters of a million samples from around 6,000 sites worldwide were analysed in our study, adding up to nearly 20,000 different species in all.
Insects are facing an unprecedented threat due to the “twin horsemen” of climate change and habitat loss. We sought to understand how insect biodiversity is being affected in areas that experience both these challenges most severely. We know they do not work in isolation: habitat loss can add to the effects of climate change by limiting available shade, for example, leading to even warmer temperatures in these vulnerable areas.
For the first time, we were able to include these important interactions in our global biodiversity modelling. Our findings, published in Nature, reveal that insect declines are greatest in farmland areas within tropical countries – where the combined effects of climate change and habitat loss are experienced most profoundly.
We compared high-intensity farmland sites where high levels of warming have occurred with (related) areas of natural habitat that are little-affected by climate change. The farmland sites possess only half the number of insects, on average, and more than 25% fewer insect species. Throughout the world, our analysis also shows that farmland in climate-stressed areas where most nearby natural habitat has been removed has lost 63% of its insects, on average, compared with as little as 7% for farmland where the nearby natural habitat has been largely preserved.
Areas our study highlights as particularly at risk include Indonesia and Brazil, where many crops depend on insects for pollination and other vital ecosystem services. This has serious implications for local farmers and the wider food chain in these climatically and economically vulnerable areas.
Cocoa, midges and deforestation
Eighty-seven of the world’s major crops are thought to be fully or partially dependent on insect pollinators, of which most tend to be grown in the tropics. Cocoa, for example, is primarily pollinated by midges, a group of flies infamous for bedevilling camping trips in Scotland and other parts of the northern hemisphere. In fact, midges play a vital and under-appreciated role in pollinating the cocoa needed to make chocolate.The majority of cocoa production takes place in Indonesia, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. In Indonesia alone, the export of cocoa beans is valued at around US$75 million per year. Most cocoa production is carried out by smallholders rather than big plantation owners, and many farmers are dependent on this crop for their livelihoods. While it is critical to understand whether insect losses will make things worse for cocoa and its farmers, we have very little knowledge of the state of insect biodiversity in tropical countries such as Indonesia.
Cocoa production in Indonesia is carried out by smallholders whose livelihoods may be hit by insect decline. Shutterstock
Cocoa production in the region is already being stressed by adverse weather events that may be linked to climate change. Warming temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are implicated in changes in the growth, pollination and bean production of cocoa plants.Agriculture is one of the major industries for the people of Indonesia, particularly in rural regions, with large areas being cleared for the production of key crops, also including palm oil. This has resulted in deforestation of extensive areas of rainforest, increasing the risk to many rare and endangered species such as the orangutan, as well as less well-known species including many insects.
Tropical regions are under considerable threat, primarily as a result of agricultural expansion – often to meet increasing demand from countries outside the tropics. International trade has been shown to be a major driver of deforestation in these regions, with forests in Southeast Asia, East and West Africa and the Amazon particularly vulnerable.Brazil’s and Indonesia’s high levels of deforestation are attributed to the production of commodities for export including soybean, coffee, palm oil – and cocoa.
The threat of climate change
Habitat loss is known to be a key threat to biodiversity, yet its impact on insects is still under-studied, and assessments of tropical species tend to be very rare. One study found that forest-dependent orchid bees in Brazil have declined in abundance by around 50% (although it only sampled their numbers at two time points). Orchid bees, found only in the Americas, are important pollinators of orchid flowers, with some plants being entirely dependent on this insect for their pollination.Example of a farmland system in the tropics, in Ethiopia. Tim Newbold
Adding to the challenges of deforestation and other, longer-term habitat changes, is climate change. This fast-emerging threat to insect biodiversity has already been implicated in declines of moths in Costa Rica and bumblebees in Europe and North America. Rising temperatures and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts, are just two manifestations known to be having a harmful impact on many insect species.It is predicted that climate change will have a particularly big impact in the planet’s tropical regions. Temperatures in the tropics are naturally quite stable, so species aren’t used to coping with the fast changes in temperature we are seeing with climate change. Again, though, our ability to understand how this is affecting tropical insects is hampered by a lack of data for these regions. Almost all of the available data comes from only a few very well-studied groups of insects – in particular, butterflies, moths and bees – while many other groups receive very little attention. Despite a big increase in studies of insect biodiversity change, there is still much we don’t know.
Insects normally missed
To help address this knowledge gap, our study has assessed three-quarters of a million samples of insects from all over the world. Of the 6,000 sites included, almost one third are from tropical locations. Our samples of nearly 20,000 different insect species include beetles, bees, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, flies, bugs, dragonflies and other, less well-known groups.This was made possible through the use of PREDICTS, a biodiversity database which brings together millions of samples collected by researchers all over the world. PREDICTS records biodiversity in natural habitats and also in areas used by humans for growing crops, among other purposes. It is one of very few global databases that allow us to study biodiversity changes across the whole world.
Almost all insect data comes from a few very well-studied groups – in particular, butterflies, moths and bees. Shutterstock
While our 20,000-strong sample represents only a fraction of the vast diversity of insect species, it is still a sample from more sites than have ever been studied before. We were particularly interested in using it to understand how habitat loss and climate change play off each other to affect insect biodiversity, and were able to include these interactions in our models for the first time.These twin conditions are found most profoundly in farmland in tropical countries. And our results demonstrate that farmland in these regions has typically lost a lot of insect biodiversity, relative to areas of primary vegetation. This highlights that climate change may present a major threat to food security not only by directly impacting crops, but also through losses of pollinators and other important insects.
As climate change accelerates, the ability to grow cocoa and other crops in their current geographical ranges is already becoming more uncertain, threatening local livelihoods and reducing the availability of these crops for consumers all over the world. The insect losses our study highlights are only likely to add to this risk. Indeed, threats to food security due to the loss of insect biodiversity are already being seen in both temperate and tropical regions: for example, evidence of reduced yields due to a lack of pollinators has been reported for cherry, apple and blueberry production in the US.
In some parts of the world, farmers are resorting to hand-pollination techniques, where the flowers of crops are pollinated using a brush. Hand pollination is used for cocoa in a number of countries, including Ghana and Indonesia. These techniques can help to maintain or increase yield, but come at a high labour cost.
Reducing the declines
Our study also highlights changes that could help to reduce insect declines. Lowering the intensity of farming – for example, by using fewer chemicals and having a greater diversity of crops – mitigates some of the negative effects of habitat loss and climate change. In particular, we show that preserving natural habitat within farmed landscapes really helps insects. Where farmland in climate-stressed areas with its natural habitat largely removed shows insect reductions of 63%, on average, this number drops to as little as 7% where three-quarters of the nearby natural habitat has been preserved.For insects living on farmland, natural habitat patches act as an alternative source of food, nesting sites and places to shelter from high temperatures. This offers hope that even while the planet continues to warm, there are options that will reduce some of the impacts on insect biodiversity.
Not all species are struggling: one UK study shows an increase in freshwater insects such as the damselfly. Shutterstock
Indeed, natural habitat availability has already been shown, at smaller scales, to have a positive impact within agricultural systems in particular. For Indonesian cocoa, increasing the amount of natural habitat has been found to boost numbers of key insects including pollinators. Our new study shows, however, that the benefits of this intervention are only found in less-intensive farming systems. This might mean reducing the level of inputs such as fertilisers and insecticides that are applied, or increasing crop diversity to ensure the benefits of nearby natural habitat can be felt.It’s also important to note that not all species are enduring a hard time as a result of recent pressures. For example, recent work looking at UK insects has shown that while some groups have declined, others, including freshwater insects, have increased in recent years. Another study looking at worldwide insect trends also found increases in the numbers of freshwater insects. However, many of these positive trends have been reported in non-tropical regions such as the UK and Europe, where a lot has been done, for example, to improve the water quality of rivers in recent years, following past degradation.
Covid-19 helped many people to reconnect with animals and plants around us
The COVID-19 lockdowns prompted many of us to reconnect with the flora and fauna around us. In the UK, the warm spring weather of 2020 saw an apparent increase in the abundance of insects in the UK countryside. However, this spike was probably temporary, and something of an anomaly set against the bigger picture worldwide.To support more insect biodiversity in our local environments, we can plant diverse gardens to attract insects, reduce the amount of pesticides used in gardens and allotments, and reduce how often we mow our lawns. (In the UK, you could consider joining the No Mow May challenge.) However, it is not just locally that we can make a difference. Considering the choices we make as consumers could help protect insects and other creatures in the tropics. For example, buying shade-grown coffee or cocoa will ensure a lesser impact on biodiversity than crops grown in the open.
Meanwhile, governments and other public and private organisations should consider more carefully the impact their actions and policies are having on insects. This could range from the proper consideration of biodiversity within trade policies and agreements, to ensuring that products are not sourced from areas associated with high deforestation rates.
And then there’s the data issue. We are increasingly recognising the importance of insects for human health and wellbeing, and their key role in global food production systems. Safeguarding the environment to protect insects into the future will have big benefits for human societies around the world. However, none of this is possible without good data.
One important step towards a better understanding of insect biodiversity change is to bring together and assess the data that is already available. A new project of which we are part, GLiTRS (GLobal Insect Threat-Response Synthesis), is doing this by combining the work of leading experts from a range of institutions and ecological disciplines, including data analysts. The project will then assess how different insect groups are responding to certain threats.
Understanding what is causing insect declines is key for preventing even greater losses in the future, and for safeguarding the valuable functions that insects perform. Climate change and biodiversity loss are major global crises that are two sides of the same coin. Their combined effects on food production mean the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of many people in the tropics and beyond are hanging in the balance. Insect biodiversity losses are a crucial, but as yet understudied, part of this story.
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Cocoa output to plunge in the coming season
The cocoa processors are expecting a slump in the production during the harvest season in the country beginning November.PK Krishnakumar (Economic Times)
2026-01-31 13:27:01
2026-01-31 13:27:01
2023-10-07 14:14:00
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African Manatee Trichechus senegalensis
African Manatee [em]Trichechus senegalensis[/em]
Vulnerable
Native – Extant (resident)
Angola; Benin; Cameroon; Chad; Congo; Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Côte d’Ivoire; Equatorial Guinea; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Liberia; Mali; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Togo
In the folklore of West Africa, there’s a fascinating character called Maame Water, believed to be a goddess of the sea, she symbolises wealth and beauty. Maame Water is none other than the African Manatee!The Serer people of Senegal, the Gambia, and Mauritania hold the African Manatee in high regard, considering them sacred and a guardian of the secrets of the future according to their creation myth. This precious species is vulnerable from palm oil deforestation, hunting and pollution. They perform an essential service to mangrove ecosystems by keeping them healthy. Help them survive and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop!
African Manatees 🐋💙 have been a fixture in #African myths for millennia 🇨🇩🇨🇲🇬🇭🇱🇷 Now they a threatened by #palmoil 🌴🩸🔥 #hunting, #cocoa and the pet trade. Help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🪔⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2023/10/…
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#African #Manatees 🐋🩵 are #vulnerable from #palmoil 🌴🪔 #cocoa 🍫🫕 #deforestation and the #pet and #zoo trade. Fight for them and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🪔☠️🔥🧐⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2023/10/…
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Appearance & Behaviour
African manatees are usually content with their own company, but they occasionally join forces with a few fellow manatees to rest together. They’re versatile creatures, active during both day and night, exploring their watery world. When the sun is high, you might spot them resting in the shallows, hidden away among mangrove roots or floating plants. And don’t be fooled by their peaceful appearance—they’re just avoiding the hustle and bustle of human activity.
African manatees enjoy their solitude but occasionally gather in small groups to rest together. They have a knack for finding quiet spots in shallow water, like mangrove roots or under floating plants, to take a break. You’ll hardly notice them gliding through the water as they move with grace and gentleness. Depending on the region, their activity patterns may vary, with some being active both during the day and night.
Fast Facts
- African manatees resemble the American manatees but have distinctive white markings on their abdomens.
- African manatees have large front flippers used for paddling and bringing food to their mouths.
- They rely on strong molars to chew vegetation, their primary food source.
- When born, manatees have small incisors that are eventually lost, and new molars grow in their place.
- African manatees consume 4 to 9 percent of their body weight in wet vegetation daily.
It is crucial to protect these amazing beings and their habitats. One way you can make a difference is by boycotting palm oil, as its production often leads to deforestation and the destruction of important manatee habitats. By using your wallet as a weapon and opting for palm oil-free products, you can help them!
Threats
African Manatees face several major threats:
- Deforestation for palm oil, cocoa and other commodities: pesticide run-off from these industries into rivers is devastating to populations.
- Illegal poaching: for parts (meat, oil, bones, skin)
- Zoo and pet trade: Capture and sale to zoos, aquariums, and as pets
- Infrastructure growth: Increased damming and hydroelectric power use
- Genetic isolation of populations
- Accidents with turbines in dams: along with fishing nets
- Climate change and extreme weather incidents: droughts, tidal changes.
- Starvation during the dry season in the Niger River
Habitat
African manatees thrive in a variety of habitats across West and Central Africa. They can be found in rivers, estuaries, lagoons, coastal bays, lakes, and reservoirs. These gentle creatures prefer calm waters with easy access to food and freshwater.
Diet
These herbivorous beauties have a diverse palate. They munch on a variety of aquatic plants, grasses, and emergent vegetation. From Vossia to Cyperus papyrus, they savor the flavors of their leafy feasts. In certain areas, they might even surprise you by snacking on small fish or delectable mollusks. These manatees definitely know how to enjoy a well-rounded meal!
Mating and breeding
When it comes to family, African manatees keep it small and sweet. Mothers and calves form a strong bond, sticking together as a unit. While we don’t know all the details about their love lives, we have observed mating herds in various African countries. The little ones stay close to their moms for quite some time, but we’re still learning about their growth and development.
Support African Manatee by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Keith Diagne, L. 2015. Trichechus senegalensis (errata version published in 2016). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22104A97168578. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 02 June 2023.
1. African Manatee on Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_…
2. African Manatee on Animalia.bio – animalia.bio/african-manatee
3. How West African Manatees help keep mangroves healthy, One Earth.
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
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Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
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The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status…
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1…
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
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African Manatee Trichechus senegalensis - Africa
In the folklore of West Africa, there's a fascinating character called Maame Water, believed to be a goddess of the sea, she symbolises wealth and beauty. Ma...Palm Oil Detectives (YouTube)
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2026-01-31 13:25:56
2026-01-31 13:25:56
2024-04-27 16:02:00
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African Forest Elephants Help Fight Climate Change
Discover the awe-inspiring role of African forest #elephants in the Congo Basin—nature’s master gardeners who literally shape the world around them! These gentle giants roam through muddy, mineral-rich paradises called baïs, fostering the growth of carbon-absorbing trees that make our planet healthier. By tending to these unique landscapes, they are the unsung heroes in the fight against climate change. Want to ensure these ecological architects keep doing their vital work? Join the movement to protect their habitat—say no to palm oil and adopt a vegan lifestyle! 🐘🌳#BoycottPalmOil #BeVegan #Boycott4Wildlife
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African forest #elephants 🐘 in #Congo 🇨🇩 are essential to fighting #climatechange 🌳💚 by capturing #carbon and dispersing seeds in the rainforest. Help them every time you shop, be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/04/…
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Gentle giant pachyderms #African forest #elephants 🐘🐘 are the unsung heroes helping #climatechange. They capture #carbon in the #DRC’s 🇨🇩🌳rainforest! Help them survive with your supermarket choices #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/04/…
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This story was written by Leonie Joubert and originally published by Mongabay on August 15, 2023 and was republished under a Creative Commons licence.
The approach to the “village of elephants” in the Sangha Rainforest in the Central African Republic must be made in complete silence. Not even the faintest rustle of backpack on rain jacket should break the soundscape as visitors wade through the sometimes waist-deep swamp at the forest’s edge. The Indigenous Ba’aka guides must be able to listen for any signs of nearby elephants, so they can steer the visitors clear and avoid a close encounter with these giants. When a few pachyderms saunter out of the dense greenery, the Ba’aka shoo them away calmly.
The thick vegetation gives way suddenly to a baï. This is no mere watering hole. The sandy clearing stretches for half a kilometer, more than a quarter of a mile, in the otherwise unbroken canopy of the world’s second-largest tropical forest.
A handful of researchers camp out on a timber observation platform, overlooking a place that has drawn generations of elephants to its mineral- and salt-laden sand and muddy water. They document how the animals use their trunks or tusks to dig into the sand, eavesdrop on the animals’ conversations, and count the many other species that congregate here.
This is Dzanga baï, a meeting place for critically endangered African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in the Dzanga-Sangha Complex of Protected Areas where these animals come together in huge numbers to dig for nutrients they can’t get from the otherwise abundant forests.
Baïs are unique to the Congo Basin’s forests, and new research is underway to understand the role these mineral-rich pockets play as a supplement to the elephants’ diet, how this sustains the animals’ population, and how they therefore contribute to the carbon-capture function of the forest.
Unlike the Amazon, the Congo Basin’s forests still have their original megafauna, elephants in particular. And they have these salt-rich clearings. Conservationists are beginning to understand the importance of elephants as forest gardeners here, and how their taste for certain trees and fruits has sculpted a forest that absorbs more carbon per hectare than the Amazon.
The Global Carbon Budget project estimated Africa’s total greenhouse gas emissions for 2021 at 1.45 billion metric tons. Every year, the Congo Basin’s forests soak up 1.1 billion metric tons of atmospheric carbon, storing it in trees and soil; in 2020 carbon credit prices, this service would be worth $55 billion.
Forest elephants, smaller than their better-known savanna cousins or even Asian elephants, prefer certain lower-growing, tasty trees. This picky browsing pressure creates gaps in the canopy that allow other, less palatable but carbon-dense species to reach tremendous heights. Elephants’ appetite for the fruit of these bigger trees then means they spread their seeds far and wide.
A 2019 study from the Ndoki Forest in the Republic of Congo (ROC) and LuiKotale in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) estimated that if elephants were removed from these sites, the loss of their forest-shaping food preferences would reduce the forest’s carbon capture by 7%.
This finding makes a case not only to stop deforestation in the Congo Basin, but to protect the elephants too, as a way to slow climate breakdown, the study authors wrote.
Salt licks for elephants, gardeners of the forest
Mouangi baï is only about 250 km (155 mi) from Dzanga baï as the crow flies, but it takes a day or two to travel by road and river to get from one to the other.
Researchers with the conservation organization African Parks and Harvard University’s Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology are zeroing in on Mouangi and other baïs in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the ROC, to clarify the link between baïs, elephants and the forest’s tree species composition.
Nicknamed Capitale by the locals, Mouangi baï in Odzala draws hundreds, maybe even thousands, of elephants, according to Gwili Gibbon, research and monitoring head at African Parks, which manages the park along with the ROC government.
“Mouangi is one of our largest and most renowned baïs,” Gibbon says.
At the intersection of two rivers, Mouangi is more than 1 km (0.6 mi) across and spans 91 hectares (225 acres). It’s the largest of a dozen of Odzala’s baïs that the African Parks and Harvard research collaboration is focusing on.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park extends across 1.35 million hectares (3.34 million acres), and while it has a few thousand baïs, often occurring in clusters within the forest, this ecosystem makes up only about 0.2% of the park’s footprint. Nevertheless, these clearings may be integral to the shape of the forest itself, which is why Harvard assistant professor Andrew Davies and doctoral researcher Evan Hockridge are teaming up with African Parks to understand the importance of the salty watering holes in supporting elephant populations, which then shape the forest mosaic.
The baïs are clearly a hotspot that elephants seek out for their rare minerals in an ecosystem rooted in the nutrient-poor soils typical of the region.
“The elephants use their tusks to scrape topsoil off in specific areas, and eat the finer dust on the surface,” says Hockridge, a landscape ecologist. “They also dig large mining sites or wells, as much as a meter [3 feet] deep.”
The animals’ excavations go even deeper at times, down to where water carries the salt in a more accessible form. The need to ingest the mineral-rich dust, mud and water keeps the animals returning to these sites.
But how the baïs formed in the first place — they’re present in the Congo Basin, but not in the Amazon — and why they remain clear of forest encroachment are still a mystery.
Hockridge says no one has tried to establish if the now-extinct megafauna of the Amazon once made similar clearings there, or if baï size correlates to the size of the animals visiting them.
“One hypothesis is that megafauna effectively create large, nutrient-rich, lick-like clearings. But it hasn’t been quantified that baïs are manufactured or maintained by megafauna,” he says.
The researchers say they hope to answer this puzzle: Do large mammals like elephants maintain and stabilize the baïs?
Anecdotes from the DRC might give the first glimpse of an answer, according to Harvard’s Davies.
“Baïs may be closing in the DRC, and it could be because the elephants are in a war zone, so they don’t have the big bulldozer effect,” he says.
The hypothesis is that if fewer elephants visit and maintain these clearings, the baïs will be swallowed up by the forest.
Gibbon’s African Parks team has set up experimental plots in the Odzala, where they’ve buried salt in the sand at a similar depth to which elephants excavate. Researchers are monitoring these sites to see if more animals will congregate around the plots, whether this impacts the vegetation cover in and around the baïs, and whether there’s a shift in the carbon-capture potential of the surrounding forests.
This study is centered in Odzala, although the researchers say they hope to expand the work into the Ndoki region of the Dzanga-Sangha Complex of Protected Areas.
Baïs have a busy social scene
It isn’t just elephants that congregate at the baïs. These watering holes have a bustling social scene.
Gibbon describes the flocks of African green pigeons (Treron calvus) that gather at Capitale at dawn and dusk; buffalo and several bird species that visit during daylight hours; and the hyenas that can be heard calling after dark as the elephants mine for salt.
Wildlife refuges like these in the Congo Basin are also home to the critically endangered western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), two unusual forest and swamp-dwelling antelope — the bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus) and sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) — as well as central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes), bonobos (Pan pansicus), and the endangered gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus).
The forests of Gabon, southern Cameroon and southern Central African Republic also have a high number of baïs, and the findings from these studies could eventually be extrapolated to give an idea of the implications for the Congo Basin more widely.
“The area that baïs’ cover is tiny, but they sustain the elephant population,” Davies says. “If our hypothesis is correct, without the baïs you’d have no elephants; without elephants there’s be no big trees with high carbon density, so carbon storage would go down.”
If the forest loses the baïs, it could lose more than just the elephants or see a change in its carbon-capturing treescape. The baïs would no longer draw the many other animals that thrive in these mineral-dense watering holes, and the tourists and environmental researchers drawn to them too.
Citation:
Berzaghi, F., Longo, M., Ciais, P., Blake, S., Bretagnolle, F., Vieira, S., … Doughty, C. E. (2019). Carbon stocks in central African forests enhanced by elephant disturbance. Nature Geoscience, 12(9), 725-729. doi:10.1038/s41561-019-0395-6
Banner image: Elephants dig for salt-rich mud in the Dzanga baï in the Sangha Rainforest in the Central African Republic. Image courtesy Jan Teede.
This story was written by Leonie Joubert and originally published by Mongabay on August 15, 2023 and was republished under a Creative Commons licence.
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazards
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status…
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1…
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
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2026-01-31 13:33:31
2026-01-31 13:33:31
2025-11-22 15:25:00
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Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Location: #Brazil, #Peru, #Colombia, #Ecuador
Found throughout the #Amazon and Solimões River systems, including major tributaries and large lakes. Their range spans lowland rainforest areas of Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, and southern Peru.
The #Tucuxi, a small freshwater #dolphin of #Peru, #Ecuador, #Colombia and #Brazil now faces a dire future. Once common throughout the Amazon River system, they are now listed as #Endangered due to accelerating population declines. Threats include drowning in fishing nets, deforestation, mercury poisoning from gold mining, #palmoil run-off, oil drilling, and dam construction. A shocking 97% decline was recorded over 23 years in a single Amazon reserve. Without urgent action, this elegant and playful river dolphin could vanish from South America’s waterways. Use your wallet as a weapon against extinction. Choose palm oil-free, and #BoycottGold #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Playful and intelligent #Tucuxi are small #dolphins 🐬 of #Amazonian rivers in #Peru 🇵🇪 #Brazil 🇧🇷 #Ecuador 🇪🇨 and #Colombia 🇨🇴. #PalmOil and #GoldMining are major threats 😿 Fight for them! #BoycottGold #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2025/11/…
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Clever and joyful #Tucuxi are #dolphins 🐬💙 endangered by #hunting #gold #mining and contamination of the Amazon river 🇧🇷 for #PalmOil #agriculture ☠️ Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottGold 🥇🚫 #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2025/11/…
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Appearance & Behaviour
Tucuxis are often mistaken for their oceanic dolphin cousins due to their streamlined bodies, short beaks, and smooth, pale-to-dark grey skin. But these freshwater dolphins are wholly unique—adapted to life in winding river systems where water levels rise and fall dramatically with the seasons.
What sets them apart is their remarkable intelligence and tightly knit social groups. Tucuxis are playful and curious by nature. They leap from the water in graceful arcs, sometimes spinning mid-air.
The Tucuxi, sometimes called the ‘grey dolphin’ due to their uniform colouring, resembles a smaller oceanic dolphin, with a streamlined body and slender beak. Their colour varies from pale grey on the belly to darker grey or bluish-grey along the back.
They travel in small groups of two to six, displaying coordinated swimming patterns. In rare cases, they may form groups up to 26 individuals, particularly at river confluences. Known for their agility, they leap and spin in the water with a grace that belies their size. Tucuxis are particularly drawn to dynamic habitats like river junctions, where waters mix and fish gather.
Threats
- Widespread deforestation from palm oil plantations Palm oil plantations are rapidly expanding across the Amazon, clearing vast tracts of forest that stabilise riverbanks and filter water. This deforestation leads to increased sedimentation in rivers, altering flow patterns and reducing water clarity—conditions that directly disrupt the Tucuxi’s feeding and movement. Run-off from fertilisers and pesticides used in palm oil monocultures also poisons aquatic ecosystems, harming Tucuxis other Amazonian dolphin species and the fish they rely on.
- Toxic mercury pollution from gold mining Artisanal and illegal gold mining in the Amazon releases massive quantities of mercury into the water, contaminating fish and other aquatic organisms. Tucuxis, as top predators, ingest this mercury through their prey, which accumulates in their tissues and causes neurological damage, weakened immunity, and reproductive failure. Mercury exposure is one of the most insidious threats, as it persists in ecosystems long after mining has ceased.
- Incidental drowning in fishing nets Tucuxis are frequently caught and killed in gillnets and other fishing gear as bycatch. Tucuxis and other Amazonian dolphins often inhabit the same confluence zones and productive fishing grounds targeted by local communities, making entanglement almost inevitable. Many carcasses are never recovered, having either been discarded by fishers or lost to river currents, meaning actual mortality rates are likely far higher than reported.
- Deliberate hunting for use as fish bait Though illegal, Tucuxis continue to be targeted and killed in parts of Brazil, especially near the Mamirauá and Amana Reserves, where they are used as bait in the piracatinga (catfish) fishery. This brutal practice involves harpooning or netting dolphins and using their flesh to lure fish, often alongside the killing of Botos. Despite a national ban, weak enforcement and ongoing demand mean this threat persists in remote and lawless regions.
- Illegal fishing with explosives and toxins In certain areas, particularly in Brazil and Peru, fishers use home-made explosives and poisoned bait to stun or kill fish en masse. These destructive methods harm or kill Tucuxis who are attracted by the sudden appearance of dead or stunned prey. The concussive force of explosions and the ingestion of poisoned prey result in slow, agonising deaths for affected dolphins.
- Construction of hydroelectric dams Dams fragment Tucuxi populations by blocking their movement along river corridors, reducing access to feeding and breeding grounds. These projects alter seasonal water flow, raise water temperatures, and flood critical habitats—conditions that significantly disrupt dolphin ecology. Brazil alone has 74 operational dams in the Amazon basin, with over 400 more planned, posing a long-term existential threat to freshwater cetaceans.
- Run-off and contamination from palm oil, soy and meat agriculture In addition to habitat loss, palm oil and soy plantations along with cattle ranching generates enormous volumes of chemical-laden waste, which enters waterways and poisons aquatic life. This pollution affects Tucuxis both directly and indirectly—exposing them to harmful substances and killing off sensitive fish species. As plantations replace biodiverse forests, the ecosystem becomes less resilient, accelerating the decline of species like the Tucuxi.
- Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and industrial pollutants Tucuxis, like many river dolphins, suffer from exposure to persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs, DDT, and flame retardants, as well as heavy metals like lead and cadmium. These toxins accumulate in dolphin tissues over time, weakening their immune systems, interfering with reproduction, and making them more vulnerable to disease. Contaminants originate from industrial waste, agriculture, and mining, and are now widespread across the Amazon basin.
- Habitat fragmentation from infrastructure and oil development Roads, oil pipelines, and shipping corridors criss-cross many parts of the Tucuxi’s range, slicing through their habitat and increasing the risk of collisions with boats. These developments also bring noise pollution, which can interfere with echolocation and communication. Fragmentation leads to isolated subpopulations, reducing genetic diversity and making recovery more difficult.
Geographic Range
The Tucuxi inhabits the Amazon River basin, spanning: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador These river dolphins occur as far west as southern Peru and eastern Ecuador, and as far north as southeastern Colombia. They are notably absent from Bolivia’s Beni/Mamoré system, the Orinoco basin, and upper reaches above major waterfalls or rapids.
Their range includes wide, deep rivers and lakes, avoiding turbulent rapids and shallow areas. Despite overlapping with the Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), Tucuxis do not enter flooded forest habitats and stay closer to main river channels.
Diet
Tucuxis feed on more than 28 species of small, schooling freshwater fish, including members of the characid, sciaenid, and siluriform families. During the dry season, fish are concentrated in shrinking waterways, making them easier to catch. In contrast, flooding season disperses prey into forested areas, beyond the Tucuxi’s reach. They prefer to feed at river junctions and along confluences, where nutrient-rich waters concentrate fish populations.
Mating and Reproduction
Little is known about their mating behaviours. However, individuals appear to remain within familiar ranges for many years, and females likely give birth to a single calf after a long gestation. Calves are dependent for an extended period, learning complex navigation and foraging skills in rapidly changing river systems. The estimated generation length is 15.6 years.
FAQs
How many Tucuxis are left in the wild?
There is no comprehensive global population estimate. However, surveys from 1994–2017 in Brazil’s Mamirauá Reserve show a 7.4% annual decline—amounting to a 97% drop over three generations (da Silva et al., 2020). If this trend reflects the wider Amazon basin, the species could be on the brink of collapse.
How long do Tucuxis live?
Exact lifespans are unknown, but based on reproductive data and life history modelling, their generation length is around 15.6 years (Taylor et al., 2007), suggesting natural lifespans of 30–40 years.
How are palm oil and gold mining affecting Tucuxis?
Out-of-control palm oil expansion results in massive deforestation and run-off, clogging rivers with sediment and toxic agrochemicals. Gold mining adds mercury into aquatic ecosystems, where it bioaccumulates in fish—Tucuxis’ main food source. These pollutants cause reproductive harm, neurological damage, and immune system failure in dolphins.
Do Tucuxis make good pets and should they be kept in zoos?
Absolutely not. Tucuxis are intelligent, wild animals. Keeping them in captivity is deeply cruel and has no conservation benefit. Wild capture destroys families and can devastate local populations. If you care about these dolphins, say no to the exotic pet trade and the cruel zoo trade.
What habitats do they prefer?
Research in Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve shows that Tucuxis prefer river confluences and wide channels, particularly during the dry season when fish density is higher (Belanger et al., 2022). Feeding activity is especially concentrated in areas where whitewater rivers meet blackwater tributaries, creating nutrient-rich hotspots.
Take Action!
The Tucuxi is vanishing before our eyes. To protect them:
• Boycott palm oil and gold products linked to Amazon destruction.
• Choose fish-free and vegan products to reduce pressure on river ecosystems.
• Support indigenous-led conservation across the Amazon.
• Campaign for a ban on destructive dams, and the end of illegal fishing.
#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan #BoycottMeat
Support the Tucuxi by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Support the conservation of this species
This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.
Further Information
Belanger, A., Wright, A., Gomez, C., Shutt, J.D., Chota, K., & Bodmer, R. (2022). River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis) in the Peruvian Amazon: habitat preferences and feeding behaviour. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 17(1). doi.org/10.5597/lajam00268
da Silva, V., Martin, A., Fettuccia, D., Bivaqua, L. & Trujillo, F. 2020. Sotalia fluviatilis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T190871A50386457. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.202…. Accessed on 06 April 2025.
Monteiro-Neto, C., Itavo, R. V., & Moraes, L. E. S. (2003). Concentrations of heavy metals in Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) off the coast of Ceará, northeast Brazil. Environmental Pollution, 123(2), 319–324. doi.org/10.1016/S0269-7491(02)…
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
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Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
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4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazards
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
#Agriculture #Amazon #AmazonRainforest #Amazonia #Amazonian #animalCruelty #animals #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottGold #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #Brazil #Colombia #dams #deforestation #dolphin #dolphins #Ecuador #endangered #EndangeredSpecies #ForgottenAnimals #gold #goldMining #goldmining #humanWildlifeConflict #hunting #hydroelectric #Mammal #mining #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #Peru #poaching #SayNoToGold #Tucuxi #TucuxiSotaliaFluviatilis #vegan
Indigenous Communities: Key to Nature Conservation
Research finds indigenous communities provide the best long-term conservation outcomes. Support their environmental stewardship and complete autonomy!Palm Oil Detectives
Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris
Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris
IUCN Red List: EndangeredExtant (resident): Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines
Intelligent and social Irrawaddy dolphins, also known as the Mahakam River dolphins or Ayeyarwady river #dolphins have endearing faces. Only 90 to 300 are estimated to be left living in the wild. Their rounded and expressive looking noses liken them to a baby beluga whale or the Snubfin dolphin of Australia. These shy #cetaceans are found in coastal and freshwater habitats across #SoutheastAsia, they live in small groups. Tragically, Irrawaddy dolphins face many human threats, from entanglement in fishing gear to dam construction. Palm oil deforestation, and #pesticide run-off in rivers is another major threat to their survival.Protecting the Irrawaddy dolphin is paramount. As a keystone species, they maintain biodiversity in their fragile home. These beautiful animals are classified as endangered on IUCN Red list but are critically endangered in some ecosystems. Fight for their survival when you boycott palm oil and go vegan. Support the Boycott4Wildlife movement by using the hashtags #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife on social media!
Endearing and sweet-faced Irrawaddy #Dolphins face serious threats from #palmoil #pollution, fishing bycatch, tourism in S.E #Asia. Just 90-300 remain alive in the wild. Fight for them and be #vegan, #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife 💙🐬 @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Pk
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Share to TwitterPlayful #cetaceans Irrawaddy #Dolphins 🐬 are threatened by #palmoil #pesticide #pollution in their river homes in #Indonesia #Thailand #Cambodia. Just dozens remain alive! Help them when you shop be #vegan #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-8Pk
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Irrawaddy dolphins have a distinctive appearance with their rounded heads, expressive faces, and lack of a beak. With grey to slate blue bellies, they sport small dorsal fins and broad flippers. Socially, they are found in groups of 2-6, although larger gatherings of up to 25 individuals can be found in deeper waters.Capable spitting streams of water up to 1.5 metres into the air, they also have a U-shaped blowhole, which opens towards the front of their head. Their ability spit water is believed to be used to confuse fish during hunting. These dolphins use suction feeding, drawing prey into their mouths using negative pressure.
Irrawaddy dolphins are slow swimmers, often surfacing in a rolling motion. They can be shy around boats and typically dive when alarmed. They are also known for play behaviours like spyhopping, the practice of holding their bodies out of the water. Also they commonly tail slap and roll on their sides while waving their flippers.
Threats
Palm oil deforestation and pollution:
Pollution run-off from palm oil plantations puts toxic pesticides into their freshwater habitats. These pollutants can lead to serious health issues for the dolphins, such as skin lesions and reduced reproductive success. Deforestation from palm oil production destroys delicate mangroves and estuaries, forcing Irrawaddy dolphins into fragmented ranges, where they struggle to survive.Industrial fishing bycatch:
The greatest threat to Irrawaddy dolphins is accidental entanglement in fishing gear, particularly gillnets. Dolphins trapped in these nets often drown before they can be rescued. In areas such as the Mekong River, gillnet bycatch accounts for a significant number of dolphin deaths. In some regions, fishing practices involving explosives or electrofishing further contribute to the decline of dolphin populations.Habitat loss due to dam construction
The construction of dams on major rivers, such as the Mekong and Ayeyarwady, disrupts the natural flow of water. This impacts fish migration and isolates dolphin populations. These dams also prevent the dolphins from accessing essential deep-water pools, which are vital for their survival. Noise pollution from dam construction generates noise pollution and shock waves. This damage the dolphins’ sensitive hearing structures, leading to injury or death.Industrial river waste and pesticide run-off:
Irrawaddy dolphins’ habitats are increasingly contaminated by pollutants such as pesticides, industrial waste, and oil. Runoff from agricultural activities, including palm oil plantations, introduces toxic substances into the rivers and estuaries where these dolphins live. Additionally, sedimentation caused by deforestation and poor land practices reduces water depth, altering the ecosystems on which the dolphins rely.Boat traffic interfering with their echolocation
The growth of unregulated tourism in dolphin habitats has led to increased boat traffic. A major cause of fatal collisions with dolphins. Noise pollution from boats also interferes with the dolphins’ echolocation abilities. This makes it hard for them to find and catch prey.Habitat
Irrawaddy dolphins are found in coastal and freshwater riverine habitats across Southeast Asia. Coastal areas include the Bay of Bengal, and river systems such as the Mekong, Mahakam, Ayeyarwady, and Ganges Rivers. They prefer shallow, brackish waters such as river mouths, estuaries, and mangrove channels. Freshwater populations are found in the Ayeyarwady, Mahakam, and Mekong Rivers, among others. These dolphins are highly dependent on the health of these ecosystems, which are increasingly under threat from human activities.Diet
Irrawaddy dolphins are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. They are known to follow the tides. Moving inshore with high tides and further offshore as the tides go out, likely tracking their prey. In freshwater habitats, these dolphins sometimes surface with mud on their heads or backs, indicating they feed on bottom-dwelling species.Mating and breeding
Irrawaddy dolphins reach sexual maturity between seven to nine years of age. Mating usually occurs between December and June in the Northern Hemisphere, with a gestation period of approximately 14 months. Females typically give birth to a single calf every two to three years, and calves are weaned after two years. Their lifespan is about 30 years, though this can vary depending on environmental conditions and threats faced by different subpopulations.Support Orcaella brevirostris by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Several organisations are working to protect the Irrawaddy dolphin and their habitats. The Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Project in Myanmar focuses on protecting the dolphins in the Ayeyarwady River through anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and education. The Wildlife Conservation Society of Bangladesh work to create protected areas in the Sundarbans mangrove forest to safeguard dolphin populations. Indonesia’s Mahakam River population is monitored by local NGOs working to reduce bycatch and raise awareness.Further Information
Minton, G., Smith, B.D., Braulik, G.T., Kreb, D., Sutaria, D. & Reeves, R. 2017. Orcaella brevirostris (errata version published in 2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T15419A123790805. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 18 March 2025.Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Irrawaddy dolphin. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrawadd…
Whale and Dolphin Conservation. (2024). Irrawaddy dolphin. Retrieved from au.whales.org/whales-dolphins/…
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email addressSign Up
Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status…
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1…
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
#animals #Asia #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #Cambodia #cetacean #cetaceans #dams #deforestation #dolphins #hunting #India #Indonesia #IrrawaddyDolphinOrcaellaBrevirostris #Laos #Myanmar #PalmOil #palmoil #pesticide #pesticides #Philippines #poaching #pollution #SoutheastAsia #Sunda #Thailand #vegan
The Problems with Palm Oil
Discover the environmental and social issues caused by palm oil production. Learn about its impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and how to take action with Palm Oil DetectivesPalm Oil Detectives
#peru
#amazon
#vegan
#animals
#brazil
#ecuador
#mining
#gold
#Colombia
#dolphins
#hydroelectric
#mammal
#endangered
#Agriculture
#hunting
#palmoil
#BoycottPalmOil
#Boycott4Wildlife
#deforestation
#endangeredspecies
#amazonia
#dolphin
#animalcruelty
#amazonrainforest
#poaching
#goldMining
#BoycottGold
#ForgottenAnimals
#palmOilDeforestation
#BoycottMeat
#humanWildlifeConflict
#Amazonian
#dams
#SayNoToGold
#Tucuxi
#TucuxiSotaliaFluviatilis
2026-01-31 13:29:53
2026-01-31 13:29:53
2024-09-28 14:10:00
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Andean Mountain Cat Leopardus jacobita
Andean Mountain Cat [em]Leopardus jacobita[/em]
Red List classification: Endangered
Extant (resident): Argentina; Bolivia; Chile; Peru
Known affectionately as ‘huana titi’ which translates to ‘the cat from dry places’ by locals, the Andean mountain cat captivates with their mystery and elegance. This cat boasts an exceptional sense of hearing, attributed to their well-developed eardrums. These allow them to detect prey with precision. They skillfully use their long tail, which makes up 70% of their body length, for balance during the swift and unpredictable chases of their prey.Unlike their larger feline counterparts, Andean mountain cats cannot roar due to the close and hardened structure of the bones in their throats, opting instead for mewls, growls, and screams. Remarkably, they can purr continuously, breathing in and out, showcasing a unique aspect of their vocal repertoire. Together we can protect these magnificent cats and their precious rainforest world. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottMeat, #BoycottPalmOil, and #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop!
#Endangered Andean 🇵🇪 Mountain #Cats 🐱🐈 are elusive #wildcats of #SouthAmerica. They are unique as they can purr continuously 🎶 They face #extinction from #deforestation. Help them to survive, be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-7iL
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The ultra fluffy and elusive Andean Mountain #Cat 🐱 hunts by the light of the full moon 🌕🌙 They’re #endangered from multiple threats including #agriculture and #mining. Fight for them every time you shop #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect wp.me/pcFhgU-7iL
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Appearance & Behaviour
Perched high in the Andes, where the earth touches the sky, the Andean Cat roams with a silent grace.
Cloaked in ash grey fur, adorned with subtle stripes and a bushy tail ringed in mystery, they embody the spirit of their stark, majestic surroundings. This feline is not just an animal; they are whispers of the wild, navigating the rugged terrain with a poise that belies the harshness of their environment. They lead mostly solitary lives except for the times when they come together during mating seasons or when nurturing their young. These elusive felines are most active during the quieter hours of dusk, night, and dawn, aligning their movements with the shadows of the Andean nights and lunar cycles.
Threats
- Hunting Practices: Initially seen as the primary threat, hunting is now secondary to habitat concerns but remains significant.
- Agricultural expansion: Expansion of palm oil, meat and soy agriculture, poor livestock management, and water extraction for industry drive the Andean Cat into much smaller range and threaten their ongoing survival.
- Climate and Fracking: Climate change and fracking in Patagonia pose new, serious risks by shrinking their habitat.
- Local Conflicts: Andean Cats are killed by locals and their dogs in Argentina, Chile, and Peru to protect livestock.
- Cultural Hunting: Sacred in some cultures, Andean Cats are still hunted for traditional ceremonies, posing a unique threat.
- Prey Decline: The loss of major prey species like the Short-tailed Chinchilla and the Mountain Vizcacha impacts their diet and survival.
- Food Competition: They face competition from similar predators for limited food sources, stressing their population.
To safeguard the Andean Cat and their environment from further harm, take a stand against the primary drivers of their decline. By choosing to #BoycottMeat and #BoycottPalmOil, you are resisting the agricultural expansion that threatens their habitat. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife movement and become part of a global community committed to making dietary and consumer choices that protect the Andean Cat and all other animals in their ecosystem.
To safeguard the Andean Cat and their environment from further harm, take a stand against the primary drivers of their decline.
Habitat
Living high above the world in the Andean foothills and the Patagonian steppe, the Andean Cat finds solace in the steep, arid, and sparsely vegetated expanses. These areas, marked by extreme weather conditions and minimal rainfall, support a unique ecosystem of adapted plants and crucial wetlands that provide for both wildlife and local communities. It’s within these challenging conditions that they have carved out a niche for themselves, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Diet
The Andean Cat’s diet is highly specialised and is primarily made up of mountain vizcacha. This particular prey is crucial due to their large size and the substantial amount of energy they provide.
Aside from the mountain vizcacha, these cats diversify their diet with a variety of smaller prey mammals like the tuco-tuco, reptiles, rodents and birds to supplement their nutritional needs.
Mating and breeding
The mating behavior of the Andean Cat is observed primarily between July and August, although there is evidence to suggest that this period could extend into later months, possibly through November or December. This extension is inferred from sightings of kittens and couples outside the expected mating season, indicating a broader reproductive window. Typically, the Andean Cat produces one to two kittens per litter, with births timed to coincide with spring and summer. This timing aligns with increased food availability, enhancing the survival prospects of the offspring. The reproductive habits of the Andean Cat, including their seasonal mating patterns and the care provided to their young, are adapted to the environmental conditions of their high-altitude habitats, ensuring the continuity of the species.
Support the Andean Mountain Cat by going vegan and boycotting palm oil in the supermarket, it’s the #Boycott4Wildlife
Alliance Gato Andino: a conservation organisation that protects and monitors the Andean Mountain Cat.
Further Information
Villalba, L., Lucherini, M., Walker, S., Lagos, N., Cossios, D., Bennett, M. & Huaranca, J. 2016. Leopardus jacobita. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T15452A50657407. dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.201…. Accessed on 28 February 2024.
Andean Mountain Cat Wikipedia article: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andean_m…
Andean Mountain Cat on Animalia.bio: animalia.bio/andean-mountain-c…
(2017, February). Field notes: Finding Jacobo, an Andean cat captivates conservationists. Mongabay. news.mongabay.com/2017/02/fiel…
How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?
Take Action in Five Ways
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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status…
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1…
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global
South America
S.E. Asia
India
Africa
West Papua & PNG
Western Parotia Parotia sefilata
Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis
Frill-Necked Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii
Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying
Fake labels
Indigenous Land-grabbing
Human rights abuses
Deforestation
Human health hazards
A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
#Agriculture #AndeanMountainCatLeopardusJacobita #Andes #animals #argentina #Bolivia #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #carnivores #cat #cats #Chile #deforestation #endangered #EndangeredSpecies #extinction #hunting #Mammal #mining #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #Peru #poaching #predator #predators #smallCat #SouthAmericaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #SouthAmerica #vegan #wildcat #wildcats
The Problems with Palm Oil
Discover the environmental and social issues caused by palm oil production. Learn about its impacts on wildlife, indigenous communities, and how to take action with Palm Oil DetectivesPalm Oil Detectives
Research: Wild cat carnivores in Borneo may adjust their schedules to avoid each other
Study by Hiroshima University finds that due to increased human pressures from hunting, palm oil and other deforestation, wild cats and other carnivores in Indonesia and Malaysia may go out of their way to avoid other species – they negotiate space and resources for survival.#Wildcat #carnivores 🐯🐅💛 in #Borneo 🇮🇩🇲🇾 may adjust their schedules to avoid each other as they compete for ever more scarce food 😿 Help them survive and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🪔🔥🤮☠️🧐🙊⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop! @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/08/…
Share to BlueSky
Share to TwitterWildcat #carnivores like Borneo Bay #Cats 🐈 Marbled Cats 🐅 and Sunda Clouded Leopards 🐆 compete for scarce food 🥩 due to #palmoil and other #deforestation in #Borneo. Help them and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2024/08/…
Share to BlueSky
Share to TwitterThis is a media release from Hiroshima University based on peer reviewed research entitled: ‘Temporal activity patterns suggesting niche partitioning of sympatric carnivores in Borneo, Malaysia’, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99341-6
Just as humans may leave their home five minutes early to avoid a talkative neighbour or depart work late to avoid a rude coworker, carnivorous mammals may go out of their way to avoid other species. But they’re not trying to navigate awkward social interactions; rather, they are negotiating space and resources for survival.
Researchers monitored this temporal niche partitioning intermittently over six years with 73 infrared trigger sensor cameras installed at three sites in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo, the third largest island in the world. The international collaboration published their findings, and what they might mean for the mechanism of coexistence between competing mammals, on Oct. 6 in Scientific Reports.
“Approximately 20% of the world’s mammal species face the risk of extinction, mainly due to threats such as habitat loss and overexploitation. The status of mammals in the Indomalayan realm — one of Earth’s eight biogeographic regions, covering most of South and Southeast Asia — is among the world’s worst.”
~ First named author Miyabi Nakabayashi, Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering at Hiroshima University.
Pictured: Borneo Bay Cat Catopuma badia
One of the major roadblocks to effective and realistic solutions to lower the rate of endangered species is the scarcity of basic ecological information on mammals in the Indomalayan region, according to Nakabayashi.
“Information regarding temporal activity patterns of animals is crucial to assess responses to anthropogenic disturbances and to allow the implementation of proper conservation measures,” Nakabayashi said. “Camera trapping is one of the most useful techniques to study cryptic and rare animals.”
The researchers collected 37,379 photos over a total of about three active years. Although the first cameras were installed in 2010 and the last ones were removed in 2016, there were significant periods of bad weather or logistical issues — such as nesting insects — that rendered the cameras inoperable for long stretches of time.
In the dataset, the researchers identified nine distinct carnivore species with sample sizes larger than 10 and categorized their activity patterns by time of day. Of the species, six were active at night, two were active during the day and one was active regardless of time.
Some of the more closely related animals demonstrated a clear temporal segregation, including two wild cats, one of whom was nocturnal while the other preferred the day. However, the researchers also found that three species of civets were all active at night, which might be due to limited competition over resources because all three species eat a variety of food items, Nakabayashi said.
The researchers also found that tourism may have an impact on mammal behaviors. Tourism activities — mainly non-lethal ecotourism events — were conducted at all study sites during the study period. Only one site, however, hosted nocturnal tourism activities. Common palm civets at the other two sites had two clear peaks of temporal activity at night, but the same species at the site with nocturnal tourism had unclear and delayed temporal movement.
“The potential benefits of ecotourism may include reduced threats to wildlife ,” Nakabayashi said, noting that community-based ecotourism can bring significant benefits such as alternative income that incentivizes local communities and policy makers to protect the species in areas of interest. “But our results indicate that the temporal activity pattern of a species might be directly affected by tourism activity. The effect of tourism on animal behavior should be evaluated, even though it is non-lethal ecotourism.”
The researchers also recommended a two- to three-year-long study with at least 10 cameras to gather more data on the activities of the carnivores.
“Current information is too limited and sporadic to understand basic behaviors of mammals, which may affect the progress in evaluating and improving the threatened status,” Nakabayashi said. “We should accumulate more information on rare species to determine their basic ecology and to reassess whether current conservation management strategies are appropriate.”
JOURNAL
Scientific ReportsDOI
ARTICLE TITLE
Temporal activity patterns suggesting niche partitioning of sympatric carnivores in Borneo, MalaysiaThis is a media release from Hiroshima University based on peer reviewed research entitled: ‘Temporal activity patterns suggesting niche partitioning of sympatric carnivores in Borneo, Malaysia’, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99341-6
ENDS
Big, medium and small wildcats are disappearing as a result of deforestation for soy, palm oil and meat. Help them and #Boycott4Wildlife
Jaguars vs Cows: JBS Fuelling Biodiversity Collapse in Brazil’s Forests
Global Witness report finds JBS, the world’s largest meat company, is directly linked to deforestation in the Amazon and Pantanal putting jaguars at risk
by Palm Oil DetectivesJanuary 21, 2026October 12, 2025
Sunda Clouded Leopard Neofelis diardi
Gliding through the rainforest canopy like a phantom predator, the Sunda Clouded Leopard moves with unmatched grace, making them one of the least understood big cats in the world. Their spectacularly patterned coat, the…
by Palm Oil DetectivesMarch 23, 2025April 5, 2025
Andean Mountain Cat Leopardus jacobita
Known affectionately as ‘huana titi’ or ‘the cat from dry places’ by locals, the Andean mountain cat captivates with their mystery and elegance. This cat boasts an exceptional sense of hearing, attributed to their…
African Golden Cat Caracal aurata
The African golden cat’s striking coat varies from radiant red to elegant gray. They are a symbol of wild grace in the African jungle. This feline enchants a cacophony of sounds, from gentle meows…
Margay Leopardus wiedii
Graceful, athletic and beautiful feline of the Amazon jungle, margays are small wild cats endemic to South and Central America. Every margay has a unique spotted pattern on their coat. They depend heavily on…
Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus
Although they look cute and cuddly, the Fishing #Cat Prionailurus viverrinus has a feisty, firecracker temper. This small to medium sized wild cat can become defensive if approached in the wild. They are around…
Jaguar Panthera onca
Jaguars, currently deemed Near Threatened, face a substantial habitat reduction of up to 25% in just over two decades. This decline stems from rampant deforestation for palm oil, soy, and meat, as well as…
Northern Tiger Cat (Oncilla) Leopardus tigrinus
The northern tiger cat, also known as the oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), is a captivating small wild cat native to Central and South America. Distinguished by their striking, leopard-like coat marked with dark rosettes and…
What, Why and Where of Black Leopards
Did you know that Black #leopards only differ from other leopards by the colour of their coat, a genetic variation that’s #recessive also known as melanism? One of their threats is #palmoil #deforestation. Help…
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Take Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email addressSign Up
Join 3,174 other subscribers
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez
Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Health Physician Dr Evan Allen
The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status…
twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status…
twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1…
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
#animalBehaviour #bigCat #Borneo #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #carnivores #cats #deforestation #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #predator #predators #smallCat #wildcat
#peru
#vegan
#cat
#cats
#animals
#chile
#argentina
#mining
#extinction
#southamerica
#predator
#mammal
#endangered
#Agriculture
#carnivores
#bolivia
#hunting
#palmoil
#BoycottPalmOil
#Boycott4Wildlife
#deforestation
#wildcat
#andes
#endangeredspecies
#poaching
#predators
#wildcats
#palmOilDeforestation
#BoycottMeat
#smallCat
#AndeanMountainCatLeopardusJacobita
#SouthAmericaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation
2026-01-29 12:49:26
2026-01-29 12:49:26
2026-01-29 12:49:21
9924301
A tiny hazel #dormouse has been rescued after being found "immobile and vulnerable" on a lawn in #Sussex.
WRAS recommends that if anyone finds a small #mammal that is cold, unresponsive, or out in the open, they should seek advice from a #wildlife rescue as soon as possible and avoid attempting to care for the #animal themselves.
bbc.com/news/articles/cm2jp304…
Tiny 'vulnerable' dormouse rescued from lawn in Bexhill
The hazel dormouse is believed to have been disturbed from hibernation and dropped on the lawn.Danielle Malgwi (BBC News)
2026-01-25 20:28:47
2026-01-25 20:28:45
2026-01-25 20:28:40
9807526
A comprehensive analysis reveals that #zoo #mammal populations in North America and Europe are undergoing a significant demographic shift toward aging structures, transitioning from resilient "pyramid" shapes to fragile "diamond" shapes, which directly threatens their long-term viability and the ex-situ conservation mandates of modern zoos.
#Conservation #Zoology #sflorg
sflorg.com/2026/01/cons0125260…
#Conservation #Zoology #sflorg
sflorg.com/2026/01/cons0125260…
Aging Zoo Animals Threaten Long-Term Species Conservation Goals of Modern Zoos
Images of newborn zoo animals regularly attract public attention – yet the impression of cute baby animals is deceptive.www.sflorg.com
2026-01-22 20:27:27
2026-01-22 20:27:26
2026-01-22 20:27:14
9704143
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Parfois, la nuit tombe, tu es sur le retour, et pis tu vois un dernier client qui prend la pose. Alors tu descends à 1/10 s et tu prends dix images en espérant que dans le tas, il y en ait une nette.
#Charente #StYrieix #animal #mammifère #mammal #ragondin #nutria #sauvage #wildlife #wildlifephoto #soir #evening
2026-01-22 13:30:21
2026-01-22 13:30:05
2026-01-22 13:30:04
9690929
🐝🦔 The lowland streaked tenrec of #Madagascar looks like a cross between a #bumblebee and a #hedgehog, but its most amazing trait is how it speaks.
It's the only #mammal known to use stridulation – rubbing special quills on its back together to create high-pitched chirps – to keep its family group together in the #rainforest.
👉 discoverwildlife.com/mammals/l…
#wildlife #nature #zoology #weird #mammals #evolution #animals
2026-01-10 14:17:23
2026-01-09 21:14:31
2026-01-09 21:14:22
9346401
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directions...
2025-12-23 20:59:32
2025-12-23 20:59:32
2025-12-23 14:45:25
8952475
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A White-tailed Deer standing on a trail.
See it bigger here: jan-luit.pixels.com/featured/h…
#WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #Photography #fotografie #Arte #AYearForArt #BuyIntoArt #Animals #Wildlife #Nature #Natuur #Artwork #Artist #PhotographyIsArt #FediGiftShop #mastoart #Fediart #GiveArt #Giftidea #Fotografia #Deer #Mammal
2025-12-20 19:41:58
2025-12-20 19:41:58
2025-12-20 16:52:35
8871893
Eurasian wolf, Białowieża National Park, Poland #wildlifephotography #wolf #wildlife #mammal
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Eurasian wolf, Białowieża National Park, Poland #wildlifephotography #wolf #wildlife #mammal
2025-12-10 10:47:52
2025-12-10 10:47:52
2025-12-10 10:31:35
8631757
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Giant anteater
This giant anteater was roaming the plains of El Encanto del Guanapalo, Colombia. It uses its claws to dig open ant and termite colonies and its thin, long, sticky tongue to catch them inside their nests. We had to get up before sunrise to see it but were able to get quite close without disturbing it. It is larger than I anticipated, probably 2 meters long when including the tail.
Myrmecophaga tridactyla | Giant anteater | Große Ameisenbär
Nikon D500, Sigma 150-600mm C, 390 mm, f/6.3, 1/200 s, ISO 2000, handheld
#mammal #anteater #wildlife #nature #photography #colombia #digiKam #darktable
2025-12-08 13:38:57
2025-12-03 10:40:38
2025-12-03 10:40:32
8469482
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“Butterfly Landing” — a whimsical reminder that magic shows up in the smallest moments. 1-lisas-baker.pixels.com/featu…
#art #dogart #butterfly #whimsical #animalart #mastodonart #artshare #lisabaker #lisasbaker #arte #artwork #wallart #homedecor #artforhome #artforsale #buyintoart #artprints #canvasprints #dog #dogs #pup #doglovers #insect #cuteanimals #mastoart #fediart #fediverse #fedigiftshop #puzzles #artforkids #mammal #painting #whimsical
#fediverse
#art
#MastoArt
#artwork
#dog
#arte
#dogs
#fedigiftshop
#fediart
#artforsale
#painting
#wallArt
#mastodonart
#insect
#animalart
#BuyIntoArt
#homedecor
#artprints
#whimsical
#mammal
#cuteanimals
#artforhome
#doglovers
#butterfly
#puzzles
#canvasprints
#pup
#dogart
#artforkids
#artshare
#lisasbaker
#lisabaker
2025-09-24 15:31:00
2025-09-24 11:30:10
2025-09-24 11:30:00
6898980
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Some big cat beauty this morning - Pride: 1-lisas-baker.pixels.com/featu…
#pride #cat #cats #catlovers #catsofmastodon #mastocats #lion #bigcat #feline #wildlife #animal #mammal #watercolor #blue #art #artwork #wallart #homedecor #artforhome #artforsale #buyintoart #painting #artprints #canvasprints #puzzles #framedprints #stationary #mastoart #fediart #fediverse
#fediverse
#art
#MastoArt
#artwork
#cat
#cats
#pride
#animal
#wildlife
#CatsOfMastodon
#WaterColor
#fediart
#artforsale
#mastocats
#painting
#wallArt
#blue
#BuyIntoArt
#homedecor
#artprints
#mammal
#catlovers
#artforhome
#feline
#bigcat
#puzzles
#canvasprints
#stationary
#Lion
#framedprints
2025-09-07 12:25:22
2025-09-06 11:55:33
2025-09-06 11:55:33
6431770
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A Eastern Chipmunk having a drink from a small pond.
See it bigger here: jan-luit.pixels.com/featured/a…
#WildlifePhotography #Photography #Art #NaturePhotography #fotografie #AYearForArt #BuyIntoArt #FediGiftShop #Animals #Wildlife #mastoart #Fediart #ArtWork #Fotografia #Art #Artist #Nature #Natuur #Mammal #Squirrels
2025-08-11 09:22:29
2025-08-11 09:22:26
2025-08-11 09:22:18
5749703
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A No-Notice Mackerel Inspection
#photo #photography #wildlife #potd #photooftheday #alttext #sea #ocean #water #pacific #pacificocean #dolphin #wildlifephotography #animal #mammal #naturephotography #tursiops #socal #california #us #usa
#alttext
#photography
#usa
#photo
#naturephotography
#animal
#wildlife
#wildlifephotography
#us
#nature
#sea
#photooftheday
#Ocean
#california
#water
#mammal
#pacific
#potd
#pacificocean
#socal
#dolphin
#tursiops
2025-08-24 10:57:19
2025-08-07 22:10:59
2025-08-07 22:10:57
5664633
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feeling the brush...
2025-04-10 04:54:47
2025-03-30 11:47:36
2025-03-28 17:36:57
2737967
Mother #Badger bringing home a naughty cub who escaped from the sett. Sound on for cute baby Badger noises.
In #Bath #Somerset #UK.
#Nature #Wildlife #UKWildlife #Mammal #NatureCommunity
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Mother #Badger bringing home a naughty cub who escaped from the sett. Sound on for cute baby Badger noises.
In #Bath #Somerset #UK.
#Nature #Wildlife #UKWildlife #Mammal #NatureCommunity
2025-03-20 18:11:47
2025-03-20 16:20:53
2025-03-20 08:26:48
2557765
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Happy equinox, the traditional time for the festival of Ostara. In 2023, I made this mixed-media artwork inspired by Pagan tradition.
#AnimalArt #Animals #Art #Artwork #Ash #AshTree #Birch #Bunny #Crocus #Dandelion #Eggs #Equinox #FediArt #Handmade #Hare #Mammal #MastoArt #Mixedmedia #Ostara #Otherkin #Pagan #Spiritual #Spirituality #Spring #SpringEquinox #Sunrise #Therian #TraditionalArt #Tree #WheelOfTheYear
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