This year’s pandemic is causing extra poaching for the pet trade in Central America. Endangered baby spider monkeys are now much more likely to be stolen from their mothers and sold into a life of captivity. Many want a baby spider monkey pet, but that doesn’t mean they’re meant to live with us as a pet. But there’s good news: you can help! Giving Tuesday officially kicks off the holiday...
The coyote (its scientific name is Canis latrans, though most people never use that) is a wild canine that lives across a huge part of North and Central America. They are versatile, medium-sized canines found in North America, frequently referred to as the "prairie wolf" or "brush wolf." Weighing between 20 and 50 pounds, they are smaller than wolves, featuring grayish-brown fur, yellow eyes, and prominent, pointed ears. They are...
Did you know that the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) is a New World Monkey? These interesting species are one of the five families of primates residing in South and Central America as well as Mexico. Let’s start with their characteristics: these special animals are often seen as threatening, judged by their looks. Why? Usually large, stocky and with a loud roar, it can be compared to a lion! Isn’t...
National Endangered Species Day, celebrated on the third Friday of May, which falls on May 15, 2026, highlights awareness of endangered species and honors achievements in conservation. It emphasizes the significance of safeguarding endangered species and their ecosystems, frequently hosting educational activities, zoo excursions, and initiatives to uphold the Endangered Species Act. Some key facts about this day are: Objective: To inform the community about the significance of safeguarding endangered...
"Big cat” is not a precise biological term. It is just a verbal shorthand for distinguishing the larger members of the taxonomic family Felidae from smaller ones. Some people formally define “big cats” as the four Panthera species: the tiger, lion, jaguar, and leopard. But other people also include cheetahs, snow leopards, clouded leopards, and cougars under the “big cat” umbrella. Big cat noises are really interesting. For example, only...
The margay, scientifically known as Leopardus wiedii, is a small wild cat native to the forests of Central and South America. Although it belongs to the same broader family as more recognizable felines like ocelots and jaguars, the margay remains far less known, largely due to its elusive nature and highly specialized lifestyle. Some of its characteristics include: Appearance: The margay is frequently confused with ocelots, but it is smaller...
Every April 22, Earth Day is celebrated. While some people treat it like a big global event, others barely notice it. Recognizing this day is important because it’s a reminder that things are changing. Coastal communities have been seeing that firsthand: beaches look different, the weather feels less predictable, and certain species aren’t as common as they used to be. What Is Earth Day and Its History Earth Day has...
You have probably heard this phrase before: “Forests are the lungs of our planet”. I must tell you that such thing is entirely correct. They make up 31% of the world’s land area. But that’s not everything you can know about forests! Let me tell you even more interesting facts about them, such as their diverse forms, each with unique ecosystems! These are so important because they work as sanctuaries...
National Wildlife Week in 2026 takes place from April 5 to April 9, emphasizing conservation, education, and engaging individuals with nature. Organized by the National Wildlife Federation, this yearly April event emphasizes the significance of safeguarding endangered species and their environments by engaging in activities such as planting native flora, utilizing wildlife cameras, and building birdhouses. It’s an important occasion that many people overlook. The essential elements of National Wildlife...
If you are a bird enthusiast, you might have heard about the Crested Caracara (also known as Caracara cheriway). It’s one of the most distinctive birds in the Americas and a beautiful species to watch. They’re known for their flight and hunting dives, combining traits of both predators and scavengers with the behavior of ground-feeding birds. They also have a bold appearance, making them stand out among other birds of...
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