Humans pushing 1 million species to brink of extinction, says UN report

A new UN report reveals the extent to which mankind is changing life on Earth. Written by an international panel of experts, it concludes that nearly a quarter of animal and plant groups are at risk of extinction, some within decades. William Brangham talks to one of the report’s authors, the National University of Mexico's Patricia Balvanera, about what’s driving the changes and how to stop them.
Lemurs are weird because Madagascar has weird fruit

Lemurs eat way less fruit than most other primates, and scientists have a new hypothesis as to why: the fruit on Madagascar, where the lemurs live, is unusually low in protein. Scientists posit that the evolution of unusual dietary behaviors in lemurs, from leaf-eating to hibernating, is tied to fruit quality.
Our African Grey Project

The aim: Finding a decent solution for the washouts of the African Grey Parrot pet industry in South Africa, a new home for ex-pet African Grey Parrots.
Why TAMHF changed to SAASA

The Touch a Monkey’s Heart Foundation (TAMHF) sanctuaries – named Monkeyland and Birds of Eden – provide the primates and birds who live there with a stable environment, one with permanence and where there is definitely no exploitation.
Bird Species Video

Bird species at Birds of Eden, Plettenberg Bay.
Selfie tourism is killing these incredibly cute creatures

A small furry creature huddles close to a tree branch on the edge of the forest. Its large, globular eyes are shut (it’s daytime, and so now it sleeps); its strong hands and arms hold firm even as it slumbers.
High-Ranking Male Primates Keep Wafting Their Sex Stink at Females, Who Hate It

Researchers call it “stink flirting.” A male ringtailed lemur rubs his signature scent onto his long, fluffy tail, then waves it over his head in the direction of a nearby female. Males seem to intend this gesture as a sexual overture. But it often gets them into fights - with lemurs of both sexes. In fact, scientists aren’t sure stink flirting helps male lemurs at all.
Climate Change Is Making Bamboo-Eating Lemurs Go Hungry

Bamboo growth cycles and the lemurs’ dietary needs are increasingly out of sync.
Even though it is already the most endangered primate in the world, the greater bamboo lemur just can’t catch a break. Climate change is starving out this Madagascar native
Climate Change Pushing This Lemur to the Limit

A new study, co-authored by UA primatologist Stacey Tecot, paints a grim picture for the future of greater bamboo lemurs in Madagascar.
Exotic pets do not make Excellent Pets!

Every now and then you have to ask yourself this question: “Am I doing this for attention?” if it is not part of a marketing extravaganza then the answer should always be “No”.