World's Smallest Porpoise Gets a Helping Hand
The critically endangered vaquita was discovered in 1958. © Photo by Thomas Jefferson, part of project with the Marine Mammals Research and Conservation Coordination of the National Institute of Ecology of Mexico, under SEMARNAT permit no. DR7488708
Found only in a small area of the upper Gulf of California, Mexico, vaquitas probably number fewer than 200. This little porpoise--the world's smallest--often becomes entangled and drowns in drift gillnets used by fishermen to catch fish and shrimp. WWF has been working for many years to address the threat of bycatch to the vaquita, and in February over 38,000 people signed our petition for a gillnet ban in the porpoise’s habitat. This month the Mexican government took a major step in protecting this critically endangered species.
More About the Vaquita and Its Habitat:
A rare and elusive porpoise
Working to eliminate bycatch
About the Gulf of California
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Combatting Deforestation to Save a Magical Place
Only half of Borneo’s original forest cover remains, due to increased palm oil production and unsustainable logging for timber, paper, and pulp. WWF engages with companies, such as the owner of this plantation, that are committed to sustainable palm oil production. © James Morgan/WWF-International
When WWF's Linda Walker traveled to Borneo, she saw a rain forest that was lush, dense and teeming with life. In the morning, she was awakened by a cacophony--the dawn chorus of birds signing, monkeys howling, frogs calling, insects buzzing. During the day, she swam in crystal clear waterfalls while iridescent kingfishers and enormous rhinoceros hornbills swooped overhead. At dusk, she saw fireflies illuminate a tree like they were Christmas lights. But beyond this magical place, the rain forest--like much of the island--had been cleared.
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June Caption Contest
Enter the WWF Photo Caption Contest and your creative caption could be featured in next month's e-newsletter.
 "Spinach? On this side?"Susan U. of Durango, Colo.
May Contest Winner |
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Make Some Noise About Arctic Noise
Tell the federal government to protect Arctic marine animals like the humpback whale from industrial noise. © Sylvia Earle/WWF-Canon
The whales that live off Alaska’s shores have morning rituals centered around sounds--sing-song squeals and trills from other whales, alerting them to mating and feeding opportunities, or danger, in the area. But their ritual is in danger of being ruined, which could have a disastrous impact on their lives and the health of the entire Arctic marine environment. Take action and tell the federal government to shelve its flawed study about protecting Arctic marine mammals from noise-related impacts of offshore oil and gas development. The federal government needs to go back to the drawing board.
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WWF Together: iPad app Wins Apple Design Award
WWF Together, the free iPad app available for download in the Apple Store, was recognized on June 10 as the winner of an Apple Design Award. This interactive experience brings you closer to the stories of elephants, whales, rhinos and other fascinating species. New species stories--which you can fold and share with the world--are now available for monarch butterflies, and coming soon for orangutans and penguins.
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FEATURED VIDEOS
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TRAVEL
Cheetahs are among the wildlife that roams through Botswana's most remote and private reserves. © Mark Hickey/NHA
Travel to Botswana, Where Wildlife Is King
Multiple departures, year round
The largest transboundary conservation area in the world, Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) spans five countries, including Botswana. WWF's KAZA initiatives aim to protect wildlife and improve livelihoods through sustainable activities. Join WWF on an intimate Botswana safari, where you will experience one of the last true wilderness areas of Africa. Away from busy national parks, you'll visit private reserves and roam deep into the heart of the Botswanan savanna to come close to wildlife in its element.
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FEATURED SPECIES
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Hawksbills help maintain the health of coral reefs. As they remove prey such as sponges from the reef's surface, they provide better access for reef fish to feed. © naturepl.com/David Fleetham/WWF-Canon
Status: Critically Endangered
Basics: Hawksbill turtles, which can weigh up to 150 pounds, are found throughout the world's tropical oceans, predominantly around coral reefs. They feed mainly on sponges by using their narrow, pointed beaks--for which they are named--to extract them from crevices in the reef. They also eat sea anemones and jellyfish.
Threats: Hawksbills are threatened most by wildlife trade. Their distinctive shells, commonly sold as "tortoiseshell" in markets, make them highly valuable. Other threats include excessive egg collection and fishery-related mortality called bycatch--entanglement in gillnets and accidental capture on fishing hooks. In Borneo, WWF has helped protect thousands of hawksbill and green turtle nests from egg poachers.
Interesting Fact: Hawksbills have cultural significance and tourism value. For example, for local residents in the Coral Triangle, the flow of visitors who come to admire turtles is a vital source of income.
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Coins That Count
Wonder what to do with all the loose change you came across during spring cleaning? Help WWF protect endangered species and their habitats by going to your nearest Coinstar location to donate your change! Visit Coinstar's website to find your nearest location. |
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Bank of America
Is Supporting WWF
Show your love of the tiger with the WWF BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Visa® credit card. Cardholders earn a $100 cash back bonus after qualifying transactions. Bank of America will contribute $100 to WWF for each new qualifying credit card account. Get more details. |
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Green Living Guide
USA Today’s Green Guide is filled with advice and info on green living. From LED lighting tips to healthy recipes, the guide is a useful resource to help make sustainable choices. |
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DO YOU KNOW?
The Oglala Sioux Tribe is making history in the northwest corner of South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. © Jill Majerus/WWF-US
The Oglala Sioux Tribe is working with the National Park Service to create the first tribal national park within the National Park System. Which culturally important species will be restored here?
a. Pronghorn
b. Bison
c. Greater sage-grouse
d. Black-footed ferret
Click on one of the answers above to see if you know. |
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