Mountain Gorilla Census Reveals Increase in Population

KIGALI, RWANDA - The number on one of the world’s most charismatic and endangered species is in.

The analysis of the census conducted in March and April 2010 indicates that there were a total of 480 mountain gorillas, (Gorilla beringei beringei), in 36 groups along with 14 solitary silverback males in the Virunga Massif, which includes three contiguous national parks: Parc National des Virunga in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The only other location where mountain gorillas exist is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Along with the 302 mountain gorillas censused in Bwindi in 2006 and four orphaned mountain gorillas in a sanctuary in DRC, this brings the total world population to 786 individuals.

The last census undertaken in the Virunga Massif was in 2003, when the population was estimated at 380 individuals. The current figure represents a 26.3 % increase in the population of mountain gorillas in this area over the last seven years, which is a 3.7 % annual growth rate. This increase in the population occurred despite the killing of no less than nine mountain gorillas, in four separate incidents, during this time period.

Of the 480 mountain gorillas censused, 352 (73%) were habituated (349 in groups and three solitary males) and 128 were unhabituated (117 in groups and 11 solitary males).

"This population has made an absolutely remarkable recovery from the approximately 250 individuals that existed only three decades ago. This recovery is due to the relentless collaborative efforts of many organizations and institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda," stated Dr. Augustin Basabose, Coordinator of Species at the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), a coalition of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Fauna & Flora International, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Please visit http://www.awf.org to read the full story and to learn how you can help continue to save these amazing gorillas!

Baby Boat Cradle is too precious!

Hmmmm, just makes you want to have a little on to put into this amazing cradle. A true ship's tender replica. Hangs from suspension system to rock your little one to sleep. Can be removed from suspension system and put on a rocker or wagon conversion for child's older years. Boat pictured is cypress planked on a mahogany backbone with a lacewood transom. Suspension system (davits) are mahogany. Boat and davits can be custom ordered in any number of different woods. Can also be finished in several eco and child friendly ways. Boat design by Warren Jordan. BEAVERBOATWORKS

200 new species discovered in 60-day New Guinea expedition

A 2009 expedition to Papua New Guinea proves once again that the island-nation is as diverse in life as it is in human cultures. It took researchers with Conservation International (CI) and the local Institute for Biological Research (IBR) just two months to uncover a startling 200 new species: averaging more than 3 a day in the remote Nakanai Mountains and Muller Range rising from the island of New Britain, a part of Papua New Guinea. Half of the new species were spiders, but the team also found two new mammals, nine new plants, two dozen frogs, and multitude of insects. Most surprising was the discovery of at least two species so unique that they are likely to be assigned their own genus. Read more at http://news.mongabay.com/2010/1005-hance_new_png.html

Darling handmade Baby Sweaters at unbelievable prices!

Mtoto means child in Swahili. Fabulous  hand-knit children's wear from Kenya. Its more than a sweater, it's a story.

Toto Knits is a collection of hand-made creations for babies and children. Each piece is hand-knitted with love and a sense of fun and is made to last! Our inspiration comes from our surroundings here in the African bush and of course, the totos who wear them.

We are organic! We are now using super soft organic cotton from Uganda, spun here in Nairobi and using bio friendly dyes.

Our products are ethically produced in Kenya by a group of local artisans. The cotton is locally grown and spun, and the wool is hand-spun and dyed. Toto Knits provides an opportunity for Kenyan women to gain financial independence while learning new skills and working in a flexible way which fits around their commitments to their families.

Please visit this amazing site and support these women! 

http://www.totoknits.com

California's beloved sea otters in mysterious population decline

Southern sea otters, among the furriest and most beloved critters in the animal kingdom, have declined in number for the second year in a row, according to scientists who are trying to pinpoint possible causes.

Once hunted to the brink of extinction and currently listed federally as a threatened species, the charismatic otters often seen frolicking off Central California have dwindled to just 2,711 animals.

That figure, based on counts made by the U.S. Geological Survey, represents a 3.6% drop from the 2009 estimate. More alarming, scientists say the number of otter pups has decreased by 11%.

Additionally, their geographic range -- about 200 miles from Pigeon Point to Gaviota State Park -- appears to be shrinking at both ends.

"We have seen a decrease in sea otter numbers throughout most of their range, particularly in those areas where most of their reproduction occurs, while pup counts have dropped to 2003 levels," Tim Tinker, a scientist for the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, said in a news release. READ MORE . . .

by Pete Thomas, GRINDTV.com

One Scrappy Mom is a friend of JILLY jellybug

Meet Jilly!

[ 7 ]July 27, 2010 | One Scrappy Mom

I want to introduce you to quite possibly the CUTEST little critter you’ve ever seen! Meet Jilly Jellybug. Jilly was created with an idea and doodle from her creator Kathleen. She was given a home on the web. Only her story is so much deeper. See she’s on a few little missions. One of these mission is to help save rain forests. We all know that rain forests are a very important part of the environment. They do so many things for the world. They are also becoming rare. A percentage of all Jilly jellybug sales goes towards rainforest and gorilla conservation! You can help make a difference with your purchase.

Jilly Jellybug is only ONE of the neat designs available! It also comes in her friends Gracie glowworm, Pavel Pollywog and Gamba gorilla. The characters are so unique, I fell in love with them the first time I saw them. My daughter did too. She is always wearing her Jilly Jellybug shirt. I love the bright colors and it’s very appealing to the eyes. The applique is on the shirt very well and even though it has been washed 6 thousand million times times, it’s still as bright and fresh as the first time she wore it! The shirts are made from a nice soft breathable cotton. The shirts are pretty good size and I didn’t notice any shrinking, so if there was it was much to minimal to notice. The story captivated my heart and I am honored to be able to have a Jilly Jellybug in my home!!

Sea Turtles Displaced by Gulf Oil Spill Return to Sea, thanks to Sea World Orlando

On July 8, SeaWorld Orlando released five Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles – displaced by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico – into Gullivan Key near Marco Island, Fla. This particular body of water is popular habit for these endangered reptiles.

SeaWorld aquarists and veterinarians provided care for the reptilian refugees since their June 25, from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) in Gulfport, Miss. the animals were being treated for injuries related to fishing hook sand line but need to make room for the possible arrival of animals with oil-related injuries. SeaWorld is one of the few organizations with the expertise to tend to Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles.