Check Out This Dog Breed Now Officially Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Endangered Snail Species Risks Extinction Due to Lithium Mine Construction

Construction for the country’s largest lithium mine is underway in Nevada. The project threatens a tiny snail species called the Kings River pyrg—the construction of the mine, spanning around nine square miles, decreased groundwater levels. Without water, the Kings River pyrg suffers habitat loss and decreased nutrients, potentially reducing population numbers.

A group of Native American tribes led the petition to protect the area. However, the court ruled against them, allowing construction to continue. Now, another indigenous group, in collaboration with the Western Watersheds Project, aims to sue the government departments overseeing mine construction, citing their failure to monitor the effects of construction on groundwater levels.

Since 2018, groundwater in the area has fallen by approximately five feet. Groundwater is necessary to replenish the natural springs serving as the King River pyrg’s habitat. If the tiny snail species doesn’t receive protection soon, it risks extinction. Find out more about the Kings River pyrg here.

Swedish Government Allows Hunters to Kill Protected Wolves to Reduce Population

Despite backlash from animal rights activists and the public, the Swedish government continues its annual gleaning of wild wolves. Each year, the government allows hunters to kill wolves to reduce population numbers, regardless of their classification as protected animals.

This year, Sweden allows for the elimination of 30 total wolves. Some argue the slaughter is illegal under EU law, especially considering only 375 wolves exist in Sweden’s wild. The country aims to cut this population in half, amounting to 170 individuals as the new minimum. Sweden has struggled with maintaining its wild wolf population for decades. Between 1966 and 1983, the country recorded no breeding wolf population. The EU is likely to loosen regulations around wolf protection as their populations have begun to recover across the continent.

The Brand-New Dog Breed Officially Recognized by the AKC

The American Kennel Club recently added the Danish-Swedish farmdog to its list of recognized breeds, making it eligible to compete in best in show dog competitions. By 2026, farmdogs can enter the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The Danish-Swedish farmdog is an intelligent breed characterized by quick learners and enthusiastic personalities. While many are excited about the news, others fear what it means for the breed’s welfare.

Some worry that the breed will become too popular too quickly; others believe farmdogs shouldn’t be recognized in the AKC. Moreover, animal rights activists fear that the prestige of show dogs will increase interest in purebred animals. This could harm the adoption rate at animal shelters as owners choose show dogs over rescues. Find out more about breeds recognized by the AKC here.