“Blob-headed” Fish and Amphibious Mouse Among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru

“New Year, New Deng”: Newborn Pygmy Hippo Named at Richmond Zoo

Internet star and baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng has captivated audiences worldwide with her bouncy and bubbly personality. However, another baby pygmy hippo has also garnered attention after its birth in the Metro Richmond Zoo last week. After fans voted for a winning name, Zoo Director Jim Andelin revealed the newborn’s name live. The two final contenders were Poppy and Hammie Mae.

After collecting votes from 165 countries and all 50 states, the name Poppy was crowned the victor of a close race. Poppy’s mother and two sisters are also named after flowers: Iris, Petunia, and Violet, respectively. As a new bud blossoms at the Richmond Zoo, fans everywhere cheer on Poppy and hope to make her the next pygmy hippo sensation.

“Blob-headed” Fish and Amphibious Mouse Among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru

A Conservation International expedition to the Alto Mayo Landscape in the Peruvian rainforest recorded over 2,000 species, nearly 30 of which were new to science. Scientists discovered 27 new animal species on the expedition, including 10 butterfly species, eight fish, four mammals, and three new amphibians. Some fascinating animals discovered include a narrow-mouthed frog, a “blob-headed” fish species, and an amphibious mouse.

Finding so many new species, particularly mammals, is rare anywhere, exceedingly so in human-populated areas. While many Indigenous groups live in the area, their presence has not negatively affected the region’s biodiversity. The rainforest’s distance from developed cities has also preserved its ecosystems. Still, conservation is crucial in protecting the Alto Mayo Landscape, as researchers found 49 threatened or endangered species in the region. Read more about the expedition and its findings here.

$65,000 Reward Offered for Information on Gray Wolf Poaching in Colorado

Outrage among conservationists erupted after the patriarch of a protected gray wolf pack was poached. The father of the Copper Creek wolf pack died due to a fatal gunshot wound last September. Conservation groups and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have offered a reward of up to $65,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

The loss of the patriarch could have devastating effects on the pack. For instance, social structures within the pack are likely to shift, and the wolf’s death might decrease ecological stability. These changes could result in decreased gray wolf population numbers. While the gray wolf is not considered a threatened species in the U.S., its role in maintaining ecological balance necessitates its survival. Visit this link to report any information concerning the illegal killing of the gray wolf or for more information.