WildLeaks Launches

These contraband wildlife trade items were seized by the UK's Border Force. 

 

A group of organizations fighting wildlife crime have come together to launch WildLeaks - the first global, secure online whistleblower platform dedicated to wildlife and forest crime.

"We hope that offering a secure platform for information that will be followed up will encourage those with inside information to let us know about it."

Wildlife crime is the 4th largest transnational crime in the world, worth at least US$ 17 billion annually, after narcotics, counterfeiting, and human trafficking.

It now the most immediate threat to many species including elephants, rhinos, big cats and apes. Forest crime, which is the illicit trade in illegally logged timber, degrades forests and destroys wildlife habitats. These crimes also cause a significant human and economic toll.

Blowing the whistle on wildlife crimes, especially when criminals and corrupt government officials are involved, is a risky endeavor. But with WildLeaks a big part of that risk has been taken away.

Source: TheEcologist.org 

The coolest 'when owners resemble their pets'

Albino Baby Dolphin Captured

An albino baby dolphin was immediately singled out from the massive pod netted in last weeks dolphin drive at Taiji and taken into captivity. This baby, along with 3 others, are currently being held at the Taiji Whaling Museum. Whether they will remain there or will be sent elsewhere is yet to be determined. Animal activists are concerned for the albino's health since there is little (if any) shade provided over dolphin tanks, and the water is typically too shallow to filter sunlight and provide relief from the sun's rays. Albino animals are susceptible to sunburn and have very sensitive eyes that can be easily damaged by the bright light of the sun.

Sunday Snowday

Since most of the US is being effected by the current Arctic blast coming down from the north, here's some pictures of animals in the snow