News & Commentary

Social Media Slaughter

March 12, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesJason Bittel

Social media and e-commerce sites are the new battlegrounds for the illegal wildlife trade.

Uncharted Waters

February 25, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

Sardines and anchovies are taking to new waters in response to climate change.

Bird's Eye View

February 20, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesJason Bittel

The story of one region’s seagulls reveals the enormous and surprising influence humans have on the environment.

Fall Guys

February 12, 2015 Latest NewsCanadaJason Bittel

Canada is killing wolves to save endangered caribou. The real problem? Tar sands development.

Don't Stop Planting Milkweed

January 29, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

New research shows a certain type of milkweed can harm monarchs—but we still need to give these butterflies something to snack on.

Acid Attack

January 23, 2015 Latest NewsHawaiiJason Bittel

Invasive ants are harrying Hawaii’s native seabirds and causing horrifying deformities in their young.

Misssssssed Opportunities

January 15, 2015 PerspectivesInternationalJason Bittel

The man who was almost fed to an anaconda discusses how the Discovery Channel left all the conservation footage on the cutting-room floor.

Oil in the Mangroves

January 8, 2015 Latest NewsInternationalJason Bittel

An oil spill in the Sundarbans mangrove forests of Bangladesh threatens two already imperiled dolphin species.

Missed Connections

December 24, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

Climate change could affect the way all kinds of creatures interact with each other.

Save the Ringed Seal, Save the Planet?

December 11, 2014 Latest NewsArcticJason Bittel

The government proposes the biggest critical-habitat designation ever to protect ringed seals from Big Oil and climate change.

Snot Otter Sexy Times

December 3, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

Learning the ins and outs of hellbender hanky-panky might help save these giant salamanders from extinction.

Big Cats in Big Trouble

November 28, 2014 ExplainerInternationalJason Bittel

Tigers, lions, and leopards are among the world’s most beloved animals. So why don’t we treat them better?

The Cold Truth

November 15, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

Could climate change be to blame for record-low U.S. temps?

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

November 13, 2014 ExplainerInternationalJason Bittel

How do you keep a seven-ton elephant out of your garden? Get creative.

Walking: the Fast Track to Extinction

November 6, 2014 Latest NewsAfricaJason Bittel

Cheetahs are famous for how fast they can run, but it’s all the walking they’re doing that’s getting them into trouble.

Should We Really Save the Devils Hole Pupfish?

October 29, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

They’re an inch long. There are fewer than 100 left. Is it worth the effort?

Saving a Sea of Strange

September 12, 2014 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

The Endangered Species Act now protects 22 species of coral. Here are the four freakiest.