Animals

After a 77 percent population decline, the Grauer's gorilla is now on the critically endangered species list.

World's Largest Ape Listed As Critically Endangered; Pandas Upgraded To 'Vulnerable'

7:43pm September 04, 2016

by Bill Chappell

Giant panda populations have risen, thanks to forest protections. But populations of Grauer's gorilla total only around 3,800 individuals — a 77 percent reduction — according to a recent survey.

Science

Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Big Dogs?

9:04am September 03, 2016

Researchers at the University of Washington are hoping to answer that question. NPR's Scott Simon talks to biology and pathology professor Daniel Promislow about the Dog Aging Project.

When your dog looks like she's listening to you, she really is.

Science

Who's A Good Girl? Your Dog, Who Understands More Than You Might Think

7:59am September 03, 2016

by Scott Simon

A team of Hungarian scientists has determined dogs can understand words, not just tone. NPR's Scott Simon says it may mean we should rethink our entire relationship with our furry friends.

Conservationists Review Efforts To Restore California's Bighorn Sheep

4:28pm September 01, 2016

by Claire Trageser

This time of year, the endangered bighorn sheep of Southern California gather at desert watering holes. Conservationists use these huddles to see how efforts to restore the population are going.

POLL: Most Americans Want Congress To Make Zika Funding A High Priority

5:07am September 01, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

That's what 76 percent said in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey. Half the respondents also said they'd be uncomfortable traveling to places in Florida where mosquitoes are spreading Zika.

The Great Elephant Census shows that savanna elephant populations in 18 countries declined by 30 percent. Most of the animals counted were in protected areas.

African Elephant Population Declines By 30 Percent

6:28pm August 31, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

A census of African savanna elephants in 15 countries between 2007 and 2014 found the population decreased by 144,000 animals.

Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.

Minnesota Cracks Down On Neonic Pesticides, Promising Aid To Bees

4:05pm August 31, 2016

by Dan Charles

Minnesota's governor has ordered new restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been blamed for killing bees. Many details of the plan, however, remain to be worked out.

Their Masters' Voices: Dogs Understand Tone And Meaning Of Words

4:51pm August 30, 2016

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

When humans talk to dogs, the canine brains seem to separate the meaning of the words from the intonation used and to analyze each aspect independently.

Officials from the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate discovered hundreds of dead reindeer on a mountain plateau after a lightning storm.

323 Reindeer Killed In Lightning Storm In Norway

3:11pm August 29, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

The reindeer died on a mountain plateau in central Norway. "I don't remember hearing about lightning killing animals on this scale before," says a Norwegian environmental official.

On display at ZooAve Animal Rescue in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Grecia, the chestnut-mandibled toucan, can now eat on its own and sing with the new beak. Grecia was in rehabilitation for months after receiving a 3-D-printed nylon prosthesis.

Science

After Losing Half A Beak, Grecia The Toucan Becomes A Symbol Against Abuse

11:45am August 27, 2016

by Carrie Kahn

After the famous toucan received a prosthetic replacement, it's story has helped spark a national movement against harming animals in Costa Rica, where a new anti-abuse bill is also gaining traction.

Queue Listen Now