Cuba is an important hotspot for many Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, like the Cuban greater funnel-eared bat.
Very little is known about this bat. In fact, it was thought to be extinct until a population was found in a remote underground cave, Cueva La Barca.
This cave provides the hot, humid conditions that are thought to be needed for breeding and is 40°C in the deepest chamber! But it lies a mere 250 metres inside the boundary of the Guanahacabibes National Park, and if the bats are foraging outside of the park, they could be vulnerable to threats.
A team from the ZSL EDGE of Existence programme went to Cuba to monitor the bats’ distribution and train two early-career conservationists, supported by the Erasmus Darwin Barlow Expedition fund. They also shaped relationships with local collaborators, and it’s hoped that this will lead to a wider conservation effort. https://www.zsl.org/blogs/conservation/monitoring-the-bat-that-returned-...
officialzsl
From tracking animals, completing team challenges and going behind the scenes of the UK’s largest Zoo, Field Academy gives children the chance to develop skills seen only in our dedicated field staff.
Discover more about this brand new course at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and book a place.
officialzsl
You may already know that cheetahs are the world’s fastest land mammal, but did you also know that the species is sprinting towards extinction?
The cheetah is now restricted to less than 10% of its historical range, often outside of protected areas. Here, they can face threats such as loss of habitat and prey, conflict with livestock and game keepers, and illegal wildlife trade.
Galapagos tortoises are the largest in the world and can live for over 150 years!
It's often assumed that it's their shell that makes them so heavy, but this is actually relatively light. It's their vast fat stores that make up the bulk of their weight.
As herbivores, their diet consists of vegetation such as grasses and leaves. But Galapagos tortoises can survive without food or water for over a year, and they're able to store large quantities of liquid when a water source is found.
officialzsl
We’re working to make London the first capital city to stop using single-use plastic bottles!
As #LondonRiversWeek comes to an end, you can help us reduce plastic pollution by taking the #OneLess pledge and using a refillable bottle instead.
officialzsl
The tidal Thames is an important nursery area for fish species that are of conservation and ecological importance, like the European smelt – a small predatory fish that smells of cucumber!
The European eel once thrived in London’s rivers, but is now critically endangered.
With the support of citizen science volunteers, we’re monitoring eel migration at sites across the region to better understand barriers and open up migratory pathways for this enigmatic species https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/eel-conservation #LondonRiversWeek
officialzsl
London's rivers are a vital habitat for wildlife and an important resource for humans, but they are also under threat from pollution.
Through a number of collaborative projects, ZSL is working to monitor water quality and identify the sources of pollution impacting the health of rivers. Find out how you can get involved as a citizen science volunteer and support our conservation: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/londons-rivers #LondonRiversWeek
officialzsl
Did you know that the Thames was once declared ‘biologically dead’? Today, it’s home to a wide range of species – including marine mammals like seals – and ZSL’s conservationists are working to monitor and protect them.
Join us for a free scientific event on 11th July to find out more about the Thames and its wildlife: www.zsl.org/stateofthethamesevent #LondonRiversWeek
officialzsl
Did you know, lions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day? We hope you're having a lazy Sunday too!
RT @ZSLWhipsnadeZoo: Happy Friday! Planning a trip to the Zoo? There’s so much to see and lots of exciting daily talks, like our brand n… https://t.co/4x4LHowI0C
RT @EDGEofExistence: 3 days left to apply for our 2018 expedition. Get writing about the conservation of tropical species on the EDGE https://t.co/TqulSe8VV7
Cuba is an important hotspot for many Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, like the Cuban greater funnel-eared bat.
Very little is known about this bat. In fact, it was thought to be extinct until a population was found in a remote underground cave, Cueva La Barca.
This cave provides the hot, humid conditions that are thought to be needed for breeding and is 40°C in the deepest chamber! But it lies a mere 250 metres inside the boundary of the Guanahacabibes National Park, and if the bats are foraging outside of the park, they could be vulnerable to threats.
A team from the ZSL EDGE of Existence programme went to Cuba to monitor the bats’ distribution and train two early-career conservationists, supported by the Erasmus Darwin Barlow Expedition fund. They also shaped relationships with local collaborators, and it’s hoped that this will lead to a wider conservation effort. https://www.zsl.org/blogs/conservation/monitoring-the-bat-that-returned-...
From tracking animals, completing team challenges and going behind the scenes of the UK’s largest Zoo, Field Academy gives children the chance to develop skills seen only in our dedicated field staff.
Discover more about this brand new course at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and book a place.
You may already know that cheetahs are the world’s fastest land mammal, but did you also know that the species is sprinting towards extinction?
The cheetah is now restricted to less than 10% of its historical range, often outside of protected areas. Here, they can face threats such as loss of habitat and prey, conflict with livestock and game keepers, and illegal wildlife trade.
Cheetah conservation in Tanzania has been a major focus for ZSL since 1991. Learn more about our work: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa/tanzania-carnivore-conse...
Galapagos tortoises are the largest in the world and can live for over 150 years!
It's often assumed that it's their shell that makes them so heavy, but this is actually relatively light. It's their vast fat stores that make up the bulk of their weight.
As herbivores, their diet consists of vegetation such as grasses and leaves. But Galapagos tortoises can survive without food or water for over a year, and they're able to store large quantities of liquid when a water source is found.
We’re working to make London the first capital city to stop using single-use plastic bottles!
As #LondonRiversWeek comes to an end, you can help us reduce plastic pollution by taking the #OneLess pledge and using a refillable bottle instead.
The tidal Thames is an important nursery area for fish species that are of conservation and ecological importance, like the European smelt – a small predatory fish that smells of cucumber!
At ZSL, we’re completing survey work to better understand the ways in which fish are using the river in order to protect vulnerable populations. Discover more about our work: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/tidal-thames-fish-con... #LondonRiversWeek
The European eel once thrived in London’s rivers, but is now critically endangered.
With the support of citizen science volunteers, we’re monitoring eel migration at sites across the region to better understand barriers and open up migratory pathways for this enigmatic species https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/eel-conservation #LondonRiversWeek
London's rivers are a vital habitat for wildlife and an important resource for humans, but they are also under threat from pollution.
Through a number of collaborative projects, ZSL is working to monitor water quality and identify the sources of pollution impacting the health of rivers. Find out how you can get involved as a citizen science volunteer and support our conservation: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/londons-rivers #LondonRiversWeek
Did you know that the Thames was once declared ‘biologically dead’? Today, it’s home to a wide range of species – including marine mammals like seals – and ZSL’s conservationists are working to monitor and protect them.
Join us for a free scientific event on 11th July to find out more about the Thames and its wildlife: www.zsl.org/stateofthethamesevent #LondonRiversWeek
Did you know, lions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day? We hope you're having a lazy Sunday too!