CONSERVATION

A look at the Global Safety Net's online map application.

Which Places Should We Protect First to Stop Climate Change? This Interactive Map Tells You

Certain lands can store large quantities of carbon (though we also need to cut carbon emissions in the first place).

Compost is delicious trash salad for your soil.

Vermont Just Banned Residents From Throwing Food Scraps in the Trash

The state has expanded its trash pick-up services to accommodate the new policy, but many residents are already composting pros.

Fat Bats Might Be Resistant to Deadly White-Nose Syndrome

Good news: chubby little brown bats might be genetically resistant to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that’s killed more than 5.5 million bats since it was first documented in 2006.

YouTube Star Coyote Peterson Brings 'Misunderstood' Animals to His New Animal Planet Series

Coyote Peterson gives Mental Floss the scoop on his new Animal Planet series, 'Brave the Wild'—and reveals how snapping turtles figure into the story.

Not Free, Bird: Russian Researchers Were Bankrupted by Their Tagged Eagles’ Roaming Charges

Steppe eagles have 7-foot wingspans, mainly eat carrion, and never read the fine print on their cell phone plans.

Venus Flytraps in Peril: Why Everyone's Favorite Carnivorous Houseplant Is Under Threat

The Venus flytrap is a favorite houseplant, but its ubiquity hides a world of threats. Now, some scientists think they have a solution for saving it.

Mariano Mantel Follow, Flickr // CC BY-NC 2.0

8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Join the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Eight buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including Fallingwater and Taliesin West, have been officially recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

11 Facts About the Vaquita, The World's Most Endangered Porpoise

Its been just over 60 years since we discovered the species—and now there may be less than 20 of them left in the world.

Elephants Are Evolving Without Tusks Thanks to Poaching

The pressures of ivory poaching have reshaped African elephant populations in just a few decades.

How Karelian Bear Dogs Are Keeping Wildlife Out of Harm's Way

This fearless breed is helping to reduce conflicts between people and predators.

Amsterdam Hopes to Save Bee Populations With Its 'Insect Hotels'

Business is buzzing.

8 Bird Species, Including a Blue Macaw, Are Declared Extinct

The Hawaiian poo-uli has been wiped out.

8 Animals That Were the Last of Their Species

From Benjamin the thylacine to Lonesome George the Pinta Island Tortoise, these endlings had an unfortunate claim to fame.

Why You Should Never Flush Your Contacts Down the Drain

Put them in the trash instead.

Why Conservationists Want People to Take Selfies With Quokkas

Every photo shared helps raise awareness of the vulnerable species.

Everyday Household Items Made From Black Plastic Can Be Harmful to Human Health

You may think twice about using black plastic food containers.

Climate Change Is Making It Hard for Bears to Hibernate Through the Winter

More black bears are waking up earlier—or not hibernating at all.

15 Things You Might Not Know About Rhinos

Including the gross reason why an alcohol fermenting technique is called a "rhino fart."

Remembering Sudan, the World's Last Male Northern White Rhino

Following age-related complications, Sudan—the last male northern white rhinoceros alive—was euthanized by a team of vets in Kenya in March 2018. But his genetic material could still be used to help save the species.

Artists Transform the Polar Bear Capital of the World Into Massive Mural Gallery

The Sea Walls project works with “artivists” from around the world to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Harry Potter Has Created a Huge Black Market for Owls in Indonesia

In the decades since the first movie came out, the demand for black-market owls in Indonesia has multiplied.

The Human Who Teaches Orphan Sloths How to Be Wild Animals

Zoologist Sam Trull trains orphaned sloths in Costa Rica how to be wild.

Chris via Wikipedia Commons // CC BY 2.0

How You Can Help Protect Migrating Birds

Experts say collisions with windows are a “preventable problem.”

California Condors Will Be Reintroduced to the Wild

Government agencies and the Yurok tribe are teaming up to try to restore the endangered bird to its historic habitat.

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