America.gov-Environment: Biodiversity

African Officials Pledge to Keep Virunga Parks Secure

Lea Terhune — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:36:32 GMT

Ministers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda pledge to protect wildlife parks in the Virunga region, threatened by guerilla conflicts and habitat loss. The pledge concludes a meeting in Rwanda, also attended by 45 delegates from governments and nongovernmental organizations.

Threat to Great Apes Highlighted at Virunga Meeting

Lea Terhune — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:06:48 GMT

Gorillas are gentle creatures now under serious threat of extinction at the hands of human killers in a critical Central African habitat beset by war and charcoal trafficking, but governments and conservationists are working on solutions. An upcoming ministerial meeting in Rwanda will discuss strategies for addressing the threat.

Internet Auctions Might Support Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

Lea Terhune — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:08:55 GMT

Despite domestic and international bans on trade in endangered species, shoppers still can find elephant ivory posted for sale on Internet auction sites. Do online auctions foster wildlife trafficking? America.gov talks to enforcement officials and conservationists about the problem and steps to address it.

Wildlife Trafficking Is a Serious Problem, Lucrative Business

Lea Terhune — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:45:39 GMT

Illegal wildlife products share trade routes with narcotics, guns and humans, trafficking experts say, within a sophisticated network to move illicit commodities for money. America.gov talks with Interpol’s Peter Younger and author Moises Nam about the multibillion-dollar criminal enterprise of trafficking in endangered species.

World Bank Focuses on Plight of Tiger

Lea Terhune — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:07:25 GMT

The World Bank, with support from Hollywood, launches an initiative to save tigers. “The crisis facing tigers overwhelms local capabilities and transcends national boundaries. … It requires an alliance of strong local commitment backed by deep international support,” says bank President Robert B. Zoellick.

Actor Harrison Ford Speaks Out Against Wildlife Trafficking

Lea Terhune — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:45:18 GMT

The U.S. State Department escalates its battle against wildlife trafficking with new videos starring actor Harrison Ford. The United States, a leader against illegal trade in endangered species, aims to raise awareness in so-called consumer nations about the environmental tragedy they subsidize.

Polar Bears to Be Listed as “Threatened,” Interior Secretary Says

Lea Terhune — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:42:26 GMT

Polar bears will be listed threatened by the U.S. Department of the Interior and gain some federal protection for themselves and their habitat, but the wrangle between environmentalists and supporters of oil exploration is likely to continue -- as is the melting of the bears’ habitat, the polar ice sheet.

Governments, Local Groups Pledge To Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Lea Terhune — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:24:50 GMT

At the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, more than 100 nations and local entities pledge specific actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions by adopting renewable energy. Use of renewables is key to addressing the challenges of energy security and climate change, Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky tells attendees.

International Dolphin-Protection Pact Reaches 10-Year Mark

Lea Terhune — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:31:24 GMT

The landmark Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program intended to protect dolphins in the eastern Pacific Ocean celebrates its 10th anniversary in February. The treaty and the voluntary pact that preceded it are credited with reducing dolphin deaths in the fishery by approximately 99 percent since 1992.

Snow Leopard Cub Settles into U.S. Home

Lea Terhune — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 13:01:58 GMT

Conservation Efforts Give Historic American Bison a Future

Lea Terhune — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:02:24 GMT

The American bison hovered on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century. The Washington File looks at how efforts to save the species became America’s first environmental success story.

United States Adds Tibetan Antelope to Endangered Species List

Lea Terhune — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 13:02:48 GMT

To increase worldwide environmental conservation efforts and strengthen trade restrictions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the Tibetan antelope as an endangered species. The antelope has suffered a dramatic population decline in the past 30 years, largely due to poaching.