Considering their size, this reindeer fact is shocking! With their long legs and large hooves, they effortlessly navigate deep waters and can swim at impressive speeds of up to 6 miles per hour.

These aquatic adventures serve a critical purpose. Moose frequently dive underwater, sometimes as deep as 20 feet and as long as a minute, to reach their favorite aquatic vegetation.

During their rut, males put their huge antlers to work as formidable weapons and impressive displays to attract potential mates. 

Male moose or bull moose engage in intense battles, locking their antlers together and shoving each other with incredible force as they vie for the right to mate with female moose, called cows. However, brute strength is only an example of their strategies in their quest for the attention of a cow moose. Scent and sound also play essential roles during the mating season.

They also display behavioral patterns similar to other cervids, including courtship croaking, tongue flicking, and genital smelling. However, both sexes show little apparent post-copulation behavior. The research also found that moose cows only mate with one male except for a few cases where a female had two male partners2.

Moose are not currently considered endangered, yet their survival faces several threats. Habitat degradation, food competition, illegal hunting, and predation continue to impact their habitat and population. Adding to these challenges, the ongoing climate crisis has presented significant risks for moose1.

With rising temperatures, moose face heat stress, weight loss, and tick infestations that can result in anemia. Diseases such as brain worm and chronic wasting disease also pose severe dangers to their communities. Cooperation among government agencies, NGOs, and Indigenous communities is crucial to tackling these threats.

Organizations like The Nature Conservancy work hard to preserve and improve moose habitats. Collaborative efforts are vital in protecting these majestic creatures in a changing climate. As moose's challenges continue to grow, prioritizing conservation efforts that promote their long-term survival is more important than ever.

Despite existing protective laws, hunters often target zebras for their skins and meat. Climate change further exacerbates the challenges for zebras, who struggle with drought and extreme heat waves, jeopardizing their food and water sources. 

Moreover, urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation affect zebra habitats, increasing conflicts between humans and zebras. 

International Zebra Day aims to raise awareness about what these creatures face, and by doing so, it calls everyone to action. Learn more about facts, the latest data, and global initiatives that can help you with the cause below.

Zebras' black and white stripes are a natural bug repellent and marker of individual identification. 
Zebra foals are born with brown and white stripes. Some even have spots. 
Their adaptive digestive system allows them to efficiently extract energy from fibrous grasses, contributing to their survival in environments with scarce food.
Zebra stripes regulate their body temperature and help them camouflage themselves in the African continent.
Their wide-set eyes and swiveling ears help them detect potential threats in their surroundings.

IUCN reported Plains Zebras to be near threatened. However, a 2020 study reported that the population had decreased by 25% since 20021.

IUCN categorized Mountain Zebras as Vulnerable3. With over 34,000 mature individuals, its population is rising due to the recovery from a drought in the 80s. However, the threat remains, hence the vulnerable status.

The most unfortunate of the three zebra species is the endangered Grévy's zebra. Its population declined by more than half for the last three decades2. Habitat degradation, competition with livestock, and local hunting are the top threats that led to their status.

Save the Stripes, launched by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, focuses on conserving the endangered Grevy's zebra in Kenya. It works on habitat protection, anti-poaching, and community engagement.
Grevy's Zebra Trust conserves the Grevy's zebra in Ethiopia and Kenya. They conduct monitoring, research, and community outreach programs to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) works to conserve key African landscapes, including zebra habitats. It uses community-based conservation projects, habitat protection, and anti-poaching initiatives.

1979:
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) included Grevy's zebras in its appendices, regulating their international trade.

2008:
The IUCN moved down the status of Mountain Zebras from Endangered to Vulnerable.

2010:
The UN General Assembly declared 2011-2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, indirectly promoting zebra conservation efforts.

2015:
The UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, which include targets related to wildlife conservation.

2016:
The IUCN updated the status of the Plains zebra from Least Concern to Near Threatened.

September 22 is World Rhino Day, an annual commemoration of the five species that share our planet - the Black, White, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. 

This event reminds us of these creatures' challenges, including habitat loss and poaching. More importantly, it encourages collective action to save these vital members of our global ecosystem.

Not only about rhinos, but this day also catalyzes necessary conversations about biodiversity, underscoring the invaluable role each species contributes to our ecological balance.

The World Wildlife Fund established World Rhino Day in 2010 with the initiative of Lisa Jane Campbell and Chantal Dickson. The event raises awareness about protecting the various ecosystems where rhinos exist.

The first World Rhino Day involved protests and auctions that raised awareness and promoted the protection of both African and Asian rhino species. In 2011, the day gained support from organizations like the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and Save the Rhino International. 

The increased awareness helped stress the importance of protecting rhinos from poaching and illegal horn trading.

Today, World Rhino Day has become a global platform for advocating stricter anti-poaching laws, encouraging generous campaigns and supporting innovative conservation projects. This year, the theme is "Five Rhino Species Forever."