12 h. ago Endangered species convention proposes new rules for growing exotic pet trade

Conservationists are hoping to strengthen regulations at a wildlife trade conference on birds, reptiles and other animals that are seeing their numbers decline due to the exotic pet trade

Politics

5 d. ago Cuddling capybaras and ogling otters: the problem with animal cafes in Asia

A boom in places offering petting sessions is linked to a rise in the illegal movement of exotic and endangered species, say expertsThe second floor of an unassuming office building in central Bangkok is a strange place to encounter the world’s largest rodent. Yet here, inside a small enclosure with a shallow pool, three capybaras are at the disposal of dozens of paying customers – all clamouring for a selfie. As people eagerly thrust leafy snacks toward the nonchalant-looking animals, few seem to consider the underlying peculiarity: how, exactly, did this South American rodent end up more than 10,000 miles from home, in a bustling Asian metropolis?Capybara cafes have been cropping up across the continent in recent years, driven by the animal’s growing internet fame. The semi-aquatic animals feature in more than 600,000 TikTok posts. In Bangkok, cafe customers pay 400 baht (£9.40) for a 30-minute petting session with them, along with a few meerkats and Chinese bamboo rats. Doors are...

Politics

1 week ago White House walks back Trump’s suggestion of executing Democrats who urge military to disobey illegal orders – live

Karoline Leavitt says Trump doesn’t want to execute Democrats after president’s earlier social post suggesting their behavior is ‘punishable by DEATH’The Trump administration presented a new plan to roll back regulations in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Wednesday, a move experts fear will accelerate the extinction crisis if adopted.The proposed changes would allow the federal government more power to weigh economic impact against habitat designations, remove safeguards against future events – including the impacts from the climate crisis – and rescind the “blanket rule” that automatically grants threatened species the same protections as those designated as endangered. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Andy Burnham won't rule out Labour leadership bid as pressure grows on Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham refused to rule out standing against Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party, as rumours continue to grow about the future of the Prime Minister

Events

1 week ago US dignitaries gather for Dick Cheney’s funeral but Trump, Obama and Clinton not in attendance – live

Donald Trump and JD Vance reportedly not invited to the former vice-president’s funeral; Clintons and Obamas notably absent from the eventThe Trump administration presented a new plan to roll back regulations in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Wednesday, a move experts fear will accelerate the extinction crisis if adopted.The proposed changes would allow the federal government more power to weigh economic impact against habitat designations, remove safeguards against future events – including the impacts from the climate crisis – and rescind the “blanket rule” that automatically grants threatened species the same protections as those designated as endangered. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Epstein survivors urge justice department to ‘do the right thing’ and release complete files – US politics live

Several survivors of late sex offender’s abuse urge department to ‘not withhold information’ as ongoing probes at Trump’s behest could limit what is releasedThe Trump administration presented a new plan to roll back regulations in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Wednesday, a move experts fear will accelerate the extinction crisis if adopted.The proposed changes would allow the federal government more power to weigh economic impact against habitat designations, remove safeguards against future events – including the impacts from the climate crisis – and rescind the “blanket rule” that automatically grants threatened species the same protections as those designated as endangered. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Trump officials reveal plan to roll back regulations in Endangered Species Act

Experts fear plan, one of many attempts Trump’s made to dismantle wildlife protection, will speed up extinction crisisThe Trump administration presented a new plan to roll back regulations in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Wednesday, a move experts fear will accelerate the extinction crisis if adopted.The proposed changes would allow the federal government more power to weigh economic impact against habitat designations, remove safeguards against future events – including the impacts from the climate crisis – and rescind the “blanket rule” that automatically grants threatened species the same protections as those designated as endangered. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Sale Sharks star insists women's rugby is winning battle against doping

Shona Campbell is confident doping issues are an exception, as opposed to the rule, in a sport that has grown exponentially in the last few years.

Economics

2 w. ago 'Mum had 6 strict rules for us growing up and they'll make modern parents think'

While growing up with her two sisters, Abi Cooper had six strict rules set by her mother that she thought were "outrageous and unfair" at the time, but she has grown to have a different opinion

Politics

2 w. ago Scottish rugby star feels women's game winning battle against doping

Shona Campbell, who returned to the 15-a-side game in the summer following her time with GB Rugby Sevens, is confident doping issues are an exception, as opposed to the rule, in the sport that has grown exponentially in the last few years.

Sport

4 w. ago Much like a nursing home, penguins at a Boston aquarium can age with dignity

Lambert, a critically endangered African penguin, has moved to a special geriatric island at the New England Aquarium in Boston

Politics