Conservation
Wildlife Services, part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, set off a firestorm of criticism recently when it released data showing that in 2013 the agency killed more than 4 million animals—2 million of which, according to the Center for Biological Diversity—were from native species.
Conservation
Kudos to California. Last October, it became the first state to ban lead ammunition for all types of hunting. The ban will benefit the state’s namesake condors, which nearly went extinct. In 1982, only 22 California condors remained on the planet.
Nature & Wildlife
In modern society the raven is surely the world’s most underappreciated bird. Physically, ravens are neither ornate nor powerful. They lack the color of most other songbirds, the hunting prowess of mighty raptors, and are often associated with garbage dumps. However, in many cultures ravens have held the highest level of respect and admiration.
