(Tashkent, Uzbekistan – November 2, 2015) Saiga suffered a massive die-off during the calving season. In the short period of only two weeks, more than half the world population was found dead, the bodies of adults and young calves scattered across the spring grassland in the thousands. A disease is suspected, perhaps coupled with external factors from vegetation or changes in weather; but despite an immediate response and intense study, the exact cause still remains a mystery.

Flushing, N.Y. – Oct. 30, 2015 – Three burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) have made their debut at the WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Queens Zoo.

Oct. 28, 2015 – Bangladesh’s tigers and dolphins have gotten SMART. Efforts to fight forestry and fisheries crime in Bangladesh were recently strengthened with the training of frontline field staff of the Bangladesh Forest Department in the use of SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), a conservation tool for improving the effectiveness of patrols to protect threatened terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.

WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) Canada has teamed up with cavers across western Canada in an effort to stop the spread of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) by launching the BatCaver program – www.batcaver.org.

Oct. 27, 2015 – The WCS Board of Trustees has elected Antonia M. Grumbach, a New York attorney and long-time advisor on nonprofit governance and strategy, to serve as its Chair. 

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Oct. 26, 2015 – The following is an excerpt of the testimony to be given today in favor of Int. 928, which would ban the sale of microbead products in New York City. The testimony will be presented by Nicole Robinson-Etienne, WCS Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs, before the New York City Council Committee on Consumer Affairs. Microbeads are plastic particles found in some personal care and cosmetic products. 

The following is an excerpt of testimony to be given today in favor of H 1275, which would help shut down the illegal trade in ivory. The testimony will be presented by Christine Manto, WCS Manager of Government and Community Affairs, before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

October 20, 2015 – For the 235^th time, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has inducted its newest class of members. One of the nation’s oldest learned societies and independent research centers, the Academy includes among this year’s 147 inductees prominent scientists, artists, literary figures, and leaders of academic, business, philanthropic, and cultural institutions from across the United States and internationally.

Oct. 19, 2015 – WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Queens Zoo has successfully bred rare New England cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus transitionalis) for introduction to their native New England states as part of a collaborative effort to boost the wild population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the New England cottontail as Vulnerable

Oct. 16, 2015 - Highlights include face-painting, crafts, pumpkin treats for the zoos’ animals, and much more.