The Journey of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji: National Zoo Pandas Return to China

The Journey of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji: National Zoo Pandas Return to China

Business

The beloved giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, along with their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, will be leaving the National Zoo in Washington, DC, next year. Zoo staff faced challenges in getting Mei Xiang and Tian Tian to mate, resorting to artificial insemination. The pandas are expected to return to China as part of the Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement. Mei Xiang has given birth to four surviving cubs during her time at the zoo. This journey marks the end of their over 20-year stay in the United States.

Melting Sea Ice Linked to Alarming Rise in Gray Whale Deaths

Melting Sea Ice Linked to Alarming Rise in Gray Whale Deaths

Business

Since 2019, gray whales have been dying off at an alarming rate. A study conducted by scientists at Oregon State University suggests that the deaths are caused by the melting sea ice in the Arctic. The researchers found that the decrease in sea ice leads to a decrease in the crustaceans that the gray whales rely on for food. This ongoing die-off has resulted in a significant decline in the North Pacific gray whale population. While extinction is not currently a risk for gray whales, this situation highlights the broad impacts of the climate crisis and the vulnerability of even highly resilient species.

The Corpse Flower: At Risk of Extinction

The Corpse Flower: At Risk of Extinction

Technology

Rafflesia, or the corpse flower, is facing extinction due to the destruction of its forest habitats in Southeast Asia. There are 42 species of Rafflesia, with 25 classified as critically endangered and 15 as endangered. Current conservation strategies are failing to protect two-thirds of these species. Scientists are urging for a cross-regional approach to save these remarkable flowers. The parasitic plant, which has no leaves, stems, or roots, extracts food and water from tropical jungle vines. Researchers are calling for increased habitat protection, better understanding of the plant, and new conservation methods.