Wildlife

"Trainers deploy the Flying Squad, a tamed herd, to face off or mate with aggressive pachyderms as a way to keep them from straying and rampaging beyond the confines of their forest sanctuary" - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

"THE Australian Government has condemned as provocative a decision by Norway to sharply escalate its whale kill while attempts are under way to hammer out an international peace deal over the controversial hunts" - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

"The Scale-crested pygmy tyrant (Lophotriccus pileatus) ranges from Costa Rica to Peru and Venezuela. It is found in subtropical montane and tropical forest habitats where it feeds primarily on insects. This particular individual was captured while conducting research in Las Cruces Biological Station, Costa Rica. It was banded and released." - John (a.k.a. dendroica) from Bookmarklet

Damn. How cool is "pygmy tyrant"? Sounds like someone's boss. - Spidra Webster

cute X) - Nia

"This report demonstrates ways that our changing climate is increasing the risk of extinction for eleven species on the brink of disappearing forever. The report focuses on ten species, as well as an online poll winner, that are listed or being reviewed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The global warming threats to these species include increased disease, diminished reproduction, lost habitat, reduced food supply, and other impacts." - John (a.k.a. dendroica) from Bookmarklet

"Profiled Species: 'Akikiki or Kaua'i Creeper, Elkhorn Coral, Bull Trout, Canada Lynx, Pacific Salmon, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Grizzly Bear, Bog Turtle, Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, & Flatwoods Salamander. Activists' Choice: Polar Bear" - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

The bird in the picture is an 'Akikiki (or Kaua'i Creeper). - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

These birds may not be able to talk, but I think they’re trying to tell us something! What do you think? - burdr from Bookmarklet

"A group of nations, including the United States, recently announced a move to add a record number of commercial marine species to the international endangered list, putting them fin by tusk with such iconic land species as rhinos and elephants" - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

Earlier this week, I posted a video of a Wryneck showing off its snake-like head twisting movement. I think the Kingfisher in this video saw that clip said “Anything you can do, I can do better!” - burdr from Bookmarklet

"Giant Chinese pandas Wang Wang and Funi have touched down at Adelaide Airport and are clearing customs ahead of a waiting police escort to deliver them safely to their new home" - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

"12 / 17: Talons extended, a Eurasian eagle owl goes for the kill at Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey sanctuary near Preston, Lancashire. The rescue and rehabilitation centre offers a unique collection of over 90 birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures – and species less common to Britain, such as black kites. Photograph: National Pictures" - John (a.k.a. dendroica) from Bookmarklet

I love owls, too. I wonder how the photographer got this picture. There must have been a camera right under (or over) the prey item. - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

"When a brother and sister struck a coyote at 75mph they assumed they had killed the animal and drove on. They didn't realise this was the toughest creature ever to survive a hit-and-run. Eight hours, two fuel stops, and 600 miles later they found the wild animal embedded in their front fender - and very much alive." - John (a.k.a. dendroica) from Bookmarklet

Interesting. I guess it's good that the grills are made out of plastic. - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

Cute - WingsOfFlo

Indeed - Wietz

The two photos in the first comment are cute, too. - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

"The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds -- a rehabilitation center complete with small swimming pools and medical files on all of its patients -- is where African penguins come to get better" - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

Wow! - Gordon Herd

"National Geographic's International Photography Contest attracts thousands of entries from photographers of all skill levels around the world every year. While this year's entry deadline has passed, there is still time to view and vote for your favorites in the Viewer's Choice competition. National Geographic was kind enough to let me choose a few of their entries from 2009 for display here on The Big Picture. Collected below are 25 images from the three categories of People, Places and Nature. Captions were written by the individual photographers." - Kol Tregaskes from Bookmarklet

Wow! - Kol Tregaskes

"Scientists reveal thousands of extraordinary creatures at bottom of Atlantic" - Kol Tregaskes from Bookmarklet

Many of you have asked about the Burdr Twitter icon photo. Who’s in it? What kind of duck? When was it taken? Well, here’s the story! - burdr from Bookmarklet

This is the animal it was on: http://www.flickr.com/photos... - John (a.k.a. dendroica)

Gross.... - Rahsheen ™, Coach Rah

B-lips. - Micah Wittman

Can’t get away to go birdwatching? Don’t worry, Google has a map for that! Check out some of these birds caught on camera by Google. - burdr from Bookmarklet

"A look at some other pests that are benefiting or could benefit from global warming: _Ticks that transmit Lyme disease are spreading northward into Sweden and Canada, once too cold for them. _Giant Humboldt squid have reached waters as far north as British Columbia, threatening fisheries along much of the western North American coast. _Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are now found in South Korea, the Papua New Guinea highlands, and other places previously not warm enough for them. _Bark beetles reproducing more quickly in warming climates and expanding their ranges have devastated forests across western North America. In British Columbia they have laid waste to an area twice the size of Ireland. _A microscopic parasite is spreading a deadly disease among salmon in Alaska and British Columbia. Researchers say rising water temperatures are partly to blame. _The U.S. government warns that such invasive plants as the common reed, hyacinth and purple loosestrife are likely to spread to northern states" - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

"In an anti-fur industry advertisement with PETA, an animal rights organization, the Falcons tight end posed with his wife October -- sitting seemingly nude on a football field." - chaz2b from Bookmarklet

I'm, you know, for fixing habitats, generally speaking, but I'm especially a sucker for turtles. They really push my primate empathy buttons...not sure exactly why. - Christopher A Carr

Probably because they have little round heads that are reminiscent of primate heads. - Christopher A Carr