New Zealand’s wētāpunga, the world’s heaviest insect, is experiencing a major population boost thanks to a successful breeding and conservation programme. The initiative is helping the rare giant wētā establish new populations in protected habitats, marking a significant milestone in efforts to safeguard the species.
An experimental gene therapy combined with special goggles has helped some people with inherited blindness regain limited visual abilities, including detecting objects, locating doorways and following lines.
A new WWF report finds that monitored wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% since 1970, with habitat loss, agriculture and climate change among the major drivers of biodiversity loss. BUT recoveries in wild tiger, bluefin tuna and green sea turtle populations show that conservation can work, and researchers say transforming food production, energy and finance systems is essential to reversing the decline.
New Zealand’s first youth screen-addiction centre, Touch Grass, has opened to help young people aged 13–24 struggling with excessive screen use, gaming and gambling. The service offers support ranging from online resources to in-person therapy, addressing problems that can disrupt sleep, education, relationships and wellbeing.
Scientists studying Jonathan, a 194-year-old giant tortoise living on the island of St Helena, have identified genetic variations linked to DNA repair, cancer suppression and other cellular processes that may help explain his extraordinary longevity.
Life is always better with cute and funny animal photos. View the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Award finalists.