Conservation of Wildlife 1 Illegal pet trade 0

So I was looking around at some articles on Illegal Pet Trade and found this website, Wildlife Extra News and there was an article about the smuggling of rare and endangered tortoises. The tortoises that were being trafficked where 11 Spider Tortoises, 400 Radiated Tortoises but he species of highest concern was 4 Ploughshare Tortoises. All of these tortoises come from Madagascar and where taken by two woman. Wait for it...THEY GOT CAUGHT!! In Kuala Lumpur, authorities have seized the shipment and have returned at least 1 of the Poughshare Tortoises.

The reason I wanted to talk about these Tortoises is because these guys are listed as critically endangered and it appears that its somewhat easy to obtain one. Along with all the other rare and exotic animals that succumb to the billion dollar illegal pet trade, the future of many endangered species could be near the end. Thankfully, we have the Species Survival Network and CITES. Anyway I just wanted to share some thoughts on subject, check back later for more.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/stolen-tortoises.html#cr

Gray Wolves are good to go!

I stumbled upon a wildlife news article that had some positive vibes. On Salt Lake City's DNR website, I found an article that was about how Utah's wildlife board wants the Gray Wolf to be taken off of the Endangered Species list through federal legislation. The board consist of seven citizens that were appointed by the governor and their main goal is to set policies that guide management for wildlife in Utah.
The reason why they are requesting that it be removed from under the ESA, is because the wolf management plan cant begin until it is removed. The has been significant evidence that the Gray Wolf populations have far exceeded the population objectives in the recovery plan for the Northern Rock Mountain population of Gray Wolves.
Its finally good to see some species making a comeback from being listed as endangered, lets hope that history doesn't repeat itself and that further studies can give more insight into how we can better conserve and help maintain sustainable populations of all of our plants and wildlife.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/news/42-utah-wildlife-news/389-no-wolf-protection.html

Florida Panthers get a bit of Texan in them

I just recently heard a group presentation and it was about Florida and some of the wildlife that are threatened or endangered because of the urbanization of the area. The Florida Panther was a major part of the discussion because its range is so spread out that these cats where almost none existent. It was listed as by the IUCN as critically endangered but was taken off the list in 2008 and has been re-listed.
I looked up some stuff on the internet about them and found and article about how these big cats are making a strong comeback because of the introduction of Pumas from Texas. They are breeding with the population in Florida and creating stronger, larger cats that are more immune to diseases.
Some of the wildlife policies that deal with this sort of thing are the ESA, CITES and Florida and Georgia Endangered Species Act.

http://animals.about.com/b/2010/10/18/florida-panthers-revived-with-a-texan-twist.htm