Small African Animals

Small African Animals sometimes seen on Safaris

Some of the smaller African animals i.e Honeybadger, Caracul, Civet, and Genet not generally seen

Caracul Present throughout the country but very rarely seen the caracal is a beautiful cinnamon coloured member of the cat family. They prey on small mammals, and birds, have a gestation of 10 weeks and live for as long as 17 years. Few cats can imitate the caracals sudden spring to pull down a bird in mid flight, sometimes as high as three meters, a remarkable feat for such a small animal. The soft thick coat has no distinct stripes but is clearly spotted on the underside and has a shorter tail and longer ears than any other African cat Caracul Pawprints

Honey Badger/Ratel The honey badger has short legs and stout claws and is a strong burrower and a good climber. About 61 cm long excluding the tail, it has a coat that is black on the lower half of the body and pale gray above. The name ‘honey badger’ is derived from its supposed habit of following the Honeyguide bird to a bees nest, the honey badger rips it open. The bird and the honey badger then share the honey. They are often in pairs and sometimes alone, living partly in trees and found in most habitat types. It preys on rodents and insects, but also eats fruits and roots. The ratel has very thick, loose skin that is difficult to grasp. The skin around the throat is so thick that it is said to defy the bite of a dog or a leopard Honeybadger Pawprints

Genet

Genet Small cat with short legs, pointed snout and ringed tail. The muzzle is pointed and the ears are rounded. No two animals are exactly alike. Two to four young are born during the summer months, usually in the mother's daytime shelter. Genets are often seen at night in the wilds. The small-spotted genet has habits similar to the large-spotted genet: it is nocturnal, scales trees, uses tree-holes, undergrowth or disused burrows as shelter in the day, and eats insects, mice and rats, geckos, frogs, snakes and scorpions. It stalks its prey like a cat. In defence it will arch its back and the hair down the spine will bristle, while also emitting an unpleasant odour from a secretion in its anal glands. Genets return to the same place day after day, hunting mostly on the ground. They spit and growl like cats when they are angry or threatened. Their normal call is a clear metallic note Genets were kept as pets by the ancient Egyptians, the genet was kept as a rat catcher The domestic cat eventually replaced the genet, probably because it is more efficient at killing rats-and perhaps because it is less smelly

Jackal The jackal, a medium-sized carnivore with doglike features and a bushy tail, is widely distributed in Africa, the Middle East and India. The ancient Egyptians believed a jackal-headed god, Anubis, guided the dead to those who judged their souls. Such beliefs were probably encouraged by the jackal's cleverness, nocturnal habits, eerie howling and scavenging. Habitat The common jackal lives in open savannahs, deserts and arid grasslands. Side-striped jackals are found in moist savannas, marshes, bushlands and mountains. The sliver-backed jackal lives primarily in savannas & woodlands. Family Jackals live singly or in pairs, and are sometimes found in small packs. They are among the few mammalian species in which the male and female mate for life. Mated pairs are territorial, and both the female and male mark and defend the boundaries of their territory Hunting Jackals are opportunistic omnivores. They cooperatively hunt small or young antelopes such as dik diks or Thomson's gazelles or even domestic sheep. They also eat snakes and other reptiles, insects, ground-dwelling birds, fruits, berries and grass. A pair of jackals will move through their territory at a fast trot, stopping frequently to examine something, sniff the air or listen-ready for any opportunity that might provide a meal. Jackals are noisy. Family or pack members communicate with each other by a screaming yell and yapping, or a sirenlike howl when a kill is located. Jackals are very cunning and resourceful. Although usually considered scavengers-they do pick over kills made by large carnivores and frequent rubbish dumps-they also hunt and kill a variety of prey

Jackal Pawprints

Civet A long legged half-dog half-cat like creature with long course body hair and a vivid pattern of black spots. Fairly common in all the wilderness areas, often seen on night drives in the national parks. During the day, they hide in thickets or holes and by night are omnivorous feeders. They return to the same place to defecate where they deposit large piles of dung, showing the remains of beetles, fruit and a wide range of other food. They are in fact very important disperses of fruit seeds. Their scent glands secrete a nauseating smell used to mark their territory. They gestate for 6-9 weeks and live up to 14 years. Pawprints

African Animals Facts, Spoor and Habits

Wild African animals with Picture Slide Shows, Facts, Behaviour and Track ( spoor) identification

The continent of Africa is host to the most diverse and extensive wildlife show on earth with an amazing variety of animals

African Animals

First time visitors will want to see plenty of game, mainly large animals The trick is to look beyond that and begin to see the whole context, the inter-relationships of smaller animals, birds and habitats and soon you will discover not only Africa but a whole new world

* Dogs, cattle and even horses kill more people on other continents than wild animals in Africa, so respect them but don't fear them

* Wild animals are Gods gifts to you, enjoy while you can

* the allure of Africa, a continent bursting with natural beauty and wild animals, can be an affordable trip for most travelers

Protecting Black Rhinos in SVC

The African Wildlife Conservation Fund is assisting the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) with fund raising to support the activities of an anti-poaching unit for the protection of rhinos in the area. Rhinos are particularly symbolic of the Savé Valley Conservancy because they are in fact the reason that the conservancy was initially established.

SVC has a black rhino population of global significance (Photo credit: Natasha Anderson)

A number of rhinos were reintroduced into SVC during the early 1990s to provide a safe-haven from the intense poaching that was occurring in the Zambezi Valley at the time. Following the reintroduction, management and protection of the rhinos needed to be coordinated. This fact encouraged ranchers in the area to pool their land and form a single, huge wildlife area with all internal fencing removed.

Since then, due to ideal habitat and protection from poaching, the black rhinoceros population increased rapidly and the SVC now hosts a critically important population. The world conservation authority, the IUCN, considers the conservation of rhinos in SVC to be a ‘continental priority’ – which is their highest possible priority rating.

One of AWCF’s main goals is to raise funds for the protection of rhinos in SVC. In the last few years there has been a major increase in rhino poaching throughout southern Africa, due to increased demand for rhino horn in the Far East. This threat has been particularly severe in Zimbabwe, and SVC’s rhinos have been badly affected, posing a serious threat to this critically important population.

In SVC, 22 black and 3 white rhinos were poached during 2008-2009, driving this all important rhino population into decline. Rhino poaching incidents are brutal: poachers typically riddle the animals with bullets from automatic rifles and hack the horns off with machetes, often while the wounded/maimed animal is still alive.

Black rhino poached in SVC: a truly tragic sight.

In early 2011, for example, there was a particularly tragic case when poachers shot a young black rhino three times and hacked its horn off, only for the animal to survive for several days with horrendous wounds. The rhino was treated by veterinarians as soon as it was discovered, but ultimately had to be euthanized due to the extent of the wounds.

Rhino poached in SVC: the ranger is trying to locate the bullets used by poachers to kill the rhino as evidence.

In response to the threat, a dedicated rhino anti-poaching unit (APU) has been developed to tackle the problem. This proactive approach has slowed the loss of rhinos in SVC but the demand for rhino horn continues to drive the ever more sophisticated poachers in their quest.

New recruits for the SVC rhino anti-poaching unit in training

The severity of the threat is such that continuing support, training and development is needed to enable conservationists and APU’s to counter the threat of these poachers as they become more daring and brazen in their attempts to harvest the horn.

Support given to AWCF’s rhino project, no matter how small, could make a real difference to the protection of these magnificent animals: anyone, anywhere in the world can literally ensure the survival of the critically endangered black rhino by donating to this project.

With your support, we can help SVC control rhino poaching to the point where the population starts to grow again.

Source http://www.africanwildlifeconservationfund.org/projects/protecting-black-rhinos-in-svc/

Protecting Black Rhinos in SVC

The African Wildlife Conservation Fund is assisting the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) with fund raising to support the activities of an anti-poaching unit for the protection of rhinos in the area. Rhinos are particularly symbolic of the Savé Valley Conservancy because they are in fact the reason that the conservancy was initially established.

SVC has a black rhino population of global significance (Photo credit: Natasha Anderson)

A number of rhinos were reintroduced into SVC during the early 1990s to provide a safe-haven from the intense poaching that was occurring in the Zambezi Valley at the time. Following the reintroduction, management and protection of the rhinos needed to be coordinated. This fact encouraged ranchers in the area to pool their land and form a single, huge wildlife area with all internal fencing removed.

Since then, due to ideal habitat and protection from poaching, the black rhinoceros population increased rapidly and the SVC now hosts a critically important population. The world conservation authority, the IUCN, considers the conservation of rhinos in SVC to be a ‘continental priority’ – which is their highest possible priority rating.

One of AWCF’s main goals is to raise funds for the protection of rhinos in SVC. In the last few years there has been a major increase in rhino poaching throughout southern Africa, due to increased demand for rhino horn in the Far East. This threat has been particularly severe in Zimbabwe, and SVC’s rhinos have been badly affected, posing a serious threat to this critically important population.

In SVC, 22 black and 3 white rhinos were poached during 2008-2009, driving this all important rhino population into decline. Rhino poaching incidents are brutal: poachers typically riddle the animals with bullets from automatic rifles and hack the horns off with machetes, often while the wounded/maimed animal is still alive.

Black rhino poached in SVC: a truly tragic sight.

In early 2011, for example, there was a particularly tragic case when poachers shot a young black rhino three times and hacked its horn off, only for the animal to survive for several days with horrendous wounds. The rhino was treated by veterinarians as soon as it was discovered, but ultimately had to be euthanized due to the extent of the wounds.

Rhino poached in SVC: the ranger is trying to locate the bullets used by poachers to kill the rhino as evidence.

In response to the threat, a dedicated rhino anti-poaching unit (APU) has been developed to tackle the problem. This proactive approach has slowed the loss of rhinos in SVC but the demand for rhino horn continues to drive the ever more sophisticated poachers in their quest.

New recruits for the SVC rhino anti-poaching unit in training

The severity of the threat is such that continuing support, training and development is needed to enable conservationists and APU’s to counter the threat of these poachers as they become more daring and brazen in their attempts to harvest the horn.

Support given to AWCF’s rhino project, no matter how small, could make a real difference to the protection of these magnificent animals: anyone, anywhere in the world can literally ensure the survival of the critically endangered black rhino by donating to this project.

With your support, we can help SVC control rhino poaching to the point where the population starts to grow again.

Lowveld Wild Dog Project

African wild dogs, also known as painted hunting dogs, are southern Africa’s most endangered large carnivore. With their unique and striking coat patterns, their intelligence and their highly interactive and caring nature, wild dogs are truly one of the most awe inspiring species alive today.

Wild dog pups at play (Photo credit: Rosemary Groom)

Regurgitating meat for pups (Photo credit: Paul Funston)

Wild dog portrait (Photo credit: Paul Funston)

Unfortunately, global wild dog populations are declining, due to habitat loss, human persecution, disease (especially rabies), accidental by-catch in wire snares, loss of prey and competition with larger carnivores like lions. The Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which comprises key wildlife areas in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique (view map), hosts a critically important, yet highly threatened population of these endangered carnivores.

The Lowveld Wild Dog Project was initiated in 1996 in the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC), which covers an area of nearly one million acres in southeastern Zimbabwe and is a key part of the GLTFCA. This remains our focal study area, and here the LWDP team (Dr. Rosemary Groom and scouts Rueben Bote and Misheck Matari) closely monitor the population of 80-90 wild dogs comprised of nine packs. The aim is to understand pup survival rates, causes of mortality of adults and pups, movement patterns, potential conflict, genetic diversity, inter-specific competition and the impact of various conservation measures. In a three year period, 53% of known adult wild dog mortality was due to snares and 23% to rabies. Lions were the greatest cause of pup mortality (75%).

Misheck with an immobilized wild dog (Photo credit: Rosemary Groom)

Rueben tracking (Photo credit: Rosemary Groom)

Our project thus aims to mitigate the major threats to wild dogs in this key conservation stronghold through management-oriented research, hands-on conservation and community education and outreach. The LWDP team’s work includes:

• Collaring and monitoring key packs (6-8 packs) using traditional spoor tracking, radio telemetry, camera traps at dens and photographic identikits
• Rabies vaccination campaigns in the domestic dog populations surrounding key wildlife areas
• Snare removal from wild dogs
• Antipoaching to remove wire snares from key wild dog home ranges and den site areas
• Working in primary schools and communities surrounding wildlife areas to increase awareness and improve education standards and opportunities for neighboring communities

Rosemary removing a snare from a wild dog (Photo credit: Patricia Groom)

Rabies vaccination campaign (Photo credit: Rueben Bote)

Source: http://www.africanwildlifeconservationfund.org/projects/lowveld-wild-dog-project/

KENYAN AUTHORITIES CRACKDOWN ON WILDLIFE CRIMES

Nov 21, 2012

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Africa’s elephant populations are diminishing at an alarming rate as a result of their tusks’ profitability abroad.

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African Wildlife Foundation calls attention to the seriousness of poaching as high quantity of ammunition is seized during anti-poaching operations.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Over the past several years the crimes against Africa’s wildlife have been running rampant. Both rhino and elephant populations are dwindling as poachers target them for their ivory and horns that are sold on the black market at exorbitant prices.

This past week, however, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported a victory for wildlife after 46 suspected poachers were arrested and 48 kg of ivory, 764 rounds of ammunition, and other poaching weapons were seized. The anti-poaching efforts and subsequent arrests were made in different parts of the country over the course of the past month.

In wake of the rising poaching epidemic, wildlife organizations across the globe have been actively seeking justice for these species and ramping up protection efforts. “While we are far from ending this fight, this month’s successes demonstrate the government’s commitment to stop wildlife trafficking and the increased organization among wildlife authorities,” said Helen Gichochi, president of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton recently called for increased efforts and collaboration by governments to stop these poachers whose militarized organization threatens not only wildlife but also humans. The ammunition and weapons confiscated demonstrate the involvement of these highly organized criminal syndicates, which have easy access to advanced technologies, weapons, and ammunition.

Now that the arrests have been made, the next step is to make sure the punishments are severe enough to increase the risks and prove a deterrent for others considering participating in poaching and trafficking activities. Earlier this month, AWF and KWS convened a judicial luncheon where Kenya’s judicial and legal professionals came together to discuss the importance of enforcing harsher penalties against poachers.

“As global pressures continue to mount against poachers and wildlife traffickers, it becomes increasingly important that the public, conservation organizations, and governments act now,” said Gichochi. “This progress is promising, but the conservation community and legal authorities must continue to work collaboratively, remain vigilant, and increase public awareness in order to successfully address this poaching epidemic.”

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About African Wildlife Foundation
Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a leading conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people. Since its inception, AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted conservation enterprises that benefit local African communities, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation—all to ensure the survival of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife heritage. AWF is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Kenya and registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States. For more information, www.awf.org.

Contacts:
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
John Butler

AWF SELECTED AS 10% GIVEBACK PARTNER BY ENDANGERED SPECIES CHOCOLATE

Dec 19, 2012

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WASHINGTON, DC —African Wildlife Foundation is pleased to announce that it has, for the third time, been selected as a three–year, 10 percent GiveBack partner by Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC).

After an intensive selection process, AWF was selected along with one other organization, and both organizations will receive 10 percent of ESC net profits or a guaranteed minimum contribution of $10,000 annually.

ESC received over 20 applications from non-profits for the partnership, and each organization was ranked by the company on aspects, such as transparent accountability, species impact, and social outreach.

“AWF is thrilled to be selected as a 10% GiveBack partner of Endangered Species Chocolate for the period 2013 through 2015,” said Patrick Bergin, AWF CEO. “The continued support of our good friends at Endangered Species Chocolate – along with their growing numbers of loyal customers – is tremendously important for enabling AWF’s field staff to carry out projects to conserve Africa’s wildlife and wild lands.”

Bergin noted that the 10% GiveBack collaboration with ESC will continue to advance AWF’s African Apes Initiative. This program protects key habitats for Africa’s four great ape species (chimpanzee, bonobo, mountain gorilla and lowland gorilla). The 10% GiveBack will also provide additional momentum to AWF’s Rhino and Elephant Campaigns that are combating the escalating poaching of these two iconic African animals.

For more information, or to place an order to help support the company’s 10% GiveBack, visit www.chocolatebar.com

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About Endangered Species Chocolate
Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is a mission-driven company that is passionate about chocolate and the environment. Endangered Species Chocolate is committed to providing chocolate-lovers with premium, natural and organic chocolates that are ethically traded and sustainably grown. Adding to the impact of each chocolate bar, Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10—percent of net profits to fund species and habitat conservation. A top selling brand in the natural food category, Endangered Species Chocolate offers more than 30 products. For more information, visitwww.chocolatebar.com.

About African Wildlife Foundation
Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a leading conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people. Since its inception, AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted conservation enterprises that benefit local African communities, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation—all to ensure the survival of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife heritage. AWF is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Kenya and registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States. For more information, visit www.awf.org.

Contacts:
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
John Butler

AFRICA CLOSES 2012 WITH HORRIFIC RHINO POACHING NUMBERS

Jan 11, 2013

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Total of 668 poached in South Africa in 2012, exceeding 448 poachings in 2011

NAIROBI, January 11, 2013—An unprecedented number of rhinos—668 in total—were poached in 2012 in South Africa, according to final numbers released by South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs on Thursday . This is a new poaching high, exceeding 2011’s 448. Since the beginning of 2013, five of South Africa’s rhinos have already been killed.

“As evidenced by the growing numbers, poachers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and militarized,” said African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) CEO Patrick Bergin. “African Wildlife Foundation believes the challenge is not insurmountable, however. Governments around the globe are stepping up their anti-poaching efforts. The South African government, for example, achieved a record number of poacher arrests, at 267, and a number of African nations have announced or are considering moratoriums on wildlife hunting permits. African Wildlife Foundation, too, will continue with our ongoing anti–wildlife crime programs and introduce new initiatives to combat poaching.”

In addition to AWF’s work with legislators and prosecutors to institute harsher sanctions for wildlife crime and its ongoing work with wildlife scouts, AWF recently provided a $50,000 grant to Great Fish River Conservancy in South Africa to protect the critically endangered black rhino subspecies, which lives there.

Download a PDF of the rhino poaching totals.

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About African Wildlife Foundation
Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a leading conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people. Since its inception, AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted conservation enterprises that benefit local African communities, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation—all to ensure the survival of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife heritage. AWF is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Kenya and registered as a 501(c)(3) in the United States. For more information, www.awf.org.

Contacts:
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)
John Butler

Fallow Deer

Where Found

Fallow deer are our most popular park deer with over 60 herds in parks or enclosures. While some claims have been made, the number of wild Fallow Deer in Ireland are unknown as no national deer census have been carried out. Many of our now wild Fallow escaped in the early 20th century, which supplemented old wild herds introduced by the Norman's soon after their arrival in 1169. They are now our most widespread species of deer and are found in most woodlands countrywide, both hill and lowland. Fallow have a very keen sense of smell and are acutely aware of any foreign noise. In hunted areas or where deer are disturbed it is easier to find them grazing at dawn or before dusk and one should approach carefully from the downwind side.

Fallow bucks are easiest to see in October during the rut. They tend to use the same rutting ground each year and the rutting area would have a strong musky smell with some scraping of the ground and tree bark damage.

When It Comes to Food, Chimps Only Think of Themselves

Aug. 15, 2012 — A sense of fairness is an important part of human behaviour, yet a research team involving Queen Mary, University of London found it did not evolve from our closest living relatives.

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The study, published in the journalBiology Letters Aug. 15, tested whether our great ape relatives, the chimpanzees and bonobos, have a sense of fairness like humans.

The scientists, including Professor Keith Jensen, from Queen Mary's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, put the apes through a series of ultimatum games.

One against the other, they had to choose whether to steal or leave the other's grapes. The games were set up in a variety of different ways involving equal proportions of grapes and others were split with a higher proportion given to one over the other.

Professor Jensen explained: "In each scenario one ape had to choose whether to steal the grapes or leave a portion of grapes for the other. We found that consistently they would steal the food without taking into account whether their action would have an effect on their partner.

"Neither the chimpanzees nor bonobos seemed to care whether food was stolen or not, or whether the outcomes were fair or not, as long as they got something.

"Our findings support other studies of chimpanzees but also extend these to bonobos. Both apes have no concern for fairness or the effects that their choices may have on others; in stark contrast to the way humans behave.

"We can therefore conclude that our results indicate that our sense of fairness is a derived trait and may be unique to the human race.

"If fairness considerations are important for cooperative activities such as trading goods and services and sharing, the question then is, when did they evolve in our species? And if fairness is important only in humans, the question is why only in humans?"

Chimpanzees Successfully Play the Ultimatum Game: Apes' Sense of Fairness Confirmed

Jan. 14, 2013 — Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, are the first to show chimpanzees possess a sense of fairness that has previously been attributed as uniquely human. Working with colleagues from Georgia State University, the researchers played the Ultimatum Game with the chimpanzees to determine how sensitive the animals are to the reward distribution between two individuals if both need to agree on the outcome.

The researchers say the findings, available in an early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) available this week, suggest a long evolutionary history of the human aversion to inequity as well as a shared preference for fair outcomes by the common ancestor of humans and apes.

According to first author Darby Proctor, PhD, "We used the Ultimatum Game because it is the gold standard to determine the human sense of fairness. In the game, one individual needs to propose a reward division to another individual and then have that individual accept the proposition before both can obtain the rewards. Humans typically offer generous portions, such as 50 percent of the reward, to their partners, and that's exactly what we recorded in our study with chimpanzees."

Co-author Frans de Waal, PhD, adds, "Until our study, the behavioral economics community assumed the Ultimatum Game could not be played with animals or that animals would choose only the most selfish option while playing. We've concluded that chimpanzees not only get very close to the human sense of fairness, but the animals may actually have exactly the same preferences as our own species." For purposes of direct comparison, the study was also conducted separately with human children.

In the study, researchers tested six adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and 20 human children (ages 2 -- 7 years) on a modified Ultimatum Game. One individual chose between two differently colored tokens that, with his or her partner's cooperation, could be exchanged for rewards (small food rewards for chimpanzees and stickers for children). One token offered equal rewards to both players, whereas the other token favored the individual making the choice at the expense of his or her partner. The chooser then needed to hand the token to the partner, who needed to exchange it with the experimenter for food. This way, both individuals needed to be in agreement.

Both the chimpanzees and the children responded like adult humans typically do. If the partner's cooperation was required, the chimpanzees and children split the rewards equally. However, with a passive partner, who had no chance to reject the offer, chimpanzees and children chose the selfish option.

Chimpanzees, who are highly cooperative in the wild, likely need to be sensitive to reward distributions in order to reap the benefits of cooperation. Thus, this study opens the door for further explorations into the mechanisms behind this human-like behavior.

For eight decades, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, has been dedicated to conducting essential basic science and translational research to advance scientific understanding and to improve the health and well-being of humans and nonhuman primates. Today, the center, as one of only eight National Institutes of Health-funded national primate research centers, provides leadership, training and resources to foster scientific creativity, collaboration and discoveries. Yerkes-based research is grounded in scientific integrity, expert knowledge, respect for colleagues, an open exchange of ideas and compassionate quality animal care.

Within the fields of microbiology and immunology, neurologic diseases, neuropharmacology, behavioral, cognitive and developmental neuroscience, and psychiatric disorders, the center's research programs are seeking ways to: develop vaccines for infectious and noninfectious diseases; treat drug addiction; interpret brain activity through imaging; increase understanding of progressive illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; unlock the secrets of memory; determine how the interaction between genetics and society shape who we are; and advance knowledge about the evolutionary links between biology and behavior.

Leopards, Monkeys, Bear Found in Airport Bags

ANTI-TRAFFICKING OFFICIALS TRACKED DUBAI-BOUND CARRIER TO THAI HUB

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 13, 2011 2:32 PM CDT

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(NEWSER) – Thai officials today nabbed a Dubai-bound man who was hauling “a virtual zoo” of endangered creatures around the Bangkok airport. When they opened his bags, they found a yawning bunch of sedated newborns: two leopards, two panthers, two macaque monkeys, and an Asiatic black bear, the AP reports. Anti-trafficking authorities had been tracking the United Arab Emirates citizen, 36, ever since he’d purchased the animals on the black market.

“It was a very sophisticated smuggling operation. We've never seen one like this before,” says an authority. Thailand’s oft-smuggled animals are typically more along the lines of turtles, snakes, and lizards. Officials believe the man was part of a smugglers’ network. Leopards and panthers can bring in $5,000 apiece on Thailand’s black market, and likely more in Dubai, says the official.

Elephant Rampage Kills 1 in India

ELEPHANT GORES MAN TO DEATH IN MYSORE, INDIA

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 8, 2011 1:58 PM CDT

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(AP) – Two wild elephants killed a man and injured others on a rampage in southern India. The New Delhi Television channel today aired footage showing the body of a man at the feet of one of the animals in the city of Mysore. One elephant was trapped inside a farm and the other was tranquilized. Several people were injured but no details were available, the Press Trust of India reports.

Hundreds of people die in India annually when wild animals wander into cities as their habitats shrink and they have to range farther for food. Indian parks face massive encroachment from people who live and forage in the forests or graze cattle there.

Scientists Find Monkeys Thought to Be Extinct

AND THEY WEREN'T EVEN LOOKING FOR THEM

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2012 12:34 PM CST

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(NEWSER) – Scientists have stumbled upon a monkey many thought no longer existed. Seeking leopards and orangutans, the researchers placed camera traps in an Indonesian forest. When they checked the pictures, they were astonished to see images of large gray monkeys none had ever seen before, the AP reports. Photographs of the Miller's Grizzled Langur are nearly impossible to find, so the researchers could only compare the images to museum sketches.

Says a lead researcher, "We were all pretty ecstatic, the fact that, wow, this monkey still lives, and also that it's in Wehea" forest, on the island of Borneo—where the white-collared monkeys had never been recorded before. The monkeys' old forest homes were lost to fires and human intervention; the creatures had also been heavily hunted. A 2005 effort to find the animals was unsuccessful; now, there are some 4,000 pictures of them from two months of work. Next, scientists plan to attempt to count them.