wildlife

California wildlife officials are poised to decide whether to designate six isolated clans of pumas as endangered or threatened species under state law.

Citizen researchers like these have become powerful eyes and ears on the ground for marine scientists, says wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta.

The needly youngsters that dominate the forest can provide ready fuel for wildfire, and they often prevent other types of trees and plants from growing, including staples in the diets of local wildlife.

The wildlife refuge is home to the largest colony of albatross in the world.

But wildlife campaigners say improved protection methods, including trained sheep dogs, would be a better solution than removing safeguards.