1,000+ New Species Discovered In Greater Mekong

More than 1,000 new animal species have been discovered in the Greater Mekong since 1997. Some of those new species to join our knowledge database include the world’s second known striped rabbit species, a huntsman spider that measures as big as a plate, and a hot pink millipede that excretes cyanide through it’s body. These are coming from a report made public by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF).

The Greater Mekong is more than 600,000 kilometers of rainforest and wetlands that lie along the Mekong River. The Mekong River runs through Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. New species in the area have been discovered at the rate of two per week for the past 10 years.

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Wildlife Alert: Nambia Begins Auctioning Ivory For First Time In Decade

The African nation of Nambia is raising some eyebrows over a recent decision to host the first public auction of Ivory in over 10 years.  Over recent days Nambia has, and will be, auctioning off more than 108 tons of elephant tusks–roughly the equivilent of 10,000 elephants–to Japan, China, and other Asian nations.  Much of the tusks will be sold into the Asian medicine market in a one-time sale.

In 1989, Africa banned the ivory trade to cut down on endangered animals being poached, namely the Rhinos and elephants of Africa.  Most of the ivory put up for auction by Nambia is suppose to be ‘old’ ivory, meaning that it was already there before the ban, or came from animals that died on their own in the wild.  Many wildlife organizations and African nations fear that this new auction for ivory will spark a new attempt by poachers to cash in on the trade.

The money raised by the sale of Nambia’s ivory is suppose to go to elephant conservation projects, or be used by the locals, whose area the elephants have devastated.  Three other nations have been authorized to make substantial auctions of Africa’s ivory alongside Nambia.  They include Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa-the substantial range where Africa’s 600,000 elephants now reside.

To read more on the current ivory situation in Nambia, the Times-Online has put up a great article with quite a bit more detail.

Photo:  Lukas Vermeer via Flickr

Swimming With Polar Bears

The Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village near Ontario, Canada is offering up the world’s first chance to swim with the mighty polar bear. This may sound a bit dangerous, but over the past few years many zoos have offered up the chance to swim with various animals including dolphins, sharks, and stingrays.

In a natural habitat, Polar Bears would be looking to eat a human. They may be looking to eat a human at the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village as well, but luckily 3 inches of thick glass will actually separate you from the bear. This is as close to a real life experience with a polar bear that a person could hope for.

Swimming with the bears is unique as far as we know and an amazing success. Initially the bears are curious and come close to the glass to get a better look at the humans, but they take it very much in their stride.

This quote comes from a recent discussion between The Sun and project conservation director Patricia Morin.

However you look at it, swimming with polar bears offers up a unique and rare opportunity to get close with one of the world’s most dangerous predators.  Visit IndiaDaily to get more information on this unique swim, in addition to learning more about the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village near Ontario, Canada.

Wild Film History–100 Years of Wildlife Filmmaking

I was recently going over a couple of weeks worth of posts at the Get Outdoors blog (seems I am always trying to play catch-up) when I happened to glance over and catch a link titled “CyberHobo”.  The very first post at the CyberHobo blog caught my attention.

The post is about a site that is currently in the process of recording the history of wildlife filmmaking.  WildFilmHistory–100 Years of Wildlife Filmmaking, is recording the history of some of the great wildlife films to ever grace the big screen.  These run from the first film back in 1882 titled “The Horse in Motion“, which, as it’s name suggests, is of a horse running.  This first picture would be made with a series of still photos.  The horse would become the first animal ever featured in a moving image format. To the latest film, from 2005, titled “Springwatch: Episode 1” which was actually the first ‘Live” broadcast of a nature film, shot and shown at the moment it was made.  That’s pretty incredible, if you ask me.

I grew up watching and loving the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom programs and now enjoy much of the Nature series that runs on PBS (one of my favorite Channels, by the way), so this project did spark an interest.  WildFilmHistory–100 Years of Wildlife Filmmaking, goes in to way more depth than just listing the various nature movies.  There is a pretty intense section on each movie covered that includes a history of the film, those involved, where someone can obtain the film, and a complete cast and crew rundown.

Along with all the history of the films, WildFilmHistory also takes a look at the people behind the films.  This includes biographical sketches and oral histories from some of the genre’s greatest filmmakers, and a key events timeline tracing the wildlife films’ history.  You could absolutely get enthralled and end up spending hours here.  It truly is a pretty cool looking project.  WildFilmHistory also offers up it’s own Film Fest, but at this time I don’t really have any more details.  I am not sure if this Film Festival, as others have began to do of late, is done online or at a specific venue once a year.  I will have to do some research in to this one.  If you love the outdoors, or just the outdoors from your couch, this site is worth taking a look at.

Photos of Snickers and Gulliver and an Update to Save the Adventurous Duo

A couple of days ago I put up a post called “A Real Saga of ‘Walt Disney’ Proportions: Dog Rescued After Three Months at Sea and Four Months on Pacific Atoll“.

This post outlined an ongoing rescue attempt of two animals, Snickers the dog and Gulliver the Macaw, who had taken quite a journey, then ended up needlessly abandoned on an island in the Pacific. With the help of some very generous people and businesses the two might have a chance at making it back to the US.

I have been contacted by someone very close to this ordeal, who has decided to share an update with myself–which in turn I must share with you. To catch up on the background to this story story just click the first link in this post.

Now For the Update:

Snickers has officially made it back to the United States–Las Vegas, specifically where he has met up with his new owner Jack Joslin. Through the gracious and generous support of Hawaiian Airlines, Snickers was able to board the flight and head back to the mainland safe and sound.

From a first-hand account emailed to me by one of Snicker’s caretakers in Hawaii:

“I’m exhausted - got Snickers off and he’s officially safe in
Las Vegas. You may be the first to hear this. Local press is aware
but we haven’t granted any interviews to anyone else. Photo is of the
two of us at Hawaiian Air’s airport cargo area. He got lots of
playtime before being put in his crate, exhaused, to sleep the flight
away. My sister, Tina Young, picked him up in LA and drove him to Las
Vegas where they met Jack and his other dog, Missy, to meet under
non-stressful conditions. They are going to be one happy family.

Before Snickers’ return to the States, I was taken back by how someone could just leave their pets to fend for themselves. I actually thought money for the rescue might be the issue, and in my previous post on this story, I did mention that the family that owned both Snickers and Gulliver had not been able to be reached. It looks as if this is not the case at all!

“The original owners abandoned the pets. You can be sure I wouldn’t have left the island without them. They left them to fend for themselves or die. Read Martin Troost’s travel book, “The Sex Lives of Cannibals” to get a clear idea of how dogs are treated. Some good
laughs too - it is quite funny. The owners did a Montel Williams show and clearly had no interest in raising awareness about the animals.

The couple that originally found the animals on Fanning Island, Robby and Lorraine Coleman, were actually the ones who kicked off the network that would eventually put an animal rescue mission into place for the forgotten animals. Without them stepping in and trying to make an attempt at this rescue, both Snickers and Gulliver would have met a sure death. The Kiribati government looked at them as an invasive species–one not original to the island–and were setting forth motions that would have certainly resulted in their demise.

Since Snickers has made it safely to Las Vegas and been united with his new owner, the focus of the rescue now lies with Gulliver the Macaw. His situation is a bit different. He was originally purchased in the United States. The previous owners are failing to provide any information as to where the bird was purchased. Macaws are considered an exotic species. Without this information, and with the previous owners failing to cooperate with the rescue attempt, it may mean that originally this bird was obtained illegally–as many of this species are.

With Snickers already in the States and the story playing throughout the press, it is imperative that this saga not be forgotten. Snickers and Gulliver have been around each other for a long time–they began this journey together some four months ago, and it is only fitting that they end it back home where there is a chance for not only survival, but a long and happy life in loving care.

In order to get Gulliver home, there are still some pretty big hurdles in the way. A couple of lawyers have stepped up to make an effort to get through all of the red tape of getting an exotic species back to the United States. If this works, then the effort will commence by trying to gain the support of an avian veternarian. He will be required to make two seperate trips to the country, and then get transportation back to Los Angeles, the only port where birds can be imported from another country.

Those taking part in the recent rescue of Snickers, and hopefully the planned rescue of Gulliver have called on me to publicize their need for support and assistance in this ongoing struggle to ensure both animals get back home. They have specifically mentioned the need for an Avian Vet, and quite possibly the use of a personal jet. The ride from the South Pacific, with Gulliver in tow, can not stop at Hawaii to refuel, but must fly straight through. The project can also use any and all monetary donations, and they have specifically stated that all money donated is tax deductable. You may make a donation to the cause by following this link–Gulliver’s Island: Dedicated to Saving One Special Bird –where even a dollar or two will help drastically in this cause. Stop by, check out the site and project, including Gulliver’s future home.

As for Snickers, a special “THANKS” to all involved for a successful rescue. They include Hawaiian Airlines, the Hawaii Human Society, ‘Lectronic Latitude the online journal of Latitude 38, NCL Cruise Lines, and the big hearts of Jack Joslin and Robby and Lorraine Coleman. A special thanks also goes out to the Press and coverage currently making the rounds. Without this saga in the Press, most of this probably would not have happened.  If I have forgotten anyone, leave a comment.  Your time and resources are appreciated as well!

MyOutdoorTV.Com Launches “State Explorer” to Showcase Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Recreation

This Press Release is being featured in it’s entirety from PRWeb.com.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BusinessWire EON) September 20, 2007 — In addition to the television programming and educational videos streamed through State Explorer, the section provides links to all 50 states where hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife and waterways law enforcement information, and other materials are provided. Shows and videos provided by the states are also searchable by topic or keyword on MyOutdoorTV.com. Hunters, fishermen, and boaters can even purchase licenses through the State Explorer or make donations to the wildlife agency.

MyOutdoorTV.com announced the State Explorer’s launch this week at the annual meeting of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in Louisville, Kentucky. ‘It’s strategically important for the states to stay on the cutting edge of technology, and with MyOutdoorTV.com, they can do just that,’ commented Rachel Brittin, the association’s Public Affairs Director. ‘They’re giving our member agencies a way to share incredible video with people who wouldn’t otherwise see it.’

States from Washington to Maine have signed on to have their shows streamed through MyOutdoorTV.com, bringing an international audience to their wildlife agencies’ TV shows. Additional states are added weekly. ‘With more and more people accessing news and entertainment through the internet, this is the ideal vehicle for expanding our audience worldwide,’ said Richard Roberts, executive producer of Texas Parks & Wildlife, one of the first state shows appearing on the site.

While hunting and fishing are regular topics of outdoor programming, the wildlife agency shows cover a range of other outdoor recreation topics, such as gold prospecting, crabbing, visits to historic sites, wild game cooking, non-game species, hiking, and much more. ‘We are very proud of Tennessee’s Wild Side and its great programming of family-oriented activities,’ commented Don King, the show’s producer. ‘Our goal is to appeal equally to men, women, and kids.’

‘State wildlife agencies from all parts of the country have joined our State Explorer section,’ said Chris Moise, CEO of MyOutdoorTV.com. ‘We congratulate these states for their progressive wildlife agencies that were quick to recognize the benefits of showcasing their resources on the internet, and we look forward to having every state represented soon.’

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring some of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sosin, Larry Czonka, Babe Winkelman, Jimmy Houston, and many others.

MyOutdoorTV.com is the world’s largest internet network for outdoor TV programming, currently streaming over 100 show titles on the shooting sports, fishing, boating, and conservation. In addition, it hosts radio shows, outdoor videos, the new State Explorer section, The Showroom product video section, MyOutdoorWiki, and sections for cooking, travel, guides, outdoor news, and much more. Visit our website at www.myoutdoortv.com.
Media Contact:
MyOutdoorTV.com
Sherry G. Kerr
256-236-3133

A Few Notes From The Adventurist

This seems to be a great new idea.  As many, many sites move from the “print” to the “broadcast” stage of internet exploration, people will be looking to get their information in a quicker fashion.

All 50 states will be represented and should open up the doors to all of you that have always dreamed of being able to educate the public on your particular area of interest. 

Along with that, how nice would it be if you were planning on taking a fishing trip to upper Michigan, to be able to make a couple clicks and instantly find out the laws and pertinent information for the area in which you are planning on going.

A couple of keys from the MyOutdoorTV.com Press Release:

While hunting and fishing are regular topics of outdoor programming, the wildlife agency shows cover a range of other outdoor recreation topics, such as gold prospecting, crabbing, visits to historic sites, wild game cooking, non-game species, hiking, and much more.

This site will actually have the opportunity to not only educate those among us interested in the Outdoors, but may also bring more of the outdoor joy to people who would otherwise not take part in outside activities..

Use of MyOutdoorTV.com is always FREE to viewers, 24/7, with no registration required. The site streams shows featuring some of the leading names in the outdoors, including Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Mark Sosin, Larry Czonka, Babe Winkelman, Jimmy Houston, and many others.

By bringing big name people onboard at the beginning to help in this project, the site is almost guaranteeing a certain success factor.  I can attest to Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston myself–who else could keep you intrigued in the world of fishing?  These guys both add a certain personality flare that is rare to find in the outdoors and am sure they will bring their own personal aspects to MyOutdoorTV.

There is one more HUGE benefit of this site.  Being able to purchase your state hunting or fishing liscence, no matter where you live, will definately add to the viewer participation factor.

Plus, It is all free.  Where else can you find programming like this for free?  No sign-up, no registration..that is unless you purchase a liscence.  Swing on over and check out MyOutdoorTV.com and decide for yourselves.  They are already boasting over 100 different programs in a variety of fields, with new projects being added weekly.  I will definately have to keep my eye on this one.  Let’s all wish them success!

Lewis Gordon Pugh SWIMS at North Pole

Lewis Gordon Pugh, 37, A british adventure swimmer, has become the first person to ever swim at the North Pole.  Doing the stunt to bring awareness to Global Warming in the Arctic, Pugh dove into the 29 degree water.

His swim lasted aproximately 18 minutes and 50 seconds and went for a distance of 0.6 miles.  The water, at 29 degrees, is the coldest known temperature that a human has ever been able to swim in.

I hope my swim will inspire world leaders to take climate change seriously. The decisions which they make over the next few years will determine the biodiversity of our world.

I want my children, and their children, to know that polar bears are still living in the Arctic. These creatures are on the front line up here.

I am obviously ecstatic to have succeeded, but this swim is a triumph and a tragedy: a triumph that I could swim in such ferocious conditions but a tragedy that it’s possible to swim at the North Pole.

Pugh’s swim was conducted in a free-flowing waterhole.  The hole was used to demonstrate the effects the climate has been having on the arctic.  He went on to explain that over the next years, waterholes like these will become more prevelent in the Arctic.

Lewis Gordon Pugh is best known for having swam on 5 of the seven known continents of the world, as well as being the first person to ever swim the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord.

Summit Stones: Giving Back Adventure Joy

DSD over at Summit Stones & Adventure Musings has been embarked on a quest to bring a little bit of light to all of us Adventurers.  The mission is what it is..

DSD has seemingly been placing these very artistic stones where ever the adventure takes us..and part of the fun is discovering where they are found….Somehow DSD gets there first…haha

Nobody is really sure who DSD is..the website is pretty vague, only giving in to the cause:

My ‘Profile’…?

After being asked about this a few times in comments, I still am of the opinion that my profile is really not what this Blog is about…

I’m simply another average adventurer you might meet out on the trail, see wandering across the backcountry, maybe say hi to as we paddle towards each other, or share a few jokes at a common belay station…

What DSD does though, on the site, is emblazen that adventure spirit in all of us.  Those brightly colored stones, when found, become something more…a piece of an adventure….a wondering of who…it drives us to get out and find another, wondering where the story will lead.

The stones have been found in various places of adventure…mountain tops, trails, ect., and now these findings are also making their way across the web.

A recent topic in a forum on Outdoorsy.com brings this search and findings to light.  It is entitled “A Summit Stone.”

It is nice to know someone like DSD exists.  Someone who has embarked on the challenge of giving back something they consider small, yet has such a big place in our hearts.

As if the Summit Stones are not enough, DSD has also put together a very well written Website discussing this journey of Adventure that we all share.  Here is just a small piece…

Adventure is not just about the choice of activity, nor only about wilderness talent, or just one’s outdoor skills, and is not really at all about age… I used to think that to be an adventurer it was necessary to bag summits, count climbs, record stats, accumulate kayak exploits, even tally up many epics… but that kind of collecting, while serving a purpose, doesn’t always sustain us…

Adventure can be about being the person you want to be in a geographic place… as in what we may find in Geomancy… and that gets us closer to the essence of being an adventurer… as in what is reflected in our attitudes, desire, enthusiasms, and motivations… These things are more about energy, feelings, and emotions…

The next time you are wanting a heightening of spirits–something to really make you think—something to give you that new, refreshing bit of drive….head on over to Summit Stones and Adventure Musings, you won’t be disappointed.

The next time you are heading up that trail or looking over that mountain, remember that all great things won’t be seen above…take a momment to look down…perhaps you will even find a Summit Stone at your feet…

The Adventurist: A Call to All Outdoor Writers and Photographers!

I have just put the finishing touches on a new “Submit & Contact” Page here at The Adventurist.  I am hoping that this new feature will be accepted and used by all of my great readers.

This page goes into detail about a few things I am looking for here at The Adventurist–and ways you might be able to get involved.

Do you love Adventure Writing or perhaps Great Outdoors Photography?–Help me share your incredible talents with a much bigger audience!

Head on Over to the “Submit & Contact” Page, found on a tab right up above this article, and Share your Adventures with the World!

Also, if you are looking to put me to work, there is info there as well….

Cheers-

J. Alan Hendricks, Editor

The Complete Coverage! Everest 2007!

The Complete Coverage!  Everest 2007!  Click here!

As many of you might know, a couple of months back I mentioned that I would be setting up a Page on The Adventurist for the Everest 2007 Climbing season.

This page will be similar to the page covering the Mt. Hood Tragedy I covered in 2006 offering up all the links and stories as we publish them in one easily located space.

What this does is it allows all of my loyal readers an easier way to follow along with the Everest 2007 season as it happens, as well as lets you keep track of what HAS happened up to the latest story.  At the top of this site, you will now see a headline that reads “The Complete Coverage!  Everest 2007!  Click Here!”, by clicking this, you will now have access to every story concerning the 2007 Everest Climbing season.

I hope you enjoy this convenient way of staying on track with the happenings on Everest this season.  It is really shaping up to be a great season with many stories breaking daily.  You will now find them all here!

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