Did You Adopt a Caribou This Year? Here’s What Your Adoption Accomplished

Wild Wire Blog

Earth Rangers

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August 13, 2024

Did You Adopt a Caribou This Year? Here’s What Your Adoption Accomplished

Hi, I’m Yifeng Wang! I study geography at Queen’s University. This past year, I’ve been busy in the permafrost peatlands of Newfoundland and Labrador, where herds of caribou roam. In the peatlands, thick layers of decaying plants called peat help the ground stay frozen. Lichen and plants that caribou love to eat grow all over the peatlands.

But because of climate change, caribou are having a harder time finding food to eat and places to live. I’ve been studying the ways that the permafrost is changing so that we can figure out how to protect caribou for generations to come.

This past year, Earth Rangers across Canada adopted nearly 150 caribou! I really appreciate your support. It makes me so happy to know that there are so many young people out there who are invested in the conservation of permafrost peatlands as critical habitat for caribou. You’ve made a tremendous contribution to my work! Here’s everything that I’ve been able to accomplish because of your adoptions.

Too Many Shrubs, Too Much Snow!

This past year has been very busy. I’ve been working with the data I collected from my study sites last summer. It helps us understand the condition of the permafrost. We are using the data to predict how the permafrost might respond to climate warming, shrub growth, and snow trapping. As the climate warms, shrubs are growing taller. They’re spreading into areas that used to be shrub-free. As the shrubs grow taller, they trap snow, which insulates and warms the ground. This ultimately makes the permafrost thaw, which means that caribou have less access to food and water. I’m using my data to predict how much the permafrost will change because of the increase in shrubs and snow.

Caribou in the Community

This winter, I went back to coastal Labrador to visit Cartwright and Black Tickle, two of the communities that we work in. I made sure that all of our weather stations were in tip-top shape. During my visits, I set up tents so that people in the communities could drop by, say hi, and chat with me about climate change and wildlife research. These events were really fun! In Cartwright, a caribou trotted right past our tent! In Black Tickle, the smell of hot dogs attracted a curious little arctic fox. And during my travels on the Island of Ponds, where Black Tickle is located, we saw several herds of caribou, all pawing away at the snow and snacking on lichen. It was great to see so many caribou out and about near Cartwright and Black Tickle!

Thanks to your adoptions, I’ll get to throw even more fun community events this summer! I plan to bring members of the community out by speedboat to pick bakeapples–a very culturally important berry, also known as liquid gold! It can be hard to pick bakeapples, especially because of rising fuel costs and thawing permafrost. I’m grateful that your support is giving me more time to practical traditional activities like berry-picking with members of the community in coastal Labrador. Working with these communities makes it easier for us to come up with innovative solutions to climate change and protect the permafrost peatlands.

What Can We Do Now?

This year’s caribou adoption project might be over, but there are still lots of ways to support animal conservation in our day-to-day lives. I think that becoming an Earth Ranger is a great way to start! The foundation of conservation is respecting the land. When you talk about conservation with friends, family, and other Earth Rangers, when you read books about animals and the environment, and when you spend time outdoors connecting with nature, you’re building that kind of respect in important ways.

Thanks again for supporting my research and adopting caribou! Stay tuned on the Wild Wire blog to learn about even more ways to protect animals in Canada’s beautiful Arctic Circle.

Did You Adopt a Jaguar this Year? Here’s What Your Adoption Accomplished

Wild Wire Blog

Earth Rangers

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August 12, 2024

6

Did You Adopt a Jaguar this Year? Here’s What Your Adoption Accomplished

This past year, Earth Rangers across Canada and the United States adopted over 200 jaguars! That’s a lot of cool cats! Thanks to kids like you, we’ve been able to support the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC) and Osa Conservation. These organizations protect the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica’s beautiful Osa Peninsula, which is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth – and native habitat for many jaguars!

Restoring the Rainforest

There are many threats to the beautiful jungles that jaguars call home. These old growth forests are vulnerable to logging and human development. Osa Conservation’s “Ridge to Reef” project aims to restore animal habitat in these forests. They want to make it easier for jaguars and other animals to move from place to place within the jungle. To do that, they need to create and protect what are called wildlife corridors–like highways for animals, but with native plants and trees instead of concrete!

On the Osa peninsula, conservationists work hand in hand with thousands of members of the community to restore rainforest ecosystems. This past year alone, they worked together to restore over 140 hectares of degraded land. That’s about as big as 140 Major League Baseball diamonds!

Helping Baby Trees Grow

Diversity is the key to healthy rainforests. That means the Osa Conservation team planted 319 distinct species of native trees. Their scientists went on expeditions deep into the rainforest to collect seeds from rare species. To help these trees grow tall and strong, a team of over a dozen local communities looks after a network of tree nurseries.

A tree nursery is exactly what it sounds like: a place where baby trees receive the care they need to grow big and strong. Even the tallest tree begins life as a teeny-tiny seed. In an Osa Conservation tree nursery, a seed can sprout into a sapling and grow its first branches and leaves, all without natural threats, like strong winds and rains, or manmade threats, like logging.

In 2023, Osa Conservation planted 107,565 native trees! That’s more than they’ve planted in any year in history. The jaguars that live on the Osa Peninsula now have a richer, denser, and more biodiverse rainforest to live, play, and raise their cubs in.

Bringing Back Jaguars’ Favourite Snack

Jaguars aren’t the only animals that call the Osa Peninsula home. Jaguars are carnivores, which means they can only eat meat. They survive by hunting other animals, and their primary prey source—sort of like their favourite snack—is a hairy, pig-like creature called the white-lipped peccary.

Historically, mega-herds of white-lipped peccaries roamed southern Costa Rica, giving jaguars plenty of their favourite food to eat. But because of mining, poaching, and deforestation, which means chopping down trees, white-lipped peccaries became extirpated on the Osa Peninsula. This means that there were no white-lipped peccaries left on the entire peninsula!

In 2023, Osa Conservation launched a plan to bring the white-lipped peccary back to Piedras Blancas National Park, an area of protected rainforests and beaches on the southeastern Osa Pensinula. They worked with local communities and governments to get every detail of the plan just right. Starting in 2024, white-lipped peccaries will be back on the menu for jaguars on the Osa Peninsula!

But That’s Not All!

These are just a few of the incredible changes that you’ve made possible by adopting a jaguar! Check the Wild Wire blog next week for another update on everything that Osa Conservation has accomplished for jaguars. And if you haven’t already adopted a jaguar, there’s still time to purchase a wildlife adoption kit and support jaguar conservation — just click the “Shop” button in the site header or visit the adoption section in the Earth Rangers App!

Would you Rather #71

Earth Rangers

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August 12, 2024

43

Would you rather have…

A rabbit’s hearing or a hawk’s eyesight?

Tell us which one you pick!

Pixel Puzzler #49: Part 1

Earth Rangers

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August 9, 2024

40

Let’s put your identification skills to the test! Can you figure out what is hidden in this picture? Make your guess in the comments.

Check back next week for the answer!

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Marshmallow Bunnies

Creative Corner

Earth Rangers

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August 8, 2024

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Marshmallow Bunnies

Time:15 min

Difficulty:Easy

These marshmallow bunnies are just as soft as they are cute. Why not dig in to find out if they’re just as tasty too?

Here’s what you need:

Marshmallows
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Honey

Here’s how you make it:

Step 1: Cut your mini marshmallows in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Using a drop of honey, glue the mini marshmallow halves to the top of your big marshmallow.

Step 3: Next, stick two mini marshmallows “feet” to the bottom front of your bunny. Add one “tail” to the back.

Step 4: Finally, use more drops of honey to add three chocolate chip pieces to give your bunny two eyes and a nose.

Voila! You’ve got yourself a super sweet bunny. Time to dig in~

Pawsitively Hilarious Jokes #32

Earth Rangers

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August 5, 2024

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Why did the chicken join a band?

Because it had drumsticks.

Help us pick the themes for our next contest!

Earth Rangers

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August 2, 2024

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Help us pick the themes for our next contest!

Christmas in July may be over… but that isn’t the end of the contest fun!

Next month, Earth Rangers will be hosting another Backyard Biologist photography contest! Don’t remember what happened in last year’s contest? Check out the gorgeous photos taken by our winners.

For this year’s contest, we ask YOU to help pick two of our contest categories. One is about animals, and another landscapes. But what exactly do you want to be photographing for next month’s contest?

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!

Once you’re done voting, all that’s left is to wait until we open the contest! Don’t know what to do in the meantime?
Why not get started with the Backyard Biologist mission?! Accept it today to learn tricks and tips that could be useful for inspiring you in your entries.

Caption This: What these squirrels are saying?

Earth Rangers

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August 2, 2024

74

Caption This: What these squirrels are saying?

We need your help! This animal is trying to tell us something but we can’t figure it out! Do know what these squirrels are saying?

Post your ideas in the comment section below.

Animal Tracks Identification

Creative Corner

Earth Rangers

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August 1, 2024

43

Animal Tracks Identification

Time:10 min

Difficulty:Medium

Some of us are better at hiding it than others, but we all leave tracks! Small animals, big ones, we leave a path behind in the dirt. Can you guess which animal belongs to which tracks?

Post your results in the comments below to let us know how you did!

A surprise trio for Emma’s third interview!

Earth Rangers

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July 31, 2024

33

A surprise trio for Emma’s third interview!

Our 100th Episode Celebration comes to an end! Emma has been kind enough to be interviewed not just once, not just twice…but THREE times by Earth Ranger Nat from Quest for the Best to answer some of YOUR burning questions!

This last interview has a small surprise… today Emma and Nat are joined by two special guests! Ryan and Adelia set some time aside to answer some of the questions a few of you had for them! Are you ready to find out what they had to say?

What is Emma’s favorite food?

EMMA: “Trail Mix! Trail mix is my go-to snack when I’m out exploring the wilderness! It’s packed with energy from nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which keeps me fueled up for long hikes and wildlife sightings. I love how convenient and portable it is—perfect for trekking through remote areas where there’s no access to fresh food. Plus, it’s a tasty treat that satisfies my hunger while I’m busy documenting the natural world around me. Trail mix is a must-have for any wildlife adventure!”

What is Emma’s favorite part about being a podcast host?

EMMA: “Being a podcaster lets me tell amazing stories about animals and how we can help them. I love talking to experts and sharing their adventures with everyone who listens. It’s like taking you on a fun trip to learn about animals and why it’s important to take care of them and their homes. Each episode is a chance to make a big difference and get everyone excited about nature!”

Does Emma podcast every day or once a week?

EMMA: “I generally try to post one podcast episode per week, but being a wildlife reporter means I have lots of other important responsibilities too. I’m often out in the field, observing animals, writing articles, and spreading awareness about conservation. So, while I can’t podcast as often as I’d like, I make sure each episode is full of exciting stories and helpful tips for everyone who loves animals and nature like I do.”

What does Emma do for fun when she isn’t working for Earth Rangers?

EMMA: “When I’m not busy exploring the wild and reporting on amazing animals, I love to have all sorts of fun!

One of my favorite things to do is hiking. I strap on my boots, grab my backpack, and hit the trails! I always bring my trusty camera to snap pictures of all the cool plants and animals I see. Sometimes, I even find secret spots where I can sit quietly and watch the wildlife – like a real-life nature detective!

When I’m at home, I love curling up with a good adventure book or watching awesome wildlife documentaries. They give me great ideas for my next big adventure! To stay fit and relaxed, I practice yoga and meditation. It helps me stay calm and ready for any wild surprises nature might throw my way.”

You love him, you hate him, it’s Ryan!
Seeing Emma’s last two interviews, Ryan reached out to Nat to ask if anyone had questions for him…and you did!
Here’s what he’s got to say:

What is the most exciting adventure Ryan has been on?

RYAN: “The most exciting adventure I’ve been on? Oh, please, I’ve had so many “adventures” I can barely keep track. But if I have to pick one, it was probably the time I was on a safari in Africa. I was lounging in the jeep, sipping on a soda, when suddenly a lion roared right next to us. Everyone else was freaking out, but I just rolled my eyes and thought, “Great, now I’ll have to talk about this forever.” It was scary for them, I guess, but for me, it was just another day in the life of a wildlife superstar.”

**What is Ryan’s favorite rarest animal in the world?**

RYAN: “My favorite rarest animal in the world? Ugh, do I really have to pick just one?”

NAT: “I mean…the listeners did ask? Wouldn’t it be nice to answer them?”

RYAN: “Fine. Let’s go with the Javan Rhino. Why? Because it’s super rare, which means if I talk about it, people will think I know my stuff. Plus, it sounds exotic and impressive, perfect for boosting my fame.”

What is Ryan’s favorite food?

RYAN: My favorite food? Easy. It’s pizza, of course. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza? It’s quick, it’s tasty, and I can eat it while watching TV or scrolling through my social media. Plus, it’s way better than any of that fancy wildlife food Emma talks about.

Are Emma and Ryan now friends?

NAT: “I’ll answer this for him! After Ryan had a change of heart, he realized how much he could learn from Emma and how important it is to care about wildlife and the environment. They started working together more, and Ryan’s attitude improved a lot. Now, Emma and Ryan are great friends! They support each other, share amazing stories about animals, and have worked as a team to inspire others to protect our planet.

I’ve noticed from checking in with him that Ryan even started picking up some of Emma’s good habits, like being more respectful and hardworking. Emma says it’s made their adventures even more fun and meaningful!”

Emma’s connections to the Serpents and Adelia Goodwin mean when some of you had a few questions for our mysterious and elusive conservationist, Nat could easily pass them on! Adelia was more than happy to answer some of them!

What is Adelia’s favorite color? And why?

ADELIA: “My favorite color is the bright, sunny yellow of a bird called the Golden Pheasant. Yellow reminds me of the vibrant feathers of this beautiful bird, which I once had the joy of seeing in the wild.

Yellow is such a cheerful and warm color. It reminds me of the way the Golden Pheasant’s feathers shine like the sun, bringing light and joy to the forest. Whenever I see the color yellow, I think of that magnificent bird and all the wonderful creatures that add color and beauty to our world.”

What is the rarest animal Adelia has ever seen?

ADELIA: “Ah, the rarest animal I’ve ever seen, what a delightful question! I’ve been fortunate to encounter many rare creatures in my time, but the one that stands out the most is the critically endangered vaquita. The vaquita is a small porpoise found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California in Mexico. With fewer than 20 individuals left in the wild, they are one of the rarest marine mammals in the world.

I remember the day vividly. It was a calm and sunny afternoon on the Gulf. We were on a research boat, scanning the waters with binoculars, hoping for a glimpse of this elusive creature. After hours of waiting, there it was – a vaquita surfaced nearby, its distinctive dark rings around its eyes and mouth visible. It was such a brief moment, but seeing this rare and gentle creature took my breath away.

The vaquita’s situation is dire, mostly due to illegal fishing practices that entangle them in nets. Witnessing this precious animal reinforced my commitment to conservation and the urgent need to protect these beautiful and fragile species. Every action we take to help conserve their habitat and prevent illegal fishing can make a big difference in saving these incredible creatures.”

**What is Adelia’s favorite rarest animal in the world?**

ADELIA: “My favorite rarest animal in the world? Oh my, I must say, the pangolin holds a special place in my heart. Pangolins are fascinating creatures with their unique armor of scales, and they are, sadly, one of the most trafficked animals in the world.

Many years ago, during my travels in Southeast Asia, I had the incredible opportunity to observe a pangolin in the wild. It was a shy and gentle little creature, curling up into a ball when it felt threatened. Watching it move and forage for ants and termites was an enchanting experience.

Pangolins are so rare and special because of their unique adaptations and the crucial role they play in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations.”

What is the most uncanny, scary or cool adventure Adelia has been on?

ADELIA: “Oh dear, what a lovely question! There have been so many adventures in my long life, but one that stands out happened many years ago. I was in the savannas of Africa. I was there to study a pride of lions, the magnificent kings and queens of the grasslands.

One evening, just as the sun was setting, I decided to follow a lioness who seemed to be on a mission. Quietly and carefully, I trailed her through the tall grass. Suddenly, she stopped and crouched low, her eyes fixed on a herd of wildebeests grazing nearby. I knew I was about to witness something extraordinary.

With incredible speed and grace, the lioness sprang into action, chasing down one of the wildebeests. The power and agility of the lioness were awe-inspiring. She managed to catch her prey and brought it back to her cubs, who were waiting eagerly. It was a reminder of the circle of life and the important role every creature plays in its ecosystem.

Afterward, as the stars twinkled above us, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for being able to witness such an event. It made me realize once more how vital it is to conserve these beautiful creatures and their habitats. The world is full of wonder, and every animal has its own unique story to tell.”

Thank you so much everyone for coming together to celebrate Emma’s 100th Episode and share your questions! We hope you enjoyed the answers as much as Emma and company enjoyed sharing their answers with you!
This is our last interview (for now), but remember to keep on rangin’!