Nature/Wildlife
We live busy lives, often in urban settings, so when the time comes for a vacation, many of us know that the best thing to do is to turn to nature. Nothing blows the cobwebs away more than a trek in the mountains or communing with creatures in the deep forest. Whether peering into a volcano, riding horseback along a trail, or spotting wildlife on a river cruise, something deep within us needs to feel connected to the natural world. All regions of the world present opportunities for enjoying nature.
In cooler temperate climates you may seek out snow-capped mountains such as the Alps, while equatorial regions offer the dense jungles of Asia or the vast plains of Africa. Anywhere animals live free offers us the chance to witness their majesty and understand better our place in the natural order. We can give ourselves privileged memories of seeing lions, elephants and gorillas on safari, or witness orangutans, monkeys and birds in the trees of the rainforest. The oceans and coastlines of the world offer opportunities for encounters with whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and more. Nature is always good for the soul.
Shark Fins Now Illegal In Hawaii
In Hawaii, a landmark shark conservation law came into effect recently banning shark fin soup and other shark fin products in the state. This is a great step forward for shark conservation and it is hoped that the ban will set the standard for other countries around...
Outrage At Luxury Resort’s Wild Dolphin Capture
Twenty-five wild bottlenose dolphins that until recently roamed free, are now facing a life of captivity and sadness as permanent residents of Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. The pod was swimming peacefully in the Solomon Islands when nets closed in from behind...
Ecological Disaster Averted In The Red Sea
Early in May the governor of South Sinai in the Red Sea issued a decree that allowed fishing in the formerly protected Ras Mohammed National Park. This decree was not only illegal it also violated the sanctity of environmental regulations. The decision spelled...
Huge Whale Shark Gathering Off The Mexican Coast
Seeing a majestic whale shark while diving is at the top of many divers 'must do' lists. So imagine encountering 420 of them! According to a press release issued by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, around that number of whale sharks gathered recently off the...
3 New Species Of Fish Found In Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat diving has become well-known for its amazing bio-diversity and stunning array of marine life. It never fails to disappoint even the most discerning diver! The Raja Ampat archipelago is located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of...
New Technology – Let’s Talk Dolphin!
Talking with dolphins! That was the vision of the 60's scientist Dr John C Lilly, pictured by Life magazine in 1961 in his laboratory with a microphone pressed against the blowhole of a young dolphin called Elvar. Best known for inventing the flotation tank, Lilly...
Shark Hunting Ban for Malaysia’s Sabah State
In a bid to protect their declining shark population, Malaysia's Sabah state has proposed a complete ban on shark hunting for their fins. This is fantastic news for conservationists and diving enthusiasts alike! Sabah, Malaysian Borneo boasts some of the richest...
Sharks Wanted – Alive Not Dead
Important news for shark conservation emerged this week; a single reef shark can be worth almost US$ 2 million in tourism revenue over its lifetime! This is according to a study completed by researchers in Australia. The study, which was centred on the island of Palau...
Protecting the Pygmy Seahorse in Malaysia
Could this unique species of seahorse, an inhabitant of Sabah’s east coast islands, be under threat because of the actions of over-enthusiastic divers? The pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti) is found at coral reefs at diving havens such as Sipadan and Mabul in...