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Nature

Biodiversity – or biological diversity – is the foundation of nature, defined as the different characteristics of all living organisms. It is Earth’s genetic heritage; the variety of living organisms in terrestrial, marine and water habitats as well as the ecological systems they’re part of. It is diversity both between and within nature’s species. Genetic resources constitute the biological basis for agriculture and farming and, essentially, humans’ present and future sustenance. Unfortunately, this genetic heritage is increasingly being threatened: industrial farming, which favours large quantities and regular harvests, has limited crop varieties to a few thousand; and climate change and human encroachment on natural habitats are threatening the Earth’s biological wealth. The net result is that the natural world is deteriorating rapidly, with dire consequences for many plant and animal species (and beyond), which increasingly face the prospect of extinction. Follow news and updates about nature and biodiversity on LifeGate.

South Africa wants to breed elephants and other wildlife for meat

South Africa wants to breed elephants and other wildlife for meat

The South African government wants to change the Meat Safety Act, allowing for threatened species such as elephants and rhinos to be consumed as food.

Tree goddess Tulasi Gowda, the barefoot Indian activist protecting the forest

Tree goddess Tulasi Gowda, the barefoot Indian activist protecting the forest

Tulasi Gowda is known as the goddess or encyclopaedia of the forest for her ability to extract seeds from mother trees and regenerate plant species.

Bumblebees are adapting to climate change, but remain in serious danger

Bumblebees are adapting to climate change, but remain in serious danger

Bumblebees can help plants flower more quickly. However, pesticides, parasites and climate change are putting this key species in serious danger.

Tulasi Gowda, the barefoot Indian activist who takes care of the forest

Tulasi Gowda, the barefoot Indian activist who takes care of the forest

Tulasi Gowda, walking barefoot through the plantations, can discern the state of budding plants by just touching them lightly.

Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua, the African farmer who brings water to wild animals, is ready for a new challenge

Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua, the African farmer who brings water to wild animals, is ready for a new challenge

The story of Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua, the farmer bringing water to animals during droughts, has fascinated many. We asked him about his new project.

100,000 mink to be culled in Spain after testing positive for coronavirus

100,000 mink to be culled in Spain after testing positive for coronavirus

100,000 mink will be culled in Spain after testing positive for coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Netherlands abandons mink farming completely.

Hundreds of elephants have died in Botswana and no one knows why

Hundreds of elephants have died in Botswana and no one knows why

Over 350 elephants in Botswana have died in the Okavango Delta region. The cause of this catastrophic die-off is still unknown.

Alaska, a mine threatens thousands of bears’ natural habitat

Alaska, a mine threatens thousands of bears’ natural habitat

Pebble Mine, a new mining project in Alaska, threatens the habitat of thousands of brown bears as well as the local fishing industry.

Pangolin scales will no longer be used in traditional Chinese medicine

Pangolin scales will no longer be used in traditional Chinese medicine

China has removed pangolin scales from the list of approved ingredients for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

In the midst of coronavirus poachers seize the chance to kill rhinos in Africa

In the midst of coronavirus poachers seize the chance to kill rhinos in Africa

Poachers in Africa are encroaching on wildlife land and killing rhinos in travel hot spots now devoid of visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic.