From California’s Rim fire to the discovery of 441 new species in the Amazon, 2013 was full of dramatic news -- sometimes uplifting, sometimes tragic -- for wilderness and the wildlife that dwells within. -- Karin Klein
The western black rhinoceros was declared extinct. According to Scientific American, by the mid-20th century hunting and industrial agriculture that reduced its range had caused its numbers to shrink. And then, starting in 1960, Mao Tse-tung’s call for a renewed emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine led to rampant poaching; powdered rhino horn was said to be a virtual panacea, including as a cure for cancer. Within 35 years, 98% of the remaining population was wiped out by poachers.
Above: A black rhinoceros that has been de-horned, followed by a calf, at the Bona Bona Game Reserve in South Africa in 2012.
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A vegetarian piranha. A monkey that purrs. Count them: 441 new plant and animal species have been discovered in the Amazon, according to an announcement this year by the World Wildlife Fund.
Above: A Caqueta titi monkey.
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U.S. moose populations are dropping precipitously, and though there are several theories about the main culprit -- worsening infestations of ticks and other parasites, heat stress or pine beetles that damage its habitat, the northern forests -- all are linked to climate change.
Above: Moose in Franconia, N.H.
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A new study found that coral reefs are better at resisting the ravages of climate change than scientists had thought. Earlier reports had forecast that the reefs could be gone by mid-century. The newer study found that the reefs adapt somewhat to the changed conditions. But the news is only partly good -- that means that the reefs will probably be around until the end of the century, and only if there are reductions in carbon dioxide levels.
Above: A coral reef.
MORE YEAR IN REVIEW:
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10 tips for a better life from The Times’ Op-Ed pages in 2013 (Karen Hissmann / Associated Press)
