by Barbara George, Tellington Ttouch Behaviourist Cats are naturally able to adapt to new surroundings and circumstances, so will settle into a cattery and make the most of this period of enforced rest. Many cats enjoy the peace and set routine, like my Pandora, who took a while to settle, then was reluctant to come home! Others enjoy […]
No, palm oil is not responsible for 40% of global deforestation
Palm oil is actually responsible for only 2.3% of the world’s deforestation. Agriculture is the leading cause of global deforestation, with 24% of the land used for livestock and 29% for crops. A little over a month ago, Indonesia’s Environment and Forestry Ministry sought to extend a moratorium on issuing new licenses for using forest […]
The loss of Madagascar’s unique palm trees will devastate ecosystems
The situation is so severe that the latest IUCN redlist of threatened species estimated that 83% of the native species are threatened and on the verge of extinction. In the case of the Tahina spectabilis, for example, only 30 mature individuals are known to exist in the wild. It’s a particularly vulnerable species as, though […]
Choosing a Boarding Cattery
by Barbara George Tellington Ttouch Behaviourist Holidays or business trips away from home can be exciting for us; our cats do not necessarily feel the same way. Other reasons for using a cattery include major renovations or moving house. Depending on circumstances and the length of time away, finding a good boarding cattery can be the right […]
Categorising Cats
by Barbara George Tellington Ttouch Behaviourist While all our small cats are descendent from the Wild Cat and therefore share many characteristics, there are definite groups of cats defined by their environment and circumstances. Within each of these groups there are sub-groups, and there is overlap between groups. Wild Cats are genetically perfect cats, solitary, territorial, and […]
Environmental laws are under attack around the world
In South Africa, the environment minister formerly had authority to limit environmental damage and oversee ecological restoration at the nation’s many mining sites. But that power has now been handed over to the mining minister, raising fears of conflict between industry and environmental interests. Bill Laurance, Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate, James Cook University […]
Cat Talk – FUR
by Barbara George Tellington Ttouch Behaviourist A healthy cat is clean and well-groomed, ready to show off her beautiful coat of immaculate fur. When she is frightened or alarmed her fur will stand on end to make her look larger and more frightening. She may also fluff her fur out slightly in cold weather to keep more […]
Nipping and Biting in Puppies
ASPCA Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing and investigating objects. All of these normal activities involve puppies using their mouths and their needle-sharp teeth. When puppies play with people, they often bite, chew and mouth on hands, limbs and clothing. This kind of behavior may seem cute when your puppy is seven […]
Meeting the dietary needs of honey bees is tough for South African beekeepers
In bee nutrition, nectar serves as a carbohydrate source and pollen provides protein. These are provided by a wide variety of plants and are essential for the bees’ diverse diet so their immune systems can function optimally. This keeps them healthy and productive. Tlou Masehela, Scientist, South African National Biodiversity Institute The world is […]
Wave of rhino killings points to shifting poaching patterns in South Africa
There are at most 5,458 black rhino, 21,085 white rhino, 3,500 Asian one-horned rhino, 100 Sumatran rhino and between 61 and 63 Javan rhino left in the wild. South Africa is home to 75% of Africa’s rhino with between 19,000 and 20,000 white rhino and about 2,000 black rhino. Keith Somerville, Visiting Professor, University of […]