By Nathab Staff

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Bush Aims to Weaken Endangered Species Act
Changes that the Bush administration is proposing to make to Endangered Species Act regulations just aren't sound science, various scientists and conservation groups say. They're concerned that the loss of scientific oversight resulting from the changes will leave some species vulnerable to federal projects that could damage habitats. You can sign a petition to stop this action here.

Giant Sequoias Disappearing?
Federal researchers are warning that warming temperatures could soon cause California's giant sequoia trees to die off more quickly unless forest managers plan with an eye toward climate change and the impact of a longer, harsher wildfire season. Hot, dry weather over the last two decades already has contributed to the deaths of an unusual number of old-growth pine and fir trees growing in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, according to recent research from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Oldest Gecko Found
Is finding the world's oldest gecko so easy a caveman could do it? Sadly for fans of the Geico insurance company characters, the answer is: Probably not, as scientists say they were "very fortunate" to unearth in Myanmar (Burma) a piece of fossilized tree sap known as amber containing parts of a hundred-million-year-old gecko.

Koalas in Danger by Logging Industry
Australian koalas are dying by the thousands as a result of land clearing in the country's northeast, while millions of birds and reptiles are also perishing, conservation group WWF said Sunday. The environmental body warned that unless urgent action was taken to stop trees being felled, some species would be pushed to the brink of extinction.

Delaware Races to Build Offshore Wind Farm
Visitors to Rehoboth Beach, Del., soon may be greeted by more than sand dunes, seagulls and beach umbrellas. If offshore wind advocates have their way, scores of 140-foot blades will be spinning in the ocean breeze nearly a dozen miles away, barely visible to the sunbathers. Offshore wind has taken a back seat to offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in the current energy debate. But those wind-driven turbines probably will be operating long before oil platforms appear off Atlantic Coast states.