Posts by Laurel Neme
Celebrate World Ranger Day
Published: Thursday, 31 July 2014 Written by Laurel Neme World Ranger Day is a time to honor the people who put their lives on the line protecting wildlife. It doesn’t take much to say thank you. But it makes a difference. Saying thanks helps spread awareness about these unsung heroes. And it helps to…
Read MoreHow do orangutans move?
Ever wonder how an orangutan’s movements compare to those of other great apes? In this video you can see the differences as movement coach Terry Notary demonstrates how gorillas, chimps, and orangutans move in the film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Read MorePalm oil and the connection with orangutans
While orangutans face numerous threats, including the pet trade and illegal logging, most scientists agree that palm oil developed at the expense of orangutan habitat is the single greatest threat to the survival of the species. In the last 20 years, the orangutans’ habitat has shrunk by 80 percent and their populations have dropped precipitously,…
Read MoreBook Trailers for Orangutan Houdini
Animal Investigators by Laurel Neme
Animal Investigators by Laurel A. Neme Ph.D. Go behind the scenes at the world’s only forensics lab dedicated to solving crimes against animals in this gripping “CSI for wildlife.” Illegal wildlife smuggling ranks just behind drugs and human trafficking as the third largest illegal trade—and only an estimated 10 percent of its trafficking…
Read MoreChelsea Clinton shares Laurel’s NatGeo article on Rangers
I’m honored that Chelsea Clinton shared my NatGeo piece on the daily challenges facing rangers. It was painful to write, and it’s painful to read. But even more painful to live it. I’m grateful to her for helping to share their stories – and by doing so supporting these unsung heroes.
Read MoreNational Geographic: For Rangers on the Front Lines of Anti-Poaching Wars, Daily Trauma (2)
First posted on 2014-06-27 Both wildlife rangers and rare species are victims of the relentless onslaught from the illegal wildlife trade. In Focus For Rangers on the Front Lines of Anti-Poaching Wars, Daily Trauma Unsung heroes face daunting challenges. An anti-poaching team patrols in Zakouma National Park, Chad, in February 2014. PHOTOGRAPH…
Read MoreNational Geographic: For Rangers on the Front Lines of Anti-Poaching Wars, Daily Trauma
Both wildlife rangers and rare species are victims of the relentless onslaught from the illegal wildlife trade. Unsung heroes face daunting challenges. By Laurel Neme for National Geographic Published June 27, 2014 In May 2008 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 80 Mai Mai militia ambushed a unit of 12 wildlife rangers on…
Read MoreNational Geographic: Hong Kong Set to Incinerate 29.6-Ton Ivory Stockpile in Largest Destruction to Date
The government of Hong Kong joins nine nations in eliminating its confiscated ivory. Laurel Neme for National Geographic Published May 14, 2014 Tomorrow, Hong Kong starts destroying virtually all its 29.6-ton stockpile of confiscated ivory in a process that could take a year or more. As the largest such event to date, Hong Kong’s…
Read MoreNational Geographic: Brazilian Investigators Cracking the Case of Missing One-of-a-Kind Snake
Search continues for a rare boa constrictor stolen from Brazil to breed for the reptile trade. Laurel Neme for National Geographic Published May 7, 2014 With its abundant rare species and remote locales, Brazil has long been known as an epicenter for wildlife trafficking. But that’s changing, thanks to a group of dedicated investigators…
Read MoreNational Geographic: In Hong Kong, Kids Take Action to Stop the Illegal Ivory Trade
Schoolchildren are working together to raise awareness of the toll of the illegal ivory trade. Photograph by Katrina Shute Laurel Neme for National Geographic Published April 24, 2014 Part of our weekly “In Focus” series—stepping back, looking closer. Hong Kong schoolchildren are transforming attitudes about elephant ivory through small actions that are having…
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