10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

But here I want to note, and for now, dismiss, a find from Madagascar. It was always thought that humans first inhabited the island of Madagascar about four or five thousand years ago or so. It was after that date that many of the great and strange animals of that island went extinct, presumably because of human hunting.

Madagascar 126

Madagascar Humane Elephants Bahamas 126

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

One study found that birds living in Botswana had elevated levels of lead in their bloodstreams during hunting season, presumably coming from lead bullets used on animals killed by hunters. A slightly more surprising threat for the vultures comes from elephants. Elephants destroy the trees the vultures live and nest in.

Elephants 147

Elephants Birds Congo Africa 147

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 14, 2012

Northern Carmine Bee-eater riding an Arabian Bustard by Markus Lilje/Rockjumper Birding Tours Northern Carmine Bee-eaters in particular are masters of this trait, and rides range from elephants, donkeys and goats to Kori and Arabian Bustards, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills and a variety of other larger birds and mammals.

Africa 266

Africa South Africa Gabon Uganda 266

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

The prehistoric extinctions most famously include the megafaunal assemblages of Europe, the Americas, Australia and Madagascar. It’s when we lost the mammoths, the sabre-tooth cats, the giant ground sloths, the elephant birds, the marsupial lions, and other iconic giants.

Marsupials 177

Marsupials Costa Rica Elephants Cuba 177