Move to Limit Factory Farming Gains Momentum

The New York Times reports on a deal in Ohio that will curb some of the worst practices in factory farming, such as battery cages for egg-laying chickens, veal crates for calves, and gestation crates for pregnant pigs.  The article briefly references the less-sweeping restrictions that were adopted in Florida.  The article also features several quotes by Wayne Pacelle, the chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States.

Oil Spill: News roundup

• Scientists Discuss Potential Impacts of Oil Exposure on Florida Keys (Natural Resources Defense Council).
•  Gulf Coast Turtle hatchlings released on Florida's east coast (CNN).
•  NOAA: Impact of spill to linger for decades (Atlanta Journal Constitution).
• 20 turtles found in oil flown to Florida, 6 arrive at Mote. (Bradenton Herald).
• Gulf Rescuers Find Lesson, Hope in Oiled Birds, 89 Turtle Eggs (Bloomberg).

FWC cracks down on illegal internet sales

WINK News reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Internet Crimes Unit is cracking down on illegal sales of wildlife on the Internet. In just the past six months, FWC has made 151 arrests and issued 51 warnings.  To report wildlife law violations, including illegal Internet sales, visit MyFWC.com/Violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Animal intelligence underestimated

The news stand edition Time Magazine has a cover story this month on animal intelligence. The web has an excerpt, but the full article focuses on how science has underestimated animals' abilities to think and their cognition of the world around them.

USFWS releases new endangered species bulletin

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released its Spring 2010 Endangered Species Bulletin.  It is available in two parts as a pdf download and features articles on International Wildlife Conservation.