Latest articles on Extinction

Our wonderful wetlands need protection now

Article Martha Rojas Urrego - 14 Feb 2020

Humanity is amazed by our natural world but fails to value its importance to our survival

Grass roots of Ice-Age extinctions

Article Matthew Du Plessis - 14 Feb 2020

Mammoths and sabre-tooth cats once roamed the continent, but were our ancient ancestors responsible for their disappearance?

We’re killing off life, but there is hope

Article Sipho Kings - 3 Oct 2019

Sipho Kings reports on the findings of a mega government report on the state of our plants and animals, and what’s being done to secure their future

One million species risk extinction due to humans — draft UN report

Article Marlowe Hood - 23 Apr 2019

Biodiversity loss and global warming are closely linked, according to the 44-page Summary for Policy Makers

Climate change claims its first mammal extinction

Article Sipho Kings - 1 Mar 2019

Climate change has eaten away at the only known habitat where the rodent had evolved to live

Editorial: Our moment of reckoning is now

Article Editorial - 15 Feb 2019

'At the M&G we have committed to redoubling efforts to ensure we offer even greater prominence to the threat of climate change'

Fossil teeth reveal new facts about a mass extinction 260 million years ago

Article Kevin Rey - 29 Apr 2018

A study has found that a local event rather than a global shift in climate caused the mass extinction in South Africa

Hunters should stop using lead bullets and help save the vultures

Article Beckie Garbett - 19 Mar 2018

A new threat to vultures is emerging: lead poisoning from ammunition used by game hunters

Why coral reefs are important and why they are dying

Article Loes Witschge - 30 Jan 2018

More than 11 billion pieces of plastic larger than five centimetres wide are littering coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific region

Toughie, the ‘loneliest frog on Earth’, croaks

Article Sipho Kings - 17 Oct 2016

Unable to migrate and not enough time to adapt to climate change, the Rabbs’ fringe-limbed tree frog is extinct.

Activists hijack Cites and shoot down local solutions

Article Sipho Kings - 29 Sep 2016

Countries that wiped out their own species are now dictating how others should manage theirs.

A fifth of all plant species on earth are close to extinction

Article Staff Reporter - 13 May 2016

Thousands of new plants are being discovered every year, but the movement of agriculture and urbanisation are threatening a fifth of all species.

Humans driving sixth mass extinction

Article Sipho Kings - 22 Jun 2015

Scientists have pointed fingers at humans for rates of extinction that are 100 times higher than would be normal without human intervention.

Almost the end for Kenya’s northern white rhino

Article Tristan Mcconnell - 12 Feb 2015

With just five left on earth, the animal's end is inevitable, and experts argue whether it's viable to give the species a resurgence in captivity.

Butterflies save themselves from extinction

Article Staff Reporter - 7 Apr 2014

The Quino checkerspot butterfly has saved itself from extinction by shifting to a higher altitude and picking a new species of plant for laying eggs.

vital information

The Mail & Guardian’s essential coverage of the ongoing coronavirus crisis is free to read for everyone.

If you would like to support us, please consider taking out a subscription.

Latest

National

Unions cry foul over SABC dismissal costs and retrenchments

Sarah Smit - 21 Oct 2020

Broadcaster bodies say claims that a recent skills audit is unrelated to retrenchments are ‘irrational’

National

Finance probe into the Ingonyama Trust Board goes ahead

Paddy Harper - 20 Oct 2020

The threat of legal action from ITB chairperson Jerome Ngwenya fails to halt forensic audit ordered by the land reform minister

National

Fake trafficking news targets migrants

Jan Bornman - 20 Oct 2020

Exaggerated reports on social media of human trafficking syndicates snatching people in broad daylight legitimate xenophobia while deflecting from the real problems in society

Press Releases

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'

Special Reports

Secure your business from cyber threats

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

Many business-grade security systems now have built-in learning systems and AI to help businesses stay up to date with protection

Special Reports

Mental Health

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

During the pandemic there's been a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety and suicides, according to some of the surveys done

Special Reports

Expert financial advice still recommended – especially in uncertain times

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

A financial advisor is an expert who will help you to protect your wealth and make a realistic plan when unexpected events threaten your wellbeing

Special Reports

What is a virtual card, and how does it work?

special reports - 15 Oct 2020

A virtual card lets you pay online without ever having to take your card from your wallet or exposing your actual account information