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New Zealand has confirmed its first mainland detection of H5 bird flu after a brown skua found on Petone beach has tested positive. Authorities have said there is no evidence of mass mortality or poultry infection, but surveillance and a targeted vaccination programme for endangered captive birds have been activated as officials monitor wild populations.
Scientists say humpbacks have rebounded since the 1986 global ban, with a record group of about 299 seen off South Africa. The recovery follows the whaling moratorium, but threats like entanglement and shipping remain; new risks are emerging around Africa amid regional conflicts and security shifts in global trade routes.
Wildfires across Kalimantan and Sumatra have intensified under El Niño-driven drought, pushing smoke into Malaysia and Brunei. Authorities deploy cloud-seeding, water-bombing aircraft, and ground crews as hotspots rise and air quality deteriorates, threatening health and livelihoods.
The 12‑day conference has launched a rangelands initiative that mobilizes $1.2 billion for 45 projects, aiming to restore degraded land and bolster food security in fragile ecosystems. The effort, highlighted during Mongolia talks, aligns with broader UN goals to combat desertification and climate impacts.
Nearly 20 fires are active across Colombia as El Niño drives hotter, drier conditions. Villa de Leyva fire is about 50% contained; authorities warn the crisis could worsen with winds and heat. Ecuador faces its own blazes as regional officials monitor 29 fires, with thousands of hectares burned.
Bruce the red panda has undergone tooth surgery after a drop in appetite; vets removed a problematic tooth under general anaesthetic. The 11-year-old has resumed normal activities and remains part of Edinburgh Zoo’s red panda family, with links to Priya and Roxie in recent years.