Natural History Wanderings

Agence France-Presse reports

Polar bears, whales, sharks and gazelles were among 31 new species granted new protection status by the UN conservation body, following six days of “intense” talks by leading conservationists.

A record 21 species of shark, ray and sawfish were added to the list.

The polar bear, which is found in the Arctic, and the widely-distributed Cuvier’s beaked whale made the list too.

Also newly protected are the red-fronted gazelle, common in Africa, and the great bustard, found in Europe and Asia.

Read full story at Migratory birds, fish and mammals get new UN protection – Yahoo News.