In Reversal, Government Agrees to Protect Jaguar

In Reversal, Government Agrees to Protect Jaguar
by Leslie Kaufman
New York Times
January 12, 2010
Since 1997, the jaguar has been listed as an endangered species, but just this week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it would aim to protect the habitat of the animal. The jungle cat is usually native to Central or South America, but it can venture north into the U.S. There are almost 5,000 jaguars in Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also trying to prevent the creature from being poached.

Freeze Threatens Florida's Tropical Fish

Freeze Threatens Florida's Tropical Fish
by Damien Cave
January 10, 2010
New York Times
Due to the recent cold weather in Florida, not only are the strawberries and oranges suffering, but the tropical fish as well. There is a severe guppy shortage, and the populations of some other fish have been declined by an estimated 50%. Florida's tropical fish industry, which provides about half the tropical fish in the world (Asia provides the other half) , is a $45 million a year industry. When the water temperature dips below 60 degrees, it is problematic for the fish.

Floridians Shiver and Pray for the Strawberries

Floridians Shiver and Pray for the Strawberries
by Damien Cave
January 6, 2010
New York Times

Due to the recent cold temperatures in Florida, the strawberry crop is at stake. Ice is currently encasing all the strawberries except for the most ripe, and since Christmas, the price of a pound of strawberries has risen by $2 a pound. The temperatures are 20 degrees below normal, and it is the fourth consecutive night of freezing in Florida.

Large Oil Spill Reported in China

Large Oil Spill Reported in China
by David Barboza
January 3, 2010
New York Times
A leak in a pipeline in China has caused a huge oil spill in part of the country's Yellow River, and threatens to pollute the whole river if it spreads. A crew of 700 people is working to prevent the damage from escalating, and the leak was most likely caused by construction work. About 40,000 gallons of oil were released. Local residents have been warned not to use the water.