Good News For Animals Feb 2026

California Issues State Endangered Species Protections to Mountain Lions

​worldanimalnews.com/2026/02/13/victory-california-grants-endangered-species-protections-to-southern-central-coast-mountain-lions/

California has issued state Endangered Species Protections to central and southern mountain lions, allowing for a recovery plan to be developed. This news comes as mountain face continued perils to their survival which include toxicity from consuming prey contaminated with rat poisons, human conflict, and vehicular collisions at the top of the list. This marks the first time that California has issued mountain lions these protections and will make it easier to plan for recovery.

Rat poisons are especially troubling as they can unintentionally poison predatory species including eagles & other birds of prey, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, and more. Toxicity from rat poison leads to an excruciating end and honestly, there's simply no justification for these horrendous poisons that indiscriminately kill anything that comes into contact with them. 

The protections will also force the state to continue to develop wildlife crossings over highways which have proven to reduce vehicular collisions with wildlife. This is a major win for mountain lions and the future of their survival. 

Rhino Poaching in South Africa Drops 16% In 2025

​worldanimalnews.com/2026/02/12/rhino-poaching-in-south-africa-drops-16-in-2025-conservationists-say-the-fight-is-far-from-over/

South Africa saw a decline of 16% in Rhino poaching in 2025 indicating that tireless anti-poaching initiatives have proven successful. With that being said, there is still considerable work to be done to end this barbaric practice that puts rhino populations in peril of further endangerment, 

Rhino poaching for horns is barbaric and needless. Poaching is a sickness that demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for the survival of an entire species. Anti-poaching initiatives like dehorning, injecting horns with product that completely devalues them, polygraphing state park employees, and early-warning systems have helped to stave of rhino poaching. Poaching of rhinos happens on state owned land as well as privately owned parks, proving that the issue is widespread despite efforts to control it. With continued efforts, rhino poaching will hopefully continue to decline saving rhinos from future extinction. 

Kudos to South Africa and International communities who have worked to protect them. We must continue to fight corruption and poaching in order to protect these beautiful animals. A future without rhinos is possible unless this tireless work continues. 

HAPPY VEG