Environment

• Wednesday, June 25th 2025 - 08:42 UTC

  Semi-acquatic rodent discovered in Machu Picchu area

  

  A new semi-aquatic rodent, named Incanomys mayopuma, was discovered near Machu Picchu in Peru’s Cusco region at 2,800 meters above sea level. This small mammal, with gray fur, vestigial ears, and hind legs adapted for aquatic life, represents both a new genus and species.

• Tuesday, June 24th 2025 - 09:56 UTC

  Rare snowfall recorded in parts of Uruguay

  

  An unusual snowfall was recorded Monday in the Uruguayan departments (provinces) of Colonia, Soriano, and Maldonado. The rare event, last seen in 2021, was recorded in areas like Nueva Palmira, Agraciada, Cardona, and Cerro Catedral in Maldonado.

• Monday, June 23rd 2025 - 10:21 UTC

  Uruguay condemns Saturday's US strikes on Iranian soil

  

  Uruguay's government of President Yamandú Orsi expressed deep concern over the recent US airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, citing a dangerous escalation of violence in the Middle East. Montevideo's Foreign Ministry condemned actions threatening international peace and security, noting that the use of force is regulated by international law and the UN Charter, while highlighting the risk of radiological leakage. Hence, all parties were urged to cease hostilities, protect civilians, and resume dialogue for a peaceful resolution.

• Saturday, June 21st 2025 - 10:55 UTC

  Tattooing or piercing pets becomes a federal offense in Brazil

  

  Starting this week, Brazilian animal owners who have their domestic pets tattooed or pierced for aesthetic purposes face between two and five years in prison, in addition to a fine, plus losing custody of the animal. The penalty also applies to anyone allowing this to happen and is aggravated if the animal dies in the process or as a result thereof.

• Friday, June 20th 2025 - 10:28 UTC

  Heavy rains kill 2 in Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul

  

  Heavy rains in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul since June 16 have caused significant damage across 90 municipalities, resulting in two deaths and one missing person.

• Friday, June 20th 2025 - 10:13 UTC

  Spanish researchers speak of Gibraltar's “tropicalization”

  

  A study by the Málaga-based Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC) documents a “tropicalization” process in the Strait of Gibraltar and Alboran Sea, where rising water temperatures, Atlantic connections, exotic species invasions, and high human activity (e.g., maritime traffic and tourism) are driving changes in fish species composition.

• Friday, June 20th 2025 - 09:53 UTC

  Chile: Private university joins National Oceanographic Committee

  

  Chile's Universidad San Sebastián (USS) has joined the National Oceanographic Committee (CONA), a public organization coordinated by the Navy's Hydrographic Service (SHOA), bringing together 30 institutions to advance marine science research.

• Thursday, June 19th 2025 - 09:40 UTC

  What about a new species of penguins, the Rockaronis, a cross between Rockhopper and Macaroni

  

  The docuseries “Secrets of the Penguins” from National Geographic captured footage of several rare penguin chicks for the very first time. Their parents are a mixed-species couple: a rockhopper mother and a macaroni penguin father. The resulting chicks, called “rockaronis” successfully hatched and appeared to be healthy and thriving so writes Jenifeer Geer for IFL Science.

• Wednesday, June 18th 2025 - 08:15 UTC

  UK to introduce legislation on High Seas Treaty by end of year

  

  The UK Government will introduce a bill by the end of the year, to enable ratification of the BBNJ Agreement (sometimes referred to as the High Seas Treaty), the Marine Minister has announced.

• Wednesday, June 18th 2025 - 05:27 UTC

  Antarctica Emperor penguin population decreasing faster than expected, satellite imagery

  

  Antarctica’s emperor penguin population may be decreasing faster than some of the most pessimistic predictions. A new analysis of up-to-date satellite imagery suggests the birds’ numbers declined 22% over a 15-year period (2009 to 2024) in a key sector of the continent – encompassing the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and Bellingshausen Sea.