Scientists have named a newly discovered Amazon treefrog species after the late filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 classic film, “A Clockwork Orange.”

The award-winning film was based on the 1962 Anthony Burgess novel of the same title. Kubrick’s dystopian film follows the story of a young Beethoven-loving criminal named Alex (Malcolm McDowell) as he’s placed in an experimental criminal reform program.

The researchers say they chose the unusual name for the frog (D kubricki in Latin) because when Burgess explained the origin of the book title,  he said: “I’ve implied the junction of the organic, the lively, the sweet – in other words, life, the orange – and the mechanical, the cold, the disciplined.”

“Without knowing, he was also giving a good metaphor to describe ecosystems,” the researchers said.

“Nature works as the interplay between life and its cold, mechanical, and disciplined physical matrix.”  

The frog also looks the part bearing bright orange patches on its arms and legs.

A Clockwork Orange was discovered in the Amazon Basin along with another treefrog species whose name translates to “devil” (D kamagarini). The treefrogs had both been previously misidentified as members of another species. The research is published in a recent issue of the journal ZooKeys.

Frogs are critically important indicator species and play critical roles in the food chains of their ecosystems. 

The discovery further validates the need for habitat preservation and continued research efforts into the functioning of earth’s ecosystems.

Stanley Kubrick, considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, made more than a dozen films including “The Shining”, “Dr. Strangelove”, “2001”, “Barry Lyndon”, “Full Metal Jacket”, and “Eyes Wide Shut.” He died in 1999.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

The Amazon Rainforest Can’t Digest as Much Carbon as We Thought
Flowers, Grass, and Plant-Inspired Insect Art
This Plastic Ban Needs to Go Worldwide

The post New Treefrog Species Named After Filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s Classic ‘A Clockwork Orange’ appeared first on EcoSalon.

The vegan diet has grown six hundred percent since 2014, according to a nationwide study released by GlobalData in June. With vegan-positive information becoming more readily accessible, people are not only hearing the message — they are listening.

Most recently, the June 16th launch of “What the Health” on Netflix caused a surge of celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday citizens to “go vegan,” attributing their diet shift to this perspective-altering documentary. Among others, stars like Ne-Yo and Danielle Brooks both credited the film for sparking their plant-based transformation. The trickle down effect is real, as fans are influenced by these public celebrity diet shifts. But inspiration is one thing, and action is another.

For those struggling with the moral implications of wanting to make a change but can’t seem to give up cheese, there is help. Mercy for Animals, the leading nonprofit focused on farm animal welfare issues as well as vegan education (and drool-worthy recipes), offers a unique vegetarian support program for individualized, long-term assistance for those in transition to a vegan diet – free of charge.

Erin Kwiatkowski, the Mercy for Animal’s Global Vegetarian Support Specialist for North America, gave us the full details on this unique program.

EcoSalon: In a nutshell, what is the MFA Vegetarian Support Program? What do you do?

EK: We provide personal support to individuals looking to move toward vegan eating. We work with people one-on-one through platforms like email, text, live chat, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The goal is to make the vegan diet most accessible. Going vegan is the most effective way people can prevent cruelty to animals and fight climate change.

ES: What does it take to be a Global Vegetarian Support Specialist?

EK: We all receive nutrition training through the T. Colin Campbell Plant-Based Nutrition eCornell Certificate Program. We also regularly study behavioral theory, psychology, and behavior change. Its continual education so we can provide the best support.

ES: How long do you work with each person, on average? Is there a typical client?

EK: We try to commit to at least three months of engagement. When someone is changing their habits, behavior and lifestyle, those first three months tend to be the most volatile. If we’re able to consistently connect with them for this amount of time, we feel really good about them being able to stick to the diet long term.

People come to us from from different motivations from their health, to the environment, to ethics. The point is to actively reach people where they’re at. No matter where they are in the transition phase, we make sure they know we’re here for them, we hear them, and we want to help them through this big change in their life.

ES: Describe the resources you provide.

EK: Chooseveg.com is the primary source of information we provide for diet change. The site features tips, product recommendations, local and nationwide vegan groups, and grocery store and restaurant options. During one-on-ones, we share share recipes, cooking tips, and answer their nutrition and health questions.

ES: What challenges have you faced in helping others make the transition?

EK: Sometimes people don’t have the right information to make the switch in a healthy and sustainable way. They may be frustrated and confused about misinformation related to nutrition. I answer a lot of questions about nutrition and health because of what peoples’ friends and family tell them. Thankfully, it’s easy to chat through those concerns and make sure they know there are tons of people out there living healthy and sustainable lives. I assure them that they’re making the right decisions for themselves, the animals, and environment.

ES: Can you speak to the success of the program? Any stand-out cases?

EK: Of course! The outreach program is about two years old, but just in 2017, we have interacted with over one hundred and fifty thousand people globally. Its awesome to see because our growth pairs with the growth of veganism. It also shows that people are being touched by the resources that MFA is providing. It’s truly indicative of how compassionate and loving people are. 

As far as stand-outs go, for me recently it was Pablo in Nicaragua. He is a forestry engineer, and he used to eat meat every day. He learned about factory farming through MFA and worked with our Mexico MFA support program. Not only did he change his diet, but he also changed the forestry department’s diet. He and all of his co-workers all eat meat-free! Essentially, he’s extending this gift to the people that he works with. Honestly, my favorite stories are of people who have made a diet change and they get so excited that they turn into activists. It becomes a lifestyle rather than just a diet.

Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast. 

Related on EcoSalon

This Vegan Coconut Curry Has Endless Variations
Here’s the Huge Problem With All That ‘Humane’ Meat
The 17 Must-Have Staples Every Vegan Kitchen Needs

The post These Vegan Mercy for Animals Cheerleaders Make It Easy to Go Plant-Based appeared first on EcoSalon.

With so many things outside of our control right now (like the President’s Twitter feed), most of us probably need some sort of release. For some, this might be regular yoga practice or listening to an audiobook. While for others, passing the time away looking at cute animals on Instagram is the way to go.

No matter your preference (whether you’re a dog person and not a cat person and vice versa), these cute rescue animals on Instagram will be sure to bring a smile to your face and some lightness to your heart. While the focus of our list is certainly weighted towards adorably furry mammals, it also features rescue animals. And we must remember that as cute as they are, it’s not just about being cute. Great photography from human the roommates is key on Instagram!

9 Instagram Rescue Animals We Love

A post shared by Cole and Marmalade (@coleandmarmalade) on Apr 28, 2017 at 6:20am PDT

1. Cole and Marmalade

Two pawsome cats, and their human roommate promoting pet adoption!

A post shared by nala_cat™ (@nala_cat) on Jul 3, 2017 at 7:25am PDT

2. Nala Cat

A post shared by Mr. Bagel the Chinchilla (@chinnybuddy) on Apr 7, 2017 at 3:02pm PDT

3. Mr. Bagel the Chincilla

Mr. Bagel, one chinchilla that is full of personality, promotes pet adoptions from shelters and saying, “no to fur!”

A post shared by The Dogist (@thedogist) on Jun 3, 2017 at 8:53am PDT

4. The Dogist

The Dogist is a photo-documentary series about the beauty of dogs. The Dogist has created the Give a Dog a Bone program to support and promote organizations that shelter dogs.

A post shared by Pumpkin The Raccoon (@pumpkintheraccoon) on Jun 27, 2017 at 6:28am PDT

5. Pumpkin the Raccoon

This Instagram account features Pumpkin The Raccoon, a rescued Bahamian raccoon, and her friends, named Toffee and Oreo.

A post shared by J U N I P E R (@juniperfoxx) on May 21, 2017 at 8:43am PDT

6. Juniperfoxx

Juniper is a rescued tame fox and her owners are working toward a worthy goal of becoming a sanctuary for mistreated and unwanted exotic animals.

A post shared by Rosenberg The Dog (@rosenbergthedog) on Jan 14, 2017 at 5:59pm PST

7. Rosenberg the Dog

Rosenberg is a mix of Australia Sheepdog and Poodle. Both he and his human friend are campaigning for world peace.

A post shared by Jill The Squirrel (@this_girl_is_a_squirrel) on Jun 16, 2017 at 7:21am PDT

8. Jill the Squirrel

Jill, is a furry-tailed Hurricane Isaac rescue who seems to be living a pretty cozy life these days!

‪The water quality in my pool is questionable today, and I’ve been waiting over 7 minutes for a Pina Colada. I think I need a new cabana boy.‬

A post shared by Esther The Wonder Pig (@estherthewonderpig) on Jul 7, 2017 at 8:19am PDT

9. Esther the Wonder Pig

If you haven’t yet read Esther’s amazing story, get on that book right now. In the meantime, you can follow this adorable rescue pig and her fellow sanctuary buddies on Instagram.

Related on EcoSalon

14 Too-Cute-To-Be-True Animal Instagram Accounts to Follow
Watch Cute Shelter Cats Do Yoga [Video]
Shelter Pets Are Life Savers [Video]

The post The 9 Cutest Rescue Animals on Instagram You Need to Follow Now appeared first on EcoSalon.

Who knew watching animals drinking from a bucket could be so soothing?

Related on EcoSalon
Farewell, Ringling Brothers: I Was Once a (Very Sad) Circus Animal
Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce on ‘Radical’ Animal Well-Being [Q&A]
Court Rules in Favor of Compassion for Animal Rights Activist

The post Animals Drinking From a Bucket is Our New Favorite Thing [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Many of Earth’s creatures see humans as super predators. And no, that title is not as great as it sounds.

The old research

Let us explain what super predator means. Basically, some scientists think that a number of different species of animals view humans as the ultimate killing machine. These animals may even fear humans more than other predatory animals, such as wolves, lions, and bears.

“Humans have diverged from other predators in behavior and influence,” the first study, which appeared in the journal Science in 2015, reports.

“Geographic expansion, exploitation of naïve prey, killing technology, symbioses with dogs, and rapid population growth, among other factors, have long imposed profound impacts—including widespread extinction and restructuring of food webs and ecosystems—in terrestrial and marine systems.”

The possibly new-to-you term was coined in a 2015 report that detailed the impact humans have on the world.

We’re sure you can probably easily glean why being a super predator isn’t great, but just to be safe, we’ll clearly state why some people are concerned: predatory human behavior can disrupt the overall ecosystem.

The new research

Researchers in Ontario recently conducted another similar study based on badger behavior in the United Kingdom, specifically in Wytham Woods.

The Western University in Ontario, Canada study attempted to learn how badgers would react to different predators, including humans. To track the badgers’ activity, the researchers set up motion-activated video cameras around several setts (also know as badger dens).

“At the beginning of the night, the scientists played sound bites of bears, wolves, dogs, sheep, and finally humans, capturing the badgers’ reactions on the cameras when they finally ventured out to look for food,” Treehugger reports.

“The researchers found that bear and dog sounds delayed foraging but that badgers would eventually emerge from their homes to feed while the animal sounds were still playing. Sounds of humans, however, discouraged some badgers from leaving their burrows altogether. Those that did eventually leave in search for food waited 189%-228% longer than badgers exposed to bear or dogs sounds, with more than half of the badgers waiting until the human sounds stopped playing completely before leaving their homes. Hearing human voices also reduced the time that badgers spent foraging and led to increased vigilance. All of these results point to an unprecedented level of fear in badgers when they are exposed to human noises.”

The problem

So, okay. Badgers really don’t like humans.

But as we stated before, this research implies a much deeper, destructive problem.

“Our previous research has shown that the fear large carnivores inspire can itself shape ecosystems,” Dr. Liana Zanette, one of the authors of the study, states.

“These new results indicate that the fear of humans, being greater, likely has even greater impacts on the environment, meaning humans may be distorting ecosystem processes even more than previously imagined,” she adds.

“These results have important implications for conservation, wildlife management and public policy.”

We agree, Dr. Zanette. So, come on, humans. Let’s do better and back off.

Related on EcoSalon
Adrift on the Global Warming Rug
Elephants are Basically Dinosaurs: Habitat Loss, Poaching and Global Warming are Killing Our Favorite Animals
The Mexican Gray Wolf Needs You: Speak Up for the Essential Lobo

Image of predator via Shutterstock

The post Animals See Humans as Super Predators (and We Don’t Blame Them) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Hooray for the little guy. Er, the prickly little guy. Watch this single porcupine defend himself against an entire pride of hungry lions. It will restore your faith in nature, and maybe even in being the underdog every now and then.

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

Wow! This Greenpeace Campaign to Get Big Oil’s Attention Over Arctic Drilling Will Leave You Speechless [Video]

His Name is Moby and He Speaks for the Bees [Video]

A Song for the Oceans that Will Change How You View Water Forever [Video]

The post You Won’t Be Able to Take Your Eyes Off of This Porcupine [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

What can you say about the incredible conservationist and super special friend to chimpanzees, Jane Goodall? She’s done so much for the animals, but her wisdom has permeated to all areas of environmentalism and conservation. She’s a voice for compassion, not just towards the animals, but to each other. And this rescued chimpanzee seems to get that..and gives her the hug of a lifetime. It’ll take your breath away.

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

Cute Animals Alert: Because What Says Love Like a Squirrel Doing this to a Dog? [Video]

We Want Wings: A Stunning Formation of Starlings You Have to See to Believe [Video]

These Happy Cows Jumping Almost Over the Moon Will Make You Tear Up [Video]

The post It’s Like the Chimpanzee Hugged Jane Goodall for All of Us [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! May love grip you like a squirrel trying to hide an acorn in a dog’s fur. It makes more sense after you watch the video. xo

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Related on EcoSalon

Dr. Bronner’s Soaps Does a Little Magic for Animals

Banned: Costa Rica Says Keeping Zoo Animals is not a ‘Natural Experience’

Dolphins Have Names: Should We Reconsider Our Relationships with Animals?

The post Cute Animals Alert: Because What Says Love Like a Squirrel Doing this to a Dog? [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.

If you have ever lived with both cats and dogs, you know how different they can be; and for some reason, dogs are often more afraid of cats than vice versa—especially when it comes to the comfiest places to sleep, as this video proves. Who is winning: cats or dogs? I would say the human beings who can’t help but be amused by this ongoing detente between canines and felines perfectly illustrated below, in this video where cats steal dog beds.  

Related on Ecosalon: 

This song about your period is the funny anthem we’ve all been waiting for (video)

Polar bears are amazing underwater athletes: Who knew? (video)

Cat massage as ridiculously funny as it sounds (video)

The post Cats Steal Dog Beds and Hilarity Ensues (Video) appeared first on EcoSalon.

We’ve all had flying dreams—where you aren’t in a plane or a helicopter, or even attached to a glider, but where you are just somehow able to fly (you’ve had those right?). Well, turns out in my dreams, I must have been a bird of prey, because they are exactly like this amazing POV eagle’s flight camera footage. Yes, this is real film taken from small cameras attached to bald eagles. Sometimes, technology does not suck.  

Enjoy these two videos, which—even if you’ve never dreamed of flying, but have watched birds and wondered what it’s like to be them—are just amazing. Oh, and be sure to go full-screen with them, because the perspective deserves more than a tiny box inside other boxes on your screen. After watching a few times, it started working as a meditation-relaxation video for me. 

Related on Ecosalon: 

Geena Davis is a Total Badass: Proof that Women Over 50 Are Awesome (video)

Facing Fear: National Geographic Photographer Teaches Us How in Scary Encounter with Leopard Seal (video) 

The post POV Eagle’s Flight Will Blow Your Mind and Zen You Out [Video] appeared first on EcoSalon.