Check out what’s happened this week in forestry news!

That Python in the Pet Store? It May Have Been Snatched From the Wild – The New York Times

The popularity of exotic reptiles and amphibians as pets has created an enormous illegal trade. Most of the reptiles sold as pets are said to have been bred in captivity – however, depending on the species, many of those reptiles were likely illegally captured in the wild.

Animal images used in marketing may skew public perception about their survival risks – Science Daily

A recent international study reveals that animals such as tigers, lions and polar bears are at a high risk of extinction because the public believes their popularity guarantees their survival. Since these popular animals are frequently used in marketing campaigns, the public creates the misconception that these animals aren’t endangered.

Using virtual reality to plot urban green spaces – Phys.org

Researchers at NC State University used immersive virtual reality (IVR) to test perceptions of green enclosures set in a downtown plaza and a city park, manipulating the vegetation to create different environments. This technology will allow landscape designers to experiment with designing urban landscapes and people’s perception of them without having to plant trees.

How Norwegian trees have revealed the story of Germany’s biggest WWII battleship – The Local

Tree experts used tree ring measurements from forests along the northern coast of Norway to show how the Germans were able to avoid the destruction of their largest battleship, the Tirpitz, for years during World War II.

Infrastructure improvements for national forest system trails announced – Nooga.com

The trail maintenance scheduled for 15 priority areas in the Southern Appalachian region is expected to address the needed infrastructure work, so that trails managed by the USDA Forest Service can be enjoyed by the general public and trail enthusiasts.

Tiny Gold Monkeys and Pumas Are Getting Their Own Highway – National Geographic

A new wildlife corridor is being planned to allow species to move out of the now-isolated Reserva Biológica União in Brazil. This will give the endangered and threatened species, such as the golden lion tamarin, the opportunity to repopulate and become genetically diverse in a larger environment. The land bridge will lead to a region north of the reserve, which is in the process of being reforested with native flora.