Conserving the Ocelot: A Race Against Time and Extinction

With fewer than 100 ocelots remaining in the United States, scientists are employing fertility treatments to boost their population. Once abundant, these wild cats now inhabit South Texas. Meanwhile, Thales Alenia Space has secured a deal to build a satellite for Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT, set for a 2027 launch.

Scientists are on a mission to save the endangered ocelot, a wild cat species that has seen its population drop to fewer than 100 in the United States. Historically roaming the southwestern U.S. in the 1800s, ocelots now exist in only two small breeding groups in South Texas. Researchers are pursuing fertility treatments to revive the population and ensure the species does not vanish.

In another development, Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between France's Thales and Italy's Leonardo, has secured a significant contract from Japan's SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation. Charged with building the JSAT-32 geostationary communications satellite, the satellite is expected to be launched by 2027 and boasts an in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years. The collaboration marks a notable advancement in the space technology sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)