Me too! And I really hope it succeeds!
Positive Wildlife News 2021
- Thread starter UngulateNerd92
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Me too! And I really hope it succeeds!
The world needs a standard tool to compare species conservation efforts. An international team just built one.
The STAR metric shows how much a given action can prevent biodiversity loss. The higher the score, the higher the potential to reduce extinctions.
In 2010, the Convention on Biodiversity proposed a list of 20 targets aimed at preserving global biodiversity—from increasing public awareness to preventing species extinctions. The targets were part of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. But of the 20, none were achieved by the deadline. To meet the forthcoming 2021-2030 iteration of the targets, authors of a recent study in Nature Ecology & Evolution have proposed a tool that assigns value to extinction prevention efforts in the hopes that governments, communities and private interest groups can work together to protect biodiversity.
The world needs a standard tool to compare species conservation efforts. An international team just built one.
The STAR metric shows how much a given action can prevent biodiversity loss. The higher the score, the higher the potential to reduce extinctions.
In 2010, the Convention on Biodiversity proposed a list of 20 targets aimed at preserving global biodiversity—from increasing public awareness to preventing species extinctions. The targets were part of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. But of the 20, none were achieved by the deadline. To meet the forthcoming 2021-2030 iteration of the targets, authors of a recent study in Nature Ecology & Evolution have proposed a tool that assigns value to extinction prevention efforts in the hopes that governments, communities and private interest groups can work together to protect biodiversity.
The world needs a standard tool to compare species conservation efforts. An international team just built one.
Expanded Marine Protections Benefited Hawaii Tuna Fishery, Study Shows
Major fleet’s catch and revenue rose after enlargement of two marine monuments.
Contradicting concerns from longline commercial fishing operators in the Pacific region, tuna industry revenue actually increased following the expansion of two large U.S. marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Pacific Ocean, a new analysis shows. The work builds upon a study published in the journal Nature Communications last year, which is one of only a few studies to apply rigorous scientific methods to this issue.
In the original study, the authors looked at longline commercial fishing by the Hawaii fleet around two of the largest protected areas on earth: The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRI), south and east of Hawaii, which was expanded in 2014, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which was enlarged in 2016. The expansions quadrupled the size of each of these MPAs, which together prohibit commercial fishing and oil and gas exploration across more than 2.7 million square kilometers (about 1.1 million square miles) of ocean.
https://www-pewtrusts-org.cdn.amppr...nefited-hawaii-tuna-fishery-study-shows?amp=1
Major fleet’s catch and revenue rose after enlargement of two marine monuments.
Contradicting concerns from longline commercial fishing operators in the Pacific region, tuna industry revenue actually increased following the expansion of two large U.S. marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Pacific Ocean, a new analysis shows. The work builds upon a study published in the journal Nature Communications last year, which is one of only a few studies to apply rigorous scientific methods to this issue.
In the original study, the authors looked at longline commercial fishing by the Hawaii fleet around two of the largest protected areas on earth: The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRI), south and east of Hawaii, which was expanded in 2014, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which was enlarged in 2016. The expansions quadrupled the size of each of these MPAs, which together prohibit commercial fishing and oil and gas exploration across more than 2.7 million square kilometers (about 1.1 million square miles) of ocean.
https://www-pewtrusts-org.cdn.amppr...nefited-hawaii-tuna-fishery-study-shows?amp=1
Canadian Cities Working to Protect Bird Populations!
On May 7, the eve of World Migratory Bird Day, Nature Canada welcomed Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and London as the first Bird Friendly certified cities.
The Bird Friendly City certification standard was developed by Nature Canada with the support of Environment and Climate Change Canada, as a way to encourage Canadian cities and towns to become safer places for birds. Certified cities are those where threats to birds are mitigated, nature is restored, and the community celebrates and monitors birds.
Bird populations are in trouble globally. We have lost over 3 billion birds over the last 50 years alone, mainly due to human action. The crisis of bird populations mirrors the biodiversity crisis facing the planet, and it’s our collective responsibility to restore nature so that bird populations rebound and thrive.
Nature Canada has been building relationships with nature-based organizations; many of them completely volunteer-based, to form Bird Teams that engage the public and municipalities on actions that can be taken to restore bird populations and reduce harm to these feathered friends.
Through these efforts, we are so excited to share in their success as they lead the charge on making Canadian urban centres more Bird Friendly. For the first time in Canada, cities are being recognized on a national level for doing their part in protecting bird populations in their communities – and it couldn’t come at a better time.
Bird Friendly Cities: These Canadian Cities are Working to Protect Birds
On May 7, the eve of World Migratory Bird Day, Nature Canada welcomed Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and London as the first Bird Friendly certified cities.
The Bird Friendly City certification standard was developed by Nature Canada with the support of Environment and Climate Change Canada, as a way to encourage Canadian cities and towns to become safer places for birds. Certified cities are those where threats to birds are mitigated, nature is restored, and the community celebrates and monitors birds.
Bird populations are in trouble globally. We have lost over 3 billion birds over the last 50 years alone, mainly due to human action. The crisis of bird populations mirrors the biodiversity crisis facing the planet, and it’s our collective responsibility to restore nature so that bird populations rebound and thrive.
Nature Canada has been building relationships with nature-based organizations; many of them completely volunteer-based, to form Bird Teams that engage the public and municipalities on actions that can be taken to restore bird populations and reduce harm to these feathered friends.
Through these efforts, we are so excited to share in their success as they lead the charge on making Canadian urban centres more Bird Friendly. For the first time in Canada, cities are being recognized on a national level for doing their part in protecting bird populations in their communities – and it couldn’t come at a better time.
Bird Friendly Cities: These Canadian Cities are Working to Protect Birds
Prime Elk Habitat Conserved in Wisconsin
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation prevented development and fragmentation of crucial wildlife habitat in northern Wisconsin by conveying an 80-acre inholding to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
“Whether large or small, every piece of wildlife habitat counts,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “Though small in size, permanently protecting this acreage makes a big, beneficial difference for habitat restoration, especially for the state’s northern elk herd.”
“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a longstanding partner with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,” said District Ranger Mike Martin. “The new acquisition will protect critical habitat from development, and it will pay huge dividends for elk and other wildlife species for years to come.”
Prime Elk Habitat Conserved in Wisconsin | Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation prevented development and fragmentation of crucial wildlife habitat in northern Wisconsin by conveying an 80-acre inholding to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
“Whether large or small, every piece of wildlife habitat counts,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “Though small in size, permanently protecting this acreage makes a big, beneficial difference for habitat restoration, especially for the state’s northern elk herd.”
“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a longstanding partner with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,” said District Ranger Mike Martin. “The new acquisition will protect critical habitat from development, and it will pay huge dividends for elk and other wildlife species for years to come.”
Prime Elk Habitat Conserved in Wisconsin | Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Always good to see positive conservation news from my home state! I actually haven't seen any elk in Wisconsin yet, their population is currently very small but increasing.
You are welcome. I knew you would like that one. I thought of you when I came across it on my LinkedIn news feed. If you do end up seeing elk/wapiti in Wisconsin, take photographs and post them here or at least let us know.
The World's 1st Shark Sanctuary
Back in 2009, a tiny island nation made history by becoming the first place in the world to implement a "shark sanctuary" in their waters. Palau, home to just 20,000 inhabitants, designated the entire of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a sanctuary for sharks; meaning that fishing sharks in Palauan waters became punishable by law. This was a remarkable and bold step on the part of the government and set the shark conservation bar very high for other nations. So, 13 years later, what impact has the shark sanctuary in Palau had on shark conservation? Is the sanctuary a success? And how could it be further improved?
https://www.sophiemaycocksharkspeak.com/post/the-world-s-1st-shark-sanctuary
Back in 2009, a tiny island nation made history by becoming the first place in the world to implement a "shark sanctuary" in their waters. Palau, home to just 20,000 inhabitants, designated the entire of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a sanctuary for sharks; meaning that fishing sharks in Palauan waters became punishable by law. This was a remarkable and bold step on the part of the government and set the shark conservation bar very high for other nations. So, 13 years later, what impact has the shark sanctuary in Palau had on shark conservation? Is the sanctuary a success? And how could it be further improved?
https://www.sophiemaycocksharkspeak.com/post/the-world-s-1st-shark-sanctuary
Rescuing a fragile friend: NCC protects essential land for spiny softshell turtle
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) today announced the acquisition of two properties along the Rivière aux Brochets in Pike River, Montérégie. These properties feature habitats essential to spiny softshell turtle. The species is designated endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) and threatened under the Quebec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species (ARTVS). In Quebec, this turtle is now found only in the Lake Champlain area.
Rescuing a fragile friend: NCC protects essential land for spiny softshell turtle
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) today announced the acquisition of two properties along the Rivière aux Brochets in Pike River, Montérégie. These properties feature habitats essential to spiny softshell turtle. The species is designated endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) and threatened under the Quebec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species (ARTVS). In Quebec, this turtle is now found only in the Lake Champlain area.
Rescuing a fragile friend: NCC protects essential land for spiny softshell turtle
Rhinos Return to ‘The Place of the Elephant’ After 30 Years
Zimbabwe plans to bring back rhinos to its second-largest national park, Gonarezhou, for the first time since they were wiped out by poachers in 1991.
At that time the total number of rhinos in the country fell to just 100 due to poaching and has now increased to 1,000, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Rhinos Return to ‘The Place of the Elephant’ After 30 Years
Zimbabwe plans to bring back rhinos to its second-largest national park, Gonarezhou, for the first time since they were wiped out by poachers in 1991.
At that time the total number of rhinos in the country fell to just 100 due to poaching and has now increased to 1,000, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Rhinos Return to ‘The Place of the Elephant’ After 30 Years
Rare, critically endangered orchids discovered in NSW Southern Highlands after wet summer
The critically endangered pot-bellied greenhood orchid has been found in the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands areas.
For starters, the plant only flowers for a couple of weeks a year and not necessarily every year.
When it does flower, the petals are the size of your fingernail, which makes it all the more remarkable that a group of about 170 of the rare orchids have been found in the NSW Southern Highlands.
"They've been known for quite a while in the Shoalhaven, so it's exciting to have a large-range extension for the species to the west and up in elevation as well," NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) threatened species officer David Bain said.
"They're rare, they're listed as a critically endangered species and so every new population that we find gives us more confidence that we will be able to conserve the species into the future," Dr Bain said.
https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/100136588
The critically endangered pot-bellied greenhood orchid has been found in the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands areas.
For starters, the plant only flowers for a couple of weeks a year and not necessarily every year.
When it does flower, the petals are the size of your fingernail, which makes it all the more remarkable that a group of about 170 of the rare orchids have been found in the NSW Southern Highlands.
"They've been known for quite a while in the Shoalhaven, so it's exciting to have a large-range extension for the species to the west and up in elevation as well," NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) threatened species officer David Bain said.
"They're rare, they're listed as a critically endangered species and so every new population that we find gives us more confidence that we will be able to conserve the species into the future," Dr Bain said.
https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/100136588
Wolf population continues to make a comeback in Washington
The number of wolves in Washington state increased by 22%, marking the 12th year in a row the wolf population has grown, according to a recently released annual report.
Each year, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife releases a report on wolf recovery statewide. As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were at least 132 wolves in 24 packs in areas of the state managed by the department, and 46 wolves reported on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. In 2019, there were 108 wolves in 21 packs. Most of the packs are concentrated in northeast counties in Washington state.
Wolf population continues to make a comeback in Washington | Kent Reporter
The number of wolves in Washington state increased by 22%, marking the 12th year in a row the wolf population has grown, according to a recently released annual report.
Each year, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife releases a report on wolf recovery statewide. As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were at least 132 wolves in 24 packs in areas of the state managed by the department, and 46 wolves reported on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. In 2019, there were 108 wolves in 21 packs. Most of the packs are concentrated in northeast counties in Washington state.
Wolf population continues to make a comeback in Washington | Kent Reporter
The long shot that saved Belize's coral
When Hurricane Iris hit southern Belize in 2001, the country's magnificent corals were destroyed. But within 10 years, a radical restoration project brought the reef back to life.
The long shot that saved Belize's coral
When Hurricane Iris hit southern Belize in 2001, the country's magnificent corals were destroyed. But within 10 years, a radical restoration project brought the reef back to life.
The long shot that saved Belize's coral
Two Properties Protected in Lake George and Putnam
We are excited to announce two properties recently protected: 154 acres in Putnam, adjoining the Last Great Shoreline; and 150 acres in the Towns of Lake George and Warrensburg, adjoining New York State's Prospect Mountain. Together, these two properties include 1+ miles of stream corridors in two of Lake George's largest tributaries, and nearly 30 acres of wetlands, including a sphagnum bog.
May News: 300 acres protected; LGLC spring-summer newsletter available now!
We are excited to announce two properties recently protected: 154 acres in Putnam, adjoining the Last Great Shoreline; and 150 acres in the Towns of Lake George and Warrensburg, adjoining New York State's Prospect Mountain. Together, these two properties include 1+ miles of stream corridors in two of Lake George's largest tributaries, and nearly 30 acres of wetlands, including a sphagnum bog.
May News: 300 acres protected; LGLC spring-summer newsletter available now!
We found methane-eating bacteria living in a common Australian tree. It could be a game changer for curbing greenhouse gases
Trees are the Earth’s lungs – it’s well understood they drawdown and lock up vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But emerging research is showing trees can also emit methane, and it’s currently unknown just how much.
This could be a major problem, given methane is a greenhouse gas about 45 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming our planet.
However, in a world-first discovery published in Nature Communications, we found unique methane-eating communities of bacteria living within the bark of a common Australian tree species: paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). These microbial communities were abundant, thriving, and mitigated about one third of the substantial methane emissions from paperbark that would have otherwise ended up in the atmosphere.
Because research on tree methane (“treethane”) is still in its relative infancy, there are many questions that need to be resolved. Our discovery helps fill these critical gaps, and will change the way we view the role of trees within the global methane cycle.
We found methane-eating bacteria living in a common Australian tree. It could be a game changer for curbing greenhouse gases
Trees are the Earth’s lungs – it’s well understood they drawdown and lock up vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But emerging research is showing trees can also emit methane, and it’s currently unknown just how much.
This could be a major problem, given methane is a greenhouse gas about 45 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming our planet.
However, in a world-first discovery published in Nature Communications, we found unique methane-eating communities of bacteria living within the bark of a common Australian tree species: paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). These microbial communities were abundant, thriving, and mitigated about one third of the substantial methane emissions from paperbark that would have otherwise ended up in the atmosphere.
Because research on tree methane (“treethane”) is still in its relative infancy, there are many questions that need to be resolved. Our discovery helps fill these critical gaps, and will change the way we view the role of trees within the global methane cycle.
We found methane-eating bacteria living in a common Australian tree. It could be a game changer for curbing greenhouse gases
The Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat population has reached a milestone of 300 individuals in existence. In the 1980s there were only 35 known individuals and they are now looking at setting up another population: 'Very easy to fall in love with': Northern hairy-nosed wombats survive against all odds as numbers reach 300
Wolf hunting banned in Slovakia
The gray wolf will be a protected species in Slovakia, eastern Europe, from June 1
The wolf (Canis lupus) will become a fully protected species in the eastern European country of Slovakia from June 1, 2021, according to a press statement by the World Wildlife Fund May 11.
The decision followed a massive campaign by 31 non-profits for according full protection to wolves, including WWF-Slovakia. A joint petition to stop wolf hunting received more than 51,000 signatures.
Wolf hunting banned in Slovakia
The gray wolf will be a protected species in Slovakia, eastern Europe, from June 1
The wolf (Canis lupus) will become a fully protected species in the eastern European country of Slovakia from June 1, 2021, according to a press statement by the World Wildlife Fund May 11.
The decision followed a massive campaign by 31 non-profits for according full protection to wolves, including WWF-Slovakia. A joint petition to stop wolf hunting received more than 51,000 signatures.
Wolf hunting banned in Slovakia
Nature reserve planned to protect biodiverse region west of Tallinn, Estonia
The Environmental Board (Keskkonnaamet) is processing plans for a national nature reserve at the last fully natural landscape in the vicinity of Tallinn.
The area requires protection due to potential pressure from property developers, mining or forestry, and is planned for Sõrve, in Harku and Saue parishes, west and southwest of Tallinn (see plan below).
If established, the national nature reserve would remain under protection. Over 100 protected or endangered species have been found in the 2,280 ha (c. 5,634 acre) area, including 24 protected bird species, while the terrain itself is diverse – with natural forest, meadows and bogs in the north of the area, pine trees in the sandy soil of the southern part and floodplain meadows adjacent to the Vääna River to the southwest.
Nature reserve planned to protect biodiverse region west of Tallinn
The Environmental Board (Keskkonnaamet) is processing plans for a national nature reserve at the last fully natural landscape in the vicinity of Tallinn.
The area requires protection due to potential pressure from property developers, mining or forestry, and is planned for Sõrve, in Harku and Saue parishes, west and southwest of Tallinn (see plan below).
If established, the national nature reserve would remain under protection. Over 100 protected or endangered species have been found in the 2,280 ha (c. 5,634 acre) area, including 24 protected bird species, while the terrain itself is diverse – with natural forest, meadows and bogs in the north of the area, pine trees in the sandy soil of the southern part and floodplain meadows adjacent to the Vääna River to the southwest.
Nature reserve planned to protect biodiverse region west of Tallinn
Cranes: Flying giant returning to Ireland after 300 years
A giant bird that has been part of Irish folklore and was often kept as a pet in medieval times could be returning to the island after an absence of more than 300 years.
A pair of cranes are nesting on a rewetted peat bog in the Republic of Ireland's midlands.
It is hoped they could be the first of the species to breed in Ireland for centuries.
The cranes are on land owned by former peat producer Bord na Móna.
The location is to remain confidential to protect the birds.
In January, Bord na Móna ceased peat harvesting for good and has been rehabilitating thousands of hectares of boglands, rewetting the drained sites
https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57074156.amp
A giant bird that has been part of Irish folklore and was often kept as a pet in medieval times could be returning to the island after an absence of more than 300 years.
A pair of cranes are nesting on a rewetted peat bog in the Republic of Ireland's midlands.
It is hoped they could be the first of the species to breed in Ireland for centuries.
The cranes are on land owned by former peat producer Bord na Móna.
The location is to remain confidential to protect the birds.
In January, Bord na Móna ceased peat harvesting for good and has been rehabilitating thousands of hectares of boglands, rewetting the drained sites
https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57074156.amp
Bipartisan Resolution Introduced In Colorado General Assembly To Protect Wildlife Corridors
On Friday, Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Perry Will introduced a Joint Resolution in the Colorado General Assembly to protect the state’s wildlife corridors, which would conserve native species, improve road safety, and bolster Colorado’s economy. The legislation marks a monumental step towards preserving Colorado’s rich biodiversity and wildlife heritage for future generations.
Corridors are natural areas that connect patches of habitat to allow native species and to move freely across the landscape. Researchers suggest that intact migration routes are critical to the survival of many of Colorado’s beloved native species. For this reason, Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order in 2019 to protect big game migration corridors throughout the state. Additionally, a bipartisan group of legislators recently called for legislative action to address habitat fragmentation, facilitate wildlife movement, and conserve ecological connectivity.
Bipartisan Resolution Introduced in Colorado General Assembly to Protect Wildlife Corridors - Endangered Species Coalition
On Friday, Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Perry Will introduced a Joint Resolution in the Colorado General Assembly to protect the state’s wildlife corridors, which would conserve native species, improve road safety, and bolster Colorado’s economy. The legislation marks a monumental step towards preserving Colorado’s rich biodiversity and wildlife heritage for future generations.
Corridors are natural areas that connect patches of habitat to allow native species and to move freely across the landscape. Researchers suggest that intact migration routes are critical to the survival of many of Colorado’s beloved native species. For this reason, Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order in 2019 to protect big game migration corridors throughout the state. Additionally, a bipartisan group of legislators recently called for legislative action to address habitat fragmentation, facilitate wildlife movement, and conserve ecological connectivity.
Bipartisan Resolution Introduced in Colorado General Assembly to Protect Wildlife Corridors - Endangered Species Coalition
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