Positive Wildlife News 2021

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Rewilding project for half-a-million acres of Highlands launched

The 30-year scheme by Highland charity Trees For Life would create a vast nature recovery area.

Up to half-a-million acres of the Scottish Highlands are in line for rewilding following the launch of a project.

The 30-year scheme by Highland charity Trees For Life, with funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, would create a vast nature recovery area – Affric Highlands – connecting Loch Ness to Scotland’s west coast.

It was officially welcomed by Rewilding Europe as the ninth member of its network of large pioneering rewilding areas at a ceremony in Glenurquhart Public Hall in Drumnadrochit on the banks of the loch.

The launch follows three years of consultation between Rewilding Europe, Trees For Life, and other local partners.

https://prod-news-stv-tv.cdn.amppro...a-million-acres-of-highlands-launched?top&amp
 
UngulateNerd92 said:
Rewilding project for half-a-million acres of Highlands launched

The 30-year scheme by Highland charity Trees For Life would create a vast nature recovery area.

Up to half-a-million acres of the Scottish Highlands are in line for rewilding following the launch of a project.

The 30-year scheme by Highland charity Trees For Life, with funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, would create a vast nature recovery area – Affric Highlands – connecting Loch Ness to Scotland’s west coast.

It was officially welcomed by Rewilding Europe as the ninth member of its network of large pioneering rewilding areas at a ceremony in Glenurquhart Public Hall in Drumnadrochit on the banks of the loch.

The launch follows three years of consultation between Rewilding Europe, Trees For Life, and other local partners.

https://prod-news-stv-tv.cdn.amppro...a-million-acres-of-highlands-launched?top&amp
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That is wonderful news, very glad to hear it!!!
 
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Coalition Applauds Governor DeSantis and the Cabinet on Approving Key Land Parcels in the Florida Wildlife Corridor

Totaling nearly 20,000 Acres, of conservation land through the Florida Forever program and the Rural and Family Lands Program

September 21, 2021 – Following the Florida Board of Trustees’ September 21 cabinet meeting where six parcels of land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor were approved for conservation, Florida Wildlife Corridor Coalition CEO Mallory Dimmitt issued the following statement:

Home - The Florida Wildlife Corridor
 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Nearly $80 Million to States for Collaborative Efforts to Conserve Habitat for America’s Most Imperiled Species

Funding to 13 states will support land acquisition projects under Endangered Species Act grant programs; will leverage additional $49 million in partner funds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced nearly $79.2 million in grants to help conserve and permanently protect nearly 56,000 acres of habitat for 55 listed and at-risk species across 13 states through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF). The grants will be matched by over $49.3 million in partner funds.

“Using science as our guide, the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative is about pursuing a collaborative and inclusive approach to conservation. The significant funding announced today furthers our promise to conserve and restore America’s lands and waters for the benefit of all,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “I applaud the Service’s continued effort to work hand-in-hand with states and private landowners to improve habitat and connectivity.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Nearly $80 Million to States for Collaborative Efforts to Conserve Habitat for America’s Most Imperiled Species
 
UngulateNerd92 said:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Nearly $80 Million to States for Collaborative Efforts to Conserve Habitat for America’s Most Imperiled Species

Funding to 13 states will support land acquisition projects under Endangered Species Act grant programs; will leverage additional $49 million in partner funds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced nearly $79.2 million in grants to help conserve and permanently protect nearly 56,000 acres of habitat for 55 listed and at-risk species across 13 states through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF). The grants will be matched by over $49.3 million in partner funds.

“Using science as our guide, the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative is about pursuing a collaborative and inclusive approach to conservation. The significant funding announced today furthers our promise to conserve and restore America’s lands and waters for the benefit of all,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “I applaud the Service’s continued effort to work hand-in-hand with states and private landowners to improve habitat and connectivity.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Nearly $80 Million to States for Collaborative Efforts to Conserve Habitat for America’s Most Imperiled Species
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Wow!!! This is wonderful! Also, I would like to thank you, @UngulateNerd92, for posting good news that gives me hope that humans will reverse the damage they have done to planet earth.
 
UngulateNerd92 said:
Biden Administration Reverses Trump Rule That Gutted Migratory Bird Protections

In a critical win for wildlife, today the Biden administration announced it would be reversing a Trump administration rule that gutted protections for more than 1,000 species of migratory birds. In addition, the administration outlined its plans to develop a program that would protect migratory birds from incidental take while providing regulatory certainty for industry.

“The Trump administration’s rule was disastrous when it was enacted and it’s a huge relief to see it buried for good,” said Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife. “We need the full protections of the MBTA at this crucial moment in time when so many bird populations are in peril. It’s a great day for bird lovers everywhere!”

Biden Administration Reverses Trump Rule That Gutted Migratory Bird Protections
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Here is another relevant article from the Aububon Society.

Critical Migratory Bird Protections Restored by Biden-Harris Administration

Longstanding Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections will be reinstated and a key process to strengthen the rules now begins.

“Birds will be safer in this country thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gray, president and acting CEO, National Audubon Society. “Reinstating these protections will restore decades of bipartisan precedent. The newly announced plans to strengthen the century-old law are a welcome and necessary step to address the loss of three billion birds in North America.”

The Biden-Harris administration announced a final rule today which will revoke the previous administration’s gutting of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The administration also published an intent to establish a new authorization program and clarification of these longstanding protections.

Critical Migratory Bird Protections Restored by Biden-Harris Administration
 
Smaggledagle said:
1000 Eastern spadefoot toads released back into the wild

On September 21st, it was announced by the Roger Williams Park Zoo that they have released 300 Eastern spadefoot toads into Rhode Island. The other 700 toads will be released sometime soon in another area.

Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
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The other 700 toads have now been released into wetlands in Rhode Island that were constructed between 2019-2021.

Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
 
Land purchase protects Skinner Mountain, a biodiversity hotspot on the Cumberland Plateau

The Skinner Mountain Forest Wildlife Management Area protects Tennessee's fifth-largest cave system. These caves house their own ecosystems and are the winter homes of endangered bats.

Skinner Mountain rises from the Cumberland Plateau near the headwaters of the Obey River. Its sides are flanked with white oak and yellow poplar. Its crown is topped with shortleaf pine. Tiny golden-crowned kinglets and dramatic cerulean warblers nest in the trees.

Tennessee's Skinner Mountain on Cumberland Plateau is now protected
 
Couple Gives $100 Million to Conservation of 57,000 Square Miles of African Protected Areas

A South Africa-based nonprofit conservation group that manages 19 protected areas on the continent has secured a donation of $100,000,000.

The grant from the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation was pledged to African Parks, which manages parks in eleven African countries

One of the largest contributions ever made to conservation in Africa, this commitment will help to expand African Parks’ reach, preserving a significant portion of Africa’s biodiversity for the long-term benefit of local people and the animals.

Couple Gives $100 Million to Conservation of 57,000 Square Miles of African Protected Areas

 
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This is definitely a step in the right direction.

U.S. Bans Popular Tourist Activity To Save Dolphins In Hawaii

One of the most popular tourist activities in Hawaii is to swim with the spinner dolphins. That practice, however, has now been banned to protect the dolphins.

Numerous companies in Hawaii offer tours that take swimmers to areas frequented by spinner dolphins. Once there, people have the opportunity to get in the water with the dolphins. The problem is that biologists have said for years that this practice stresses the dolphins.

https://www-travelawaits-com.cdn.am...ii-bans-swimming-with-nocturnal-dolphins/?amp
 
Ducks Unlimited San Joaquin Valley Conservation Team members receive DU Excellence in Conservation Award

Ducks Unlimited (DU) Engineer Forrest Downing, Regional Biologist Matt Kaminski and Regional Engineer Brett Williams received a DU Excellence in Conservation Award for their work as DU’s San Joaquin Valley Conservation Team.

DU’s Conservation Programs Committee (CPC) created the awards to recognize outstanding conservation accomplishments and the DU staff who made them possible. Thanks to the continued commitment of DU’s staff, the organization reached an historic milestone this year, conserving more than 15 million acres.

DU San Joaquin Valley Conservation Team members receive DU Excellence in Conservation Award
 
After A Dry Year, Water Flows To Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge

In this driest of years in the Klamath Basin, the nation’s oldest wildlife refuge for water birds is now getting this season’s first major infusion of fresh water.

For over a century, the Lower Klamath National Wildfire Refuge has been crucial habitat for birds on their grueling annual migrations between destinations as distant as Alaska and Mexico.

“Getting to those two spots, those two migrations, they need a stopover that they can fuel up on, rest and get back healthy for the rest of their journey,” says John Carlson, president of the California Waterfowl Association.

For years, the refuge has been last in line for scarce water, after farmers and endangered fish. As the drought deepened and wetlands dried out, the lack of water led to massive outbreaks of avian botulism, killing tens of thousands of ducks, geese swans and other migratory water birds. Shrinking water bodies also leave waterfowl more vulnerable to predators such as coyotes, which take advantage of emerging pathways to nests and recuperating flocks.

After A Dry Year, Water Flows To Lower Klamath Wildlife Refuge
 
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Boost for UK’s rarest lizard as over 140 are released back into the wild

A group of the UK’s rarest lizard – the sand lizard - have been released back into the wild in Dorset. Over 140 of these endangered species, bred at several locations including Marwell Zoo and Forestry England’s New Forest Reptile Centre, were released in a partnership project led by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) to return these species from near extinction.

The young sand lizards were reintroduced on Forestry England land in Dorset and follow on from a group of 200 released in the same spot last year. Despite an unfavourable spring, many lizards managed to lay two clutches of eggs and the lack of prolonged hot or wet periods over the summer helped these to remain in good condition, prior to being excavated and incubated until hatching.

Boost for UK’s rarest lizard as over 140 are released back into the wild
 
Bearded Vultures in the Alps break their record once again, producing the highest-ever known number of fledglings

Bearded Vultures in the Alps have been extra busy this breeding season. These birds, known to be devoted parents, braved blizzards, snow and cold temperatures for around 8 to 9 months while conducting their parental duties, which, among other responsibilities, involved building nests, incubating eggs and rearing chicks. Thanks to their diligent efforts, they have once again broken a record, producing the highest-ever known number of fledglings. This brilliant news comes to show that Bearded Vulture numbers continue to increase in the Alps, reinforcing the success of the reintroduction project.

Bearded Vultures in the Alps break their record once again, producing the highest-ever known number of fledglings - Vulture Conservation Foundation
 
Brush-tail bettongs, extinct for more than a century, are thriving on the Yorke Peninsula

A group of brush-tailed bettongs sent from a South Australian island to re-populate the Yorke Peninsula is thriving, ecologists say.
  • Bettongs sent from Wedge Island to the Yorke Peninsula are thriving
  • Of the 40 animals released, only two have died
  • Bettongs from WA will be reintroduced to make the population more resilient
The critically endangered marsupial was once abundant on the mainland but has been extinct for more than a century, ever since feral cats and foxes were introduced to the area.

As part of the Marna Banggara conservation project, 40 brush-tailed bettongs, also known as woylies, were re-located from Wedge Island, a predator-free environment a month ago.

"It really seems like they've found a new a home here — they're enjoying it and doing the job they were brought here to do," said Derek Sandow, a landscape ecologist at the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board.

https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/100471884
 
Bonelli’s eagle: successful reintroduction of an endangered species in Mallorca

Reintroducing species in new natural habitats is a strategy to help prevent the extinction of the most threatened organisms. However, this process is influenced by several factors ─which are not much explored in the scientific bibliography─ and its global success ratio is still low.

A study coordinated by the Conservation Biology Group from the Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) of the University of Barcelona analyses the efficiency of reintroduction strategies for the Bonelli’s eagle in Mallorca (Spain). The study, carried out in collaboration with the Government of the Balearic Islands and the Wildlife Recovery Consortium (COFIB) within the framework of the European project LIFE Bonelli, provides new scientific knowledge in global ecology to increase the success options of reintroduction programs with the highest economic efficiency.

Bonelli’s eagle: successful reintroduction of an endangered species in Mallorca
 
Conservation Fund turns over 6,525 acres to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge

The Conservation Fund and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced a significant milestone in their multi-year effort to add valuable ecological land to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in South Arkansas.

A total of 6,525 acres have been transferred from The Conservation Fund to USFWS for permanent protection as part of the Refuge, where the land will support wildlife habitat for various species including migratory birds.

These additions, which lay adjacent to the existing refuge, fall within the Mississippi Flyway which attracts thousands of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey, and neotropical songbirds. The 6,525 acres will also improve water quality for surrounding communities and expand recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing.

Conservation Fund turns over 6,525 acres to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
 
CPRA Announces Completion of Rabbit Island Restoration in Cameron Parish

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) today announced the completion of the Rabbit Island project in Cameron Parish, the latest bird habitat restoration by the CPRA, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), and the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG). The island, located in the southwest portion of Calcasieu Lake, is Southwest Louisiana’s only Brown Pelican colony.

Rabbit Island’s first nesting season following restoration far exceeded expectations. While roughly 370 nests were anticipated for the 2021 season, LDWF observed approximately 6,100 nests on the island, including 1,150 Brown Pelican nests.

CPRA Announces Completion of Rabbit Island Restoration in Cameron Parish
 
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