Positive Wildlife News 2022

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Iberian lynx numbers continue to increase

The Iberian lynx population continues to grow and has stabilised at more than 1,000 animals in Portugal and Spain.

According to the 2021 census released by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), across the Iberian Peninsula, 1,325 lynx specimens were counted, 1,156 in Spain and 209 in Portugal.

Iberian lynx numbers continue to increase
 
Australian species brought back from extinction in New South Wales after 200 years

It’s been almost two centuries since the small Mitchell’s hopping mouse jumped across NSW, but scientists are hoping 150 of the creatures might be enough to restore its population.

Behind a high electrified fence in Mallee Cliffs National Park, in the state’s south-west, are 9500 hectares of land that are cat- and fox-free, where the mice will be given a chance to thrive.

https://amp-smh-com-au.cdn.ampproje...n-in-nsw-after-200-years-20220708-p5b05k.html
 
Nature reserve in Musandam to enrich environment, boost tourism

A Royal Decree issued on Tuesday to establish the National Natural Park Reserve in Musandam has been hailed by experts and citizens.

Based on a survey conducted by the Environment Authority (EA) in cooperation with the Office of the Governor Musandam, the reserve is spread over an area of 1149.40sqkm.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, environmental specialist Ali Akak said the announcement is significant as it will preserve plant diversity, enrich the environment and wildlife, and encourage the cultivation of local trees. “The reserve will nurture diverse fauna and flora, characterised by distinct nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic properties.”

Nasser al Hosni, an adventure enthusiast, noted that establishment of the reserve will support the local environment. “Besides enriching the wildlife of Oman, it will be a destination for families. The reserve will help preserve our unique ecological diversity and become a safe haven for many wildlife species.”

According to Hosni, the government attaches great significance to preserving the environment in the sultanate in general and Musandam in particular.

One moment, please...
 
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Researchers successfully breed ancient endangered fish found only in Nova Scotia

'To do nothing is to guarantee (Atlantic whitefish) disappear from the planet, and that would be a tragedy.

After decades of being endangered and on the brink of becoming extinct, there’s new hope for the Atlantic whitefish, a species that is unique to Nova Scotia, with researchers out of Dalhousie University successfully producing 2,200 juvenile fish.

Researchers successfully breed ancient endangered fish found only in Nova Scotia | National Post
 
White-tailed eagles to return to Lake Léman 130 years after extinction

Local wildlife park owner begins new breeding programme to reintroduce nearly 85 of the birds to the wild, over 100 years since the last pair disappeared from France.

Plans are underway to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to France, almost 130 years after the species disappeared from the country due to human intervention.

The first breeding pair has now arrived at a wildlife park in Sciez by Lake Léman (Lake Geneva) in Haute-Savoie. The last of the wild eagles here died in nearby Thonon-les-Bains back in 1892.

Plans to reintroduce the birds to the area began some 15 years ago, when the first applications for permission were made by falconer Jacques-Olivier Travers, who runs Aigles du Léman park.

“We’re in the final phase now, making up the aviaries and moving the birds in. The aim is for the first white-tailed eagles born here to be released in July 2022 and repopulate the area” Mr Travers told France 3 Alpes.

Mr Travers will welcome a total of five breeding pairs to his wildlife park. The first of the new aviaries to accommodate the white-tailed eagles has just been set up and is designed to ensure minimal intervention by keepers.

White-tailed eagles to return to Lake Léman 130 years after extinction
 
Conservation International applauds Fiji’s commitments

Conservation International applauds the bold move by the government towards to protect 30 percent and sustainably manage 100 percent of their ocean by 2030.

This follows the announcement by Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama to commit eight percent of Fiji’s ocean to marine protection at the United Nations Oceans Conference.

Conservation International’s Senior Director, Pacific Region, Susana Waqainabete-Tuisese says Fiji has taken decisive action to accelerate ocean management today by committing over eight percent of their ocean to marine protection by 2024, all located in Fiji’s Lau Seascape.

Conservation International applauds Fiji’s commitments
 
Czech ornitological society (ČSO) plans to establish a ptačí park (bird park) in each kraj of the Czech republic

Czech ornitological society has unveiled their plan to establish a bird park in each of 14 kraj (administrative area) of Czechia till year 2042 - today only 4 such parks exist. With bird park is meant an area of at least several dozen hectares of degraded agricultural land outside any protected area that gets bought by crowdfunding of members of ČSO and members of public and gets restored to maximize its biodiversity, evaluated by number of bird species registered there.

The oldest bird park of ČSO is Jaroměřické louky (meadows). Restoration started there since 2008 by repair of 19th century water channel system, extensive pasture of ponies and cattle, creation of shallow ponds, also observation tower got built. Bird species count increased from 143 in year 2012 to almost 200 now.

A newer bird park is Kosteliska (river floodplain). In year 2020 it was an impassable jungle of invasive wood small-reed and goldenrod. Return to pasture of Hungarian gray cattle and other management tools is changing it into a mosaic of wet meadows, reed, ponds, groves and dry sands, it has become a haven for birds and other animals.

Bird parks are not created for any specific species. Their idea is to create harmonious cultural landscape and increase local biodiversity. Recreating human-impacted landscape that existed for thousands of years here and now is either destroyed by intensive forms of agriculture, timber plantages, invasive species or natural succession. Birds parks are meant not only for birds. They are built also for visitors, with signed paths, info panels and other infrastructure, while allowing access 7/24 and free of charge.

Ptačí park v každém kraji republiky, plánuje ČSO. Obnovou ekosystémů reaguje na krizi biodiverzity • Česká společnost ornitologická
 
Genetic boost for Croatia’s endangered lynx population

Last week, a male lynx – nicknamed ‘Ljubo’ – was released into the Velebit Mountains Rewilding landscape. Ljubo is the fifth lynx to be released in Croatia as part of the European LIFE Lynx project.

The five lynx that have now been released in Croatia join ten other lynx that have been released in neighbouring Slovenia. These releases are reinforcing the small and isolated Dinaric lynx population, reducing the risk of inbreeding with the introduction of new, healthy genes to secure the future of this endangered population.

Ljubo’s release is also expected to help increase the important influence of the lynx as an apex predator and keystone species within the Velebit ecosystem, boosting biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem health, and contributing to the circle of life, while further serving as a major draw for local tourism.

“We’re really happy to welcome Ljubo,” said Marija Krnjajiç, Team Leader of Rewilding Velebit. “It is an honour for us; we can’t wait to follow his movements as he begins exploring the Velebit Mountains and observe what impact his arrival may have within this ecosystem.”

Genetic boost for Croatia’s endangered lynx population | Rewilding Europe
 
Jana said:
Breeding population of Eurasian crane in floodplain forests of river Morava in Protected Nature Area Záhorie has reached estimated 15 pairs.

This was mentioned by director of the mentioned protected area (CHKO Záhorie) during his podcast talk earlier this year.

It signals cranes have started to successfully recolonize surviving parts of ancient forests periodically flooded by river Danube tributary. It opens them way to spread futher southeast along river Danube using similar type of riparian forest habitat.
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A welcome development.

Larger carnivoren like wolves and lynx back on the range would be nice additions too.
 
‘Tiny feet poking out’: Breeding boom for rare plains wanderer

A small, “hot” glowing white dot on the thermal camera is what usually gives away the nighttime presence of the plains wanderer, a very rare and elusive bird that lives on the arid plains of eastern Australia.

These cryptic birds are so adept at hiding that few photos of them exist in the daylight.

But when ecologists from La Trobe University began their regular nighttime survey in northern Victoria, the glowing shape on the screen looked quite different.

https://amp-smh-com-au.cdn.ampproje...for-rare-plains-wanderer-20220709-p5b0cd.html
 
Delaware's horseshoe crab population is growing

Horseshoe crabs are living fossils, existing nearly unchanged for at least 445 million years, and much of that time has been spent in the Delaware Bay.

The Delaware Bay’s stable environment with proper salinity and tidal ranges, and limited erosion, is perfect for spawning horseshoe crabs.

https://www-delawarepublic-org.cdn....orseshoe-crab-population-is-growing?_amp=true
 
Chile's New Tictoc-Golfo Corcovado Marine Park Protects Habitat for Blue Whales and Other Species

Designation of 101,900-hectare area is a first in the ecologically rich Chiloense region

In the north of Chilean Patagonia, where the Los Lagos and Aysén regions share a border, sits one of the most biodiverse marine spaces in the southern cone: the Chiloense ecoregion. The abundance of zooplankton and phytoplankton makes this area an ideal feeding ground for numerous species and supports rich marine biodiversity. Today, in large part because of 20 years of persistent science-based advocacy led by the nonprofit Melimoyu Foundation and the Blue Whale Center—with the support of local communities and a diverse group of other organizations in the Patagonia Mar y Tierra coalition—the Chilean government designated the Tictoc-Golfo Corcovado Marine Park.

The move protects 101,900 hectares (393.5 square miles) with unique ecological value. Numerous species feed and breed in the area, including blue, humpback, and pilot whales; Chilean dolphins; and several species of marine birds.

Chile's New Tictoc-Golfo Corcovado Marine Park Protects Habitat for Blue Whales and Other Species | The Pew Charitable Trusts
 
Population of Bactrian Deer Increases in Ile-Balkhash Reserve (Video)

The fourth release of Bactrian deer was held in the Ile-Balkhash reserve, reported the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources on July 11. Overall, there are 150 species to date.

The return of Bactrian deer to the wildlife of the Balkhash region is part of the tiger reintroduction program of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee, supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Russia and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kazakhstan.

Population of Bactrian Deer Increases in Ile-Balkhash Reserve (Video) - The Astana Times
 
6,000 Acres of Prime Open Space in Los Angeles County, California Now Protected

The largest undeveloped private property in L.A. County is now part of a protected ecological area that will preserve habitat and expand wildlife corridors between the San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, and Santa Susanna mountains.

With the acquisition of 6,000 acres of open space, California is a step closer in its effort to conserve 30 percent of the state’s land and coastal waters by 2030, also referred to as the 30×30 initiative. The largest undeveloped private property in Los Angeles County is now part of a protected ecological area that will preserve habitat and expand wildlife corridors between the San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, and Santa Susanna mountains.

6,000 Acres of Prime Open Space in Los Angeles County Now Protected | Planetizen News
 
UngulateNerd92 said:
Population of Bactrian Deer Increases in Ile-Balkhash Reserve (Video)

The fourth release of Bactrian deer was held in the Ile-Balkhash reserve, reported the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources on July 11. Overall, there are 150 species to date.

The return of Bactrian deer to the wildlife of the Balkhash region is part of the tiger reintroduction program of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee, supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Russia and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Kazakhstan.

Population of Bactrian Deer Increases in Ile-Balkhash Reserve (Video) - The Astana Times
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Is this the first release for Balkhash for tugai deer? They mention on the feature that there are 150 species to date ... (I assume that species in this context means individuals and not the number of species within the reserve ... as such a Babylonian misnomer.
 
Top Environmental Groups Welcome First Step Toward Doubling Nature Protection in New Brunswick

A coalition of five provincial environmental and conservation organizations—Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-New Brunswick Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature NB, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, and the Fundy Biosphere Region—issued the following joint statement in response to the government of New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy announcement today.

“We are pleased to see the provincial government designate nearly 100,000 hectares of new protected areas as part of its commitment to double protected lands and waters in New Brunswick.

Top Environmental Groups Welcome First Step Toward Doubling Nature Protection in New Brunswick - CPAWS

 
Record number of bison calves born in the Eastern Rhodopes

Bulgaria’s Rewilding Rhodopes team were overjoyed to record the births of four bison calves in May and June this year – the highest number of calves to have been born in a single season since bison were reintroduced to Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains in 2019.

All the new mothers and their calves are reportedly doing well, with the team continuing to monitor them on a daily basis. The first Bulgarian bison to be born in the wild for centuries was recorded in 2019 when Nadezhda (meaning ‘Hope’ in Bulgarian) became the first bison to be born south of the River Danube since the Middle Ages. Now, this year’s record breeding success is a clear sign that the herd – which has grown to number nineteen animals – has settled in happily to their new home.

Record number of bison calves born in the Eastern Rhodopes | Rewilding Europe
 
Cheetah reintroduction in Malawi brings vultures back to the skies
  • Four species of critically endangered vulture have been recorded in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park after an absence of more than 20 years.
  • Reintroduced cheetahs and lions are credited with the vultures’ return: their prey remains have increased food availability for the scavengers.
  • Poisoning and deforestation remain a threat to vultures in Malawi and the region, but better park management and close monitoring provides hope for them and other wildlife.
    Four species of critically endangered vulture have returned to a park in southern Malawi from which they disappeared more than 20 years ago, and their comeback is credited to the reintroduction of cheetahs, lions and the carcasses the cats left behind, conservationists say.

    In 2017, seven cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) were reintroduced to Liwonde National Park under a project run by African Parks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), two conservation groups working in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

    Within days, and with the cheetahs still in their acclimatization pen or boma, the vultures showed up.
https://news.mongabay.com/2022/07/c...malawi-brings-vultures-back-to-the-skies/amp/
 
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UngulateNerd92 said:
Cheetah reintroduction in Malawi brings vultures back to the skies
  • Four species of critically endangered vulture have been recorded in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park after an absence of more than 20 years.
  • Reintroduced cheetahs and lions are credited with the vultures’ return: their prey remains have increased food availability for the scavengers.
  • Poisoning and deforestation remain a threat to vultures in Malawi and the region, but better park management and close monitoring provides hope for them and other wildlife.
    Four species of critically endangered vulture have returned to a park in southern Malawi from which they disappeared more than 20 years ago, and their comeback is credited to the reintroduction of cheetahs, lions and the carcasses the cats left behind, conservationists say.

    In 2017, seven cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) were reintroduced to Liwonde National Park under a project run by African Parks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), two conservation groups working in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

    Within days, and with the cheetahs still in their acclimatization pen or boma, the vultures showed up.

Record number of bison calves born in the Eastern Rhodopes | Rewilding Europe
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I think you put the wrong link.
 
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