Positive Wildlife News 2023

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Hopping into the history books: finding a new species on sanctuary

It was a routine, crisp Autumn night out in the field. Daniel Burton, Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) Sanctuary Manager, was conducting feral predator control 10m outside the northern boundary of

Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary’s (on Barkandji country) 8,000 hectare fenced area when something small and unfamiliar sprinted by his vehicle. Blink once and he might have missed it.

Daniel pulled on the handbrake and hopped out of his 4WD. He carefully approached the nimble individual, making note of its unique appearance. The little critter looked like a mouse, Daniel was certain of that, but not any mouse he’d seen in the two years working and living at the south-west New South Wales sanctuary. Its eyes were wider, ears bigger, its tail longer, black and bushy. It was twice the size of a house mouse, and it wasn’t running, it was hopping.

Back at Scotia’s homestead, Daniel searched the mammal guide, hoping to identify the individual. He narrowed it down to four potential species – the Dusky Hopping Mouse, Spinifex Hopping Mouse, Fawn Hopping Mouse and Kultarr. He ran the options by Dr Laurence Berry former AWC Senior Ecologist who said, “we don’t have any of these species at Scotia”, to which Daniel responded, “well, we have one now!”.

And the work to identify the species began.

Hopping into the history books: finding a new species on sanctuary
 
Norfolk Broads celebrating its first successful spoonbill chicks in nearly 400 years

Norfolk Wildlife Trust is celebrating the sight of fledgling spoonbills stretching their wings and trilling to their parents once more – as the species sees its first known breeding success in the Norfolk Broads for around 400 years.

Hickling Broad nature reserve has become a haven for spoonbills in recent years, the trust says, thanks to a combination of habitat management and increasing numbers of the once-rare migrants across Britain. However, this is the first summer that chicks have successfully hatched.

https://uk-news-yahoo-com.cdn.amppr...s-celebrating-first-successful-135504813.html
 
Russia and China Plan Cross-Border Protected Zone for Tigers and Leopards

Russian authorities have approved a draft agreement with China to establish an international protected area for rare tigers and leopards, the Russian Natural Resources Ministry said Tuesday.

The proposed Russian-Chinese nature reserve — called Land of Big Cats — will encompass habitats in the southwest of Russia’s Primorye region and the mountainous region of northeastern China, according to the draft agreement.

The two countries are expected to finalize the deal by the end of this year.

“Nature knows no boundaries, and it is a very difficult task to preserve a rare species of animal, if it is a border [species], in a single state. Therefore, today we are strengthening international cooperation,” Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov said in a statement.

Ties between Moscow and Beijing have strengthened in recent years, with President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping hailing their “no-limits” partnership last year.

The new reserve will comprise already established protected areas of the two bordering countries — Russia’s Land of the Leopard national park and Kedrovaya Pad nature reserve, as well as China’s Northeast National Tiger and Leopard Park.

Russia and China Plan Cross-Border Protected Zone for Tigers and Leopards - The Moscow Times
 
Bakan Grassland Officially Protected: A Major Step for Cambodia's Biodiversity and 30x30 Goals

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and the Pursat Provincial Administration and Department of Environment, announced the official designation of the Bakan grassland as a national protected area officially called the Bakan Protected Landscape. This key move safeguards a vital habitat for biodiversity and aligns with Cambodia's commitment to the global 30x30 initiative: aiming to protect 30% of the Earth's land and seas by 2030.

Covering 38,430 hectares, comparable to the combined area of the Galapagos Islands, the Bakan Protected Landscape is a critical component of the Tonle Sap ecosystem. It is a naturally flooded grassland that becomes a dynamic aquatic habitat in the wet season. This unique environment is home to critically endangered species like the Bengal Florican, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Manchurian Reed-warbler, and Cambodia's only known population of the elusive Chinese Grassbird.

Bakan Grassland Officially Protected: A Major Step for Cambodia's Biodiversity and 30x30 Goals
 
Crocodile Islands traditional owners realise dream to join Australia's Indigenous Protected Area network

Arnhem Land Indigenous rangers and traditional owners are celebrating the federal government's move to officially bring thousands of square kilometres of their Crocodile Islands archipelago and sea country into Australia's network of Indigenous Protected Areas.

Key points:
  • The Federal government has established the Crocodile Islands Maringa Indigenous Protected Area
  • Traditional owners now have a formal contract to manage their sea country
  • Traditional owners hope the declaration will help them resist pressure for development
The 20 islands and their waters, 440 kilometres east of Darwin, are teeming with 28 threatened species and 44 listed migratory species including turtles, dolphins, whales, dugongs and northern Australia's biggest aggregations of shorebirds, including great knots.

Maringa traditional owners travelled to Rapuma Island to celebrate the declaration of 8,000 square kilometres of their lands and waters as the Crocodile Islands Maringa Indigenous Protected Area.

Traditional owner Leonard Bowaynu helped found the Crocodile Islands Rangers, who look after the area, and is now a director of the group.

https://amp-abc-net-au.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/102601556
 
American bison reintroduced to northern Mexico helping to fight climate change

The largest land mammal in America is rehabilitating a vast grassland in Coahuila, benefiting hundreds of species in a reserve that can theoretically store 6.3 million tons of carbon in its soil

Dozens of American bison graze in the wide-open fields of El Carmen (Coahuila), a reserve of 140,000 hectares, roughly the same size as Mexico City. The country’s northern plains had not played host to the bison in 100 years, after decades of indiscriminate hunting and habitat destruction eradicated the animals. In 2021, following an initiative led by the Mexican multinational cement company Cemex, bison returned to the grasslands, where the soil stores huge amounts of carbon, making the region key to the fight against climate change. Initially, 19 bison were introduced at the reserve; today there are almost 100. The mammal’s daily routine makes it a perfect vehicle for regenerating grassland vegetation and sustaining hundreds of species that coexist with it.

https://english-elpais-com.cdn.ampp...g-to-fight-climate-change.html?outputType=amp
 
Beavers to make Nene Wetlands return after 400 years

Beavers are set to return to a wetland for the first time in 400 years, conservationists said.

The "charismatic" dam-builders will be reintroduced to the Nene Wetlands nature reserve, near Rushden in Northamptonshire.

The Wildlife Trust said it had secured a licence from Natural England to release the native animals next winter.

Conservation manager Matt Johnson said it was a "unique opportunity to see this iconic species return".

The news followed the successful completion of a feasibility study that would see the beavers released into an enclosed area of the wetland.

It would be the first time in four centuries that the animals would be seen in the Nene Valley and the first release on to Crown Estate land, the Wildlife Trust said.

They are expected to be released through the winter of 2024-2025.

https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-66114079.amp
 
Premier: Bukit Siol Nature Reserve poised to be latest protected area in Kuching

The Bukit Siol Nature Reserve here is poised to be the newest protected area in the city, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this new nature reserve will be home to the oriental pied hornbills, as part of the Sarawak government’s continuous conservation efforts.

“Creating more national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries as a permanent conservation initiative are some of the plans we have for the future of Sarawak.

Premier: Bukit Siol Nature Reserve poised to be latest protected area in Kuching
 
Mexico announces 13 new protected areas, with more to come
  • Mexico introduced six new national parks and seven flora and fauna protection areas covering 17,918 hectares (44,276 acres) to be overseen by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp).
  • The protected areas are located in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Oaxaca and Guerrero.
  • Mexico now has 200 federally protected areas.
Officials this week announced the creation of 13 new protected areas across six states in Mexico, putting the country’s list of total federally protected areas at 200.

Mexico introduced six new national parks and seven “flora and fauna protection areas” covering 17,918 hectares (44,276 acres) to be overseen by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp). The commission said it expects to declare three additional protected areas by the end of the month.

“It gives us much pleasure that in this administration…we can leave behind such a grand legacy for the Mexican people,” said secretary of the environment and natural resources María Luisa Albores González at a press conference.

The 85-hectare (210-acre) San Quintin National Park was created in Baja California. The 2,076- hectare (5,129-acre) Nopoló National Park and 6,217-hectare (15,362-acre) Loreto II National Park were created in Baja California Sur.

The 4-hectare (9.8-acre) Playa Delfines Flora and Fauna Protection Area, 16-hectare (39-acre) Jacinto Pat Flora and Fauna Protection Area, 37-hectare (91-acre) San Buenaventura Flora and Fauna Protection Area and 10-hectare (24-acre) Cenote Aerolito Flora and Fauna Protection Area were all created in Quintana Roo.

https://news-mongabay-com.cdn.amppr...13-new-protected-areas-with-more-to-come/amp/
 
Native pine tree species to be restored in Southeast Virginia

Longleaf pine trees, a species native to the landscape in southeastern Virginia, are being restored in a nature preserve.

As of now, the only pine trees that remain standing at Dendron Swamp Natural Area Preserve in Sussex County are loblolly pines planted for timber. But a new restoration effort with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will soon reintroduce native longleaf pines to the area.

Native pine tree species to be restored in Southeast Virginia | WRIC ABC 8News
 
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American Prairie: Creating a Huge New nature Reserve in Montana

The United States has national parks devoted to canyons and deserts, glaciers and geysers; even underwater coral reefs. Sixty three national parks in all.

But somehow, we skipped the American prairie. The grasslands that once stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rockies played a vital role in the lives of Native Americans, White settlers, and an endless variety of wildlife. They inspired explorers and artists…but apparently not park planners.

https://www-cbsnews-com.cdn.ampproj...news/american-prairie-nature-reserve-montana/
 
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Myanmar designates new protected forest area; move aimed at conserving water resources and watershed areas

Myanmar has designated a new protected forest area in Homalin township of the northwestern Sagaing Region, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Saturday.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation designated 40,511 acres of land for the Nanyoke protected forest on Wednesday, the report said.

Myanmar designates new protected forest area; move aimed at conserving water resources and watershed areas
 
Maine’s puffin colonies recovering in the face of climate change

On remote islands off the Maine coast, a unique bird held its own this year in the face of climate change.

Atlantic puffins — clownish seabirds with colorful bills and waddling gaits — had their second consecutive rebound year for fledging chicks after suffering a catastrophic 2021, said scientists who monitor the birds. The news flies in the face of environmental trends, as scientists have said warming waters off New England jeopardize the birds because that reduces the kind of fish they need to feed their chicks.

One fish, though — the sand lance — has remained in abundance this year, allowing puffins to thrive, said Don Lyons, director of conservation science at National Audubon Society’s Seabird Institute in Bremen, Maine. He said it’s a sign the impact of climate change on ecosystems is not always as tidy as we think.

Maine's puffin colonies recovering in the face of climate change
 
New baby beavers born at Hatchmere Reserve in Cheshire

Three new beaver kits have been born at Hatchmere Nature Reserve near Delamere Forest, says Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Original beaver pairing Rowan and Willow have successfully bred for a second time, increasing their family by another three.

It builds on the first kits Bramble and Aspen who were born in Summer 2022.

The latest additions mean there are now seven beavers living together at the release site.

New baby beavers born at Hatchmere Reserve in Cheshire
 
Sea turtle nesting season is breaking records this year, What to do if you find a nest

Florida’s 2023 turtle nesting season, which runs from March through October, is only halfway through and
has already reached record-breaking numbers for sea turtle nests in Palm Beach County and at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

On Thursday, July 27, Disney World announced that it recorded more than 2,000 sea turtle nests at its Vero Beach Resort, which is well above the average 1,500 nests Disney’s Conservation Team normally sees in one full nesting season.

Florida sea turtle nesting continues. What to do if you find a nest
 
UK butterfly numbers at highest level since 2019

The number of butterflies in the UK has risen to its highest level since 2019, according to conservationists.

Research by the Butterfly Conservation wildlife charity recorded more than 1.5 million butterflies and day-flying moths between 14 July and 6 August.

The red admiral was the most spotted across the UK with 248,077 being recorded in the charity's research.

But long-term trend figures show many species have significantly decreased since the count started 13 years ago.

Dr Zoe Randle said butterflies are a really good indicator of a healthy environment, adding that the insects have benefited from 2023's mixed weather.

https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc.com/news/uk-66812657.amp
 
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The Nature Conservancy Partners with The Conservation Fund and Orsted to Protect and Restore Native Tallgrass Prairie Near Sunflower Wind Farm

Building on its commitment to preservation, Ørsted’s donation will support land conservation and restoration activities in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Ørsted, a leading clean energy company in the U.S., announced today an industry-leading biodiversity initiative near its Sunflower Wind Farm. Ørsted is donating more than $2 million to The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support voluntary land conservation and restoration activities on up to 3,000 acres of tallgrass prairie habitat within the Flint Hills. Sunflower Wind Farm is a 200MW wind farm located in Marion County, Kansas, that will be operational in the fall of 2023.

The Nature Conservancy Partners with The Conservation Fund and Orsted to Protect and Restore Native Tallgrass Prairie near Sunflower Wind Farm
 
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