Positive Wildlife News 2024

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Conservation groups save essential property for biodiversity, wildlife

Nearly 1,300 acres of property in San Diego County is now being preserved for future generations.

Hiking through Proctor Valley in San Diego is more relaxing now that Cara Lacey knows the landscape will stay wild. Lacey works for The Nature Conservancy, one of the groups that fought to keep the nearly 1,300 acres of habitat from being turned into a housing development.

“It feels great. It’s been such a long and winding road to get here,” she said.

Conservation groups save essential property for biodiversity, wildlife
 
Nova Scotia Nature Trust reaches goal of doubling protected areas

Twice the Wild campaign raised $28 million from the community, governments

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust has reached its goal of doubling the amount of land it protects — a major win for the province's wild spaces.

In what it describes as its most ambitious campaign ever, the non-profit set out in 2020 to protect an additional 6,000 hectares of land across Nova Scotia.

With its most recent protection of 300 hectares on Barren Island, found off the coast of Marie Joseph, N.S., on the province's Eastern Shore, that milestone has officially been met.

Nova Scotia Nature Trust reaches goal of doubling protected areas
 
Near-extinct Siamese crocs make comeback in Cambodia

Siamese crocodiles were once widespread throughout much of South East Asia. But decades of hunting and habitat loss have tuned them into what conservations classify as "critically endangered" species. There are just 400 of them left in the world - and most of those are in Cambodia.

The crocs were feared to be extinct until they were rediscovered in Cambodia in 2000. Mr Sinovas says it Fauna & Flora has since worked with local officials to set up a programme to breed them in captivity before releasing them into suitable habitats across the Cardamom Mountains. Local community wardens patrol crisscross mountains in regular patrols to ensure that the crocodiles are safe after release.

Since 2012, the programme has successfully let 196 Siamaese crocs back into the wild.

In May locals discovered nests in an area where the crocodiles had not been released before, suggesting that the species have been breeding in their natural habitat. The conservation team then dispatched people to make sure the nests were protected round the clock - until all the eggs hatched, bringing 60 baby Siamese crocs into the world.

Near-extinct Siamese crocs make comeback in Cambodia
 
Lough Erne: Breeding curlews return to Trasna Island

The warbling call of the curlew has returned to Trasna Island in Lower Lough Erne. Conservationists are celebrating the first successful breeding birds on the island in living memory.

RSPB (NI) manages several islands in Lough Erne and has its nature reserve on the Lower Lough. It acquired Trasna Island in 2017 and since then has worked with the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership to restore habitat to support the return of vulnerable species including the curlew, along with the lapwing, snipe and redshank.

More than 80% of curlew have been lost since the 1980s, so to see chicks on a newly-restored island has been "just fantastic" for RSPB ranger Amy Burns.

But much about the elusive curlew is still a mystery.

"The more questions that you think you've got answered, the more questions they'll pose to you," she said.

Lough Erne: Breeding curlews return to Trasna Island
 
Capercaillie population has increased significantly

Bavarian Forest and Sumava National Parks present monitoring results

The capercaillie population in the Bavarian-Bohemian border mountains has increased significantly. This is shown by the results of the most recent genetic monitoring carried out by the Bavarian Forest and Šumava National Park administrations in the winter of 2022/2023. Ursula Schuster, head of the Bavarian Forest National Park, and Pavel Hubený, director of the Šumava National Park administration, presented the figures at a joint meeting at the Buchwald border.

"I am very pleased that we are now able to present the results of our capercaillie monitoring for the third time in 15 years," said Ursula Schuster. During the first inventory in 2009 to 2011, the number of capercaillie populations in the entire Bavarian-Bohemian border mountains was a good 550. This number increased by around another 50 individuals in the winter of 2016/2017. "This slight increase made us feel positive at the time, because according to calculations, around 500 individuals are needed to secure the population in the long term." The results of the samples collected in winter 2022/2023 were a positive surprise for both national park administrations. "The population has increased significantly - and is now estimated at 867 individuals." If the capercaillie continue to develop in this way, long-term survival is assured.

Press release of Bavarian Forest NP
 
New Clayoquot Sound conservancies help protect British Columbia's oldest forests

Vancouver Island will soon benefit from more than 76,000 hectares of new conservation areas in Clayoquot Sound.

In partnership with Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, 10 new conservancies are being established to support reconciliation, conservation of old-growth forests and healthy ecosystems, as well as provide clarity on areas that will continue to be managed for forestry to support timber supply. Following overwhelming support during public consultation, this process now stands as an example of moving forward with the full involvement of First Nations in implementing old-growth strategies and conserving ecosystem health and biodiversity.

New Clayoquot Sound conservancies help protect B.C.’s oldest forests | BC Gov News
 
A MILESTONE IN CROSS RIVER GORILLA CONSERVATION EFFORTS: RARE WILD SILVERBACK GORILLAS CAPTURED ON TRAIL CAMERAS

Trail cameras in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary have captured stunning footage of the world’s rarest great ape – the Cross River gorilla. The extraordinary sightings mark the first successful photos since three graduate students at the University of Calabar in Nigeria began studying this elusive subspecies last year as part of the Cross River Gorilla initiative.

“Trekking into the Afi Mountain Sanctuary, I was filled with excitement at the prospect of seeing a Cross River gorilla in its natural habitat. While I may not have encountered one face-to-face, the images and videos captured by the trail cameras are an incredible glimpse into the life of these elusive and magnificent primates,” said Dr. Mary Liao, Conservation Program Manager at the Wilder Institute. “I am incredibly impressed by Adekambi Cole Adeyinka for his collaboration with local hunters and eco-guards to strategically place the cameras, showcasing a perfect blend of scientific and community knowledge and embodying the essence of inclusive conservation.”

A MILESTONE IN CROSS RIVER GORILLA CONSERVATION EFFORTS: RARE WILD SILVERBACK GORILLAS CAPTURED ON TRAIL CAMERAS - Wilder Institute
 
Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection
  • The Peruvian government has formally granted conservation status to the 6,449-hectare (16,000-acre) desert oasis site Lomas y Tillandsiales de Amara y Ullujalla on the coast of Peru.
  • Lomas are unique ecosystems relying on marine fog that host rare and endemic plants and animal species. But they have become threatened by driving, land trafficking, urban development and mining.
  • The site, the first of its kind to become protected after more than 15 years of scientific and advocacy efforts, will help scientists understand climatic and marine cycles in the area.
Peru has granted formal conservation status to Lomas y Tillandsiales de Amara y Ullujaya, a unique fog oasis ecosystem on the arid Peruvian coastline. The state-owned land, which spans 6,449 hectares (15,936 acres) in the Ica region of Southwest Peru and hosts hundreds of rare and threatened native species, will be protected for future research and exploration for at least three decades.

Lomas are fog oasis ecosystems in Peru and Chile that have evolved over tens of millions of years and occur like hilltop “islands” in the desert. Located alongside the Pacific Ocean, the ecosystem depends entirely on sea-generated fog to sustain it. This kind of maritime climate is globally unique for a terrestrial habitat and occurs due to its proximity to converging warm tropical and cold Antarctic Ocean currents.

Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection
 
Inuvialuit and governments sign deal to protect massive conservation area

The Inuvialuit, along with the federal and Yukon governments, have signed a new conservation agreement to ensure greater protection for almost 850,000 hectares of the Yukon’s northeast coast.

The agreement, which also includes the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Inuvialuit Game Council, Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee and Aklavik Community Corporation, focuses on the northeastern slope of the territory in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.

The new protected area – the
Aullaviat/Anguniarvik Traditional Conservation Area –
covers 1.8 per cent of the Yukon’s landmass.

Conservation area set aside in Yukon will protect sensitive land
 
A brighter future for the European Turtle‑dove?

Discussions about the European Turtle-dove are often centred around phrases like 'worrying decline,' 'depleted populations,' and comparisons to the fate of the Passenger Pigeon, which went extinct at the beginning of the 20th century. But now, there are signs of recovery of the western breeding population!

The European Turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a species that has experienced one of the most significant declines in Europe, and currently has the conservation status of Vulnerable. It nests in patchy habitats with open agricultural land, often adjacent to wooded areas with trees, hedgerows and bushes. The main drivers of its decline are habitat loss and degradation due to intensive agriculture and taking through hunting and illegal killing.

Let’s dive deeper into the first signs of the comeback of this magnificent bird with its gentle purr.

A brighter future for the European Turtle-dove?
 
Cyprus pioneers coral conservation project in the Mediterranean

It's a Thursday morning in the tourism hub of Ayia Napa on the southeast coast of Cyprus, and three divers in wetsuits are gluing coral fragments onto numbered pins.

They are preparing to enter the crystal-clear waters and attach the samples to a floating nursery, in a pioneering effort in the Mediterranean to help restore a coral population hit by climate change and unsustainable human activity.

The small fragments of coral have been kept for several weeks at the east Mediterranean island's Department of Fisheries and Marine Research station.

Now they are about to be attached to a net on the underwater nursery some five meters (16 feet) down near Cape Greco.

Louis Hadjioannou, senior associate researcher at the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, is in charge of research into "Cladocora caespitosa".

This species—also known as cushion coral—has been declining in the Mediterranean Sea over several years, mainly because of climate change, he said.

And now, he wants to revive it.

The 41-year-old told AFP that in order to do so, the first step is to try to grow the coral in a different underwater habitat "so that we can test whether it is working".

He said an Israeli expert had the idea of using floating nurseries to keep the corals away from potential threats, such as predators.

Cladocora caespitosa is found in shallow waters in Cyprus, generally rocky areas at a depth of up to four meters "where tourists potentially can trample on them", Hadjioannou said.

Cyprus pioneers coral conservation project in the Mediterranean
 
27,000-ha marine reserve to be developed in southern tip of Vietnam

Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, has passed a decision to establish a 27,000-hectare marine reserve to protect and conserve aquatic resources, protect the environment and ecosystem, and promote sustainable eco-tourism development, the Office of the provincial People’s Committee said on Friday.

This marine protected area will include a 9,000-hectare buffer zone, a 3,000-hectare no-take zone, a 11,230-hectare zone for habitat restoration, and an administrative area spanning 3,970 hectares.

27,000-ha marine reserve to be developed in southern tip of Vietnam
 
Old-growth forest, wetland and karst habitats protected along Moira River in Napanee Plain

It was years in the making but 73 hectares of land along the Moira River north of Belleville is now protected.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) says the Moira River Karst features thriving old growth forest, karst and wetland habitats.

The late Clifford and Heather Maclean of Hastings County first approached the NCC in 2008 about protecting the property.

With the help of the Maclean family and the support of numerous donors and partners, NCC has acquired the property which is equivalent to 55 football fields.

Old-growth forest, wetland and karst habitats protected along Moira River in Napanee Plain
 
Rare ‘Absolutely Tiny’ Plant, Not Seen for More Than a Century, Found in Vermont

The last time a botanist recorded a sighting of false mermaid-weed in the state was in 1916

Vermont state botanist Grace Glynn has been searching for false mermaid-weed for years, but the spring-blooming herb with dainty flowers has always eluded her—and everyone else. No one had documented false mermaid-weed in Vermont since 1916.

But that all changed last month, when Glynn opened a photo she’d been sent by a colleague. In the image snapped on May 7 by a state biologist surveying turtle habitat, she caught a glimpse of the elusive flower in the corner of the frame.

Rare 'Absolutely Tiny' Plant, Not Seen for More Than a Century, Found in Vermont | Smithsonian
 
Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area established off British Columbia Coast

The Tang.ɢ̱wan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area (TḥT MPA) Regulations officially designate the area of 133,017 km 2 in the Offshore Pacific Bioregion as an Oceans Act MPA. The MPA protects hydrothermal vents and seamounts, which are vulnerable, unique, and productive conservation features. The Regulation will conserve, protect and enhance understanding of unique seafloor features, including seamounts and hydrothermal vents, and the marine ecosystems they support in the MPA. The Regulation establishes a general prohibition against activities likely to disturb, damage, destroy, or remove any living marine organism or any part of its habitat from the MPA; with specific exceptions to the general prohibition to allow activities that are compatible with the above-noted conservation objective.

Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area established off BC Coast - Chamber of Shipping
 
What’s the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.

Donors are increasingly asking conservation groups to produce data on the value of their environmental work. A group’s new method helps them show their impact.

Jenny Sanders always knew she’d follow in her father’s footsteps. Raised on Texas ranches by her wildlife biologist father, she has spent her life working to protect the environment with the Texas Wildlife Association, the Texas Agricultural Land Trust and a private ranch in South Texas.

Today, the 44-year-old works in Lufkin helping various environmental organizations as an independent project coordinator, and since 2019, she’s worked with The Texas Longleaf Team to prevent the longleaf pine from vanishing.

The group relies on grants to support its efforts to protect the soaring trees, which once covered large swaths of East Texas but have shrunk to about 45,000 acres because of heavy logging in the early 1900s.

But attracting donors can be a challenge. Sanders, along with other conservation experts, said the argument to conserve the environment has largely relied on data that donors considered insufficient.

What’s the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.
 
Study says 40% of Amazon region is potentially conserved — more than officially recorded
  • A new study reveals that more than 40% of land across nine Amazonian countries is under some form of conservation management, significantly higher than the 28% reported in official records.
  • The research highlights the crucial role of Indigenous peoples and local communities in conservation, with Indigenous territories covering 16% of the total land area of the nine Amazonian countries and community-managed conservation areas adding another 3.5%.
  • Despite these findings, the Amazon still faces serious threats from deforestation, fire and climate change, leading some experts to question whether the global “30×30” conservation target is adequate.
  • The study’s authors propose a new inventory approach to conservation planning, emphasizing the need to understand existing conservation efforts and governance structures before creating new protected areas or allocating resources.
A larger portion of the Amazonian region might be under protection or potentially conserved than official records indicate, according to a new study published in the journal One Earth.

Study says 40% of Amazon region is potentially conserved — more than officially recorded
 
More than 300 hectares of land secured to conserve old growth

At-risk wildlife and critical old-growth habitat will be protected at eight different sites through the Old Growth Nature Fund.

“People who live in B.C. share a deep connection to our forests. We are working with our partners to protect old-growth trees for our children and grandchildren, and to conserve important wildlife habitat,” said Nathan Cullen, B.C.’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “By conserving these areas of natural beauty, we are protecting important refuges for at-risk wildlife, supporting species like the northern red-legged frog, great blue heron and wolverine.”

More than 300 hectares of land secured to conserve old growth | BC Gov News
 
A confirmation of something mentioned earlier in the thread, but the number of wild tigers recorded in the Western Forest Complex in Thailand has increased by 250% over a 15-year period. In 2007, there were an estimated 40 tigers, to more than 140 now.

The increase is credited on increasing law enforcement in the forest, which has also led to a recovery in tiger prey - the study also recorded a doubling in the numbers of both sambar and banteng.

More information can be found in the link below:
Great news for the endangered tiger: A 250% increase in tiger numbers recorded in Thailand
 
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