Wondering what went right this week in the conservation world? We’ve got you covered with our Conservation Optimism Round-Up! Each week we are collating stories of optimism from around the globe so that you never miss your dose of Monday Motivation.

1. Rhino anti-poaching research goes nuclear

” Now researchers from Wits University and its partners hope a pioneering research project using radioactive isotopes injected in a rhino’s horn will deliver a big blow to poaching and associated organised crime. Headed by Professor James Larkin, Director at the Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of Witwatersrand, the innovative anti-poaching Rhisotope Project aims to significantly reduce demand for rhino horns through the safe application of radioisotopes and radiation research. “

2. Protected area created to benefit one of the rarest birds in the world

 “A partnership among Rainforest Trust, American Bird Conservancy (ABC), and Brazilian conservation organization Instituto Marcos Daniel has established a 704-acre protected area of primary Brazilian Atlantic Forest — the latest success in the organizations’ work to save the last population of the critically endangered Cherry-throated Tanager from extinction. “

3. Animal crossings: the Eco ducts helping wildlife navigate busy roads across the world

“From a tiny railway bridge for dormice in the UK to elk, deer and bears benefitting from a slew of new animal crossings in Colorado, wildlife bridges are having a moment. As the human footprint on the planet continues to expand, a growing number of roads and railways include provisions for wildlife to pass through fragmented landscapes.”

4. San Antonio Zoo helps conserve endangered Puerto Rican toad population

“The San Antonio Zoo has released 16,308 tadpoles back into their native Puerto Rico since 2010, as part of a partnership between the conservancy and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The most recent group of tadpoles officially reached Puerto Rico on October 21, 2021. “

5. The 2021 rewilding projects giving Britain hope for 2022

“Recently launched projects include; reintroducing Bison to Kent. rewilding our seabed through the Wild Oyster Project, and many others”

6. Could the Blockchain help save the Amazon?

” Blockchain is a relatively new technology best known for its role as the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. So far there have been few clear applications of the technology in the daily lives of most people, but investors and entrepreneurs are only beginning to explore the potential applications of blockchain technology in other fields. Sophia Wood, a political scientist and investor turned conservation manager who works with Operation Wallacea, argues that blockchain technologies could be leveraged to help protect the Amazon rainforest.”

7. Wild yak population continues to rise at reserve in NW China

“The number of wild yaks has increased by 3,000 to around 12,000 over a decade at a nature reserve in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to a latest research released on Sunday.”

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