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

1. Meet the kipunji: A rare primate success story in Tanzania

” A recent census shows that the population of the kipunji monkey (Rungwecebus kipunji) in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands has increased by 65%, while signs of human impacts in its habitat decreased by 81%, over a 13-year period. The increase follows 20 years of intensive holistic conservation efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Society and Tanzanian government partners, including greater legal protection for forests and community engagement. ”

2. Cumbrian freshwater mussels reproduce for first time in 13 years

” “It’s thrilling to find evidence that the population is reproducing. All our previous monitoring has found no evidence of reproduction, so this is heartening to see,” Mr West said.”

3. Chile zoo celebrates birth of critically endangered Somali Wild Ass

” A rare Somali Wild Ass foal was born in a Chilean zoo, sparking hope for a critically endangered species with less than 200 mature individuals left worldwide. The Buin Zoo in the southern outskirts of Santiago is taking part in an international effort to help restore the Somali Wild Ass population. ”

4. Deep-sea expedition reveals rare octo-nurseries off Costa Rica

” A scientific expedition in June found two new deep-sea octopus nurseries on two different low-temperature hydrothermal vent sites off the west coast of Costa Rica — two of only three known deep-sea octopus nurseries in the world. On a previous expedition in 2013, scientists had found a group of brooding octopuses at one of these vents, but didn’t detect any babies. But in June 2023, scientists did find octopus babies. ”

5. Rare hazel dormice to be reintroduced into National Forest in the UK

” Rare hazel dormice are due to be reintroduced into the National Forest in a bid to boost their declining population. The 38 dormice are due to be released into woodland near Calke Abbey, a National Trust property near Ticknall, Derbyshire. “

6. Lions, leopards have made a comeback in Africa’s 3rd-largest national park, says report

” Scientists found leopard densities in southern KNP increased threefold — from about 1.5 leopards in 2019 to approximately 4.4 leopards per 100 square kilometres in 2022. “

7. Watch 1st-ever footage of whale shark eating from the bottom of the ocean

” A whale shark has been filmed appearing to feed by scrounging around on the bottom of the ocean — the first time this behavior has ever been documented in this giant fish.”

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