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. Kenya launches program to save rare forest antelopes from extinction

” The first mountain bongos have been released into a sanctuary beneath Mount Kenya under a world-leading program to save the extremely rare forest antelopes from certain extinction in the wild. Two young males on Wednesday joined two other bongos released the day before into the wooded foothills of Africa’s second-highest peak, where the iconic antelopes have not been seen in nearly 30 years.”

2. Four new MPAs in Maluku boost Indonesia’s bid to protect its seas

 ” Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries designated four new marine protected areas in the country’s east in January. The new conservation areas are in the waters surroundsingthe islands of Tanimbar, Damer, Mdona Hiera, Lakor, Moa, Letti and the Romang in Maluku province. The newly designated MPAs are home to threatened and protected species, including the green turtle, the scalloped hammerhead shark, and an abundance of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. “

3. Natural regeneration boosts Critically Endangered magnolia in Vietnam

“Wild seedlings of Magnolia grandis, a Critically Endangered tree known only from a handful of sites in southern China and northern Vietnam, have been recorded in their hundreds in an encouraging sign for the threatened species.”

4. ‘It’s astonishing’: endangered bat not seen in 40 years found in Rwanda

“A critically endangered species of bats not sighted in 40 years has been found in Rwanda, with the “incredible” discovery delighting conservationists who had feared it was already extinct.”

5. Restoring the Extinct in the Wild ‘Alalā (Hawaiian Crow)

“Intensive conservation breeding prevented ‘Alalā from extinction, increasing the population from < 20 individuals in the 1990s to over 115 in captivity today. After the ‘Alalā population increased to over 140 birds, major partners initiated a reintroduction effort beginning in 2016. “

6. Bribri women’s agroforestry maintains forests and Indigenous culture in Costa Rica

“In Costa Rica’s Talamanca region, Indigenous Bribri women are championing sustainable agroforestry practices in a tradition that stretches back for millennia. Known as fincas integrales, it’s a system that mimics the diversity and productivity of the forest”

7. Winter fallow deer releases advance nature recovery in Rhodope Mountains

“Over the last few months, more than 80 fallow deer have been released into the Rhodope Mountains rewilding landscape in Bulgaria. Adding to the populations of deer already released by the local rewilding team, the animals will enhance wild nature and help to generate economic benefits.”

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