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. (Image courtesy of Peter G Trimming from Flickr)

1. Six huge and critically endangered Mekong catfish spotted in Cambodia, raising conservation hopes

“Six of the giants were caught and released over five days, which is unprecedented. “It’s a hopeful sign that the species is not in imminent, like in the next few years, risk of extinction, which gives conservation activities time to be implemented and to continue to bend the curve away from decline and toward recovery,” said Dr. Zeb Hogan, a University of Nevada Reno research biologist who leads the U.S. Agency for International Development-funded Wonders of the Mekong project.”

Good news❗️Six Critically Endangered Mekong Giant Catfish — one of the world’s largest and rarest freshwater fish — were caught and released in Cambodia recently in just a few days, offering new hope for survival of the species. 🇰🇭 #ConservationOptimismabcnews.go.com/Technology/w...

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— SHOAL (@shoalorg.bsky.social) December 13, 2024 at 2:12 PM

2. Water voles reintroduced to the West Country, UK

“The mammals have re-established along the Severn Shoreline Levels and Moors, of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. As part of the reintroduction, conservationists have been reviving critical intertidal habitats, wetlands, and peatlands.”

3. New Protected area forms 57th tiger reserve across India

“Tiger reserves are entitled to central funding and technical support for conservation activities. Detailed management plans are developed, focusing on habitat improvement, anti-poaching measures, and community participation. The National Tiger Conservation Authority will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the area. A 2023 study published in Nature (“Climate co-benefits of tiger conservation”) found that protecting tiger reserves has helped prevent the loss of over 5,800 hectares of forest between 2007 and 2020. This, in turn, restricted the release of about 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing positively to combating the effects of climate change.”

4. Endangered seabirds return to Pacific island after century-long absence

“Endangered Polynesian storm petrels have returned to Kamaka Island in French Polynesia for the first time in more than 100 years, after conservationists used drones to remove the invasive rats eating the birds’ eggs and chicks. Scientists attracted the birds back to the island using solar-powered speakers playing bird calls recorded from a neighboring island, with monitoring cameras showing regular visits, though nesting has not yet been confirmed. The project demonstrates successful collaboration between international conservation groups and local communities, with the local Mangareva community’s knowledge and support proving crucial to the operation’s success.”

Endangered seabirds return to Pacific island after century-long absence https://buff.ly/3ZA4Cki

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— David Shiffman, Ph.D. 🦈 (@whysharksmatter.bsky.social) December 14, 2024 at 9:16 PM

5. Endangered thick-billed parrot to receive scaled-up conservation plans

“A full suite of actions will be implemented, including intensive nest monitoring and management, parasite control on an ad-hoc basis, an enhanced nesting box program, fire pre-suppression activities, incentives to local communities, and many other initiatives. There is renewed optimism that the species can be at least stabilized within a few years and probably begin to recover.”

6. Rhode Island announces largest New protected area in a decade

“The 942-acre area bridges critical green space between several protected areas, creating a contiguous stretch of more than 13,000 acres of protected land, a significant milestone for conservation efforts in Rhode Island. It consists of high-quality upland forest, mostly oak and maple, and a cedar swamp, which are vital habitats for wildlife.”

7. Beavers reintroduced to South Downs National Park, UK

“The semi-aquatic mammals, which were hunted to extinction in the 16th Century, create wetlands and wildlife habitats. The impact they have on their new environment – where beavers not been seen “for probably more than 600 years” – will be tracked by a team of academics following their arrival from Scotland.”

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