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. ‘Like Finding a Unicorn’: Researchers Rediscover the Black-Naped Pheasant-Pigeon, a Bird Lost to Science for 140 Years

” A successful expedition in Papua New Guinea captured photos and video of the chicken-size pigeon, highlighting the value of local ecological knowledge as scientists seek out other long-missing species. ”

2. Philanthropists acquire nearly 4,000 hectares of NSW koala habitat for conservation

“Almost 4,000 hectares of koala habitat in the Hunter region of New South Whales will be protected after the land was privately acquired for conservation. “

3. Ray of hope? One place where reef manta rays are thriving

” Over a decade, populations increased significantly in Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia, highlighting the importance of long-term conservation and management measures, such as well-enforced Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and fisheries regulations, says researcher Edy Setyawan, of the University of Auckland’s Institute of Marine Science.”

4. Breeding success raises hopes for future of endangered African penguin

” Two African penguin chicks have hatched at a nature reserve in South Africa where conservationists have been working for years to entice the endangered birds to breed. ”

5. A new protected area has been declared in Egypt at the Biodiversity Day of COP27

” The Great Fringing Reef in Egypt (more than 2000 km of reef), will now be protected in a new Marine Protected Area”

6. Critically endangered Arctic foxes successfully breed in Finland

” For over 25 years, Arctic foxes have not bred in Finland—until now. The results of long-term work are beginning to show. This summer, Arctic fox nesting inspections revealed the species to have successfully bred in the Enontekiö mountainous area in Northern Lapland. Three pups had been born to an Arctic fox couple. “

7. Shark fin trade regulated at last in landmark decision

” Countries at the world’s biggest wildlife summit have voted for the first time to regulate the trade that kills millions of sharks every year to feed the vast appetite for shark fin soup. In what marine conservationists have hailed as a landmark decision, parties at the 186-nation Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, voted to limit or regulate the commercial trade in 54 shark species of the requiem family “

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