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. Gamestop Redditors donate their winnings to endangered gorilla fund

“The Dian Fossey Fund, established by the largest and longest running gorilla conservation charity, receives over £200,000 from regular people who profited from the recent Gamestop short squeeze.”

2. Meet Bailey, the first wildlife detection dog in Indonesia

” Bailey has helped unravel major wildlife trafficking cases in Indonesia, home to hundreds of endemic species and considered to be one of the world’s hotspots for the trafficking of protected and endangered animals.”

3. Beavers could return to Wales within weeks

“The animals would be housed at Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, near Machynlleth, Powys, where they would be used to clear willow trees. It is hoped the semi-aquatic mammal could restore the three-hectare wetland habitat, boosting other species.”

4. The Making of a ‘European Yellowstone’

“A major conservation effort is underway in Romania. The goal is a new national park that will rival its American counterparts.”

5. Critically Endangered Hornbill gets a protection boost in Thailand

“The hornbill will be added to the ‘Reserved Wild Animal’ list under Thailand’s primary wildlife law, the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E 2562 (WARPA 2019). This is a list of  rare or endangered wild animals offered the highest protection level and has the stiffest penalties for those convicted of hunting or selling them.”

6. Rarest subspecies of wolf in North America sees population almost double in five years

“The results of the latest annual survey show there are at least 186 Mexican grey wolves in the wild in New Mexico and Arizona, US wildlife managers said on Friday. That marks the fifth straight year that the endangered species has increased its numbers, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.”

7. On The new fastest highway in India, wildlife gets safe passage with bridges

“On India’s fastest highway — the under-construction Nagpur-Mumbai Super Communication Expressway, which is designed for a top speed of 150 kmph — the focus is on co-existence, with five ‘wildlife bridges’ and a network of underpasses being built.”

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