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 Credit: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons)

1. New York: 275 acres have been added to Cayuga County’s State Park in NY, protecting the watershed and habitat for fish species

“Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, permanently protected two environmentally sensitive parcels of open space in Cayuga County: a 203-acre addition to Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia and 72 acres of forested wetlands in Venice.”

2. Senegal – Giant pangolins rediscovered in Senegal after quarter century.

“A large-scale camera trap survey in Senegal has revealed the first confirmed sighting of a giant pangolin since 1999. Researchers in Niokolo-Koba National Park found camera trap images of the giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) in 2023 during a larger study in the area. The giant pangolin is one of many species in the area believed to have disappeared from parts of their former range.”

3. National Trust celebrates birth of baby beaver one year after reintroduction

“The first beavers in Northumberland for more than 400 years have been stupendously busy. There are new dam systems, as well as canals and burrows, new wildlife-rich wetlands and, thrillingly, a baby beaver.”

4. British Columbia: Greatly expanded Park will protect nearly 200,000 hectares of habitat for endangered caribou in B.C.’s northeast

“A significant stretch of endangered caribou habitat in northeast B.C. has been permanently protected in the newly expanded Klinse-Za / Twin Sisters Park, First Nations and the B.C. and federal governments announced. The announcement comes more than four years after West Moberly First Nations, Saulteau First Nations and the provincial and federal governments agreed to work together to recover caribou herds teetering on the brink of extinction.”

5.  Florida: Panther Breeding Area Expands in Partnership With Citrus Producer

“G Road Grove expands the protected area within the Florida Panther Dispersal Zone, a 30,000-acre corridor in Hendry and Glades counties that helps connect the panthers’ current breeding population in areas south of the Caloosahatchee River to suitable habitat north of the river.  G Road Grove is also part of the designated 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor, a network of connected lands and waters that span the state.”

6. Canada authorities find narwhals no longer at risk

“Canadian officials say the narwhal is no longer considered at risk after researchers found the iconic species’ Nunavut population appears to be stable. Famous for long tusks extending from their heads, the narwhal (Monodon monoceros) faces a number of threats, including the loss of sea ice and increasing boat traffic.”

7. Happy World Snake Day 2024

“Did you know; according to National Geographic, of 3000 snake species around the world, only 200 (about 7%) are able to kill of significantly wound a human. World Snake Day seeks to combat the negative stereotypes and myths surrounding snakes, promoting a more positive and informed perception of these reptiles and their importance to ecosystems. Do you like snakes or would rather only see them on a Nat Geo documentary?”

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