7 stories of optimism this week (31.12.23-07.01.24)

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. The Joy of Birds from the Audubon Society for National Bird Day

” Birds bring us happiness in so many ways—especially in uncertain times. Whether you’re just looking for a lift or in desperate need of distraction, look no further than this birdy care package, from Audubon to you.”

2. A Year to Remember…for Wildlife

” In 2023 wild animals stretched boundaries, set records, and inspired conservation across the world.”

3. New Island Lake Wilderness Area Among 14,000 More Hectares Now Protected

” The new Island Lake Wilderness Area protects 3,937 hectares of land, wetlands and water in the St. Margarets Bay area. It is one of 23 new designations that protect an additional 14,000 hectares of forest, water, wetlands, coastline and coastal habitats, bringing the total area of the province that is protected to 13.45 per cent.”

4. Named after their habitats, three new frogs add to Arunachal’s biodiversity

‌” The biodiversity hotspot of Kamlang-Namdapha landscape in Arunachal Pradesh has three new-to-science frog genera to its credit. Named after their habitats, the researchers hope, the naming would inspire better conservation of the habitats and the species.”

5. Extinct in the wild antelope brought back from brink of extinction

” Scimitar horned oryx downlisted to endangered by IUCN – marks first species in global Extinct in the Wild initiative to be downlisted.”

6. Japanese butterfly conservation takes flight when integrated with human communities

‌” Researchers with the University of Tokyo have teamed up with the town of Iijima in Nagano prefecture and a local agricultural cooperative to maintain this mixed landscape while reintroducing populations of the butterfly, whose population has grown.”