7 stories of optimism this week (16.07.24-23.07.24)

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.

(Image Credit: Ikiwaner / Wikimedia Commons)

1. Scotland shows rewilding and support for rural communities go hand in hand

The Northwoods Rewilding Network was started by rewilding charity Scotland: The Big Picture back in 2021 and has since amassed more than 70 partners with landholdings across Scotland. In an article for The National, Hugh Webster of Scotland: The Big Picture writes that concerns rewilding may result in depopulation in rural areas of Scotland have not been witnessed in the Northwoods project. 

“Wildness means allowing nature to chart its own course, freeing it from artificial constraints, but it doesn’t set people apart from nature; rather it reconnects us with the natural world, our place within it and our reliance on it. […] There are a growing number of examples where rewilding is not just being informed by, but is being actively led by, local people.

2. New protected areas on Canada’s Vancouver Island

“Vancouver Island will soon benefit from more than 76,000 hectares of new conservation areas in Clayoquot Sound. In partnership with Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, 10 new conservancies are being established to support reconciliation, conservation of old-growth forests and healthy ecosystems, as well as provide clarity on areas that will continue to be managed for forestry to support timber supply.

Bruce Ralston, British Columbia’s Minister of Forests said, “I support the creation of these conservancies. Collaborative work with First Nations is a cornerstone of our vision for old growth in this province.

3. Portugal’s Cinereous vultures on the road to recovery

In this great news shared by conservationist Rob Thomas, a new breeding colony of Cinereous vultures has been discovered in Portugal, making it the fifth one to be discovered in the country. “The Cinereous Vulture, a scavenger bird currently classified as Endangered in Portugal, became extinct in the country in the 1970s as a breeding species. Thanks to conservation efforts and legal measures, it began to recover in Spain and naturally recolonised Portugal in 2010, with the first breeding pairs settling in the Tejo Internacional Natural Park.

“Despite these very encouraging results, the project partners will not rest, as it is necessary to ensure that the species is able to remain in the country in the long term. To do so, it is necessary to guarantee high breeding success, quality and undisturbed habitat, food availability and a reduction in mortality factors, such as illegal poisoning and direct persecution.”

4. As prey populations stabilize, Thailand’s tigers are rising in numbers

“The tiger population density in a series of protected areas in western Thailand has more than doubled over the past two decades, according to new survey data.

“Anak Pattanavibool, study co-author and Thailand country director at the Wildlife Conservation Society, told Mongabay the tiger recovery is a clear indication that conservation efforts are starting to pay off. In particular, long-term action to strengthen systematic ranger patrols to control poaching as well as efforts to boost the tigers’ prey populations seem to be working, he said.

“Conservation success takes time. At the beginning we didn’t have much confidence that it would be possible [to recover tiger numbers], but we’ve been patient,” Anak said.”

5. Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection

“Peru has granted formal conservation status to Lomas y Tillandsiales de Amara y Ullujaya, a unique fog oasis ecosystem on the arid Peruvian coastline.”

“Lomas are unique ecosystems relying on marine fog that host rare and endemic plants and animal species. But they have become threatened by driving, land trafficking, urban development and mining. […] The ecosystem is also a vital last refuge for the highly threatened Peruvian subspecies of guanaco,” the Andean and South American grey foxes, as well as many endemic and threatened reptiles.

The conservation concession follows more than 15 years of research and advocacy and four intense years of negotiation with local and national authorities, said Justin Moat, scientist at RBG Kew and lead author of a scientific paper that revealed the true extent of the lomas fog ecosystems and their unique biodiversity.

6. Kenya’s population of black rhinos surpassing recovery targets

“Once roaming freely across vast savannas, Africa’s iconic rhino populations have faced a steep decline since the 1970s due to poaching and habitat loss. But there is hope as Kenya’s conservation efforts have made significant strides in protecting this endangered species. In total today, Kenya has 1,977 rhinos, including 1,004 eastern black rhinos, 971 southern white rhinos, and two critically endangered northern white rhinos.

The country’s black rhino population has surpassed its national recovery target of 1,000 black rhinos, marking a remarkable 150% increase from around 400 in the 1980s according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). This achievement positions Kenya as a leader in black rhino conservation, behind South Africa and Namibia.”

7. The 21 lost species rediscovered in Madagascar

In this breathtaking thread from Re:wild, see all the species previously thought to be lost to science and recently found within Madagascar’s Makira Natural Park, including the giant millipede previously seen in 1897! As part of their #SearchForLostSpecies, teams of conservationists and local guides trekked the park for days in search of these rare and elusive creatures. Follow their page for more information and other developments on the project.

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