Conservation News
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In an undisturbed cave, expedition finds ‘microbats’ once thought lost
Pacific sheath-tailed bats are vanishing across Oceania. But recently, an expedition on one of Fiji’s least visited islands made a remarkable discovery: A cave containing thousands of Pacific sheath-tailed bats.
October 30, 2023
New conservation effort seeks $1 billion for Eastern Himalayas
A new initiative in the Eastern Himalayas aims to raise US$1 billion to accelerate — and scale up — local conservation work, providing resources to plant 1 billion trees, and protect and restore 1 million hectares by 2030.
September 20, 2023
3 ways Indigenous knowledge protects nature
On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Conservation News is highlighting three stories about Indigenous peoples on the frontlines of protecting the nature they rely on.
August 9, 2023
How an extraordinary new effort is giving sharks ‘a fighting chance’
Earlier this year, three zebra shark pups became the first endangered sharks ever to be bred in captivity for the purpose of being released into the wild. They're part of a bold plan to bring sharks back from the brink of extinction.
July 24, 2023
After Australia’s bushfires, AI cameras capture wildlife recovery
Three years after Australia’s most devastating fire season ever, new images from motion-activated cameras placed across the country’s scorched forests are giving researchers an unequaled view into wildlife recovery.
May 11, 2023
Indonesia protects ‘walking sharks.’ Are other sharks next?
The Indonesian government has granted six species of threatened “walking sharks” the highest level of protection — a move experts hope will lead to the conservation of other sharks, whose numbers have plummeted due largely to the shark fin trade.
April 19, 2023
From tiny nation, a ‘hallmark moment’ for climate justice
A small Pacific island nation is behind a landmark U.N. resolution that could hold carbon-polluting countries to account for failing to act on climate change. Conservation News explains what the resolution means and how it could advance climate justice.
April 6, 2023
3 things our experts loved in March
Conservation International is powered by 1,500 people in more than 30 countries — their interests, like their hometowns, are all over the map. In this monthly feature, we highlight three things that kept our experts busy while off the clock.
March 27, 2023
New study shows where manta rays thrive
Targeted for their gill plates and trapped accidentally in fishing nets, reef manta rays are in trouble; their populations around the world are plummeting. But in one protected area off the coast of Indonesia, the rays are not only bucking worldwide trends – they’re thriving.
December 2, 2022
News spotlight: Australia aims to end extinctions — critics see a plan that picks ‘winners’
Australia has lost more mammals to extinction than any other continent. A new plan commits to protecting its iconic wildlife, but some say it doesn’t go far enough.
October 10, 2022
In China, engineered wetlands remove waste from fresh water
In China, “engineered wetlands” are helping villages decontaminate their water by moving it through traditional infrastructure — such as shallow septic tanks — and into natural ecosystems such as marshes, plants and soil that absorb pollutants.
August 24, 2022
News spotlight: New hope for Mekong ‘megafish’
In case you missed it: A giant stingray hooked (and released) by a fisherman in Cambodia’s Mekong River earlier this month has taken the title of world’s largest freshwater fish.
June 27, 2022
New app aims to take a bite out of illegal shark fin trade
New technology will help inspectors tackle the illegal wildlife trade using a tool most already have in their pockets: their cell phones.
June 8, 2022
In warming world, viral spillovers are expected to increase: 3 stories you may have missed
In case you missed it: Climate breakdown may increase viral spillovers between animals, two baby mountain gorillas were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a new species of frog was discovered in Australia.
May 9, 2022
A ‘manta ray ruler’ could help protect these gentle giants
A new technique for measuring manta rays could offer critical insights into their health, reproductive status, lifespans and whether a population is growing or shrinking.
March 4, 2022
Notes from the field: fish-waste fertilizer, fire-resistant trees and more
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
February 25, 2022
New science: Satellite data preventing climate-fueled floods — and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
February 17, 2022
Shifting tuna populations could trigger ‘climate justice issue’: study
Ocean warming will alter the habitats of tuna, which could have catastrophic economic consequences for Pacific Island nations and territories, according to a new study.
July 29, 2021
Notes from the field: From fighting fires to cleaning seas, communities stand up for nature
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
April 8, 2021
Notes from the field: For communities, conservation brings business opportunities
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
January 21, 2021
New science: Saving freshwater species, lessons from China and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
November 12, 2020
Notes from the field: Sun-powered water, COVID and fishing, and more
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
October 22, 2020
In high seas, scientists see a lifeline for coral reefs
Coral reefs on the high seas could offer a lifeline for the world's dying reefs, a new study finds.
September 14, 2020
Meet a scientist: the island-hopping adventurer
Conservation News spoke to Conservation International scientist Mael Imirizaldu about his work helping countries and communities conserve the ocean that they depend on.
May 14, 2020
Notes from the field: Indigenous peoples protecting nature through tradition
Right now, around the world, the work of protecting nature and the climate is happening in the field — and achieving small triumphs that don’t make the news. Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
April 29, 2020
New science: saving life on land, record-breaking rays, freshwater action plan
Here’s a roundup of recent science published by Conservation International experts.
April 16, 2020
For Indigenous peoples, pandemic poses unique risks
In a recent article, the director of Conservation International's Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Program explained why the COVID-19 pandemic affirms the need to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples.
April 14, 2020
Meet a scientist: a species-discovering savant
Conservation News spoke with Conservation International's Mark Erdmann about his job as a marine biologist, where he spends almost as much time underwater discovering new species as he does helping communities above ground conserve them.
March 25, 2020
The oceans are on the brink. Here are 3 ways to save them
A look ahead at ocean conservation in 2020 from Conservation International experts.
February 20, 2020
Nature meets culture: Forest bathing, nature symphonies and more
In an occasional series, we review shows, podcasts and more that bring nature to life for you.
February 18, 2020
New web series chronicles whale songs in the key of climate change
Off the coast of a remote island in the South Pacific, a team of scientists and volunteers recently gathered on a boat to hear this year’s hit song.
October 28, 2018
In photos: From forest to mega-city, a river’s journey
An Indonesian river is transformed as it winds downstream.
June 15, 2016
On the trail of ‘Sharky McSharkface’
The latest news on the travels of Indonesia’s tagged whale sharks.
August 30, 2016
Stopping overfishing? There’s an app for that
Overfishing continues to push global fish populations to the brink of collapse. Smartphone apps can help change that.
May 5, 2016
Satellite tags shed light on sea turtle treks
Knowing where the turtles go is the first step to protecting them.
May 22, 2018
In remote Pacific, popular fishing method spells trouble for tuna
Fish aggregating devices are helping industrial fishers take an unexpected toll on bigeye tuna populations.
October 12, 2016
In a career full of fish discoveries, these 5 species stand out
Dr. Mark Erdmann has described 100 fish species that are new to science. Here are his favorites.
February 24, 2017
New to science: Species discovery in the waters of Fiji
Mark Erdmann and Gerry Allen were part of a team that completed a rapid survey of Fiji’s Lau Seascape. They discovered nine species that might be new to science.
June 26, 2017
Protected area or ‘paper park’? Ocean protection means more than lines on a map
An inside look into how the world’s “biggest common resource” is managed — or not.
September 2, 2016
What makes a good nature photo? An expert explains
Human Nature sat down with Conservation International’s photography manager to talk about three of her favorite photos.
June 14, 2018
To feed itself, Hawai‘i must make sea change, study finds
To feed its growing population, Hawai‘i is looking to produce more locally sourced seafood, which has a smaller environmental footprint.
May 31, 2018
Nature meets culture: fashion’s footprint, a reef’s revival and more
In an occasional series, we review shows, podcasts and more that bring nature to life for you.
January 16, 2020
On World Storytelling Day, a veteran filmmaker shares his secrets
New technology and new techniques have revolutionized how we tell nature’s stories.
March 20, 2018
The hidden star of ‘Moana’: the Pacific voyaging canoe
For centuries, these boats have connected Pacific Islanders with the sea they depend on.
December 15, 2016
To protect its precious tuna, Pacific islands look to the north
Leaders from the Pacific Islands learn about fisheries management from Iceland.
January 19, 2018
Special report: South Pacific survey finds new species, new concerns for coral reefs
A new special report outlines discoveries from a recent expedition to survey reefs in a little-explored corner of the Pacific.
June 8, 2017
Turning the tide on manta slaughter: A story in pictures
Photojournalist Shawn Heinrichs takes us inside a grisly manta hunt in eastern Indonesia.
December 1, 2015
To improve crop yields, just add trees
In an Indonesian province plagued by deforestation, a group of women farmers has found a more sustainable way to feed their families.
October 20, 2016
To save marine habitats, conservationists find natural ally: surfers
Hundreds of areas with world-class waves also contain a variety of diverse marine species.
April 12, 2018
In diver’s paradise, communities unite to protect their most valuable resource: reefs
The communities of Atauro Island in Timor-Leste announce that they have unified their marine protected areas into a single network, with the goal of strengthening conservation — and getting paid for it.
October 23, 2019
Want to protect oceans? Start with these 5 things
As the annual Our Ocean conference concludes, here’s a look at five issues that were discussed that will have major implications for the health of the seas.
October 6, 2017
Climate-induced species migrations could upend human society: study
A new study in Science on climate change’s effect on mass species migration reveals the impact on humans will be monumental.
April 3, 2017
Indonesian coffee farmers grapple with climate of uncertainty
Shifting weather patterns may make coffee harder to grow in North Sumatra — but it’s still better than the alternative.
February 5, 2016
Deep dive: New findings from our whale shark watchers
On International Whale Shark Day, we sat down with two Conservation International scientists to learn more about their work tagging the world's largest fish.
August 30, 2019
What on Earth is ‘land tenure’?
The concept of land tenure has major implications for conservation.
October 6, 2016
On remote Philippine island, female forest rangers are a force to be reckoned with
Palawan communities are linked to the land by tradition, spirituality and survival — and women like Nolsita Siyang are rising up to defend it.
March 8, 2016
Update: What we’re learning about the world’s largest fish
Two years into a whale shark tracking program, scientists are learning new facts about the world’s largest fish.
August 1, 2017
The doctor is in: Indonesia’s whale sharks get annual check-up
In Indonesia, scientists give whale sharks “physicals” — measuring, tagging and taking blood samples underwater, in 30 minutes — to assess the health of both the species and the surrounding waters.
September 28, 2017
Study clears the waters on a dirty threat to Hawai‘i’s reefs
Of all the threats facing Hawai’i’s coasts and coral reefs, one of the trickiest to stop is mud.
January 20, 2016
New virtual reality film dives into Indonesia’s ‘species factory’
See eastern Indonesia’s famed coral reefs up close — without leaving your living room.
June 8, 2016
In recovery from massive typhoon, Philippine town struggles to balance complex motives
Concepcion is adapting to the “new normal” — despite some contradictions.
April 7, 2016
Whale, dolphin ‘superpods’ could be an economic boon for one tiny country
A scientific survey has confirmed high numbers of whales and dolphins in Timor-Leste’s waters.
January 10, 2017
Threats to protected areas jeopardize global freshwater supplies
Where does your water come from? The answer may surprise you.
July 15, 2016
Lights, camera, coral: Under the sea, behind the scenes with a VR film crew
Learn the story behind the filming of “Valen’s Reef,” Conservation International’s first virtual reality film.
June 20, 2016
We can be heroes: Local leaders with super powers for conservation
Fifteen conservationists came together at the World Conservation Congress to showcase the power of community action for the environment.
September 9, 2016
Researchers discover two tiny new primate species in a far-flung forest
CI’s Russ Mittermeier was part of the team that discovered two new species of Tarsier in Indonesia — a “Yoda-like” primate threatened by deforestation.
May 4, 2017
How one ocean voyager uses tradition to connect to the future
Voyagers in Samoa use the Va’a as a way to connect with other cultures while learning to live in harmony with nature.
February 23, 2018
To thrive in an uncertain future, islanders look to the past
“Gwala” is the traditional practice of temporarily closing off a reef when it begins to show signs of decline, allowing the ecosystem to recover.
February 21, 2018
Lessons learned in the ‘Kingdom of Fishes’
For a decade, CI Indonesia has been working in the Kaimana region to restore the health of the ocean and the well-being of the community.
July 5, 2017
Snakes on mysterious island live in trees, impregnate themselves
A recent species survey in Timor-Leste has revealed unique life on a little-studied island.
July 18, 2016
Teeth to tail: 6 stories about sharks this week
For Shark Week, dive into these six shark stories from around the world.
July 21, 2017
Whale shark watch: 4 things we’ve learned from tracking the world’s largest fish
As Shark Week kicks off, check out the latest science on these ocean giants.
June 26, 2016
Why ‘walking’ sharks are at greater risk of extinction than we thought
Although the habitats of many walking sharks are at least partially protected, new research reveals their survival may be in doubt.
November 30, 2016
Protected areas DO save wildlife: Just ask these 5 species
New data collected by more than 1,000 camera traps reveals good news for many tropical species.
January 19, 2016
New partnership combines best of nature and technology to fight climate change
In a new collaboration, CI and MIT will explore climate change solutions that blend hard engineering with the protection of crucial ecosystems.
January 27, 2017
Little-known reef reveals wealth of unexpected riches, new species
Surveying the waters of Timor-Leste’s Atauro Island was well worth the wait.
July 8, 2016
Rescue efforts offer hope for a vanishing species
Inside the plight of an increasingly rare species of gibbon and ongoing efforts to save it from extinction.
October 23, 2017
Trust fund to help protect some of Philippines’ last primary forests
A new trust fund aims to finance the management of the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape.
October 7, 2016
In South America, are the tides turning against illegal fishing?
A Conservation International scientist explains how the Ecuadorean government handled a case of illegal fishing.
January 5, 2018
Postcard from the Pacific: In new film, ocean is the star
A new film showcases the relationship that the people of New Caledonia have with nature.
May 28, 2018
Our critical allies for elephants
Elephants illustrate a core truth about conservation work: It must be done alongside local communities.
August 12, 2017
Pacific islands face hardships as tuna follow warming waters
Human Nature spoke with a tuna expert about the powerful ways climate change will affect tuna populations.
July 1, 2019
What on Earth is a ‘conservation agreement’?
Here, we break down “conservation agreements,” an approach that helps conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life for local communities.
February 20, 2018
New tool provides gauge for freshwater health
Scientists created a scoring system for freshwater health.
March 19, 2018
In protecting their forests, these women transformed their futures
For International Women's Day, we are celebrating the women of the Roro tribe in Papua New Guinea.
March 6, 2019
Indonesian province leaps ahead in conservation
The government of the province of West Papua announced legislation establishing it as Indonesia’s first “conservation province.”
March 25, 2019
Protecting fisheries can fight poverty: study
Freshwater protected areas can boost fish stocks to pull communities out of poverty.
February 7, 2019
In Papua New Guinea, protection of nature hinges on local support
In one of the world’s richest natural environments, a rare step is being taken to work with local people to protect it.
July 6, 2016
Amid widespread coral bleaching, this reef is thriving
Already adapted to major temperature fluctuations, some Indonesian reefs may be better prepared for climate change than others.
June 21, 2016
4 ways climate change is making life harder for tigers
A new threat looms for these remaining tigers: climate change.
July 19, 2017
What on Earth is ‘blue carbon’?
A term you might never have heard of has immense importance for curbing climate change.
November 1, 2016
5 ways indigenous knowledge can solve global problems
The traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples could help address environmental problems that plague the entire planet.
May 9, 2016
6 facts you need to know about mangroves
Mangroves are a key piece of how we address climate change. It’s time we stop overlooking them.
July 25, 2016
In Indonesia, villagers find innovative ways to adapt to climate change
A new study shows that using nature to adapt to intense storms and drought can be affective for thriving in a changing climate.
June 19, 2018
On World Mangrove Day, a new strategy to protect the world’s most important ecosystem
Mangroves are critically important for coastal communities around the world. Here’s what one group is doing to protect them.
July 26, 2017
What on Earth is ‘sustainable’ coffee?
What makes coffee “sustainable,” and why it even matters.
September 29, 2016