California brought back beavers for the first time in 70 years, and the results are already amazing

Native wisdom and ancient rock paintings save the day. The post California brought back beavers for the first time in 70 years, and the results are already amazing appeared first…

How to grow $25K into community-led conservation: Interview with Tanzania’s Mwambao

UNGUJA, Tanzania — Decades before they would partner to build a marine conservation organization together, Ali Thani and Lorna Slade crossed paths in Tanzania. Years later, Slade…

Antarctica’s Wind Farm Saves 122,000 Gallons of Diesel Over 15 Years Powering McMurdo Station

As they near the end of their productive lives, the 3 wind turbines spinning on Antarctica’s Ross Island have made an enormous impact on the energy market of the continent. Built…

Uzbekistan cuts poverty rate by a third, Norway unveils its largest-ever marine reserve, Berlin’s open-source tree map

In today's edition: Uzbekistan has seen its poverty rate drop by a third in a single year, Norway opens its biggest-ever marine protected area, and an interactive map tracks…

Mangroves keep waves at bay. A new study helps scientists predict how

Existing at the junction of land and sea, mangrove forests have long been heralded for their ecosystem services, including their ability to buffer coastal areas against storm…

These Wild Lemurs Sing Just Like Opera Stars, Widening Their Mouths as They Hit the High Notes, Study Suggests

Scientists suspect this musical trait arose independently in humans and indris, which split from a common ancestor some 74 million years ago. Today, the lemurs make loud, haunting…

Rangers saved this giraffe's life when she was just one week old. 5 years later, she surprised them with a heartwarming reunion

Just days after she was born, Twiggy was found hiding amongst a herd of zebras for protection.

These 15 Adorable Photos of Pandas Will Make You Want to Visit the Zoo Immediately

Members of the fluffy and adorable but vulnerable species are often cared for in zoos and breeding centers around the world, and these snapshots may make you jealous of the…

Monkeys rescued from the illegal pet trade now thriving in a Mississippi sanctuary run by veterans

The Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary gives once-domesticated monkeys and U.S. veterans alike a safe haven.

This rhino was orphaned when he was just one day old. Now he lives in an oasis with other rescued animals

Rangers estimate that Chamboi was born prematurely and had to fight for survival just hours after he entered the world.

A turtle with a bright blue shell was found in a Kentucky backyard. Rescuers are rushing to restore her natural color

When a new homeowner moved into her house, she discovered a turtle with a bright blue shell in the yard. Wildlife rehab specialists quickly stepped in.

Tanzania's first official wildlife corridor is good news for elephants

In Tanzania's Kilombero Valley, 368 farmers voluntarily gave up portions of their land so that elephants could walk safely between mountain rainforests and open savanna - a…

A first in Brazil: Black-faced lion tamarins vaccinated

On a Wednesday in July, deep in a coastal restinga area of Brazil’s Paraná state, muffled footsteps broke through the chirping of manakins. Three field researchers from the…

Too many males to choose from can overwhelm female frogs – and change who gets to mate

Many animal species – frogs and humans alike – struggle to make choices in a complex, overwhelming world.

How Argentina’s battery-powered Tren Solar is recharging an ancient Andean route

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM There are places where the land itself seems to generate energy. The Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy province, in Argentina’s far northwest, is…

An adorable new snow leopard cub was just born at the Bronx Zoo: 'One of the world's most elusive big cats'

Often called “ghosts of the mountain,” snow leopards are a very elusive cat species. Now, a new arrival can be seen at the Bronx Zoo.

This dog is trained to sniff out invasive 'sea vomit' and protect oyster reefs: 'She has enough drive for 3 dogs'

Uisge the Labrador works with Conservation Detection Dogs of Scotland to protect the area’s lochs and sounds.

Fat Bear Week just crowned its winner. Google is celebrating with a viral animation

The 12th annual Fat Bear Week has come to a close, and Google added a fun interactive surprise for the occasion.

Researchers dumped coffee waste into a forest and couldn’t believe what it looked like 2 years later

We used to throw away 10 million tons of coffee pulp every year. These researchers may have found a better use for it. The post Researchers dumped coffee waste into a forest and…

A new map points out U.S. rivers most worth protecting

Scientists graded every river and stream in the contiguous United States, flagging specific repairs each one needs to support aquatic life.

Forget Colorado, Visit This Wildly Underrated Mountain State Called The 'Switzerland Of America' Instead - Islands

Forget Colorado, visit New Hampshire, the wildly underrated mountain state with epic hikes that's been called the "Switzerland of America," instead.

International Podcast Day: 15 Must-Listen Podcasts on Climate Justice and Sustainability

From environmental science and climate justice podcasts to investigative series detailing how the climate crisis is already shaping our lives and what we can do about it, these…

This herd of rescue elephants 'adopted' a new little brother: 'He will never be alone again'

Daba has earned a reputation as a shy — but cheeky — elephant who has adapted quickly to his found family.

Turning vulnerable livestock into four-eyed beasts helps protect them in Zimbabwe

NYANGOMBE, Zimbabwe — In the first six months of 2026, the local council in Chiredzi recorded 317 cases of human-wildlife conflict in this district of southeastern Zimbabwe. In…

First Ever Recorded Sea Turtle Nests on America’s West Coast

A bombshell report last week from the LA Times details that a series of olive ridley sea turtles which laid their eggs on beaches in Southern California are the first of their…

A Strategy of Cash-for-Photos Turns Animal Hunters into Animal Protectors in Indonesia

From that magical island called Borneo comes the story of a bottom-up, pay-per-pic program that’s making a significant impact for the conservation of endangered birds and…

England’s Beloved Sycamore Gap Tree Is Showing Signs of Life, Three Years After Vandals Chopped It Down

Numerous leafy shoots are now sprouting around the base of the tree’s stump, which is located near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England

Harvard-trained ‘friendship expert’ explains the four ‘styles’ of friendships: butterfly, wallflower, firefly, and evergreen

Understanding your style can help strengthen your friendships. The post Harvard-trained ‘friendship expert’ explains the four ‘styles’ of friendships: butterfly, wallflower,…

Norway’s Newest Marine Protected Area Shelters Rich Marine Habitat, Whales, and Seabirds

On September 18th, the Norwegian government established a new marine protected area covering approximately 714 square miles, equivalent to almost 260,000 football pitches. Called…

This national park is home to the quietest spot in the continental US: 'Listen to a concert by the natural world'

Gordon Hempton has spent his career trying to teach people about noise pollution through his book “One Square Inch of Silence” and nonprofit, Quiet Parks International.

Days-old hippo 'Bumpy' given second chance at wildlife sanctuary: 'He sleeps most soundly when cuddled'

Bumpy the hippo was spared from a deadly encounter by his mother. Now he has a new adopted family that includes rescued buffalos, elephants, and more.

Reintroduced Grauer’s gorilla gives birth in DRC national park, ‘makes us happy’

Lulingu, a Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei), was reintroduced to Virunga National Park, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2024. In May 2026, Lulingu gave birth to a…

Scientists clone Southern Africa’s wild fruit trees as forests disappear

Plant geneticist Alice Muchugi recalls meeting a group of furious fruit sellers on the side of a dusty road not far from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, in 2024. They told her that a…

Cuddling helps apes keep the peace

Humans could learn from chimpanzees and bonobos. When things get tense, these apes turn to group members for hugs, touches and other physical comfort.

Wildlife researchers attempted to trap mice with peanut butter and burnt coconut. They discovered a new species instead

In an attempt to bait wild mice, researchers met a different species new to science.

Vietnam Swiftly Protects Forests Containing the Last of the World’s Most-Endangered Monkey

Some of the best forest and mountain scenery Vietnam has to offer will now include a special conservation reserve to protect one of the world’s most-endangered primates. Around…

Jaco Muller turned his 15-year-old son’s idea into 197 rhino births

Founder’s Briefs: An occasional series where Mongabay founder Rhett Ayers Butler shares analysis, perspectives and story summaries. In 2022, poachers had taken 14 white rhinos…

The ethical fashion brand championing change across the industry

With a focus on living wages, better fabrics and sustainability, one clothing brand is pushing to transform the fashion industry The post The ethical fashion brand championing…

Forget Recycling. What If We Could Compost or Reuse Everything?

Nora Griefahn’s office showcases her work better than words: The interior walls at the C2C LAB on a busy street in Berlin, Germany, are alive with lush, air-purifying plants; lamp…

Athens’ former airport is becoming Europe’s largest coastal urban park

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Two million square meters of former airport land in the southern suburbs of Athens are being converted into The Ellinikon Park. The park is…

The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest living lizard

The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest lizard. It's a venomous predator that can hunt, swim between islands and reproduce without a mate. The post The Komodo dragon is the…

Some Birdsongs Are More Pleasing to Human Ears Than Others. Higher-Pitched, Complex Calls Tend to Sound More Beautiful to Us

In a new study, more than 80 participants rated the pleasantness of vocalizations made by 123 European bird species. Researchers then looked at the acoustic qualities of the…

These 15 Wonderful Photographs of Kenya’s World-Class Wildlife Will Have You Booking a Flight to the Savanna

The East African nation is home to a number of conservation parks where its impressive animals roam free

Pakistan expands protected habitat for Indus River dolphin as recovery offers hope

Between 11 million and 16 million years ago, during the high sea levels of the middle Miocene period, the ancestors of the Indus River dolphin entered the muddy waters of what is…

This Canadian national park is home to the world's largest beaver dam: 'The size of 1600 hockey rinks'

Beaver dams provide habitats for the mammals while slowing floodwaters and filtering pollutants from water.

Behold, Crawzilla, the Not-Quite-Biggest Crayfish Ever Caught

And what it can teach us about body size The post Behold, Crawzilla, the Not-Quite-Biggest Crayfish Ever Caught appeared first on Nautilus .

4 million lakes in ‘Lost Lakes’ map offer clues to Arctic permafrost

The Arctic is dotted with millions of lakes that sit on persistently frozen soil called permafrost. These lakes are crucial for the region’s wildlife and local communities.…

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is turning citizens into foresters

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For most of the past century, Ethiopia was losing its forests. From the turn of the millennium to 2025, the country shed 560,000 hectares,…

An Otter Just Returned to New York City's Bronx River for the First Time in a Century. Now, You Can Help Name It

A trail camera photographed the animal earlier this summer, offering a hopeful sign that the once-polluted urban waterway is recovering after decades of restoration work

Portuguese Company Turns Cork Wood into Limitless Material, Even to Insulate Spacecraft

In Portugal, a 150-year-old business making corks is showing that it’s absolutely possible to teach an old dog new tricks. Having cultivated cork oak trees since the time of the…

Mississippi Wildlife Rescue Runs a “Boot Camp” for Baby Raccoons

The tilcayo: new wildcat species discovered in Bolivia’s cloud forest

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For years, biologists cataloguing Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest would note a small spotted cat and move on. Tiger cat, broadly speaking. The…

Flagship Restoration Project in Brazil’s Cerrado Savannah Working to Restore 4.4 Million Acres

A Brazilian ecosystem-scale restoration program was honored at a recent UN conference as one of the 3 most ambitious and impactful currently underway around the world. The…

At 4 weeks old, this baby elephant was found hiding amongst a farmer's cattle. The discovery turned into a lifesaving mission

Kipekee had been forced to look for help after her mother was caught in the crosshairs of a local conflict.

From 2.6% to 97%: how South Korea eliminated food waste and what NYC can learn

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In Yeouido, Seoul, Seunghwan Hong spends less than a minute dropping off his food scraps. He taps a card, the lid opens, and the bin logs the…

135,000 Shelter Pets Found Forever Homes in August Thanks to NBC’s Annual Adopt-a-thon

It’s been a banner year for the annual campaign run by NBC and its parent company Universal to encourage shelter pet adoption nationwide, with 135,000 dogs, cats, and more taken…

Community-based conservation is a good climate investment in Brazil & beyond (commentary)

More than half a century has passed since Garrett Hardin published The Tragedy of the Commons in Science in 1968. In that influential article, he argued that human greed and…

Open-air sky gardens bring 57-story tower to life

Vancouver-based firm Revery Architecture, has completed a 57 story residential tower alongside the restoration and expansion of a century-old Gothic Revival church. The…

A baby elephant survived for a month alone after being mauled by a lion. Now he has a family of his own again

Bungalu was covered in scars when he arrived at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Now he’s happily settled into his new life.

In Peru’s high Andes, restoring ancient ecosystems could help protect water security

In the highlands above Villa de Arma, community leaders once walked through ice and snow. They still remember the stories told by their grandparents of the Apus, high-mountain…

New Galápagos Atlas charts the islands’ biodiversity and the mysteries that remain

A new atlas of biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands highlights the unique evolutionary and ecological diversity of life in the famed archipelago that helped Charles Darwin…

Tiny wallaby spotted on Australia trail cameras for the first time in 50 years: 'Great news for the species'

Conservationists say spotting the species is the “ecological equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack.”

Prisoners Prove Unlikely Heroes to Monarch Butterflies Thanks to Wisconsin Correctional Program

Wisconsin prison inmates have been offered a unique way to give back to their community by raising monarch butterflies from the inside. Set up at Redgranite Correctional Institute…

A man lost track of his late dad’s beagle for 10 years. Then a Florida rescue scanned her microchip.

Becker assumed his late father's dog lived out her life in Maryland. The post A man lost track of his late dad’s beagle for 10 years. Then a Florida rescue scanned her microchip.…

12-year-old Rescues 114 Stuffed Animals, Repairs Them, and Gives Them to Children Affected by Home Fires

From fire starters to compost: what to do with dryer lint

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you clean your dryer’s lint trap after every load, you end up with a soft little cloud of fiber in your hand pretty regularly. Most people…

Wild horses are back in Kazakhstan after disappearing more than 200 years ago

Two Przewalski’s horse foals were born in a reintroduction center in the grasslands of central Kazakhstan in late August. They are reportedly the first wild horses born on Kazakh…

First radio waves seen from an exoplanet hint at otherworldly auroras

The gas giant Beta Pictoris b, about 63 light-years away, has the mass of 10 Jupiters and a magnetic field thousands of times as strong as Earth’s.

Singing Lemurs Borrow a Trick From Opera Singers

And their songs are just as haunting The post Singing Lemurs Borrow a Trick From Opera Singers appeared first on Nautilus .

Ancient, Armored Fishes Crushed Jaw Evolution

Placoderms evolved unique approaches to the first-ever vertebrate jaws The post Ancient, Armored Fishes Crushed Jaw Evolution appeared first on Nautilus .

New study reveals the genetic history – and possible future – of four Asian hornbills

Researchers from India have generated reference genomes for four threatened species of Asian hornbills, reports contributor Nikhil Sreekandan for Mongabay India. The scientists…

A raccoon boot camp in Mississippi teaches abandoned kits survival skills

A Mississippi wildlife rescue gives abandoned and injured baby raccoons their best chance of survival through a program they call “raccoon boot camp.” Woodside Wildlife Rescue…

Croatia named among 20 countries with highest quality of life in new global ranking

Croatia has been placed among the 20 countries with the highest quality of life in a new international ranking, coming ahead of a number of larger and wealthier European…

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Numbers See Encouraging Bounceback in New Survey

Conservationists working to turn the tide on declining numbers of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay, found some good news in their latest field surveys. After years of worryingly…

Europe's largest carbon capture plant will trap 800K tons of CO2 annually

Norwegian chemical company Yara has inaugurated the largest industrial carbon capture facility in all of Europe this week. Set up at the company's ammonia and fertilizer plant in…

‘Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals’ celebrates species with song

Once upon a time, flocks of passenger pigeons were so dense they blocked the sun like great gray thunderclouds flying overhead. Composer Stephanie Ann Boyd imagines this with…

India’s tiger success brings a new challenge: Living alongside the big cats

Forty-five-year-old Mahadeva Gowda was tending to his cotton farm in the village of Badagalapura in the southern Indian state of Karnataka when a tiger lunged at him from behind.…

Company’s Textile Dyes Work Through Magnetism, Cutting Fashion’s Water-Use, Energy, and Pollution

Hoping to tackle the 50% of textile emissions associated with the dyeing process, a vaunted French startup has created non-toxic dyes that require substantially less water to…

To Control Weeds in Your Garden, Late Summer and Early Fall Is the Best Time to Make a Difference

As late summer fades into early autumn, garden care shifts from active harvesting to preparation and planning for the next growing season. Weeds can feel like an overwhelming…

Migrating elephants kept getting struck by high-speed trains. New radar sensors will bring trains to a halt to let them pass in peace

Sri Lankan officials are taking a new approach to keeping elephants safe from high-speed locomotives.

The “Most Complete” Mastodon Tooth Ever Found

Peering 10,000 years into the past The post The “Most Complete” Mastodon Tooth Ever Found appeared first on Nautilus .

New Cat Species Identified for the First Time in Over 100 Years–Meet the Tilcayo

In a story that proves ‘explorer’ is still a good answer to the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” a whole new cat species has been identified for the first time…

Cataract Surgery Restores Sight for 54-Year-Old Chimpanzee–the First Such Procedure at Chimp Haven

After becoming completely blind from cataracts, a 54-year-old chimpanzee named Pierre is seeing again following a successful surgery at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee…

Scientists just named a new snake after Guns N’ Roses legend Slash

A newly discovered snake from New Guinea has been named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who has loved reptiles since childhood. Genetic testing and physical differences…

Team Sequesters Plastic and Makes New Products Before it Breaks Down in Environment

In central California’s city of San Carlos, recycling plastics is a family affair. Nick Schick and his parents, David and Andrea, work exclusively with products made from…

Chinese Scientists Develop New Oil Refining Method That Cuts Energy Use by 90%

Rather than bringing crude oil to boiling point over and over again as is done in traditional distillation refining, Chinese scientists have found a way to separate the mixture…

Scientists Determine Australia’s Vast Red Deserts Could Fuel a Hydrogen-Powered Energy Revolution

Scientists have revealed that Australia may hold the key to generating ample green energy while creating a major export industry, and that it’s buried underneath their feet. The…

Ctenophores Aren’t Just Beautiful. They’re Biological Wonders.

Comb jellies are helping answer fundamental questions in biology, from how the earliest nervous systems evolved to how bioluminescence works. The post Ctenophores Aren’t Just…

The world’s largest battery-electric ferry just crossed an ocean

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In 2019, a South American transport company ordered a diesel ferry. By the time it launched six years later, it had become the largest…

Small, spry solar-roofed tractor looks to replace diesel

For small-scale farmers, diesel is a recurring headache. A bill that swings with global oil prices and never really goes away. Battery power has been pitched as the fix for years,…

More goats, sheep, and cattle are being used as wildfire prevention heroes: 'A tried-and-true strategy'

Can livestock grazing on grass and plants actually reduce wildfire risk?

A giant anteater’s return in Argentina offers a case for letting nature restore itself

In 2025, a giant anteater returned to the Alma Guaraní reserve in Argentina’s Corrientes province. It marked the first sighting of this vulnerable and emblematic mammal in the…

How Reading Changes the Way Your Brain Works

Reading is unnatural. This will hardly come as a surprise to any child trying to put off his homework for just one more hour of watching other kids play Minecraft. Yet there…

Three Wild Dogs Made a Record-Breaking Trek Across Zambia, Traveling More Than 2,500 Miles in Search of Mates

The canines achieved the longest recorded movement by any African mammal. Their journey highlights the importance of having protected corridors for wildlife

Two Chonky, Mountain-Dwelling Marmots Were Found in the Bay Area. What Were They Doing So Far Away From Their Home?

The two rodents of unusual size, rescued this month, might have hitched a ride in the engine compartment of a vehicle coming down from the mountains, wildlife officials say

‘Big Cats’ highlights the remarkable power of photojournalism

Jeff Sikich, the biologist for the National Park Service in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, thought that Steve Winter “was crazy” for wanting to capture a photograph of a mountain…

Hamster-sized 'burramys' had to cross a major roadway during mating season. So scientists built them a 'tunnel of love'

A tiny four-inch marsupial is getting an extra nudge from researchers hoping to connect two isolated communities.

The world’s first solar ambulance just completed its first real-world test in rural Kenya

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The question most ambulances are designed to answer is how fast a patient can reach a hospital. In the Narok region of Kenya, where long…

Indigenous 'turtle women' help save endangered freshwater turtles in the Amazon

To help the turtles recover, a group of seven Siekopai women, who call themselves Tari Nomiowa’i, or “turtle women,” patrol the riverbanks looking for turtle tracks and nests.

10 promising ways to ‘green’ offshore wind

Read the stories in Mongabay’s series on offshore wind energy: Part One, Part Two and Part Three. Offshore wind has enormous potential as a source of renewable energy and is…

Scientists figured out a way to map the planet's melting permafrost in real time

Disappearing lakes and artificial intelligence are helping researchers gather data to map the thawing of permafrost across the globe.

Wind Turbines Have Made up Half This Rancher’s Income Since Fateful Choice to Allow Them On His Land

In 2006, the largest wind power project in Kansas was turned on among the Flint Hills. Today, the royalties it has generated for rancher Peter Ferrell are allowing him to pass the…

Caribbean scientists document uncharted deep-sea waters in Trinidad and Tobago

During a recent monthlong expedition, a team of scientists conducted one of the most comprehensive surveys ever undertaken in the deep waters of Trinidad and Tobago, a dual-island…

Athens Is Turning its Old Airport into One of Europe’s Largest Parks

A former Athens airport site is set to host one of the continent’s most ambitious urban greening projects. Called the Ellinikon Park, it won’t only add an unforgettable attraction…

Researchers find collecting garbage less often could actually help people recycle more

Optimizing curbside waste collection could improve the public's recycling habits

Former Industrial Ground Goes from Dump to Diversity and Hosts 64% of UK’s Black-Necked Grebes

A conservation charity in the UK has turned what was once a dumping ground for material dug up during canal dredging into a nesting habitat for two-thirds of the UK’s black-necked…

With Adapted Sailing, the Sea Is for Everyone

César Maquieira has always loved the sea. Born and raised in the northwest of Spain, much of which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, he would for years regularly go fishing and…

Indigenous community trades shark-fishing for conservation in Colombia: 'From hunter to protector'

While Indigenous communities still see shark as a valuable source of protein, their fishing methods have changed drastically.

Longest African mammal movement recorded by Zambian wild dogs

Three male African wild dogs in Zambia have travelled more than 4,000 kilometers, about 2,500 miles, in search of new territory and mates, according to a new study. This…

'Living sand' aims to bring crops to infertile desert wastelands

Agriculture in the United Arab Emirates is associated with a lot of challenges. Continue Reading Category: Good Thinking , Technology Tags: Empa , Agriculture , Sand , Bacteria ,…

Monkeys might share our instincts for math

To show how monkeys think about math and shapes, scientists had them play games — including some designed by kids.

Massive Footprints Reveal First Ever Adult T Rex Trackway, a 66-Million-Year-old Walk Through North Dakota

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of the first adult T. rex trackway, providing new insights into how this emblematic predator moved. While a myriad of isolated footprints…

Good News This Week: September 12, 2026 - Turtles, Trees, & Exoskeletons

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...

Veterinarian shares 7 signs a cat loves you, even if it seems like they couldn’t care less

Your cat really does love you. The post Veterinarian shares 7 signs a cat loves you, even if it seems like they couldn’t care less appeared first on Upworthy .

Elephants Can Think Before They Act and Resist Impulsive Behavior, Shows Study

Elephants can think before they act, as well as resist impulsive behavior, reveals new research that adds to growing evidence of elephants possessing sophisticated cognitive…

The push for a sustainable artisanal mining in the Peruvian Amazon

MADRE DE DIOS, Peru — In Madre de Dios, in the Peruvian Amazon, thousands of people depend on gold mining, while the spread of mercury and deforestation are transforming the…

Coyote density is 9 times higher in Seattle than in Washington’s wild lands | UW News

A new UW study shows a nine-fold increase in coyote density in Seattle compared to natural areas of Washington state. Coyotes in urban environments have fewer p

Farmers pivot to planting crops under solar panels: 'It's growing well for the first time'

The additional shade reduces evaporation and stress on the plants, all while generating clean electricity.

Indigenous peoples near Congo parks propose diverse solutions for the future of conservation

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — High above the lush forests of protected areas in the Congo Basin in eastern Congo, the calls of endemic birds and monkeys echo through the…

How burnt coconut helped discover new to science endemic species in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO — As dusk settled over the paddy fields at Puwakpitiya, a village on the northern edge of Knuckles Mountain Range locally known as Dumbara mountains in Central Sri Lanka,…

The Giant Squids of the Jurassic Period

This belemnite swam in what used to be Wyoming seas The post The Giant Squids of the Jurassic Period appeared first on Nautilus .

Indigenous territories maintain Amazon forest just as well as protected areas, study finds

A new study has found that in Ecuador’s Amazon, Indigenous territories without formal conservation contracts maintained forest conditions just as well as formal protected areas.…

Indigenous knowledge x tech in the search for a tiny Amazon monkey

How do you search for the world’s smallest monkey? Earlier this year, Nicolás Schuldt Durán took on this task after he was approached by members of an Indigenous community in…

Trail camera in Idaho backcountry captures footage of bears, elk, mountain lion cubs using the same spring

A wildlife montage on YouTube is piquing public interest in trail cameras.

Scientists develop a plastic that can be turned into fertilizer

Researchers say a modified plant-derived polymer offers a possible alternative to conventional plastics—one designed to end its life as crop fertilizer, not landfill waste.

Scientists are studying how caterpillars hear without ears. It could change how humans make hearing aids

This line of research into how insects hear sounds using specialized, microscopic hairs could inspire a new generation of acoustic tools.

How offshore wind foundations became accidental reef habitat

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When engineers drove 54 steel cylinders into the sandy seafloor southeast of Long Island to anchor Empire Wind 1’s turbines, the goal was…

Diminutive Seahorses Top the 2026 Ocean Photographer of the Year Contest

The annual competition highlights some of the most beloved, impressive, and little-seen aspects of our oceans. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal…

Elephants Think Before They Act

It’s a remarkable act of impulse control The post Elephants Think Before They Act appeared first on Nautilus .

A ‘Living Roof’ is Growing Atop Ford’s Largest Factory–Saving Energy and Boosting Birds

The year was 1915, and before Henry Ford decided to turn a 2,000 acre stretch of land along the Rogue River into one of America’s largest manufacturing centers, he thought of…

Blackbirds Have the Prettiest Birdsong, New Study Finds

It turns out Paul McCartney is far from the only one entranced by the sound of blackbirds singing: The avian’s birdsong ranked as prettiest out of 123 in a recent survey, and an…

Secret tunnels in Maine help wildlife cross the road safely. Now, they're expanding for bears and moose to fit, too

While the tunnels already attract turtles and foxes, expanding them will make it easier for big mammals to traverse.

Spying on the secret lives of boobies

New high-tech tools let scientists “tag” along with these red-footed seabirds to solve the mystery of how boobies spend their days at sea.

The ‘National Park’ That Stretches From Coast to Coast

On Doug Tallamy’s 10-acre property in rural Pennsylvania, the evidence arrives on wings. Wood thrushes now nest in shrubs that were once cut for hay. Luna moths — emerald-green…

Two wild Przewalski’s horse foals born in Kazakhstan after 200 years

Two Przewalski’s horse foals were born in a reintroduction center in the grasslands of central Kazakhstan in late August. They are reportedly the first wild horses born on Kazakh…

Japan wants to plant no-pollen trees to solve its hay fever crisis

Two species of trees helped Japan build millions of homes after World War II. However, pollen from those same trees has also fueled a nationwide hay fever allergy. More than 40%…

Coast Guard saves distressed sea turtle in Florida Keys: 'Every life, every call, we're here for them all'

Nearby veterinarians found a tear in the turtle’s lung that kept the marine creature from diving properly.

Fall hummingbird migration in progress across North America

The fall hummingbird migration typically lasts from August through October. Spot the birds in every U.S. state and Canadian province as they travel south. The post Fall…

Good News in History, September 9

On this day in history, two masters of early ocean exploration returned to their prospective homes—Vasco da Gama 527 years ago to Lisbon, and Thomas Cavendish 438 years ago to…

Zoo welcomes 'pups' with shocking lineage: 'It’s incredible to think these little animals are so closely related to elephants'

Spud, Russ, and Jackie are just 12 ounces — the same size as a soda can.

The Hidden Power Struggle Between Lions and Hyenas

There’s a lot of role reversal happening here The post The Hidden Power Struggle Between Lions and Hyenas appeared first on Nautilus .

This New “Devil Flower” Species Doesn’t Photosynthesize

It’s a rare plant with an “enigmatic and devil-like essence” The post This New “Devil Flower” Species Doesn’t Photosynthesize appeared first on Nautilus .

Firm Buys Texas Coal Plant to Leverage its Grid Connections for New Massive Solar Project

Coal power has a huge role still to play in the American energy mix—by turning over its substantial grid infrastructure to renewable energy projects. Energy investment firm…

‘Birds know no borders’: Interview with BirdLife Africa’s Alex Ngari

Every year, twice a year, millions of birds belonging to hundreds of species fly between breeding grounds in Europe and Asia and their non-breeding habitats in Africa. Scientists…

S. Carolina Aquarium Celebrates ‘Baby Boom’ of Critically-Endangered Penguin Chicks

5 baby penguins from a species considered Critically-Endangered have hatched at an aquarium down in South Carolina. The 5 join 2 that hatched in May, and together make up a record…

Battery powered filter pumps out clean water in seconds

There are many ways to purify water out in the wilderness so it's safe to drink. This new piece of kit makes it arguably more convenient than any portable device for the job.…

New nocturnal snake from New Guinea named after Slash of Guns N’ Roses

Scientists have identified a new-to-science, reddish-brown snake from specimens found in the forests of Papua New Guinea and named it after Slash, the lead guitarist of the rock…

Nearly 500 animals rescued from trafficking arrive at a California aquarium

Since 2024, the Aquarium of the Pacific has cared for over 3,600 rescued trafficked animals.

World Heritage status for South Sudan parks will be a boon for the birds

The onset of the rains in South Sudan around April each year is accompanied by a remarkable avian spectacle. “There are so many storks that they kind of look like flies in the…

Colombia creates Amazon’s largest reserve, new carbon-storing building material, London’s largest solar roof

Today in Squirrel News: Colombia places 42% of its Amazon region under permanent protection from mining and oil projects; a finish company presents a building material that…

Decades-old museum specimens reveal 10 extraordinary new worms

Scientists have discovered that one of the most unusual creatures in the animal kingdom is far more diverse and evolutionarily complex than previously known. An international team…

We’re likely to breach 1.5C. What happens next is still in our hands

Crossing the climate threshold now looks unavoidable, but temperatures are still shaped by the choices we make now The post We’re likely to breach 1.5C. What happens next is still…

Bhutan’s pursuit of happiness takes root on its farms

Guided by its national philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan aims to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2029 under its 13th five-year plan.…

Beavers Are Having a Moment

Over the last 20 years, Oregon’s wilderness has suffered big time. Salmon have disappeared, wildfires have scoured the hills and drought has parched once-fertile soils. Years of…

'Honeycomb sandwich' may make for fully recyclable airplane cabins

Epoxy is one of the great unifiers of modern materials science, bringing different materials together to form composites with combined properties that exceed those of any…

Indigenous knowledge helps reveal the ties between reefs and mangroves

In a recent scientific article in the journal Ocean & Coastal Management, alongside the list of scientist-authors were the Bardi Jawi and Oorany Rangers and the Bardi Jawi…

Red Sea Coral Dying From Heat Stress is Being Revived With Probiotics

Coral dying from heat stress has been revived after scientists successfully applied probiotic and post-biotic treatments in open seas for the the first time. Although probiotics…

Australia’s humpback whales were acting weird. What happened next surprised scientists.

A citizen science project uncovers a new humpback whale calving ground around the Great Barrier Reef.

Beetle larvae trick bees into feeding and sheltering them by smelling like flowers, study finds

European Black oil beetle larva lures unsuspecting bees by manufacturing smells that mimic floral scents, new research suggests. The larva then hitches a ride on the bee to its…

Tourists put these sea turtle nests at risk. Local Mexicans intervened, and now 3,200 hatchlings are swimming free

On August 30, volunteers gathered in Veracruz to give local sea turtle hatchlings a fighting chance.

Florida family rescues 64 baby sea turtles they found in their backyard swimming pool

The group of hatchlings was led astray by artificial light near the beach.

Former bird hunters work to rebuild a songbird haven: 'We hope it's not too late'

Some former hunters on the Indonesian island of Java have abandoned catching birds for the songbird trade and have since become notable local conservation figures.

Happy Birth-ray! Mystic the cownose ray turns 27

The ray is enjoying her retirement at the New England Aquarium’s Quincy Animal Care Center.

Endangered Salmon Return to California Rivers in Incredible Numbers: ‘Everybody’s just ecstatic’

A record 30,000 coho salmon returned to central California rivers last season—up 10x from an average of 3,000 over the last decade—and double the total of last season. Running up…

'Turtle-safe' nets prevent countless sea turtles from drowning. An appeals court just upheld a rule requiring shrimpers to use them

A federal court upheld a ruling from 2019 that requires select shrimp trawlers to use special nets — all in the name of sea turtle protections.

Kermit the Frog Was Just Trying to Put on a Variety Show. Fifty Years Later, the Muppets Are Some of the Biggest Stars in Television History

The first episode of Jim Henson's "The Muppet Show" premiered in the United Kingdom on September 5, 1976. Enthusiasm for the eclectic ensemble has endured ever since

Key tree species boost Amazon forest restoration, new study shows

Regrowing Amazon forests face a quiet collapse if fast pioneer trees die without stronger successors.

This vineyard adopted a clever alternative to using pesticides: Let 1,000 ducks roam free instead

Wine farmers in South Africa are borrowing inspiration from a centuries-old practice in Indonesia.

40 Filmmakers in 25 Countries Team Up for an Ode to Nature Shot Entirely on Super 8 Cameras

Bringing together 40 collaborators in 25 countries across five continents, 'Super Nature' is a collective ode to our planet. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become…

Floating data center would provide water and electricity to 32,000 homes

Some companies build a desalination plant and call it a day; others build a data center, while others, still, build power generation facilities. One project wants to build all…

Indian Home Stays Cool Without A/C Through Clever Clay Architecture

Every summer it seems there’s a part of the world experiencing record temperatures, so perhaps it’s time for architects to design buildings designed to resist heat as easily as…

Climate change is messing with sports. Here are 10 ways athletes and fans can take action

From snowless ski slopes to dangerously hot conditions at the World Cup, climate change is changing the sports and recreation landscape. Fans and athletes have the power to make a…

A Lake in Canada Got a Mysterious New Island. Then, It Disappeared—and Now It's Back

The floating forest appeared in a well-mapped reservoir in British Columbia. Its presence and vanishing act have puzzled locals and officials at the power utility that operates…

Michigan man uses money from returned cans to win $500,000 lottery - UPI.com

A 39-year-old man in Livingston County, Mich., used the money he made from selling cans to purchase a winning $500,000 scratch off lottery ticket.

Trail cameras catch elusive, endangered ocelots using wildlife crossing in Texas

There are fewer than 100 wild ocelots left in the United States. Wildlife crossings may have saved them from extinction.

Former Poachers Are Protecting One of Nigeria’s Last Rainforests

Sunday Abiodun can often tell an animal is nearby before he sees it — from a broken twig or the way birds suddenly stop singing. For 15 years, he used those instincts to hunt…

Caterpillar twitches in an ultraquiet chamber are helping biologists understand how these insects hear without ears

Scientists give caterpillars haircuts and put them in a room isolated from sound to figure out how they’re able to hear without ears.

This tiny raccoon turned trash into toys—and taught her family how, too

The endangered animals displayed a first in raccoons and their kin

New Species of Giant Armadillo Has Convoluted History

Meet Glyptotherium deuterophractum The post New Species of Giant Armadillo Has Convoluted History appeared first on Nautilus .