Civil society

Bison on a plain

Major rewilding effort removes 100 miles of fencing across the Great Plains of Montana

Led by the American Prairie Reserve, this initiative relies on volunteers to clear abandoned barbed wire that endangers wildlife and fragments habitat. The removal reopens ancient migration corridors for species like pronghorn antelope and elk, allowing them to move freely across the landscape. This project restores the natural beauty of the prairie and serves as a powerful model for reconnecting fragmented ecosystems nationwide.

Mountain landscape with blue sky in background

More than 325,000 acres of Chilean Patagonia now protected after “remarkable” local fundraising

In a monumental victory for grassroots conservation, a local coalition has successfully raised 78 million dollars to purchase and protect approximately 328,000 acres of pristine wilderness in Chilean Patagonia. This massive area, known as Hacienda Pucheguin, is home to ancient alerce forests, glaciers, and endangered wildlife like the huemul deer. The initiative, led by the NGO Puelo Patagonia, prevents industrial development and establishes a new model for private conservation that integrates sustainable ecotourism and community stewardship.

Leopard in a tree

West Coast region of South Africa sees leopard return after 170 years

In a stunning conservation milestone, a Cape leopard has been spotted on South Africa’s West Coast for the first time in over 170 years. The historic sighting, confirmed by camera trap footage, signals a major recovery of the local ecosystem. The return of this apex predator suggests that natural wildlife corridors are reopening and prey populations are rebounding. This event is a powerful testament to the resilience of nature and the success of long-term habitat protection efforts in the region.

Syringe extracting from a vaccine vial

Malaria vaccine price cut set to protect 7 million more children by 2030

A landmark agreement between Gavi and UNICEF has secured a major price reduction for the R21 malaria vaccine, lowering the cost from $3.90 to under $3 per dose. This 25% price cut is expected to save $90 million, allowing for the purchase of 30 million additional doses. This financial breakthrough accelerates the goal of vaccinating 50 million children across Africa by 2030, providing a critical new tool to save lives and reduce the burden of this deadly disease.

Milu deer

China’s milu deer achieves stunning population recovery

The world is celebrating a monumental conservation success: the Pere David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) has made a remarkable recovery from near-extinction. This unique species, often called the “milu” or “elaphure,” was saved through decades of dedicated human effort and international cooperation. The global population has rebounded from a low of just 39 individuals to an estimated 8,200 today. This achievement demonstrates the immense power of conservation science and captive breeding programs.

Salmon jumping

Salmon reach Upper Klamath River Basin for first time in over 100 years

The Klamath River Basin is celebrating a profound ecological comeback. While salmon returned to the lower river immediately after dam removal in 2024, they have now reached the Upper Klamath Basin for the first time. This unprecedented migration, confirmed by tribal and state monitoring crews, has successfully opened nearly 400 miles of ancestral spawning habitat. This is the largest river restoration project in US history, led by the Yurok, Karuk, and Hoopa Valley Tribes.

Humpback whales underwater

Eastern Australian humpback whale population now back to pre-whaling levels

A monumental conservation victory has been achieved with the recovery of the Eastern Australian humpback whale population. Once decimated, the population has rebounded to over 50,000 individuals, surpassing pre-whaling levels. This success, confirmed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), proves the power of sustained international protection. By securing their migration corridor and enforcing a global ban, humanity successfully reversed the species’ decline.

Sea turtle

Green sea turtle saved from extinction in major conservation victory

The green sea turtle population has rebounded so successfully that several populations have been removed from the Endangered Species List maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature ($\text{IUCN}$). This success specifically applies to populations in places like Florida and the Pacific coast of Mexico. Nesting numbers have surged by several hundred percent in key areas. By securing Marine Protected Areas and guarding vulnerable beaches, conservationists have proven that dedicated human action can reverse the decline of threatened species.

Marina near Lake Muskegon and Lake Michigan

Michigan’s Lake Muskegon flourishing after years of pollution cleanup

A massive $84 million cleanup has led to the full ecological recovery of Lake Muskegon in Michigan. The lake was formally removed from the federal Areas of Concern list after decades of effort. This success restores the lake’s water quality and wildlife habitat, eliminating industrial contamination like sawdust and toxic sediment. The achievement is a powerful blueprint for environmental healing, proving that sustained public investment can fully revitalize damaged natural resources.

Jaguar

Mexico’s jaguar numbers up 30% since 2020 in conservation drive

Mexico is celebrating a major conservation success with a recent surge in its jaguar population, which increased by approximately 30% since 2010, according to the national census. This achievement is the result of strong national investment and strategic protection of habitat corridors. By reducing human-wildlife conflict through compensation schemes, organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society secured the future of this umbrella species.