Mongabay

A nice piece about the challenges Australia's bigfeet, aka macropods, face. Great to see a cracking photo of Australia's best macropod, the antilopine wallaroo/kangaroo, in the article. Some comments from me too. news.mongabay.com/2026/10/worl... - @cooperwilliams.bsky.social @mongabay.com

As extreme weather drives climate migration in Bangladesh, secondary cities remain unprepared to protect arriving populations. A study warns that without supportive policies for housing & employment, moving away from environmental threats exposes families to risks. Fellow Usraat Fahmidah reports.

Sri Lanka mourns the loss of beloved tusker Kavantissa as public anger grows over the escalating human-elephant conflict. Amid calls for clinical reviews of his care, conservationists argue that bold action is needed to save the nation’s remaining tuskers. Malaka Rodrigo reports for #Mongabay.

Facing declining yields from extreme weather, tea farmers in Taiwan’s Alishan region are abandoning conventional practices. By adopting sustainable, nature-based approaches and wild-grown cultivation, growers are helping their crops weather mounting ecological pressures. Aylin Ho reports.

A 1,000-year study shows Australia’s wildfire crisis stems from colonial disruption of Indigenous burning. For centuries, Gunaikurnai stewardship prevented catastrophic fires, but halting traditional practices quadrupled flammable forest cover long before modern warming. Learn more. 👇️

Corals hold a chemical record of ocean pollution, a new study reveals. By analyzing coral tissues in Hawaii, scientists identified 25 contaminants from cosmetics, drugs, and agriculture, showing how chronic local pollution erodes reef resilience to marine heatwaves. Edward Carver reports.

Environmental groups and local communities in Mexico are calling for an immediate end to road construction inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Advocates urge courts to uphold injunctions, warning that infrastructure projects risk permanent damage to coastal ecosystems. Maxwell Radwin reports.

As Canada’s North warms faster than almost anywhere else, 15 young plaintiffs begin a historic trial challenging federal climate policy. They argue that inadequate emissions targets infringe on their constitutional rights by devastating traditional ways of life. By Elizabeth Rusch for #Mongabay.

In a historic runoff victory, President Lula defeated Flávio Bolsonaro, who campaigned on rolling back Amazon protections. With four consecutive years of declining deforestation, Lula promised to strengthen climate policy even as congressional opposition looms. Read more. 👇️ mongabay.cc/GsDGDR

Mining and cattle ranching have wiped out nearly 33,000 hectares of natural water across four Amazonian river basins. A new investigation by Vanessa Romo for @mongabaylatam.bsky.social reveals how deforestation and pollution threaten the water security of 74 Indigenous groups across the region.

With the giant El Niño looming, environmental agencies and police authorities are investigating possible deliberately set fires in Amazonas, with 11 suspects arrested. Tiago da Mota e Silva on @mongabay.com news.mongabay.com/2026/10/amaz...

Driven by climate-induced ocean warming, 96% of coral reefs are on track to become critically endangered within 50 years, an IUCN report warns. Protecting these marine hubs, which support 25% of ocean life, depends on urgent climate action and tackling local threats. Learn more. 👇️

To stop diving seabirds from drowning in fishing nets, a study tested bird-of-prey kites and googly-eyed buoys, cutting guillemot and razorbill bycatch significantly. While weather and habituation pose limits, short seasonal uses offer a promising fix. Liz Kimbrough reports for #Mongabay.

Vast carbon sinks and vital water regulators, Venezuela’s moriche palm forests are under rising pressure. Biologist Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Mercado argues that protecting this "tree of life" requires integrating science with Indigenous knowledge. Interview by Diego Ávila Muskus for #Mongabay.

In a major ecological milestone, Brazil’s Amazon deforestation fell to 3,335 sq km over the past year, a record low since satellite monitoring began in 1988. Deforestation in the agricultural Cerrado savanna also hit historic lows following sustained policy interventions. Learn more. 👇️

A toxic leak from a copper processing plant has polluted Zambia’s Kafue River, altering its color, taste, and smell. With local communities facing contaminated drinking water, advocates demand real-time infrastructure oversight and transparent heavy-metal testing. Chisapi Kumbutso reports.

Facing rising international interest in its offshore resources, Greenland’s parliament has acted to suspend seabed mining until at least 2029. Advocates stress that protecting pristine waters is crucial for the nation’s economy, which relies heavily on sustainable fisheries. Learn more. 👇️

The death of Kavantissa, Sri Lanka’s tallest elephant, from gunshot wounds has sparked widespread public outrage. In response, authorities are launching daily raids to confiscate illegal firearms, while international animal rights groups urge elephant repatriations. Kamanthi Wickramasinghe reports.

Catastrophic fires in Borneo are destroying critical habitat for endangered orangutans. With more than 48,500 hectares burned in West Kalimantan this year, rescue teams have saved over 50 displaced orangutans as emergency operations race against the flames. Story by Garry Lotulung for #Mongabay.

After 58 sloths died at a Florida roadside attraction, a bipartisan bill in U.S. Congress seeks to ban wild sloth imports. The proposed SLOTHS Act aims to end commercial trade and protect these sensitive animals from fatal exploitation and transit stress. Bobby Bascomb reports for #Mongabay.

Snow leopards face rising threats from climate change and human conflict across High Asia. On World Snow Leopard Day, experts emphasize that long-term survival depends on protecting wild prey, establishing cross-border corridors, and supporting local herding communities. mongabay.cc/QZrRYY

Meeting the 30×30 target requires more than expanding park boundaries. A new report reveals millions of hectares of tropical protected areas overlap with extractive concessions, urging #COP17 delegates to restrict industrial activity and uphold Indigenous land rights. By @aimeegabay.bsky.social.

Seabirds and native forests are key to keeping low-lying islands above rising seas. A new study finds that nutrient-rich guano and native trees accelerate reef growth, helping rat-free atolls keep pace with sea-level rise under 2°C of global warming. Ruth Kamnitzer reports for #Mongabay.

Despite declining federal funding, silvopasture is gaining ground with U.S. farmers. Combining trees, pasture, and livestock, this agroforestry method offers crucial shade during heatwaves while enhancing farm biodiversity and long-term climate resilience. Story by @erikhoffner.bsky.social.

Complaints of harassment and violence filed with the Federal District Labor Prosecutor’s Office nearly tripled during Jair Bolsonaro’s four-year term. @bykarlamendes.bsky.social on @mongabay.com news.mongabay.com/2026/10/envi...

[Commentary] Meeting in Yerevan near Mount Ararat, delegates at CBD COP17 face a modern "Noah’s Ark" moment. In a new op-ed, @mightyearth.org founder and CEO Glenn Hurowitz calls on world leaders to chart a bold new course for global biodiversity conservation before it’s too late.

From fetching water to surviving floods, Kenyan women carry the heaviest weight of climate impacts. A report highlights why climate financing and just transition policies must address unpaid care work and ensure affected communities have a real seat at the table. Fellow Ouma Elvine Tina reports.

Heavy rain at the wrong time is disrupting West African cacao production. Research in Ghana reveals that extreme rainfall during the flowering period directly damages crops, adding new climate pressures on farmers & fueling rising global chocolate prices. Victoria Schneider reports for #Mongabay.

Todas as conquistas e acordos de reparação histórica a favor dos povos indígenas, desde 2023, poderão ser anulados se o candidato de extrema-direita Flávio Bolsonaro for eleito presidente. Minha matéria para @mongabay.com. Edição @alexdesanti.bsky.social brasil.mongabay.com/2026/10/ativ...

With nearly half of migratory bird species in decline, Mozambique’s Maputo National Park highlights the vital role of habitat protection. Bridging the Arctic and Southern Africa, its wetlands offer essential refuge and food for species on long journeys. Wilson Odhiambo reports for #Mongabay.

Rising temperatures and heatwaves are creating a severe health crisis for Bangladesh’s garment workers. With limited health data and rising economic losses, experts urge enforceable standards and shared accountability among governments, factories, and global brands. Fellow Usraat Fahmidah reports.

A landslide in Sumatra killed four illegal gold miners, just months after nine died in a similar disaster. Driven by record global gold prices, over 20 million small-scale miners worldwide face deadly landslips and exposure to neurotoxic mercury to make a living. Read the full story.

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Six belugas relocated from Marineland Canada to aquariums in the US and Spain have died after a two-month rescue effort. Marine biologists cite years of neglect at the closed facility, sparking urgent calls from conservationists to phase out cetacean captivity globally. Spoorthy Raman reports.

Heavily hunted for fins and meat, the vulnerable silky shark is in sharp decline. Costa Rica, responsible for 82% of global exports, now faces international pressure and a potential trade ban if it fails to prove its commercial fishing practices are sustainable. @alexmegerle.bsky.social reports.

A #Mongabay investigation shows U.S. deep-sea mining claims in the Pacific now equal half the area managed by the U.N. International Seabed Authority. These overlapping high-seas claims spark intense legal conflicts and threaten fragile deep-sea ecosystems. Story by @elizabethalberts.bsky.social.

Dados de relatórios apontam que o número de denúncias por assédio e violência no Ministério Público do Trabalho do Distrito Federal quase triplicou durante os quatro anos da gestão de Jair Bolsonaro. @bykarlamendes.bsky.social on @mongabay.com brasil.mongabay.com/2026/10/ja-v...

Fake wildlife shots but it’s not AI. This is horrible but a great investigation by @mongabay.com www.instagram.com/reel/DexY84s...

[Commentary] Aid cuts are creating severe conservation funding gaps, but Maliasili CEO Fred Nelson argues this crisis offers a chance for reform. Expanding Indigenous-led funds and direct donor partnerships can shift control, and resources, back to frontline communities. mongabay.cc/H3Z99G

Ever wondered if a wildlife photo was staged? "Photography game farms" use captive animals for awards and stock photos, misleading viewers. Learn more in this episode of the 'Conservation, Entangled' series by Izzy Sasada. Find all the episodes in Mongabay's YouTube! mongabay.cc/Conservation...

In the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, women are single-handedly keeping native Indian honey bees alive. Using traditional "wall hives" built into homes, they care for pollinators facing climate change, habitat loss, and modern architecture. Read the full story by Swati Thapa for #Mongabay.

Caring for a third of Australia isn't just Indigenous conservation, it's vital for the whole planet. This week on the Mongabay Newscast, CEO Samantha Murray shares with @mikedigirolamo.bsky.social how the Indigenous Desert Alliance combines tech with traditional knowledge to restore wildlife.

Invasive sea urchins are destroying Tasmania’s kelp forests. While a government-backed commercial fishery helped restore marine ecosystems, researchers warn that a shift to short-term funding cycles threatens harvesters and puts kelp recovery on wobbly ground. Amina McCauley reports for #Mongabay.

Recycled glass sand could help restore Louisiana’s rapidly eroding coast without harming native marine life. A study found no safety differences compared to natural sediment, offering a promising alternative to destructive sand mining. Story by Fernanda Biasoli for #Mongabay.

Brazil’s first Ministry of Indigenous Peoples has secured 20 land demarcations and cut illegal gold mining in Yanomami land by 98%. But Minister Eloy Terena warns these historical gains could be undone if far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro wins the election. @bykarlamendes.bsky.social reports.

[Founder's Briefs] As governments gather at COP17 to review global biodiversity targets, success hinges on local action. From restoring habitats for Tanzania's electric-blue gecko to supporting frontline defenders, lasting conservation requires permanent funding and support. By Rhett Ayers Butler.

Chemical pesticides threaten the health of farmworkers & rural communities in South Africa. As researchers explore alternatives like RNAi sprays, environmental advocates highlight critical safety gaps, and call for safer, proven biopesticides to protect workers. Anna Weekes reports for #Mongabay.