Conservation Success Stories Amidst Gloominess of 2020

Conservation success stories abound despite the gloominess of 2020. This year, as everyone knows, has been chaotic, gloomy, and filled with horror stories that are best left forgotten, though their lessons should remain in our memory.

Despite the pandemic that has been attributed to the zoonotic transmission of a virus caused by the illegal wildlife trade, 2020 still had surprising conservation success stories that keep us optimistic about our future.

We feature some of the most impactful and unique stories here.

READ: Scientists found 20 New Species in Zongo Valley Bolivia

New langur and lemur species

Lemurs are among the most endangered species of animals, having 98% lemur species threatened and 31% critically endangered. This year, however, scientists described a new lemur species, the tiny Microcebus jonahi or Jonah's mouse lemur, which was named after respected primatologist Jonah Ratsimbazafy.

Describing new lemur species is not easy, because they don't look different from their relatives. Improved genetic analyses help to detect taxonomic differences. According to scientist Marina Blanco, years were spent identifying these new species.

Mouse lemurs are among the most diverse lemur groups, occupying every forest habitat and type. They are microendemics who are restricted to certain forests and specialize in resources not available elsewhere.

Another new species discovered this year is Trachypithecus popa, the Popa Langur, using DNA analysis on droppings and morphological characteristics. It is found in Myanmar, near Mount Popa, with only 200 individuals. 

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Conservation win for indigenous peoples and Arctic animals

Northern Quebec has a new protected area announced last November, as part of Canada's promise to protect 30% of the country's area by the year 2030 as well as Target 1 Challenge of Canada Nature Fund.

It is a 1.4M-dollar project creating the IPCA or Arqvilliit Indigenous Protected & Conserved Area on Arctic Canada's Ottawa Islands. It is a win for the polar bears, whales, and other fauna in the arctic as well as a climate gain and successful Indigenous conservation engagement.

According to Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson, it advances the goal of fighting the climate crisis, halting biodiversity loss, and reconciling with the Nunavik Inuit through polar bear habitat conservation.

World leaders sign "30 by 2030 "Agreement

At the start of this year, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity wrote the framework for the 30 by 2030, which aims to protect 30% of the land and waters of signatory countries. This has been proposed for years by scientists and conservation groups.

A total of 71 countries signed the commitment for the biodiversity framework post-2020. Last October, the EU's Environment Council also pledged its support for the multilateral environmental agreement.

Conservation Diversity Goes Viral

George Floyd's death and other atrocities on colored people spurred BIPOC and conservationists to highlight issues on equality and equity in the conservation field. From this arose Black Birders Week, an initiative for promoting diversity and tackling racism.

This cast a spotlight on scientists who are people of color. It also inspired the National Wildlife Federation to expand its program on conservation fellowship and interns to give opportunities to young biologists who are people of color and help more of them launch conservation careers.

The return of the Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils disappeared from mainland Australia as recently as 400 years ago, but have now made their comeback in New South Wales.

The iconic species experienced a rapid decline in population due to habitat loss as well as transmissible cancer. It is currently endangered.

Aussie Ark has worked for its conservation for years; Devils were bred in captivity and were recently reintroduced. Early this year, 15 captive-bred individuals were released. Last September, an additional 11 were released with help from Australian Chris Hemsworth.

The Devil is an ecological engineer, which restores and rebalances the ecology of the forest from devastation by introduced cats and foxes and various other invasive predator species. Additional releases are being planned.

May these conservation success stories increase as we leave 2020 behind and welcome the new year. 

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