Latest news with #rainforest
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Lost for 62 Years Then Found Alive': Ultra-Rare Egg-Laying Mammal Resurfaces in Remote Indonesian Rainforest Against All Odds
IN A NUTSHELL 🦔 Scientists have rediscovered the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna in the Indonesian rainforest after being thought extinct for over 60 years. the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna in the Indonesian rainforest after being thought extinct for over 60 years. 📷 The discovery was made using camera traps and indigenous knowledge, capturing 110 photographs confirming the species' existence. and indigenous knowledge, capturing 110 photographs confirming the species' existence. 🌿 The echidna is one of only five living species of egg-laying mammals , belonging to an ancient lineage known as monotremes. , belonging to an ancient lineage known as monotremes. 🔍 This finding underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the role of technology in wildlife discovery and protection. In an extraordinary turn of events, scientists have confirmed the rediscovery of the Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, a species thought to be extinct for over six decades. This remarkable find was made deep in the Indonesian rainforests, reviving hopes for the survival of this ancient species. Named after the legendary naturalist David Attenborough, this species is one of the Earth's few egg-laying mammals, known for its spiky fur and distinctive beak. Often called 'living fossils,' echidnas have an ancient lineage, believed to have originated around 200 million years ago during the era of dinosaurs. The photographic evidence of this elusive creature has been a breakthrough in the scientific community, shedding light on the biodiversity hidden within the depths of our planet's rainforests. Finding Elusive Echidna The rediscovery of the long-beaked echidna, known scientifically as Zaglossus attenboroughi, marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation. The species had not been recorded in over 60 years, with the last known observation being a dead specimen now housed in the Treasure Room of the Naturalis Museum in the Netherlands. In 2023, an expedition from Oxford University to the remote Cyclops Mountains, located 6,561 feet above sea level, provided the first glimmer of hope. During this expedition, researchers deployed modern scientific techniques, including camera-trapping, and set up 73 camera traps across a 2.7 square mile area. These traps were strategically placed along animal trails and ridgelines, where potential echidna 'nose-pokes' were found — these are holes created by echidnas while foraging for invertebrates underground. Local indigenous knowledge played a crucial role in this discovery. Generations of local communities had reported sightings of the echidna, and their insights were invaluable in guiding the search. The combined efforts of modern science and traditional knowledge culminated in the capture of 110 photographs from 26 separate events, providing irrefutable proof that Attenborough's long-beaked echidna is alive and thriving in the Cyclops Mountains. This rediscovery not only highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge in scientific research but also emphasizes the significance of collaboration between local communities and scientists in preserving biodiversity. 'Predator Found at 26,000 Feet': Scientists Discover First-Ever Hunter Living in the Abyss of an 8,000-Meter Ocean Trench Unique Evolutionary History The long-beaked echidna is one of only five living species of egg-laying mammals, belonging to an ancient lineage called monotremes. These creatures diverged from other mammals over 200 million years ago, making them some of the planet's most enigmatic 'lost species.' The rediscovery of Zaglossus attenboroughi underscores the importance of conserving a unique evolutionary history that connects us to the distant past. Previously found in the Oenaka Range of Papua New Guinea, the Cyclops Mountains now serve as the only confirmed modern stronghold for this distinct species. The significance of this discovery extends beyond the survival of a single species. It offers hope for the preservation of other 'lost species' amidst a global biodiversity crisis. With more than 2,000 so-called lost species identified, some may indeed be extinct, yet rediscoveries like this prove that others survive, especially in regions where biological research has been limited. This find is a beacon of hope, encouraging further exploration and study of the world's unexplored regions. Biologists Alarmed as Newly Discovered Chain Reaction Threatens to Trigger Mass Extinction Across Multiple Species Worldwide Conservation Efforts and Global Implications The confirmation of the long-beaked echidna's existence is a call to action for conservationists worldwide. Protecting this species and its habitat in the Indonesian rainforest is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. The findings, published in the journal NPJ Biodiversity, highlight the need for heightened conservation efforts and increased awareness of the challenges faced by unique habitats. Conservationists are now focused on creating strategies to safeguard the echidna's environment from threats such as deforestation and habitat degradation. The international scientific community must collaborate with local governments and organizations to ensure the protection of this ancient species. This rediscovery also prompts a reevaluation of conservation priorities, urging policymakers to consider the ecological value of species that have been overlooked or presumed extinct. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever The Role of Technology in Wildlife Discovery The rediscovery of the long-beaked echidna underscores the transformative role of technology in wildlife conservation. The use of camera traps and other modern scientific methods has proven invaluable in documenting and monitoring elusive species. These technologies enable researchers to gather data in challenging environments, providing insights into the behaviors and habitats of species that are difficult to study through traditional means. As technology continues to evolve, its application in wildlife research is likely to expand, offering new opportunities to explore and understand the natural world. This case highlights the potential for technological advancements to revolutionize conservation efforts, making it possible to rediscover and protect species that would otherwise remain hidden. The integration of technology with traditional knowledge and conservation strategies is essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by biodiversity loss in the 21st century. The rediscovery of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna serves as a powerful reminder of the mysteries that still lie hidden within our planet's ecosystems. This finding raises important questions about how many other 'lost species' might be waiting to be found and what steps we can take to protect these invaluable treasures. How can we continue to balance technological advancements with traditional knowledge to ensure the survival of our planet's most extraordinary creatures? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (23)
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Luxury Meets Birdwatching At Costa Rica's Hotel Three Sixty
Hotel Three Sixty officially opened in 2017. Dominated by towering volcanoes and vast swathes of rainforest, the Central American country of Costa Rica comes equipped with a staggering array of different landscapes to explore—and as an added bonus, this scenic nation has also mastered the delicate balance of conservation and tourism. With more than a quarter of its land protected through national parks and reserves, there's plenty of pristine wilderness to explore across the country, with Hotel Three Sixty serving as the perfect base for a front-row seat to its fascinating flora and fauna. Equipped with just 12 villas, this tranquil, adults-only property offers an in-depth immersion into the splendor of the Costa Rican countryside, with 58 acres of preserved rainforest to explore across the estate. While the hotel doubles as a top-tier relaxation destination thanks to its open-air infinity pool and full-service spa, visiting ecotourists can spend their stay strolling along the many nature trails snaking through the surrounding woods, with iconic Costa Rican creatures like the white-nosed coati, capuchin monkey and three-toed sloth all calling the area home—and while Hotel Three Sixty is a top destination for encountering wildlife, it's far from the only venue worth visiting across Puntarenas Province. Capuchin monkeys are a common sight throughout Costa Rica's jungles. Located just an hour away from Hotel Three Sixty, the Swarovski Optik Rainforest acts as a crucial haven for Costa Rican flora and fauna, coming equipped with 285 acres of protected land between Piedras Blancas National Park and Corcovado National Park. As of right now, the preserve isn't open for public tours, but Hotel Three Sixty guests are welcome to explore its splendor with the 'A Swarovski Optik View of Ojochal' package, a concept that comes complete with transportation to the rainforest, a guide to the region's most commonly-spotted birds and a pair of CL Curio binoculars to take back home. Upon arrival to the Swarovski Optik Rainforest, visitors have the opportunity to spot a truly staggering array of plants and animals, with well over 1,000 species recorded across preserve limits over the years. In terms of avian life, the treetops play host to renowned Costa Rican species like the red-lored amazon, turquoise cotinga and slaty-tailed trogon, while lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of a scarlet macaw soaring overhead—but it's not just birds that call the surrounding region home. Amphibians are common throughout the reserve, with the Golfodulcean poison frog being a particularly interesting endemic species, and Costa Rica as a whole is also renowned for its high diversity of moths and butterflies, with the Swarovski Optik Rainforest at-the-ready to set up overnight moth lamps to ensure prime viewing conditions. Costa Rica is home to six toucan species. Though high-end lodges abound across Costa Rica, Hotel Three Sixty has mastered the art of relaxation and outdoor adventure, offering a wealth of lavish amenities mingled with top-tier wildlife experiences—and to sweeten the deal, the Swarovski Optik Rainforest is just an hour away. For any seasoned birdwatchers hoping to cross a few megaticks off of their life list, this polished hotel offers ideal accommodations, providing guests with a chance to set off into the pristine wilderness each morning amidst the relaxing hum of Costa Rica's native fauna. As you plan your next adventure in the jungles of Central America, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a stay at this luxurious lodge.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Science
- Malay Mail
Why Malaysia's smallest bear matters — and what we need to do to save them
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — The sun bear, the world's smallest bear species, is often easy to overlook. Yet this shy, fuzzy creature plays a vital role in maintaining the health of Malaysia's rainforests — from dispersing seeds to creating homes for other animals. Despite this, many Malaysians remain unaware that the sun bear lives in their own forests, or that it is one of the most endangered bear species in the world. Conservationist Wong Siew Te has dedicated years to changing that, working to show how these bears are essential for sustaining rainforest ecosystems. However, he says much remains to be done. How are they important? Wong said one of their 'jobs' is as seed dispersers — they help regenerate trees by eating fruits and excreting the seeds far from the mother tree. They also feed on termites, controlling populations that attack mother trees. When they feed on stingless bees, they carve out cavities in the trees that later become nesting sites for hornbills and flying squirrels. 'They are also 'food providers', as a lot of animals actually follow the sun bears around, and when the bears feed on something, they often leave behind scraps that are picked up by pheasants and other birds,' Wong told Malay Mail in an interview. 'This is why they are known as the umbrella species whose protection helps countless other animals.' Do enough people know? For the past 17 years, Wong and his team have been working to raise awareness about sun bears and educate the public on their significance in rainforests. 'I think we managed to reach out to people but not a lot,' he said. Wong said he hopes to see information on wildlife conservation and environmental protection included in the school curriculum. 'Every kid will grow up knowing that there are wildlife and sun bears because still many people do not know that there is a bear called sun bear that lives in their own country,' he added. 'More Malaysians understand about the sun bears today compared to the past, but not all Malaysians know the existence of the sun bears, so this is something we need to catch up on before it is too late,' said Wong. Meeting the sun bears In 1998, Wong arrived in Sabah to conduct research for his Master's degree, which required him to study wild sun bears. 'I happened to be one of the first — to study the sun bears — and I got to discover a lot of amazing things about them and knew how important they are. 'But when I came out of the forest, I saw another extreme — which is deforestation, logging and poaching, it was very sad,' he said. That project eventually led Wong to start a conservation centre. In 2004, Wong received a travel grant from Woodland Park Zoo in the US to travel across Sabah, Sarawak and West Malaysia, to try to understand the situation of the captured sun bears in these three regions. 'The findings were actually quite shocking because so many sun bears are being kept in captivity as pets or display animals in roadside zoos, crocodile farms, and none of these bears were being treated nicely or housed in proper facilities,' he said. Today, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is 17 years old. Poached, eaten and kept as pets However, despite Wong's conservation efforts for the sun bears, threats remain high. 'The biggest threat to the sun bears is still deforestation especially in West Malaysia. After that is hunting and poaching, and followed by sun bears as pets,' he said. Wong said that habitat fragmentation forces the bears to cross roads to find food or shelter, where they often end up as roadkill. He added that in the black market, sun bear paws go for about RM5,000 in West Malaysia and RM2,000 in Sabah — based on checks from before the Covid-19 pandemic. 'So what happens is when the mother bear is killed, the bear cub will be placed in the black market for sale," Wong said. He advised the public to immediately report such cases to the authorities if they come across them. 'Offering money — even to buy the bears as a rescue effort will keep the market alive,' he added. Wong said that while sun bears are protected by strict laws in most parts of Malaysia, in Sarawak the penalties for harming them are much lighter. 'I have been pushing for a stricter law in Sarawak but it's a lot of work and it will take time.' The brighter side Wong said that in recent years, the centre has had to rescue fewer bear cubs, especially from those who used to keep them as pets. 'It's much less, but it's not completely eliminated. So 17 years of work and trying to educate the public, there are still very stubborn people. 'Just two weeks ago, there was another sun bear in West Malaysia that went into someone's house, Perhilitan believes that it's someone's house pet,' he added. What does the centre still need? The BSBCC was thriving, self-sustaining from eco-tourism, until Covid-19 brought the world to a halt. The centre lost its main income — tourists. 'No tourists, no income. But the bears still needed food, medicine and care. Our costs remained high,' he said. That was when Wong reached out to the Hasanah Foundation — under sovereign wealth fund Khazanah — which then established a new funding category for animal welfare. 'The grant helped cover bear food, medicine, and partial salaries for bear keepers during the pandemic,' he said. Looking ahead to 2026, when the sun bear will serve as the Visit Malaysia mascot, Wong said this recognition will help raise global awareness about conservation efforts for the Malaysian bear. 'I'm looking forward to tourists coming to the centre to learn more about the sun bears. 'At the same time, more tourists means more income for the conservation centre,' he added.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- BBC News
The land has stories: Explore Biausevu Waterfall with walking guide Seini Nonu
To Seini Nonu, walking guide at Biausevu Waterfall, the land is more than just a place. 'It has stories,' she says. 'Passed down through the wind, the rivers, the trees.' Located inland from Fiji's Coral Coast, Biausevu is one of the region's most visited waterfalls, accessed via a 30-minute walk through rainforest, starting from Biausevu Village. Seini shares how she feels connected to the land and the freedom she experiences as she walks the path that leads to the cascades. 'Happiness isn't about rushing. It's about being present,' she reflects. 'When you walk here, you don't just see Fiji. You feel it.'
Forbes
09-06-2025
- Science
- Forbes
The Planet Is Burning — But Proven Solutions Are Within Reach
In 2024, the world lost 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary rainforest, the highest level of loss in at least two decades. That's nearly double the destruction recorded in 2023. Fires were the main culprit, fueled by record heat, prolonged drought, and a failure to enforce environmental protections. But, amid the devastation, there is a powerful truth that is too often overlooked: we already know how to stop this. New data from the University of Maryland's GLAD lab, published by Global Forest Watch, shows that the tropics lost forest at a blistering pace of 18 football fields per minute in 2024. The 3.1 gigatons of carbon released into the atmosphere from this single year of forest destruction was greater than India's entire annual fossil fuel emissions. The world's primary rainforests, vital for regulating climate, storing carbon, and preserving biodiversity, are disappearing before our eyes. In Cambodia, where Wildlife Alliance has worked for more than two decades, we have helped protect over 1.4 million hectares of rainforest in the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia's last intact forest ecosystems. This isn't symbolic protection; tangible, measurable, boots-on-the-ground conservation has kept the forest standing. Independent evaluations have shown that Wildlife Alliance's direct protection model is among the most effective in Southeast Asia at preventing deforestation in real-time. By integrating satellite surveillance, ranger deployment, and community incentives, we have created a replicable approach that can be adapted for other threatened forests around the world. Our approach combines law enforcement, technology, and community engagement through direct partnerships with the Cambodian government, Indigenous communities, and local authorities. We fund and manage ranger patrols, build capacity for rapid enforcement, and use satellite data to detect threats before they escalate. The result? In the areas we patrol and manage, satellite data shows forest clearance has fallen to near zero. We are not alone. In 2024, Indonesia and Malaysia reduced their primary forest loss. Their success was also no accident. It was the product of consistent government policies, corporate accountability, and better fire prevention. In southern Bolivia, the Charagua Iyambae Indigenous Territory showed what's possible when early warning systems and community land governance are taken seriously. Despite the flames raging across Latin America, this area stayed intact thanks to foresight, training, and local leadership. Yet such examples remain the exception, not the rule. Smoke from wildfires blankets forests south of the Orinoco River, Venezuela (March 26, 2024) Alarmingly, Global Forest Watch reports that the 2024 fire season devastated forests across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Nicaragua, and Mexico, much of it tied to agricultural expansion, mining, and weak governance. Bolivia saw a 200% increase in forest loss. Brazil alone accounted for 42% of all tropical forest destruction, with illegal soy and cattle farming driving deforestation deep into the Amazon. In Central America, forest fires burned through protected areas and Indigenous lands, often with ties to organized crime. In Africa's Congo Basin, the world's second-largest rainforest, forest loss also reached record highs, driven by charcoal production, smallholder agriculture, and land pressures made worse by violent conflict. These are complex challenges. But complexity is not an excuse for inaction. Too often, international climate finance goes to ideas still being tested or to 'capacity building' projects with little real-world enforcement impact. Meanwhile, field-tested models like ours, which deliver verifiable results, struggle to scale due to a lack of funding. The gap between rhetoric and reality is growing wider every year. If we are serious about halting and reversing deforestation by 2030 — a promise made by over 140 countries in the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration — we must act differently. First, we need more vigorous enforcement. Whether through national ranger programs or Indigenous-led patrols, the world must invest in proper protection on the ground. This includes satellite monitoring, rapid-response teams, and legal action against illegal deforestation. Second, we must scale what works. Proven conservation models — as in Cambodia, Bolivia's Indigenous territories, and parts of Indonesia — need finance to expand. These efforts must be rewarded based on verified results, not good intentions. Third, the global community must confront the reality that commodity production and deforestation remain tightly linked. Cattle, soy, palm oil, and mining continue to push deeper into tropical forests. Voluntary commitments are not enough; market countries must enforce laws like the EU Deforestation Regulation and ensure companies are not profiting from environmental destruction. Fourth, Indigenous communities must be empowered and financed as frontline protectors of the world's forests. They are already doing this work, often without support or recognition. The world must back them, not just with words, but with resources, legal protection, and land rights. And finally, forest protection must be treated as a frontline climate solution. Forests are carbon sinks, natural air conditioners, and buffers against extreme weather. Letting them burn undermines every other climate goal. The forest loss in 2024 should be a turning point, shaking us out of complacency. But we've seen data like this before and still the money, policies, and enforcement needed to turn the tide remain insufficient. Wildlife Alliance stands ready to help scale what works. We don't need another conference or another set of promises. We need action grounded in science, delivered in partnership, and driven by urgency. The forests are burning. We have the tools to stop it. The question is not whether we know what to do but whether we will do it.
