Cloud Seeding Delhi turns to cloud seeding to spur rain, curb pollution https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/delhi-turns-cloud-seeding-spur-rain-curb-pollution-2025-10-28/ Deforestation Investors managing $3 trillion in assets urge countries to stop deforestation https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/investors-managing-3-trillion-in-assets-urge-countries-to-stop-deforestation/ar-AA1OPdyt Fish Salmon seen for first time in century after historic Calif. dam removal https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/salmon-seen-for-first-time-in-century-after-historic-calif-dam-removal/ar-AA1PgTm4 California Phases Out The Last Set Gillnets https://ktla.com/news/california/california-passes-law-to-phase-out-gillnet-fishing-in-state-waters-to-protect-underwater-wildlife/

Wins Green turtle bounces back from brink in conservation 'win' https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg426qqqqnro Australian Court issues major ruling impacting beloved endangered creatures: 'Today is a win' https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/court-issues-major-ruling-impacting-023000938.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWNvc2lhLm9yZy8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ9vDCng51YwZcXjcpTcnXqTlRspKJmevErxGOdhj0OeF0LzjfAqCdf5rlehlNuCRdCeFghJ9cNnF6wEwO2XjTW0YcHdDGnQiSCu7sJ8dD4rKwXUFU5nZVmnLl3GVMwx53qu41GCSYAMTsV_zOYxEi0xyXmaMYtR_sblS6uhUAe6 Amazon Communities Deliver “Unprecedented” Conservation Wins https://scitechdaily.com/amazon-communities-deliver-unprecedented-conservation-wins/ UNESCO Adds an Area the Size of Bolivia to Biosphere Reserve System to Protect 5% of the World's Land https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/unesco-adds-an-area-the-size-of-bolivia-to-biosphere-reserve-system-to-protect-5-of-the-worlds-land/

On today’s Conservation Conversations episode we talk with Dr. Kelton McMahon. Dr. McMahon is an associate professor in biological oceanography and runs the ocean Ecogeochemistry lab at the University of Rhode Island graduate school of oceanography. We really dive into the science on this one, but I promise it all comes together perfectly. Enjoy our conversation with Dr. McMahon! Please check out the Ecogeochemistry lab’s website and find Kelton on Social Media if you want to follow their work!. https://keltonmcmahon.com/ @oceanecogeochemlab Host and producer is Austin Parker Music was provided by A Picture Book studio Don't forget to like comment and subscribe if you want to help Thank you again to the sponsor of this episode Tidal Influence. Check out their website for more information and how you can get involved: http://www.tidalinfluence.com/

System change $115M gift — the largest ever for ASU — to establish School of Conservation Futures https://news.asu.edu/20250922-environment-and-sustainability-115M-gift-largest-ever-asu-establishes-walton-school-conservation-futures 'Something is working': UN climate chief optimistic about green transition https://www.worldenergydata.org/something-is-working-un-climate-chief-optimistic-about-green-transition/ Infrastructure Recycled glass could help fend off coastal erosion https://www.sciencenews.org/article/recycled-glass-fend-off-coastal-erosion California’s First Solar Panel-Covered Canal Is Now Fully Online https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/california-first-canal-array-project-nexus Rewild New pack of endangered Mexican gray wolves debuts at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo https://komonews.com/news/local/new-pack-of-endangered-mexican-gray-wolves-debuts-at-seattles-woodland-park-zoo-conservation-safe-livestock-cattle-conflict-pacific-northwest The return of the red macaw to the Iberá Wetlands: an ecological and hopeful rebirth in Corrientes https://noticiasambientales.com/animals/the-return-of-the-red-macaw-to-the-ibera-wetlands-an-ecological-and-hopeful-rebirth-in-corrientes/ Largest turtle nest in the world revealed in drone study https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/09/largest-turtle-nest-in-the-world-revealed-in-drone-study/

Welcome to a Bonus Pelecanus episode where we highlight the 2025 recipient of our Carrie Wilson Memorial Scholarship, Sanjana Ramesh. She is a graduate student with Project Dragonfly in D.C.. We did a deep dive episode with Sanjana last year and this year she is our scholarship recipient. Thank you so much to Sanjana for taking the time to talk with us, and for all of the amazing work she is doing. The Carrie Wilson Memorial Scholarship will be open for applications for project dragonfly students again in the Spring of 2026, check our Pelecanus.org scholarship page for more information. We are a 501C3 non-profit organization that takes tax deductible donations if you’d like to contribute to the Carrie Wilson memorial programs or to Pelecanus in general. Check out her article she mentions in the episode here: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/roots-and-wings-south-asian-women-shaping-the-future-of-conservation Thank you again to our sponsor Tidal Influence. Check them out at tidalinfluence.com

Technology First onshore wave energy project in the U.S. launches in Los Angeles https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/eco-wave-energy-project-port-of-los-angeles/ Rewilding Australian scientists release captive-bred endangered mountain frogs https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20250908/562aab2024d1431ea28a9ff84d75e70b/c.html ‘We’re winning a battle’: Mexico’s jaguar numbers up 30% in conservation drive https://focusingonwildlife.com/news/were-winning-a-battle-mexicos-jaguar-numbers-up-30-in-conservation-drive/#google_vignette Rediscoveries Small Rabbit with a Black Tail Not Seen in 120 Years Found Hopping Around Mexican Mountains https://www.rewild.org/press/found-small-enigmatic-rabbit-with-black-tail-lost-to-science-for-more-than Endangered pallid sturgeon discovered in Des Moines River https://www.iowadnr.gov/news-release/2025-08-26/federally-endangered-pallid-sturgeon-discovered-iowas-des-moines-river Mammal feared extinct was recognized from Australian magazine. Now it's thriving https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/mammal-feared-extinct-was-recognized-from-australian-magazine-now-it-s-thriving/ar-AA1LTO44

Biodiversity Sniffer dogs may have rediscovered a lost population of Sumatran rhinos https://news.mongabay.com/2025/08/sniffer-dogs-may-have-rediscovered-a-lost-population-of-sumatran-rhinos/ France Sees a Doubling of Eagle Mating Pairs After Decades of Successful Work https://focusingonwildlife.com/news/france-sees-a-doubling-of-eagle-mating-pairs-after-decades-of-successful-work/ 100-year-old endangered tortoises at Pa. zoo become parents of 16 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/tortoise-hatchlings-born-of-century-old-parents-come-out-of-their-shells-at-philadelphia-zoo/ar-AA1KT73T Experts thrilled as critically endangered Amur leopard makes stunning comeback - https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/experts-thrilled-critically-endangered-predator-223000616.html

Wolves Federal court overturns decision denying Endangered Species protections to wolves https://www.endangeredspecieslawandpolicy.com/federal-court-overturns-fish-and-wildlife-service-decision-to-delist-gray-wolf-in-the-west Baby Endangered Species Nashville Zoo welcomes new clouded leopard cub, helping preserve endangered species https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-zoo-welcomes-new-clouded-leopard-cub-helping-preserve-endangered-species Brevard Zoo welcomes new baby zebra, offspring of endangered species https://brevardzoo.org/news/welcoming-a-baby-grevys-zebra/ Czech zoo welcomes 4 rare Barbary lion cubs whose population is extinct in the wild https://apnews.com/article/czech-zoo-barbary-lion-cubs-3376f7e3740469568fb1555260c6bd5d

Biodiversity Jaguar population doubles around Brazil’s Iguaçu Falls https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/jaguar-population-doubles-around-brazils-iguacu-falls/ Rare pygmy hippo born in Kansas zoo offers hope for endangered species https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/rare-pygmy-hippo-born-in-kansas-zoo-offers-hope-for-endangered-species/ Experts thrilled as incredibly rare birds hatch at zoo https://www.yahoo.com/news/experts-thrilled-incredibly-rare-birds-113044943.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWNvc2lhLm9yZy8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ9vDCng51YwZcXjcpTcnXqTlRspKJmevErxGOdhj0OeF0LzjfAqCdf5rlehlNuCRdCeFghJ9cNnF6wEwO2XjTW0YcHdDGnQiSCu7sJ8dD4rKwXUFU5nZVmnLl3GVMwx53qu41GCSYAMTsV_zOYxEi0xyXmaMYtR_sblS6uhUAe6 Return of wolves to Yellowstone has led to a surge in aspen trees unseen for 80 years https://www.livescience.com/animals/land-mammals/return-of-wolves-to-yellowstone-has-led-to-a-surge-in-aspen-trees-unseen-for-80-years Nepal launches action plan to boost endangered dhole conservation https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/nepal-launches-action-plan-to-boost-endangered-dhole-conservation/

On today’s Conservation Conversations episode we talk with Rosanna Xia. Rosanna is an author, documentary filmmaker and environmental reporter for the Los Angeles Times, where she specializes in stories about the coast and ocean. Her new book called California Against the Sea is out now wherever you purchase books, but we always like to recommend your local independent book store. Let’s get straight to our conversation with Rosanna about the future of California’s coast! Please find her book, documentary Out of Plan Sight, and all of her work with the LA Times. She’s published so many great stories. You can find her on social media at @rosanna.xia and her website https://www.rosannaxia.com/ and help support her in getting these kinds of stories out to the world. Host and producer is Austin Parker Music was provided by A Picture Book studio Don't forget to like comment and subscribe if you want to help

Awards San Diego Zoo, Safari Park win prestigious botanic gardens award https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/07/06/its-not-all-about-the-animals-san-diego-zoo-safari-park-win-prestigious-botanic-gardens-award/ Clean! Parisians take a historic plunge into the River Seine after more than a century https://apnews.com/article/paris-seine-river-swimming-4ba28e3b0c9c224a1811f538df2a208e In Zion National Park, ‘the Smog Is Gone’ https://www.dailygood.org/news/?nid=5104 Rewilding Arizona Game and Fish is using beavers to help restore wetland habitats https://www.kjzz.org/science/2025-07-04/arizona-game-and-fish-is-using-beavers-to-help-restore-wetland-habitats Georgia's bald eagle population takes flight as rebound continues years after near extinction https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/07/04/georgias-bald-eagle-population-takes-flight-as-rebound-continues-years-after-near-extinction/ “Bird of Legend” reappears in Malaysia after more than a century https://www.birdlife.org/news/2025/07/07/bird-of-legend-reappears-in-malaysia-after-more-than-a-century/

Water California achieved significant groundwater recharge last year, state report says https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-24/california-2024-groundwater-report Protected areas Major breakthrough in marine conservation unveiled at UN Ocean Conference https://iucn.org/press-release/202506/major-breakthrough-marine-conservation-unveiled-un-ocean-conference China is building the world’s largest national parks system https://www.daily8.com/en/article/d4b90b7c59a3e4f6864166970e9ab46b California’s Marine Protected Area Network Recognized as International Gold Standard for Marine Conservation https://opc.ca.gov/2025/06/for-immediate-release-californias-marine-protected-area-network-recognized-as-international-gold-standard-for-marine-conservation/

On today’s Conservation Conversations episode we talk with Karina Johnston, a PHD candidate at UCSB, a coastal habitat restoration ecologist formerly with Tidal Influence, and the newly appointed executive director of Heal the Ocean, a southern California nonprofit. She has so much experience and a wealth of knowledge to share, so let’s get straight to it with Karina as part of our series on coastal resiliency! Thank you again to Karina for taking the time to talk with us. It’s the work like what she does that can give us all hope for the future of the CA coastline. Please check out the Tidal Influence or Heal the Ocean website and get involved with them, or wherever you can. http://www.tidalinfluence.com/ https://www.healtheocean.org/ Host and producer is Austin Parker Music was provided by A Picture Book studio Don't forget to like comment and subscribe if you want to help!

Land California’s largest ‘land-back’ deal returns 47,000 acres to tribe https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/05/3094125/0/en/Largest-Ever-Land-Back-Conservation-Deal-in-Calif-Now-Complete-Western-Rivers-Conservancy-Conveys-Final-Acreage-to-Yurok-Tribe-in-a-47-000-Acre-Effort-Critical-to-the-Salmon-Wildli.html Newly-declared conservation area in Peru is home to pink dolphins, giant armadillos https://phys.org/news/2025-06-newly-declared-area-peru-home.html Biodiversity Three new wolf packs discovered in Northern California https://phys.org/news/2025-05-wolf-northern-california.html Western quolls and brushtail possums thrive in Australian national park a decade after reintroduction https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/western-quolls-and-brushtail-possums-thrive-a-decade-after-reintroduction-to-national-park-1-335680/ Endangered snow leopard cub born at Kent big cat sanctuary https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwqy3q4zeno

Rewilding Experts celebrate as rare parrot makes miraculous comeback from brink of extinction: 'They're already ready to fly' https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/red-tailed-amazon-parrots-brazil/ 2025 Lion census shows 32% population rise https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/out-of-the-woods-in-gujarat-why-asiatic-lions-future-cant-be-secured-by-numbers-alone-10022963/ Spectacular creature makes stunning comeback after decades of absence https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/bearded-vulture-chick-spain-conservation/

Water City of Phoenix encouraging residents to harvest rainwater this summer https://www.abc15.com/weather/impact-earth/city-of-phoenix-encouraging-residents-to-harvest-rainwater-this-summer How California’s farmers can recharge the aquifers they’ve drained https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/california-groundwater-study-central-valley-drought-managed-aquifer-recharge/ Drawdown This Solar-Powered Device Sucks CO2 From the Air—and Turns It Into Fuel https://gizmodo.com/this-solar-powered-reactor-sucks-co2-from-the-air-and-turns-it-into-fuel-2000563558 Genetically enhanced crops proposed as scalable solution for CO₂ removal https://phys.org/news/2025-05-genetically-crops-scalable-solution.html Marine IUCN launches project to combat marine plastic pollution in the Pacific https://iucn.org/news/202504/iucn-launches-project-combat-marine-plastic-pollution-pacific Indonesia plans 200000 hectares of new marine conservation areas in 2025 https://en.antaranews.com/news/354329/indonesia-targets-200-thousand-hectares-marine-conservation-growth Rewilding Captive-Bred Axolotls Can Survive in the Wild, Sparking Hope for the Endangered Species https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/captive-bred-axolotls-can-survive-in-the-wild-offering-hope-for-the-critically-endangered-amphibians-180986543/ Study suggests there are more jaguars in the Amazon than previously thought https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/study-suggests-there-are-more-jaguars-in-the-amazon-than-previously-thought/

Drawdown Small coal town shocks experts by building first-of-its-kind plant: 'The cultural aspect of this is so bedeviling' https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/delta-utah-hydrogen-power-plant-transformation-community/ Biodiversity Mystical eagle thought to be extinct in Mexico reappears in Chiapas https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/believed-extinct-mexico-harpy-eagle-resurfaces-chiapas/ Endangered sea turtle populations show signs of recovery in more than half the world, survey finds https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/endangered-sea-turtle-populations-show-signs-recovery-half-world-surve-rcna201788 Critically endangered plant species once thought extinct makes extraordinary return to the wild: 'We hope to inspire greater awareness and action' https://www.yahoo.com/news/critically-endangered-species-once-thought-111518884.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWNvc2lhLm9yZy8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ9vDCng51YwZcXjcpTcnXqTlRspKJmevErxGOdhj0OeF0LzjfAqCdf5rlehlNuCRdCeFghJ9cNnF6wEwO2XjTW0YcHdDGnQiSCu7sJ8dD4rKwXUFU5nZVmnLl3GVMwx53qu41GCSYAMTsV_zOYxEi0xyXmaMYtR_sblS6uhUAe6

New plastic dissolves in the ocean overnight, leaving no microplastics https://newatlas.com/materials/plastic-dissolves-ocean-overnight-no-microplastics/ California's first solar-over-canal project now generating electricity https://abc30.com/post/californias-first-solar-canal-project-now-generating-electricity/16120467/ A biotech company says it has bred three pups with traits of the extinct dire wolf https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/nx-s1-5355686/dire-wolf-extinct-colossal-biosciences

Rewilding Bighorn sheep reintroduced to Franklin Mountains in major conservation effort https://www.ktsm.com/news/bighorn-sheep-reintroduced-to-franklin-mountains-in-major-conservation-effort/ Drawdown World's First Carbon Capture Plant Powered Directly by Wind Planned https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/worlds-first-carbon-capture-plant-powered-directly-by-wind-planned/ Al Gore’s Just Climate fund raises $175M from Microsoft and CalSTRS for nature-based climate investments https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/18/al-gores-just-climate-fund-raises-175m-from-microsoft-and-calstrs-for-nature-based-climate-investments/

Biodiversity Historic beaver release marks conservation milestone in England https://beavertrust.org/historic-first-official-wild-beaver-release-in-england/ Solar farms can host up to three times as many birds as crop fields https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2l049zkvezo UN biodiversity talks officially concluded on Feb. 28, with countries agreeing on a strategy to increase finance for biodiversity to $200 billion annually by 2030 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/un-biodiversity-talks-end-with-nations-backing-200-billion-per-year-plan-to-protect-nature Innovation Scientists Create Water-Harvesting Technology That Uses Kitchen Scraps and Seashells https://decrypt.co/308348/scientists-clean-water-harvesting-technology Earth’s 1st Asteroid Mining Prospector Heads to the Launchpad https://dnyuz.com/2025/02/23/earths-1st-asteroid-mining-prospector-heads-to-the-launchpad/