Ubuntu Magazine, Autumn 2025

THE GOLDEN TOAD

Kyle and Trevor Ritland

KESAN

Myanmar - Conservation Efforts in the Face of Political Adversity

LIFE FINDS A WAY

Evolutionary Insights with Dr. Jonathan Losos

Transform Your Perspective on Nature. Follow Ubuntu Magazine’s Social Channels!

Cover photo credit: Béla Nagy

Photo credit: Adobe, SHOAL

INTERACTIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS: CLICK TO JUMP TO ARTICLES INSTANTLY!

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THE GOLDEN TOAD

The Ghost of Costa Rica

JOHN HOOGLAND

Prairie Dog Expert Reflects on His 50-Year Career

ENDANGERED SPECIES

The Giant Otter

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WEEK

Ecosystem Restoration with the Power of Community

NEW TO NATURE

The Largest of the Smallest Birds on Earth: the Northern Giant Hummingbird

LIFE FINDS A WAY

Evolutionary Insights with Dr. Jonathan Losos

INTRODUCTION

This issue of Ubuntu Magazine once again explores the many ways people find their way into conservation. For me, that journey has been anything but straightforward. Like many nature enthusiasts, my passion for being outdoors and surrounded by wildlife started at a young age. It led me to study Applied Biology at university, where I graduated as an applied ecologist. While I enjoyed my time there, I didn’t end up on the traditional conservation career ladder. Instead, I worked a variety of jobs, mostly in team management, digitalization, and e-commerce: the corporate side of things.

During that time, I was fortunate to stay connected to conservation through volunteering with Sea Shepherd Global, which allowed me to work alongside like-minded people. Still, it wasn’t until just over three years ago that I met Ubuntu’s founder, Manon, and we began discussing ways for me to contribute to this very magazine. As it turned out, it wasn’t so much my background in ecology that proved useful, but rather the skills I had developed during my corporate years.

It is the knowledge in e-commerce that now helps me grow Ubuntu online, and in combination with freelance travel writing, it is also helping me to jump into the editorial department of our magazine. My management skills have taught me to take a step back to take a look at the bigger picture, something I now get to apply to our overall growth strategy, as well as for editorial guidance for individual articles. This approach reminds me of paths others have taken, some of whom we’ve showcased in Ubuntu Magazine. Like Dr. Peter Apps in issue 11, who jumped from being an analytical chemist to a wild dog conservationist, or in this issue, Akaz Malassa Bumba, who dreamt of becoming a doctor and is now a technician and sea turtle conservationist. It shows that anything is possible in life, as long as you prioritize your passions and aren’t afraid to take a leap of faith.

I’m proud to be contributing to this inspiring magazine on the digital side, to help create better stories that reach further, and to apply my skills in a way that supports the natural environment I so much love.

Above all, this journey has reinforced a lesson we hope to highlight with every issue: conservation is not reserved for ecologists alone; it doesn’t matter what your background is. Every skill set, when combined with a willingness to contribute, can play a meaningful role in protecting nature. That spirit of inclusivity and collaboration is what makes Ubuntu Magazine what it is today. I’m proud of what we’re building, and I hope our readers are too. And for me, things have definitely come full circle.

- Tobias van Krieken CDO (Chief Digital Officer)

ROAMING THE ROMANIAN WILDERNESS

PERSONAL INSIGHTS FROM A WILDERNESS GUIDE COURSE

ROMANIA

“Do you hear that? That’s the songthrush.” For me, identical sounds. We are in the first days of our Wilder Nature specialization—one of four modules you can choose from in this Wilderness Guiding course. The others focus on the ‘Arid’ landscapes in Southern Spain, the ‘Cold’ regions in Norway, and the ‘Jungle’ in Guyana. Reading in the course manual: “During this training, you will be hosted in an outstanding model of sustainable community development, gaining deep insights into Nature Positive Tourism and rewilding practices.” It also highlights that “throughout the field experience, you will sleep under the stars in a bivouac bag, make fire, observe and track wildlife, and refine your guiding skills in an immersive, hands-on environment.” With all this, the choice was easy.

So here we are, May 2025, deep in wild Romania. Just like in Andorra (my previous article), the forecast called for: storm, rain, rain, storm, and more storms. This time, I prepared for the cold— with a -5°C comfort sleeping bag, merino wool base layers, and a cozy wool sweater I’d worn through Dutch winters. I felt ready.

Unlike the expedition in Andorra, we could carry more than 11 kg in our backpacks. The food for the coming days was already prepared and dehydrated by the women of the village, as part of this Nature Positive Tourism project.

Written by Joosje Heringa

Photo credits: Joosje Heringa

ROMANIA

OFF WE GO

WILDER NATURE

Trekking through the Romanian landscape, you don’t immediately realize it: this is a wild area, home to bears, wolves, and bison, all reintroduced after years of local extinction. The expertise of our guide becomes obvious—identifying distant sounds and tiny tracks, even sniffing out what seemed to be a fox’s scent. Weeks later, I reflect on this experience while reading an article about wolves attacking dogs and people in the Netherlands, and I realize how distant we’ve become from wild nature—any encounter sparks controversy.

Over the next few days, we embark on multiple hikes throughout the area. The humid, crisp air fills my lungs as I take in the immense forests and their fresh green leaves, only seen in spring. Forested peaks rise before me, making me wonder what lies beyond, and meadows stretch out like the

ones you only see in milk and Swiss chocolate commercials. These hikes are balanced out with more quiet moments and sit spots, moments where you sit individually in nature. Everyone gets a chance to lead the group and plan an activity or route. We spot a tree with broken branches and fur stuck to the bark. What could it be? A deer, maybe, rubbing its antlers? We smell the tufts of fur, examine their structure, and conclude, judging by the signs: a bear has been rubbing its back against the tree, holding the branches aside, and leaving some serious marks.

But keep in mind that in nature, you’re always guessing—and never 100% sure. “Never say always, always say usually.”

Evidence of wild nature came quickly afterward when we stood eye to eye with wolf tracks and bear dung just 20 meters outside our camp. They’re here—but make sure you don’t catch a glimpse of them.

Photo credit: Joosje Heringa

ROMANIA

GUIDES ARE NATURALISTS

Do you know the price of binoculars? Expensive— but totally worth it! Whether in a city, the valleys of Romania, or anywhere else, binoculars open up a whole new world for you to see. What at first are just ‘birds’ turn into actual species with different colors, beaks, and behaviors. Look closely, and you’ll notice that some birds spear worms with their beaks, others smash snails on rocks, and still others parade with their beautiful feather patterns.

With every step through the Romanian landscape, we learn something new. The once-confusing order of sounds begins to feel familiar and make sense. And after three days, everyone can identify the Song Thrush, the Blackbird, and the Chaffinch. Later, I realized these were the same common birds I had grown up around, yet I had never familiarized myself with their songs.

One of the terms that comes across these days is ‘naturalist’. “If you want to be a guide, become a naturalist first”. To me, that means tuning into the world around you—observing patterns, behaviors, and identifying birds and plants.

After a climb up the hill, we settle down for a short break. Looking around, I am again stunned by the beauty of this place. On the left, we have a hillside covered in bushes, and on the right, a horizon of mountain peaks with Serbia in the far back. I sigh. This is what I love. This is why I do this. “Look, look”, I hear and see someone pointing to the bushes on the left. Through my new friend, the binoculars, I follow the line of his finger and find a pair of antlers moving slowly through the bushes. A deer, unaware of us, quietly nibbling the leaves.

HUMANS ARE SO LOUD

We walk through one of the forests near our base camp on a foggy morning. We’re trying to be quiet, but gosh, we are loud. Branches twitch, leaves crackle, footsteps crunch, and here we are, hoping to see wild animals.

I imagine them hundreds of meters away, perfectly still and camouflaged, thinking: “Not a chance I’ll show myself.” Then, rising silently, they

vanish into the distance without a trace. We might as well be walking through the bush with a whole fanfare.

With that in mind, we start a game. One of our group members stands 100 meters away from the rest of us, her back turned. It’s up to each of us to get as close to her as possible without being noticed. If she hears you, she will turn around— and you must stop exactly where you are. It’s my turn. I feel like I’m walking in slow motion. Holding my breath, I hover over the path, placing my next foot just next to a branch and aiming to skip a little puddle.

“Ccccrrrraaccckkkk.” I look up hopefully, staring straight into her eyes. Busted.

Photo credit: Joosje Heringa

ROMANIA

Our loudness clearly affects animal sightings, so our guide ensures we have enough moments to stop, sit in silence, and observe. On one of these breaks, we find ourselves in a small, beautiful meadow where the sun finally breaks through after a rainy morning. We eat our snacks, sip water, and doze off.

“Psst,” our guide whispers later. “Look up.”

As one of the lucky ones, I can look for a full two seconds at the massiveness of two bison wandering at the top of the meadow. Was it our scent, our movement? We don’t know. But they quickly realized we’re there and ran into the distance.

MONTHS AFTER

“What did you actually like the most?” my father asks on an August afternoon while strolling through the forest. Immediately, I am taken back to Romania. My Dutch forest surroundings fade, replaced by the meadows of Romania, and in front of me, I see the campfire and one of my mates stirring his coffee without taking his gaze off the flames.

A friend from Egypt, coming from a place completely different from mine, and there we are, stemming from the same passion. That, for me, is the most fascinating thing about hopping on adventures like this: meeting different people, different cultures, different beliefs, and not having to talk about work, possessions, or other daily life stuff. You can just stare into the fire together—or explore the inside of animal dung to figure out its owner.

TIP: BE REALLY QUIET WHEN WALKING THROUGH NATURE— AND DON’T FALL ASLEEP, OR YOU’LL MISS ENCOUNTERS.

And last, let’s not forget the power of being offline for five days, everyone in the group, and cooking over fire. For my next adventure, maybe I should become a hunter-gatherer—who’s in?

Photo credits: Joosje Heringa

PRACTICAL TIP: STUDY YOUR SURROUNDINGS

For your next moment in nature, see if you can actually identify things that happen around you. A bird song, a bird, plants, a smell. Maybe you even spot an animal track. Draw what you see or write down cues, and afterward look them up.

Try to understand the natural world, learn about it, and awaken the naturalist within you.

Photo credit: Cliff Fawcett

ANGOLA

On Angola’s Atlantic shores, an unlikely story of resilience is unfolding. Among those carrying it forward is Akaz, a young man who once dreamed of becoming a doctor, but whose “happy coincidence” of circumstance led him instead into the world of sea turtle conservation. His journey, and the work of Project Kitabanga, reveal what it means to protect life against the odds: in a country where development often takes precedence, and where turtles must navigate both human need and environmental change. Here, even the smallest acts ripple outward—shaping not only the future of a species, but the story of a nation learning to value its wild.

Written by Monica Zymberg

ANGOLA

THE UNPLANNED PATH TO CONSERVATION

Like many young students in Angola, Akaz once dreamed of becoming a doctor. Yet, his path took an unexpected turn—one that would lead him waist-deep into the surf, helping protect some of the ocean’s most ancient and endangered creatures.

At 28, Akaz Malassa Bumba has graduated in Marine Biology at Namibe University, is pursuing a Master’s in Genetics, Biodiversity and Conservation, and holds the position of technician in three of the 18 bases run by Project Kitabanga, Angola’s largest sea turtle conservation program. None of this had ever been his plan.

“It was a happy coincidence,” he says, smiling. Facing fierce competition for entry into Medicine, Akaz decided to diversify his university applications. Within the sciences, Marine Biology was the only option that allowed a dual selection. “So, it all started,” he recalls.

At first, the path seemed to point towards work with Angola’s powerful fishing industry—supporting exploration, improving efficiency, finding ways to make the sector more profitable and sustainable. But something didn’t sit right. “There are enough fishermen out there,” he thought. “What the world needs is people to care about ocean biodiversity, to make feeding human populations sustainable in the long run.”

Conservation was rarely discussed during lectures, but the passion for biodiversity found its way in. When the opportunity with Project Kitabanga arose, he embraced it wholeheartedly.

Today, when asked if he would swap careers given the chance, his ‘no’ is as immediate as the spark in his eyes. “Biodiversity is something

beautiful to work with. The ocean, in its immensity and depth, is still somehow unknown—which gives us the opportunity to contribute to science and do something meaningful for the world.”

And perhaps just as importantly, he has found joy in the human connections the work brings. “The direct contact with local communities is really fun, and a shock of realities. We arrive thinking we are going to teach them, but we are the ones who learn the most. They may not possess the scientific knowledge or understanding of conservation, but many do care about nature in their own ways. Listening to their stories makes our efforts worthwhile.”

NATURE’S FIGHT IN A CHANGING NATION

Conservation is still an emerging concept in Angola. The country gained independence just over 50 years ago after centuries of colonial rule, and soon after was engulfed in a prolonged civil war that left deep scars on its environment and people. For too long, nature was framed as a resource to exploit—oil, minerals, forests—with little thought for ecological stewardship. Coastal waters were no exception: foreign fleets fished intensively, local communities had little say, and marine biodiversity was treated as expendable in the pursuit of economic progress. Today, Angola is racing to build infrastructure, lay the foundations for prosperity, and provide basic services. Against this backdrop, it is perhaps no surprise that exploration often triumphs over preservation, even in academic spaces.

Nearly half of Angola’s population lives in coastal areas and depends on fisheries for their livelihood. Fishing is also seen as a crucial way to diversify an economy long reliant on crude oil exports. For now, the country’s marine priorities lean towards production over protection.

“WE ARRIVE THINKING WE ARE GOING TO TEACH THEM, BUT WE ARE THE ONES WHO LEARN THE MOST.”

ANGOLA

Despite the odds, biodiversity initiatives and sustainability efforts are evolving. Scientists and NGOs are launching projects, global media is boosting awareness, and governmental institutions are introducing new regulations. Angola has joined the 30 by 30 movement, a global pledge to protect 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. While national parks on land have multiplied over the decades, marine conservation is still catching up. Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is especially complex: coastal waters are heavily utilized by fisheries, and further offshore, the deep sea lies in international waters where governance is fragmented and enforcement is challenging. Isolated activities have made some inroads, but the country has yet to establish its first MPA.

At the community level, the concept is even more nascent—there is virtually no conversation about conservation. “For our society, a species that has no obvious functionality is seen as unnecessary,” Akaz explains. “If it is not a source of food or entertainment like monkeys or chimpanzees, people are simply not motivated to engage.”

Instead of frustration, he chooses to see motivation in this challenge. “It’s like we’re in a moving train, but in different cars. Until the last one arrives, the first ones must work harder to make up for the lag. Those who understand conservation need to bridge the gap in knowledge while also working for conservation itself.”

Photo credit: Cliff Fawcett

Releasing hatchlings into the sea

Interestingly, sea turtles may have an advantage that will drive efforts faster. They belong to what scientists call Charismatic Megafauna—animals like dolphins, manta rays, elephants and koalas that spark widespread appeal and a sense of connection in people. The turtles’ calm nature and striking size mean they are not seen as a threat. A single hatchling, small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, can trigger a feeling of wonder—as if, for a moment, you’re holding the whole of nature in miniature. That emotional pull could prove to be one of the strongest tools for their survival.

“BIODIVERSITY IS SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO WORK WITH. THE OCEAN, IN ITS IMMENSITY AND DEPTH, IS STILL SOMEHOW UNKNOWN—WHICH GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO SCIENCE AND DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THE WORLD.”

Photo credit: Akaz Malassa Bumba

ANGOLA

ANCIENT KEEPERS OF THE SEA

Of the seven global sea turtle species, five have historically visited Angola’s 1,650-kilometer coastline. Three of these nest regularly here: the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), known locally as ‘kitabanga’—meaning large or giant turtle; the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea); and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas). All are listed as endangered.

Sea turtles are vital for the marine ecosystem as they are considered umbrella species, meaning their loss would trigger the disappearance of many others. They help keep the ocean’s food web in balance and, from the moment they hatch, sustain a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic predators.

Yet, the threats are relentless. Only about a third survive the short journey from nest to sea—many fall prey, while others are lost to disorientation from artificial lights, human disturbance on beaches, or exhaustion before they reach the water. Those that make it to the ocean and adulthood still face mounting pressures. Beyond natural threats like predation imbalances and parasites, the greatest dangers come from humans: rising sand temperatures alter sex ratios, coastal erosion reduces nesting grounds, pollution chokes their habitats, and unregulated fishing takes a heavy toll.

In Angola, turtles are not a delicacy nor widely targeted for trade. Akaz says that “to work in conservation is to understand that sometimes people act as they do because there is no other option”. The declining fish stocks push fishermen further out into the ocean, demanding more effort and leaving fewer choices. And with the need to feed the community, sea turtles become a byproduct of fruitless fishing: the ones accidentally caught are often kept rather than released, and females, hatchlings, or even eggs onshore in nests are easy targets.

These practices are not new, especially amongst older generations. Yet, it is all set to change: turtles have been legally protected in Angola since 1970, and policies regulating fishing are ever evolving. But as laws alone are not enough, engaging coastal communities is a pressing need—and this is where Project Kitabanga focuses its work.

Akaz Malassa Bumba

Photo credit: Cliff Fawcett

Aerial view of one of the Kitabanga Project bases

Photo credit: Cliff Fawcett

ANGOLA

PROTECTING LIFE, ONE SHORE AT A TIME

Founded in 2003 by the Biology Department of Universidade Agostinho Neto in Luanda, Project Kitabanga remains Angola’s first and largest sea turtle conservation initiative. Far from being a purely scientific endeavor, it combines research, direct protection, environmental education, and social inclusion into a single, sustained effort.

At its core is an unbroken record of data collection spanning more than two decades. The team of researchers, technicians, students, and volunteers has meticulously studied sea turtle populations and their ecology along the Angolan coast. This information has revealed migration patterns, nesting behavior, and the species’ delicate relationship with their wider ecosystem. These insights guide each conservation decision the project makes.

But research alone cannot turn the tide, and it is

during the nesting season (September to April) that the most tangible impacts are made. The work is intense: relocating at-risk nests, protecting mothers and eggs, rescuing hatchlings from threats, and ensuring they make it safely to the ocean. Each small success adds to an impressive total; over five million baby turtles have reached the sea under Kitabanga’s watch.

Environmental education is another key pillar, and this is where Kitabanga shines: the team is not afraid to shed light on the challenges in bridging the gaps. “It’s important we learn their perspectives and realities,” Akaz says. “Urban inhabitants understand a bit of conservation, and given that their diets are based on industrialized products, it is easy for them to ignore sea turtles as food. But coastal communities sometimes struggle to catch fish and have nothing else to put on the table, so turtles and eggs become alternative—and often vital—food sources.”

Environmental education is an integral part of the work at Kitabanga

Photo credit: Akaz Malassa Bumba

ANGOLA

Through lectures, workshops, and creative materials, the project introduces coastal communities and students to the science, and the beauty, of conservation—and its long-term impact on ocean life. The goal is not just awareness, but pride. Kitabanga wants to inspire a generation to become guardians of the ocean.

Perhaps most distinctive is the project’s deep commitment to social inclusion. Rather than protecting turtle habitats from local residents, Kitabanga works to bring them in. “Inviting community members to work on the project is part of our process of education,” Akaz says. “They see that conservation can be a source of income as well.” Through training, employment, and alternative livelihoods, Kitabanga shows that conservation and community wellbeing can grow together.

WHEN SMALL ACTS DEFY THE ODDS

Project Kitabanga is currently only able to protect 6% of Angola’s coast, or 103 of its 1,650-kilometer coastline. It is a remarkable achievement, but also a reminder of how much remains.

Imagine the scale of impact if every kilometer were patrolled, every hatchling protected, every coastal resident engaged with the cause. Perhaps the project’s strength lies in its ability to persist despite the odds—in the way a small team, united with local communities, can shift the future for an entire species.

Whether it is the charisma of the turtles, the dedication of the team, or the relentlessness of people like Akaz, the sea turtles along Angola’s shores have a more promising future than they did a generation ago. And as the tide of conservation slowly rises, their story is proof that sometimes the greatest changes begin with the smallest acts and ‘happy coincidences’; a nest relocated, a hatchling set free, or even an aspiring doctor becoming a conservationist. These small drops in the ocean ripple far beyond the shoreline from where they begin.

Website www.kitabanga.org

Instagram @projecto_kitabanga

Facebook @Kitabanga

Linkedin @projecto-kitabanga

“A SINGLE HATCHLING, SMALL ENOUGH TO FIT INTO THE PALM OF YOUR HAND, CAN TRIGGER A FEELING OF WONDER—AS IF, FOR A MOMENT, YOU’RE HOLDING THE WHOLE OF NATURE IN MINIATURE.”

REDEFINING CONSERVATION: JANE GOODALL

On October 1st, 2025, Dr. Jane Goodall passed away. She was 91. Known for her long-term, groundbreaking research on the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Jane Goodall was a pioneer and figurehead primatologist and conservationist. During her life, she expanded her focus beyond chimpanzee research, becoming a global advocate and spokesperson for human rights, animal welfare, species and environmental protection, and countless crucial issues that have come about.

Her passion and empowering leadership in conservation and humanitarian projects have been nothing short of inspiring and important for our understanding and respect towards life on Earth and our place within it.

Written by Marc Kranendonk

A DREAM, A DEDICATION

From a young age, Goodall was passionate about wildlife and the natural world. At the age of four, she was tasked with collecting eggs from the chicken coop on her grandmother’s farm. It was there that she questioned where the eggs came from, why the hens squawked or flapped their wings with fear, and whether, if she sat still enough, the hens would become comfortable with her. It was this formative moment that sparked a curiosity that would shape her career.

As an avid reader, Goodall loved Tarzan of the Apes. She fell in love with the story and believed that she herself was the real Jane of the book. The story gave way to her dream of Africa—to travel there, learn about animals, and write books about them. And like many with ambitious dreams, skeptic laughter often followed.

Opportunities back then for women were different; a girl in the 1960s with no money had no place to dream big. It was her mother who insisted she go to secretarial school and get a job that would increase her chances of achieving her dreams.

After secretarial school, in 1956, a friend invited her to visit a family farm in Kenya. She worked as a waitress and saved money for a seafaring ticket, and made her way there. During her time in Kenya, she met Louis Leakey, a paleontologist. Impressed by Goodall’s knowledge and passion, he hired her on the spot as a secretary at the National Museum in Nairobi. While helping Leakey with his study of ancient relatives to humans and digging up fossilized bones, she was given an opportunity. Goodall was offered a chance to establish a camp in the Gombe Stream Game Reserve, Tanzania, to study our closest living relative: the chimpanzee.

Dr. Jane Goodall beside a waterfall in Gombe National Park, Tanzania

Photo credit: JGI/Bill Wallauer

In June 1960, Goodall began her observation of chimpanzee behavior in the wild. During this time, she was largely on her own in the field. Only her mother, who had accompanied her on this trip as a chaperone, stayed near the research camp for several months. At that time, a young woman of that age could not travel in the jungle alone. Regardless, in terms of scientific support, she had none. Her work was a one-woman scientific effort, supported by a mother’s presence at camp.

A gone-solo 26-year-old female with no college degree conducting research in the wild didn’t exactly fit the primatology bill back then, but that is exactly what made her perfect for the job. The job would turn into a 65-year-long dedicated study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe. Thanks to her, we now know that chimpanzees make and use tools, hunt and eat meat, wage war with one another, have strong mother and infant bonds, and can express compassion. It is discoveries like these that bring us closer to understanding the natural world and the responsibility of finding equilibrium with it.

“Chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans have been living for hundreds of thousands of years in their forest, living fantastic lives, never overpopulating, never destroying the forest. I would say that they have been in a way more successful than us as far as being in harmony with the environment.”

Her team would eventually grow, and her study would grow with them. Soon, Jane Goodall’s work graced the cover of countless magazines and newspapers, was picked up on every news station,

and was discussed in every relevant lecture hall across global university campuses. She would obtain a PhD and publish a research paper that spearheaded her recognition in the academic world. She would go on to write and publish over 30 books, feature in documentaries, and two major feature films. The list of honors, awards, and accolades accumulated as the years rolled by, and for good reason. Jane Goodall possessed a feeling for the individual difference, had the courage to take risks, the dedication to work on bettering our relationship with the world, and the capacity to go all the way with what matters.

Monique Spaan, Country Manager for the Jane Goodall Institute of the Netherlands, reflects: Her persistence lasted throughout her life. She was a constant voice and tireless advocate for animals. She spent her life listening to the voices of the wild —and gave a voice to those who don’t have one.

With her passing, we are reminded that individual effort is a key differentiator to take action for a world in which humans, animals, and nature must be in balance. In her own words, “every single one of us makes a difference every day—it is up to us as to the kind of difference we make.” For the conservation field, a leading figure has passed. But for people and animals alike, an extraordinary human being has left us with an enduring mark on the world.

“CHIMPANZEES, GORILLAS, ORANGUTANS HAVE BEEN LIVING FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS IN THEIR FOREST, LIVING FANTASTIC LIVES, NEVER OVERPOPULATING, NEVER DESTROYING THE FOREST. I WOULD SAY THAT THEY HAVE BEEN IN A WAY MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN US AS FAR AS BEING IN HARMONY WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.”

Photo credit: BOS Foundation

BORNEO

STRONGER TOGETHER WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING ORANGUTANS BACK TO THE WILD

The rich forests of Borneo, whilst hosting a bewildering diversity of life, are best known as the home of our most charismatic cousins, the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). Renowned for their uncanny intelligence, vibrant orange coat, and impressive size, they have long captivated our imaginations. However, like many primate species around the world, their numbers are in rapid decline, which threatens the species’ survival.

Since 1991, the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation has led the movement to rescue and rehabilitate Orangutans back into the forests and protect their home from further destruction. At the heart of this mission is the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, which is featured in the wellloved docuseries Orangutan Jungle School, where orphaned orangutans learn the skills they need to return to the wild.

The CEO of BOS, Dr. Jamartin Sihite, took the time to share his experience, philosophy, and vision of the future for orangutan conservation. Even though Jamartin holds the most senior position at BOS, he emphasized he sees himself “not as the boss, just the conductor in the BOS Foundation Orchestra”. Having first joined BOS in 2010, Jamartin oversaw the management and restoration of a forest in East Kalimantan where graduating orangutans are now released to make their home. Now, as “conductor” of the organization, Jamartin leads BOS in their continued mission to secure the future of the species with passion, humility and a profound commitment to the cause.

Written by Will Westwood

BORNEO

PONGO PYGMAEUS

Most people are familiar with the image of Asia’s only great ape, a flash of deep orange fur high in the canopy, or the striking flanges that frame the face of larger males. Like their great ape cousins, they are captivatingly familiar to us humans. Even their name, orangutan, translates to “People of the Forest”. As the world’s largest arboreal mammal, they spend almost all their lives in the canopy, shaping and nurturing the forest as they go.

Yet despite their strength, intelligence, and adaptability, orangutans are critically endangered and in urgent need of protection. The forests of Borneo, on which they are entirely dependent, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Vast tracts of rainforest have been cleared for palm oil plantations, logging, and mining, fragmenting what used to be a continuous habitat into isolated patches. This destruction leaves orangutans with nowhere to go, forcing them into farmland and villages where they meet conflict with humans. Mothers are often killed, leaving their infants orphaned and in desperate need of care.

What makes this crisis even more urgent is the orangutans’ slow reproductive rate, with females giving birth only once every seven to nine years. The problem is compounded by the fact that juveniles take many years to reach maturity. This means that even small losses have a devastating impact on populations already in decline. Without aid, the “People of the Forest” could disappear from Borneo within our lifetimes.

THE FOREST SCHOOL

To defend against the rapid loss of orangutans from the forests, BOS’ Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre teaches young, orphaned Orangutans the skills they need to survive—which they would otherwise have received from their mother. Since 2012, BOS has returned nearly 500 orangutans safely to the forest. The impact has reached even further than that number, as 36 wild-born babies from previously released mothers have already been observed.

Photo credit: BOS Foundation

“IN OUR DREAM, THE BOS FOUNDATION DREAM, EVERY ORANGUTAN WHO IS CAPABLE OF LIVING IN THE WILD AND ROAMING IN THE FOREST, SHOULD GO BACK TO THE FOREST.”

The forest school, as BOS dubs it, is divided by age and progress, with the youngest being taught core skills for foraging, climbing and building nests. Once capable, they are moved into an enclosure with other orangutans to practice their social skills. Although sometimes mistaken as solitary animals, like humans, their social skills will be vital to survival in the wild. In the last step before graduating to the wild, they are “soft-released” onto an island where they are closely assessed by the team. Jamartin often gets asked why he is not sad to watch them leave when they are finally released, after spending years looking after them. But, as he says, “This is a trap question. I’m not crying, because I’m happy they are free in the forest.” He compares the feeling to family, asking, “When my daughter gets married, should I cry or should I be happy?”. He explains it is “bittersweet”, being what is right and best, but he still can’t help but worry for them.

Unfortunately, not all orangutans are able to return to the wild. They may not have learned enough to survive in the wild, or been away too long, or been injured too greatly, as is the case

for Kopral and Shelton. Kopral had to have both his arms amputated due to electrocution, and Shelton lost his sight after being attacked when he wandered into a village. Shelton lived out the remainder of his life in sanctuary care in the forest school, where Kopral continues to thrive today. Although they cannot be released, Jamartin is inspired by these two and their story of friendship. When they were both in forest school, Jamartin says: “Kopral could play in the forest school using his feet to get climbing and using his mouth. He could climb, but not as fast as others. One day, we put Shelton in the cages close to the forest. Kopral went to meet him straight away.” They quickly became inseparable and eventually they would go out of the cages together to explore the forest school. “Kopral became the eyes for Shelton, and Shelton became the hands for Kopral.” Jamartin points out that they are an example for all of us, that “all of us have our own weaknesses,” and working together we can overcome challenges— including saving orangutans. In Jamatin’s words, “Kopral and Shelton prove it. Stronger together. That’s our philosophy.”

34 YEARS OF ORANGUTAN CONSERVATION AND COUNTING

Reflecting on his own journey in wildlife protection, Jamartin shares his refreshingly philosophical approach to conservation and the BOS mission. Jamartin believes that more than outputs or milestones, it is the approach, the way that one works, that is important. During the conversation, Jamartin refers back to BOS’s motto—“Stronger Together”—often, citing how it drives all work within the foundation. The emphasis on collaboration and strong bonds is echoed when he describes the BOS team. He says, “We are all family. This [the work they do] is about being a family.” For Jamartin, it isn’t about always getting it right, but about growing and learning from mistakes together. Giving an analogy, Jamartin asks, “In the school, who is the best? The best are not the ones who have no mistakes, but those who have made mistakes and improve themselves.” The search to always improve and to accept mistakes requires an incredibly resilient mindset, which, for Jamartin, has been the key to BOS’s long-lasting success at protecting wildlife.

The sense of family and cooperation is not limited to his human colleagues, either. Motivated by more than a sense of duty or stewardship, Jamartin shares how he found it easy to fall in love with orangutans. He says that when he “saw a baby orangutan’s eyes, I immediately fell in love”. It’s certainly a relatable feeling for many of us when looking into our primate cousin’s familiar eyes. But Jamartin acknowledges that this feeling isn’t what keeps conservation efforts consistent in the long term. He adds, “The problem for many people who work in conservation is how they stay in love.” For things will go wrong, and setbacks are inevitable. The very wise guidance that Jamartins shares for keeping momentum, for staying in love is “True conservation work is not about a single moment of inspiration, it’s about how you hold on to that love when everything is changing, when everything’s not good”. With that, it is clear that Jamartin and the BOS team have held onto that love, that they use it to strengthen each other in their work and keep striving for a better future for orangutans.

Forest school students

Photo credit: BOS Foundation

Jamarti Sihite, Chairman of the BOS Foundation

Photo credit: BOS Foundation

BORNEO

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

The BOS Foundation has undoubtedly been a massive contributing force to the continued survival of orangutans in Borneo through decades of work and hundreds of rescues. Without it, the orangutan population would not be where it is today. When asked what future he envisions for Borneo’s orange giants, Jamartin has a key message for everyone to know. He says, “I want to make it simple, everyone has to know, Orangutans

Kopral and Shelton, or when they were taken too young—BOS is creating a man-made island in the forest for them to be safe and free from cages. Jamartin described it as a place where they can “see the sky and touch the soil without any bars surrounding them, because cages are not their future”. Of course, it isn’t only the Orangutans that benefit from this. As keystone species for forest health, they help create a healthy forest that is vital for other species, including us!

must have a forest where they are truly free.” He did make this message straightforward for us all. Although conservation is a complex process with reintroduction, habitat management, and community and government support, the outcome is clear. “Every orangutan that is capable of surviving in the wild should be free in the forest of Borneo,” as Jamartins says. Even for those who cannot return to the wild—due to injury like

STAYING IN LOVE

The BOS Foundation needs the support of people around the globe to fulfill their mission and Jamartin’s vision of orangutans free from confinement. Jamartin emphasizes how crucial it is for us to connect emotionally and fall in love with orangutans just like he did. So he asks everyone to watch, read and share the stories and posts that BOS shares. He says, “Maybe when

The monitoring team at work

Photo credit: BOS Foundation

BORNEO

people see the story, someone will fall in love, they will support the orangutan through us,” and then that one person turns into many and a powerful collective movement. Jamartin also welcomes anyone who wants to volunteer with them, helping us prepare food and enrichment, and making the island better and better. But when you visit, you see the reality on the ground, and I can guarantee it will change your lifestyle forever.”

“MAYBE WHEN PEOPLE SEE THE STORY, SOMEONE WILL FALL IN LOVE, THEY WILL SUPPORT THE ORANGUTAN THROUGH US.”

BOS Foundation has been returning orangutans to the wild for over three decades. Even though conservation missions do, and sometimes should, change over time as the political, social and ecological landscape shifts. It is the persistence, the patience, and the passion that BOS has given to protecting Borneo’s great ape that is why there are still orangutans living free in the forests today. With so few left in the wild, BOS’s reintroduction program gives precious individuals a second chance to thrive in their home.

Website www.orangutan.or.id

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Valentino at pre-release island

Photo credit: BOS Foundation

FISHES

Denisons barb

Photo credit: Beta M

By the time Mike Baltzer launched SHOAL in 2019, he had already spent years in some of the most high-profile corners of the conservation world. He had stood shoulder to shoulder with governments and NGOs to help protect wild places and species, including a nine-year stint heading up WWF’s global Tigers Alive program. But it wasn’t the roar of a tiger that pushed Mike to take his boldest leap into conservation; it was a lack of impactful action being done for freshwater species.

In a sector dominated by charismatic megafauna, the crisis unfolding beneath the surface of rivers and lakes was barely registering in the conservation agenda. Yet the science was clear: freshwater species are vanishing at a faster rate than their terrestrial or marine counterparts. To Mike, it felt like living in a house while one room burned—and not enough people were reaching for the hose.

Written by Michael Edmondstone

ROOTS OF A CALLING

Mike’s journey into conservation began, as it does for many, with a deep love for the wild. Early in his career, he focused on wetlands and birds, and he worked for more than 10 years in the Danube and the Mekong regions, where he deepened his understanding and appreciation for freshwaters. But as his career developed, he noticed the gaps— the species and ecosystems very few seemed to be talking about.

“I came into conservation through a deep love of wild places and creatures,” Mike reflects. “Over time, I noticed a glaring omission from the narrative: freshwater species. They were disappearing in plain sight, and hardly anyone seemed to be discussing it.”

Freshwater life, he realized, suffered from decades of neglect. And freshwater ecosystems were treated as resources to exploit, not environments to cherish.

“OVER TIME, I NOTICED A GLARING OMISSION FROM THE NARRATIVE: FRESHWATER SPECIES. THEY WERE DISAPPEARING IN PLAIN SIGHT, AND HARDLY ANYONE SEEMED TO BE DISCUSSING IT.”

Freshwaters, supporting an incredible 51% of Earth’s fish species, despite covering less than 1% of the planet’s surface, contain not just biodiversity. They are also the backbone of culture, food, and community. “Fishes live in almost every culture’s stories, folklore, and daily life,” Mike says. “They’ve fed families for generations, inspired art, and even shaped languages. Despite that, they’re treated as invisible. To me, fishes are like unsung heroes, quietly holding communities and ecosystems together. They don’t roar or charge; they shimmer and weave, they sustain.”

Having kept fishes in aquariums since childhood, and being inspired by their remarkable diversity, Mike was encouraged to learn more about them— and dedicate his time to helping save them.

PLANTING THE SEED FOR SHOAL

During his time at WWF, Mike had a front-row seat to the power of a united conservation movement. Entire global campaigns were mobilized to save tigers. Funds flowed. Governments listened. But he kept asking himself: Where is that same urgency for freshwater life?

“There were campaigns, funding streams, and organizations rallying around these magnificent animals. But freshwater fishes were rarely included in these conversations—they were being forgotten about. That’s when the seed was planted.”

In 2019, SHOAL was born as a rallying point, a voice for the voiceless. Its mission: to shine a light on the most overlooked, highly threatened

group of vertebrates on the planet and to turn indifference into action.

TAKING THE LEAP

Starting SHOAL was a leap of faith. “Honestly, it was frustration mixed with hope,” Mike admits. “Frustration at the lack of impactful action and hope that if we took the leap, people would respond. I remember thinking: if not us, then who? It felt like standing at the edge of a river: you can either keep staring at the current, or you can jump in. I jumped.”

And people did respond. Very early on, two NGOs offered to help support SHOAL and provide a home and capacity: Synchronicity Earth, a UKbased organization focusing on the conservation

Jullien’s Golden Carp

Photo credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore, David Tan

GLOBAL

of overlooked and underfunded species—perfect for freshwater fishes—and Re:wild, an influential US-based organization co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio. Soon after, the IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialist Group got on board and the network of strategic partners quickly grew to become a deeply collaborative and impactful ‘shoal’.

“Conservation is often a competition between organizations and individuals,” Mike says, “and it’s really refreshing to work with a wide group of partners that are genuinely collaborative. We all have an understanding that, for freshwaters to be prioritized in the conservation agenda quickly, we have to work together.”

Funding in the early days was scarce, and success was uncertain. The core team was small, and convincing others that freshwater fishes mattered often felt like trying to sell an invisible product. “Funding bodies, corporations, and conservationists simply didn’t have the facilities, the momentum or the infrastructure to switch resources and strategies at first.” Mike says, “We are seeing a slow change towards freshwater species, but we need an immediate escalation

and acceleration of support targeted where it can have a direct impact—we need the funds.

THE PAIN OF LOSS

For Mike, the urgency of the work is not abstract; it is tangible. Each extinction cuts deep. “It feels like losing a piece of humanity,” he says. “Each extinction is final—it’s not like a political defeat where you regroup and try again. It’s the end of a story: if I can prevent even one more species from being erased, then the work is worth it.”

“EACH EXTINCTION IS FINAL—IT’S NOT LIKE A POLITICAL DEFEAT WHERE YOU REGROUP AND TRY AGAIN. IT’S THE END OF A STORY: IF I CAN PREVENT EVEN ONE MORE SPECIES FROM BEING ERASED, THEN THE WORK IS WORTH IT.”

Nothobranchius attenboroughi - Attenborough’s Killifish, named after the great naturalist, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Photo credit: Béla Nagy

Freshwater’s place in the current conservation pecking order, while frustrating, comes with its own opportunities. “It’s maddening, because the stories about freshwater fishes are there,” Mike says, “beautiful, powerful stories of survival, color, adaptation. Yet the species are overlooked. There’s a whole world of wonder waiting to be discovered under the surface of the planet’s freshwaters. If we can tell these stories well, the challenge turns into possibility.”

THE INVISIBLE STRUGGLE

Breaking the cycle of invisibility is SHOAL’s toughest challenge. “Awareness is the biggest barrier,” Mike says. “Politicians don’t set policy for things the public doesn’t demand, and the public doesn’t demand what it doesn’t know. Breaking that cycle, through storytelling, awareness, and education, is our greatest challenge and opportunity.”

There’s also indifference. “People know what a tiger is, they know what a rhino looks like. But a critically endangered freshwater fish? Often, they don’t know it exists. How do you ask someone to love something invisible? If we manage that, we’re well on our way to turning the tide on extinctions.”

RIPPLES OF HOPE

Despite the challenges, SHOAL and its network of partners give great reason for hope. “SHOAL isn’t just an organization,” Mike says. “It’s a movement of scientists, aquarists, conservationists, and everyday people who care. The fact that this community exists where none did before is, to me, a victory.”

“We’re also very fortunate to partner with fantastic local organizations in the regions where the work is most needed: conservation has often failed in the long term because capacity hasn’t been built in that place, embedded into the local communities. To ensure work can be sustainable, there needs to be strong foundations for local organizations to kick on and make the projects their own.”

Then there are the moments on the ground, where hope takes tangible form. One of the most powerful came from Mexico, where the Tequila Splitfin—a dazzling little fish listed in 2009 as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species—was given a second chance. Through a collaborative project that SHOAL wasn’t involved in, captive populations

Conservationists on a traditional fishing boat in the Mekong Photo credit: Mike Baltzer

were reintroduced into their native streams. The species was reassessed in 2018 and downlisted to Endangered. There is work to do, but the trend is going in the right direction. “It’s stories like this—of passionate people and organizations collaborating with ambitious action—that I find incredibly exciting,” Mike says.

The same coalition then restored the Golden Skiffia, listed as Extinct in the Wild, to its natural range in the Río Teuchitlán, in Jalisco, western Mexico. “Giving this species a second shot at survival is hugely rewarding,” Mike reflects. “But the deeply collaborative nature of the project was just as exciting: to see so many different stakeholders work so well together and see firsthand how the local community took ownership of keeping the river clean, fills me with confidence. Conservation is nothing but a band-aid solution unless the local community is fully involved. This project is a great example of how to do it right.”

Other breakthroughs include raising the profile of species like the Denison’s Barb in India, once threatened by overexploitation for the aquarium trade, and working on Somphong’s Rasbora and the Redtail Sharkminnow—species hugely popular in the aquarium trade but critically endangered in the wild. These stories show that with awareness and coordinated action, even fragile species stand a chance.

THE PERSONAL JOURNEY

Mike’s path from working with rainforests, tigers and even wetlands to focusing on fishes has been one of discovery. “When you work with tigers, you feel the grandeur of conservation. With freshwater fishes, you learn humility, that every life, no matter how small or obscure, has value.”

One of his key inspirations is the sheer diversity of freshwater life. From brilliantly colored species found only in a single river to others with fascinating behaviors and adaptations, fishes have opened his eyes to a hidden world.

“The diversity of freshwater fishes is astonishing,” Mike says. “Every time you look more closely, you find something new—a color pattern, a behavior, an adaptation you didn’t expect. There are endless things to learn, and that diversity keeps me inspired.

“WHEN YOU WORK WITH TIGERS, YOU FEEL THE GRANDEUR OF CONSERVATION. WITH FRESHWATER FISHES, YOU LEARN HUMILITY, THAT EVERY LIFE, NO MATTER HOW SMALL OR OBSCURE, HAS VALUE.”

SHOAL and IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) partners Celebica in Lake Lindu, Sulawesi

Photo credit: ASAP, SHOAL, Ivan Batara

The work has also taken him back to Sulawesi, Indonesia, where he worked as a 23-year-old volunteer ornithologist on a project surveying the wetlands of this incredible island. “Sulawesi has a system of ancient lakes, which are fascinating biologically. They contain these incredible radiations of endemic cichlid fishes, which were instrumental in Alfred Russel Wallace’s theory of evolution. To come back to Sulawesi and help bring together a coalition of brilliant local Indonesian partners to conserve these remarkable lakes is one of the highlights of my career.”

Getting momentum behind an organization like SHOAL comes with its challenges: trust must be earned, attitudes have to be changed, funders need nurturing. But Mike enjoys the challenge: “One of the key reasons for setting up SHOAL was the challenge of doing conservation differently, focusing on a group of species that had been neglected and overlooked, and bridging the gap between people who love fishes but haven’t been invited into the conservation community until now. We are inspired by getting more people into conservation, particularly freshwater species

conservation, and we try to find ways to engage people outside the sector, such as the passionate and knowledgeable global community of fishkeepers. There is a long way to go to get the aquarium hobby fully involved, but it’s been exciting building the momentum.”

WHY IT MATTERS TO ALL OF US

It’s easy, in the day-to-day bustle of modern life, to think of freshwater fishes as distant or irrelevant. Mike insists they are deeply woven into our humanity. “Extinction means losing more than species,” he says. “When we lose fishes, we lose traditions, foods, stories, and connections that have bound communities together for centuries. Imagine a world without salmon runs or migratory giants, without aquarium favorites in their natural habitats. It would be a world less rich and enriching.”

He points out that fishes represent livelihoods, heritage, and cultural memory. A river without fish is not only biologically diminished, but also culturally impoverished. It means fewer songs, fewer ceremonies, fewer shared meals passed down the generations.

The stakes, then, are not only ecological, but cultural, spiritual, and emotional. Losing freshwater life means losing parts of ourselves.

LOOKING AHEAD

What legacy does Mike hope SHOAL will leave in 20 or 30 years? His answer is simple: “I hope that, because of SHOAL and the initiative’s wonderful partners, the world didn’t lose its freshwater fishes. That we turned the tide of indifference into care, and care into action. That we gave voice to the voiceless.”

If he could speak directly to someone who has never thought about freshwater fishes before, he knows exactly what he would say: “Imagine your favorite childhood memory by water—a pond, stream, or river. Now imagine it empty, lifeless. That’s what’s at stake. Fishes are not just creatures in water; they are part of who we are. Protecting them means protecting ourselves.”

Mike Baltzer

Photo credit: SHOAL

Mike Baltzer has spent his career working for wildlife, but his greatest professional challenge is the one that swims unseen in the planet’s freshwaters. SHOAL was born out of the neglect that has damaged freshwaters for decades. It stands as an invitation to care for creatures most of us never notice but whose loss would leave us immeasurably poorer. If Mike’s vision holds true, the future will be one where our rivers and lakes still shimmer with life—a living legacy of resilience and hope.

Website www.shoalconservation.org

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@ShoalConservation

A no-take reserve has been created in the waters surrounding Nkondwe Island in Lake Tanganyika to help protect the endemic cichlids there, as part of a conservation project led by SHOAL partners SUSTAIN Lake Tanganyika.

Photo credit: Sustain Lake Tanganyika

KELP FORESTS AND THEIR IMPACT

One of the most remarkable forest habitats we can observe is off land and beneath the surface of our oceans. Kelp forests are towering underwater rainforests made up of giant brown seaweed anchored by holdfasts to rocks on the sea floor up to 45 meters below. They grow in nutrient-rich coastal waters around the world like the Salish sea off the coast of Seattle, to the rocky coastlines of New Zealand, and along the Western Cape of South Africa.

WHY ARE KELP FORESTS IMPORTANT?

Habitat

When Darwin first studied kelp forests he discovered they supported more life than he could have imagined. He remarked that every time he would shake a mass of kelp he would find ‘a small pile of fish, shells, cuttlefish, crabs, sea eggs, starfish and crawling nereidous animals of a multitude of forms’.

Kelp forests shelter thousands of species including sea lions, otters, seals, californian sheepshead’s, and halfmoon fish. The abundance of life tells us that kelp forests are an essential ecosystem and their rich habitat acts as a food source, breeding ground, and protection for all kinds of marine life.

The food web

Kelp forests are a foundation for coastal food chains. Kelp forests capture sunlight and turn it into energy that fuels entire ecosystems. Small grazers like sea urchins, snails, and crabs feed directly on kelp. These are preyed upon by fish such as rockfish, herring, and salmon. Seals, sea lions, and seabirds then rely on the abundance of fish that thrive in these kelp-rich habitats. At the top of this web are apex predators like orcas, which are iconic residents of the Salish Sea.

But their influence goes beyond what happens within the forest itself. Kelp forests create a “spillover effect.” Fish populations nurtured within the kelp expand outward into nearby waters, which supports coastal fisheries. This makes kelp ecosystems not just critical for wildlife, but also for people who rely on the ocean for food and livelihoods.

Blue Carbon

Kelp forests are superb at absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As they grow, they take the carbon from atmospheric carbon dioxide and use it as the building blocks for their fronds, holdfasts, and stipes. When the fronds break from waves they sink to the seabed, taking the stored carbon with them to be buried in the soil. This cycle is known as “blue carbon”. Kelp forests are not the only ecosystem that stores blue carbon, yet they cover less than 0.1% of the sea, and account for 3% of the ocean’s sequestered blue carbon. Their contribution to the blue carbon process makes them a great aid in tackling climate change.

WHY DO THEY NEED PROTECTING?

Despite their contribution to tackling climate change, kelp forests are sensitive to heating oceans. For example, bull kelp in the Salish Sea is declining: hotter summers and elevated water temperatures exceed what kelp spores can tolerate, reducing

As an important habitat to the food web, kelp forests need protection from industrial fishing practices that harm their ecosystems. Bottom trawling has had a devastating impact on kelp forest habitats and has been a main contributing factor to falling fish catch, which are impacting coastal communities.

Kelp Population

2021, local authorities banned trawling across this stretch of coastline, allowing the ecosystem a beginning to regrow, fish populations are returning, and habitats for seabirds, seals, and other marine life are starting to rebuild. The project also strengthens local fisheries by

Kelp forests are often overlooked in marine management plans, perhaps because their wonders aren’t immediately visible unless you have a wetsuit and goggles. The UN’s 2021-2030 Decade on Ecosystem Restoration plan does not even include them in their targets. With the crisis of falling fish catch and climate change, kelp forests can provide hope. They fill coastlines with fish, draw vast amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and provide a home for some of the most wonderful wildlife on this planet. Having such a positive impact is difficult to ignore once you know it exists just a stone skip away from our coasts.

Written by Marc Kranendonk

MYANMAR CONSERVATION

EFFORTS IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL ADVERSITY

Exploring stories about wildlife conservation and the inspiring people behind organizations across the globe is what Ubuntu is all about. This particular story, however, is not that straightforward. It is about preserving nature and wildlife, but it is also about war, desperation and displacement. It is about people who believe in preserving their culture, the wealth of their endemic wildlife, and the protection of their natural resources—even when facing the toughest of circumstances. And that is exactly why this story needs to be told.

Written by Patrizia Baldi

Community rangers record data (wildlife signs, GPS points) for SMART patrolling report

Photo credit: KESAN

MYANMAR

Although English is not his first language and the internet connection fails us intermittently, what comes across so clearly when Saw Moo Shee talks is his unwavering passion for conservation and for his people. While studying social science at university, his interest in conservation was piqued by taking environmental courses related to resource management and development. Moo Shee later had the opportunity to do an internship at KESAN (Karen Environmental and Social Action Network), and another in his final year of studies. Saw Moo Shee is now working as a Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation Program Coordinator at KESAN.

The organization’s aim is to support and promote the livelihood of the Indigenous Karen people, as well as safeguard the culture and the environment, by focusing on four prime areas:

livelihoods, land and forest governance, wildlife and biodiversity conservation, and education. Karen State or Kawthoolei, as this ancestral area is called by its Indigenous inhabitants, is located in the southeastern part of Myanmar. Karen people are one of eight main ethnic minority groups in the country, and Kawthoolei as a territory is administered by the Karen National Union (KNU), a government specifically for the Karen people.

JOINING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN IMPACT

KESAN is not a stand-alone organization, but rather falls under the KWCI (The Karen Wildlife Conservation Initiative) umbrella, which is made up of the three organizations: KESAN, KFD (Kawthoolei Forestry Department) and Wildlife Asia. It is an amazing collaboration of partners supporting the Karen people to preserve

Saw Moo Shee is one of the inspiring Indigenous people in Myanmar, who wants to make a difference with his work at KESAN (Karen Environmental and Social Action Network). In this article, we are exploring the conservation successes he and his comrades have shared, as well as the daily challenges they are facing.

Photo credit: KESAN

Building a beehive to be placed in the forest/jungle

Indigenous culture, protect wildlife and support large-scale environmental conservation in Karen State. Moo Shee explains: “While the KWCI is responsible for the paperwork, KFD and KESAN implement the project activity on the ground. Every year, the organization leaders meet up to discuss our strategy and plans for the future.”

Such coordination and partnership mentality led to the successful implementation of several projects in the past. Establishing wildlife sanctuaries with ongoing monitoring of wildlife, such as the Kaydoh Maenyaw Wildlife Sanctuary located in Kawthoolei’s Mutraw District, was a big step towards protecting and preserving critically endangered, indigenous species like the Indochinese tigers (Panthera tigris corbetti) and leopards (Panthera pardus delacouri). There have also been great efforts in initiating community-level activity, such as the production of honey. The villagers collect honey from the forest, which is then purchased by KESAN. The honey is subsequently shared at events or with partner organizations. By selling their honey, the community can generate an income, which is hoped to prevent illegal hunting in the wildlife sanctuary. Those participating in conservation

activities, such as community rangers, forest patrol or local leaders, also receive earnings from these sales, enabling them to cover some of their basic household needs.

Moreover, KESAN encourages collaboration in biodiversity protection by combining scientific expertise with local Indigenous knowledge. Saw Moo Shee tells us: “Indigenous Karen knowledge has not been documented in the past, so right now we are trying to revitalize it in order to preserve the wildlife and our nation. KESAN’s very own women’s research team works hard to preserve our nature and Indigenous knowledge. They have done surveys and produced several reports on ethnobotany, and a variety of our wildlife. At the same time, scientific knowledge is also very important for us. Based on our scientific surveys, we are able to develop guidelines, with which the KNU can eventually introduce and enforce rules and regulations to improve the environment and natural resource management. Tigers, for example, are important for our culture, but they are also included in the IUCN Red List. So in that case, we can encourage the leaders to come up with a better management plan for the territories the tigers reside in.”

Photo credit: KESAN

MYANMAR

RELYING ON FUNCTIONING ECOSYSTEMS

Myanmar’s biodiversity is primarily defined by the Indo-Burma Hotspot, one of the world’s most biologically rich and threatened regions, which encompasses nearly all of the country. Myanmar features extensive forests, unique wetlands, major river systems, and significant coastal areas, all supporting high levels of plant and animal diversity, including numerous endemic species.

Moo Shee adds: “We have important wildlife, like tigers, Malayan tapirs, pangolins and gibbons. They are not just wonderful animals we would like to conserve for their own sake, but they are also perceived as the carriers of the spirit of the land and the forest. The way us Karen people see nature is that we don’t own it, but we take care of it—in turn, nature takes care of us. We believe that forests, trees and rivers all have their own spirits, and we need to respect that. Only if we respect Nature, Nature will respect us. It is a sacred, mutual relationship.”

“ONLY IF WE RESPECT NATURE, NATURE WILL RESPECT US. IT IS A SACRED, MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP.”

He continues, “A high level of biodiversity also keeps our ecosystem in balance. And a healthy environment gives us a sustainable livelihood with resources that we can depend on for our survival.”

According to Saw Moo Shee, people depend on nature in three areas. First, there is the physical dependency; Karen people depend on the forest for food, medicine and shelter. Then, there is spiritual dependency; there are sacred sites no one is allowed to touch. For example, in a burial ground area, no one can cut down trees. Destroying the peace of the dead people like this would be deemed unethical in Karen beliefs. Finally, there is also a social dependency aspect. Networking and positive relationships are seen as very important. Anything accomplished within the society is a joint effort, as everyone should help and support each other. This is also described as collective leadership.

MYANMAR

The Community Forest Ranger Initiation was established through precisely such collaborative efforts. Community Rangers are representatives of villages within wildlife sanctuaries, community forests or research forests. Since the KFD has to oversee huge forest areas with limited staffing, it cannot observe everything going on at the local level. There are currently 25 community rangers, whose objective is to preserve the environment and biodiversity inside the Kawthoolei state, and implement sustainable development. As these community rangers live in the villages, they can easily monitor the condition of the forest, wildlife, and also report any breaking of rules and regulations, such as illegal logging, to the head of KFD.

DISPLACEMENT AND MORE WAR-RELATED CHALLENGES

During the last years and decades, many different reasons, such as civil wars and religious persecution, have led to the rise in refugees across the globe. Myanmar ranks as one of the countries with the most displaced refugees, with over a million globally. The Karen people have faced severe violence and ongoing military aggression from the Myanmar government since the end of

the 20th century, without experiencing effective support from their neighboring countries. The humanitarian situation, particularly when it comes to housing, health, education and employment, remains unstable and challenging to this day, with a large number of ethnic minorities, including Karen people, fleeing the country. In 2021, the Burmese military seized power from a democratically elected government and tried to take control over land, forests and natural resources. Following that, there have been numerous fights, and a great number of people have been displaced. This has had incredibly sad repercussions, both on the livelihoods of people and their efforts for wildlife conservation.

Moo Shee explains: “Because of the political instability we are confronted by, we cannot preserve and protect nature as we used to do. Within research forest areas and wildlife sanctuaries, people are not allowed to hunt wildlife. However, after the coup, many of the displaced people had to flee into the forest to seek safety. For their survival, they will sometimes hunt wildlife in such protected areas. This is, of course, the opposite of what we want when it comes to conservation.”

A group receives instructions on how to choose the right locations for their beehives.

Photo credit: KESAN

MYANMAR

“Other challenges we are facing right now are the impacts of climate change, such as floods and pest infestations within our farming areas. Instead of preparing ourselves to adapt and mitigate climate change impacts, we have to run for our safety.”

Ongoing research has also proven more difficult. Camera trap surveys had been undertaken through which tigers were identified in several areas of Kawthoolei. Previous plans to conduct widespread surveys to assess the actual abundance of these animals had to be interrupted due to the ongoing turmoil in the country. This is ultimately affecting the implementation of conservation mitigation. However, it is not all doom and gloom.

MOVING FORWARD AGAINST ALL ODDS

Karen people are proud of their rich nature, their culture and legacy. Despite the challenges caused by the political instability in Myanmar, they have not given up. Due to the continued efforts of Karen people to defend their homelands, combined with the resistance of young people inside the cities, who have taken up arms against the intruders, the Burmese military has not yet been able to gain complete control over Karen State. Karen people in Kawthoolei still work tirelessly to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources, including their own cultural practices. They are currently working on a documentation of their Indigenous knowledge. Several methods are used to collect and document; for example at consultation meetings, at which community members can share their knowledge on things like rotational farming or watershed area management. Information is documented through notes, videos and audio, and then published as books or reports. This documentation of Indigenous knowledge is expected to become an important reference work for the younger generation, as well as people in other places across the world, to learn about and explore the importance of preserving and protecting nature and culture.

Saw Moo Shee concludes: “We have tried our best to preserve and protect the environment and adapt our cultural practices and Indigenous knowledge to mitigate the climate change impacts from floods or pest infestations inside our farming areas. Myanmar is one of the countries that will suffer serious climate change impacts, which we are currently underprepared to mitigate. So, despite or maybe because of what is currently happening in Myanmar, we need cooperation and support to protect and further develop what we have already worked on for decades. This will be our best chance of conserving our nature and livelihoods for years to come.”

“THIS WILL BE OUR BEST CHANCE OF CONSERVING OUR NATURE AND LIVELIHOODS FOR YEARS TO COME.”

Website www.kwci.org

Website www.kesan.asia

Top: Careful instructions are given for where the beehives must be placed Bottom: When the beehive is nearly ready, wax is used to attract the bees

Photo credit: KESAN

Rebecca Douglas STARGAZER

Moon bloom

Moon jellyfish bloom near a new moon, drawn by lunar-linked cycles of light and tide. As the night sky darkens and constellations are more visible across the night sky, they almost mirror this with their constellation-like gatherings under the sea as they bloom.

Radiating brown markings earn them their name. Feeding on invertebrates and plankton and food to leatherback turtles and sunfish. Their growing numbers hint at an ocean imbalance.

Compass jellyfish - Chrysaora hysoscella - Walpole Bay, Margate, UK

Website

rebeccadouglas.co.uk

Instagram

@rebeccadouglasphotography

Snakelocks anemone - Anemonia viridis - Isle of Mull, Scotland

Waving in the current, snakelocks anemones host symbiotic algae that give them energy and color. Both plant and predator, they embody beauty and function entwined.

I’m a coastliner, born in Ramsgate, UK, and I’m endlessly drawn to the wild edges where earth, sea and sky meet. Places that remind us we are part of nature, not separate from it. Through storytelling, I amplify nature’s messengers and messages using photo, video, drone, speaking & writing.

My diagnosis of ADHD in 2021 unlocked new horizons for me. After a lifetime of chronic motion sickness, I discovered ADHD medication removed that barrier completely. This has been lifechanging. I’d been landlocked, only able to witness the sea from the shore and dream of what these wild edges might be like. It opened the possibility to travel on boats and immerse myself in ocean stories that were previously out of reach.

Being underwater is something I find so freeing; my mind quietens, and as the sounds of the surface soften, other senses sharpen and attune. I’m endlessly mesmerized by jellyfish, survivors of five mass extinction events, drifting like living barometers of our changing oceans when they appear in unexpected places. What moves me most is how accessible this awe is, with so much to see within arm’s reach of the surface. At first glance, my images capture beauty, but with curiosity, unexpected encounters reveal narratives of resilience, fragility and change. Each photograph becomes both a reminder of what is at stake and a call to reimagine our relationship with the ocean.

It is this very purpose that led me to step into the role of President of the Board of Trustees at Whale Wise. This voluntary role allows me to support vital marine conservation work at a strategic level. Through visual storytelling, I’m able to amplify nature’s messages and bring the groundbreaking research Whale Wise is doing into wider awareness, helping people connect more deeply with whales and the ocean.

At its heart, my photography is about rewilding our connection to nature, igniting curiosity, and inspiring action to protect our blue planet.

- Rebecca Douglas

Website rebeccadouglas.co.uk

Instagram

@rebeccadouglasphotography

Seagrass - Zostera marina - South Sands, Devon, UK

Though it carpets just 0.2% of the seafloor, seagrass locks away carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, offering hope in the fight against climate change.

Instagram

@rebeccadouglasphotography

Website rebeccadouglas.co.uk

Scotland

A carnivorous predator, with tentacles stretching for tens of meters, capturing small fish, plankton and other jellies, and as seas warm, their shifting range tells of climate change unfolding beneath the surface.

Lion’s mane jellyfish - Cyanea capillata - Gairloch,

Northern kelp crab

An agile crustacean adapted to life in the kelp forests, it uses seaweed both as camouflage and as food. Its body color shifts depending on the type of kelp it eats, embodying perfect symbiosis between form and environment.

COSTA RICA

THE GOLDEN TOAD THE GHOST OF COSTA RICA

High in the forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, there was once a spectacle so rare and astounding that it defied belief. During the first rains of the season, the forest would come alive with thousands of tiny specks of gold. If you got close enough, the gold would take shape: toads, thousands upon thousands of them, striking in both color and rarity, singing an elegy for the year’s rains that few were ever lucky enough to witness.

This Golden Toad was actually a singular, isolated species, Incilius periglenes, and was endemic to this small area of Costa Rica’s rainforests. A species with an extremely small and vulnerable range, they were beloved by locals and warranted all kinds of scientific intrigue. But one year, they vanished without a trace, and have never been seen again.

Written by Nathan Turnbull

Hundreds of golden toads emerged to greet the rains each year, then retreated to subterranean hideaways at the end of their breeding season. From one year to the next, they vanished

Photo credit: Martha L. Crump

COSTA RICA

To twins Kyle and Trevor Ritland of South Carolina, USA, this story was among the most interesting things they had ever heard. Courtesy of their father, a college Biology professor, this story was passed down to them as children alongside countless other tales of the wilderness and biological marvels. Being raised in a home that valued the importance of the natural world—with a biologist for a father and a science teacher for a mother—they were fortunate enough to be immersed in nature from a very young age. They were always interested in storytelling, writing about monsters when they were kids. Many years later, as adults, fate would lead them back to the story of the Golden Toad, and set them on a path to tell an incredible story.

When they were in college, Kyle and Trevor realized that their passions for storytelling and environmentalism could be combined. Their lightbulb moment came when they went on a trip to the Florida Everglades as part of an independent study class, wanting to produce a documentary about the American Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) there. They travelled with their friends, all of whom were not interested in the subject matter prior, but quickly came around once they saw the crocodiles and their environment with their own eyes. As they explored and filmed, this shift in attitude from their friends confirmed something that Kyle and Trevor already suspected: there was an audience for this kind of production. It set them on their path— environmental storytelling as a medium for both their creativity and their passion for the natural world.

On the back of this trip, they decided to set up a non-profit organization called Adventure Term, solely dedicated to encouraging and facilitating similar adventures for enthusiastic students who are looking to develop their communication skills for documentary production, alongside learning the logistics of trips such as this. It has been received with success, although small-scale, and has hosted adventures to destinations like Arizona, Florida and North Carolina.

“THERE WAS SUCH A SENSE OF COMMUNAL IDENTITY AROUND THE TOAD IN MONTEVERDE… IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS NOW MISSING.”

Cedral group: Kyle and Trevor Ritland prepare for a hike into the Costa Rican cloud forest in search of golden toads, thirty years after their last sighting (with team members from the University of Costa Rica, Monteverde Conservation League, and Children’s Eternal Rainforest: Gilbert Alvarado, Mark Wainwright, Eladio Cruz, and Luis Solano).

Photo credit: Trevor Ritland

Their most prominent adventure yet began when Trevor finished college and made the decision to move to Costa Rica. By circumstance, he found himself right in the historical range of where the Golden Toads were once found: the canton of Monteverde. Reminded of the stories his father had told him, he inquired about the species with locals and discovered that the toads had faded into folklore. People told stories about them as if they were relatives that had passed on, a ‘tactile

sense of grief’ lingering in the air as he was regaled about the beauty that the forests had once possessed. He found that the Golden Toad was ‘so integral to the local community’s identity’ that it felt like ‘something was now missing’. Now adamant that this was a story that needed telling, Trevor recruited Kyle and the two of them, together, embarked on a journey to discover just what had happened to the Golden Toad.

COSTA RICA

There was such a sense of communal identity around the toad in Monteverde. There were hotels named after the creature, murals, and graffiti showcasing the striking natural beauty that was once present in the area. How could an animal like this just disappear seemingly overnight? Kyle and Trevor got to work, searching for potential causes. They quickly discovered that there were two likely causes, both equally plausible and frightening. Firstly, the Golden Toad may have been killed by climate change, being a highly specialist species with an extremely small range that may have been only suited to a very small threshold of temperatures, humidity and water availability. The Golden Toad may also have been killed by a fungal pathogen, the Chytrid fungus, which has been responsible for a devastating amount of losses to amphibian life over the last 40 years. It was in fact the Golden Toad itself that

partly gave way to this discovery: in 1989, when the Golden Toads disappeared in just a year or two, it sparked scientific investigation. This investigation, alongside other species of amphibians dropping severely in population, led to the discovery of Chytridiomycosis, which has been cited as the leading cause of ‘The Amphibian Crisis’, where numbers of frogs and toads have plummeted—as well as playing a huge role in the study of climate dynamics on vulnerable ecosystems. With two potential leads, they split their efforts, each using their personal expertise to their advantage. Trevor focused on the climate change aspect of the story, whereas Kyle looked into the fungal aspect, believing it was likely to be a combination of both factors that led to the demise of the species— and just like that, they were part of the same tale that their father had told them about all those years ago.

A male and female golden toad in amplexus in a highland breeding pool in the cloud forests of Monteverde.

Photo credit: Martha L. Crump

Trevor Ritland pilots a canoe along West Lake in the Everglades, searching for American Crocodiles during the first “Adventure Term” expedition.

“TREVOR FOCUSED ON THE CLIMATE CHANGE ASPECT OF THE STORY, WHEREAS KYLE LOOKED INTO THE FUNGAL ASPECT, BELIEVING IT WAS LIKELY TO BE A COMBINATION OF BOTH FACTORS THAT LED TO THE DEMISE OF THE SPECIES.”

Now, the culmination of their efforts is available in the form of a book, ‘The Golden Toad’, which chronicles their entire journey and the incredible discoveries made along the way. The book captures the full story, from inception to conclusion, explaining the full background of the species, its history, its environment, and its ecology. The book is also accompanied by some short documentaries about the process of the time spent in Costa Rica, available on

their website. Self-described as an ‘ecological mystery’, the Ritlands use the fundamentally compelling murder mystery trope to tell a true and compelling story that stays interesting from cover to cover. The two ‘killers’ involved, climate change and the Chytrid fungus, Kyle describes as being ‘on trial’. The case of the missing Golden Toads has remained unsolved due to a lack of hard evidence, as no bodies were ever found. This sense of the unknown mirrors the discoveries made in the book, making the reader feel like part of the journey.

Describing a book as ‘the medium that they could cram the most story into’, Trevor says that its main message is that the tale of the Golden Toad is not just their story at all. It is a long, winding, complex adventure that has spanned across many people, all involved in their own way with their own stakes in the species’ story. In their travels, they encountered many people who had fascinating opinions and experiences related to the toad. Not everyone is a storyteller, though, and not everyone has the platform to express themselves to a wider audience than what is usually available to them. Whether it be economic barriers, language barriers, or political ones, some people just are not able to tell the world stories like this one. In a better position to tell these stories than the

Photo credit: Kyle Ritland

The Golden Toad was published by Diversion Books in June of 2025, with original illustrations by Costa Rican artist Daniel Wesson.

Trevor Ritland explores a stream in the cloud forests of Costa Rica, once hopping with hundreds of golden toads.

Photo credit: Kyle Ritland

locals and wildlife rangers that they talked to, the Ritlands felt it right to encapsulate as much of this detail as possible. Trevor also swears by the value of being able to include photos and illustrations in the book, and the profound honor of being able to include the first and last photos ever taken of the Golden Toad itself, creating a haunting timeline to accompany the words of their story.

This kind of environmental storytelling is very important to both Kyle and Trevor. Describing it as ‘having boots on the ground’, it adds an emotional resonance to stories that greatly benefit from having a human side to them. Conservation as a whole can often seem inaccessible and abstract to people, and telling a story that stirs strong emotions can provide a point of access to an otherwise difficult idea to grasp. This story particularly serves a great purpose as a selfcontained case study that represents something far bigger than itself.

The Golden Toad is one of the first species within recent years that has seemingly gone extinct as a direct result of climate change and global warming. It is a charismatic and endearing species, beloved by its locals and easy to be charmed by. As such, it reflects the changing landscape of conservation in the modern world and the increase in problems that specialist species face. It is a tough conversation and a tricky subject to engage with—and the Ritlands believe that this example of loss and grief acts as the perfect catalyst for people to begin to understand the true scope of the problem, and just how integral it is that we begin to really try to comprehend and manage the climate crisis in an effective and thorough way: with long-term solutions that can hopefully stave off cases like this one from happening again.

COSTA RICA

It was too late for the Golden Toad to be helped, but perhaps it’s not yet too late for other, similar species. As an extremely specialist species with such a small range, the Golden Toad is a prime example of the most vulnerable animals that climate change threatens. The narrower the conditions a species needs to survive, the worse the impact. And as the problem gets worse, Kyle says, ‘more animals and more people will find themselves in the same predicament as the Golden Toad’.

Despite the worrying trends highlighted by environmental scientists in recent years, Kyle and Trevor remain optimistic. The story of the Golden Toad, they hope, deals with ‘how to balance hope and grief in the modern age’, and that these emotions lend ‘an element of universality’ to the story that people can understand. They have seen much of the world and the creatures within it, running trips with their Adventure Term and working alongside academics, and believe that there are plenty of people out there making a difference, people who need help telling their stories. Trevor stresses that ‘despite all the changes and crises in the modern age, there are so many reasons for hope and optimism’—a sentiment adequately supported by the discovery that in some areas of the rainforest, various species of frogs are re-colonizing areas that they had once moved on from.

Both Kyle and Trevor have recently become fathers, and looking to the horizon, the next few years are looking busy. Both have every intention of sharing their passions with their kids, hoping to inspire the next generation of storytellers. They are continuing with Adventure Term, recovering from the hit that the program took from COVID disruption, intending to host more in-person adventures that continue to inspire. The goal is that, in the long term, they will take their kids along with them on these journeys and pass their love of nature down to the next generation in the same way that their parents passed it down to them. The passion that these brothers have is inspiring to witness, and their willingness to help others unlock the same passion that drives them so eagerly remains a window into a whole world of dedicated storytellers who stop at nothing to share their experiences. It cements a belief that so long as there are stories to be told, there will be people to tell them.

‘The Golden Toad’ is out now, available at the link below.

“PRAIRIE DOGS ARE FASCINATING SOCIAL ANIMALS. THEY’RE JUST LIKE LITTLE PEOPLE. ANYTHING WE DO—YOU NAME IT—THEY DO IT. THEY DO GOOD THINGS, LIKE COOPERATE AND HELP EACH OTHER. BUT THEY ALSO DO NASTY THINGS, LIKE THEY HAVE REALLY VICIOUS BATTLES. SO, WE CAN STUDY THESE LITTLE RODENTS AND END UP LEARNING A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES.”

Utah prairie dog Photo credit: Tom O’Connor -

PRAIRIE DOG EXPERT

JOHN HOOGLAND REFLECTS ON HIS 52-YEAR CAREER

It was a privilege to interview Prof. John Hoogland, a US-based prairie dog ecologist whose academic resume is perhaps surpassed in impressiveness only by his inexhaustible enthusiasm for prairie dogs. When asked about the animals, his research, and related conservation efforts, he talks with great clarity and ease, drawing on more than fifty years of dedicated study.

During the chat, we covered the basics of prairie dog taxonomy and distribution, Hoogland’s role in advancing research into four of the species, his most important finds, and, finally, their conservation status and most pressing habitat concerns.

As Hoogland is a very engaging storyteller, the best way to share his experiences and insights is, without doubt, in his own words …

Written by Megan Abigail White

THERE ARE FIVE SPECIES OF PRAIRIE DOG. PLEASE INTRODUCE READERS TO EACH ONE?

The most common species is the black-tailed prairie dog. It’s the one you’re likely to see in zoos and people have as pets. It has a range that starts in southern Canada and goes all the way into Texas and Mexico. When people mention prairie dogs, that’s usually the one they mean, but there are four others.

Another is called the white-tailed prairie dog. It lives in parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.

The third species is the Gunnison’s prairie dog, and it looks very similar to the white-tailed prairie dog, but is a little smaller. That one occurs in parts of what they call the Four Corners area—so New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

Then the fourth one is the Utah prairie dog. It also has a white-tipped tail and, again, looks very similar to white-tailed prairie dogs. It occurs in just a small area in southwestern Utah.

Finally, the fifth species is called the Mexican prairie dog, and it lives in a very small range in the north-central part of Mexico. It looks just like the black-tailed prairie dog, but has a longer tail.

WHAT IS THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF EACH SPECIES?

Two of them are technically considered endangered or threatened—the Mexican and the Utah—but all five of them are rare. Probably all five of them should be on the endangered list.

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DIVIDED YOUR TIME BETWEEN YOUR HOME IN MARYLAND AND THE PRAIRIE DOG COLONIES OF THE MIDWEST. WHAT DID YOUR AVERAGE YEAR LOOK LIKE DURING THE DECADES YOU WERE DOING FIELDWORK?

A typical year involved going out west for about five months. I had to be there around early February to get set up and show my volunteer assistants what to watch for before the mating season started later that month.

Then, there were four weeks of total excitement observing the mating season. The females would start giving birth in April, and they’d keep their babies underground during lactation. Between mid-May and early June, the weaned juveniles would start coming above ground. Using binoculars, we recorded data from four-meter high observation towers from dawn to dusk every day.

credit: Elaine Miller Bond

Utah prairie dog

Photo

Soon after, my ‘Prairie Dog Squad’ would help me catch all the babies so we could mark their sides with fur dye to make for easier observation and recordings from our watch towers.

We would then spend around a month on experiments, such as moving models made to look like badgers across the colony grounds to see who would give alarm calls and who would not. We found, for example, that prairie dogs with no known kin around would watch in silence.

Then I would come back to Maryland for six months and work up my data, work on papers, and, in some years, work on a book.

Every fall, I would return to my study colony for about a month to try to catch all the prairie dogs before winter. I did this so I could mark them with the fur dye and they’d be easily identifiable when spring came back around.

YOU HAD TO ENDURE EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS TO MAKE YOUR PRAIRIE DOG OBSERVATIONS. HOW DID YOU MANAGE?

All four prairie dog species I studied breed in late winter or very early spring. So in South Dakota, that meant I had to be there in the middle of February and it was bloody cold. When I studied the other three US species, they usually started their mating season in early March, and they live at high altitude, so it was also really cold.

So staying warm was a big problem, but it was worth it because these prairie dogs are so exciting. I would wear eight layers on the bottom. On the top, I would wear 11 layers. I also used hand warmers and toe warmers. I also had a special contraption that went over my face; it traps your exhalation and recycles the heat, and that was a crucial part of my suit of armor.

Release of a prairie dog with fur dye for identification

Photo credit: Elaine Miller Bond

I think one of the reasons so little study has been made of prairie dogs is that it’s just too cold where they live. People can’t handle it, and I struggled, but I figured these animals are worth it, so that’s what I did.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST FASCINATING THINGS YOU LEARNED ABOUT PRAIRIE

DOGS THROUGH YOUR RESEARCH?

That’s a tough question, because I have learned so many fascinating facts about prairie dogs!

One is that they fight a lot. Females fight especially for nursery burrows, and males fight for females, and these fights are really common. On a busy day in my tower, I might see two hundred fights. They’re significant because prairie dogs sometimes are killed in these fights (but not very often). But they’re frequently injured. So the losers will walk away with a bloody face, or bloody leg, or something. It’s tough being a prairie dog.

I also learned, contrary to what most farmers and ranchers believe, that prairie dogs are not like rats and mice that breed so much and so fast. Most prairie dogs only live one or two years, and the female comes into sexual receptivity only once a year, so even if it’s a good year, she can only make a maximum of one litter per year. Also, their litter sizes are small, usually three or four.

On top of this, many of the females just don’t breed every year. Also, they sometimes commit infanticide, killing (and eating) the babies of other females. What’s more, long-tailed weasels and black-footed ferrets can get in their nursery burrows and kill all their babies before they can wean them.

PART OF YOUR SUCCESS, IN MY OPINION, IS HOW YOU’VE MANAGED TO CONTINUE DOING THIS WORK WITH SUCH ENTHUSIASM AND DEEP COMMITMENT. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR MOTIVATING FORCE THROUGH THE YEARS AND DECADES TO HELP YOU CONTINUE?

Number one, I have an insatiable curiosity. Every time I’d go out to see the prairie dogs, I’d see something new and wonder: What is it? What are they doing? And why?

Getting back into the field each year for the mating season was absolutely the high point because of all the fights and chases. The excitement of seeing my favorite animals again, and learning new things, and getting a few more answers to the thousands of questions I had—that’s what kept bringing me back to the prairie dogs each year.

I’d do it again if I could. But after 45 years of fieldwork, I wanted to make sure I have time to summarize and synthesize all my research while I’m still healthy, and that’s the only reason I stopped watching prairie dogs. I’m busy now writing my magnum opus, Prairie Dogs: Ecology and Social Behavior.

Also, I’m grateful I had a wife and kids who supported my research. They learned how to do everything. They learned how to catch the prairie dogs, mark them, watch them, do the stuffed badger experiments, and more. Without my wife and children, I never could have succeeded in my research.

I’m also thankful for all the 200-plus research assistants I had over 45 years.

“THE EXCITEMENT OF SEEING MY FAVORITE ANIMALS AGAIN, AND LEARNING NEW THINGS, AND GETTING A FEW MORE ANSWERS TO THE THOUSANDS OF QUESTIONS I HAD—THAT’S WHAT KEPT BRINGING ME BACK TO THE PRAIRIE DOGS EACH YEAR.”

WHAT

ARE THE

BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO THE CONSERVATION OF PRAIRIE DOGS?

Number one, they’re losing their habitat because developers are exterminating prairie dog colony sites to make Walmarts, Kmarts, gas stations, and everything else.

Number two, for the last 150 years, ranchers and farmers have been poisoning and shooting millions of prairie dogs each year.

More recently, prairie dogs are being drastically affected by bubonic plague, an introduced disease. If the plague moves into a prairie dog colony, usually 95% to 100% of them die within two to three weeks. It’s just devastating.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU MOST WISH THE PUBLIC WOULD KNOW ABOUT PRAIRIE DOGS?

They’re a keystone species. That’s the main thing.

Many people just don’t like prairie dogs. They don’t give a rip if they all disappear. But when you tell them that they’re food for animals like buffaloes, bobcats, golden and bald eagles, black-footed ferrets, pronghorn antelopes, and mountain plovers, they realize that the prairie dogs are important.

For instance, if we lose prairie dogs, you can kiss the ferrets goodbye, because they just can’t efficiently feed on anything else. So if we fail

credit: Elaine Miller Bond

Utah prairie dog pups

Photo

to conserve the prairie dogs, then the western grasslands as we know them will disappear.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR CAREER?

Knowledge is power. You can’t save a species unless you know a lot about it.

Well, because of my research, now conservation biologists know a lot about prairie dogs. And they can do more research and make better decisions based off my findings. So I’m proud that my research has generated copious, detailed information that will be crucial for future conservation biologists and wildlife managers.

“KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. YOU CAN’T SAVE A SPECIES UNLESS YOU KNOW A LOT ABOUT IT.”

Throughout the interview, Hoogland expressed sincere gratitude for his career, his family, his volunteers, and his life in general. He also appeared optimistic about future prairie dog studies and conservation efforts.

“Make your passion your profession,” he always encourages students. “That’s what I did, and you can do it too.”

I think you’ll agree with me that to listen to Prof. Hoogland speak is to come away affirmed in two things. Firstly, there’s the importance and necessity of rigorous and sustained ecological study, both with regard to prairie dogs as well as any other wildlife species. And secondly, those who follow their passions can anticipate a life imbued with meaning and satisfaction.

Website www.prairiedoghoogland.com

ENDANGERED SPECIES: GIANT OTTER

QUICK FACTS

• Species: Giant Otter

• Scientific name: Pteronura brasiliensis

• Range: Amazon Basin, Guiana Highlands, Pantanal Wetlands

• Habitat: Freshwater ecosystems

• Weight: 22-26 kilograms (females), 26-32 kilograms (males)

• Height: 1.7-1.8 meters (from head to tail)

• Group size: Between 2 and 16 individuals (normally consisting of a dominant breeding pair, non-breeding subadults, and offspring)

• IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

• Current estimates: ~6500 individuals and trending downwards (population decline of 50% over the last 25 years)

Photo credit: Diego Grandi/Shutterstock.com

Arguably South America’s top freshwater predator, Giant Otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) are at risk of extinction at the hands of multiple human-led drivers. Officially classified as Endangered, Giant Otters’ ranges have become incredibly fragmented, with local (or near, <100 individuals remaining) extinctions having taken place within Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, Guyana, and Paraguay thus far. Strongholds remain in the Brazilian Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands, and possibly the Guiana Highlands, with more research needed to confirm this.

Written by Thijs Montalvo

The Giant Otter suffers from its lower resilience as a slow-reproducing, curious, highly selective, apex predator. Highly intelligent, the Giant Otter forms close-knit social tribes with only the most dominant couple reproducing, and is picky in choosing ranges with only the most pristine conditions—leading to slow re-establishment of extinct populations. Its curiosity is often noted and seen in their approach to novel objects (including humans) in their environment; this has not aided their resiliency in the face of hunting pressures. Like with other apex predators, the health of their ecosystems can often be measured by their presence. Their range decompression shows ecosystems that are under pressure from pollutants, habitat destruction, overexploitation, and large-scale climatic changes.

At the same time, some local trends signal a cause for hope. Fur hunting has been largely curbed with the Giant Otter’s inclusion on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) appendices, Argentina has recently had Giant Otter sightings for the first

time in 40 years and has started reintroduction efforts, and otter populations have unexpectedly continued to hang on in the Brazilian Cerrado (a heavily human-influenced region). It is clear that the Giant Otter’s fate is closely intertwined with the globally important Amazon forest and Pantanal wetlands. Targeting global drivers that are leading to the destruction of South America’s most intact ecosystems is the only certain way to ensure the Giant Otter remains for future generations to witness.

Photo credit: Henk Bogaard/Shutterstock.com

SOUTH AMERICA

“TARGETING GLOBAL DRIVERS THAT ARE LEADING TO THE DESTRUCTION OF SOUTH AMERICA’S MOST INTACT ECOSYSTEMS IS THE ONLY CERTAIN WAY TO ENSURE THE GIANT OTTER REMAINS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO WITNESS.”

HABITAT AND ECOLOGY

Giant Otters are the largest members of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and generally live between 10 and 12 years. Their range covered much of the freshwater territories of South America, with their presence being found in rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps; although they prefer areas with easy access to water-body banks such as gentle slopes and vegetation cover, and larger fish populations. While they primarily feed on fish, they have been known to take caiman and other vertebrates. They shape their environment through the building of dens and campsites on banks where they regularly mark territories through scent-markings at latrines.

Photo credit: Lubus Chlubny - stock.adobe.com

Giant Otters are territorial, with larger ‘families’ dominating larger ranges and defending them against intruders. Incursions into territories by non-family members have been observed to lead to serious injury or death. While family groups are primarily made up of individuals under the same family tree, larger groups at times have non-related members. All families function under the same hierarchical structure, with groups only having one breeding pair; this means only two individuals are generally added to the family per year. Highly productive years result in litter sizes up to six cubs.

HISTORICAL THREATS AND POPULATION DECLINE

Due to their proclivity to consume large amounts of freshwater fish, Giant Otters are still viewed as a pest species by fishermen and fishing communities. As a result of this perception, killings continue to occur—although the number of deaths is less than the historical highs associated with the fur trade. Historical commercial hunts resulted in the species’ near extinction in the 1970s in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Brazil. Since the species’ inclusion on Appendix I of CITES, commercial trade of otter skins has become illegal and allowed the species to recover in some areas.

SOUTH AMERICA

While killings have decreased, threats as a result of habitat destruction have increased. Their overall range has contracted with the deforestation of the Amazon, the installation of large hydroelectric dams, increased droughts associated with climate change, mercury pollution as a result of gold mining, agricultural runoff, the spread of diseases, and the overfishing of prey species. This has destroyed former freshwater bodies and limited available habitat. Unfortunately, as a result of their group dynamics and slow reproduction times, Giant Otters need large time spans to recolonize areas where they have become locally extinct, highlighting the risk of more local extinctions.

In July, Rewilding Argentina, an organization focused on species reintroduction, released a family of Giant Otters into Iberá National Park in northeast Argentina. This recent event marks the first time a Giant Otter family is undeniably known to exist in Argentina in 40 years, a major milestone. Alongside this reintroduction, 50 researchers from 12 South American countries came together the same year to publish an incredibly important paper, which highlights 22 areas within the Giant Otter’s range that should be prioritized for conservation efforts. With more groups coming together to safeguard their future, Giant Otters’ decline may be stymied in some areas, giving

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Luckily, unlike some other Endangered Species, Giant Otters have an undeniable charisma stemming from their intelligence, appearance, curiosity, and role in their ecosystem. As a result, attempts at conservation and restoration have occurred throughout much of their range, led by a plethora of different conservation groups as well as government-led plans. The focus primarily lies on Giant Otter research and data collection, antipoaching efforts, reintroductions, and community outreach/conservation.

time for reintroductions and recolonizations to occur. However, until the global drivers of South America’s intact ecosystems begin to unravel and are properly addressed, their conservation along much of their range can never be fully realized. Until this occurs, safeguarding the Giant Otter in their strongholds and facilitating their spread into restored and intact ecosystems will remain pivotal to their long-term survival. As an apex predator, their conservation and restoration will also facilitate the health of the ecosystem upon which they rely.

Photo credit: Dalia & Giedrius - stock.adobe.com

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ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WITH THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SMALL VILLAGE, BIG DREAM:

The Make a Difference Week (MADW) program is a global collaboration organized by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and is a great example of how to connect big global goals like protecting biodiversity, environmental conservation, and restoring ecosystems with specific, actionable steps that local communities can take. The program draws attention to the fact that not everyone has to be an expert: as volunteers, we can also contribute to making our lives and our future better, because even small steps count when many of us take them. Edit, Adrienn, and Marcsi—all three of them citizens from Romonya, Hungary—are a perfect example of this, and it is heartwarming to hear the reasons behind their participation.

Written by Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

Photo credit: Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

The MADW program is directly linked to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative, and its participants include local volunteers, civil society organizations, local governments, and experts. Among the ecosystem restoration programs implemented in many parts of the world, native plants were planted, invasive species were removed, and the environment was cleaned of litter. In addition, numerous community education and school programs were also implemented.

This year’s Make a Difference Week saw a total of 218 events registered in 42 countries around the world. More than 8,300 volunteers helped heal the wounds of nature, putting in more than 33,000 hours of work. Through this joint effort, 69,500 plants were planted, and no less than 33,641 kilograms of invasive plants were removed. According to SER data, 48,077 kg of waste was collected in this one week alone, reducing the burden on our natural resources. I believe that

CUMULATIVE RESULTS SINCE 2021:

Photo credit: Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

the figures clearly demonstrate that small steps taken locally can have a significant global impact if many people participate in the work—many people working together to create a livable future.

This year, I had the opportunity to participate as an expert in a local ecosystem restoration pilot project, which not only filled me with professional pride but also with joy as a believer in community cooperation. As an ecosystem restoration specialist, I helped the local community rethink its communal spaces and the use of public areas in the town so that people and nature can coexist peacefully. The planning process happened in collaboration with the town’s leaders to develop projects that would meet the community’s needs while also increasing biodiversity, helping local wildlife, and promoting other ecological values.

In Romonya, a small village with a population of only 500, the local community decided to join the Make a Difference Week program and implement the only ecosystem restoration pilot project in Hungary during the week of change.

HUNGARY

The local government, the German Nationality Local Government, the Kaptár Association of traditional folk craftsmen, the local kindergarten, and community volunteers all participated in the work, supported by organizations such as the Baranya County Group of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, the EU Climate Pact, Felelős Gasztrohős, which promotes sustainable eating, and the BirdHuman Cooperation System, the Hungarian representative of bird-human cooperation.

This exemplary collaboration gave rise to a restoration project implemented at three locations, which sought to find solutions to the three main challenges facing the community: covering public spaces with vegetation, connecting nature and community spaces, and ensuring the sustainability of local food production. In a densely built-up part

of the village, a vertical plant surface was created to show that even in small, narrow public spaces, it is possible to increase green space while taking biodiversity values into account. An aesthetically impressive streetscape has been created: in addition to honeysuckle and star jasmine climbing up the panels, insect hotels and signs promoting the value of birds have been installed, enriched by pollinator-friendly plants and evergreen shrubs suitable for nesting.

Another section, called Patóc, focuses on the encounter between humans and nature, where relaxation, recreation, and community connection can all take place at once. Children’s toys are made from natural materials, flowers are planted in old barrels, and informative signs highlight the importance of pollinators and soil health. A few streets away is the third location:

Photo credit:

Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

HUNGARY

the village community garden, where raised beds made from used pallets are filled with healthy vegetables and herbs. Useful recipes for the herbs found in the raised beds can be read on the boards placed in the garden, which also carry the traditions of the local ethnic minority government and the memories of our ancestors.

Walking among the completed restoration project sites, the power of cooperation is almost tangible, giving us all hope: yes, together we can do it! After all, this is the main message of Make a Difference Week: everyone can do something in their own community, and these small actions add up to a big impact and a big result. Restoring the health of our planet is not only a professional task, but also a community and lifestyle issue—understanding what is happening, why it is important, and what can be done.

Edit Ábel, mayor of Romonya, shares this view, saying the following about cooperation: “I believe that we must set an example and encourage people to place greater emphasis on protecting our environment. We need to show people what we are doing and why, and we also need to think about the legacy we are leaving to our children and grandchildren. That is why creating a greener, more sustainable and more livable Romonya, where environmental awareness becomes a natural part of everyday life, plays such an important role at the local level. For me, every opportunity that contributes to this success is important, because every small step means securing the future—there is no time to wait, we must act, because our future is at stake!”

Photo credit:

Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

HUNGARY

When asked about the power and importance of community cooperation, her words are quite thought-provoking: “The greatest strength always lies in the community! We cannot achieve lasting success alone—we can only achieve our goals together, by working together. Successes experienced together are much more valuable, and failures are easier to bear when we stand together. Joint work is always more appreciated, and we take better care of what we have created together. Such a project can only be truly successful if the residents feel that it is theirs, participate

in it, and can be proud of the results achieved. Seeing a good example inspires others to join in and want to do something for the community. I believe that by working together, we are not only building a more beautiful and greener village, but also a stronger, more cohesive community where everyone counts and everyone feels at home.”

“WE CANNOT ACHIEVE LASTING SUCCESS ALONE— WE CAN ONLY ACHIEVE OUR GOALS TOGETHER, BY WORKING TOGETHER.”

As educators of future generations, local kindergartens always play a prominent role in implementing such community initiatives, and Adrienn Riesz, the kindergarten’s director, was happy to join in. Adrienn believes that as an educator, it is very important to set an example and help change attitudes, and that such a collaboration sends many messages: “It sends the message that the environment is not just a backdrop, but a value that needs to be cared for, preserved, and protected. It shows that we can make a difference as a community, that local nature, culture, and traditions are important and worth preserving, and that this is not just a global concept, but also a fundamental part of local life.”

As a teacher, she also highlights aspects that many of us may only see and understand through her eyes: “Creating such natural spaces is also a learning environment: preschoolers, schoolchildren, and young people can participate in gardening, observe the functioning of the insect hotel, the flowers, and pollinators, and learn about native plants—all while having fun. What’s more, active participation makes the experience memorable and motivates them more than just learning from textbooks. And let’s not forget that it can also raise awareness: children understand how environmental conditions affect them personally and what they can do about it— for example, in their own homes, gardens, and schools.”

Photo credit: Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

HUNGARY

These are thoughts that can make us all think, and they strike a chord because Adrienn is absolutely right—and not just when it comes to younger generations. After all, we all need to learn, expand our knowledge, and enjoy the experiences, fulfillment, and hope that come with it. Perhaps this is where the power of such programs is best demonstrated: in the insights, experiences, and special connections they provide.

And nothing proves this better than cooking and eating lunch together after hard work, deep conversations, the daily attention of the helpers who grew the most beautiful tomatoes in the community garden, or the feedback from the housewives who happily cooked the recipes written on the boards. This is the power of collective action created by local residents such as Marcsi Schmidt, who watered the plants every day with perseverance and dedication so that they could survive even the driest and hottest days. Perhaps it was her example that touched me the most, as she participated in the care of the plant wall on Szőlő Street even though she does not live on the street, and yet she often brought water from her home to water the plants. I talked to her about what motivates her, why she makes such sacrifices to make our environment more beautiful, and her thoughts sincerely moved me: “You know, Boglárka, I just love how programs like this bring our community together, how we’re

going green, how our village is becoming greener, more beautiful, and more livable, how we’re working together for the environment, and how there are more birds in my garden every year. I feel passionate about preserving the health of our home, and for me, there was no question that I would participate—wherever help was needed. We are a community, we beat as one, there are no street or fence boundaries, because we have a common goal: to create a livable future that is safe for our children.”

Perhaps there is no need for a better conclusion than this—Marcsi spoke from the hearts of us all.

For Ecological Restoration (SER)

for Ecological Restoration (SER)

Photo credit: Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi

Juvenile giant hummingbird

Photo credit: Jonathan Chancasana/Shutterstock.com

THE LARGEST OF THE SMALLEST BIRDS ON EARTH: THE NORTHERN GIANT HUMMINGBIRD, PATAGONA PERUVIANA

Hummingbirds are birds full of wonder. They appear in legends, songs, and stories. They were sacred to the Incas, believed to connect the spiritual and natural worlds.

Known as Q’inti in Quechua and picaflores in Spanish, they belong to the family Trochilidae. They originated in Eurasia, splitting from their relatives—such as swifts—millions of years ago, but today they are found exclusively in the Americas.

Written by Giulia Frezzato

“[NORTHERN GIANT HUMMINGBIRD’S] HOVERING AND NECTIVOROUS LIFESTYLE IS BIOMECHANICALLY AND ENERGETICALLY IMPROBABLE”

(WILLIAMSON ET AL., 2024)

With 363 recognized species, they include some of the smallest birds on the planet, such as the bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), which weighs just about 2 grams. The genus Patagona—the giant hummingbirds—lives up to its name as a striking exception. Towering over their smaller relatives, giant hummingbirds represent the opposite extreme, with a body size of around 20 grams, comparable to a swallow.

Three centuries after Linnaeus set out to classify living beings, we now have tools that let us see beyond the naked eye and take taxonomy to the next level. Genomics has opened the door to countless discoveries, and the Northern Giant Hummingbird—Patagona peruviana—is one of them. It is averaging slightly longer than other members of the genus, and as such, is now the largest living hummingbird in the world.

DISCOVERY

In the 19th century, the genus Patagona was thought to encompass only a single species, Patagona gigas. Yet, biologists observed something curious: giant hummingbirds disappeared from the coast of Chile during the austral winter and returned to breed by the sea in spring, while further north and at higher altitudes, they appeared to be found year-round.

In 2024, Williamson and colleagues set out to understand why some species occupy small climatic niches while others adapt and expand their habitat to a wide range of environments. This is an important theme in ecology, as specialized animals are far more vulnerable to habitat change. Birds can evolve from sedentary to migratory, a change that requires a great deal of adaptation and significantly expands a species’ climatic niche.

Photo credit: Michael Vodiansky - stock.adobe.com

Common name: Northern giant hummingbird

Member of the genus: Patagona

Habitat: semi-arid and arid habitats, between 1,800 and 4,300 meters of altitude

Size: around 23 centimeters in length and wingspan between 21 and 22 centimeters

Diet: insects and nectar

Biogeographical region: Central and Northern Andes

Giant Hummingbirds were suitable for the study: the species appeared to include both migratory and sedentary lineages, their migration route was still a mystery, but also the species stood out for its size—twice as large as the next largest Trochilidae—, and the ability to thrive at altitudes over 4,000 meters.

Williamson’s team captured and tracked 55 birds using ultralight geolocators. The scientists also sampled (and released) more than 350 birds for DNA sequencing. This work revealed that the genus actually comprises two distinct lineages: one migratory and one sedentary, presenting a few differences but far too subtle to be distinguished consistently. Although the definitive Latin name is still under discussion, Northern and Southern Giant Hummingbirds are now recognized as separate species, likely having diverged between 2.1 and 3.4 million years ago.

CHARACTERISTICS

The Northern giant hummingbird inhabits the tropical Andes of Ecuador, Peru, and Northern Chile, thriving at elevations between 1,800 and 4,300 meters. Unlike P. gigas, which migrates south to breed, P. peruviana remains sedentary. During the winter, when Southern giant hummingbirds move north to more tropical latitudes and higher altitudes, their ranges overlap with those of the Northern giant hummingbird.

P. peruviana is found in semi-arid and arid habitats with scrubs and hedgerows, but also agricultural areas, gardens and open woods, including Polilepis species—trees that have adapted to grow up to 5,000 meters of altitude, well above the normal tree line. They are attracted to plants like Agave, Puya and Cactaceae and to fast-flowing streams. The females, fully in charge of chicks’ care, nest near water.

Photo credit: Michael Vodiansky - stock.adobe.com

ANDES

Southern and Northern giant hummingbirds look very similar, which is why the latter has remained undetected until last year. Population overlapping in winter and difficult identification are the reasons why most of the information we have today will need to be disentangled between the two species.

Northern giant hummingbirds are marginally larger than P. gigas, with slightly longer wings, bills, tails and legs. Both species have straight bills longer than the head, a slightly forked tail and very long wings. Longer wings would usually be expected in migratory species, but in this case, evolution gave priority to reducing the effort of hovering in thin air (as this is harder at higher altitudes).

Their earth-toned mimetic colors are brightened up by a white eye ring, brighter in Northern Patagonas, and a peculiar cinnamon patch on their throat, which is much wider and pronounced in juveniles and remains more vibrant in Southern Patagona. Even though males and females look very similar, the plumage changes extensively with age, and in general, it varies greatly within the species.

WHY THIS FINDING MATTERS

The discovery of Patagona peruviana is remarkable because it provides a living example of how closely ecology and evolution are intertwined. The existence of Northern and Southern Giant Hummingbirds is the result of speciation through habitat range shifts: some individuals became migratory, leading to the split between the two species. However, since there was no strong evolutionary pressure to develop major differences in appearance, this case offers an excellent example of evolution with what

Photo credit: Ludovic - stock.adobe.com

ANDES

scientists call phenotypic stasis. Morphological similarity is the main reason why the two species— despite such remarkable behavioral differences— remained undistinguished for so long.

One of the most impressive attributes of giant hummingbirds is their unique physiology. Trochilidae are a fascinating prodigy of physics and metabolism. They are the only birds capable of hovering like insects, a skill they rely on to feed from flowers. The energy required for this type of flight is enormous, and increased bird size means that energy demands for hovering are even greater. As Williamson wrote, the giant hummingbird’s hovering and nectarivorous (nectar-feeding) lifestyle is “biomechanically and energetically improbable”. Similar to Andean people born and raised at high elevations, Northern Patagonas have a larger lung mass than their migratory relatives, making them more efficient at using the poorly oxygenated mountain air. Considering also their high energy requirements, they represent an extreme adaptation with very narrow margins of survival. Any extreme weather event or food shortage could impact calorie intake, flight, and ultimately species conservation.

This could have a cascade effect. Many plants have evolved their flower shapes, colors, and seasonal patterns in tandem with the animals that feed on them. For example, only certain species of bees can feed from and pollinate red campion flowers. This may reduce competition and increase efficiency as the plants can rely on certain animals for pollination, while the animals depend on plants as a nectar source. This applies to both insect- and bird-pollinated flora: as the main avian pollinator species across its area of distribution, any threat to the giant hummingbird’s conservation could have serious consequences on some plants’ life cycles.

The Andes are unique in the world for their ecological and topographic complexity, including altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters and, for a large part, tropical latitudes. Ascending directly from valley to mountain peak, one would encounter

changes in temperature, vegetation, and humidity over just a few meters of elevation. This is called climatic stratification, which is responsible for a remarkable mosaic of ecosystems. In the tropical Andes, many species have evolved to thrive in very specific and geographically limited combinations of altitude, temperature, and climate. Any climatic or habitat change in such small, specialized communities could have a huge effect on ecosystem balance and could result in the loss of numerous species.

Currently, there is no data about the Northern giant hummingbird’s conservation status. Based on surveys carried out before P. peruviana was distinguished from P. gigas, IUCN classified giant hummingbirds as a least concern species. While awaiting more research, we can only hope that this status is also true for Patagona peruviana

HISTORY AND NAMES

For intriguing historical reasons, the definitive Latin name of Northern giant hummingbirds has been a subject of debate. The bird’s range is fully included within the territories once ruled by the Inca Empire at its peak in the 15th century. To honor the Inca heritage of the Peruvian highlands, the scientists who first discovered the new species proposed to replace the word peruviana with chaski. In Quechua, this word means “messenger”, and would evoke both the role of spiritual messengers that hummingbirds represented in the Inca religion, and the Chaski runners—swift emissaries who carried messages across the empire, sprinting from city to city. This name would draw a parallel between the bird’s remarkable fitness and agility and the legendary endurance of these Inca couriers. The name chaski is now considered a junior synonym of peruviana.

Taxonomy apart, the real triumph is that this species has been recognized at last—the very first step toward its protection. Understanding a species is the key to safeguarding it, and this discovery opens the door to learning more about its current conservation status as well as its habits, challenges, and needs.

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LIFE FINDS A WAY

EVOLUTIONARY INSIGHTS WITH DR. JONATHAN LOSOS

Anolis porcatus, Praia Grande, Brazil

Photo credit: Lucas Aos

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace are often regarded as two of the greatest scientists of all time. They formulated the theory of natural selection, which proposed that, under continuous selective pressures imposed by nature, species would give rise to descendants with new traits that could enhance survival and reproduction. This process would ultimately lead to the emergence of new species and the diversification of life.

However, both Darwin and Wallace emphasized that such phenomena could only occur over vast periods of time, ranging from thousands to millions of years. While their theory remains valid and groundbreaking, some of its interpretations have proven misleading, such as the notion that evolution operates only after the passage of immense spans of time. Dr. Jonathan Losos, an evolutionary biologist at Washington University, was among the first to demonstrate that evolutionary change can occur within a relatively short time frame—sometimes in less than 20 years.

Written by Bruno Ferreto Fiorillo

Jonathan became renowned for his research on anole lizards—an exceptionally diverse (more than 400 species described) and striking group from Central and South America—that had fascinated him since childhood.

“My life and career have been about as straightforward and linear as anyone I know. As a child, I was one of those kids who carried around a basket full of plastic dinosaurs. I knew everything about them—even how to pronounce their names—and that early fascination eventually led me to keeping live reptiles, such as caimans. Back then, you could actually buy them in the United States. I also kept lizards.”

Although Dr. Losos’s record is impressive—having published nearly 250 scientific papers to date— the beginning of his career was no different from that of many others entering this challenging field.

“I remember one of the lowest points in my career: I went out into the field as a graduate student, in my fourth year of graduate school—which, at that point, felt quite advanced for a graduate student. That summer’s research was absolutely critical because I didn’t have much in the way of results, and I really needed solid data. So, I traveled to Puerto Rico, to the rainforest in the beautiful Luquillo Mountains. But for two weeks straight, it rained without stopping. The lizards I was studying—the Anole lizards—are active during the day, but they are not very active when it rains, so it was extremely difficult to collect any data.

To make matters worse, I had a piece of electronic equipment that measured how fast lizards could run. It was connected to what, at the time, passed for a laptop. Because of the high humidity and constant rain, the “R” key on the keyboard stopped working. Unfortunately, the program that ran the equipment required typing the word “run.” I didn’t know how to rewrite the program, and of course, typing “un” didn’t work. So, for two weeks, everything came to a standstill.

There I was, in what I considered a ‘must-succeed summer,’ and it felt like everything was a disaster.

“AS A CHILD, I WAS ONE OF THOSE KIDS WHO CARRIED AROUND A BASKET FULL OF PLASTIC DINOSAURS. I KNEW EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM—EVEN HOW TO PRONOUNCE THEIR NAMES—AND THAT EARLY FASCINATION EVENTUALLY LED ME TO KEEPING LIVE REPTILES, SUCH AS CAIMANS.”

Dr. Jonathan Losos’s early fascination with anoles would later spark groundbreaking research in evolutionary biology.

But eventually the rain stopped, the sun came out, the air dried, and the computer began working again. From then on, I was able to collect almost all the data that ended up forming my PhD thesis. I have had a few experiences like that in my career, and in the end, it really comes down to persistence—and not allowing yourself to get too discouraged.”

“IN THE END, IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO PERSISTENCE—AND NOT ALLOWING YOURSELF TO GET TOO DISCOURAGED.”

Anolis porcatus, Praia Grande, Brazil

Photo credit: Lucas Aos

Recently, Dr. Losos made a significant shift in his research focus—from lizards to cats—driven both by his affection for cats as pets and by his fascination with them as subjects of evolutionary study.

“It never remotely occurred to me to study cats professionally, for two reasons. First, I didn’t think anyone was studying domestic cats. I knew researchers worked on jaguars, lions, and ocelots, but domestic cats? Second, I wanted to be out in nature observing animals in their natural environments. Anyone who has ever tried to follow a cat knows how impossible that is. As soon as a cat realizes what you are doing—which happens immediately—it disappears into the bushes. So, for a long time, the idea of doing scientific work with cats never crossed my mind.

“ANYONE WHO HAS EVER TRIED TO FOLLOW A CAT KNOWS HOW IMPOSSIBLE THAT IS. AS SOON AS A CAT REALIZES WHAT YOU ARE DOING—WHICH HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY— IT DISAPPEARS INTO THE BUSHES.”

Then, about fifteen years ago, I learned that in fact there was a great deal of research being done on domestic cats—both pets and feral populations— using the latest cutting-edge techniques. These were methods I had used to study lizards, while colleagues applied them to plants, elephants, and many other organisms. That was when I had an idea I am very proud of: to teach a class of first-year university students called “The Science of Cats.” The concept was to draw students in with their interest in cats and then use that as a vehicle to teach them how scientists study nature and biodiversity. The class went very well. The students seemed to enjoy it, and I enjoyed it too. Around the same time, I was finishing my first book for the general public, Improbable Destinies,

on convergent evolution. So, it wasn’t much of a leap to think, “Why not write a book on cats with the same purpose as the course—to show people how science is done, using cats as the example?”

And so, he did. In his most recent book, The Cat’s Meow, Dr. Losos explores the evolutionary history of domestic cats, delving into their origins, behaviors, and the unique adaptations that have shaped their relationship with humans. This subject fit naturally into Losos’ scientific repertoire, as he had already shown interest in fields such as urban ecology—the study of how living organisms interact with their environment in cities and other human-built landscapes.

“Cities may function as viable ecosystems, while also serving as evolutionary stopgaps. I think we have come to recognize that cities are ecosystems in their own right, and some species actually do very well in them. These species are adapting to urban environments, and we should acknowledge this as a distinct type of ecosystem—one that should not be disregarded. Consider cats, for example. Today, there are 43 species of wild felines—lions, jaguars, ocelots, and so on—and nearly all of them face some degree of threat. Some are critically endangered, others are vulnerable, and only a few are relatively secure. Yet there are perhaps a billion domestic cats in the world, both pets and feral. So, there will always be felines. Even if all 42 wild species were lost, a million years from now, the planet would still be home to felines, most of them descended from domestic cats. What I am suggesting is that the nature immediately around us is likely to persist to a greater extent, and that is what we can count on to be here. The real challenge—and the hope—is whether we can also hold on to the rest.”

“EVEN IF ALL 42 WILD SPECIES WERE LOST, A MILLION YEARS FROM NOW, THE PLANET WOULD STILL BE HOME TO FELINES.”

Dr. Jonathan Losos with his beloved cat, Nelson, who is mentioned several times in his book The Cat’s Meow

Photo credit: Lynn Werner Marsden Photography

Scientific fields like urban ecology have become increasingly important in light of rapid environmental change and the expansion of human-dominated landscapes, prompting the question of whether most species can adapt quickly enough to survive or risk disappearing in the coming generations.

“This is the question we really need to understand better—and at this point, it is difficult to say. I think some species will be able to adapt and survive, while for others the outlook is hopeless. In between lies a large number of species for which we simply don’t know whether they can adapt quickly enough relative to the pace of environmental change. Much depends on what humans do in relation to climate change. We could make the situation much worse, or we could mitigate it and make it less severe. Unfortunately, based on our record so far, I don’t think the outlook is very encouraging. Still, humanity will play a decisive role in determining how quickly the environment changes and, consequently, how well species are able to adapt.”

“HUMANITY WILL PLAY A DECISIVE ROLE IN DETERMINING HOW QUICKLY THE ENVIRONMENT CHANGES AND, CONSEQUENTLY, HOW WELL SPECIES ARE ABLE TO ADAPT.”

During his PhD research on anole lizards’ evolutionary ecology in the Caribbean islands, his research revealed that these lizards can evolve and adapt rapidly in response to selective pressures such as vegetation structure, presence or absence of predators or competitors, and even in response to hurricanes. Before such evolutionary experiments, these types of results were thought impossible to observe directly, since evolutionary change was traditionally assumed to take millions

of years. In this context, one might ask, “How can such research contribute to meeting today’s conservation challenges?” Although indirectly, fundamental knowledge on ecology, natural history, and species evolution is often crucial for effective biodiversity conservation efforts.

“Studying how adaptation occurs in different organisms is very important. It can provide valuable insights to conservation biologists about the extent to which evolutionary adaptation can serve as one pathway for survival—and, in turn, what conservation strategies might help make evolutionary adaptation more likely to succeed. The lizards I study, the anole lizards, are extremely common, especially in the Caribbean islands. They are not generally a conservation concern, except in cases where invasive species are involved. However, they are excellent subjects for understanding broader biological principles, since they can be studied in many different ways.

At times, I consider myself an optimist; at other times, less so. Many issues remain unresolved, and

numerous problems continue without adequate solutions. I am deeply concerned about climate change and believe that our efforts fall far short of what is necessary. However, there is reason for hope. Increasing numbers of people are aware of the state of the natural world, and there have been significant achievements.

Even for less “charismatic” species like small reptiles, there is hope—and education is the key to that. By showing people how marvelous these creatures are—how well adapted they are, and the many remarkable features they possess— we can help them appreciate animals that might otherwise be dismissed as nothing more than a slimy thing beneath a rock.

Another important approach is the use of socalled flagship species: charismatic animals that capture public attention and, in doing so, create an umbrella of protection for many other species in the same habitat. For example, in some regions, frogs may be preserved not because people are directly focused on saving them, but because

they share their environment with pandas, which receive much broader public support.

In the end, nature will endure—not in its entirety, but at least in part. We can influence, even if only at the margins, which species survive and where ecosystems persist. It is essential that we continue protecting what we can, maintaining our efforts, and trusting that humanity will eventually reach a stage where meaningful repair is possible.”

“WE CAN INFLUENCE, EVEN IF ONLY AT THE MARGINS, WHICH SPECIES SURVIVE AND WHERE ECOSYSTEMS PERSIST.”

Anolis proboscis, Ecuador

Photo credit: Dr. Jonathan Losos

Photo credit: Dam - stock.adobe.com

Photo credit outside back cover: Max Pedley

COLOFON

ART DIRECTOR

Jacinta Breijer

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Vincent Seydoux

Arina van Londen

EDITORS

Katy Ellis

Rina Herzl

DIRECTOR

Manon Verijdt

CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER

Tobias van Krieken

ILLUSTRATOR

Stacy Hsu

SOCIAL MEDIA

Joosje Heringa

Megan Abigail White

Reinhard Venzke

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT’

Tobias van Krieken, Joosje Heringa, Bruno Ferreto Fiorillo, Nathan Turnbull, Patrizia Baldi, Megan Abigail White, Thijs Montalvo, Marc Kranendonk, Will Westwood, Boglárka Amrein Tamásné Miskolczi, Giulia Frezzato

CONTRIBUTORS

Rebecca Douglas, Mike Baltzer, John Hoogland, Jonathan Losos, Saw Moo Shee, Trevor Ritland, Kyle Ritland, Akaz Malassa Bumba, Cliff Fawcett, Jamartin Sihite, Edit Ábel, Adrienn Riesz, Marcsi Schmidt, Michael Edmondstone, Monica Zymberg, Monique Spaan and thanks to all contributing photographers! CONTACT DETAILS UBUNTU MAGAZINE partnerships@ubuntumagazine.com | advertising@ubuntumagazine.com www.ubuntumagazine.com