The hottest Conservation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Otters in our Midst

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🔬 Science Zoology Ecology Urban wildlife Conservation Environmental Science
  1. Otters are important urban wildlife and their poop, called spraint, can tell us a lot about their diet and health. Researchers study spraint to understand what otters eat and to check for parasites or pollution.
  2. River otters tend to be clean and use specific spots, called latrines, to poop. This behavior might be social, but researchers aren't completely sure why they do it.
  3. Even in polluted areas, river otters are resilient and continue to survive and reproduce. It's important for us to help make urban environments healthier for wildlife.

Name changes are a common sense decision

This Week in Birding • 157 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🔬 Science Ornithology Conservation Film
  1. The American Ornithological Society is changing bird names named after controversial figures to be more inclusive and reduce offensive associations.
  2. The decision to change bird names may lead to confusion among birders about identifying species.
  3. Organizations like the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance are grappling with financial and awareness impacts due to the naming decision.

Communing with nature

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Sustainability Urbanism
  1. We need to pay more attention to nature and the non-human world around us. Being in nature can help us feel better and remind us of our connection to everything else.
  2. Humans have thought too highly of themselves and this has hurt the planet. It's important to recognize that all living things have value and we should treat them with respect.
  3. It's possible to learn from nature even in urban areas. By being mindful and observing our surroundings, we can develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around us.

The Bird with the Silent P

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🔬 Science Zoology Ecology Conservation Natural History Ornithology
  1. White-tailed ptarmigan are unique birds that live in cold, high-altitude areas. They change color from brown in summer to white in winter, helping them blend into their snowy environment.
  2. These birds have feathered feet that act like snowshoes, making it easier for them to walk on snow rather than fly. This adaptation helps them conserve energy in their harsh habitat.
  3. Indigenous knowledge about wildlife, like the ptarmigan's snowshoe ability, is being recognized as valuable by scientists. There's so much to learn from traditional understanding of nature.
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Emerging from the Fog

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 235 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Conservation Environmental justice Renewable Energy Wildfires
  1. The world is facing extreme climate changes due to greenhouse gas emissions affecting temperatures and ecosystems.
  2. Human actions and inactions are contributing to the worsening climate crisis, leading to heatwaves, wildfires, and extreme weather events.
  3. Efforts to address climate change include clean energy initiatives, conservation victories, and legal actions against fossil fuel companies.

Eating King Can

Bird History • 99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Conservation History Species
  1. Canvasbacks were once America's most famous and exclusive dish, known for their unique appearance and diet.
  2. The demand for canvasbacks led to fraudulent sales, with some buyers being tricked by vendors substituting them with similar-looking but cheaper ducks.
  3. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize the canvasback population, but threats like habitat loss still pose risks to these birds in the present day.

Why This Documentary May Save The Whales

Public • 432 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Documentary Impact
  1. A new documentary reveals the connection between high-decibel sonar from wind industry vessels and specific whale deaths.
  2. The documentary exposes a major scientific scandal and a lack of transparency in government agencies like NOAA.
  3. The film urges viewers to understand that the increase in cetacean deaths is linked to wind industry activities, contradicting official statements.

Shifting The Shifting Baseline Syndrome

Surfing the Future • 99 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nature Conservation Sustainability System Change
  1. System change can often creep up on us, and we adapt without realizing it, leading to the 'shifting baseline syndrome'. We tend to imagine today's world as how it was yesterday, which may not be the case.
  2. The concept of rewilding offers a chance to reset our baselines, allowing nature to rebound faster than expected. This shift could lead to 'Knepp' potentially becoming a verb symbolizing unexpected transformation.
  3. In the sustainability space, there has been a dilution of the original system change ambition over time due to mainstreaming. The concept of triple bottom line has evolved and must continue to adapt to drive urgent systemic changes.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 1

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 176 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Conservation Sustainability Ecosystems Global impact
  1. To address climate change effectively, we need new, innovative thinking
  2. Carbon dioxide removal and storage technologies like DAC face immense challenges and may not be the most effective solutions
  3. Carbon offsets have limitations and may not be as effective as hoped, requiring more direct action to reduce emissions and protect ecosystems

Nuclear and nature: the love story no one wants to tell

Everything is Light • 157 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Clean Energy Climate action Nuclear Energy
  1. Some conservation groups oppose new nuclear power plants despite thriving wildlife around existing plants
  2. Building more nuclear power plants displaces fossil fuels, saves lives, and helps fight climate change
  3. Local support for nuclear power plants like Sizewell C is high due to job opportunities and clean energy benefits

Urban birdwatchers, conservation, and bending the biodiversity curve

This Week in Birding • 137 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Biodiversity Urban wildlife Nature connection Environmental Activism
  1. Biodiversity loss is a significant threat and changing our ways is crucial for restoration.
  2. Landscaping yards with native plants can greatly support bird populations and wildlife.
  3. Engaging urban residents in observing nature can lead to more interest in conservation and restoration efforts.

Grow Tall, San Pedro: The Resilient Cactus' Fight for Survival 🌵

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🔬 Science Psychedelics Conservation Biodiversity
  1. San Pedro cactus has been used for centuries by indigenous groups as medicine and sacrament, but faces challenges due to over-harvesting and loss of cultural traditions. Efforts are being made to conserve and restore the plant through initiatives like planting 1 million San Pedro cacti with Andean communities.
  2. Growing San Pedro at home is an effective way to support sustainability and preserve the plant's lineage. Propagating from cuttings or seeds are common methods, and the plant is relatively easy to grow in cooler climates.
  3. The use of synthetic mescaline as an alternative to wild-harvested San Pedro is suggested. Ensuring the source of San Pedro and supporting organizations dedicated to conservation are key actions individuals can take to protect this cactus and its traditions.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 3

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Mining Conservation Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. Personal, economic, and ecological problems are often presented as solutions with unforeseen negative consequences.
  2. SUVs are becoming an increasing burden on the planet, posing threats to the environment and public safety.
  3. Seafloor mining, especially in the absence of thorough scientific understanding, risks irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.

An Enigmatic Beast

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Etymology Evolution
  1. Mountain goats have an interesting history of naming, starting from their scientific name, Oreamnos americanus, which links them to mountains and lambs.
  2. Despite extensive research, scientists still struggle to figure out mountain goats' closest relatives, making them a bit of a mystery in the animal kingdom.
  3. There's a growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge, especially from Indigenous peoples, which can greatly enhance our understanding of animals like mountain goats.

Boy Bird House Architecture

Bird History • 79 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
💾 History Conservation Education Contests Children
  1. In the Progressive era, children learned to build birdhouses in school to protect birds and cultivate important life values.
  2. Building birdhouses in schools was not just about conservation, but also about nurturing a love for birds and nature in children.
  3. Birdhouse building contests were a common community event that engaged boys, taught craftsmanship, and promoted bird protection on a larger scale.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife History Conservation Ecology Urban Nature
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

If We Lose the Amazon, Plant Medicine Goes With it 🌳💀

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Indigenous rights Wildlife Deforestation Activism
  1. The Amazon rainforest is in danger due to activities like oil extraction, logging, and mining, threatening unique plant medicines and indigenous cultures.
  2. Multiple organizations are working tirelessly to protect the Amazon, indigenous territories, and fight against illegal activities disrupting the rainforest.
  3. Conservation efforts are complex, require long-term stability and consistency, and face challenges such as profit-driven destruction, political instability, and risks to activists.

The Community of Air

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Activism Nature Pollution Sustainability
  1. The documentary 'All That Breathes' highlights the powerful connection between empathy and ethics in caring for wounded birds.
  2. Noticing the suffering of the natural world is a crucial step in understanding our place in the Anthropocene era.
  3. The High Seas Treaty signals a transformative shift by regulating human activity to protect ecosystems in the deep oceans.

Good Grief

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Emissions Biodiversity
  1. The Anthropocene is a period of irreversible ecological disruptions caused by humans, requiring acceptance of losses and a commitment to stabilizing the environment.
  2. In the face of global-scale grief and loss in the Anthropocene, finding small but vital lights of hope is crucial.
  3. Individuals making dedicated efforts to protect and heal ecosystems and species offer paths forward in the challenging Anthropocene era.

Building the Future by Hand

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Conservation Renewable Energy Ecology Climate Crisis
  1. The Green Revolution Requires a Blue-Collar Revelation - Trades jobs are in high demand for the clean energy transition.
  2. If You Go to College, Study the Real World - Encouraging students to study practical skills, even alongside a college degree.
  3. Future Career Advice for Students - Emphasizing the importance of hands-on work and making a meaningful impact on the world.

'Birdwatchers and shorebirds both dream of fluddles'

This Week in Birding • 98 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ornithology Conservation Ecology Migration
  1. Shorebirds like sandpipers and plovers are vulnerable due to their small size and need to forage constantly for survival during migration.
  2. Stopover sites for shorebirds, like fluddles, are threatened by human activities like monoculture farming practices.
  3. Efforts are being made to preserve and monitor wetlands like fluddles to provide vital habitats for shorebirds and support their migration journeys.

The Italian Problem, Part II: No Halfway Measures

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💾 History Conservation Immigration Laws Activism
  1. Conservationists in the early 1900s clashed with Italian immigrants over the tradition of eating songbirds, leading to heated conflicts and even fatal incidents.
  2. Enforcement of laws protecting songbirds led to heavy fines and long prison sentences for Italian immigrants caught hunting, sparking significant tensions and occasional violence.
  3. Efforts to educate Italian communities about bird protection laws included posting bilingual signs and organizing lectures, with varying degrees of success in changing behaviors.

Tribe in Tribe

backstory • 290 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Nature Conservation Exploration
  1. Communities can have obsessional collective delusions like paranoia about sorcerers or other irrational beliefs.
  2. Supernatural stories and irrational beliefs can be baffling and hard to understand.
  3. Survival often involves adapting and finding ways to coexist within challenging environments.

The Italian Problem, Part I: Bird-Killing Foreigners

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💾 History Immigration Conservation Wildlife
  1. Italian immigrants in the early 20th century hunted and ate songbirds, conflicting with American conservationists.
  2. Americans blamed Italian immigrants for the decline in bird populations, regarding them as a threat to agriculture and the food supply.
  3. There was a strong xenophobic sentiment towards Italians, with harsh punishments called for those caught killing songbirds.

Not So Silent Spring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Ecology Sustainability Wildlife
  1. The sounds of spring are important, with creatures like Pacific chorus frogs and Steller's Jays making their presence known through their calls. These sounds are not just pleasant but also play crucial roles in their behaviors and interactions.
  2. Sound has a long history on Earth, with many natural noises existing for billions of years. Most modern sounds from animals, however, are relatively recent developments in Earth’s timeline.
  3. There's a growing concern about a 'sonic crisis,' where humans are losing touch with the sounds of nature. It's important for us to listen to these sounds to appreciate and protect our environment.