The hottest Wildlife Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

The Pando Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Pando isn’t a forest of separate trees but one giant organism made of many trunks sprouting from a shared underground root system.
  2. It challenges the idea of an individual. What looks like many trees behaves like a single, redundant system—like a server farm or RAID array—where visible parts can be swapped while hidden infrastructure keeps things running.
  3. Even resilient systems have limits; human actions like fire suppression and unchecked deer populations are stressing Pando and could push its redundancy past a breaking point.

Kitty's Key West Adventure

Who is Robert Malone • 28 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
🏝 Travel Wildlife
  1. Key West is a warm, relaxed, and very dog-friendly vacation spot with great restaurants, a charming Old Town, and strong boating and snorkeling options; most sandy beaches are on the island's south side near Smathers Beach.
  2. Snorkeling at Looe Key Reef is spectacular with clear water, vibrant fish, and colorful corals, but reefs are under serious stress from pollution and disease; restoration and selective breeding or gene-based approaches are being explored, though they carry risks and don’t replace reducing pollution.
  3. Traveling with a small dog is doable but requires planning — some flights or carriers may need a veterinary health certificate, rental and ferry options vary, and many local businesses and charters are pet-friendly if you check ahead.

Revenge of the Wild: The Changing Game of Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Many animals are changing their feeding habits and moving into human areas — mosquitoes, elephants, and rats are leaving shrinking habitats, raiding crops and settlements, and living off our waste.
  2. This shift is increasing human–wildlife conflict now and is expected to grow by 2050, with more places becoming suitable for disease-carrying mosquitoes, crop-raiding elephants, and larger urban rat populations.
  3. Experts say preventing worse conflicts means cutting fossil fuel use, reducing consumption, and switching to renewable energy to slow climate change and protect habitats.

Bodge-up and Badger

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Wildlife
  1. The Abundance Agenda has been rebranded, with the podcast continuing under a new name and still available across major platforms.
  2. A village was almost cut off from civilisation for a year because of badgers, and the reason behind it is more infuriating than you'd expect.
  3. There's a hard question about reaching Net Zero when China manufactures most renewable energy technology, and experts are exploring how to reconcile decarbonisation goals with global supply‑chain realities.

Shape-Shifting Planet: How Rising Heat Is Reshaping Life on Earth

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Global temperatures have risen rapidly in recent decades, producing the hottest years on record and pushing warming toward and beyond pre-industrial levels.
  2. Rising heat is already forcing biological changes — animals and plants are shifting ranges, changing body size and breeding times, and showing genetic responses to survive higher temperatures.
  3. If warming continues, habitat loss, higher mortality, and widespread coral bleaching will worsen. Continued burning of fossil fuels is a main driver and reducing it is needed to avoid the worst impacts.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Possibility of Pikas

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. Pikas are small mammals that usually live in rocky areas at high elevations, but some have been found at lower elevations, like the Columbia River Gorge. These unique habitats help them survive despite the warmer climate.
  2. Researchers found that moss plays an important role for pikas at lower elevations by keeping them cooler and happier. Moss helps create a nice environment for these little creatures as temperatures can often be too hot for them.
  3. Pikas are adapting to their new lower habitats by spending less energy storing food for winter and more time in the shade of trees. This shows they might have the ability to adjust to climate change better than some other animals.

The Monday Media Diet with Michael Lorentz

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Wildlife
  1. Guiding safaris isn't just about spotting animals. It's more about understanding the silence and the stories of the wilderness.
  2. It's important to read widely and explore different viewpoints to avoid being stuck in a bubble of comfort. This helps you learn and grow.
  3. Photography connects nature with creativity. It encourages you to slow down and pay better attention to the world around you.

Jump Day

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Wildlife
  1. Ducks need safe places to nest, so duck boxes can help protect them from predators.
  2. After hatching, ducklings jump from the nest into the water the next day to start their lives.
  3. The mother duck leads the way while keeping an eye out for danger, and the chicks learn to follow her guidance.

Children born in 2100 may never see animals such as penguins

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. If current trends continue, many iconic animals — like emperor penguins, African savannah elephants, and a large share of land species — could vanish from their native ranges by 2100, so children born then might never see them in the wild.
  2. The main drivers are climate change (shrinking sea ice and rising temperatures) together with massive habitat loss from deforestation and human pressures, plus threats like poaching that are already causing steep regional declines.
  3. Significant cuts in fossil fuel emissions and more sustainable land use could prevent many of these losses and reduce future sea level rise, but failing to act will make habitat loss and extinctions far more likely.

See You in South America

Bet On It • 85 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🏝 Travel Wildlife
  1. A multi-city tour of Peru and Bolivia runs Dec 30–Jan 16 with stops including Lima, Cusco/Aguas Calientes, La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Potosí, and Uyuni.
  2. A public keynote for the Santa Cruz Economic and Political Forum is scheduled for Jan 10, 2026 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra; POPULI organizes the event, will cover participation and meals, and registration is free until Dec 25.
  3. There are invitations to meet up during the trip and to join nature outings like Amboro National Forest, Kaa‑Iya, Santa Cruz Wildlife Sanctuary, Lomas de Arena, and the Uyuni salt flats—interested people should respond in the comments or email to join.

The Future Is Now #1: Floods, Pings & Regrowing Things

Everything Is Amazing • 570 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. There's a big interest in science stories that highlight the amazing things happening in the world. People want to hear about the good and exciting discoveries too.
  2. The news often focuses on negative events, making it hard to notice all the positive changes and breakthroughs in science that are happening quickly.
  3. Scientists are making incredible advancements, like understanding animal communication and exploring ancient natural disasters, which can be truly fascinating.

No, Kerosene did NOT save the Sperm Whale

Material World • 1323 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Sperm whales have unique features, like the biggest heads and brains among large animals. They are incredible divers and eat mysterious creatures from the ocean's depths.
  2. Whale oil was popular because it made great lantern fuel and was used in various industries. Even after kerosene was discovered, the hunting of sperm whales actually increased due to new uses for their oil.
  3. Whale populations only recovered significantly after international bans on whaling and the development of synthetic substitutes for whale oil. It shows that technology and regulations are important for conservation.

Tracing a Tragedy

The Forgotten Files • 334 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💾 History Wildlife
  1. William T. Hornaday highlighted the tragic extinction of American Bison and its causes in his report.
  2. The extinction of bison was driven by factors like man's greed, lack of protective measures, and advanced firearms.
  3. Hornaday's efforts led to his influential role in wildlife preservation and saving species from extinction.

Shifting Habitats: the Great Animal Migration due to Climate Change

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Many animals, like mosquitoes and fish, are moving north because of climate change. They're trying to find better places to live as their old homes become too warm.
  2. Birds and insects are arriving at their breeding spots earlier each year due to rising temperatures. This can lead to them missing food supplies when they need them most.
  3. To help migratory species survive, we need to lower greenhouse gas emissions and switch to renewable energy. Working together globally is important to tackle this problem.

Rattler Killing Roadrunners

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife
  1. Roadrunners are not just cartoon characters; they're real birds that are beautiful and have unique colors. They can be seen running around in their natural habitat, which is pretty thrilling.
  2. These birds are skilled hunters and eat various creatures, including rattlesnakes. They even have clever methods to catch their prey, like using cholla pads.
  3. Roadrunners have a fascinating relationship with humans and many legends surrounding them. They are known to bring good luck and can even help lost travelers find their way.

In the Country of the Tswana

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Wildlife
  1. In 2007, earthquakes changed the landscape in Botswana, reopening the Savuti Channel and making it a year-round wetland again. This has impacted local wildlife and the ecosystem.
  2. The careful movements of predators, like lions and leopards, show their hunting strategies in the wild. They often use teamwork and stealth to catch their prey.
  3. Seeing wildlife interact in their natural habitat is a unique experience. It highlights the delicate balance between nature and the animals' survival instincts.

Nature to the North

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. Seeing hundreds of bald eagles feeding at once is a spectacular sight. They gather to feast on fish when conditions are just right.
  2. Some tree stumps can stay alive and continue to grow even after being cut down. This shows how interconnected nature can be through shared resources.
  3. Sea stars, which faced a severe disease, are now showing signs of recovery. Those that survived may pass on stronger genes to help their species adapt.

Homesteading: December Dreaming

Who is Robert Malone • 22 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Wildlife
  1. Running a small farm means training employees and setting clear routines so things keep running smoothly when you travel.
  2. Winter brings special chores and setbacks—watching animals for cold-related illness, fixing broken equipment, and getting beds prepped and bulbs planted for spring.
  3. Managing animals and produce is both rewarding and hands-on: use stored harvests to feed livestock, adjust breeding and sales strategies, and accept wildlife as part of a healthy ecosystem.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 235 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. The author observes various bird species in their yard, documenting their sightings and behavior.
  2. The yard attracts a diverse range of bird species, including flycatchers and woodpeckers.
  3. The author reflects on unexpected wildlife encounters and wonders what future sightings October may bring.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 216 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. The author had a remarkable August with 85 different bird species in their yard.
  2. They are amazed by the rare bird sightings like the flame-colored tanager and Allen's hummingbird.
  3. The author notes the distractions of everyday tasks and wonders what other birds they might be missing.

Kill or No

Into the Hedge • 99 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Wildlife
  1. Hunting is not just about killing, it involves a whole process with time spent in the woods.
  2. The act of killing a deer marked a shift to being a hunter, impacting the author's perspective.
  3. Despite not succeeding in hunting deer for a season, the focus has shifted to self-awareness and being present in the woods.

Life Abounds

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife
  1. Baby animals, like marmots and geoducks, can be very cute and inspire joy in nature. People often feel a nurturing instinct towards baby animals, similar to how they feel about human babies.
  2. The recovery of wildlife can surprise researchers, as seen with western toads at Mt. St. Helens after the eruption, which thrived in new conditions.
  3. Many baby marmots survive their first winter, which is good news for their populations. Cute baby animals help us connect with nature and remind us of the importance of wildlife conservation.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 196 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. The author shares experiences of birdwatching in their yard during winter.
  2. They have seen a variety of bird species, including some rare ones like the rufous hummingbird.
  3. The winter has brought unique bird sightings, such as the White-breasted Nuthatch and Cassin's Finch.

My visit to a dying local park

Technology, Environment, and Art • 99 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Wildlife photography can reveal beauty that is hard to see in real life, but it may not capture the feeling of peace of just observing wildlife.
  2. Our consumerist and hyper-capitalistic system hides its destructive nature by providing entertainment and analgesics for its killing. It destructs relationships with nature.
  3. The need for a global philosophy and moral resolve to live harmoniously is essential for a sustainable future. Being around nonhuman life can inspire us to fight for solutions.

How Bad Will Things Get Now?

OK Doomer • 171 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Climate disasters like wildfires, storms, and heatwaves are expected to get much worse in the future. We need to prepare for more extreme events.
  2. There's concern about how leadership is addressing climate change, with some leaders denying its seriousness. This adds to fears about future environmental policies.
  3. The next decade is crucial, and people need to understand the potential threats to humanity so they can advocate for better solutions.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife
  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 Wildlife
  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.

Street Smart Naturalist: 2022 in Review

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. The newsletter author focuses on diverse topics related to nature, urban life, and history to engage readers and spark curiosity. They enjoy sharing new discoveries and fun facts.
  2. The most popular newsletters of the year include stories about coyotes in Seattle, urban geography, and local wildlife, showing a blend of personal experiences and broader observations.
  3. The author appreciates feedback from readers and plans to continue creating engaging content in 2023. They invite suggestions for future topics and express gratitude for the support received.

The Italian Problem, Part I: Bird-Killing Foreigners

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💾 History 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.

Ode to a Desert Yard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife
  1. Visiting a desert yard brings joy through its unique plants and wildlife. The variety of cacti and the warmth are comforting and interesting.
  2. Wildlife like javelinas, doves, and coyotes create a lively atmosphere. Watching these animals and their interactions adds excitement to the experience.
  3. The desert environment teaches about adaptation and observation skills. Each visit inspires curiosity about nature and its different forms.

Not So Silent Spring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment 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.

One Way to Become a Professional Writer

backstory • 484 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
📚 Literature Wildlife
  1. Getting opportunities sometimes means seizing the moment and taking risks.
  2. Learning from more experienced individuals can significantly improve skills and knowledge.
  3. Investing in the right tools can make a big difference in pursuing a profession.

Baitballs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. Baitballs are when schools of fish, like herring and sand lance, gather together as a defense against predators. This helps reduce the chance of any single fish being eaten.
  2. When birds like gulls dive into the water, it often signals the presence of baitballs. Their activity gives hints about the underwater life that we usually can't see.
  3. Baitballs are important for the ecosystem because they provide food for many animals, including seals and birds. Observing these events can give insights into the health of marine life.

The Fate of the Chubby Unicorn

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Rhinos, often called 'Chubby Unicorns,' are in danger of extinction due to poaching for their horns. These horns are very valuable and have caused severe decline in their population, especially in Asia.
  2. Conservationists are working hard to save rhinos, using tracking devices and other methods to protect them from poachers. This work is challenging but crucial for the survival of the species.
  3. There is ongoing debate about legalizing the trade of rhino horns, but many conservationists fear it could worsen poaching. So far, efforts to save them focus more on direct conservation methods.

Yes Happy Earth Day!

the rohn report • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Celebrate Earth Day by committing to protect the planet's diversity and ecosystems, conserving energy and water, and treating all entities as valuable members of the whole.
  2. Acknowledging the beauty of the planet and the importance of reducing our carbon footprint to maintain its beauty for future generations.
  3. Encouraging the preservation of wildlife, forests, oceans, and the connection between all living beings on Earth.

No Story Today

backstory • 339 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Wildlife
  1. The author struggles with writing in the presence of wild animals in their writing space.
  2. Wildlife interruptions have affected the author's writing projects in various locations.
  3. A recent encounter with a pygmy shrew disrupts the author's writing plans, leading to no story for today.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

An Ode to Our Backyard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
🔬 Science Wildlife
  1. A beautiful backyard can transform a house into a home. The presence of large trees and wildlife makes the space special and enjoyable.
  2. Seeing local wildlife, like bald eagles and Cooper's hawks, enriches daily life and connects people to nature. It's exciting to observe their behaviors and know they're nearby.
  3. Urban areas can still hold wildness and beauty, making life more interesting. Appreciating the nature around us can create a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Birding at 60

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Wildlife
  1. Watching for red-tailed hawks and bald eagles while driving can make trips more enjoyable. These birds are often spotted perched near the road or soaring above.
  2. Red-tailed hawks are important for controlling vole populations, but driving can pose dangers for them. It's crucial to be aware of wildlife when driving to help keep them safe.
  3. If you notice a dead bird on the road, you can report it to help with conservation efforts. Also, avoiding harmful rodent poisons can protect birds of prey from getting sick.

Has Blackberry Met its Match?

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
🍲 Food & Drink Wildlife
  1. Fennel is growing quickly and taking over areas where Himalayan blackberries used to thrive. This shows fennel's strength as a plant.
  2. While fennel can push out other plants and is considered a noxious weed in some places, it also has many potential uses and benefits.
  3. More Mediterranean plants, like artichokes, are appearing in Seattle, possibly due to changing climate conditions.