Conservation

An Indigenous Effort to Return Condors to the Pacific Northwest Nears Its Goal
November 05, 2020 — The Yurok Tribe plans to soon reintroduce North America's largest bird to northern California, where the raptor hasn't soared for a century.
The Public Gets Just Two Weeks to Weigh In on Seismic Testing in the Arctic Refuge
October 30, 2020 — The proposed survey—preparation for oil drilling—would damage permafrost, threaten species, and leave lasting tracks in the tundra.
Another Consequence of Suppressing Wildfire: Trees Are Invading the Prairie
October 29, 2020 — Left unburned, woody vegetation is crowding out habitat, but proactive landowners are learning to use fire to restore America’s grasslands.
Western Cormorants Face 'Collapse' Under a Government Plan, Scientists Warn
October 26, 2020 — A federal proposal to manage fishery conflicts by killing more fish-eating Double-crested Cormorants is built on deeply flawed data, experts say.
Endangered Birds Were Dying Where They Shouldn't. Now Scientists Know Why.
October 20, 2020 — A new study reveals the surprising cross-border migration to Mexico of the rare and elusive Yuma Ridgway’s Rail.
Audubon: “Illegal directors make illegal decisions.”
October 17, 2020 — Federal court invalidates decisions made by illegally installed BLM Director Pendley.
The Hawaiian Crow Is Once Again Extinct in the Wild
October 16, 2020 — After releasing 30 birds in the past four years, researchers were forced to bring the few survivors home for protection and further study.
The Secretive Eastern Black Rail Officially Gets Classified as ‘Threatened’
October 09, 2020 — After decades of declining populations and habitat loss, the elusive subspecies is now listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Duck Stamp Artists Turn to Spent Shotgun Shells to Meet New Pro-Hunting Mandate
October 06, 2020 — The government art competition now requires hunting imagery, a change that some wildlife painters say undermines its conservation message.
Roxie Laybourne studies specimens from the Birds Collection at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., in 1992. Chip Clark/Division of Birds, NMNH, Smithsonian Institution
The Remarkable Life of Roxie Laybourne
October 05, 2020 — From deep within the Smithsonian, the world’s first forensic ornithologist cracked cases, busted criminals, and changed the course of aviation—making the skies safer for us all.