Targeted by al-Shabaab for defending Kenya’s ecosystems: Foundation founder gets award (November 15, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/targeted-by-al-shabaab-for-defending-kenyas-ecosystems-foundation-founder-gets-award/
- Raabia Hawa received the 2026 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa on Nov. 11 for her work as the founder of Ulinzi Africa Foundation, which was initially set up to conduct patrols to counter elephant poaching and wildlife crime.
- Her work has expanded beyond anti-poaching to combat illegal industrial bottom-trawling and empower local communities resisting extractive mining concessions.
- Hawa’s vocal stance against environmental destruction has come at a personal risk, including death threats and being designated a target by the militant group al-Shabaab.
- Hawa spoke with Mongabay about the realities of countering industrial fishing and mobilizing rural women against mining giants, highlighting the disconnect between global biodiversity targets and the daily battles frontline nature defenders fight on the ground.
Spicy ping-pong balls and flaming dung keep elephants at bay in Zimbabwe (November 14, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/spicy-ping-pong-balls-and-flaming-dung-keep-elephants-at-bay-in-zimbabwe/
On the front line of the human-elephant conflict, coming up with non-lethal methods of protecting crops means getting creative. In one village in Zimbabwe, a multilayered approach is taken – first a fence covered in chili infused rags and chili powder traps, if that fails elephant dung covered in chili oil is set alight, finally […]
South African court dismisses appeal over planned coal-fired power plants (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/south-african-court-dismisses-appeal-over-planned-coal-fired-power-plants/
The South African Supreme Court of Appeal recently dismissed the government’s appeal against a ruling that struck down plans for 1,500 megawatts of new coal-fired power. The so-called #CancelCoal case was brought by a coalition of environmental NGOs that argued the new planned coal capacity violates children’s constitutional rights to a healthy environment. Already, air […]
Honduras declares ‘environmental emergency’ in Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/honduras-declares-environmental-emergency-in-rio-platano-biosphere-reserve/
Deforestation, organized crime and the expansion of cattle ranching have led the government in Honduras to announce an “environmental emergency” in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in the country. The 36-month emergency, issued as a presidential decree on Nov. 10, will devote 1.5 billion Honduran lempiras (more than $55 million) over […]
Bigger and more-frequent wildfires threaten water supplies across the US (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/bigger-and-more-frequent-wildfires-threaten-water-supplies-across-the-us/
A record number of wildfires burned more than 14,062 square miles in the U.S. this year, leaving behind charred trees and scorched vegetation. But less-obvious are the impacts they had on the streams and rivers that provide drinking water to urban and rural communities across the country. After a wildfire burns a watershed, rain will […]
There’s no substitute for getting out of the classroom and into nature (analysis) (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/theres-no-substitute-for-getting-out-of-the-classroom-and-into-nature-analysis/
- Many college level biology classes require lab sessions that are conducted outdoors, providing students with memorable and sometimes indelible experiences in the natural world.
- An instructor of ecology labs at Merrimack College in the U.S. state of Massachusetts writes in a new analysis that there’s simply no substitute for this time spent outdoors learning how the world works — either close to home or abroad among rainforests or reefs — and explains how he benefits greatly, too.
- “I often tell people I can’t believe I get paid to do something I enjoy so much. But the biggest beneficiaries of field courses are the students,” he writes, saying that they “not only help students to develop an understanding and appreciation for the natural world, but also to develop a conservation ethic.”
- This post is an analysis. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily of Mongabay.
Mongabay shark meat investigation shortlisted for two journalism awards in Brazil (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/mongabay-shark-meat-investigation-shortlisted-for-two-journalism-awards-in-brazil/
A Mongabay investigation that revealed large-scale government purchases of shark meat for schools, hospitals, prisons and other public institutions in Brazil has been named as a finalist for two Brazilian journalism awards . Published in 2025 in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center, the investigation tracked 1,012 public procurements issued since 2004 to purchase more than […]
Fruit bats emerge as unlikely allies in the Atlantic Forest restoration (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/fruit-bats-emerge-as-unlikely-allies-in-the-atlantic-forest-restoration/
- Fruit-eating bats disperse the seeds of more than 140 plant species in the Atlantic Forest, with the potential to deposit more than 25,000 seeds per hectare per day in degraded areas.
- For more than two decades, researchers have studied these mammals’ sense of smell to determine how to lure them into fragmented forest tracts in need of regeneration.
- Experiments using fruit essential oils and synthetic compounds have shown that bats can be directed to specific locations. Experts say the strategy could complement conventional forest restoration techniques.
El Niño drove drought, but climate change intensified Indonesia’s fire crisis: Study (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/el-nino-drove-drought-but-climate-change-intensified-indonesias-fire-crisis-study/
Human-caused climate change significantly amplified extreme heat during Indonesia’s 2026 fire season, turning an El Niño-driven drought into a severe regional crisis, according to a recent rapid analysis. The report was released by World Weather Attribution (WWA), a global network of researchers who analyze the influence of climate change in extreme weather events. The researchers […]
Animal cafes and exotic pet trade bring wildlife disease risks into public spaces (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/animal-cafes-and-exotic-pet-trade-bring-wildlife-disease-risks-into-public-spaces/
- The exotic pet trade, whether legal or illegal, creates endless opportunities for diseases to spill over from wildlife to livestock and humans.
- Growing human-wildlife contact at pet cafes, petting zoos, and public events adds to the risk, while weak regulations and poor oversight can make transmission difficult to trace.
- Experts say that a stronger “One Health” approach embracing both animal and human health is needed for all wildlife trade, including the growing exotic pet trade.
- They call for more research on the issue, as well as careful surveillance and stronger oversight of wild animal imports and exports.
In India, volunteers map riverside trees to make a case for urban conservation (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/in-india-volunteers-map-riverside-trees-to-make-a-case-for-urban-conservation/
Every weekend, several residents of Pune in India set out to map trees along the city’s riverbanks. It’s not just a weekend hobby; it’s meant to serve as evidence to protect the city’s greenery when developmental projects come up in the area, reports contributor Stephin Thomas for Mongabay. The volunteers are from Pune River Revival, […]
As incidents spike, Sri Lanka identifies 17 tuskers considered at high risk (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/as-incidents-spike-sri-lanka-identifies-17-tuskers-considered-at-high-risk/
- Wild Tuskers Srilanka, a group of wildlife photographers, has identified 300 tuskers in Sri Lanka over a decade and tagged 17 of them as high-risk tuskers, advocating closer monitoring and coordinated protection for them.
- Sri Lanka intends involving its armed forces to protect vulnerable wild tuskers following public outrage over the recent death of iconic elephant Kavantissa.
- Conservationists caution against assigning armed guards to individual elephants as impractical, given their extensive movement and the complexity of Sri Lanka’s human-elephant conflict.
- They say the armed forces could play a more effective role in tackling wildlife crime through gathering intelligence, while long-term protection requires systematic monitoring and action to reduce human-elephant conflict.
Can an ancient European forest be saved while securing Poland’s border? (November 13, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/can-an-ancient-european-forest-be-saved-while-securing-polands-border/
Straddling the border between Poland and Belarus, the ancient Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last remaining primeval woodlands, is already under stress from decades of drainage, drought and habitat fragmentation. As geopolitical tensions and security threats from Russia and Belarus rise, Poland plans to construct a massive network of military fortifications along its 700-kilometer (435-mile) […]
In Brazil’s prey-rich Pantanal, jaguars reveal a surprisingly social side (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/in-brazils-prey-rich-pantanal-jaguars-reveal-a-surprisingly-social-side/
Jaguars are widely believed to be solitary cats, only tolerating others when mating or raising cubs. However, a new study in the Brazilian Pantanal has found the jaguars there often pair up and are far more social than expected. The Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland, has the world’s highest population density of jaguars (Panthera onca), […]
US renews push to open Pacific marine protected area to fishing (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/us-renews-push-to-open-pacific-marine-protected-area-to-fishing/
The U.S. government has published proposed rules to allow commercial fishing in an area more than double the size of California inside a Pacific marine reserve that encompasses a network of islands, atolls, seamounts and coral reef systems. The proposed rules, published Nov. 9 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service […]
After years of speculation, Suriname evicts Mennonites farming in the Amazon (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/after-years-of-speculation-suriname-evicts-mennonites-farming-in-the-amazon/
More than 50 Mennonites have been deported from Suriname following years of controversy over plans to establish agricultural settlements for large-scale farming in the Amazon Rainforest. Authorities removed the Mennonites, members of a conservative Christian group that rejects modern technology, from state land in Suriname’s Sipaliwini district. They had been staying in the area with […]
Smallholder farmers struggle on El Niño frontline; will the world help? (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/smallholder-farmers-struggle-on-el-nino-frontline-will-the-world-help/
- Smallholder farmers produce significant percentages of the world’s food supply, including rice, cassava, cocoa, coffee and much more.
- This year’s historic El Niño is already adversely impacting smallholders in nations across the globe, with farmers in tropical and subtropical countries particularly hard hit by extreme heat, drought and deluge.
- As crops fail in coming months, millions of smallholders could be pushed into acute hunger and dire poverty, resulting in an increase in disease and other health problems, even leading to increases in child labor and workers’ rights violations.
- Experts warn that short-term and long-term smallholder support is urgently needed from governments and agrifood companies. Larger structural changes to food supply chains are also required in the face of escalating climate change.
Canadian extractive firms displaced 300,000 in Africa since 1996, report says (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/canadian-extractive-firms-displaced-300000-in-africa-since-1996-report-says/
Canadian extractive industries have been linked to the displacement of at least 300,000 people in Africa over the past 30 years, the Justice and Corporate Accountability Project (JCAP) said in an October report. The York University-based group reviewed media reports, court documents and other sources to compile the 193-page report, which analyzed the Canadian government’s […]
Taiwan’s tea growers adapt to climate change by letting nature take control (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/11/taiwans-tea-growers-adapt-to-climate-change-by-letting-nature-take-control/
In the high-altitude Alishan mountain region of central Taiwan, tea growers cultivating prized oolong tea face mounting environmental crises: Between 2014 and 2023, local tea production dropped by 13.5% due to severe climate pressures and soil degradation. In response, a group of farmers is abandoning chemical inputs for nature-based solutions and wild cultivation, reports contributor […]
Communities around DRC’s Upemba National Park say conservation comes at a cost (November 12, 2026)
https://news.mongabay.com/2026/11/communities-around-drcs-upemba-national-park-say-conservation-comes-at-a-cost/
- A growing body of research underscores the tensions that can arise when conservation efforts overlap with community need for resources.
- A recent study examines the perceptions of injustice by residents of Kisandji village near Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where local residents say they face limited access to the park forest, which they depend on for food, medicine and farming.
- Kisandji residents have repeatedly been victims of displacement due to ongoing conflicts, mining and other forms of extraction; this has all contributed to a persistent sense of instability and distrust.
- Experts suggest more community involvement in conservation decision-making and resource management can help ease the strain between conservation efforts and the need for resources.