In protecting land for wildlife, size matters – here's what it takes to conserve very large areas

Governments and wildlife advocates are working to protect 30% of Earth’s lands and waters for nature by 2030. An ecologist explains why creating large protected areas should be a top priority.

David Jachowski, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Clemson University • conversation
April 26, 2023 • ~9 min

Linking protected areas from Yellowstone to the Yukon shows the value of conserving large landscapes, not just isolated parks and preserves

Parks and refuges are important for conservation, but without connections, they’re like islands. Linking them by protecting land in between makes it possible for wildlife to move over bigger areas.

Mark Hebblewhite, Professor of Ungulate Habitat Ecology, The University of Montana • conversation
April 26, 2022 • ~10 min

Jaguars could return to the US Southwest – but only if they have pathways to move north

Keeping landscapes connected can help protect wild animals and plants. In the US Southwest, border wall construction is closing off corridors that jaguars and other at-risk species use.

John Koprowski, Dean, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming • conversation
April 19, 2022 • ~10 min

Infrastructure matters for wildlife too – here's how aging culverts are blocking Pacific salmon migration

Salmon migrate thousands of miles from inland streams to the ocean and back. The newly enacted infrastructure bill includes funding to help salmon and other wild species on their way.

Ashlee Abrantes, Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Science & Policy, University of Washington • conversation
Nov. 16, 2021 • ~8 min

A century after the Appalachian Trail was proposed, millions hike it every year seeking 'the breath of a real life'

When forester Benton MacKaye proposed building an Appalachian Trail 100 years ago, he was really thinking about preserving a larger region as a haven from industrial life.

Charles C. Chester, Lecturer in Environmental Studies, Brandeis University • conversation
Aug. 12, 2021 • ~8 min

Rural health cooperatives are challenged by connectivity and social distancing -- but are innovating

The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues of connectivity and access, but providers and patients are finding creative solutions.

Amanda Phillips Martinez, Assistant Project Director, Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia State University • conversation
Oct. 16, 2020 • ~5 min

Protecting half of the planet is the best way to fight climate change and biodiversity loss – we've mapped the key places to do it

A new plan targets areas around the world that can store carbon and protect large numbers of species. It calls for preserving these lands, working with Indigenous peoples and connecting wild areas.

Greg Asner, Director, Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science and Professor, Arizona State University • conversation
Sept. 8, 2020 • ~9 min

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