As the weather warms up, here's how to help animals handle a heatwave
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF Right now, much of Europe and North America are experiencing ongoing heatwaves with record-breaking temperatures. It’s not just humans that are struggling to cope. Yes, it’s getting hot in here—but taking off a sweater, jacket or shirt isn’t an Read More...
A baby beaver sighting heralds the reemergence of California's beaver population
Bill Leikam, the president of the Urban Wildlife Research Project and fondly known as The Fox Guy, recently had a revelation while analyzing film from a wildlife camera along a Palo Alto creekbed. Amid the familiar wildlife, an unfamiliar creature darted across the screen. Leikam, a seasoned Read More...
Sharks and hurricanes: How do marine predators cope with storms?
Hurricane Idalia wreaked havoc in Florida last Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake as a powerful Category 4 storm. Homes were swamped, highways transformed into rivers, electricity lines were downed, and at least one person died in a traffic-related tragedy. Humans, with our Read More...
Researchers discover more than 200 freshwater fish species
There always seems to be a lot more talk surrounding species that we have lost to human habitat encroachment, over-hunting, and the ripple effects of pollution. Though, an encouraging discovery in 2022, reminded us that our world is still so full of wonder, where scientists - from the conservation Read More...
This experimental "super forest" shows how to plant trees the right way
Reforesting our lands is key to safeguarding the future of Earth’s life-giving systems. However, it is of utmost importance to do it strategically in order to reap the most benefits out of planting trees. An experimental forest in England aims to showcase how to restore our forests the right Read More...
Kenyan sanctuary welcomes five mountain bongos
The average person hears the word “bongo” and thinks of a pair of small Afro-Cuban hand drums with which one can play fun and danceable rhythms. Bongos are also extremely rare antelopes native to Kenya that haven’t been spotted in the wild in almost 30 years. Bongos used to roam free Read More...
Biodiversity means respecting animals' agency
Depending on where you live, there can be a great deal of concern about the local animals, wandering into the road or eating your garbage. For conservationists, there’s a concern for the animals themselves. Conservationists and wildlife managers these days are looking for new ways to protect wild Read More...
Congress approves $350 million for wildlife crossings
Funding was finally secured in January for the construction of a wildlife crossing over the 101-freeway in Southern California, which cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains and the habitats of many native animals. The Optimist Daily has been closely following stories of wildlife crossings like Read More...
Why your dog shouldn’t poop wherever it wants in nature
Interestingly, poop is a recurring theme at The Optimist Daily. From maintaining a regular bathroom schedule, aiding the search for a home for endangered owls, and fish poop feeding the world’s largest vertical farm. The latest addition to these poop-filled articles is a Belgium study Read More...
Well-digging wild horses and donkeys provide an oasis for wildlife
Wild horses and donkeys roaming the American West tend to have an unfavorable reputation among some conservationists, who consider the species as detrimental to ecological balance because they’re not strictly native. This study, however, has found that these equines may be contributing to crucial Read More...