Good news in Science and Nature

[Dystopiary]

Some good news is needed, so how about this for a start. A giant tortoise thought to be extinct has been discovered. on the Galapagos island of Fernandina.

The discovery marks the first time researchers have located a Fernandina Island tortoise (Chelonoidis phantasticus) in more than a century.

She's been named Fernanda after the island, and is estimated to be over 50 years old. She could live to be about 200, so there's hopefully plenty of time to find her a mate.

Look at that little wizened face!



Galapagos tortoise thought extinct for 100 years has been found alive

 

[Dystopiary]

Hopefully this is good news. Another "rediscovery" (though it seems like locals knew it was there) after apparently going unseen by scientists for 140 years.

Some 140 years after the black-naped pheasant-pigeon was last sighted by scientists, researchers have "rediscovered" the rare bird.

After a month of searching, a team in September captured footage of the species deep in the forest of a tiny island off Papua New Guinea.
It was a mammoth effort that involved countless interviews with locals, 20 camera traps and a run-in with pirates.

It felt like "finding a unicorn", said expedition co-lead John Mittermeier.

Researchers hope the discovery will help save the species from extinction.

The images [the scientists' cameras] captured are the first time the long-lost bird has been documented by scientists since 1882.
"It is the kind of moment you dream about your entire life as a conservationist and birdwatcher," Mr Mittermeier said.

Very little is known about the species but scientists believe that the population on Fergusson Island is very small and decreasing.
But the team hopes the information they have gathered can be used to help protect the birds that remain.

Black-naped pheasant-pigeon sighted in PNG for first time in 140 years