Conservation | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/conservation/RSS feed for ConservationenMon, 21 Sep 2026 17:56:03 +0000An Armadillo Found in Ohio Is the Latest Surprise in the Armored Animals' Expansion North. Where Are They Now, and What's Driving Their Movement?https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-armadillo-found-in-ohio-is-the-latest-surprise-in-the-armored-animals-expansion-north-where-are-they-now-and-whats-driving-their-movement-180989530/Typically spotted in the South and Southeast, the creatures have been reaching increasingly distant states like North Carolina, Virginia and Illinois as winters become milderMon, 21 Sep 2026 17:56:03 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-armadillo-found-in-ohio-is-the-latest-surprise-in-the-armored-animals-expansion-north-where-are-they-now-and-whats-driving-their-movement-180989530/A Cutting-Edge English Initiative Replaces Lawnmowers With Scythes to Restore Wildflowers and Save the Beeshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-cutting-edge-english-project-replaces-lawnmowers-with-scythes-to-protect-wildflowers-and-save-the-bees-180989537/English Heritage has recruited volunteers to mow meadows the old-fashioned way at some of its historic sitesMon, 21 Sep 2026 17:46:32 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-cutting-edge-english-project-replaces-lawnmowers-with-scythes-to-protect-wildflowers-and-save-the-bees-180989537/New Zealand Welcomes a Record 90 Kakapo Chicks, Helping the World's Chunkiest Parrot Species Rebound From the Brink of Extinctionhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-zealand-welcomes-a-record-90-kakapo-chicks-helping-the-worlds-chunkiest-parrot-species-rebound-from-the-brink-of-extinction-180989511/Annual chick counts aren't confirmed until the youngest hatchling reaches 150 days old, a benchmark for independence. The population now stands at 325 birds, up from the 51 individuals that remained in 1995Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-zealand-welcomes-a-record-90-kakapo-chicks-helping-the-worlds-chunkiest-parrot-species-rebound-from-the-brink-of-extinction-180989511/Three Wild Dogs Made a Record-Breaking Trek Across Zambia, Traveling More Than 2,500 Miles in Search of Mateshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/three-wild-dogs-made-a-record-breaking-trek-across-zambia-traveling-more-than-2500-miles-in-search-of-mates-180989505/The canines achieved the longest recorded movement by any African mammal. Their journey highlights the importance of having protected corridors for wildlifeWed, 16 Sep 2026 15:47:25 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/three-wild-dogs-made-a-record-breaking-trek-across-zambia-traveling-more-than-2500-miles-in-search-of-mates-180989505/See Nine Stunning Images from This Year's Ocean Photographer of the Year Contest That Show the Majesty of Marine Lifehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-nine-stunning-images-from-this-years-ocean-photographer-of-the-year-contest-that-show-the-majesty-of-marine-life-180989489/From seahorse farewells to saving a stranded whale, the photos capture the diversity and beauty of sea creatures—but also the perils they faceMon, 14 Sep 2026 16:15:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-nine-stunning-images-from-this-years-ocean-photographer-of-the-year-contest-that-show-the-majesty-of-marine-life-180989489/Australia’s Second-Smallest Rock-Wallaby Reappears in a Region Where It Had Not Been Seen for 50 Yearshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/australias-second-smallest-rock-wallaby-reappears-in-a-region-where-it-had-not-been-seen-for-50-years-180989469/The endangered nabarlek is not easy to find and difficult to distinguish from similar species. But a research team made new detections of the animals that offer “good news for their long-term survival”Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:00:37 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/australias-second-smallest-rock-wallaby-reappears-in-a-region-where-it-had-not-been-seen-for-50-years-180989469/These 20 Breathtaking Bird Images From the Audubon Photography Awards Capture the Wonder of the Winged Worldhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-20-breathtaking-bird-images-from-the-audubon-photography-awards-capture-the-wonder-of-the-winged-world-180989436/The winners of the 17th annual contest reveal the beauty of birds, the splendor of their migratory journeys and the risks they faceWed, 02 Sep 2026 19:48:46 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-20-breathtaking-bird-images-from-the-audubon-photography-awards-capture-the-wonder-of-the-winged-world-180989436/Spain’s White-Headed Ducks Have a Signature Color Right in the Name. And That Isn’t Even Their Most Remarkable Huehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/spain-white-headed-ducks-signature-color-right-name-that-isnt-even-most-remarkable-hue-180989289/The first thing you’re likely to notice is the blue bill. But beyond appearances, the duck has an exciting story to tell about conservation and recoveryWed, 02 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/spain-white-headed-ducks-signature-color-right-name-that-isnt-even-most-remarkable-hue-180989289/A Frank Lloyd Wright House in L.A. Is in Danger of 'Demolition by Neglect,' Say Advocateshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-frank-lloyd-wright-house-in-la-is-in-danger-of-demolition-by-neglect-say-advocates-180989429/The visionary designed this two-bedroom, one-bathroom in his affordable Usonian style. It’s the only house of its kind in L.A.Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:18:47 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-frank-lloyd-wright-house-in-la-is-in-danger-of-demolition-by-neglect-say-advocates-180989429/These Enchanting and Colorful Photos of Seashells and the Mollusks That Create Them Will Have You Marveling at the Natural Worldhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/enchanting-colorful-photos-seashells-mollusks-who-create-them-have-you-marveling-at-natural-world-180989291/Before they become sandy souvenirs, the baubles in the bubbles of the shoreline serve as a veritable fortress for creatures like clams, mussels and conchsFri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/enchanting-colorful-photos-seashells-mollusks-who-create-them-have-you-marveling-at-natural-world-180989291/A Historic Alabama Hotel Linked to the Civil Rights Movement Is Falling Apart. Can the Conservationists Fighting to Save It Turn the Tide?https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/historic-alabama-hotel-linked-civil-rights-movement-is-falling-apart-can-conservationists-fighting-to-save-it-turn-the-tide-180989407/Selma's Edistone Hotel has witnessed pivotal chapters in American history, from Reconstruction to "Bloody Sunday." Now, after years of neglect and a recent wall collapse, the Conservation Fund is working to secure its futureThu, 27 Aug 2026 18:35:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/historic-alabama-hotel-linked-civil-rights-movement-is-falling-apart-can-conservationists-fighting-to-save-it-turn-the-tide-180989407/See 16 Stunning Animal Images From the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awardshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-16-stunning-animal-images-from-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-awards-180989397/Now in its 62nd year, the famed competition has released a sneak peek of the entries from this contest ahead of announcing the winners in OctoberWed, 26 Aug 2026 18:28:04 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-16-stunning-animal-images-from-the-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-awards-180989397/Africa's Wild Dogs Are the Most Hated Carnivores on the Continent. Here's Why Some Conservationists Are Saving Them Anywayhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/africa-wild-dogs-most-hated-carnivores-continent-heres-why-conservationists-saving-them-anyway-180989287/Meet the team that closely monitors the playful canines, which need help to form diverse packs and stop their numbers from dwindlingTue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/africa-wild-dogs-most-hated-carnivores-continent-heres-why-conservationists-saving-them-anyway-180989287/See the Cutest Photos of Three Red Panda Cubs Born at the Smithsonian's Conservation Biology Institute This Yearhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-the-cutest-photos-of-three-red-panda-cubs-born-at-the-smithsonians-conservation-biology-institute-this-year-180989351/The trio of cubs—including a pair of twins—are healthy and being cared for by their mothers. Their births represent a conservation milestone for the endangered speciesWed, 19 Aug 2026 15:38:03 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/see-the-cutest-photos-of-three-red-panda-cubs-born-at-the-smithsonians-conservation-biology-institute-this-year-180989351/Marine Biologists Solved a Wildlife Mystery From the Walkway of the Golden Gate Bridge: How the Harbor Porpoise Mateshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/marine-biologists-solved-a-wildlife-mystery-from-the-walkway-of-the-golden-gate-bridge-how-the-harbor-porpoise-mates-180989163/The dolphin-like marine mammals returned to San Francisco Bay in 2008 after a decades-long absence from the area. Scientists took the rare opportunity to closely observe their behavior, and what they uncovered might help at-risk porpoise populationsFri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/marine-biologists-solved-a-wildlife-mystery-from-the-walkway-of-the-golden-gate-bridge-how-the-harbor-porpoise-mates-180989163/This Amazing Archive of Animal Photography Reveals 18,000 Species and Counting. Here's How Joel Sartore Built His 'Photo Ark'https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-amazing-archive-of-animal-photography-reveals-18000-species-and-counting-heres-how-joel-sartore-built-his-photo-ark-180989282/For 20 years, the National Geographic photographer has showcased Earth’s animals in a series of striking images that make even the tiniest creatures look immenseFri, 07 Aug 2026 19:15:18 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-amazing-archive-of-animal-photography-reveals-18000-species-and-counting-heres-how-joel-sartore-built-his-photo-ark-180989282/Big Waves Meet Biodiversity: Why Surfing Paradises Could Offer a Key Opportunity for Marine Conservationhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/big-waves-meet-biodiversity-why-surfing-paradises-could-offer-a-key-opportunity-for-marine-conservation-180989119/A recent mapping study examines places in northwestern Africa where coastal ecosystems overlap with surf breaks, highlighting areas that could support recreation, the environment and local economies, if protectedThu, 06 Aug 2026 19:32:33 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/big-waves-meet-biodiversity-why-surfing-paradises-could-offer-a-key-opportunity-for-marine-conservation-180989119/Notorious Feral Cat That Feasted on Rare New Zealand Ducks Captured After Three-Year Hunthttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nine-lives-a-feral-cat-hunting-rare-ducks-in-new-zealand-has-been-caught-and-killed-after-three-years-180989267/The gray tabby, known as Nine Lives because it eluded capture so many times, had devastated efforts by conservationists to reintroduce the birds to the wildThu, 06 Aug 2026 17:42:31 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nine-lives-a-feral-cat-hunting-rare-ducks-in-new-zealand-has-been-caught-and-killed-after-three-years-180989267/Yellowstone Is Among the World's Best Places to See Wild Wolves. Here's the Story of the Animal Called Both 'Public Enemy' and Cultural Iconhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/yellowstone-is-among-the-worlds-best-places-to-see-wild-wolves-heres-the-story-of-the-animal-simultaneously-dubbed-public-enemy-and-cultural-icon-180989194/A century ago, resident wolves were eliminated from the park. In 1995, biologists brought them back, marking a historic reintroduction of a top carnivoreFri, 31 Jul 2026 22:33:21 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/yellowstone-is-among-the-worlds-best-places-to-see-wild-wolves-heres-the-story-of-the-animal-simultaneously-dubbed-public-enemy-and-cultural-icon-180989194/The Iconic Watts Towers in Los Angeles Will Get a $22 Million Campus Expansion Ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympicshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-iconic-watts-towers-in-los-angeles-will-get-a-22-million-campus-expansion-ahead-of-the-2028-summer-olympics-180989240/Five acres of green space will surround the 17-structure landmark, a folk art masterpiece that an Italian immigrant built over the course of three decadesFri, 31 Jul 2026 18:05:19 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-iconic-watts-towers-in-los-angeles-will-get-a-22-million-campus-expansion-ahead-of-the-2028-summer-olympics-180989240/Heading to a National Park? Watch Out for Elk. They Attack People Way More Often Than Bears Do, According to a New Studyhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/heading-to-a-national-park-watch-out-for-elk-they-attack-people-way-more-often-than-bears-do-according-to-a-new-study-180989191/While many people worry about grizzlies, an analysis of almost 3,000 encounters with aggressive wildlife in Canadian national parks and historical sites found that the huge ungulates were responsible for more than half of themWed, 29 Jul 2026 15:08:46 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/heading-to-a-national-park-watch-out-for-elk-they-attack-people-way-more-often-than-bears-do-according-to-a-new-study-180989191/An Endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Named Pancake Makes a Triumphant Return to the Ocean After Months of Rehabilitationhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-endangered-kemps-ridley-sea-turtle-named-pancake-makes-a-triumphant-return-to-the-ocean-after-months-of-rehabilitation-180989205/The cold-stunned turtle was rescued last fall on Cape Cod and has since made a full recovery. The reptile, whose sex remains unknown, is estimated to be between 2 and 5 years old and weighed 11 pounds at the time of releaseTue, 28 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-endangered-kemps-ridley-sea-turtle-named-pancake-makes-a-triumphant-return-to-the-ocean-after-months-of-rehabilitation-180989205/Mangroves Are Key to Coastal Ecosystems. See 20 Breathtaking Photos That Reveal How the Trees Support Wildlife and Face Threatshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mangroves-are-key-to-coastal-ecosystems-see-20-breathtaking-photos-that-reveal-how-the-trees-support-wildlife-and-face-threats-180989186/The Mangrove Photography Awards honor images that show off the beauty—and the fragility—of these valuable intertidal forestsFri, 24 Jul 2026 15:23:11 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mangroves-are-key-to-coastal-ecosystems-see-20-breathtaking-photos-that-reveal-how-the-trees-support-wildlife-and-face-threats-180989186/