Wildlife Update

The green sea turtle is making a recovery. That’s according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The annual report was released in October. It says global green sea turtle populations have increased 28% since the 1970s. The IUCN has shifted the species’ status from “endangered” to “least concern.”

Roderic Mast is cochair of the IUCN group that studies sea turtles. In a press release, he called the news a “powerful example” of what conservation efforts can do. Among these efforts are the protection of sea turtles and their nests on beaches, and the use of devices that keep turtles from being snagged in fishing gear.

There’s worrying news, too. The IUCN report reveals that more than half of the world’s bird species are in decline. That’s up from 44% nine years ago. Other affected animals include Arctic seals, some types of which are experiencing severe habitat loss.

The green sea turtle’s rebound offers reason to hope. IUCN director Grethel Aguilar says the report “shines a light on both the urgent challenges and the powerful possibilities before us.”