Galápagos in the news after a 141-year-old giant tortoise, Goliath, passes away, inspiring hope and highlighting conservation efforts.
Recent fossil studies reveal a close link between extinct Australian carnivorous marsupials and koalas, while conservation efforts in Nigeria and Okinawa show signs of success. Meanwhile, Thailand's artificial reefs are aiding marine ecosystems, and Hong Kong seeks to expand marine protected areas amid biodiversity concerns.
The two-week CITES conference in Samarkand is considering stricter controls or bans on trade of species like Galapagos iguanas, Latin American tarantulas, and African turtles. The focus is on curbing illegal online wildlife sales driven by rising demand and social media influence.