Conservation News ~ 15 May 2026

• Critical Habitat Protected for Four Mussel Species Across 17 Eastern, Midwestern States
• Wildfire-driven forest loss in California ranks among world's highest
• One in five assessed soil species at risk of extinction, data needed for thousands more - study
• UNIDO joins ENACT Partnership to mainstream innovative finance for Nature-based Solutions in industry
• California and Massachusetts join IUCN
• IUCN and OECS join forces to advance achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework in the Caribbean
• Strengthening the IUCN Red List capacity across the Western Balkans
• Beneath our feet: Why soil biodiversity is key to Europe's future
• Lotus silk products made a strong impression during Viet Nam Business Mission 2026
• Endangered mussel is found in Michigan for the first time since 1987
• Critically endangered antelopes returned to Kenyan forests from Czech zoo
• A venomous pit viper has been hiding in China's misty mountains
• Endangered Mexican Wolf Crosses From New Mexico Into Chihuahua
• 'A breath of fresh air': first conference to quit fossil fuels ends in optimism
• Rare Dove Extinct In The Wild Hatches At San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Scientists Unveil Hemp Alternative to Plastic That Can Withstand Boiling Water and Stretch to 1,600% its Size
• Kenyan conservationists reintroduce rare, critically endangered Bongo into the wild
• Airline emissions in Europe top pre-Covid levels despite pledge to decarbonize
• Rare giant squid found in western Australia
• IUCN welcomes roadmap to safeguard the world’s migratory species corridors at CMS COP15
• IUCN statement on nature and conflict in the Middle East
• Cruise ship hantavirus outbreak reveals an unexpected solution: Restoring nature
• IUCN Asia welcomes nine new Members from the Asia region
• Mesoamerica and the Caribbean welcome five new IUCN Members
• From carbon credits to community resilience: Key takeaways from Session 1 of the “NAbSA Wednesdays of Finance” webinar series
• Beyond Santa Marta: Charting the Path Away from Fossil Fuels
• Call for Applications: Developing World Heritage Management Plans - A Consultation for Site Managers on Needs, Challenges and Priorities
• World's oldest oak secures protection from giant Calif. Development
• Scientists Were Studying Penguins and Discovered a Brand New Species
• Nigeria aims for stronger wildlife protections with sweeping new law
• Brazil’s Atlantic forest records lowest deforestation in 40 years
• San Gabriel River, LA River will get trash interceptors to combat ocean and beach pollution