2021 has started off like a utter rocket-ship. You honestly cannot fathom it. 2 new whale species (SHIT OFF!), major conservation wins and population recoveries for several whale species, landmark rhino recoveries through Africa, the US goes into overdrive on climate and environmental improvements, the record for the worlds'  smallest species of reptile is reset yet again with another new species discovery, new bat species in African caves, oh, and a previously declared extinct mouse species rises from the dead in the volcanic islands of the Philippines. Deep breath........ there's a bit happening.  

It may well be close to the end of the year, but the natural world and indeed the world of conservation, environmental protection and discovery has NO intention of easing up. Staggering new developments into the behaviours and capabilities of bumblebees, a huge milestone and breakthrough win for Tasmanian devils in their fight against FTD, two colossal re-population and species population milestones reached for two massive and iconic species, the Gharial and the European Bison, and a hell of a lot more to add to it.

For Katrina. A tribute to the life and achievements of one of the very best in the wildlife conservation field in Mrs Katrina Reeve, who espoused and championed the fight for ecological balance and natural world health more than anyone, as well the never-ending thirst for discovery and learning. How appropriate then, that her life can be celebrated with yet more new snake species, a new fresh water terrapin species, uplifting evidence of coral reef recovery, range extensions for a highly endangered and unique Australian turtle species, and a groundbreaking conservation re-introduction win for one of the worlds' rarest amphibians. How remarkable it all is. How much Katrina would have loved it.

Festive season it sodding well is! Christmas itself might be a few weeks away, but Holy Attenborough (All hail) are the presents coming in early. New marine and reptile species, a brand new species of primate hiding in plain sight, staggering physiological discoveries in the world of alligators and insects that fair blow the mind, wonderfully uplifting conservation re-wildling and reintroduction wins, massive new marine park sanctuaries announced, and major commitments to environmental protection and clean energy. If you're not already aroused......... Hold on. You will be.

Sweet. Merciful. Charles. Darwin! Where does one begin?! New species galore, from penguins to gliders to spiders, a stunning chameleon species rediscovery, a brand new reef found in the middle of the GBR, crucial threatened species reintroduction success in Australia, wolves to make a vital return in another US state, and marine plastic pollution policy and clean energy surges across the globe. It's all, quite simply, extraordinary.

New species of tree-dragon? Yet another new species of rear-fanged snake in India with staggering colours? Major protection and expansion of crucial species and biodiversity hotspots in Australia? Humpback whale numbers in North America on the charge? New records smashing old ones with migratory bird non-stop travel distances? Yes, yes you bet your bollocks to a barn-dance that's all there, and more.

Tis'  the season for successful, landmark, ground-breaking species re-introductions, for small native fox species in North America to iconic and ecologically crucial marsupials in Australia, not to mention (yet) another new snake species described, major global biodiversity announcements and commitments (not a moment too soon just quietly), and marine mammal physical records not merely broken, but comprehensively smashed. 

New developments left, right and centre. A combination of significant concerns for global biodiversity and Arctic sea ice cover is compared with remarkable recoveries in updates for several species virtually wiped off the face of the Earth. New species of reptiles abound, incredible new behaviours confirmed in Australian skinks, and we celebrate world Rhino day and world gorilla day with an outlook and appreciation for said iconic and ecologically irreplaceable mammals.