WATCH OUT! Tiger Population Growing in India

The most recent census put the number of wild tigers in the country at 2,967, up 33% from four years ago. In the early 1900's more than 100,000 tigers roamed India's wild (and sometimes not so wild) areas. We're happy to hear more of them are out and about!

Mountain Gorilla Population on the Rise

A new census indicates that the mountain gorilla population in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is increasing. This is the only great ape population that is growing. The increase is due to on-the-ground conservation efforts also making the mountain gorilla the most protected species on the planet.

Rare Colobus Monkeys Get National Park to Protect Their Habitat in Tanzania

After 40 years of research and conservation efforts, the Tanzanian government has created a new national park that will protect the habitat of numerous rare species of plants and wildlife, including the endangered Udzungwa Red Colobus monkey and Verdcourt’s Polyalthia tree.

Black Leopard's Presence in Africa Confirmed After a Century of Searching

After 100 years without being spotted, the existence of an extremely rare black leopard was confirmed in Kenya. The black melanistic cat, characterized by a surplus of pigment (think the opposite of albinism), was seen on camera. If after reading this story you feel inclined to preserve other ecosystems in the East African country, we have planting projects in Kenya that would love your support!

A Welcome Return of the California Condor

After hundreds of years of declining population, the endangered California condor has hit a major milestone in its conservation efforts - the 1,000th chick has hatched! In the 1980s, North America's largest bird was nearly wiped off the face of the planet with just two dozen of the New World vultures left. Today, their numbers are on the rise with 300 wild birds, increasing to some 500 birds when including those living in captivity.

Humpback Whales are Back in Action!

We at One Tree Planted might have been focusing on Orca whales the past few months, but other whales have been dramatically impacted by human activities as well. The South Atlantic Humpback whale population has boomed! A recent study published in October puts the whales' numbers at an estimated 25,000 - almost the same amount thought to exist before whaling.

Region in Zambia Sees 50% Reduction in Elephant Poaching

Since the 1950s, Zambia has lost nearly 90% of their elephants due to poaching. The region is now home to more than 60% of Zambia's elephants and saw poaching fall by half. This massive reduction is largely thanks to a community-based program that focuses on involving the people who live near the parks. The program offers education and training on alternative ways to make a living, drawing people away from the financial incentives of poaching.