RIVER OTTER
In 2006, Maryland couple bought a 116-acre farm. 20 years later, it's home to otters, beavers and dozens of bird species
Maryland couple Louise and John Durocher originally purchased a vast 116-acre farm for hunting. With time, they stopped farming the land, allowing nature to take over. They encouraged the growth of various native plants, creating a habitat that supports a wide range of wildlife. Today, their granddaughter Sarah Starman is committed to protecting this natural heritage, with hopes that future generations can continue enjoying outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing along Tavern Creek.
Could beavers help slow flash floods? A reintroduction project in England shows how their dams can hold back water
Eurasian beavers returned to the UK after centuries. Then came a five-year trial that reshaped their future, along with the English landscape. Dive into the story to find out more.
A mystery donor quietly bought a 7,600-hectare Scottish estate for 17.5 million pounds. Then handed it to conservationists
Through a remarkable anonymous donation, Scottish Wildlife Trust has acquired the Inverbroom estate in north-west Scotland. This estate is set to play a vital role in rewilding initiatives and nature conservation efforts. Key restoration projects will aim to revive peatlands, riverwoodland, and temperate rainforests while combating invasive species. Local communities will be involved in promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting regional economies.
Mary Zmudowski was a California schoolteacher when she donated 155 acres of coastal land to the state in 1950; today it is a 220-acre state beach bearing her name
Zmudowski State Beach, a treasured spot north of Monterey, owes its existence to Mary Zmudowski's generous donation in 1950. While facing threats of closure during California's 2011 budget crisis, the beach was rescued through dedicated political efforts. However, rising tides continue to erode its coastline, raising concerns about its future stability. Zmudowski's legacy underscores the importance of philanthropy in preserving public spaces amidst environmental challenges.
In 2019, 2 beavers were released in Yorkshire’s Cropton Forest. 5 years later, 6 dams are slowing floodwaters and reviving wildlife
A five-year experiment in North Yorkshire shows how beavers can reshape ecosystems while helping manage floodwater. Two beavers built six dams in Cropton Forest, creating wetlands and boosting habitats for plants, amphibians, mammals and insects. Researchers found the dams reduced peak water flows by nearly half, highlighting how natural engineering could complement wider flood-management and restoration efforts.
After 400 years, beavers are back in England; 9 dams are estimated to store 3 million litres of water and slow flood flows
Beavers are altering England's waterways by building dams and canals. These structures increase water storage and slow down river flows significantly. Studies show reduced peak flows after beaver reintroduction in several locations. The Essex Beaver Project stored millions of litres of water in new ponds.
In 2025, British naturalist Chris Packham helped restore 55 acres in Devon with 3,500 native trees; a year later, wetlands, wildfowl, waders and otters had transformed the former pasture
A rewilding project in Downicary, Devon, has transformed a plain field into a vibrant wetland. This initiative has successfully attracted diverse wildlife, including otters and kingfishers to the area. Meanwhile, Bowyers Wood in East Sussex has seen the return of beavers after four centuries. Earth moving at Bowyers Wood created new habitats for reptiles and small mammals.
In Cumbria, freshwater pearl mussels in the River Kent can filter up to 50 litres of water each day; their filtration can help improve river water for fish, eels and otters
In a groundbreaking initiative, a conservation project in the UK seeks to rehabilitate the endangered freshwater pearl mussels along the River Kent. Renowned for their ability to filter vast quantities of water, these mussels support both aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Recent studies illustrate their role in essential services like water purification and nutrient recycling.
In 2021, an Oregon farmer turned 70 acres of his barley farm into a wetland. Four years later it attracts thousands of birds and helps endangered fish survive
In Oregon, a farmer has transformed seventy acres of barley into a thriving managed wetland, fostering a habitat for countless waterfowl and various bird species. This revitalized ecosystem is also vital for two endangered fish species. Researchers have documented fifty adult-sized suckers in these nursery ponds, showcasing the successful balance of agriculture and ecological restoration.
In 2015, scientists released fluorescent dye into Florida’s Silver River: Here’s what they discovered
A 2015 University of Florida experiment used five gallons of fluorescent dye to track water movement through a 5.1-mile section of Florida’s Silver River. Researchers measured travel and residence times and compared the findings with earlier tracer data to study changing flow conditions. The work also helped investigate links between river hydraulics, nutrient movement and increasing algal growth.
In 1987, Denmark launched restoration of 2,200 hectares around the Skjern River. 19 years later, SPA status arrived in 2006 as wildlife returned to the restored wetlands
Denmark restored the Skjern River wetlands after agricultural decline and pollution. The project re-meandered over twenty kilometers of river and restored habitats. Wildlife returned, meeting conservation targets for Special Protection Area status. New shallow lakes and improved conditions benefited various species and salmon. The restored landscape also became accessible for public recreation and tourism.
A river otter attacked a mother and toddler at a Washington marina. Their family just got a $350,000 settlement
A river otter attacked a toddler at Bremerton Marina in Washington in September 2024, dragging the child into the water before biting his mother. Both needed medical treatment and rabies shots. The family sued the Port of Bremerton, which agreed to a $350,000 settlement without admitting wrongdoing, ending the legal dispute.
Seaplane carrying 11 crashes into island north of Seattle, all aboard are rescued
Videos posted on social media show the aircraft banking to one side as it flies low over the water near some boats close to shore. The plane makes a hard landing, first on one float, then briefly skips into the air before hitting the rocky coast. The person taking the video gasps as a crunching sound is heard when the plane crashes just out of sight.
Afforestation, dolphin revival show life returning to Ganga under Namami Gange: NMCG
The Namami Gange program has brought ecological revival to the Ganga river. Large-scale afforestation efforts have led to forest cover along the riverbanks. Key aquatic species, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, are returning. Turtles, otters, and hilsa fish are also sighted, indicating improving river conditions. This progress is visible to local communities.
Wordle Answer Today #1345 February 23, 2025: Hints and clues to solve the Sunday challenge
The Wordle puzzle remains a favorite among word game fans, and some days brings more challenging words than others. If you struggled with today’s Wordle #1345, here are some hints to solve today’s challenge.
After 75 years, Indian Gharial spotted in Greater Kaziranga during survey
The forest department confirmed the presence of Indian Gharial in Greater Kaziranga after 75 years. The survey along the Brahmaputra discovered over 900 freshwater turtles and recorded sightings of Gangetic river dolphins and otters.
Mahindra Aerospace, Canada’s Viking Air sign MoU to manufacture small aircraft
Viking produces the Twin Otter Series 400, a 19-passenger, twin-engine utility turboprop aircraft that is capable of operating from multiple surfaces (including water).
Extinct at Keoladeo Park, but good number of otters spotted in Kota
In Kota, where the Chambal flows, a boat owner who doubles as a conservationist says he has spotted a healthy breeding population of these otters. The creatures are more likely to be spotted in winter months.
Researchers to track an elusive predator lurking in Tamil Nadu’s rivers
From the ancient Chinese to kingdoms in ancient Europe, Africa, and Britain, otters have for more than a thousand years helped humans fish and been a source of wonder for their industry and resilience.
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