Here are Mongabay News’s five most-read stories of 2024. All focus on Asia, with four concerning wildlife, and reptiles claiming the top two spots.
A caveat: this ranking reflects only website traffic through December 22, 2024. It does not include social media viewership.
“Four of a kind: King cobra is a quad of species, not one, study finds” (1.03 million views) by Shreya Dasgupta
In a study that reshapes our understanding of the world’s largest venomous snake, researchers confirmed that the iconic king cobra is not one species but four distinct ones.
“Siamese crocodile hatchlings a ‘promising sign’ in Cambodia, but greater protection needed” (972K views) by Gerald Flynn
Conservationists celebrated the hatching of 60 critically endangered Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia. While the discovery offers hope, threats like habitat destruction underscore the urgency of stepped up protection.
“Cambodian mega dam’s resurrection on the Mekong ‘the beginning of the end’ (449K views) by Gerald Flynn and Nehru Pry
The revival of a controversial dam project on the Mekong River sparked fears for the river’s ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.
“Final cheetah conservationists freed in Iran, but the big cat’s outlook remains grim” (296K views) by Kayleigh Long
The release of jailed cheetah conservationists brought some relief, yet the Asiatic cheetah’s future hangs by a thread, with fewer than 30 left in the wild.
“Comeback on the cards for Asian antelope declared extinct in Bangladesh” (265K views) by Rafiqul Islam
The nilgai, Asia’s largest antelope, is reappearing in Bangladesh after being declared locally extinct in the 1930s, offering a rare glimmer of hope for rewilding efforts.
Other languages/bureaus:
Mongabay Latam (Spanish):
“Jaguares y pumas se han convertido en los inesperados aliados de los ganaderos en Costa Rica” (562K views) by Darío Chinchilla
Since 2013, a collaboration between Costa Rica’s environmental authorities and a feline conservation organization has tackled jaguar and puma predation complaints, using data from 507 reported incidents to guide interventions and, through training and technology on over 400 farms, reduced economic losses while fostering trust with landowners.
Mongabay India (English + Hindi)
“A fowl that travelled from forests to farms” (622K views) by Manish Chandra Mishra
Kadaknath, a striking black-feathered chicken native to Madhya Pradesh, prized for its protein-rich meat and climate resilience, has transformed from a jungle rarity into a lucrative farming enterprise across India, fueled by its growing market demand.
“धान के बढ़ते समर्थन मूल्य के कारण हाशिये पर दलहन, तिलहन” (307K views) by Alok Prakash Putul
In Chhattisgarh, India’s “rice bowl,” high prices have driven farmers to focus exclusively on rice cultivation, sidelining pulses and oilseeds, a trend scientists warn could deepen water scarcity and exacerbate nutritional deficits in the long run due to the absence of a balanced crop policy.
Mongabay Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
“Selamat Jalan Elva Gemita, Perempuan ‘Harimau’ Itu Telah Pergi” (2.82 million views) by Elviza Diana
Elva Gemita, a dedicated wildlife conservationist who passed away on November 24 at the age of 44 due to cancer, was known for her significant contributions to conservation, including leading one of Indonesia’s largest ecosystem restoration programs at Hutan Harapan, Sumatra, and establishing it as a model for sustainable restoration in Southeast Asia.
Mongabay Brasil (Portuguese)
Construção da segunda maior ponte do Brasil ameaça ecossistemas e comunidades na Bahia (355K views) by Lobato Felizola
A proposed bridge linking Salvador to Ilha de Itaparica threatens mangroves, coral reefs, and marine life, risks releasing toxic pollutants, and endangers fishing livelihoods, while promising development that could strain local infrastructure and transform the island’s character, sparking calls for improved ferry systems as a more sustainable alternative.
Mongabay Français (French)
“Les oiseaux chantent à nouveau dans la forêt sacrée de Titiyo au Togo” (40K views) by Charles Kolou
Once on the brink of destruction due to deforestation for charcoal, timber, and construction, Titiyo, a sacred forest in northern Togo, has seen its biodiversity and community livelihoods revived since 2015 through the restoration efforts of Tchoou Sylvain Akati, a descendant of the forest’s traditional guardians.
