Swamps News

Earth's tropical rainforests are a critical component of the world's carbon cycle yet cover only about 12% of its terrestrial land. Accounting for 40% of the world's terrestrial carbon and…

A new study by Wetlands International and Greifswald University (The Global Peatland CO2 Picture [PDF]) provides country-by-country data on peat stocks and emissions. Overall the assessment found that drainage of…

The EU is the world's second largest source of carbon dioxide emissions from peatlands drainage, after Indonesia, reports the first country-by-country assessment of peat stocks. The study, conducted by Wetlands…

A report released by the Indonesian government shows the country is the world's third largest greenhouse gas emitter, largely as a result of the destruction of rainforests and carbon-dense peatlands.…

Indonesian palm oil producers are eying forest conservation projects as a way to supplement earnings via the nascent carbon market, reports Reuters. Frank Momberg, Fauna and Flora International's Asia-Pacific director…

Florida has authorized a cull of Burmese pythons that have invaded the Everglades and other wetland areas, reports the Associated Press. A spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation…

A Scottish firm has been implicated in funding a plan that would destroy the rainforest habitat of critically endangered orangutans in Sumatra. Jardine Matheson Holdings is the majority shareholder of…

Indonesia's decision earlier this year to allow conversion of up to 2 million hectares of peatlands for oil palm plantations is "a monumental mistake" for the country’s long-term economic prosperity…

Finland, Sweden push for loophole that would drive destruction of peatlands around the world Finland, Sweden push for loophole that would drive destruction of peatlands around the world mongabay.com December…

Tropical wetlands sequester 80% more carbon than temperate wetlands Tropical wetlands sequester 80% more carbon than temperate wetlands mongabay.com October 8, 2008

11 species of monkeys discovered in West African biodiversity hotspot 11 species of monkeys discovered in West African biodiversity hotspot mongabay.com September 15, 2008 Urgent conservation measures are needed to…

Migratory waterbird populations in decline in Europe Migratory waterbird populations in decline in Europe mongabay.com September 15, 2008 41 percent of 522 migratory waterbird populations on the routes across Africa…

Indonesia's Riau bans destruction of rainforests and peatlands for palm oil Indonesia's Riau bans destruction of rainforests and peatlands for palm oil mongabay.com August 15, 2008 The Indonesian province of…

Brazil may ban new sugar cane cultivation in the Pantanal Brazil may ban new sugar cane cultivation in the Pantanal mongabay.com August 6, 2008 Brazil would restrict sugar cane cultivation…

Photos of massive gorilla population discovered in the Congo Massive gorilla population discovered in the Congo mongabay.com August 5, 2008 The world's known population of critically endangered western lowland gorillas…

Often overlooked, small wild cats are important and in trouble Often overlooked, small wild cats are important and in trouble: An interview with small cat specialist Dr. Jim Sanderson Rhett…

How to replant a mangrove forest How to replant a mangrove forest: local, low-cost initiatives prove most successful Jeremy Hance, mongabay.com July 23, 2008 Mangrove replanting and rehabilitation has become…

Biofuels can reduce emissions, but not when grown in place of rainforests Biofuels can reduce emissions, but not when grown in place of rainforests mongabay.com July 22, 2008 Biofuels meant…

Mangroves are key to healthy fisheries, finds study Mangroves worth $37,500 per ha each year for fisheries mongabay.com July 21, 2008 Mangroves serve as a critical nursery for young marine…

Destruction of wetlands worsens global warming Destruction of wetlands worsens global warming mongabay.com July 20, 2008 Destruction of wetland ecosystems will generate massive greenhouse gas emissions in coming years, warn…