Breaking genetic bottlenecks + a tortoise rescue in Madagascar
And FUZZ makes our first donation - see which worthy group won the poll!
Good morning —
I got to start the week in the best way: by sending our first FUZZ Funds donation (final total $316!) to the Manul Working Group to help expand their camera trap network in Mongolia. I had a quick correspondence with the team of Anna and Vadim at MWG, and they said they’re very appreciative of the donation. Vadim maintains a Facebook page that shows his work in the field — if you want to see your impact in action, you can follow it here. The pictures are seriously stunning:
And for those who voted for Path of the Panther or the Wild Felid Advocacy Center, don't worry — I’m sure we'll have plenty more chances to support big cat conservation in the months ahead. As I mentioned, small cats struggle to fundraise relative to their larger and more famous counterparts, so this support from all of you to the manuls goes an extra long way.
Now onto February and onto the news…
Getting beyond the bottleneck: New science shows how to help species bounce back
A new study published in Nature last week examined how genetic variation has changed in more than 600 species worldwide, from insects to big mammals. The findings paint a concerning and all-too-predictable picture: many species are losing the genetic diversity that helps them adapt and survive. But here's the good news — the research also reveals that when we actively manage and connect animal populations, even in small ways, we can help maintain and even rebuild that crucial genetic variety.
Think of it as akin to having a rainy day fund. Just like cash in the bank helps you weather unexpected challenges, genetic diversity gives animals the resources to adapt to changes in their environment. And just as you can recover from financial shocks over time through diligently replenishing your bank accounts, conservation programs that introduce new individuals to existing populations (through breeding programs or connecting isolated groups) can help restore genetic health, too.
That’s certainly part of why wildlife corridors are so important. “Because genetic diversity loss is common in small populations, even actions that maintain diversity can be a good outcome,” lead researcher Catherine Grueber told Mongabay. It’s particularly critical for animals that are territorial over long ranges, like the tiger.
But some of the clearest success stories came from purposeful supplementation programs, where new individuals were carefully introduced to boost genetic diversity. Species receiving this kind of help were significantly more likely to maintain their genetic variation compared to unmanaged populations.
One example of putting this science into practice — Colorado's wolf reintroduction program, which is bringing new individuals from British Columbia to join the state's fledgling population. It isn’t just about adding wolves for the sake of more wolves — it's about ensuring the ones that are already here have the genetic tools they need to thrive in their new home.
It’s also why international partnerships play a role. When China and the U.S. recently renewed their panda partnerships in San Diego and D.C., they weren't just exchanging ambassadors — they were helping maintain genetic diversity in the captive breeding population that supports wild panda conservation.
Reader poll — animal-specific newsletters?
I'm considering expanding FUZZ's coverage by inviting writers and photographers with deep expertise in particular species to contribute species-focused newsletters. We've seen how engaged the manul community is online, but similar passionate groups exist around snow leopards, pangolins, Andean bears — honestly, pick any amazing but underappreciated animal, and you'll find dedicated folks working to protect them and tell their stories.
Here's what I'm thinking: We'd offer optional add-on subscriptions to species-specific newsletters, published weekly or monthly depending on the animal and contributor. Want to dive deep into tapir conservation efforts across South America? There could be a newsletter for that. Fascinated by the secret lives of pangolins? We could have regular updates from the field. These focused newsletters could also help drive more targeted and consistent conservation support, too.
The main FUZZ newsletter would continue as is, but you'd have the option to add these deeper dives into the species that fascinate you most. If this interests you, drop me a line at dan@fuzz.net and let me know which animal you'd love to see featured. And if you're a writer or photographer with expertise in a particular species, I'd love to hear from you, too.
Quick links! 🔗
A nice behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to return trafficked tortoises to the wild: Zoo Atlanta's senior veterinarian shares her journey to Madagascar, where an international team is preparing over 1,000 critically endangered tortoises — previously rescued from illegal wildlife trade — for release into protected areas. Her travelogue details the challenges of conducting health assessments in 95°F heat from makeshift field clinics, training local veterinarians, and navigating Madagascar's unpredictable (understatement) roads.
Another big cat sanctuary in Arkansas is taking proactive measures to protect their residents against the spread of bird flu, only accepting commercially packaged sources of food for their cats for the first time. Over the weekend, I visited the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Kennesberg, Colo. and asked them what measures they were taking to protect their cats. The short answer? They do what they can — they have hundreds of animals across 33,000 acres and wild birds are everywhere. Other than removing any bird kill from habitats and monitoring cats for sickness, it’s a really tough problem to control.
Lions lounging amidst the wild birds in Keenesburg. Even bald eagles (we spotted more than a dozen) can be carriers of bird flu, though admittedly they’re less likely to be caught by lions. | Photo by me! Have a great start to your week. Have a friend who would enjoy FUZZ? Refer them and I’ll add another $10 to the pot for February’s FUZZ FUND donation, even if they join as a free subscriber.
