Rhett Ayers Butler
@rhettayersbutler.bsky.social
Founder of Mongabay, a platform that delivers news & inspiration from Nature's frontline via a global network of reporters. I'm not very active on this platform. You can find me on LinkedIn and/or follow Mongabay's BlueSky account.
Jane taught us that every day we live, we make an impact. The choice is ours as to what kind of impact it will be.
Her life proved that one person, rooted in compassion and sustained by hope, can change the world. Now it is up to us to carry that light forward—not as a farewell, but as a promise.
Her life proved that one person, rooted in compassion and sustained by hope, can change the world. Now it is up to us to carry that light forward—not as a farewell, but as a promise.
October 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Jane taught us that every day we live, we make an impact. The choice is ours as to what kind of impact it will be.
Her life proved that one person, rooted in compassion and sustained by hope, can change the world. Now it is up to us to carry that light forward—not as a farewell, but as a promise.
Her life proved that one person, rooted in compassion and sustained by hope, can change the world. Now it is up to us to carry that light forward—not as a farewell, but as a promise.
Down to less than 10 individuals, the vaquita teeters on the brink of extinction. Here's how people are trying to save it.
news.mongabay.com/2025/02/cons...
news.mongabay.com/2025/02/cons...
February 19, 2025 at 4:36 AM
Down to less than 10 individuals, the vaquita teeters on the brink of extinction. Here's how people are trying to save it.
news.mongabay.com/2025/02/cons...
news.mongabay.com/2025/02/cons...
Statement from a Cambodian government official: "All foreigners banned from Cambodia are 'either terrorists, spies, or criminals.'"
Silencing journalists will not help Cambodia. Now, more than ever, the country needs independent voices to cover environmental issues.
⚠️ Journalism is not a crime.
Silencing journalists will not help Cambodia. Now, more than ever, the country needs independent voices to cover environmental issues.
⚠️ Journalism is not a crime.
February 5, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Statement from a Cambodian government official: "All foreigners banned from Cambodia are 'either terrorists, spies, or criminals.'"
Silencing journalists will not help Cambodia. Now, more than ever, the country needs independent voices to cover environmental issues.
⚠️ Journalism is not a crime.
Silencing journalists will not help Cambodia. Now, more than ever, the country needs independent voices to cover environmental issues.
⚠️ Journalism is not a crime.
Mongabay’s audience in 2024, by country
Our websites had 95 million visits and 121M pageviews in 2024.
Unsurprisingly, our largest audiences are often in countries where we produce the most coverage, with the U.S. being a notable exception.
www.butlernature.com/2025/01/10/m...
Our websites had 95 million visits and 121M pageviews in 2024.
Unsurprisingly, our largest audiences are often in countries where we produce the most coverage, with the U.S. being a notable exception.
www.butlernature.com/2025/01/10/m...
January 12, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Mongabay’s audience in 2024, by country
Our websites had 95 million visits and 121M pageviews in 2024.
Unsurprisingly, our largest audiences are often in countries where we produce the most coverage, with the U.S. being a notable exception.
www.butlernature.com/2025/01/10/m...
Our websites had 95 million visits and 121M pageviews in 2024.
Unsurprisingly, our largest audiences are often in countries where we produce the most coverage, with the U.S. being a notable exception.
www.butlernature.com/2025/01/10/m...
Cristina Mittermeier has spent decades capturing the fragile beauty of our planet while amplifying the voices of its stewards—particularly those often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Her lens does more than document; it inspires action and offers hope in an era overshadowed by despair.
Her lens does more than document; it inspires action and offers hope in an era overshadowed by despair.
December 9, 2024 at 10:05 AM
Cristina Mittermeier has spent decades capturing the fragile beauty of our planet while amplifying the voices of its stewards—particularly those often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Her lens does more than document; it inspires action and offers hope in an era overshadowed by despair.
Her lens does more than document; it inspires action and offers hope in an era overshadowed by despair.
Today is World Wildlife Day
Nature documentaries paint an image of Earth teeming with wildlife, but the numbers tell a different story. A Feb 2023 PNAS study quantified the biomass of the world’s mammals and revealed an ecosystem heavily dominated by humanity and its livestock: mongabay.cc/JG2V6L
Nature documentaries paint an image of Earth teeming with wildlife, but the numbers tell a different story. A Feb 2023 PNAS study quantified the biomass of the world’s mammals and revealed an ecosystem heavily dominated by humanity and its livestock: mongabay.cc/JG2V6L
December 4, 2024 at 11:04 AM
Today is World Wildlife Day
Nature documentaries paint an image of Earth teeming with wildlife, but the numbers tell a different story. A Feb 2023 PNAS study quantified the biomass of the world’s mammals and revealed an ecosystem heavily dominated by humanity and its livestock: mongabay.cc/JG2V6L
Nature documentaries paint an image of Earth teeming with wildlife, but the numbers tell a different story. A Feb 2023 PNAS study quantified the biomass of the world’s mammals and revealed an ecosystem heavily dominated by humanity and its livestock: mongabay.cc/JG2V6L
Is the carnivorous Ethiopian wolf a pollinator?
In the highlands of Ethiopia, the endangered Ethiopian wolf has been observed indulging in an unexpected treat: nectar, which may make it a rare plant pollinator among large carnivores.
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
In the highlands of Ethiopia, the endangered Ethiopian wolf has been observed indulging in an unexpected treat: nectar, which may make it a rare plant pollinator among large carnivores.
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
November 30, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Is the carnivorous Ethiopian wolf a pollinator?
In the highlands of Ethiopia, the endangered Ethiopian wolf has been observed indulging in an unexpected treat: nectar, which may make it a rare plant pollinator among large carnivores.
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
In the highlands of Ethiopia, the endangered Ethiopian wolf has been observed indulging in an unexpected treat: nectar, which may make it a rare plant pollinator among large carnivores.
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
In the twilight of their lives, the world’s oldest creatures carry the weight of wisdom, experience, and resilience. Yet, these elders are vanishing.
A new review lays bare the ecological void left behind when these venerable beings are lost.
mongabay.cc/7jbORO
A new review lays bare the ecological void left behind when these venerable beings are lost.
mongabay.cc/7jbORO
November 26, 2024 at 2:27 AM
In the twilight of their lives, the world’s oldest creatures carry the weight of wisdom, experience, and resilience. Yet, these elders are vanishing.
A new review lays bare the ecological void left behind when these venerable beings are lost.
mongabay.cc/7jbORO
A new review lays bare the ecological void left behind when these venerable beings are lost.
mongabay.cc/7jbORO
A single manta ray can generate up to $1 million annually from tourism in some locations. Indonesia, for example, saw around $15M a year in the early 2010s from snorkelers & divers; the sector has expanded since then. By contrast, the country’s manta fisheries brought in just $442,000/year.
November 24, 2024 at 1:00 AM
A single manta ray can generate up to $1 million annually from tourism in some locations. Indonesia, for example, saw around $15M a year in the early 2010s from snorkelers & divers; the sector has expanded since then. By contrast, the country’s manta fisheries brought in just $442,000/year.
With populations in steep decline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed extending federal protections under the Endangered Species Act to multiple giraffe subspecies: www.fws.gov/press-releas...
📷 Leucistic giraffe with a normal reticulated giraffe. By the Hirola Conservation Programme
📷 Leucistic giraffe with a normal reticulated giraffe. By the Hirola Conservation Programme
November 20, 2024 at 5:02 PM
With populations in steep decline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed extending federal protections under the Endangered Species Act to multiple giraffe subspecies: www.fws.gov/press-releas...
📷 Leucistic giraffe with a normal reticulated giraffe. By the Hirola Conservation Programme
📷 Leucistic giraffe with a normal reticulated giraffe. By the Hirola Conservation Programme
Declared extinct, the slender-billed curlew slipped from the world in the way of rare things: gradually, quietly, & irretrievably.
“How can we expect countries beyond Europe to step up for their species when our comparatively wealthy countries have failed?” - Nicola Crockford.
mongabay.cc/LwZQ0v
“How can we expect countries beyond Europe to step up for their species when our comparatively wealthy countries have failed?” - Nicola Crockford.
mongabay.cc/LwZQ0v
November 18, 2024 at 11:32 PM
Declared extinct, the slender-billed curlew slipped from the world in the way of rare things: gradually, quietly, & irretrievably.
“How can we expect countries beyond Europe to step up for their species when our comparatively wealthy countries have failed?” - Nicola Crockford.
mongabay.cc/LwZQ0v
“How can we expect countries beyond Europe to step up for their species when our comparatively wealthy countries have failed?” - Nicola Crockford.
mongabay.cc/LwZQ0v
More than 20% of Earth’s plants grow only on islands, finds new research published in the journal Nature.
Mapping over 300,000 known plant species, scientists have found that 21%, are unique to these isolated ecosystems. Islands comprise just over 5% of Earth’s landmass.
mongabay.cc/ZmnGy8
Mapping over 300,000 known plant species, scientists have found that 21%, are unique to these isolated ecosystems. Islands comprise just over 5% of Earth’s landmass.
mongabay.cc/ZmnGy8
November 16, 2024 at 2:53 PM
More than 20% of Earth’s plants grow only on islands, finds new research published in the journal Nature.
Mapping over 300,000 known plant species, scientists have found that 21%, are unique to these isolated ecosystems. Islands comprise just over 5% of Earth’s landmass.
mongabay.cc/ZmnGy8
Mapping over 300,000 known plant species, scientists have found that 21%, are unique to these isolated ecosystems. Islands comprise just over 5% of Earth’s landmass.
mongabay.cc/ZmnGy8
Puerto Rico has a new marine protected area: Vega Baja and Manatí Underwater Gardens, which spans 202 square kilometers, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. It was created after a 16-year effort led by local organizations. news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
November 15, 2024 at 1:07 PM
Puerto Rico has a new marine protected area: Vega Baja and Manatí Underwater Gardens, which spans 202 square kilometers, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. It was created after a 16-year effort led by local organizations. news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
The world’s largest known coral has been discovered in the Solomon Islands after a National Geographic/Pristine Seas expedition. The Pavona clavus measures 34 meters across and 32 meters in length. news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
November 15, 2024 at 1:08 AM
The world’s largest known coral has been discovered in the Solomon Islands after a National Geographic/Pristine Seas expedition. The Pavona clavus measures 34 meters across and 32 meters in length. news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
How bobcats protect your health.
Bobcats are making a comeback across North America, and their resurgence is helping curb zoonotic diseases by preying on small mammals that harbor such pathogens.
Christine Woodside reports:
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/bobc...
Bobcats are making a comeback across North America, and their resurgence is helping curb zoonotic diseases by preying on small mammals that harbor such pathogens.
Christine Woodside reports:
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/bobc...
November 12, 2024 at 7:37 PM
How bobcats protect your health.
Bobcats are making a comeback across North America, and their resurgence is helping curb zoonotic diseases by preying on small mammals that harbor such pathogens.
Christine Woodside reports:
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/bobc...
Bobcats are making a comeback across North America, and their resurgence is helping curb zoonotic diseases by preying on small mammals that harbor such pathogens.
Christine Woodside reports:
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/bobc...
X/Twitter has become virtually irrelevant as a source of traffic for Mongabay News. LinkedIn, by contrast, has now become our most important social channel. Let's see how Bluesky develops!
🌈 Despite social media, audience growth has been robust: Monthly traffic in 2024 is up 99% compared to 2023.
🌈 Despite social media, audience growth has been robust: Monthly traffic in 2024 is up 99% compared to 2023.
November 12, 2024 at 1:18 AM
X/Twitter has become virtually irrelevant as a source of traffic for Mongabay News. LinkedIn, by contrast, has now become our most important social channel. Let's see how Bluesky develops!
🌈 Despite social media, audience growth has been robust: Monthly traffic in 2024 is up 99% compared to 2023.
🌈 Despite social media, audience growth has been robust: Monthly traffic in 2024 is up 99% compared to 2023.
Amazon deforestation in Brazil plunged 31% to lowest level in 9 years, according to INPE data released this week. In the 3 month since then, the rate of loss has remained stable, despite severe drought-induced fires. Cerrado deforestation fell 26%
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/amaz...
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/amaz...
November 10, 2024 at 4:03 AM
Amazon deforestation in Brazil plunged 31% to lowest level in 9 years, according to INPE data released this week. In the 3 month since then, the rate of loss has remained stable, despite severe drought-induced fires. Cerrado deforestation fell 26%
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/amaz...
news.mongabay.com/2024/11/amaz...
A chance encounter with a flock of macaws in Peru.
There was no indication of macaws being present when I started the flight but once they appeared, I put the drone in hover mode to reduce the risk of collision. They flew around for 5-6 minutes, then went on their way.
There was no indication of macaws being present when I started the flight but once they appeared, I put the drone in hover mode to reduce the risk of collision. They flew around for 5-6 minutes, then went on their way.
November 9, 2024 at 5:06 PM
A chance encounter with a flock of macaws in Peru.
There was no indication of macaws being present when I started the flight but once they appeared, I put the drone in hover mode to reduce the risk of collision. They flew around for 5-6 minutes, then went on their way.
There was no indication of macaws being present when I started the flight but once they appeared, I put the drone in hover mode to reduce the risk of collision. They flew around for 5-6 minutes, then went on their way.
The Azores created the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic: An zone covering 287,000 sq km.
Half of the protected area is designated as “fully protected,” where no extractive activities are permitted; the other half permits only low-impact activities.
mongabay.cc/spDWyb
Half of the protected area is designated as “fully protected,” where no extractive activities are permitted; the other half permits only low-impact activities.
mongabay.cc/spDWyb
November 2, 2024 at 3:56 PM
The Azores created the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic: An zone covering 287,000 sq km.
Half of the protected area is designated as “fully protected,” where no extractive activities are permitted; the other half permits only low-impact activities.
mongabay.cc/spDWyb
Half of the protected area is designated as “fully protected,” where no extractive activities are permitted; the other half permits only low-impact activities.
mongabay.cc/spDWyb
Colombia has recognized Indigenous people as environmental authorities, reports Aimee Gabay. The decree offers Indigenous leaders the authority to manage natural resources, impose environmental regulations, and work with national authorities to navigate environmental challenges mongabay.cc/0kjtBX
November 1, 2024 at 2:25 PM
Colombia has recognized Indigenous people as environmental authorities, reports Aimee Gabay. The decree offers Indigenous leaders the authority to manage natural resources, impose environmental regulations, and work with national authorities to navigate environmental challenges mongabay.cc/0kjtBX
A $125B fund to protect tropical forests is gaining traction, reports Justin Catanoso from #COP16. The Tropical Forest Finance Facility (TFFF) is proposed as a new model for protecting tropical forests by generating a reliable, results-based, non-market income stream: lnkd.in/gfmdvyPm
October 31, 2024 at 12:10 AM
A $125B fund to protect tropical forests is gaining traction, reports Justin Catanoso from #COP16. The Tropical Forest Finance Facility (TFFF) is proposed as a new model for protecting tropical forests by generating a reliable, results-based, non-market income stream: lnkd.in/gfmdvyPm
Protecting coral reefs boosts fish numbers by 10%, according to a recent study published in PNAS. This research relied on survey data from 2,600 reefs around the globe, each subject to different levels of protection
October 29, 2024 at 2:50 AM
Protecting coral reefs boosts fish numbers by 10%, according to a recent study published in PNAS. This research relied on survey data from 2,600 reefs around the globe, each subject to different levels of protection
As Esri nears its 50th anniversary, Jack Dangermond exemplifies how geographic information systems (GIS) have grown from a specialized field into a critical tool for modern planning, environmental management, and decision-making. I recently spoke with Dangermond about his journey: mongabay.cc/XIhufV
October 28, 2024 at 2:40 AM
As Esri nears its 50th anniversary, Jack Dangermond exemplifies how geographic information systems (GIS) have grown from a specialized field into a critical tool for modern planning, environmental management, and decision-making. I recently spoke with Dangermond about his journey: mongabay.cc/XIhufV
The rise and fall of civilizations is often attributed to monumental achievements or catastrophic failures, yet one of the most understated factors shaping human progress—and decline—is the forest. In A Forest Journey, John Perlin reveals how forests have been integral to human history.
October 27, 2024 at 2:38 PM
The rise and fall of civilizations is often attributed to monumental achievements or catastrophic failures, yet one of the most understated factors shaping human progress—and decline—is the forest. In A Forest Journey, John Perlin reveals how forests have been integral to human history.
Today is World Lemur Day. 5 random facts: Mouse lemurs are used as models in Alzheimer’s research; bamboo lemurs have a cyanide-rich diet; dwarf lemurs are the only primates with extended hibernation; most lemurs have matriarchal societies; & the Indri sings. www.butlernature.com/2024/10/25/w...
October 25, 2024 at 1:30 PM
Today is World Lemur Day. 5 random facts: Mouse lemurs are used as models in Alzheimer’s research; bamboo lemurs have a cyanide-rich diet; dwarf lemurs are the only primates with extended hibernation; most lemurs have matriarchal societies; & the Indri sings. www.butlernature.com/2024/10/25/w...