Scientists have identified four new-to-science species of chameleons living on isolated mountain peaks in northern Mozambique. These granite "sky islands" act as ecological oases, allowing unique species to evolve in isolation for millions of years. @npbrao.bsky.social reports! mongabay.cc/LANQcz

I *always* learn something new about my home from Nithin’s coverage of Indonesia. This time, it’s about how much mass transit has developed and why there are still gaps in accessibility in my neighborhood in North Jakarta. Check it out!

Indonesian police dismantled a major syndicate trafficking endangered Komodo dragons to Thailand. Smugglers hid juveniles in plastic pipes, moving 17 lizards since 2025. This crackdown is a vital win for conservation and the protection of biological resources. @npbrao.bsky.social reports.

Researchers in Vietnam have identified a new "cryptic" gecko species, highlighting the overlooked biodiversity of karst forests. Though genetically distinct, its habitat in the Copia Nature Reserve is already threatened by quarrying and logging. @npbrao.bsky.social reports for #Mongabay.

The Wetland Atlas is live! Fantastic to see this important new tool - which deploys data to accelerate wetland conservation for people, nature & climate - covered by @mongabay.com Read @npbrao.bsky.social's article and then explore the Wetland Atlas yourself www.wetlandatlas.org/en

Since 1970, wetlands have disappeared three times faster than forests. A new atlas from @wetlandsint.bsky.social aims to end "wetland blindness" by providing the data needed to protect these vital ecosystems in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. Learn more in this story by @npbrao.bsky.social.

Social media is accelerating the illegal wildlife trade, creating a direct digital pipeline from remote forests to urban buyers. A recent sting in Laos, sparked by a Facebook post, resulted in the rescue of two 2-month-old Asiatic black bear cubs. @npbrao.bsky.social reports for #Mongabay.

From a flightless moth to species named for the goddess Lilinoe, new findings highlight Hawaiʻi’s fragile endemic life. But with some moths dependent on just 30 rare sandalwood trees, scientists warn we are naming species just as they disappear. Bobby Bascomb reports for #Mongabay.

For decades, the dhole - a social wild dog once widespread across Asia - was a ghost in the forests of Vietnam. The species had declined, and categorized as possibly locally extinct. That changed in ‘23 when a camera trap captured a photograph of a mature adult dhole. My latest for @mongabay.com:

On The World 🌎 today: 🌐 @joyhackel.bsky.social: China's economy buffeted by Iran war 🌐 @joshuacoe.bsky.social: Fighting between political factions edges South Sudan to war 🌐 @npbrao.bsky.social: Jakarta is at risk of flooding and sinking Tune in 📻 bit.ly/3xyRRfD

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz are significantly impacting Asia. For Thailand, it may mean continuing to rely on fossil fuels despite a pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. More, in my latest for @mongabay.com 👇🏾 #Hormuz #Energy #oil #asia #thailand

Can ancient traditions stop overfishing? In eastern Indonesia, Sasi Laut allows marine species to replenish through community-led closures. New research indicates that integrating these customary laws into formal zoning is crucial to protect local fishing ecosystems. Story by @npbrao.bsky.social.

Off to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit 🇲🇾 Covering regional security, economy & Timor-Leste’s debut 🇹🇱 I’m open for radio assignments like newscast spots, features & interviews. 📩 [email protected] | bit.ly/nainarao #ASEANSummit #SoutheastAsia @aseantoday.bsky.social

A tsunami advisory is issued for the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). This follows the magnitude 8.7 earthquake that struck Russia's Far East. I'll be following this news as it develops.

A few weeks ago, B-2 bombers were reportedly heading to Guam. The Pentagon later confirmed it was a decoy. However, indigenous residents on Guam have a great deal more to say about this matter. I reported more on how they felt for NPR's Here & Now. Take a listen: www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...