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Rhett Ayers Butler: Journalism with a jungle heartbeat

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Rhett Ayers Butler turns conservation into news people act on. He writes clearly, reports deeply, and spotlights the communities on the front line. His voice mixes field notes with data and hope. If you care about forests, he is on your daily list.

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1. Who he is

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Rhett is the founder and CEO of Mongabay, a nonprofit platform for environmental science and conservation news. He has spent more than two decades covering tropical forests, biodiversity, and conservation technology. His reporting experience spans Indonesia, Brazil, and other hot spots where policy meets livelihood. He built a global network of journalists to surface stories that often go unseen. The mission is simple. Inform decisions and inspire action against deforestation and biodiversity loss.

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2. A Network of Heavyweights

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Rhett trades notes with the world’s leading conservation institutions. You will spot IUCN, WWF, WCS, ZSL, UNESCO, NOAA, and National Geographic in his orbit. Academic ties include Oxford, Cambridge, and research centers across the tropics. He also collaborates with journalists and NGOs who track enforcement, finance, and indigenous land rights. That mix gives his work reach in policy rooms and on the ground.

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3. Why people listen

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He reports with humility and precision. Posts weave original research, local voices, and clear visuals. He names tradeoffs without finger-pointing, then offers context people can use. The result is thoughtful comment threads and real-world follow up.

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4. Authenticity that resonates

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Favikon scores him 100/100 for authenticity. Growth follows natural patterns with surges during major news moments, like his remembrance of Jane Goodall. Comments bring lived experience, citations, and respectful debate. The writing is personal and sourced, which keeps trust high.

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5. Numbers that back it up

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Rhett counts 66.2K followers on LinkedIn. His influence score is 8,010 pts with a fast cadence of about 50 posts per month. Engagement is Very good and growth trends +2.23%. Rankings place him #100 on LinkedIn in the United States and #308 worldwide, and among Conservationists he is #16 in the US and #118 worldwide.

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6. Collaborations that matter

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Mongabay partners with universities, NGOs, and local reporters to publish investigations and explainers. Stories often elevate indigenous leaders and community scientists. He works with institutions on data-driven series and field reporting grants. These collaborations move beyond awareness and into accountability.

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7. Why brands should partner with Rhett Ayers Butler

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If your organization advances conservation with evidence and impact, Rhett is a high-trust ally.

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• Thought leadership series on biodiversity finance and deforestation-free supply chains

• Co-produced explainers that translate research into policy-ready briefs

• Speaker sessions for executives and donors on media’s role in conservation outcomes

• Field reporting partnerships that document community-led solutions

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8. What causes he defends

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Rhett stands for biodiversity, climate action, and indigenous rights. His feed covers new species, protected areas, and the legal fights that shape them. He highlights community forest management and the livelihoods tied to intact ecosystems. He pushes for science-based policy while centering local people. The throughline is dignity, data, and durable results.

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9. Why Rhett Ayers Butler is relevant in 2026

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Climate and nature targets are colliding with real economies. AI is speeding satellite analysis and open data, which makes verification possible at scale. Rhett’s newsroom translates those signals into stories that shift policy and funding. His work is the connective tissue between science, community, and decision-makers.

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Conclusion: Reporting that protects

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Rhett proves that careful journalism can protect living systems. He builds trust with facts, elevates local voices, and keeps the spotlight on solutions. Follow him to understand the forest, not just the headlines. Then use that knowledge to help it thrive.

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