A new study suggests that support for biodiversity conservation measures can be less divisive than climate change measures, particularly among people with egalitarian worldviews. Cultural worldviews and relational values of nature also play a significant role in shaping policy support, the researchers found.
A new global framework for insect conservation tackles the major blind spot in biodiversity conservation, proposing locally led research and collaboration. The framework identifies four major obstacles to tropical insect conservation and proposes combining conventional scientific research with regional and non-English literature.
A study by Yale University ecologists found that 16% of Mexico's habitat is covered by protected areas, but overlaps increase when including wildlife management units and Indigenous territories. The analysis highlights the need for a diverse mosaic of conservation areas to protect carnivores, with priority areas identified for expansion.
Northern spotted owl populations are approaching functional extinction across the Pacific Northwest, with AI-powered monitoring identifying critical habitats and ecological threats. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies, including barred owl removal and habitat conservation, to prevent further decline.
UK zoos have a bias towards globally non-threatened species, but still contribute to preserving native and priority species, according to a study. The research found that only 9% of captive species are native to Britain and 2% appear on conservation priority lists.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
This study found that households in metropolitan areas with higher population density and income levels show stronger voluntary water conservation during drought. The AI-based scenario analysis showed that increased drought-related news coverage leads to significant water savings in these regions, but has a limited impact on rural areas.
A new study analyzes geographic biases in telemetry research, finding that most studies are conducted in politically stable, English-speaking countries with high conservation funding. The research emphasizes the need for in-country capacity sharing and collaboration to ensure biodiversity hotspots are not left understudied.
A new framework developed by IIASA researchers helps identify where conservation can prevent biodiversity loss and where restoration efforts are likely to have the greatest impact. The framework integrates ecological thresholds with protected area coverage to assess how upstream pressures affect downstream fish communities.
The Wilkes Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Alliance aims to safeguard the Atlantic Ocean's leatherback turtle populations, which are classified as 'vulnerable' globally. The alliance will produce research, strategic action plans, and advocacy to drive coordinated conservation action across the region.
Shedd Aquarium's membership with IUCN marks a significant milestone in its conservation efforts, with contributions including field research, policy initiatives, and educational programs. The aquarium has also partnered with the IUCN Species Survival Commission to establish the Center for Species Survival: Freshwater.
A recent study found that Caribbean reef sharks prefer locations with dense prey populations, making food abundance an essential factor in their habitat choice. The research suggests that prey conservation should be considered alongside fishing bans to support shark conservation.
The zoo's conservation efforts have contributed nearly 40,000 tadpoles to species recovery efforts since the last decade. Brookfield Zoo Chicago successfully breeds and raises 12,244 tadpoles, supporting global conservation efforts to help restore one of the world’s rarest amphibians.
A new study reveals that almost three-quarters of Brazil's federal nature reserves lack adequate funding, with the Amazon facing significant financial shortfalls. The analysis highlights the need for increased resources and long-term financial planning to support conservation efforts.
A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.
A novel study in Biological Diversity reveals the integrated physiological and symbiotic adaptation mechanism underlying P. purpuratum's ex situ conservation. The research demonstrates that ex situ conservation elevates seed-set rates but incurs trade-offs in photosynthetic capacity and oxidative stress.
Citizen science projects are expanding globally to study bat ecology and support conservation. Methods include acoustic surveys and observations, providing valuable insights into bat distribution and seasonal activity. Collaboration with community members is crucial for advancing understanding of bat ecology and informing habitat prote...
The American Ornithological Society has awarded grants to six early-career researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean to study bird conservation in the region. The projects focus on endemic species and will contribute to broader efforts across the region, strengthening conservation capacity.
The partnership aims to boost conservation impact by harnessing advanced digital technology and biobanking techniques, focusing on three core areas: knowledge transfer, innovation, and student engagement. This collaboration seeks to address pressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity threats and emerging pathogens.
Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.
The programme aims to nurture youth engagement in marine conservation and strengthen Hong Kong's environmental stewardship by providing hands-on training and empowering students as the next generation of ocean stewards. Students gain experience with advanced research techniques and build leadership and advocacy skills.
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.
The Shorebird Science and Conservation Collective uses big data to inform conservation efforts by analyzing tracking data from over 3,400 individual birds. The collective brings together data from various organizations to provide actionable information for land managers and decision-makers.
Nations are coming together at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address declining population trends and extinction threats among migratory species. The meeting aims to establish conservation policies and protections for over 2,000 species under threat.
The global fragrance industry has a significant impact on plant diversity, with an estimated 45% of flowering plants at risk of extinction. A new model, The Red List Project, pairs fragrance manufacturers with local conservation organizations to produce marketable products while supporting local environmental stewards.
Seven scientists from around the world will receive grants to pursue conservation-focused research aimed at strengthening ocean health and communities that depend on it. The fellows' work includes tracing illegal fishing, improving reef restoration, and developing open-source technology to classify nanoplastic pollution.
A global review of 32 wildlife management projects found that empowering women leads to improved species recovery, habitat restoration, and reduced poaching. Women's unique insights and knowledge, often overlooked in conservation research, are essential for effective community-based wildlife management.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
A recent study found that public perceptions of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in wildlife conservation differ across EU countries. While respondents generally accepted ART as a complementary strategy to address biodiversity loss, there was variation in attitudes towards innovative approaches. The study highlighted the import...
A new study from Ethiopia reveals that conservation agriculture methods like no-dig, crop-rotation, and mulching can significantly reduce water runoff and soil loss. These eco-friendly techniques have been shown to increase crop yields by as much as 122%.
Researchers analyzed over 25,000 YouTube comments on wildlife videos to find only 2% calling for conservation efforts. Despite the low number, experts believe there is an opportunity for improved conservation messaging on social media.
The partnership aims to support conservation genetics efforts globally by sequencing up to 4,000 unique animal samples across 1,300 species. The project will provide valuable genomic insights to inform conservation management decisions and promote ecological resilience.
The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum have pledged to protect endangered species such as Cucharillo and Stone's Paphiopedilum through collaborative conservation strategies. These institutions will co-host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2027 to accelerate crucial conservation work.
A new study reveals that socio-environmental mobilizations play a critical role in global biodiversity conservation by resisting environmental degradation. These local struggles often overlap with global conservation priorities, highlighting the need for policy shifts to recognize and support these movements.
A global report highlights fragmented data systems and lack of standardization hindering botanic gardens' contribution to biodiversity conservation and scientific research. Researchers call for a unified, equitable global data system to transform how living collections manage and share information.
Conservation organizations are using eBird data to select priority species, manage habitat for waterfowl, identify important bird areas, and monitor populations at regional scales. The study demonstrates how eBird data products help fill critical information gaps and support conservation planning across many Joint Ventures.
China's Ecological Protection Redline system has identified 32% of the nation's land as crucial ecological space, safeguarding major ecosystems and wildlife species. Recognizing these areas as 'other effective area-based conservation measures' (OECMs) could close the remaining gap to achieving 30x30 without creating new parks.
The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Arts has launched a pioneering postdoctoral fellowship project to recruit global experts in art conservation, with the goal of advancing cultural and scientific excellence. The fellowship will benefit both HKMoA and HKU, enabling the advancement of collection research and exhibitions.
Research reveals that threatened species are overrepresented in professional sports emblems, offering a powerful new avenue for biodiversity conservation partnerships. Fans' emotional connections with team mascots can mobilize audiences to support conservation initiatives.
Researchers urge prioritizing ecosystem function over single species in conservation efforts, citing negative outcomes from previous initiatives. Conservation programs often focus on charismatic species without considering overall ecosystem health, leading to unforeseen issues and failed conservation outcomes.
A new analysis challenges traditional conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of sustainable pastoralism in protecting global biodiversity. Rangelands harbor vast biodiversity and support millions of people, yet only a small percentage receive formal protection.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
A new study warns that the quiet abandonment of conservation projects is undermining global biodiversity and carbon targets. At least one-third of conservation programs are abandoned just a few years after implementation, compromising progress announced at events like COP.
The study reveals lower genetic diversity and historical population sizes in the Southern Maned Sloth, while the Northern lineage faces rapid inbreeding due to deforestation. The findings offer critical insights for conservation of endangered species.
New research reveals American giraffe collections have been hybridized across species, reducing their conservation value. The study recommends phasing out hybridized animals from captive breeding programs and screening existing animals for better genetic matches.
A new study published in Nature Conservation assesses the threat status of bird species from Vietnam, revealing critical conservation needs. The study highlights areas for improved protection and calls for integration of expanded ex situ conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that collaborations between conservationists and artists can generate new knowledge, attract funding, and catalyze behavioral change. By working together, artists and conservationists can co-create ideas, develop more effective solutions, and shape public attitudes towards nature.
An international team is calling for a US $14 billion investment to protect and restore one million hectares of kelp forests by 2040. The funding would help achieve the Kelp Forest Challenge, a global mission to conserve and restore three million hectares of kelp forests, which fringe nearly a third of the world's coastlines.
A new index tool evaluates species' conservation priority based on future threats and traits, identifying reptiles as highest priority. The Proactive Conservation Index complements existing tools, offering insights into understudied species and facilitating proactive conservation strategies.
The Arcadia grant has enabled the creation of IUCN’s Open Access Policy and upgraded the IUCN Library, making over 1,500 historical publications available online. This has improved access to conservation knowledge and secured the scientific integrity of nature conservation efforts.
Research by Tour du Valat and University of Turku reveals that ignoring historical declines shifts the baseline for at least 40% of waterbird and seabird species. Restoration policies should be based on a century-long perspective to be truly ambitious.
A comprehensive study by UC Riverside's School of Public Policy found that agricultural conservation programs saved water at a low cost per acre-foot, while new supply efforts were more expensive. The analysis showed that 80% of the Colorado River's water is consumed by agriculture, and incentive programs can deliver meaningful savings.
A new study by researchers at the University of Helsinki compares two commonly used approaches to conservation planning, finding that the flexible approach provides higher habitat protection but with uneven distribution and minimum protection levels not guaranteed. In contrast, the target-based approach ensures all species meet their m...
A newly-formed group of scientists will examine ecological disruption and potential extinction of essential microbes for planetary and human health. The commission aims to map conservation priorities and develop tools to protect critical microbes from extinction.
The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.
The Conservation Soft Box is an airtight, controlled environment case that preserves cultural heritage with minimal maintenance. It achieves similar results to expensive display cases but at a much lower cost, making it accessible to countries with limited resources.
Fossilized marine invertebrates accurately reflect past ecosystems' functional diversity, offering a powerful tool for understanding long-term ecological change and informing modern conservation efforts. The study supports the growing field of conservation paleobiology by validating the use of functional diversity metrics in fossil data.
Researchers found traditional methods poorly suited for invertebrates due to limited data and rare species challenges. New statistical methods suggest combining data across species, assessing similar species, or targeting extinction risk assessment to communities and habitats.
A new report highlights emerging threats to Antarctic conservation, including extreme precipitation events, potential militarization, and global disruptions. The report identifies opportunities to strengthen and future-proof governance by responding to these threats with proactive measures.
The study found that armed conflict caused direct environmental damage, including artillery fire and pollution, while also disrupting conservation measures like soil and water conservation. Millions of seedlings and SWC structures were lost during the conflict, reversing years of progress in environmental restoration.