Scientists are helping to safeguard UK's rarest orchard wildlife through a three-year conservation initiative focusing on four threatened species. Innovative techniques like pheromones and DNA will be used to improve monitoring of noble chafer and red-horned cardinal click beetle populations.
A new study documents how an Indonesian Indigenous community adapted their sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony to protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo. The ceremony now uses naturally moulted feathers collected from wildlife rescue centres, preserving spiritual integrity and ensuring species survival.
A new study documents 2,304 grass species in China, including 1,978 native and 326 alien species, with 52% of native species endemic to the region. The checklist highlights conservation efforts for threatened species, invasive aliens, and guides biodiversity research.
Researchers have discovered a key breeding ground for endangered sand tiger sharks off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge provides a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered species, allowing them to complete their reproductive cycle in Brazilian waters.
Researchers from Guizhou Province have successfully assembled the first haplotype-resolved chromosome-level genome of Phoebe zhennan, a critically endangered tree species. The high-quality reference genome reveals significant genetic variations, including inversions and translocations, that may play key roles in environmental adaptation.
A new species of colobus monkey, 'Likweli', has been identified by its distinctive facial markings and unique call. The rare species is found in the dense forests of Lomami National Park and is considered Endangered due to its small geographic range and population size.
A new study uses machine learning to predict chemical toxicity in rare and endangered species, reducing the need for direct biological testing. The model achieved strong performance predicting acute and chronic toxicity, with life stage being a key factor.
Researchers found that nearly 90% of sharks collected from Delaware Bay were exported overseas, raising concerns about conservation goals. The study highlights the need for better scientific data and stronger oversight to ensure sustainable removals of critically endangered sand tiger sharks.
Ayano Medo and Takuya Sato discovered that nematomorph parasites induce terrestrial crickets to jump into water, where they nourish endangered fish. The parasites, common globally, drive the transfer of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Linköping University found that old oak trees and semi-natural grasslands are crucial habitats for many species. The study identified thresholds for habitat size needed to support species survival, providing conservationists with concrete data to prioritize cost-effective interventions.
Researchers found that Bigg's killer whales are increasingly present in Puget Sound, while southern resident killer whales are spending less time in inland waters. The data suggests that social cues may play a role in the changing distribution of southern residents.
Researchers from Nantong University found rich biodiversity and 80 different species of springtails in two nature reserves. They described five new scaled species belonging to three genera of the Entomobryidae family.
A global study of over 5,100 species reveals that climate change is transforming ecosystems and threatening species across the globe. Temperate species are experiencing more local extinctions than tropical species due to faster warming rates, with temperate regions losing up to 49% of their species.
A pair of grants aims to simplify wildlife management by integrating multiple species into a single plan, reducing redundancies and expanding effectiveness. The research focuses on managing entire ecosystems rather than individual species, using technologies like monitoring tools and multi-objective optimization.
Researchers found that the success of species in a new habitat depends on the proportion of suitable but absent species (dark diversity) and community completeness. Species similar to local species are more successful in lakes with fewer suitable species, while those utilizing different resources thrive in lakes with more species present.
Researchers have digitally preserved the vaquita by scanning a complete skeleton and creating interactive 3D models. The technology enabled the team to capture microscopic skeletal details and make the information accessible to anyone, with the resulting models being made freely available through MorphoSource.
Researchers found that pregnant Pacific pocket mice trained to fear snakes produce more vigilant offspring, which survive better in the wild. This method of antipredator training may improve conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.
Researchers analyzed hormones stored in Rice's whale baleen to understand its life story. The study found evidence of stress and reproductive patterns, shedding light on the species' critically endangered status.
Two studies reveal substantial losses of plant diversity, identifying priority species and limits of conservation strategies. Using data from the EDGE2 index and computational modeling, researchers identified species that are both evolutionarily unique and at risk of extinction.
A new acoustic device, PAL Wideband pinger, has been found to reduce harbour porpoise bycatch in the Black Sea by approximately 74%. The device's wider frequency band (10-150 kHz) is believed to contribute to its effectiveness. Effective strategies to reduce bycatch are urgently needed for the critically endangered species.
A large regional species pool, driven by favorable climates, varied habitats, and stable historical climates, supports both high diversity and many rare trees. Forests with larger species pools require prioritized protection to preserve forest diversity and save rare and endemic species from human disturbance.
A global inventory reveals that bottom trawling catches over 3,000 fish species, including critically endangered and vulnerable species, highlighting the urgent need for better documentation and management of its impacts on marine biodiversity.
Researchers at Virginia Tech used modern data science to guide restoration strategies for the endangered butternut tree. The study mapped climate and soil conditions linked to natural disease resistance, identifying prime regions for resistant butternut trees and hybrids across the eastern United States.
A new Simon Fraser University research reveals that thousands of British Columbia's endangered species are not receiving the necessary help to survive. The study found that only a few species have shown signs of recovery since 2008, while many more are declining due to lack of legislative protection.
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.
A new open access database of cactus ecology and evolution could help scientists and conservationists save species from the brink. The CactEcoDB offers an unprecedented window into the evolution, ecology and conservation needs of one of the world's most distinctive and endangered plant families.
A comprehensive study reveals substantial declines in many South African raptor and large terrestrial bird species over the past 16 years. Researchers detected sharp declines in threatened and iconic raptors, including the Endangered Secretarybird, highlighting the vulnerability of species dependent on multiple regions.
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
The Hubland Campus of the University of Würzburg is a rich habitat for 170 species of wild bees, with 31 species listed as endangered. Targeted measures, such as a hymenoptera garden and sustainable mowing, have created a species-rich and ecologically important environment for pollinators.
A recent study analyzing koala genomes found that populations previously considered most at risk are now showing signs of genetic regeneration. The research, published in Science, challenges long-held assumptions about genetic risk in endangered species.
A new study led by University of Arizona researchers suggests that global vertebrate biodiversity has been significantly underestimated, with on average two unrecognized species for every recognized one. This finding could have consequences for conservation efforts if these hidden species are not properly identified.
Researchers have identified a new plant species, Clerodendrum kelli, with traditional medicinal uses by the Bugkalot people, found only in the Caraballo Mountain Range of Nueva Ecija. The species is Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and degradation, highlighting the need for stronger protection.
A computer model identifies potential threats to over 10,000 freshwater species worldwide, offering a cost-effective way to safeguard species before they become endangered. The tool analyzes 52 variables, including damming, pollution, and habitat degradation, to recognize ecological patterns that benefit multiple species at once.
A sweeping 10-year fishing ban on China's Yangtze River has halted 70 years of freshwater biodiversity decline. The ban, coupled with improved water quality and environmental management, has led to a significant increase in fish biomass and the recovery of endangered species.
A study analyzing data from Berlin's Flora Protection Program found that biological threats, especially from highly competitive native species, pose a greater threat to urban biodiversity than non-native species. Threats related to agriculture, nutrient inputs, and urban development are also significant drivers of decline.
Scientists have discovered a new, critically endangered plant species, Thismia selangorensis, with fewer than 20 individuals known to exist. The species is found in undisturbed forests rich in leaf litter and relies on fungi for nutrition.
A new study found that Critically Endangered African penguins are more likely to forage in areas with commercial fishing vessels during years of low fish abundance, increasing competition and pressure on the species. The research introduces a novel metric called
A new study by UH Mānoa-Led research revealed 25 distinct underwater vocalizations in Hawaiian monk seals, including a previously undocumented foraging call and a novel 'combinational' communication strategy. The findings provide a baseline for understanding the acoustic world of this endangered species.
A new native bee species named Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer has been discovered in the Bremer Range region of Western Australia. The striking bee was found visiting both an endangered wildflower and a nearby mallee tree, and its discovery highlights the importance of understanding native bees before their habitats are disturbed.
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.
A groundbreaking environmental DNA test developed by Florida International University scientist Diego Cardeñosa can detect traces of elusive hammerhead sharks in water samples. The test reveals fragments of genetic material left behind in the ocean, identifying areas where the sharks have been and informing conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that climate change is driving many native Australian reptiles toward extinction. The research uses fossil evidence and genetic data to show how the endangered Australian Mountain Dragon has responded to major environmental changes in the past.
A study found that narrow-ranging plant species in drylands have higher leaf water content than wide-ranging species, allowing them to store more water in their leaves. This trait helps these plants thrive in extremely arid environments.
The 2023 marine heatwave caused widespread coral mortality in Florida's Coral Reef, leading to the functional extinction of critically endangered Acropora species. Researchers found that between 97.8 and 100% of coral colonies had died by March 2024, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to maintain these populations.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki and Turku University of Applied Sciences found that bats can overwinter almost anywhere with rocky features. A wide range of bat species, including rare and endangered ones, use these sites for hibernation, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
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.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in the endangered Indus River dolphin, finding fibers and other particles in the GI tracts of all five stranded individuals. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies to address this pollution issue.
A new study published in Cell found that relying on stand-in reference DNA from similar but different species can significantly distort research findings for vulnerable species. Using the wrong genome can miss up to a third of genetic variations and lead to misleading conservation decisions.
A new study reveals that 93% of shark meat products in the US are ambiguously labeled and may contain meat from critically endangered species. The findings highlight a need for stronger regulations and oversight of seafood labeling practices to protect consumers and conserve shark populations.
A study found that 31% of 'shark' products in the US are from endangered species, sold without proper labeling. The research used DNA barcoding to identify species, revealing critically endangered sharks were being sold as common or vulnerable species.
Researchers have uncovered a new species of bettong and two new subspecies of woylie in Western Australia, revealing vital clues about the diversity of these critically endangered marsupials. The discovery has significant implications for conservation efforts, including breeding and translocation initiatives.
A genetic test developed by Dr Lauren Lansdowne can reliably determine the species of individual gibbons, helping to preserve vulnerable populations. The test uses DNA sequencing and has been validated using large-scale samples from over 200 gibbons in European zoos.
Research finds lemurs evolved in multiple successive radiations, with hybridization contributing to new species emergence. Over 100 lemur species exist, but many are endangered due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Researchers discovered a large population of critically endangered Plains-wanderers in South Australia's arid interior, defying their previously believed habitat preference. The birds were found to select low-growing shrublands with specific composition over dense native grasslands.
A study found that the red-headed wood pigeon's unique genetic history, shaped by centuries of gradual inbreeding, enabled its population to survive and rebound dramatically. The team's analysis revealed lower levels of highly deleterious mutations in the endangered species compared to the more widespread Japanese wood pigeon.
The Illinois Natural History Survey and Illinois Department of Natural Resources have updated the state's threatened and endangered plant species rankings. A total of 331 plants were reassessed, showing some improvements in their status, while others remain imperiled.
The Barcelona CryoZoo has been awarded a competitive grant from Revive & Restore to derive and study stem cell lines from wild animal species. Researchers will use machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to identify critical gene networks needed for reprogramming cells from evolutionarily distant species.
A new study suggests that genetic rescue of endangered species may not be as effective as previously thought, and could even introduce more harmful mutations. Analysis of Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes found more deleterious than adaptive mutations in donor animals selected for relocation.
A study by Tsinghua University Press discovered 480 macrofungal species in southeast Xizang, China, including 8 new species. The research identified 115 edible and 15 medicinal species, while 53 were found to be poisonous.
A large-scale study found that zoos are often breeding endangered animals in skewed sex ratios, which can limit genetic diversity and increase the risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for zoos to collaborate and share data on their animal populations to manage conservation efforts effectively.