A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.
A new database identifies 1,189 threatened island species and the invasive species driving their decline. Effective management could prevent extinctions for 95% of these species.
The durian tree relies on the pollination services of the island flying fox, which is critically endangered. The discovery has significant implications for Southeast Asia's tropical ecosystems and the lucrative durian industry.
The Critically Endangered Cycas wadei population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and fires. Empirical methods were used to determine the structure and density of the population, highlighting deficiencies in potassium in the soils as a major resource constraint.
Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.
Botanic gardens conserve nearly two-thirds of plant genera and over 90% of plant families, yet face a significant imbalance between temperate and tropical regions. The majority of plant species are tropical, yet only 25% of these are represented in botanic gardens.
A new study reveals a majority of sea turtle populations are increasing, thanks to conservation efforts since the 1950s. Despite six species still listed as endangered, population trends show significant upward growth in most regions.
The rehabilitated forest in Drabo harbours about 600 plant species and serves as a sanctuary for many animals. The restoration project has increased West-African forest species while declining pantropical weedy species.
A study using scat-sniffing research dogs helped scientists develop a plan to save reclusive jaguars, pumas, and other endangered carnivores by creating habitat corridors that connect protected areas. The model provides maximum habitat connectivity for all species while minimizing costs through privately owned lands and communities.
Researchers estimate 2 billion species, with bacteria dominating the 'Pie of Life'. This new estimate incorporates DNA sequence data and parasite-host associations to arrive at a higher number than previous estimates.
Researchers found that reducing invasive moose populations indirectly lowers wolf density and stops decline of endangered caribou. This approach shows promise as a long-term solution to stabilize the species, which requires population growth to achieve recovery goals.
A University of Guelph study using DNA barcoding technology found 71% of dried shark fins and manta ray gills were from endangered species. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement to prevent protected species from being traded internationally.
A potential Miocene-era breeding site of the extinct baleen whale Parietobalaena yamaokai has been identified in Hiroshima, Japan. The discovery suggests that the northern hemisphere may have supported a breeding ground for this species dating back over 15 million years.
Scientists are searching for Edwards' pheasant, a critically endangered bird species endemic to central Vietnam. Researchers have identified two potential locations where the bird may still exist, using data compiled from known sightings and recordings dating back to the late 1800s.
A new critically endangered tree species, Melicope stonei, has been discovered on Kaua'i, with unique habitat features and limited distribution. Threats to its survival include habitat degradation, predation by invasive species, and environmental events.
A new DNA tracking tool allows scientists to catalog invasive and native species in water bodies using environmental DNA. The tool, which uses polymerase chain reaction technology, can collect fish habitat data without capturing fish.
Researchers reconstructed green turtle skin in a lab to study tumor diseases and grow a virus called ChHV5. This breakthrough helps understand fibropapillomatosis, a deadly tumor disease affecting endangered turtles worldwide.
The São Tomé grosbeak is the world's largest canary, measuring 20 cm long and possessing a flat head and large beak. It is found only on the island of São Tomé in the West African Gulf of Guinea and is 50% larger than the runner-up species.
A new study by researchers at Uppsala University reveals that genetic differences between species are the key to song discrimination in juvenile songbirds. The study finds that even when exposed to songs from other species, young birds selectively learn and discriminate their own species' songs.
A new study compares physical characteristics of two similar octopus species, assigning names years ago but never rigorously compared. Researchers analyzed 72 specimens and devised a method to quantify subtle differences in wart distribution.
Researchers developed a method to identify imported wood using its chemical fingerprint, distinguishing between two separate populations of Douglas-fir trees with high accuracy. The technique has the potential to help law enforcement tackle illegal logging by accurately tracing the origin of wood samples.
A new tool enables identification of high-end caviar from Beluga sturgeons by analyzing DNA from a single caviar egg, contributing to conservation and fair international trade. The development helps distinguish Beluga caviar from Bester and other species using targeted genetic variants.
A new study found that species from groups with high ongoing diversification are at greater risk of extinction than slowly diversifying lineages. Saving just 20 species could safeguard an estimated 1.4 billion years of evolutionary history for fast-speciating amphibian groups.
A 10-year, $2.7 million project in Ontario reduced turtle deaths on a causeway by 89%, offering global lessons for protecting endangered species. The initiative included fencing, culverts, and public awareness campaigns to reduce roadkill, with significant success.
The publication of rare species' location data can inadvertently contribute to poaching and further species declines. Biologists must reevaluate their publishing culture to protect endangered species.
Since 1840, European freshwater fish species have undergone significant changes, with non-native species outnumbering native ones. Human activities, such as habitat destruction and intentional introductions, have led to an increase in taxonomic homogenization across Europe.
A new species of South American rabbit has been discovered by Portland State University researcher Luis Ruedas, who found the creature to be larger and shaped differently from its cousins. The discovery is significant as it will require renaming other rabbit species in the region, potentially affecting conservation efforts.
Scientists at MU used whole genome sequencing to identify genetic variants causing rare diseases like progressive retinal atrophy and Niemann-Pick type 1 in domestic cats. This helps feline preservationists implement breeding strategies for endangered species.
A global research team developed a new Web app to compare and align marine species occurrence maps from two extensive databases, improving the basis for ecological studies and policy decisions. The updated maps include 24,586 species, with some discrepancies found in the IUCN and AquaMaps datasets.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that female Drosophila buzzatii fruit flies use courtship songs to pick mates of their own species. The study suggests that this preference may have driven speciation in the cluster. Female preferences for specific songs varied among individuals.
The Digital Life project has released 15 three-dimensional models of live frogs, including several endangered species, to raise awareness about their vulnerability to ecological threats. The project aims to promote conservation, education, and science by showcasing the extraordinary beauty and diversity of these animals.
A new study reveals that species' geographic ranges are systematically overestimated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), leading to an underestimation of extinction risk. The research provides a formula to estimate more accurate species ranges, suggesting that at least 10 out of 18 bird species should have the...
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that as certain species decline in number, their geographic areas of occupation also shrink. This makes them easier targets for hunters and fishermen, increasing the risk of extinction. The study highlights the importance of well-managed harvests to prevent overharvesting.
A new species of rainfrog, the Ecuadorian rainfrog (Pristimantis ecuadorensis), has been documented in Ecuador's cloud forests. The discovery highlights the region's high biodiversity and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect this newly identified species.
Scientists have identified three new species of ground snakes in Ecuador, including the Critically Endangered Cerberus Groundsnake. The study highlights the importance of genetic analysis in resolving problematic species delimitation and conservation efforts.
Scientists have identified a highly contagious disease threatening the endangered San Joaquin kit fox population. Researchers confirmed diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in 15 kit foxes and found no evidence of recovery from untreated infections.
The discovery of 16 new fungus gnat species in the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve sheds light on the region's remarkable biodiversity. The presence of a diverse array of parasitoid wasps suggests a high level of interdependence between rainforest species.
Researchers found that restoring predators and prey species together is faster and more efficient than pursuing restoration of one species at a time. This approach, also known as synchronous recovery, can lead to significant ecological and economic benefits.
A new study suggests that reviving extinct species may lead to a loss of biodiversity rather than an increase. The research found that funding conservation efforts for some revived species would come at the expense of others.
A new facial recognition system, LemurFaceID, identifies over 100 individual lemurs with 98.7% accuracy, providing a rapid and cost-effective method for long-term research of endangered species. This technology also offers a humane alternative to capture and collar methods.
A new analysis found that climate change is having a massive impact on threatened species, with nearly 700 species affected. The study suggests that negative responses to climate change have been vastly underreported, with only 7% of mammals and 4% of birds previously estimated to be impacted.
African penguins are getting stuck in the wrong part of the sea due to fishing and climate change, leading to reduced food supply and higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest that translocating chicks to safe areas or implementing spatial fishing closures could help protect the endangered species.
The UTIA project used aerial acoustic recordings to track at-risk avian species on DoD facilities, improving compliance with environmental regulations. The project was recognized as the DoD's Project of the Year for 2016 for resource conservation and resiliency.
A global study found that carnivores are more seriously threatened by roads than previously acknowledged. The research highlights the need to update the protection status of species such as the puma, American black bear, and brown bear, which are severely affected by road habitats cut through their habitat.
A new project from Liverpool John Moores University is using drones equipped with thermal cameras to help identify endangered species, such as rhinos and orang-utans. The technique involves analyzing thermal heat profiles to create a unique 'fingerprint' for each animal, allowing for more efficient conservation efforts.
Scat detection dogs helped biology PhD student Alex Filazzola discover the importance of shrubs in preserving lizard populations in the face of climate change. Shrubs proved instrumental in providing critical micro-environments, such as shady places to regulate body temperature and refuge from predators.
The San Diego Zoo's Frozen Zoo cell cultures contain genetic variation missing in surviving individuals of the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros. Genome-wide levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding in both southern and northern white rhinos were examined to aid future efforts toward genetic rescue and assisted reproduc...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that current Australian nature reserves are unsuitable for the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum but may compromise on habitat for other forest-dependent species. Expanded reserve systems could provide higher habitat suitability values, but at a cost to other species.
Researchers found that loggerhead turtles spend an average of seven years and 16 years in the waters off Baja California before migrating to Japan. The study provides crucial information for developing conservation plans and reducing bycatch rates, which can be as high as 1,000 turtles per year.
The Robust Rattan Palm has been assessed as Endangered due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. Its limited range of 40 km² in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire makes it highly vulnerable to extinction.
A global map of alien bird species shows that human activities are the main determinants of their presence, but also highlights areas with rich native bird species as hotspots for alien species. The study found a significant increase in bird introductions since World War II and suggests that economic factors contribute to the spread of...
A recent study finds that urban centers like Hong Kong can play a crucial role in conserving globally threatened species. Introduced populations of these species have been thriving outside their native habitats, providing an opportunity to augment declining populations in their native ranges and mitigate threats to local ecosystems.
A new study maps species threat hotspots across the globe, connecting consumer purchases to environmental impacts. The research found that US consumption caused hotspot zones in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and southern Europe, among other regions.
The cheetah is sprinting towards extinction with only 7,100 individuals remaining, highlighting the need for landscape-wide conservation efforts. The species' dramatic decline is driven by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trafficking, requiring a paradigm shift in conservation approaches.
Researchers at UTHealth found that industrialization led to a rapid decline in vertebrate populations, with an average decline of 25% every 10 years for endangered species. Preserving ecosystems and habitats is crucial to preventing this decline.
Researchers have identified flavonoids in Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. plant parts and callus culture, which exhibit antidiabetic properties. The study aimed to develop a sustainable method for metabolite production using tissue culture, helping conserve the endangered species.
A new study using acoustic networks has documented a 34% per year decline in Mexico's critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The decline is attributed to resumption of illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, despite conservation efforts.
A recent study by WCS found over 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles at Glover's Reef, indicating a positive conservation effort. The protected waters provide a safe haven for the species to thrive, with a high survival rate and promising implications for the Caribbean region.
Research reveals broad public preference for habitat protection, rejecting lethal control and no government action. The study surveyed over 1,000 participants on the most effective approach to conserve endangered species.
Researchers have discovered three new species of the enigmatic genus Thorius, which are the smallest tailed tetrapods, with populations declining precipitously over the last 30-35 years. The findings highlight the large number of amphibian species that remain to be discovered and formally described before they are lost.