Researchers found that head partitions reduced agonistic interactions and increased the use of feeding places among high-ranking animals. This led to a more relaxed feeding environment, improved sense of well-being, and increased nutritional status among goats.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the Southern tidewater goby, found only in three small lagoons in San Diego County, is a critically endangered new species. The goby has distinct morphological differences from its northern population, including fewer pectoral fin rays and more neuromasts.
Genomic research by UCLA scientists finds that the gray wolf is not a separate species from coyote but rather a hybrid of the two. The study suggests that the gray wolf should retain its endangered species status due to incorrect justification for removal.
The European pet trade is putting rare reptile species at risk of extinction due to high demand and lack of effective regulation. Conservation efforts are being undermined by the lucrative black market for exotic animals, with smugglers using creative tactics to evade laws.
Scientists discover that chewed plants by mountain gorillas can be used to test for viruses, providing a simple way to monitor the health of endangered apes. The new non-invasive method is effective for detecting both RNA and DNA viruses and has implications for conservation management.
The Boreal felt lichen, a critically endangered species, is expected to decline by 49% within 25 years if conservation efforts are not increased. Human impacts such as air pollution and habitat destruction are major contributors to the decline.
A recent study at the University of Guam found that traditional hard plastic containers reduce root quality in endangered tree species. This limits plant growth and stability in tropical cyclone-prone areas.
Researchers at the University of Leicester aim to develop a test using portable nanopore DNA sequencers to identify species at crime scenes in under an hour. This technology has the potential to combat wildlife trafficking by detecting traces of endangered species, such as elephant and rhino blood.
Tropical forests depend on animals for seed dispersal to store carbon, but this role differs across regions. Large animal losses lead to fewer large trees and increased carbon loss in some forests.
The critically endangered Himalayan wolf is distinct from its European cousin and has a separate lineage that diverged thousands of years ago. Local herders view the wolves as a threat to their livelihoods, leading to persecution and killing.
The Channel Island fox population has been found to have a surprising absence of genetic variation, with one population on San Nicolas Island showing an order of magnitude lower variation than any other known species. This near-absence of genetic variation poses a puzzle as to how the foxes have managed to thrive despite it.
A new Duke University-led study uses mapping software to track threats to endangered species, pinpointing areas for conservation. The San Martin titi monkey's habitat has been fragmented due to farming, logging, and urbanization, with nearly 95% of remaining habitats too small or poorly connected to support viable populations.
Researchers recorded footage of wild Bawean warty pigs using camera traps to estimate population size and habitat preferences. The findings suggest the species is endangered due to low population density and habitat loss.
Researchers created a computer model to identify habitats of the endangered shrubby reed-mustard plant. The model uses satellite imagery, elevation data, and soil characteristics to predict habitat locations with accuracy.
A proposed canal project in Nicaragua could deplete habitats of endangered animals like jaguars and Baird's tapirs. MSU researchers developed a conservation plan to minimize damage, suggesting adjustments to the canal design to preserve crucial habitat.
A genetic analysis of critically endangered Orinoco crocodile hatchlings reveals that some clutches may be fathered by two or three male crocodiles. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that half of the clutches were fathered by multiple males.
A recent study found that wild orchids were being traded from all over the world, with rare and threatened species including one assessed as Critically Endangered. The high proportion of wild collected orchids for sale supports calls for better monitoring of social media for trade in wild collected plants.
A return on investment model could bring clarity and openness to resource allocation for endangered species recovery. By redistributing funds from overfunded to underfunded species, over 180 plant and animal species may see improved recovery success rates.
A long-term study on Scottish island red deer reveals that inbred hinds raise significantly fewer offspring to adulthood due to increased mortality rates. Inbred males also sire fewer offspring, highlighting the adverse effects of inbreeding on adult wild animals.
Researchers used autonomous acoustic sensors to detect and record marbled murrelet calls, identifying over 19,000 potential calls and confirming 7,218 actual calls. This technology offers a viable alternative to traditional surveys, enabling broader, more cost-effective searches for these endangered seabirds.
A research team has discovered new populations of the endangered banana frog in Southwest Ethiopia, expanding its geographical range. The study, published in ZooKeys, suggests that the frogs are more tolerant to forest degradation than expected, increasing conservation efforts.
A new study from Griffith University uses population viability modelling to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species. For seven out of nine species analysed, ecotourism provides net conservation gains through measures like private reserves and habitat restoration.
A study measuring underwater noise from ships found that low-frequency noise affects killer whales, while medium-high frequencies also interfere with their communication and echolocation. Reducing ship speed can help mitigate this noise pollution.
Research finds traditional agroforestry systems enhance endangered and vulnerable species diversity in Southeast Asian forests. Fruit gardens introduce native trees with fleshy fruits, increasing food resources for frugivorous animals.
Researchers have raised laboratory-bred colonies of a threatened Caribbean coral species to sexual maturity, reproducing simultaneously with their natural population. This breakthrough technique increases genetic diversity and provides new hope for the recovery of dwindling elkhorn coral populations.
A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.
Studies have shown that oxygen levels in the deep ocean were at least 4% of modern concentrations 1.4 billion years ago, indicating that animals could exist and evolve with this amount of oxygen. Despite this, animals did not appear on Earth until about 600 million years ago.
Scientists have discovered two critically endangered species of sea snakes off the coast of Western Australia, including the short-nosed and leaf-scaled sea snakes. The discoveries were made in Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, raising hopes for conservation efforts to protect these unique species.
New research on Serianthes nelsonii, a critically endangered tree species in Guam, highlights two critical factors limiting its survival: root diseases and insufficient light. The study's empirical approach sheds light on previously overlooked threats to the tree's health.
The African cheetah's genome sequence has revealed a lack of genetic variation and unique adaptations that contribute to its incredible speed. The study has shed light on the cheetah's past and its struggles with reproductive impairments, providing valuable lessons for conservation efforts.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that vessel speed is the most influential factor in how much noise from boats reaches endangered killer whales. The research used digital acoustic recording tags and laser positioning system to track boat noise levels and found that speed was the main contributor.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that man-made snow drifts improved breeding success in seals during winters with poor snow conditions. The study developed novel methods for monitoring and conserving the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal subspecies.
Researchers found that these animals move forward by sucking water towards them using low pressure, rather than pushing against it. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of evolutionary adaptation, functional ecology, and bio-inspired design.
A Rutgers study found that Bornean orangutan populations thrive in Indonesian peat-swamp forests with sufficient high-energy food, but struggle in areas with limited nutrition. Conservation efforts must prioritize suitable habitats for successful reintroduction and population increase.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a virtual reality platform to help protect endangered animals. The platform uses 360-degree cameras and real-time data analysis to predict the locations of critically endangered species such as rock wallabies and Sumatran orangutans.
A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
A recent study in Primorye, Russia, suggests that logging companies can be essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls. In fact, lands leased to logging companies account for 43% of suitable habitat, while protected areas only cover 19%. This collaboration enables the protection of nearly half of all potential fish owl home ranges.
European minks face significant reproductive challenges due to habitat destruction and competition with American minks. Scientists have successfully developed a non-invasive method to analyze faecal samples, revealing that mating can occur more frequently than previously thought.
Consolidation of small populations and protected areas are key to saving the critically endangered species, researchers say. The study provides vital data to support a final attempt to prevent extinction, with priority forest protection zones identified as irreplaceable.
Researchers isolated machinery for producing cancer-fighting drug etoposide from endangered Himalayan plant and applied it to a common laboratory plant, producing the chemical. The technique could lead to less expensive and more stable sources of drugs.
Researchers discovered that larger groups of animals synchronize their behavior, with social interactions playing a key role. The study found that even without external cues, internal mechanisms are regulated by social presence, leading to increased synchronization in group settings.
A Purdue University study develops a statistical approach to estimate the number of generations remaining before a population reaches low genetic variation. The method performs significantly better than current methods for identifying species in need of conservation efforts.
Conservationists at Lincoln Park Zoo successfully reproduced black-footed ferrets using frozen semen from a deceased ferret, significantly increasing the species' genetic diversity. The offspring will help recover the endangered population and increase its chances of survival.
A three-year study led by QUT found that controlling feral pigs is the most cost-effective strategy to conserve 148 endangered plant and animal species in the Lake Eyre Basin. Implementing these strategies could increase food production by up to 10% and save the Australian economy $5 billion annually.
The Galápagos penguin population has doubled over the past 30 years due to changes in wind currents and ocean temperatures. This expansion of the cold pool, where sea surface temperatures are below 22 degrees Celsius, has bolstered algae and fish numbers, supporting the penguin population.
Researchers have identified four new highly endangered species of West African torrent-frogs, revealing a previously unknown level of molecular variation. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Upper Guinean biodiversity hotspot, where habitat loss threatens the survival of these unique species.
A global study found that large animals consume a broader range of seed sizes than previously thought, posing a risk to smaller plant species. The research, led by UNSW Australia scientists, analyzed over 13,000 animal-seed interactions and showed that even small seeds are vulnerable if large animals disappear.
A three-year fishery closure around Robben Island increased African penguin chick survival rates by 18%, a significant improvement for the endangered species. The study highlights the importance of small no-take zones in improving demographic parameters of mobile species like the African penguin.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the Hawaiian hoary bat migrated to Hawaii from the Pacific coast of North America in two separate waves over 9,000 years apart. This genetic history suggests that the current legal protection may be inadequate or misdirected, highlighting the need for updated conservation efforts.
A recent study examines the resurgence of major predators on the US West Coast and in Yellowstone, revealing rising conflicts with humans and other species. The researchers suggest multi-species approaches to address these tensions and develop more effective management strategies.
A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that critically endangered species should be left to breed in the wild, rather than in captivity. The research challenges the assumption that captive breeding is always a good idea when a species is close to extinction in the wild.
A study found that about 3% of critically endangered smalltooth sawfish are products of virgin births, with no genetic diversity loss. Researchers hope this discovery may help save the species from extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss.
A NIH-funded study suggests that the presence of companion animals may reduce social anxiety in children with autism. Children with ASDs showed lower skin conductance levels when interacting with peers and companion animals compared to typically developing children.
A study found that physical contact during social grooming increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites in brown spider monkeys. The researchers analyzed data from 12 individual monkeys and found a strong correlation between grooming interactions and parasite infections, particularly with roundworms Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus.
A recent study found that ectothermic animals have limited ability to acclimate to increasing temperatures, making them vulnerable to global warming. The research suggests that these animals will need to rely on behavioral or evolutionary changes to survive as temperatures rise.
Researchers found that Staghorn coral species can increase feeding rates to buffer the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. This breakthrough has implications for reef conservation and resilience strategies.
Researchers tracked a critically endangered whale migrating over 14,000 miles from Russia to Mexico, raising questions about its status and potential genetic link to eastern gray whales. The study challenges past assumptions of distinct species and highlights the need for closer examination.
Research on giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands reveals that they prefer non-native plants over native ones, with introduced species making up roughly half of their diet. The tortoises' nutritional status shows no negative effects from eating invasive plants, suggesting a potential positive impact on their health.
Recreational anglers' understanding of rockfish biology and fishing practices influences their views on conservation. Education plays a crucial role in garnering long-term support for rockfish recovery.
A new study identifies 15 animal species at the highest risk of extinction due to low conservation opportunities. Researchers estimate that conserving these species would require a significant investment of $1.3 billion annually.