A new study predicts that climate change will lead to significant declines in suitable climates for many bird species, requiring enhanced protection and management of key sites. Conservation efforts will need to adapt to assist birds in moving to climatically suitable areas, with some species facing relocation in extreme cases.
Lowland tapirs, the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, have been found thriving in a protected area spanning five national parks. Camera trap data reveals higher abundance under protection than outside, and estimates at least 14,500 individuals exist, making it one of the continent's most important strongholds for conservation.
Researchers use DNA barcoding to identify frog species and prevent hybridization, increasing chances of conservation success. The technique helps scientists understand genetic diversity in captive populations, contributing to the survival of threatened amphibian species.
A two-year study tracked elephant migration patterns to identify essential habitats for conservation. The study finds that male and female elephants share only a quarter of their ranges due to varying tolerances towards people.
A new University of Florida study shows that animal bones can provide valuable geographical data for conservation efforts. By analyzing bone accumulations on the landscape of Yellowstone National Park, researcher Joshua Miller identified critical areas for elk survival during spring and winter.
A research team has identified genetic markers for the Bornean elephant using cutting-edge DNA sequencing methodology. The discovery opens new avenues for conserving other endangered species with limited genetic diversity. The study, published in PLOS ONE, marks a significant breakthrough in conservation efforts.
Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.
A proposed state-based national conservation-support network aims to improve coordination of resources and planning among states, regions and nationwide. The network would facilitate the resolution of large-scale conservation challenges and advance collaborative conservation.
Researchers discover that evolutionary diversity can be a reliable proxy for measuring biodiversity, including species richness and trait diversity. This finding could help conservation organizations better protect threatened species globally.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress has adopted a motion to create a Green List for Species, which will include species identified as 'fully conserved', thriving in ecologically significant numbers. The list aims to emphasize that conservation is about more than just preventing extinction and highlight successful species conservation.
Oscar Loayza, a conservationist with the Wildlife Conservation Society's Madidi Program, has been recognized for his work on strengthening indigenous participation in protected area management. His initiatives led to improved governance and consolidated indigenous territorial rights in Bolivia's Madidi National Park.
Madidi National Park has been documented to have an incredible array of species, including 1,088 bird species and over 200 mammal species. Despite this wealth of biodiversity, much remains unknown about the park's tropical montane forests.
A free high-tech tool called SMART has been launched to combat wildlife poaching. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool uses GPS data to identify poaching hotspots and enable rapid responses, ultimately maximizing the impact of anti-poaching efforts.
The Endangered Species Act focuses on boosting species' numbers, but many will require continued management actions. Individual conservation agreements can help such 'conservation-reliant species',
A new report by the Zoological Society of London identifies 100 of the most threatened animals, plants, and fungi on the planet, highlighting their unique value to nature. The report emphasizes that all species have a right to exist and should be protected, regardless of their perceived utility for humans.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a list of Asian species at the conservation crossroads, calling for governments to take immediate action. These species face daunting challenges from habitat loss, hunting, and trade, but WCS believes they can be saved using the 'three R's approach: recognition, responsibility, and recovery.
The Wildlife Conservation Society and partners are calling on governments to take urgent action to save shark and ray species from over-fishing for international trade. Currently, only a handful of species are listed under CITES, but numerous others qualify for protection.
The failure to meet 2010 biodiversity targets has led to a critical review of existing policies and the need for improved design and implementation. Scientists emphasize the importance of understanding complexity in processes to address scale-related problems in conservation.
Researchers emphasize the need for policy-makers to consider various scales in conservation decisions, including space and time, to effectively protect biodiversity. The SCALES project highlights the importance of adopting scale-sensitive approaches to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications.
Coral scientists have developed a simplified method for measuring coral reef resilience, prioritizing heat-resistant coral species and background temperature variability. The new model offers a cost-effective tool for conservation planning, but further research is needed to evaluate its priority and types of corals required.
A recent study by San Diego Zoo Global researchers found that giant pandas make specific choices when selecting trees for scent marking. The choice of tree is influenced by factors such as bark roughness, presence of moss on the trunk, tree diameter, and distance to trails.
Maternal presence is crucial for juvenile moose survival, with orphaned calves facing up to 47 times more aggression. The study's findings suggest policy changes are needed to protect young moose, highlighting the importance of conservation planning and non-invasive data collection methods.
The NYBG has developed a streamlined method for evaluating the conservation status of large numbers of plant species using Geographic Information Systems technology. This approach identifies which plant species are widespread in a region and those with restricted ranges, making them more susceptible to extinction.
A new report concludes that commercial 'wildlife encounter' operations promoting captive lion reintroduction do little to conserve African lions. Wild-born lions are better equipped for survival and release compared to captive-bred ones. These programs divert critical resources from projects addressing declining wild lion populations.
A recent study published in Nature highlights the challenges facing tropical protected areas, but also shows that long-term engagement with conservation can have positive results. Conservation efforts in Tanzania's Udzungwa mountains have paid dividends, with the reserve remaining relatively unchanged from a biodiversity point of view.
A recent study by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science found that international protection of sturgeon species has reduced fraudulent labeling of black caviar. The research revealed a nearly 50% decrease in mislabeled products, indicating the effectiveness of trade regulation.
A University of Illinois researcher is testing a new model for conservation that involves raising awareness among private landowners about invasive species and providing strategies for moderate livestock grazing and controlled burns. The goal is to promote the growth of native wildlife habitats in the Grand River Grasslands, which has ...
Conservationists hope that Cambodia's vultures can come back from the brink as a study reveals critical steps towards saving these scavengers. The creation of new feeding stations and restoration of wildlife populations represent next important steps in vulture conservation.
Zacharie Tchoundjeu, a forestry conservationist in Cameroon, and Martha Ruiz Corzo, an environmental activist in Mexico, win the National Geographic/Buffett Award. They are recognized for their outstanding work in conservation and community-based management of protected areas.
The Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants support research on the history of ocean ecology, aiming to predict future impacts from human interactions. The 2012 grants were awarded to four researchers studying various marine ecosystems, including Antarctica and the eastern Mediterranean seascape.
The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.
A study from the University of Illinois demonstrates that adapting Modern Portfolio Theory for conservation purposes can help reduce outcome variation under climate change. By diversifying strategically across space, conservationists can achieve a 15% higher value of the conservation-objective-per-dollar-spent while reducing uncertainty.
A groundbreaking study on manta ray migration patterns reveals feeding habitats and threats to the world's largest ray. The research found that manta rays spend most of their time in coastal areas with abundant zooplankton and fish eggs, but only 11.5% of locations occurred within marine protected areas.
The National Geographic Society has launched a new Air and Water Conservation Fund to support cutting-edge projects in China. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to on-the-ground projects exploring innovative approaches to conserving China's water and air resources.
A study published in Canadian Journal of Forest Research uses shoot buds from a century-old American elm to develop an in vitro conservation system, potentially providing disease resistance for future plantings. The culture system has been used successfully to establish a repository representing 17 mature American elms from Ontario.
Modern nature conservation faces challenges in governing diverse ecosystems, with threats from human activities like forestry, agriculture, and fisheries. The study emphasizes the need for efficient governance to address these issues and halt biodiversity deterioration.
A study of 42 co-managed coral reef fisheries found that partnerships between government, conservation groups, and local fishers were successful in meeting the livelihood needs of local communities and protecting fish stocks. The research identified conditions for co-management success, providing vital guidance for conservation groups,...
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that co-management is a successful solution to global overfishing, with more than half of surveyed fishermen feeling it improved their livelihoods. The approach has also been shown to protect fish stocks and improve ecosystem health.
The new journal aims to facilitate better interaction between scientists, policy-makers, and managers, with a focus on synergistic interactions and open data publishing. It will consider conventional papers as well as 'Applied Conservation Papers' that bring together project reports and other knowledge.
Recent study in Molecular Ecology reveals spotted hyenas exhibit strong kinship relationships, affected by resource reduction. The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy's conservation efforts focus on understanding and conserving these social systems.
The publication brings together the latest knowledge on eastern big-eared bats, a group of species at risk due to habitat loss and environmental contaminants. The research provides guidance on securing or improving habitat for these bats, including discussions of conservation and management strategies.
A study found that shortcuts in subsidy scheme design risk environmental benefits, promising conservation gains are often lost. The researchers suggest designing more targeted schemes to efficiently use public funds.
A new study identifies nearly 130 bird species at risk due to climate change, with 72% of threatened and endangered species projected to be further impacted. The research provides a comprehensive list of vulnerable species for conservation action, prioritizing wetland birds and those dependent on sea or near-shore habitats.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation supports projects promoting green infrastructure, marine protected areas, and sustainable fisheries management. Six new recipients will work on climate adaptation strategies, goliath grouper conservation, and analysis of French fisheries subsidies.
A new study by the University of California, Berkeley, and Wildlife Conservation Society uses a scientific methodology to establish marine protected areas in Madagascar. The approach identifies conservation priorities across the country's west coast, highlighting areas with high biodiversity value.
The US government has been slow to implement a ban on commercial fishing in the nation's protected Pacific Islands Marine National Monuments, threatening unique ecosystems and populations. The monuments, established in 2009, are home to rare species and sensitive habitats that could be damaged by fishermen.
The UBC research reveals areas with the highest risk of overfishing, including the northeastern coast of Canada, Pacific coast of Mexico, and Peruvian coast. This index will help conservation managers make targeted decisions to protect seafood and marine ecosystems.
A recent study found humpback whales on opposite sides of the southern Indian Ocean singing unique songs, with only one shared theme. The results suggest limited exchange between regions and shed light on how whale culture spreads.
A new global study found that humans have consumed at least 87 different marine mammal species since 1990, with many being caught accidentally as bycatch in fishing nets. The study highlights the urgent need for better monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these iconic species.
A global analysis finds that over half the world's poorest people benefit from ecosystem services in areas prioritized for conservation. Ensuring fair payments to conservation stewards could increase benefits by 50% and amount to $1 per person per day for 330 million people.
A new snake species, Matilda's horned viper, has been discovered in a remote area of Tanzania with unique horn-like scales above its eyes. The species is estimated to have only a few square miles of habitat and is expected to be classified as critically endangered due to severe degradation from logging and charcoal manufacture.
The Wildlife Conservation Society won the grand prize with its solution, Bycatch Escape Gaps for Fish Traps in Curaçao and Kenya, receiving a $20,000 prize. The two runners-up received prizes of $5,000 each for their respective solutions. The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on February 8.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that a pneumonia outbreak among endangered markhors in Tajikistan reduced their numbers by as much as 20 percent. The disease is believed to have been transmitted from domestic goats, highlighting the need for continuous disease surveillance.
The Encyclopedia of Life has grown from 30,000 pages to over 900,000 with a 2,900% increase in content, thanks to new partnerships and language additions. The platform now serves information on 15,000 species in Spanish and provides conservation data from the IUCN and NatureServe.
Conservation researchers at San Diego Zoo Global's Institute of Conservation Research have developed a low-cost, molecular tool for identifying two-toed sloth species. The technique uses a mitochondrial marker and restriction enzyme assay to distinguish between closely related species.
A collaborative effort analyzed the genomes of great apes, revealing DNA duplications that may contribute to genomic diseases such as autism and mental retardation. The study highlights the shared areas of DNA among different great ape species, including bonobos and chimpanzees.
A new study proposes four proactive management options for conservation of island bird species, including captive propagation and vaccination against diseases enhanced by climate change. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance highlights the importance of acting now to prevent long-term survival challenges faced by the island scrub-jay.
Scientists found that the Nile crocodile is not a single species but rather two distinct species living side-by-side. The discovery highlights the need for separate conservation strategies for each species due to their unique characteristics and declining populations.
A recent study found that law enforcement guards and non-governmental organization support have a measurable impact on the survival of African great apes. In contrast, national development and high human population density had a negative impact on their existence.
The University of Arizona's Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center will monitor jaguar occurrence and movement in the US borderlands area over three years. The study aims to provide information on jaguar presence, which is critically needed for conservation purposes.