Biologists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a DNA barcode for Podocarpaceae, the second-largest conifer family, to facilitate species identification. The project helps protect endangered populations by assigning unknown individuals to their respective species, promoting conservation efforts.
The 2013 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognized outstanding science journalism, including a series on preventing Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes and an early warning system for earthquakes. Winners included Dan Egan, Hillary Rosner, Joshua Seftel, Barbara Lich, and Azeen Ghorayshi.
Two new species of the endangered ancient genus Gyronotus have been described from southern Africa, revealing unusual distribution patterns among these vulnerable beetles. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity in grasslands and savannas, which are currently under threat due to massive environmental changes.
A study of wild mice found they prefer to sleep and eat near used nesting material and droppings, outweighing risk of disease. This contrasts with clean-living domesticated animals, which tend to avoid dirt due to plentiful food and reduced predator risks.
A new study by UC Davis reveals a strong correlation between human life expectancy and the loss of endangered species, with countries experiencing high GDP growth showing higher percentages of invasive birds and mammals. The research highlights the need for better scientific understanding of human-environment interactions.
Research shows that orangutans and gorillas can form concepts beyond perceptual similarity, matching images by taxonomic class. This finding suggests a shared conceptual process with humans and refutes the notion that biological categories depend on scientific knowledge or labels.
A study found that CDV infected at least 1% of Amur tigers since 2009, causing fatal neurological disease. The virus is spread through contact with domestic dogs or other wild carnivores, posing a significant threat to the critically endangered species.
The Chinese alligator genome has been sequenced, revealing adaptations for living in both water and land habitats and providing insights into the species' unique features. The study also sheds light on temperature-dependent sex determination and immune system development.
Researchers develop fast and accurate method to monitor biodiversity changes using crushed insect 'soup', comparable to traditional labor-intensive approaches. This breakthrough enables rapid detection of environmental shifts and endangered species, informing policy and conservation decisions.
Researchers create 'insect soup' by crushing insects and sequencing their DNA, which accelerates biodiversity monitoring and cataloguing. This breakthrough allows for more efficient and reliable detection of endangered species and environmental changes.
Scientists have found evidence that North Atlantic right whales mate in the Gulf of Maine, with a high proportion of potential mates aggregating there between November and January. The study used aerial surveys and genetics data to identify individuals and determine mating grounds, shedding light on the species' life history.
The newly described species Ridleyandra chuana is a rare herb found in montane forests of Peninsular Malaysia, with a limited distribution and only two known populations. The conservation status of this species has been assessed as Endangered due to its restricted distribution and low population numbers.
A new method for dating elephant tusks using radiocarbon levels could help enforce the ivory ban and save African elephants from extinction. The technique, developed by Columbia University researchers, can be applied to other endangered wildlife and is affordable for government agencies.
The critically endangered Chinese species Passiflora kwangtungensis has been rediscovered in Hunan Province, highlighting its high population size decline and limited genetic diversity. The plant's rarity is attributed to deforestation and geographical isolation, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
A meta-analysis of 71 studies found that agri-environment schemes, such as sowing wild-flowers and organic farming, enhance the diversity and abundance of wild bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The results suggest that increasing flower abundance in field margins and roadsides can boost pollinator populations, especially common species.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that captive-bred wallabies carry antibiotic resistance genes and may transmit them to wild populations. Nearly half of fecal samples from captive-raised wallabies contained bacterial genes resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, and trimethoprim.
Research predicts that climate change will cause a dramatic decline in common plant and animal species by 2080, with plants, reptiles, and amphibians facing the highest risk. Acting quickly to mitigate climate change could reduce losses by 60%.
Researchers found that animals use various methods to self-medicate, including learning and innate behaviors. This practice has significant implications for the ecology and evolution of animal hosts and their parasites.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that freshwater river dolphins use lower frequency biosonar clicks, but their unique head anatomy may help keep signals focused. This study provides a valuable tool for conservation biologists to prevent species decline and estimate population sizes.
The complete genomes of three aye-aye lemur populations in Madagascar have been sequenced, revealing genetic diversity and historical separation. The research aims to prioritize conservation efforts for these critically endangered species, which are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.
A new study published in Conservation Biology analyzed data on marine mammal and ecosystem research surveys in the Southern California Bight to identify areas with high whale densities. The researchers found that certain shipping routes pose a higher risk to fin whales, while others may be safer for humpback whales.
The study confirms common ancestry but divergence of the two species adapted to semi-arid conditions with drastic hydrological regime changes, emphasizing habitat protection measures for their genome integrity.
Conservationists and representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda have joined forces to highlight the plight of threatened wild cheetahs due to the illegal pet trade. The CITES Conference of the Parties has accepted a proposal for a study on the cheetah trade, which could impact the survival of cheetah populations in Africa.
Research in rats reveals that sniffing behaviors convey information about an individual's social status, with dominant rats acting as primary sniffers and subordinate sniffees slowing their breath. This new form of communication allows animals to avoid conflicts and maintain social hierarchy.
Researchers studying the endangered lemur found that females live longer than males, on average into their early 30s. The team's findings suggest that age-specific dispersal behavior may carry greater costs for males, leading to earlier mortality.
A Princeton University study reveals that endangered species, such as Sumatran orangutans and Javan leopards, are increasingly taking up residence in swamp forests in Africa and Asia. These areas often lack food sources and fresh water, yet provide a crucial habitat for these animals.
Researchers discovered that ancient sea anemones use the same genes to form their heads as humans and other animals, providing insight into brain evolution. The study found that these 'head genes' control development of sensory centers in both sea anemones and higher animals.
A new study reveals that nearly 1 in 5 reptiles are struggling to survive, with many species highly specialized and sensitive to environmental changes. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation action to address habitat loss, hunting, and other threats, particularly in tropical regions.
Researchers have discovered that female hawksbill turtles mate at the beginning of the season and store sperm for up to 75 days, laying multiple nests on beaches. The study also found that these turtles are mainly monogamous, with females pairing up with a single male throughout the breeding season.
Researchers found that collective intelligence enables small groups of fish to respond effectively to complex, changing environments. As group size increases, the fish's ability to navigate and locate essential resources improves dramatically.
Two ocean-going robots, equipped with acoustic monitoring instruments, detected nine endangered North Atlantic right whales in real-time. The gliders' data helped NOAA establish a dynamic management area, asking mariners to slow their vessel speed to avoid striking the animals.
A study by Michigan State University found captive hyenas excel at solving novel problems, suggesting limitations in applying captive animal results to the wild. The researchers, led by Sarah Benson-Amram, discovered that captive hyenas were more willing to tackle challenges and explored solutions.
Three new species of slow loris were identified, revealing distinct differences in body size, fur thickness, habitats, and facial markings. This reclassification may increase legal protections for the endangered or threatened animals, as well as highlight the cruelty of keeping them as pets.
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 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.
A MSU team is working to collar Baird's tapirs in Nicaragua to monitor their movements and determine how they can co-exist with local farmers. The research aims to find a balance between the animals' survival and crop protection.
Researchers from SDSU will examine the effect of payments for ecosystem services on the conservation of the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey in China. The project aims to understand the environmental and socio-demographic changes initiated by these payments and their sustainability.
A new study suggests that bacteria cue choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, to form colonies. The discovery implies that bacteria may have helped kick off multicellular life, a development that eventually led to all animals, including humans.
A genomic sequencing project funded by community donations has published the first sequence of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. The project, led by Dr. Taras Oleksyk, covers nearly 76% of the parrot's genome and has found similarities to zebra finches and chickens.
The genome sequence of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot was successfully assembled using locally funded community efforts. The project showcases how accessible genomic technology has become, with a small institution in Puerto Rico achieving this feat without relying on large international genome centers.
A recent analysis reveals unexpected trends in the growth of a northern muriqui monkey population, including increases in fertility and mortality rates. The study suggests that behavioral changes, such as increased use of the ground for food and mating, may be driving these shifts.
A new database allows users to search for information on Florida's endangered species with ease. The tool, developed by a team of researchers, provides access to comprehensive data on threatened and endangered vertebrates in the state.
The Borderea chouardii plant, critically endangered and found only on two cliff sides in the Pyrenees, employs a doubly mutualistic reproductive strategy with local ants. The plant's unusually long lifespan and climatically stable habitat contribute to its success.
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 study finds that citizens do a better job of picking threatened species than the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Citizen-initiated listings are more likely to pose conflicts with development, but those species are also significantly more threatened on average.
A NOAA-led study reveals that high levels of background noise from ships have reduced the ability of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to communicate with each other by about two-thirds. The study found that right whales now find themselves living in a world full of acoustic smog, making it difficult for them to gather ...
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) have awarded $4.5 million to support digital documentation of endangered languages. This funding will enable researchers to develop tools, create digital archives, and train the next generation of linguists.
Scientists have recorded over 60 unique songs from critically endangered bowhead whales, with the variety of tunes surprising and comparable to that of songbirds. The findings also suggest that bowhead whales may have a repertoire of songs they sing during a season, making them the only known whales to do so.
Research reveals that voltage-gated sodium channels evolved independently twice in basal and higher animals, suggesting the evolution of complex nervous systems was a convergent process. This finding highlights the importance of ion selectivity for fast and accurate neuronal signaling.
Critically endangered leatherback turtles show distinct travel modes in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, with varying speeds associated with foraging and transit. The study suggests that Pacific turtles struggle to achieve high foraging success, hindering their population recovery compared to Atlantic turtles.
The study used DNA sequencing to analyze 15 samples of traditional Chinese medicines, revealing potentially toxic plant ingredients, allergens, and endangered animals. The results highlight the need for regulation and enforcement in the industry.
Fungal infections destroy over 125 million tonnes of crops annually, equivalent to $60 billion in damages. New fungal diseases also threaten the extinction of over 500 species of amphibian and endangered animals, posing a significant threat to global food security and biodiversity.
The Whale Alert app provides real-time information on right whale sightings, allowing mariners to navigate around areas of high risk. The app is developed by a collaboration of government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation groups to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have cloned American elm trees that survived Dutch elm disease epidemics, offering a potential model for preserving endangered plant species. The breakthrough could help reintroduce disease-resistant trees and conserve thousands of other endangered species.
A recent study found that three commonly used herbicides can dramatically reduce butterfly populations. Researchers tested triclopyr, sethoxydim and imazapyr on butterfly larvae and found a significant drop in adult numbers. The findings have implications for conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the Lange's metalmark.
A genetic survey of Antarctic blue whales found a surprisingly high level of diversity among the surviving population, which may help them slowly rebound from catastrophic decimation. The study tracked individual movements and revealed some whales traveled over 6,650 kilometers in four years.
Sawfishes use their saws to impale prey on rostral teeth and detect electric fields, enabling agile hunting in murky waters. Their unique sensing abilities challenge traditional views of these critically endangered fish.
A new study has identified high-use areas in the Pacific Ocean as potential danger zones for critically endangered leatherback turtles. The research found that leatherbacks can be tracked across entire ocean basins, increasing the risk of being caught in fishing gear and undermining conservation efforts.
African monkey DNA analysis reveals population decline linked to warming climate and habitat loss. Conservation efforts urged to protect endangered drill species from poaching and habitat destruction.
Neuroscientist Joseph LeDoux suggests that studying animal survival instincts can provide insights into human emotions. By analyzing brain functions used for survival, researchers may gain new understandings of both humans' and animals' emotional responses.