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.
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.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of the critically endangered snub-nosed monkey species in China's Yunnan province. The population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals and faces numerous threats due to habitat loss and hunting.
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.
An international team of scientists assesses 163 grouper species and finds 20 at risk of extinction, while 22 are Near Threatened. Groupers take years to mature and are vulnerable to overfishing and habitat loss.
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.
Studies of 32 ecological communities reveal that a species' role depends on its evolutionary history, not geographic location. This knowledge allows conservationists to focus efforts on vital parts of an ecosystem and predict species' responses to changes.
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 new look-alike species of hammerhead shark has been discovered in Brazilian waters, raising concerns about its impact on the endangered scalloped hammerhead. The discovery confirms that the original finding was not a local oddity and highlights the need for further research to understand its population status.
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.
Researchers are using cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology to study Fiji's living fossil trees and understand how biodiversity is generated. The project aims to predict how these rare species will adapt to climate change, enabling conservation efforts.
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.
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.
A team of researchers found a crucial connection between genetic variation and geographic distances in Florida Scrub-Jays. Maintaining or restoring networked scrub-oak habitats within 2-3 miles is essential for sustaining genetic diversity and promoting the species' long-term survival.
Linguists are racing to document and revitalize struggling languages with the help of new digital tools. The National Geographic Society has created a comprehensive platform featuring eight talking dictionaries containing over 32,000 word entries in endangered languages, alongside audio recordings and photographs.
A recent review of 200 scientific studies warns that climate change and habitat loss will drive tropical bird extinctions, with 87% of bird species spending time in the tropics. The study predicts 600-900 land bird species may go extinct by 2100, highlighting birds as 'canaries in the coal mine' for ecosystem changes.
Researchers found that older forests with specific fungi are essential for orchid survival and recovery. The study suggests that planting new forests may not be enough to save endangered orchids without the right fungal conditions.
Researchers developed topographic models using LiDAR data to predict habitat suitability for endangered plants in dry environments. The team plans to use satellite observations to create digital elevation models, guiding effective restoration efforts and identifying suitable areas for plant growth.
Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue of adult snow leopards, paving the way for cryopreservation and cloning techniques to save endangered species. This breakthrough raises hopes for the conservation of the snow leopard and other cat family members.
A new species of Amomum (Cardamom) has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The plant is characterized by its distinctive ligules and small flowers, and is considered critically endangered due to conservation efforts.
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 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.
A unique chemical composition of a cockroach signal, emitting a sex pheromone, could help determine habitat suitability for an endangered woodpecker. The synthetic pheromone attracts large numbers of adult male cockroaches, suggesting that the area could be a suitable home for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
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 has found that many US species at risk of extinction are not on the country's official Endangered Species Act (ESA) list. The IUCN Red List, a leading global threatened species list, reveals that up to 95% of certain species groups are missing from the ESA.
Researchers used satellite imagery to assess the conservation status of endangered species in the Comoro archipelago, finding that only 9% of the island area is still covered by natural forest. This approach allows for precise estimation of remaining habitat extent and prioritization of future protected areas.
A team of ecologists challenges the idea of a universal species-area relationship, finding that geometric constraints and biological effects shape the connection between species richness and plot size. They discovered specific geometric limits that restrict how quickly the number of species can increase with area.
Researchers from North Eastern Hill University investigate the karyomorphological data of Citrus species, revealing that C. indica has an intermediate asymmetry index value, making it a true progenitor of cultivated Citrus. This study supports the classification of three true species of Citrus: C. grandis, C. reticulata, and C. medica.
A study found that northern muriqui monkey mothers play a key role in their sons' reproductive success, with no evidence of inbreeding. The research suggests that this egalitarian society may be the reason for the species' critical endangered status.
Researchers successfully established cell cultures from frozen biopsy specimens of the critically endangered Mississippi gopher frog, marking a breakthrough in banking viable amphibian cells. The technique expands conservation efforts to combat diseases and advance reproductive studies.
A new species of minute freshwater snail, Daphniola eptalophos, has been found in a mountainous spring in central Greece. The species differs from its congeners in shell dimensions, soft body pigmentation and penis coloration.
Researchers have determined the evolutionary family tree for the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird family, revealing they evolved from Eurasian rosefinches. The study used genetic data from 28 bird species to identify the ancestors of the 19 remaining species, which are facing significant extinction threats.
The Murcian flower has been studied in detail for the first time in nearly a century. Researchers have found that it is critically endangered due to low reproductive success and high mortality rates during the seedling stage. A restoration plan is underway to preserve this unique species.
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has awarded a $2 million grant to the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to support its project on conserving critically endangered oceanic sharks. The program will employ satellite tags to track shark behavior in real-time, helping to determine the species' vulnera...
Researchers focus on Northern Bettong to understand climate change impact. Short-term weather events reveal clearer insights into animal movements and range boundaries than gradual climate changes.
A new study examines the impact of climate change on amphibian species, finding that rapid temperature swings can trap species at different points in their travels. The research suggests that many species will become endangered due to their inability to tolerate unfavorable climate conditions for extended periods.
Scientists argue that when a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, state management should follow the public trust doctrine, which guides conservation for the public good. The researchers apply this principle to the gray wolf case in the northern Rocky Mountains.
A new study reveals that Przewalski's horse, an endangered species, has a much more ancient origin than previously thought, with a common ancestor dating back 160,000 years. The research also suggests that the present-day population of 2,000 individuals has a highly diverse gene pool.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have successfully produced stem cells from two endangered species, a drill and the northern white rhinoceros. These cells could enable lifesaving medical therapies or offer the potential to preserve or expand genetic diversity by offering new reproduction possibilities.
The US government will evaluate a petition to list chimpanzees as endangered, which could improve their welfare and conservation. If classified, they would receive protections similar to other endangered species, reducing exploitation by the entertainment industry.
A study published in Mammal Review found that fishing is the largest known human factor contributing to the decline of New Zealand's endangered native sea lion population. The team identified resource competition and by-catch incidents as the primary causes, leading to a 40% breeding decline on Auckland Islands.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
A recent genetic study found that centuries of human activity, including trade and rituals, have mixed the genetic lineages of the critically endangered Central American river turtle. The turtles' shells made them easy to transport, allowing them to be brought together from isolated river basins.
Recent botanical exploration efforts in the Marquesas Islands have yielded 62 new species, including 18 newly described ferns and flowering plants. The discoveries bring the total native species to 360 and provide critical information for conservation.
Researchers found that media portrayals of chimpanzees can create widespread misunderstandings about the species' conservation status. The study reveals that viewing images of chimpanzees with humans can lead to a decrease in perceived endangerment and increase the likelihood of owning them as pets, despite their dangerous nature.
The study highlights the urgent need for effective management of tuna and billfish populations. Five species of tuna are in the threatened or Near Threatened categories, while three billfish species are also at risk.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that most of the world's undiscovered species reside in regions already identified as conservation priorities. This suggests recent conservation efforts have been effective and should reduce uncertainty over global conservation priorities.
A new study has assessed the extinction risk of individual seagrass species worldwide, revealing that 10 out of 72 species are at elevated risk of extinction. The research highlights the critical role seagrasses play in maintaining marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.
Increasing ocean acidity poses significant threats to northern abalone populations, with exposure to higher CO2 levels killing 40% of larvae and reducing their size. This could limit population growth and have cascading effects on coastal ecosystems.
A new study disputes the use of a single minimum viable population number as a yardstick for conservation policies. Populations show rapid declines due to human activities, but removing negative effects, even small populations could be viable in the long term.
Research by Smithsonian scientists reveals that seasonal changes in vegetation determine the distance migratory animals travel and whether they migrate independently or in herds. The study's findings have significant implications for conserving endangered species.
A new study reveals that 39 additional marine species beyond those under federal protection are at risk of extinction due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers advocate for priority protection and restoration efforts for these globally threatened species.
The Asiatic wild ass is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting. The species' range is limited to areas with low biomass production, forcing it into unproductive habitats. Conservation efforts could benefit not only the wild ass but also other rare mammals by opening up migration corridors.
The introduction of Aldabra tortoises on the island of Mauritius has successfully dispersed ebony seeds, aiding the recovery of a critically endangered tree species. This rewilding experiment demonstrates the potential for restoring extinct interactions in ecosystems.
Researchers tracked increases in methylmercury levels in black-footed albatross feathers over 120 years, attributing them to human-generated emissions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts in the Pacific Ocean, where mercury pollution poses a significant threat to endangered seabird species and human health.
A new model of island ecology suggests that most unique island species should be common on their island, contradicting the common perception of rarity. The researchers used data from 35 islands and archipelagos to develop the model, which predicts how many individuals of each species can be expected to see in their natural habitat.