A new research approach suggests integrating biodiversity auditing into conservation plans to effectively support a wider range of important species. This method has been successfully tested in the UK's East Anglia region and could benefit biodiversity nationally, including the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
A new study found that exotic pet owners are concerned about species conservation and prefer captive-bred exotic pets. The survey of over 300 keepers across 33 countries revealed that relational motivations, such as caring about the species, outweighed aesthetic or morphological traits.
A worldwide study found that non-English-language literature was extensively used in national reports but failed to be reflected in global reports. The team suggests that international collaboration and multilingual databases can help develop more effective conservation science.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission has recognized two iconic Chicago institutions as Centers for Species Survival, elevating the region's role in biodiversity conservation. Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum will collaborate on projects highlighting aquatic and terrestrial linkages in Central American biodiversity hotspots.
A new study found that toxic online rows about trophy hunting are becoming increasingly abusive on Twitter, with 7% of tweets containing abusive content. This hostile atmosphere is silencing conservation viewpoints and policymakers are less aware of them.
Researchers developed an updated conservation metric, EDGE2, incorporating scientific uncertainty and status of related species. This approach identifies top-priority species for protection, preserving over 700 million years of evolutionary history, and allocates limited funds effectively.
The Operation Pangolin project aims to save the world's eight pangolin species by generating data to inform conservation strategies and implementing wildlife crime prevention efforts in Central Africa. The team will use novel technology and artificial intelligence methods to address the illicit wildlife trade and prevent extinction.
An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.
A new study published in PeerJ Life & Environment has found that hand-rearing affects kākāpō clutch fertility, particularly in males, while improving chick survival rates. The research emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to conservation management, considering both short-term and long-term benefits.
A recent study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that Indigenous territories and protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. The study found that these areas accounted for approximately 52% of forests in the region, leading to only 5% of net forest loss and 12% of gross forest loss.
A new study by ICTA-UAB calls for a biocultural approach in nature conservation, incorporating human perspectives and cultural values. The research team compiled a list of 385 culturally important species that have a recognized role in supporting local identity, providing a common sense of place and belonging.
A study reveals many elephant values are often overlooked in conservation strategies, prioritizing economic and ecological benefits over moral ones. The research highlights the importance of considering diverse stakeholder value systems to create more sustainable conservation policies.
A new study has identified major barriers to conserving island ecosystems, including poor governance policies and lack of staff training. The research highlights the need for targeted funding and incentives to support frontline conservation workers in their efforts to protect these critical ecosystems.
Research highlights the critical link between island and marine ecosystems, identifying six essential environmental characteristics to guide prioritization of conservation efforts. Restoring islands can maximize returns for conservation management investments in ocean health and biodiversity.
Conservation efforts in Madagascar require balancing human development with protection of its rich biodiversity, which is threatened by extinction due to local species' uniqueness. Reforestation and community engagement are recommended strategies for addressing these challenges.
Ocean biodiversity is declining, with shark populations on the rise in danger despite successful conservation efforts for tunas and billfishes. Effective management has allowed tuna and billfish to recover over the past decade, but sharks remain undermanaged.
A recent study by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International analyzed demographic data over 50 years to understand factors influencing mountain gorilla population growth. The research found that increased group density led to slower reproduction in females, resulting in a significant slowing of population growth.
The comprehensive U.S. tree species assessment highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect America's native trees. With 11-16% of tree species threatened with extinction, invasive pests and diseases are identified as the primary threats, emphasizing the importance of collaborative conservation strategies.
A recent study found that social media platforms like Twitter do not accurately reflect the most pressing threats to wild elephant populations, such as habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Local communities that live with elephants often face resentment due to their safety and livelihoods being at risk.
A new database has been created to support conservation efforts by filling the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world. The database presents a valuable tool for planning conservation actions at any spatial scale and preventing species extinctions globally.
Save Our Seas Foundation joins Wildscreen Festival as a Principal Sponsor, focusing on marine conservation and storytelling. The partnership will promote impactful storytelling through the Panda Awards' new 'Impact' category.
The California Conservation Genomics Project is generating high-quality data to inform conservation policy, mapping genetic diversity across the state's diverse ecosystems. By analyzing over 22,000 genomes, researchers aim to identify critical habitats for protection and create a snapshot of genomic biodiversity.
Two conservation strategies protect more birds: setting aside forest and growing coffee under shade tree canopies. These findings validate forest conservation and shade tree management as complementary biodiversity strategies.
New research reveals that at least 64 million square kilometers of Earth's land area require conservation to protect terrestrial species and ecosystems. The study suggests that governments must scale up their conservation efforts to achieve more ambitious goals and policies beyond the current 30% target.
A 10-year citizen science study found that UK bumblebees need varied habitats to thrive. The study identified specific habitat requirements for different species, including arable areas and semi-natural land, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
A recent study found that boosting the pink pigeon's numbers is not sufficient to prevent its extinction in the future. The species has a high genetic load of bad mutations, which puts it at risk of collapse if conservation efforts do not continue.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has joined the Shark Conservation Fund to combat overfishing, illegal trade, and habitat destruction threatening shark populations. The partnership aims to conserve shark species, maintain healthy oceans, and address climate change's impact on marine biodiversity.
The study maps the extent of threats to highly valuable Asian rosewood species in the Greater Mekong Subregion, proposing conservation actions. Three key species - Siamese rosewood, Burma blackwood, and Burmese rosewood - face significant risks from overexploitation, fire, habitat conversion, and climate change.
Research highlights the need for strategic conservation plans to protect at-risk species as they shift their ranges due to climate change. Climate conditions are expected to change in over a quarter of global protected areas under a scenario of 2°C warming, posing physical and non-physical barriers to species migration.
An international study published in Conservation Science and Practice gives fast-growing nations a simple, inexpensive guide to inform planning and decision-making. The study shows how easily accessible biodiversity data can support application of the mitigation hierarchy, a tool used to balance economic development goals with environm...
A new study provides insights on improving monitoring and evaluation of climate-informed conservation projects, highlighting the underutilization of best practices like tying monitoring plans to a theory of change. The research reveals that partnering with external institutions can enhance the comprehensiveness of monitoring efforts.
Researchers at the University of Georgia developed a model to prioritize land conservation in the Upper Chattahoochee Watershed, which provides drinking water to 95 cities. The model considers ecosystem services like water, carbon, and habitat, and favors higher connectivity among parcels of land.
Researchers from Arizona State University developed a study to balance biodiversity goals with limited economic resources in Colombia. The team created a prioritization map that targets conservation actions towards regions where ecological benefits are high and economic impacts are low.
A new framework will help conservation agencies forecast climate change impacts and identify target areas for protection. The project aims to create adaptable portfolios of target sites for biodiversity conservation over time.
A review of 1,987 conservation reports found that only 8.8% reported total costs, making it difficult to determine cost-effectiveness and make informed decisions on funding allocation. Standardized cost reporting is crucial for efficient decision-making in biodiversity conservation.
A series of studies on endangered species near the China-Vietnam border highlights the urgent need for coordinated approaches to prevent biodiversity loss. Climate change is expected to significantly impact habitats and species distributions, emphasizing the importance of transboundary conservation measures.
A study of 264 studies in 53 countries found that natural forests better support biodiversity and ecosystem services like carbon storage and water conservation. In contrast, plantations excel in wood production, highlighting a trade-off between environmental and economic goals in forest restoration.
A team of scientists used eDNA analysis to detect whales and dolphins in New York waters, providing valuable information for conservation efforts. The technique, which analyzes DNA left behind by wildlife, complements existing methods like visual observations and acoustic monitoring.
Using ancient and historical DNA can assess population genetic patterns and inform conservation actions. The study reveals that a/hDNA can be compared with contemporary data to set baselines for intra-species genetic diversity and estimate changes in effective population size.
A UCLA study reveals that lions and leopards in Zambia's conservation areas are injured at rates much higher than previously thought. The research found that over 37% of the lions and 22% of the leopards had snare scars and tooth notches, indicating a significant problem with poaching.
A new study reveals that South and Southeast Asia's native tree diversity is at risk of extinction, with only 10% of ranges suitable for conservation. Coordinated conservation and restoration efforts are critical to prevent further destruction and biodiversity loss.
A recent study highlights the need for inclusive forest conservation policies that learn from past mistakes. The researchers argue that top-down approaches can be harmful and accelerate deforestation, instead recommending local social impact assessments and indigenous involvement in policy-making.
A recent Penn State survey found that most respondents strongly support bird conservation, but are largely unaware of the current state of bird populations in Pennsylvania. The study revealed significant misconceptions about bird populations and their decline over the past 50 years.
A new study found that farmers are extremely knowledgeable about pollinators and have taken initiatives to protect insects on their farms. However, more flexible funding options and cooperation between research and practice are needed to realize their full conservation potential.
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
A new study suggests that larger conservation areas are ineffective in protecting threatened species in central Africa, citing a lack of funding and resource management issues. The research found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations due to the lands being too large to manage effectively.
Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation in spatial planning can minimize trade-offs between nature and people. The study found that joint planning processes for rural development and biodiversity conservation are more ecologically effective and socioeconomically feasible than separate strategies. By dedicating at leas...
A recent study found that whale sharks in Panama may originate from the Arabian Gulf and Western Indian Ocean, highlighting their ability to travel long distances. This discovery underscores the need for transboundary conservation measures like marine corridors to protect this endangered species.
Researchers from China's Academy of Sciences propose a framework to determine ecological priorities across Mainland Southeast Asia by combining ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and biodiversity indicators. The proposed model identifies areas for protection based on overlapping hotspots of diversity, sensitivity, and service ...
A new five-year research project led by Thomas Neeson aims to model the impacts of conservation incentives on farmers in the Red River basin. The study will help understand how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs can be effectively designed to promote sustainable water use.
A comprehensive list of threats to Australian plants and animals reveals stark news about the future for some iconic species. The study provides precise data to better direct conservation efforts, categorizing and addressing threats like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.
A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...
Thanks to a 3-year grant from the Arcadia Fund, IUCN will promote and improve researchers' open access to high-quality conservation knowledge. A lack of access to scientific literature is a major obstacle for roughly half of surveyed conservation experts.
A revised model of wildlife conservation, I-NAM, incorporates Indigenous histories, perspectives, and knowledge systems into the original NAM framework. The new approach emphasizes continuous learning, listening, and respecting diverse views to improve wildlife management.
A new study challenges the effectiveness of current conservation efforts in protected areas, suggesting that 'saving' biodiversity may not be accurately measured. The study's lead author argues that measures such as expanding protected areas and establishing national parks do not necessarily translate to real progress in conservation.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded 61 grants in 2021, with recipients spanning seven continents and focusing on shark, ray, and sawfish conservation. The grants support innovative projects using cutting-edge technology, citizen science, and local knowledge to address pressing ocean conservation crises.
A study published in Human Dimensions of Wildlife found that 96% of shark films portray sharks as a threat to humans. Dr Briana Le Busque and Associate Professor Carla Litchfield warn that sensationalized depictions can harm conservation efforts by perpetuating misconceptions about shark behavior and risk.
A long-term study tracked macaw movements using satellite telemetry over eight years, revealing large home ranges and daily travel distances. The research highlights the importance of conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw and similar species, which share habitats with endangered species and influence ecosystems.
A new rapid assessment framework offers a simple tool to facilitate climate-informed conservation and nature-based solutions. The '5Ws' framework helps practitioners consider the what, when, where, why, and who of climate-informed action, enabling them to adapt investments in reforestation, fire management, and habitat protection.
Researchers found that local stakeholders consider fairness in distribution of money from marine protected areas according to who holds rights over the area, rather than equality or costs incurred. This challenges common assumptions in conservation literature and practice, emphasizing the importance of explicit identification of local ...