A team of Berlin scientists has successfully grown stem cells and mini-brains from Sumatran rhino skin cells, paving the way for potential use in assisted reproduction. The next step is to create sperm cells that may help save the critically endangered species from extinction.
Researchers at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found an upward trend in skate populations in the North Sea, with a significant increase off Scotland's north coast. The study also revealed that skates mainly eat shrimp, providing ecological potential for more fish to thrive.
A recent study predicts that over half of lesser-known species are in danger of disappearing. The researchers used machine learning to calculate the risk of extinction for thousands of data-deficient species, finding that as many as 85% of amphibians and around half of mammals and reptiles face an uphill battle.
Researchers found that 90% of surveyed individuals did not recognize six out of seven endangered species. Increasing public knowledge and recognition can boost conservation support for these vulnerable animals. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing initiatives to change people's perception of lesser-known species.
Researchers created iPSCs from Okinawa rail, Japanese ptarmigan, Blakiston's fish owl, and Japanese golden eagle for conservation. The cells can differentiate into various cell types, providing a valuable resource for evaluating disease risks and pollution.
A new type of satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 15 cm has been used to detect and monitor critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The technology allows for the identification of individual whales and their habitats, which will have significant implications for conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
The study finds that many species are protected too late, with insufficient time to recover and breed, and with limited financial resources to support conservation efforts. This analysis highlights the need for improved policy and increased funding to effectively protect endangered species in the US.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that most species are not receiving protection until their populations are precariously small, dimming their prospects of recovery. The study also highlights the issue of inadequate funding for protecting threatened and endangered species, which has persisted for decades.
Researchers have found evidence of genetic diversity in the prion protein gene of endangered Eld's deer, which could provide resistance to chronic wasting disease. The study suggests reducing the frequency of a variant associated with the disease and implementing strict management practices to prevent exposure.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that more than three times the number of unregulated animal species are being imported into the US compared to regulated species. The trade in these species is putting them under increasing threat.
A team of researchers has identified three new turtle nesting sites in the central Red Sea, which could inform efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. The discovery was made using drone surveillance and sediment samples to identify optimal nesting conditions.
A new noninvasive genetic survey technique allows researchers to identify salt marsh harvest mice and other small mammals without capturing them. The technique uses bait stations and genetics to collect fecal pellets from mice that come and go on their own.
A recent genomic analysis reveals that all South American canid species descended from a single ancestral population that arrived on the continent between 3.5 million and 4 million years ago. The study found that genetic mutations leading to extreme variations in height, size, and diet were introduced artificially through selective bre...
A UC researcher is using information technology to track and study the endangered little brown myotis bat species in Ohio. The team has established a summer roost at Clendening Marina, where they are collecting data on the population's size and trajectory.
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
Areas managed by Indigenous peoples have significantly more primate biodiversity than nearby regions. Lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes are less likely to be classified as vulnerable or endangered when their territories overlap with Indigenous lands.
Large carnivore populations show genuine improvement in extinction risk when protected by international legislation and have controlled hunting plans. Marine mammals are most likely to recover, while rays and sharks face significant threats.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
The study found that feral cat predation is a significant threat to the critically endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart, which has only around 500 individuals left due to habitat loss and bushfires. The research highlights the need for control of feral cat populations in areas with threatened species.
The study creates a catalogue of genomic diversity for endangered chimpanzees, allowing researchers to pinpoint the origin of confiscated animals within 100 kilometers. This information can support conservation efforts and combat the illegal trade of chimpanzees.
Researchers at HKU's Conservation Forensics Lab have developed a powerful new tool for monitoring the trade of rare and endangered fish species in Hong Kong wet markets. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, they were able to identify over 100 species of fish that had passed through the market.
An international study identified 562 terrestrial vertebrate species as 'lost', meaning they haven't been seen in over 50 years. The majority of these lost species are found in megadiverse tropical countries and are considered potentially extinct.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
A new genetic study suggests that inbreeding will not doom the endangered vaquita to extinction. Despite low genome-wide diversity, vaquita individuals have remained healthy and able to breed with weakly deleterious genetic mutations accumulating over time.
The vaquita porpoise, the world's smallest marine mammal, has relatively healthy genetics and can potentially survive if illegal 'gillnet' fishing ceases promptly. Inbreeding poses a threat, but the species may rebound due to its naturally low genetic diversity.
Researchers have discovered a hidden species of coral in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, which was previously misclassified as a single species. The study provides crucial insights into coral ecology and conservation, highlighting the importance of taxonomy projects in protecting endangered species.
A study from North Carolina State University found that critically endangered Wyoming toads have low genetic diversity in their immune systems, which could impact their ability to respond to new pathogens. The findings inform captive breeding strategies for endangered animal populations.
A new study by Cornell University found that rare and endangered insects and spiders can be easily purchased without adequate oversight through basic internet searches. Many species, including those with valuable ecological services like ladybugs and pollinators, are being sold illegally online.
Researchers at Kyoto University have produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the endangered Grévy's zebra, showcasing similarities with human and mouse stem cells. The study's findings provide insight into evolutionary conservation between mammals and may help advance research on endangered species.
Researchers have developed a new botanical 'CSI' tool combining DNA metabarcoding and macro photography to identify prey spectra of carnivorous plants. This method enables experts to understand the biology of critically endangered species, including what they eat, crucial for conservation plans.
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.
Researchers have discovered a new plant species, Castela senticosa, in the Martín García mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The species was found to be rare and endangered due to its limited geographic distribution.
A new bird species, Fregetta lineata, was discovered in New Caledonia and is believed to be critically endangered. With an estimated population of 100 to 1,000 pairs, the species is already threatened.
Mountain gorillas are increasing their water drinking frequency as temperatures rise due to the climate crisis. This shift could lead to parasite and human disease exposure, and is a concerning sign for the species' survival.
The tool uses habitat modeling to identify areas with high hybridization risk between native bull trout and introduced brook trout. This allows natural resource managers to prioritize conservation efforts in specific regions.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Marine Science found that 31% of pet food products from Singapore contained shark DNA, highlighting the prevalence of ingredient mislabeling. The researchers suggest implementing global standards for pet food labels to avoid overexploitation of endangered sharks.
The EPA has introduced a new policy to evaluate the impact of pesticides on endangered species before new products are introduced to the market. The policy requires consultation with wildlife services and aims to mitigate adverse effects, but challenges remain due to differing approaches and thresholds between agencies.
Researchers from University of California - Davis found that ultrasounds can detect when abalone are ready to spawn without touching them. The technique creates a gonad index score ranging from 1 to 5 indicating readiness for reproduction.
Researchers analyzed 280 confirmed sea turtle entanglements in Massachusetts waters and found that quickly reporting incidents can improve survival rates. The study highlights the importance of complete disentanglement to minimize injury and promote survival, with many turtles being alive weeks to years after being disentangled.
Scientists use AI to analyze images of wildlife for crucial data, helping track endangered species and combat extinction. A new field called imageomics extracts biological information from images, providing insights into animal movements, population trends, and evolutionary adaptations.
An international research team has assessed European vascular plant species and found that 7-9% are globally endangered. This study addresses the significant data gap in global Red List of Threatened Species, with nearly 90% of known plant species lacking threat assessments.
A study by the University of Queensland found that strong demand for tropical sea cucumbers as a delicacy is putting these species at risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to protect the remaining populations and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
A new species of angel shark, Squatina mapama, has been identified in the Central American Caribbean, shedding light on the region's biodiversity. Genetic analyses reveal distinct characteristics from other related species, emphasizing the importance of forensic science in understanding cryptic species within the genus.
Researchers found that lighted gillnets reduced total fisheries bycatch by 63% and specifically bycatch of sharks, skates, and rays by 95%. The technology also reduced the time it took fishers to retrieve and disentangle nets by 57%, making fishing more efficient.
A new study by Emory University found that international trade bans on endangered species generally benefit mammals but harm reptiles. The researchers discovered large spikes in legal trade for reptilian species before bans were implemented, which may explain the differential impact of the bans.
A new study by Australian National University warns that 1,500 endangered languages could cease to be spoken by the end of this century. The researchers found that increased years of schooling can lead to higher levels of language endangerment.
A team of researchers found that tourists in Indonesia's Gunung Leuser National Park were breaking rules to maintain a 10-meter distance from orangutans, exposing them to human diseases. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and compliance with safety guidelines among visitors.
Researchers found that topical ivermectin treatment is highly effective against hookworm infection in Australian sea lion pups, with a success rate of 96.4 percent. Early treatment before disease development significantly improves overall survival rates.
Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.
A comprehensive survey conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society and partners estimates that 95,000 forest elephants live in Gabon, confirming it as the principal stronghold for this species. The study provides hope for the future of the critically endangered African forest elephant population.
A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.
Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.
Researchers found that complex mixtures of microbes isolated from closely related plant species increased the resistance of endangered Hawaiian plant Eugenia koolauensis to myrtle rust. This microbial treatment may be an important tool for combating disease-driven declines of endangered plants.
A Duke University-led study finds that if endangered primates disappear, up to 250 parasites could go extinct, including those with no other suitable hosts. This potential extinction cascade could have significant consequences for biodiversity and human health.
The project aims to digitize three million plant specimens from US herbaria and combine with data from Asia and Europe, accelerating research on endangered species and plant biodiversity. The Harvard University Herbarium will lead the effort, connecting institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Researchers successfully used cryopreserved sperm to fertilize coral eggs from hundreds of miles away, demonstrating the reproductive compatibility of distant coral colonies. The technique, known as assisted gene flow, has potential as a conservation tool for endangered corals and could accelerate their adaptation to climate change.
Despite 10,000 years of inbreeding, the kākāpō genome sequencing reveals that the species has lost potentially deleterious mutations and now carries fewer harmful mutations than extinct mainland populations. This finding suggests that natural selection may have facilitated genetic purging in small populations.
Scientists have sequenced the Indian wolf genome, revealing it to be one of the world's most endangered and evolutionarily distinct populations. The study suggests that Indian wolves may represent the most ancient surviving lineage of wolves.
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.