A new study found that only four countries (USA, Australia, South Africa, and Canada) dominated private land conservation research, with half of articles failing to report stakeholder engagement. The study calls for better understanding of socio-ecological systems and diverse cultural contexts in future research.
Researchers found a significant increase in the number of leatherback nests in Espírito Santo, Brazil, from 25.6 to 89.8 between 1988 and 2017. The gentle recovery is attributed to local conservation efforts, but the population still faces threats from climate change, pollution, and coastal development.
A new study found that people in the US are wary of using CRISPR-based genetic engineering to achieve wildlife conservation goals. The research, conducted by a University of Central Florida researcher, suggests that the public perceives the risks of gene editing as outweighing the benefits.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation highlights the importance of incorporating animal social structure into conservation plans. By analyzing individual animal social interactions before, during, and after human intervention, wildlife managers can increase post-translocation success rates.
A German research team developed a framework to classify conservation objectives, highlighting key areas of consensus and shortcomings. The study found that stakeholders agree on protecting diverse forest ecosystems and species, but there is room for improvement in abiotic resource conservation and socio-cultural considerations.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that forest thinning can benefit threatened wood-living beetles, with an increase of over one-third in species numbers. The research, part of the Swedish Oak Project, compared two management alternatives and showed that conservation thinning had a positive effect on these insects.
A study using social media data revealed that popular bird species sites have higher visitation rates, while sites with high tourism facilities receive more visitors. The research suggests that these areas face potentially great threats or opportunities due to high numbers of visitors, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate cumulative human impact for individual species, revealing threatened seahorses in data-poor regions. The study found China, Southeast Asia, and Europe as major threat epicentres for global seahorse populations.
Researchers have identified six threatened tenrec species out of 31, categorized as Vulnerable or Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. The conservation status of tenrecs is expected to improve by integrating research into broader sustainable development objectives.
Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...
A new VR game, Butterfly World, aims to engage players in simulated exploration and education about relationships between butterflies, plants, and invasive species. The game fosters empathy for insect and ecosystem conservation, cultivating knowledge and reawakening latent curiosity.
A study published in Biological Conservation highlights the importance of tree dens for pandas raising infants in native habitats. Tree dens provide a more stable microclimate than cave dens, facilitating offspring survival. This research emphasizes the need to preserve large old trees for giant panda conservation.
The study identifies four major problems with the United Nation's Aichi Target 11, including perverse outcomes and ineffective conservation efforts. The authors argue that outcome-based targets for protected areas are needed to achieve biodiversity goals.
A study proposes a new target for protected areas based on biodiversity outcomes, addressing issues with current targets that focus on quantity rather than quality. The new approach involves systematic monitoring of global sites of biodiversity significance to determine the effectiveness of management practices.
Researchers at Stanford University and India's National Centre for Biological Sciences have developed a new approach to extract genetic clues from degraded DNA samples. This method uses a sequencing technique that amplifies small bits of DNA with unique differences in each sample, allowing for the use of contaminated or mixed samples. ...
A large-scale study found consensus among conservationists on core aims, but significant disagreement on mechanisms to achieve them. The study reveals deep divisions over assigning economic value to nature and the necessity of protected areas, as well as varying perspectives on non-native species and human population growth.
A recent study published in Conservation Letters reveals that working with Indigenous rangers produced significant improvements in conservation research outcomes. The study, led by Dr Georgia Ward-Fear, demonstrates the value of culturally diverse teams and local knowledge in scientific research.
Researchers connected big data marketing tools to land conservation efforts, identifying landowners more likely to install riparian buffers. The study found that using microtargeting techniques could increase the impact of conservation programs and reduce outreach costs.
A new analysis by Harvard University shows that land conservation modestly increases employment rates in New England cities and towns, even when controlling for other factors. The study found small gains in median household income and population, as well as employment growth in recreation and tourism industries.
Researchers found that honey bee colonies foraging on land with a strong cover of clover species and alfalfa do significantly better than those in crop fields. Higher levels of vitellogenin stores are associated with increased colony size, antioxidant enzymes, and disease resistance.
A recent review paper predicted nearly half of the world's insects would go extinct due to a rapid decline. However, scientists have identified major flaws in the study's methodology, including query- and geographically-biased summaries, mismatched objectives and cited literature, and misuse of existing conservation data.
A study by the University of Kent found that annual disinfection of parakeet nests did not effectively reduce the spread of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. The research team recommends re-evaluating biosecurity measures to prioritize conservation objectives.
Researchers found that internet activity reflects seasonal patterns in nature, with certain species showing stronger trends. The study suggests using online data to monitor changes in biodiversity and inform conservation efforts.
Researchers found that 86% of East Africa's ecoregions have achieved the Aichi Target 11 goal of protecting at least 10% of each region by 2020. However, three ecoregions are poorly represented with less than 10% coverage. Protected areas cover at least 10% of endemic species' ranges, but many species still lack full protection.
Research reveals that supporting local communities with cultural, spiritual, and economic connections to pollinators is key to effective conservation. The study suggests that policies like biocultural conservation can foster pollinator protection and sustainable management of resources.
A University of Birmingham study found that children who received cultural information about magpies valued the birds' cultural significance and believed it should be protected. In contrast, those given only scientific information showed less regard for cultural heritage and its connection to conservation.
Researchers propose using lichens to assess old-growth forest conservation value, offering a more nuanced approach to measuring biodiversity. This method, developed by Dr. Troy McMullin and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, uses suites of lichen species associated with old-growth areas to develop an index of ecological continuity.
A new study reveals that secondary forests adjacent to extensive primary forests can host diverse bird communities and boost populations of forest specialist birds. The research, published in Biotropica, challenges previous assertions about the conservation potential of young secondary forests.
Research highlights unique animal cultural knowledge that benefits conservation, with insights into species-specific behaviors and social learning processes. Protecting 'social capital' by considering cultural diversity may be crucial for wildlife resilience and adaptation.
Scientists have developed a methodology to assess fish stocks by combining modern underwater surveys with historical records dating back to the 8th Century AD. The analysis found that some previously classified as
The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund has awarded grants to 13 US non-profit organizations implementing on-the-ground projects to help wildlife and ecosystems adapt to climate change. The funded projects, which span various geographies and ecosystems, aim to improve resistance to climate-induced loss of tree canopy, erosion, and invasive pests.
A study at Flamingo Land zoo in the UK found that puppet theatre performances increased knowledge of animals and conservation among children and adults by 22% and 18%, respectively. The research suggests that conventional zoos can achieve similar levels of learning through entertainment-driven settings.
A new study maps animal traits across different regions to identify areas most at risk from losing biodiversity. The research reveals that some species play crucial, specialized roles in their ecosystems, making them crucial for conservation efforts.
A NUS study reveals that crossbreeding between milky storks and their cousins is threatening the species' conservation. The research found that more than half of the stork population in Singapore is genetically influenced by Painted Storks, posing a major threat to the species' survival.
The San Diego Zoo's breeding program for endangered Hawaiian birds aims to strike a balance between animal welfare and conservation needs. Researchers studied the welfare of several species, including the 'alalā and 'akikiki, using guidelines from the 'Opportunity to Thrive' model.
A new study found that conservation programs in Illinois have helped some rare birds increase their populations to historic levels. The Bell's vireo, one of four species studied, has bounced back from historic declines and is now more than double its last estimated abundance. In contrast, other bird species with wider geographic ranges...
A new WCS study examines the job satisfaction of front-line conservation rangers working in challenging conditions at Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The research reveals that rangers' motivation decreases over time, but provides suggestions for improvement, including better salaries, recognition, and security guarantees.
A Tanzanian forest will be protected after major scientific discoveries revealed the need for conservation. The Magombera Forest was under threat due to charcoal production and wildlife poaching, but a conservation programme helped reduce deforestation and increase biodiversity.
A new WCS-led study links tiger fate to demographic transition in human populations. The research highlights the importance of urbanization and education in tiger conservation, emphasizing the need for engagement with cities to save tigers.
Recordings of tropical forest sounds unlock secrets about biodiversity and aid conservation efforts around the world. Bioacoustics is a relatively inexpensive method that produces powerful conservation insights, enabling the evaluation of conservation interventions and monitoring compliance with forest protection commitments.
A study by the University of Wyoming research team found strong population genetic structure among California mountain lions, with some populations exhibiting extremely low levels of genetic diversity. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further fragmentation and ensure connectivity among habitats.
A Rutgers-led study challenges conventional expectations that fast-growing resources are unlikely to collapse. The study found that those who start conserving can often stick with it, but when conservation is not in place, the opposite is true.
A scientific team warns that most signatory countries are not on track to achieve target goals, and some targets are structured to give a false sense of conservation achievement. The team recommends restructuring targets to incorporate adequate conservation incentives to instill hope for the future.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that small and isolated habitat patches are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. The research highlights the importance of conserving these small patches, which can sometimes be the last remaining habitats for species.
Researchers found isolated habitat patches with high conservation value are critical for rare and threatened species. Small habitats pose greater risks to biodiversity than large ones due to land clearing and degradation.
A new machine learning-based approach predicts conservation status of over 150,000 plants, identifying 15,000 species at high risk. The method uses data analytics and machine learning to assess habitat features, weather patterns, and physical characteristics.
A new indicator reveals that less than 3% of evaluated species are classified as 'low priority' or 'sufficiently conserved.' Wild coffee plants, Christmas trees, and chocolate's tree are among those in need of protection. The study highlights the urgent need for international conservation targets to meet ambitious goals.
Researchers use camera-trapping to study the Annamite striped rabbit in Vietnam and Laos, revealing its limited range and vulnerability to extinction. The findings highlight the need for effective conservation efforts to protect this critically endangered species.
A recent analysis of Google Trends data reveals a significant rise in public interest in conservation, with monthly searches reaching 110,000. The study's findings suggest that the growing interest in conservation is not diminishing, but rather complementing interest in climate change.
A study calls for a shift in focus from coral reefs to seagrass meadows as they face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. Seagrass conservation is crucial for global fisheries production, carbon cycle, and coastal ecosystem health.
A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.
A new study maps high-probability hot-spots for human-bear conflicts, helping wildlife managers mitigate mortality as bears expand their ranges. Conservation efforts in the Great Basin have led to an increase in bear population and geography, resulting in conflicts with humans.
African protected areas with lions require approximately $1,000-$2,000/km2 in funding for effective conservation. The total annual funding deficit is estimated to be $0.9-2.1 billion, with 88-94% of individual PAs being underfunded.
A new tool, Recovery Explorer, was developed to help conservation scientists make informed decisions on how to allocate limited funds for species recovery. The tool evaluates potential consequences of alternative resource allocation strategies and allows decision makers to examine alternative approaches.
The PPR virus poses a significant threat to conservation efforts, with mass mortality events in critically endangered species like the Mongolian saiga. This highlights the urgent need for explicit inclusion of wildlife protection in the global eradication campaign.
A new tool developed by UBC researchers helps conservationists make data-driven decisions about which species to recover with limited funds. By analyzing empirical data and expert knowledge, the Priority Threat Management tool prioritizes conservation strategies for endangered species.
Researchers found that simulated conservation dairy-farming systems in Pennsylvania's Spring Creek watershed reduced nutrient and sediment losses, improving water quality. By growing all their own feed and forage, using no-till planting and manure injection, these farms achieved significant pollution reductions.
Ecologists from UMass Amherst report documenting rare Asian wild goat species markhor and Siberian ibex in northern Afghanistan. The species are found along the Amu Darya River, with populations declining due to hunting, making conservation efforts necessary.
A recent study published in Biotropica investigates collaboration among scientists in tropical ecology, revealing an increase in international collaboration and representation of tropically-based scientists. The study analyzed years' worth of articles to look for changes in author affiliations and found that more scientists from tropic...
Researchers mapped 329 primate electrocutions in Diani, Kenya, highlighting hotspot areas and patterns of association. The study aims to inform conservation strategies by providing a framework for systematic spatial prioritization of power lines to reduce primate electrocution risks.