A recent study by WCS and WWF suggests that the decline of Grevy's zebras may be linked to competitive displacement by livestock, rather than lion predation. The population of Grevy's zebras is stabilizing with recruitment tripling since 2004.
A new study uses modeling tools to identify areas where forest conservation in Fiji can reduce harm to coral reefs and their fish populations. The research found that protecting or restoring native forests can provide the most benefit to downstream coral reef systems.
A new paper uses social and ecological theory to analyze human-black bear conflicts in Colorado, highlighting the importance of understanding both animal and human behavior. By incorporating efforts to study humans alongside animals, researchers can better address conservation challenges.
A study by Penn State researcher Derek E. Lee found that community-based conservation management in Tanzania increases wildlife densities and giraffe population growth. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring wildlife management rights to local communities.
Researchers found significant overlap between areas suitable for oil palm production and primate conservation priorities in Africa, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to balance both interests. Only a few regions, like Madagascar, were identified as suitable for palm oil production with low conservation risks for primates.
A team of international scientists found that preserving phylogenetic diversity among species can preserve 18% more functional diversity than selecting species at random. However, in some areas and groups, this method was less effective, highlighting the need for further research and adaptation.
A study found that protecting tropical forest carbon stocks is ineffective for biodiversity in ecologically valuable forests. In fact, up to 77% of species protected through carbon conservation were not saved in these areas. The researchers suggest focusing on both carbon and biodiversity conservation efforts to safeguard unique wildlife.
A new study reveals that tropical forest conservation policies are not compensating the world's poorest people, despite good intentions. Researchers found that local communities face significant economic costs and are often arrested for cultivating ancestral land, highlighting the need for proper compensation to be affordable.
A new strategy prioritizes core habitat areas, corridors linking them, and hotspots for human-lion conflict to inform lion conservation actions in southern Africa. The study identified nine key dispersal areas and 27 potential hotspots for human-wildlife conflict, guiding conservation efforts.
A new study led by Francisco Ramírez from the University of Barcelona identifies key areas to protect 20% of sea bird populations in Patagonia. The research uses a multidisciplinary approach to define marine areas of interest in conservation, considering ocean currents and coastal ecosystems.
The koala's complete genome has been sequenced, offering unprecedented insights into its unique biology and potential health solutions. The research provides a springboard for conservation efforts and may lead to the discovery of new anti-microbial genes with human health applications.
A large-scale study examines giant panda habitat use trends and changing threats to their survival, providing scientific evidence of conservation success. However, emerging new threats such as livestock and human disturbance are offsetting gains, highlighting the need for continued protections and adaptive management.
A recent study reveals that giant panda conservation provides significant ecosystem services, including provisioning, regulation, and cultural benefits, worth ~ $2.6-6.9 billion annually. The cost-benefit ratio is approximately 10-27 times the conservation investment, highlighting the value of investing in panda conservation.
A recent study reveals that giant panda conservation has a substantial economic value, with estimates suggesting the reserves provide $2.6-6.9 billion per year in ecosystem services. The research suggests that expanding these reserves and investments in natural capital could be a worthwhile strategy for conservation.
A new study provides a reliable map of Javan leopard distribution, highlighting priority landscapes and fragmented habitats. The predictive model reveals the importance of connectivity between protected areas and human-modified landscapes for the long-term survival of the species.
International research found many marine protected areas inefficiently located and costly, failing to meet global targets. The study suggests a more strategic approach could reduce costs and improve conservation outcomes.
A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers reveals that urban water conservation policies are closely tied to a city's political leaning, with left-leaning cities adopting stronger water-saving measures. This finding suggests that water conservation may be more politicized than previously thought, and could have important implica...
A new review suggests that lion conservation research should consider the environment, wild prey, and domesticated livestock to develop effective policies. Interdisciplinary research teams with expertise in biology, ecology, economics, sociology, and more can help address the complex issue of human-lion conflict.
A study evaluating human pressures on coral reefs found that high human pressure decreases effectiveness of conservation strategies, while low pressure preserves fish biomass and top predator populations. Conservation gains were highest in areas with moderate human pressure, highlighting the need for targeted management approaches.
Researchers challenge trophy hunting's effectiveness in wildlife conservation, citing moral concerns and advocating for ecotourism alternatives. They argue charging hunters to kill animals is a last resort rather than a fallback plan.
A new framework for global conservation prioritization is presented, incorporating four-step process of harm avoidance, minimization, remediation, and offsetting. The approach aims to establish effective conservation priorities, bridging current regulatory gaps and enabling more efficient conservation.
A Montana State University ecologist has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright appointment to work on a project helping countries meet conservation goals set by an international agreement. The project aims to analyze ecosystem data gathered by NASA, which could help over 30 countries protect biodiversity.
A new WCS paper finds that global demographic and economic trends could create conditions for a possible renaissance of nature. The authors propose protecting threatened wildlife and wild places, creating sustainable cities, and inspiring consumer choices to conserve the natural world.
The Guidelines on Business and KBAs provide steps for businesses to actively safeguard biodiversity and avoid contributing to its loss. Businesses are recommended to adopt 15 guidelines to better manage their impacts on places deemed critical for species and ecosystems worldwide.
A new research project aims to support small-scale fisherman livelihoods while achieving national and international conservation goals. The project builds on the successful Lyme Bay project, which showed that conservation gains can be achieved while benefiting local fishermen.
A new study found that scientific models used to determine which species and habitats to protect lack critical information, leading to ineffective conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for more accurate species distribution models to target conservation efforts in areas with the most impact.
Researchers at zoos and aquariums have published a substantial number of papers on biodiversity conservation and other scientific topics. The study highlights the importance of age, size, and mission statements in determining research output.
A new method prioritizes species for conservation efforts in the face of uncertainty. The approach overcomes data limitations to identify phylogenetic conservation priorities, producing accurate estimates of evolutionary distinctness scores.
New research from Virginia Tech shows that personal outreach to landowners is vital to the success of conservation programs. Landowners who accompanied conservation biologists on site visits had higher trust in the agency and better perceptions of program outcomes. The study highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions in sha...
Researchers found that human-centered design approaches minimize costs by creating programs seen as desirable from the start. The approach considers both resource needs and participant needs during program design, increasing participation rates among fishers in Chile.
The Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd has welcomed its first IVF-calved female, conceived using eggs and sperm from Yellowstone genetics. The breakthrough could provide a solution for conserving endangered species like the Northern white rhinoceros.
A new Michigan State University study reveals that participants in payments for ecosystem services programs may become conservation martyrs due to oversimplified payment models. The research highlights the importance of considering opportunity costs at the beginning and monitoring benefits over time to ensure participant well-being.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that US National Parks are essential for bird conservation in a changing climate. By 2041-2070, the average park is expected to support 29% more species in winter and 6% more species in summer.
Didik Prasetyo, a Rutgers doctoral student, is dedicated to understanding and protecting endangered great apes through his research. His recent study estimates that over 100,000 Bornean orangutans have been lost between 1999 and 2015, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action.
A new study predicts that climate change will severely impact the Albertine Rift, one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. Nearly 50% of endemic mammals, birds, plants, and other species found nowhere else on earth are expected to become threatened by 2080.
A study found that trappers in Madagascar do not perceive conservation as important to their work, and the income from wildlife trade is not enough to create incentives for species and habitat protection. The research suggests that local people's engagement in biodiversity conservation needs to be better incorporated into policies.
A new study by Michigan Technological University proposes principles for resolving conservation conflicts that also consider social justice. The principles focus on three key values: equality, need, and desert, which aim to balance human well-being with environmental protection.
Conservation partnerships between protected lands and their non-protected neighbors can significantly improve a region's ability to accommodate species migration in response to shifting climates. The study found that these partnerships could increase the adaptation indicators for each area by up to two orders of magnitude.
Researchers from the University of Exeter use drones to track turtles over large areas, gaining insights into their behavior and movements at sea. The technology also offers cheaper alternatives for gathering information and provides new avenues for anti-poaching efforts.
A new study by Michigan State University reveals that conserving mussels is linked to protecting their host fish species. The research found that different mussel varieties are tied to specific fish hosts and prioritize conservation efforts must protect both. This understanding will inform the development of effective conservation stra...
The partnership aims to develop decision-making tools based on satellite observations of Earth, which can be used worldwide. Conservation International is working with governments and stakeholders to implement policies that preserve natural resources along the Mekong River.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that old-growth forests in Costa Rica's Coto Brus region have a greater variety of bird species compared to second-growth forests. This suggests that maintaining large areas of primary forest is crucial for conservation efforts.
A new collection captures the long-neglected human side of science through peer-reviewed stories on conservation. The collection highlights the emotional highs and lows of scientists working to preserve species and ecosystems.
Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.
Research found that forest owners at greater risk of causing deforestation are more likely to participate in conservation programs when controlled harvesting is allowed. Sustainable timber harvesting was a key factor in their willingness to accept contracts, suggesting that such practices can enhance ecological impacts.
New studies suggest that biodiversity might be remaining steady globally, even as species go extinct and decline locally. However, other research finds a mix of stability and increase in species richness at various locations worldwide.
A new study by ZSL and Utah State University argues that rewilding is a crucial approach to address global biodiversity loss. The research calls for revised legislation to facilitate the inclusion of rewilding in conservation efforts, with a focus on monitoring progress and understanding social impacts.
A new study examines nutrient loss reduction strategies from three upper Midwestern states and finds promise in certain practices like cover crops and bioreactors. The researchers also assess the trackability and stackability of these practices, which will aid decision makers in choosing specific conservation practices to adopt or avoid.
A new study demonstrates how conservation techniques championed by Maine lobstermen help mitigate the impacts of warming oceans. The research found that conservation efforts prepared the Gulf of Maine population for temperature changes, leading to a 515% increase in lobster abundance.
Researchers found a 515% increase in American lobster abundance in the Gulf of Maine from 1985 to 2014, while southern New England saw an 78% decline. Proactive fishery conservation measures may help mitigate climate change effects on commercial fisheries.
Researchers aim to enhance qualitative techniques like interviews and focus groups to improve conservation research. The special issue provides a checklist for scientists to follow and encourages collaboration across disciplines.
A study published in PLOS One found that lions in the same conservation area as giraffes reduces calf populations by up to 82 percent. This has significant implications for giraffe population sustainability and conservation efforts. Giraffe populations have declined by 40 percent over the last 30 years.
The Bocas dolphin population in Panama's archipelago is genetically isolated and faces high risk from increasing local boat traffic. The study suggests designating the population as 'endangered' due to low numbers and high mortality rates.
A new policy process aims to overcome the stalemate on ivory trade, recognizing the moral perspectives of both proponents and opponents. The researchers' structured approach seeks to help stakeholders understand each other's views, making informed decisions that balance conservation with economic interests.
A Brazilian-American research group has published a comprehensive study on monitoring the survival of muriquis, two critically endangered primate species. The study highlights key factors such as population trends, conservation priorities, and feasibility, providing a roadmap for preserving these unique animals.
A recent study has made wilderness area maps freely available to aid researchers and conservationists in mitigating climate change. The majority of remaining wilderness areas are found in Central Australia, the Amazon rainforest, and boreal forests.
Researchers use language tree to identify unique languages with low close relatives, guiding preservation efforts. A tool is developed to target conservation priorities, helping minimize linguistic diversity loss.
A new study found that fewer than 3,600 adult cheetahs remain in southern Africa, with most cats living within just two habitats. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species, particularly those who live on or travel through livestock farms.
A recent study published in Biological Conservation highlights the effects of selective logging on great ape populations before, during, and after timber extraction. The research found that western lowland gorillas avoided areas during logging but returned after it passed through, while chimpanzees were less likely to return to their n...
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has awarded $2.5 million in new grants through its Climate Adaptation Fund to support innovative conservation projects addressing the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems. The grants aim to help species, ecosystems, and communities adapt to rapidly shifting environmental conditions.