A new study calls for a shift in conservation approaches that consider humans' livelihoods, cultural traditions, and dependence on natural resources. This can lead to successful conservation projects when both natural and social scientists work together with local communities.
Researchers have designed a model network of marine reserves to protect spiny lobsters and increase fishing yields in Honduras. The study resolves the 'conserve or catch' conflict by showing that it's possible to balance conservation and economic goals.
Researchers explore how Pokémon Go inspires high levels of behavioral change among users, discovering non-virtual wildlife and learning basic natural history concepts. The game's success highlights opportunities for conservation, but also potential challenges such as replacing real-world nature interactions with virtual ones.
A new study found that people choose to visit countryside areas based on their recreational value, rather than their conservation importance. The research suggests that even sites of high conservation value do not receive more visits due to their attractiveness.
A new study reveals that consumers may actually be eating more sustainably due to mislabeled seafood. The research found that mislabeled fish are often substituted with species of better conservation status and lower prices.
Researchers found that statistics on endangered species, such as population decline and territory size, can elicit varying levels of fear among the public. Those with rational thinking styles perceived all five criteria as similar in terms of risk, while those with low rationality scores viewed differences between them.
A new study from the University of Delaware has found that people prefer to invest in conservation, such as protecting key areas of a watershed, over traditional water treatment plants. Participants in the field experiment were more willing to donate to conservation causes than drinking water utilities.
A genetic survey of nearly 450 jaguar scat samples found moderate levels of variation, with low diversity in Mexico and Honduras. The study suggests limited gene flow between Selva Maya and Honduran jaguars, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to reconnect populations and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
A University of Kent study suggests that rural areas can provide for both people and wildlife if agriculture is administered sustainably. The study recommends a policy mix combining regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, including strategic land use planning and incentives for sustainable agricultural practices.
A study by Ohio State University and The Nature Conservancy reveals that protecting Lake Erie's streams will require substantial conservation efforts, particularly in reducing phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment runoff. The research uses computer modeling to gauge the impact of various conservation scenarios, highlighting the need for t...
The Great Elephant Census reports a 30% decline in savannah elephant populations over the last decade, primarily due to poaching. The census estimates that there are currently around 352,271 savannah elephants in Africa, with conservation efforts facing significant challenges to protect these endangered animals.
The American Ornithologists' Union recognizes five individuals for their outstanding contributions to science and service. Dr. Patricia Parker, Dr. Michael Sorenson, Dr. John Fitzpatrick, Dr. Mary Caswell Stoddard, and Dr. James Herkert receive awards for their work in ecology, conservation, behavior, systematics, and more.
A new study reveals that controlling invasive mammal populations can prevent as much as 75 percent of predicted island-level extinctions for globally threatened vertebrates. The research identifies specific islands where conservation efforts will have the greatest impact, providing valuable guidance for conservation interventions.
A new method developed by WCS, University of York, and Uganda Wildlife Authority improves ranger patrol allocation and targets specific conservation priorities. This resulted in a 250% increase in detections of illegal activities such as poaching and cattle encroachment without changing the number of rangers.
New analysis reveals that 72% of the world's threatened species are imperiled due to human activities such as agriculture, land conversion, and overharvesting. Well-managed protected areas and sustainable agricultural practices can help reduce biodiversity loss.
A study of 100 species found that over 90% were affected by the forest edge effect, with the majority declining in abundance. The negative impact extended far into the forest interior, making conservation efforts crucial to protect biodiversity.
A group of international conservation scientists has issued a call for actions to halt further declines of large wild-animal species. The authors emphasize that an extinction crisis is unfolding for megafauna, with 59% of carnivores and 60% of herbivores classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List.
A global plan is necessary to prevent the extinction of megafauna, including elephants, rhinos, and big cats, which play critical roles in ecosystems. The study highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts to address threats like illegal hunting, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has partnered with the Land Trust Alliance to launch the Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, aiming to improve bird conservation on private lands. The initiative provides technical support, workshops, and a Resources Directory to help land trusts enhance bird habitats.
A recent survey led by UMass Amherst researcher Zulmai Moheb confirms the existence of a small population of Bactrian deer in northern Afghanistan, a sub-species believed to have been extinct since the 1970s. The animals urgently need conservation due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
The Boreal felt lichen, a critically endangered species, is expected to decline by 49% within 25 years if conservation efforts are not increased. Human impacts such as air pollution and habitat destruction are major contributors to the decline.
A study by WCS and University of Queensland found that countries most in need of conservation are not investing enough, despite being home to most of the Earth's biodiversity. The researchers recommend adopting culturally-appropriate conservation efforts to promote economic development and wealth before acting on conservation.
A study finds that fishing closures in Indonesia's shark sanctuary increase shark abundance, while also forcing fishermen to fish in unprotected areas, often turning to illegal practices. Ecotourism may provide an alternative livelihood, but its impact on fishing pressure and illegal activity is uncertain.
Researchers used GIS tools to identify high-risk poaching areas and proposed drone surveillance for more efficient conservation efforts. The study found that open savannah areas with roads and water features are hotspots for poaching.
A study by researchers from the University of Exeter found that marine turtle trade continues despite conservation efforts, with a shift towards commercial harvesting in certain islands. The study suggests refining conservation interventions and focusing on suppliers and consumers for more robust solutions.
The loss of oldest female elephants guides their families to resources and holds decades of social knowledge. This could cause cascading effects on ecosystem function, as these females play a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining habitats.
The study found that fisheries management types, distance to fish markets, and water temperatures are crucial in predicting fish biomass levels. It also suggests a recovery time of 8.1 years for individual reef systems to reach a critical level of 1,150 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare.
A North Carolina State University study surveyed elementary students' priorities for wildlife conservation, finding that children's choices mirrored those of conservation biologists. Students prioritized species with rapid population declines and those important in nature over other attributes.
The Nature Conservation journal has published a study on the illegal trade of Indian Star tortoises across Asia, which gained significant media attention. The journal has also seen a significant increase in publications, authors, and readers over the past four years.
A new Duke University-led study uses mapping software to track threats to endangered species, pinpointing areas for conservation. The San Martin titi monkey's habitat has been fragmented due to farming, logging, and urbanization, with nearly 95% of remaining habitats too small or poorly connected to support viable populations.
Researchers argue that network governance models can help big conservation alliances govern themselves and strengthen connections through communication. This approach emphasizes inclusivity, allowing disparate stakeholders to envision common goals and choose metrics for measuring progress.
A new study from Colorado State University found that improving habitats for game animals has mixed consequences for other wildlife in the same setting. The research calls for a more holistic approach to current management efforts.
A new study found that conservation research is predominantly conducted in less biodiverse countries, exacerbating the global biodiversity crisis. The study suggests that biases in the field of conservation science must be addressed to meet international targets.
The study analyzed cycad species in The Red List, verifying 303 accepted taxa and finding no canonical description of conservation metrics. The research revealed varying threat categories among genera and geographic regions.
A global study found that invasive mammal eradications on islands result in substantial conservation gains, benefiting 596 native species populations. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of this simple and cost-effective conservation intervention.
A study of 200 years reveals a steady loss of butterfly species in nature conservation areas, which are largely ineffective in protecting them. The decline is attributed to high emissions of reactive nitrogen, promoting the growth of plants that outcompete larval host plants and alter nutrient composition.
A new study reveals that local populations of threatened species may adapt to specific conditions, necessitating different conservation strategies. The research suggests using ecological models to predict suitable areas for each population, improving conservation efforts for the Karner blue butterfly and Siberian primrose.
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers found that conservation aid alone has not prevented deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that in some cases, conservation aid may have exacerbated forest loss due to displacement of forest clearing activities outside protected areas.
Shark researchers support most available conservation policies, with a majority favoring sustainable fishing regulations. Many also prioritize environmental non-profit advocacy and believe there is no single policy to solve all shark conservation problems.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
A recent study has found that the majority of species are poorly known, making it difficult to determine their conservation status. Newly discovered species are often found to have smaller ranges and occupancies, as well as greater perceived extinction risk.
The global checklist of hornworts and liverworts is a crucial component of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, aiming to halt plant diversity loss. The initiative has been developed by an international team of researchers, who have utilized existing datasets and centralised nomenclature, taxonomy, and geography on a global scale.
Research finds traditional agroforestry systems enhance endangered and vulnerable species diversity in Southeast Asian forests. Fruit gardens introduce native trees with fleshy fruits, increasing food resources for frugivorous animals.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that China's National Forest Conservation Program increased forest cover and improved wildlife habitat, particularly for the giant panda. The program's payment scheme proved effective in engaging local residents to monitor and protect forests.
A University of Georgia study suggests that ecotourism and natural resource conservation can work together to protect sensitive ecosystems. The study proposes a symbiotic relationship where increased conservation leads to higher economic value for natural landscapes, ultimately benefiting both ecotourists and local communities.
A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.
A new method, known as the 'systems behaviour chart', is proposed by Dr Simon Black to focus conservation efforts and improve management. This tool can help identify early warning signs of ecological problems, such as population declines or increased mortality rates, allowing for timely interventions to be made.
A Clemson University team will study the effects of conservation easements on land-use patterns, public participation, and ecosystem integrity. They will compare outcomes for easements with differing purposes and levels of public oversight.
A study published in Royal Society's journal found that marine conservation projects can have unequal impacts on different community groups, such as men vs women or the elderly. The researchers suggest tailoring projects to address these disparities and promote more effective poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.
The conservation community has taken swift and coordinated action to prevent the introduction and spread of Batrachocytrium salamandrivorans, a deadly fungal pathogen threatening North American salamander populations. Conservation organizations have called for policy changes to aid in preventing the disease's entry into the region.
Constantine M. Dafermos will receive the 2016 Norbert Wiener Prize in Applied Mathematics for his pioneering research on nonlinear conservation laws and thermomechanics. He is recognized as one of the world's top experts in the theory of conservation laws.
A study by Osaka University reveals that household income, actual energy consumption, and perception of savings are closely linked. The research found growing gaps between consumption behavior and perceptions of conservation, particularly among high and moderate energy consumers.
A new study found that recreational anglers who received education on shark conservation were more supportive of management and conservation efforts. The researchers surveyed 158 anglers in South Florida, revealing that many catch-and-release anglers recognized the post-release mortality risks for sharks.
A new study examines the spatial distribution of conservation lands in the Appalachian Mountains. The research found that social factors play a more significant role in the distribution of conservation easements than environmental factors.
A study published in Current Biology confirms the phenomenon of horizontal extinction cascades, where the loss of one carnivore species can trigger the demise of fellow predators. The researchers' findings suggest that adopting a whole system approach is crucial for effective conservation.
The Peruvian government has designated a 3.3 million-acre Amazonian rainforest as a national park, home to thousands of plant and animal species. The creation of the park marks the culmination of 10 years of conservation efforts by The Field Museum and numerous organizations.
A study found that larger protected areas, especially those in high population density regions, are more likely to undergo a downgrading event. The researchers highlight the need for conservation planners to consider the robustness of protected areas towards future economic and demographic changes.
A Stanford-led study assesses the health of yellow cedar trees in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, revealing early signs of climate change-induced dieback. The research highlights the need for new conservation strategies that integrate ecological and social dimensions to safeguard species vulnerable to climate change.
New research explores the relationship between protected areas and poverty, as well as their effects on human well-being. The studies propose guiding principles for evaluating conservation interventions' impacts on local communities.
A study published in HortScience has identified optimal conditions for managing conservation nurseries in Guam, focusing on three endangered tree species. Moderate shade maximizes seedling emergence percentage and velocity for Elaeocarpus joga and Tabernaemontana rotensis, while deep shade enhances growth for Serianthes nelsonii.