The British Library Endangered Archives Programme has extended a UTA-led project to digitize colonial documents in Cuba by another six months. The project aims to capture over two million documents, shedding light on the African diaspora in Cuba between the 16th and 19th centuries.
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.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that measuring beak size can accurately determine the sex of Galapagos penguins, a simple and fast method for field studies. This knowledge will help scientists study the impact of climate change on this endangered species.
Research shows that illegal lynx hunting is a major factor in declining populations in the Šumava national park, with mortality rates increasing from 3-4% to 15-20% between 1998-2014. The study suggests that stopping hunting and preserving habitats are crucial to maintaining the population.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona has found no evidence of domestic dog ancestry in the Mexican wolf population. The analysis of 87 Mexican wolves using genomic technology revealed a low percentage of genetic similarity with domestic dogs, suggesting that the species is genetically pure.
A study found that individuals who perceive vegetarianism as a threat to their way of life tend to exclude certain animal categories from their moral circle. Human supremacy beliefs and perceived vegetarianism threat both predicted the exclusion of fewer animals, with stronger human supremacy beliefs leading to broader exclusions.
Researchers have uncovered five new species of snail-eating snakes with peculiar dining habits, which are considered endangered or vulnerable due to habitat destruction. The study presents a new evolutionary tree for the diverse group of snail eaters in Central and South America.
Scientists have recorded Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal fungus, for the first time in caecilians and amphibians in the Western Ghats. The fungus, Bd, causes chytridiomycosis and poses a significant threat to these species.
A new study by California Sea Grant reveals that even small amounts of running water can make a big difference for juvenile coho salmon in coastal California streams. The research found that pools interconnected by water can help young salmon survive through hot, dry summer months.
New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.
A new facial recognition software and app developed at Michigan State University can help track and protect endangered primates. The PrimNet system outperformed state-of-the-art face recognition systems in head-to-head comparisons, offering a more cost-effective and invasive approach to primate tracking.
A recent study in Current Biology identifies the giant Chinese salamander as having five distinct species, all of which are critically endangered and face imminent extinction. The researchers highlight the importance of genetic assessments and conservation efforts to protect these unique animals.
A new study reveals that ancient communities in South America, particularly the Southern Jê people, played a significant role in expanding the critically endangered Araucaria forests between 1,410 and 900 years ago. The forests, which date back to the time of dinosaurs, were initially established on grasslands and expanded into highlan...
Scientists documented dozens of dolphins and pilot whales, as well as rare Sowerby's beaked whales, endangered sperm whales, and giant ocean sunfish. The aerial survey revealed an incredible abundance of marine life in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.
Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that orangutans exposed to smoke from wildfires eat and rest more, but don't gain weight. The study suggests long-term health problems for critically endangered orangutans.
A new Danish-Vietnamese study has found that Vietnamese consumers buy rhino horn for symbolic gestures to console terminally ill family members, rather than traditional medical reasons. The study suggests that a legal trade of farmed rhino horn is unlikely to reduce poaching, and that other strategies are needed to address the problem.
A recent study found significant differences in nutrient levels and species composition between Devils Hole and a constructed scale replica at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility. The findings suggest that modifications to the refuge's operation could improve the prospects for continued survival of the critically endangered Devi...
A Kyoto University researcher has captured the first Yanbaru whiskered bat in Okinawa since its discovery in 1996. The critically endangered species was found to have a range-restricted habitat within the Yanbaru Forest, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered that certain genes are shared between salamanders and humans, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating spinal cord injuries. By studying the molecular mechanisms at work in salamanders, scientists hope to understand why humans cannot regenerate nerves after injury.
A new DNA method efficiently screens vampire bat blood meal and faecal samples to determine which domestic animals they feed on, while also assessing population structure. This technique may aid in preventing rabies exposure by identifying animal hosts at risk.
A multi-university study is mapping the repeated evolution of similar head shapes among animals using their heads to dig into the ground. The researchers aim to understand how anatomy, development, relationships, and ancestry influence body shape, examining over 400 million years of evolution.
Researchers at James Cook University have successfully developed a sperm freezing technique for African wild dogs, allowing for genetic diversity to be introduced without disrupting pack hierarchy. The technique has the potential to assist outbreeding efforts and maximize population management.
A collaboration between astrophysicists and ecologists is helping to monitor rare and endangered species using thermal infrared imagery captured by drones. The project aims to track, find, and monitor endangered animals easily and prevent poaching.
A proposed Texas border wall would threaten endangered species, cause habitat destruction, and disrupt the region's growing ecotourism industry. The construction of the wall and associated roads could also damage valuable riparian forest ecosystems and harm pollinators.
Rare amphibian species on rocky plateaux in western India are threatened by erosion and disease. The research highlights the need for greater protection of these habitats to preserve the species.
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 UC Santa Barbara-led study found that ending overfishing can promote population recoveries for many endangered species caught incidentally as bycatch. In about half the cases, overexploiting these mammals, turtles and birds occurs because we're also overexploiting the target species.
Researchers developed a microbial detection technique that can reveal previously undetectable bacteria in various environments. KatharoSeq detected bacteria on surfaces at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a neonatal intensive care unit, and an endangered abalone rearing center, revealing new insights for improving environmental health.
A new study found that US animal-related fatalities remained stable from 2008-2015, with most deaths caused by nonvenomous animals like farm animals and dogs. The majority of fatalities were preventable, highlighting the need for education and targeted public policy to reduce animal-related deaths.
Marine animals such as seals, whales, sharks, turtles, seabirds, and others exhibit similar movement patterns globally, despite differences in geography, phylogeny, or travel mode. In coastal areas, tracking data show complex search behavior, while open ocean movements are more predictable.
A new study finds that species adapted to colder waters are more vulnerable to withering syndrome, and that rising water temperatures lead to greater susceptibility. The research also suggests that genetics may play a role in the disease's impact on abalone populations.
Scientists recorded over 4,500 sounds from tagged blue whales to analyze their calling patterns and behaviors. The study found that male whales were chattier at night, producing more calls than females, which may aid in reproduction.
A novel hypothesis proposes that animal diversification resulted from a revolution within the animals' own biology, rather than in surrounding chemistry. Cells with stem cell properties are vital for multicellular life, and tumor cells have developed mechanisms to maintain these properties despite high oxygen levels.
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 Brazilian startup has developed a smartphone app that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify animals. The 'Crowdpet' app combines photos of lost animals registered by owners with snaps of animals found in the street by volunteers, achieving a 99% success rate in distinguishing cats and dogs.
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 comprehensive study published in PeerJ reveals the cheetah's precarious situation in southern Africa, with only 3,577 adult cheetahs estimated to exist. The research identifies two habitats that support a majority of individuals and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic predators.
Researchers used video observations to reveal that deep-sea jellies are key predators and play a crucial role in forming the principal forage base for many commercially-important meso-predators and apex species. The study also found that gelatinous animals have complex food habits spanning the entire food web.
Research expedition tracked endangered tigers through Sumatran jungles, finding low density populations clinging to survival. Well-protected forests are disappearing and fragmenting, erasing tiger habitat gains, mainly due to oil palm plantations.
A new European alliance for oyster conservation has been established to protect the endangered European flat oyster. The alliance seeks to re-establish this key species in the North Sea and adjacent seas through restoration of oyster reef structures.
A new study published in Endangered Species Research found that chronically entangled North Atlantic right whales have high hormone levels indicating severe stress. The research used fecal samples from live, entangled, and dead whales to investigate stress levels and determine cause of death.
Researchers successfully transplanted beneficial microbes from a healthy, related species to a critically endangered Hawaiian plant, Phyllostegia kaalaensis. The treatment provided significant protection against powdery mildew disease, allowing the plants to thrive in the wild for the first time.
A team of researchers discovered a female alligator snapping turtle in Clear Creek, Union County, Illinois, after 30 years of absence. The 22-pound, 15-inch long turtle is believed to be at least 18 years old and not one of the released turtles.
A study models the effects of removing farmed animals from the US agricultural system on food production and greenhouse gas emissions. Removing animals resulted in increased food availability, but also led to nutrient deficiencies and reduced GHG emissions by 28%. The removal of animals had unintended consequences on the food supply
A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.
A genetic rescue technique has increased population numbers and survival rates of the endangered mountain pygmy possum, with a rapid growth of over 200 individuals detected since its introduction in 2011. Habitat restoration, predator control, and environmental protection also played crucial roles in conservation management.
The durian tree relies on the pollination services of the island flying fox, which is critically endangered. The discovery has significant implications for Southeast Asia's tropical ecosystems and the lucrative durian industry.
The Critically Endangered Cycas wadei population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and fires. Empirical methods were used to determine the structure and density of the population, highlighting deficiencies in potassium in the soils as a major resource constraint.
Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.
A new study reveals a majority of sea turtle populations are increasing, thanks to conservation efforts since the 1950s. Despite six species still listed as endangered, population trends show significant upward growth in most regions.
A new statistical model confirms a decline in North Atlantic right whale population since 2010, with adult females experiencing a significant drop. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
Researchers have developed a new welfare assessment grid to help zookeepers monitor the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in their care. The grid provides daily monitoring of factors such as environment quality and daily procedures, enabling zookeepers to identify potential problems and improve animal welfare.
The rehabilitated forest in Drabo harbours about 600 plant species and serves as a sanctuary for many animals. The restoration project has increased West-African forest species while declining pantropical weedy species.
A study using scat-sniffing research dogs helped scientists develop a plan to save reclusive jaguars, pumas, and other endangered carnivores by creating habitat corridors that connect protected areas. The model provides maximum habitat connectivity for all species while minimizing costs through privately owned lands and communities.
Researchers found that large stem cuttings of the Endangered Cycas microneica tree can produce adventitious roots, enabling the creation of large transplants. However, this approach may not address underlying threats such as insect pests and tropical cyclones.
Researchers found that reducing invasive moose populations indirectly lowers wolf density and stops decline of endangered caribou. This approach shows promise as a long-term solution to stabilize the species, which requires population growth to achieve recovery goals.
Researchers found high-quality panda habitat is growing, but areas outside nature reserves are experiencing fragmentation due to human activities and natural events. The study highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to address these gaps.
A University of Guelph study using DNA barcoding technology found 71% of dried shark fins and manta ray gills were from endangered species. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement to prevent protected species from being traded internationally.
A potential Miocene-era breeding site of the extinct baleen whale Parietobalaena yamaokai has been identified in Hiroshima, Japan. The discovery suggests that the northern hemisphere may have supported a breeding ground for this species dating back over 15 million years.
Scientists are searching for Edwards' pheasant, a critically endangered bird species endemic to central Vietnam. Researchers have identified two potential locations where the bird may still exist, using data compiled from known sightings and recordings dating back to the late 1800s.