A coalition of conservation groups protected a vital 1,600-acre site in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif, safeguarding the last breeding ground of the Globally Endangered Santa Marta Parakeet. The site also provides habitat for 18 bird species and five threatened amphibians.
The Republic of Kiribati establishes the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, a 184,700 sq km marine reserve with abundant marine and bird life. The move aims to protect coral reefs, fish populations, and other species from overfishing and climate change.
The report highlights successful environmental and cultural management in popular cruise destinations, including philanthropic funds for local communities and scientific laboratories on ships. It also provides recommendations for how stakeholders can work together to minimize negative impacts while promoting conservation.
A two-week expedition to Saba Bank Atoll in the Caribbean has discovered over a dozen new species of seaweeds, including commercially valuable ones, and recorded 200 fish species, compared to fewer than 50 before. The atoll's unique marine life makes it a prime candidate for designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).
A team of scientists from Conservation International and the Indonesian Institute of Science discovered dozens of new species, including a rare bird of paradise, a new honeyeater, frogs, butterflies, and a tree kangaroo. The expedition revealed an untouched tropical forest ecosystem, providing insights into biodiversity conservation.
The new book provides comprehensive information on lemurs, including detailed photos and illustrations, to help identify the 71 species found in Madagascar. Conservation International's updated guide highlights the critical need to protect lemurs due to deforestation and habitat destruction.
The Paraguay River Basin, home to the Pantanal wetlands, faces critical threats from agriculture, cattle grazing, and coal mining. Deforestation has already destroyed almost 45% of the original vegetation, with some areas losing over 90%. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the region's biodiversity and ecosystems.
A new study by Conservation International and WWF reveals significant discrepancies between CITES and US Customs data on international wildlife trade, with figures varying wildly from 5,200 percent. The study identifies widespread errors and inefficiencies in recordkeeping, hindering effective conservation efforts.
A new partnership between Roots of Peace and Conservation International aims to remove landmines from critical access corridors used by elephants in Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The project will create a conservation and development area, promoting sustainable reserve and ecotourism programs.
The BP Conservation Programme has announced a new five-year initiative to support global biodiversity conservation. The program has provided annual support to teams of conservationists for 15 years, with past projects describing approximately 25 species new to science and influencing local community environmental awareness.
SC Johnson's donation will help conserve 7.5 acres of forest and reduce deforestation in Madagascar. The partnership aims to mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity through sustainable agriculture and ecosystem services.
Conservation International launches unprecedented marine conservation initiatives, including seascapes and a Global Marine Species Assessment, to protect critical marine ecosystems. The programs aim to address declining ocean wildlife, pollution, and other conservation issues.
Carlos Manuel Rodriguez was awarded the first-ever Global Ocean Conservation Award for his groundbreaking work in advancing global marine conservation, fisheries reform, and ocean science. He is recognized for his leadership in securing a U.N. moratorium on high seas bottom trawling and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
A global assessment of amphibian populations reveals that nearly one-third of species are threatened with extinction, with many more considered vulnerable. Key drivers of decline include habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and climate change.
A possible new Ebola outbreak could lead to the deaths of over 20,000 western lowland gorillas within months if confirmed. The park is home to an estimated 30,000 gorillas, and a study suggests that when Ebola affects an area, more than 80% of great apes die from the disease.
The Delacour's langur is one of the most Critically Endangered primates in the world, with only 300 individuals remaining. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, but time is running out, and it may soon become extinct.
A single individual of the Cozumel Thrasher, a bird species believed to be extinct for over 35 years, has been confirmed by field biologists. The rediscovery opens possibilities for establishing protected areas and conserving this unique species and its habitat.
The winners operate in the UAE, Australia, Barbados, and Indonesia, showcasing a balance between tourism and nature conservation. The awards recognize companies making significant contributions to protecting natural areas, cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable tourism.
The Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards aim to address the shortcomings of existing land-based climate strategies by incorporating environmental and social issues. The standards evaluate projects that mitigate or adapt to climate change while conserving biodiversity and alleviating poverty.
The BP Conservation Programme is awarding $600,000 to 29 student-led teams for critical conservation projects worldwide. Winners will attend practical workshops and learn from global experts to carry out their projects.
The Caucasus region, home to 51 globally threatened species, will receive a significant boost for conservation efforts thanks to $8.5 million in grants from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The funding will support conservation efforts across six countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
A recent analysis of 11,633 species published in Nature found that more than 300 critically endangered species are completely unprotected. The study emphasizes the need for a major shift in conservation strategies to prevent large-scale species extinctions over the next few decades.
A new multi-million dollar grant from Conservation International aims to save the eastern lowland gorilla by strengthening conservation efforts in the region. The investment will increase protection of over 3 million hectares, preserving a high degree of biological richness and species endemism.
The Pacific leatherback turtle's population has declined by 97% since 1982, with fewer than 3,000 females remaining. A two-pronged approach is needed to save the species, including stronger protections for nesting beaches and safer fishing practices.
The Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape initiative protects 211 million hectares of marine habitat, including nesting grounds for the critically endangered leatherback turtle. The project addresses mounting evidence that the ocean is under duress, with 90% of large predatory fish populations and 75% of commercial fish populations at risk.
A study predicts that climate change will put 15-37% of species in biodiversity-rich regions at risk of extinction by 2050. The study used computer models to simulate the impact of changing temperatures on species distributions, and found that well over a million species could be threatened with extinction.
The government aims to safeguard 10% of its territory by tripling protected areas, with a focus on preserving primary forests and promoting sustainable land use. Madagascar is home to unique and endemic species found nowhere else.
The report highlights the growth of tourism in fragile ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. Sustainable tourism development can balance economic and environmental needs, providing opportunities for conservation and local community well-being.
The global protected area network is underfunded, with a chronic lack of resources leading to ineffective management and degradation of resources. The shortfall has catastrophic results, including habitat loss and extinctions in developing countries.
A new study analyzing 11,000 mammal, amphibian and bird species reveals major gaps in the global protected area system, placing over 700 species at risk of extinction. The analysis highlights urgent conservation priorities for tropical areas, islands, and specific endangered species.
The Brazilian state of Amazonas has announced the creation of six new protected areas, covering over 40% of its territory. These areas will help safeguard the region's rich biodiversity and support conservation initiatives.
A global analysis reveals that 44% of the Earth's land surface consists of 24 wilderness areas, but they are occupied by only 3% of the world's population. These high-biodiversity wilderness areas face significant threats from human activities, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect them.
A study revealed 253 Caribbean marine species are endemic, with many having tiny ranges making them susceptible to extinction. Destructive fishing practices and development threaten these micro-endemic species.
A 3,360-acre marine protected area has been established off Belize's southeastern coast to safeguard the region's highest priority area for conservation. The area is home to over 25 reef fish species and is a key spawning ground for the endangered whale shark.
Indonesia aims to create 5 million hectares of new marine protected areas, with the help of $1 million investment from Conservation International's Global Conservation Fund. The move is part of efforts to reverse ocean decline and promote sustainable development.
The Defying Ocean's End conference aims to reverse the ocean's decline through a science-based international effort. The plan includes promoting a World Ocean Public Trust, expanding global marine parks, assessing conservation priorities, creating an ocean ethic, and implementing bold action steps.
The Succulent Karoo, a biodiversity hotspot with high plant diversity and unique species, is receiving $8 million in grants to combat declining biodiversity. The initiative aims to empower local communities and organizations to take action in conservation efforts.
The World Legacy Awards honor three tourism projects for their exceptional balance between nature conservation, heritage protection, and social responsibility. Wilderness Safaris in South Africa, ATG Oxford in Italy, and the REST Project in Thailand were recognized for their contributions to sustainable tourism.
Global analysis reveals 46% of the Earth's land surface is still intact wilderness, but only 2.4% of the world's population inhabits it. The areas are under threat from encroaching agriculture and resource extraction, with only 7% enjoying protection.
According to a recent report from Conservation International, 25 primates are now threatened with extinction, with Asia accounting for almost 45% of the world's most endangered primates. Habitat loss and hunting are major factors in the decline of these species, and urgent conservation action is required to prevent extinctions.
The western chimpanzee is critically endangered with only 4% of its original population remaining. Conservation efforts are underway to address threats such as agricultural development, logging, and the bush meat trade. The action plan provides a roadmap for halting or reversing the decline in chimpanzee numbers in West Africa.
Bushmeat consumption has been linked to chemical poisoning, with 30% of samples containing organochlorines, carbamates, and organophosphorus. The Ghana government aims to reverse the extinction of wildlife through sustainable alternatives like wildlife farming and education campaigns.
The Tumucumaque Mountains National Park, covering 9,562,770 acres, protects pristine forests and endangered species like jaguars, giant anteaters, and harpy eagles. The park ensures the conservation of biodiversity in the Brazilian Amazon.
The U.S.-Peru debt-for-nature swap aims to conserve ten tropical rain forest areas covering over 27.5 million acres, home to rare biodiversity and threatened species. The agreement generates funds for local Peruvian conservation groups and provides critical income streams for front-line conservation efforts.
Scientists have discovered two new monkey species, Callicebus bernhardi and Callicebus stephennashi, which are named after Prince Bernhard and Stephen Nash. These discoveries highlight the vast biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, with over 95 species of primates found in Brazil alone.
A recent marine expedition off Madagascar has doubled the number of described corals in the area, highlighting the importance of protecting this region's biodiversity. The team also found nine new coral species and three new fish species, shedding light on the need for sustainable conservation efforts.
The discovery of a new insect order, Mantophasmatodea, brings the total number of orders to 31. The species, resembling a mix between a stick insect and a preying mantis, was found in Namibia's Brandberg Mountain, which may have preserved its unique habitat for millions of years.
Biodiversity hotspots, home to 55% of world's primates and 22% of carnivores, are facing extinction, threatening 343 million years of evolutionary history. Preserving these ecosystems is crucial to maintaining genetic diversity and the survival of species.
The world's top 10 coral reef hotspots, rich in marine species found only in small areas and highly vulnerable to extinction, have been identified. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these critical ecosystems from human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and climate change.
The discovery of the Jaragua Sphaero, a lizard measuring about three quarters of an inch from snout to tail, highlights the Caribbean's unique species diversity. Rapid population growth, agricultural practices, and lack of access to data contribute to the region's biodiversity loss.