A review article assesses the current and potential future role of international treaties in lion conservation. The analysis highlights the importance of various global and regional treaties, such as the World Heritage Convention and CITES, for protecting lion habitats and regulating trade in lion products.
A new species of primitive monotrysian micromoth, Cecidonius pampeanus, has been discovered in Brazil, inducing noticeable galls on the Uruguayan pepper tree. The larvae's low survival rate and lack of gene flow amongst populations threaten their extinction.
Scientists discover new species of clearwing moth in Malaysian rainforest, displaying rare mud-puddling behavior. The newly discovered species, Pyrophleps ellawi, is a wasp-mimicking insect with transparent wings and blue sheen.
The Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve in Kuala Lumpur still retains important biodiversity, with 425 plant species recorded, including 159 new species. The reserve's diversity was confirmed through surveys conducted between April 2015 and May 2016.
Researchers developed verified guidelines for monitoring 5 saproxylic beetle species in Europe, utilizing citizen scientists' data collection. The project also found that children's participation in environmental education programs positively impacts their attitude towards nature.
Red squirrels cache seeds in underground storage areas, which grizzly bears dig up and consume, conditioning them to seek grain on trains. This behavior can lead to increased train strikes and human-wildlife conflicts.
A new species of crab with star-shaped tubercles has been discovered in Taiwan and the Philippines. The Pariphiculus stellatus crab's carapace and chelipeds feature pointy protrusions that change with age, giving it a unique appearance.
A team of entomologists has solved the mystery of a secretive fly species by studying mushrooms in Los Angeles. The females were found to lay eggs on mushroom caps, while males were discovered only after citizen scientists alerted researchers.
A collection of thirteen research papers addresses conservation strategies for elusive invertebrates in the European Union. Monitoring saproxylic beetles is feasible, and Citizen Science increases public awareness about Natura 2000 and saproxylic species in forests.
Scientists have found that trained dogs are more successful in detecting hermit beetle larvae than traditional methods. Using trained dogs can locate new populations, confirm the presence of target species, and map colonized trees accurately and efficiently.
Nematodes, tiny worm-like organisms, have shown the ability to survive in dry conditions for up to three years, highlighting the need for improved detection methods. The study found that nematodes can infect plant hosts even after extended periods, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures.
Scientists have discovered two new primitive species of earthworm, Drawida polydiverticulata and Drawida thomasi, in the Western Ghats mountain ranges in Kerala. The species are part of the genus Drawida, which has an important centre of speciation in the state.
A new proposal defines subspecies based on a potentially incipient new species, heritable trait, and geographic isolation. The concept of subspecies has been contentious, but the newly proposed definition aims to simplify its recognition.
A decade-long study in Southeast Brazil's Atlantic Forest reveals reduced biodiversity and diminishing ecosystem services due to cattle farming and expanding agricultural land areas. Key findings include the importance of trees larger than 20 cm in diameter for biomass accumulation.
A new critically endangered tree species, Melicope stonei, has been discovered on Kaua'i, with unique habitat features and limited distribution. Threats to its survival include habitat degradation, predation by invasive species, and environmental events.
The discovery of two new beetle genera and four new species from the Australopacific Region highlights the diversity of saprinine hister beetles. The newly described insects feature interesting morphologies and ecologies, with some species dependent on ants or termites for survival.
Scientists have discovered four new fruit fly species in the Himalaya region of India, revealing previously unknown information about their flower visitation habits. The study also revises the descriptions of all Lordiphosa genus representatives in India and highlights a unique sex comb adaptation in one of the newly described species.
A new record of the Oriental eye fly transmitting conjunctivitis has been discovered in China. Three new species from the same genus were also identified, adding to the understanding of these disease-causing insects.
Scientists describe a new subspecies of yellow sea snake with an unusual ambush posture that feeds on small fish at night. The species has a restricted geographic range due to its adapted habitat, making it susceptible to extinction.
Researchers investigated hydro-edaphic conditions in two savanna areas, sampling 20 permanent plots and classifying 128 plant species into 34 families. The study highlights the importance of conservation in this ecosystem, which has been rapidly modified by agribusiness.
Check List, a reputable biodiversity-themed journal, has joined Pensoft's peer-reviewed and open access family. The new platform offers high-tech perks, including easy publishing and data sharing through platforms like GBIF, Genbank, and Barcode of Life.
A new species of deep-water hermit crab, Paragiopagurus atkinsonae, has been discovered off the West Coast of South Africa. The 'Green-eyed' hermit crab is characterized by its distinctive green coloration and unique home preference, living in soft polypy masses built from sand and sea anemones.
A new bush tomato species has been discovered in Limmen National Park, and named after Senior Botanist Peter Jobson. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting natural areas and supporting conservation efforts.
A new extinct species, 'Archaeoteleia astropulvis', a 100-million-year-old fossil wasp, has been named after David Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding extant fauna to interpret fossils.
A team of ecologists has introduced five new species of the Syzygium genus, one of the world's largest tree genera, to the island of Sulawesi. The discovery highlights the vast, undocumented plant diversity on the island and raises concerns about the conservation of endemic species.
Scientists develop a new method for identifying palm species in the Neotropical genus Syagrus by analyzing the first few millimeters of the leaflet margin. This technique is useful when other morphological characteristics are unclear, providing a reliable alternative for species identification.
Adult female praying mantises in the newly identified genus Hondurantemna chespiritoi have evolved to mimic a leaf by changing color to green and developing larger forewings. This unique camouflage strategy is distinct from that of males, which retain their brown coloration and stick-like body configuration.
Scientists assess invasive alien plant control measures in Kruger National Park, finding shortcomings including inadequate goal-setting and planning. The study recommends prioritizing species based on formal documentation and regular monitoring to optimize funding allocation.
Three EU-funded projects synthesize research knowledge on high-end climate change impacts and adaptation for key policy sectors. Research highlights potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for transformational change, including innovative solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
A new species of frog has been discovered in the Neotropics, featuring transparent skin that allows its heart to be visible. The species, Hyalinobatrachium yaku, is characterized by dark green spots on its head and body, and a unique call. Its distribution is uncertain due to its small size and habitat destruction.
Researchers Dr Adrienne Jochum and her team describe three new Carychium species found in North and Central America, including Georgia, Belize, and Panama. The discovery uses computer tomography to visualize snail shells and identify different species.
Conservation assessments for endemic earthworm species in KwaZulu-Natal Province are hindered by lack of common names. Assigning English names facilitates inclusion in environmental impact assessments, highlighting the importance of biodiversity preservation.
Herpetologists have discovered a new amphibian species, Ophryophryne elfina, in the highlands of Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. The smallest known species of horned mountain toad, it has distinctive small horn-like projections above its eyes and inhabits wet subtropical evergreen forests at high elevations.
Research on marine and coastal cultural ecosystem services is scarce compared to other ecosystem service categories, revealing insights into social-ecological interactions worldwide.
Researchers discover two new shrimp species in burrows at the bottom of the Gulf of California. The study reveals details about the habitats and characteristics of these crustaceans, shedding light on the biodiversity of the region.
Researchers use machine-compiled data to construct a microbial supertree, addressing the challenge of accessing and synthesizing scientific literature. The study demonstrates the potential of high-throughput machine extraction in tackling the vast amount of published science.
Researchers have discovered a new butterfly species, Acentria's fritillary, in northern Israel, with a unique molecular signature different from other fritillary species. The species is likely to be endemic to the region, highlighting its evolutionary history and possible hybridization between two other species.
The study found that Asiatic black bears prefer high-protein foods over fiber-rich ones due to digestive limitations. The bears' dietary preferences shifted as spring progressed, with a notable increase in ant consumption in June and July.
Scientists discover three new species of fungus-farming ants, including Sericomyrmex radioheadi, which grows a unique crystal-like layer on its body. This layer may play a role in protecting the ant's fungus garden from parasites.
Researchers from the University of Guelph and collaborators identified four valid Calinaga species, which originated in southeast Tibet during the Eocene epoch. The study revealed that the genus diversified due to geological changes caused by the collision between Indian and Asian subcontinents.
The study describes 15 new species of parasitic wasps with unique names inspired by Star Trek characters and Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper. The wasps inhabit the Neotropical region and have distinctive features, including large heads and specialized larvae that target lanternflies and planthoppers.
Scientists from Japan have made the first non-destructive morphological observations of the fleshy brittle star Asteronyx loveni using micro-computed tomography. The study, funded via crowdfunding, provides new insights into the species' skeletal ossicles and soft tissues.
Scientists have identified three new species of ground snakes in Ecuador, including the Critically Endangered Cerberus Groundsnake. The study highlights the importance of genetic analysis in resolving problematic species delimitation and conservation efforts.
A new species of hard coral, Cyphastrea salae, has been discovered on Lord Howe Island, Australia, using modern genetic techniques. The discovery highlights the unique fauna of this isolated location in the Tasman Sea and increases the conservation significance of Lord Howe Island.
A new species of terrestrial crab has been discovered in Hong Kong, with characteristics including a dark brown carapace and long legs. The discovery highlights the need for conservation efforts due to habitat destruction caused by pollution and land reclamation.
A new genus of copepods, Eirinicaris antonioi, has been discovered in Brazil's rocky savannas, providing insights into ancient species distribution. The discovery highlights the vast amounts of undiscovered biodiversity in these ecosystems, which face significant anthropogenic threats.
Research published in BioDiscovery found that topical curcumin gel significantly reduces burn and scald severity, lessens pain, and improves healing with minimal scarring. Dr. Madalene Heng's study suggests curcumin's anti-inflammatory activity is key to its effectiveness.
Two top entomology students, Paul Baker and Emily Nadeau, were honored with the naming of new wasp species, Leuroagathis paulbakeri and Scabagathis emilynadeauae. A new genus, Chimaeragathis, is also named after the Greek mythological monster Chimera, reflecting its distinct diagnostic characters.
A new study argues that taxonomic images, as standardized references for biodiversity data, are exempt from copyright laws. The authors recommend reusing such images without permission, citing ethical and scholarly standards.
Research reveals that expression levels of ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporters significantly affect cell resistance to Dasatinib. Lower transporter expression levels mediate lower resistance, implying a potential breakthrough for targeted cancer treatment.