The Horizon Europe-funded PollinERA project has launched a new open-access collection in the Food and Ecological Systems Modelling Journal to tackle pollinator population declines. The collection provides ecotoxicological knowledge gaps datasets, pollinator pesticide risk indicators, and models for chemicals and pollinator populations.
The eLTER Science Conference will feature scientific sessions on various topics, including groundwater dynamics and ecosystem restoration. The event will also include keynote addresses and interactive workshops, with over 300 international participants expected.
A new study highlights the devastating impact of illegal ritualistic hunts in West Bengal, India, where over 5,000 animals are estimated to be killed annually. The research reveals that these large-scale events target more than 90 species, including those at risk of extinction.
The BioAgora project is launching a new funding call to support capacity development activities that bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking. Applicants are invited to propose initiatives that will enable knowledge exchange, collaborative practices, and shared values in biodiversity conservation efforts.
The journal welcomes Dr. Ana Novoa Perez, Prof. Tammy Robinson, Prof. Phil Hulme, and Dr. Andrew Liebhold to bring expertise in invasion science, aiming to expand global reach and impact.
The International Mycological Association has partnered with Pensoft to transition its flagship journal, IMA Fungus, to the ARPHA publishing platform. The new collaboration aims to improve and streamline the publication process, providing faster review cycles and more efficient communication.
The SOLO project held its second face-to-face stakeholder meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, focusing on soil health research and innovation. The event brought together 60 participants, including project partners and external stakeholders, to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Pensoft Publishers will host a side event at COP29, showcasing the impact of open science on effective policy-making. The event aims to demonstrate how open-access research informs evidence-based policies, enabling successful implementation of biodiversity and climate frameworks.
A recent study highlights that over one-third of Vietnam's 329 mammal species are threatened with extinction, with around 40% lacking ex situ conservation programs. Iconic species like the saola and silver-backed chevrotain are among those at risk.
Researchers have named two freshwater snail species, Idiopyrgus eowynae and Idiopyrgus meriadoci, after J.R.R. Tolkien's characters Éowyn and Meriadoc Brandybuck. The newly discovered species are troglobitic and have unique adaptations to their subterranean environment.
The journal has been indexed and archived in over 60 databases and received a Scopus CiteScore of 5.4, placing it in Q1 in several categories. Its inclusion in the Web of Science will further enhance its visibility and impact.
The ForestPaths project evaluates the effects of current legislation on European forests, focusing on climate change mitigation and biodiversity. The study identifies 17 green initiatives with prominent relations to forest conditions, emphasizing conservation, active management, afforestation, and wood processing activities.
The COP16 policy brief recommends implementing FAIR data principles to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This approach enables standardization of indicators, streamlined reporting, and improved global tracking.
The second ForestPaths Policy Lab brought together diverse stakeholders to share visions for forests by 2050, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Participants explored policy actions necessary to achieve these visions through modelling and pathway analysis.
Researchers have discovered 48 lichen species at two Mars analog sites in North America and Canada. The study provides valuable information about the diversity of life on Earth as an analogue for understanding potential life on Mars.
A newly discovered species of carnation family has been identified and collected using drone technology on inaccessible cliffs in Hawaii. The discovery, published in PhytoKeys, highlights the potential for future discoveries through drone technology and advances conservation efforts in preventing plant extinctions.
A new species of clearwing moth has been identified from specimens found by a traveler returning from Guyana to the UK. The discovery was made possible through community science efforts involving a young ecologist and a photographer, leading to DNA sequencing and identification as Carmenta brachyclados.
Researchers develop novel workflows to digitize and future-proof biodiversity data using digital specimen DOIs and nanopublications. This enables scientists to link digital specimens to various databases, facilitating inter-institutional scientific work and saving time for AI systems.
The Safe-Hub platform provides a harmonized and standardized database for pollinator health, monitoring, distribution, and conservation. It offers various tools and resources, such as species distribution maps, knowledge library, and events calendar, to support recommendations and co-design solutions for wild pollinator decline.
A new species of fish, dubbed the grumpy dwarfgoby, has been discovered in the Red Sea with a surprisingly menacing appearance. The species, which is less than 2 centimeters long, has bright red coloration that helps it blend into its natural habitat.
The Fundão dam collapse, one of the world's most significant environmental tragedies, has left a lasting legacy of devastation in Brazil. Researchers have found that the environmental damage has intensified over the years, threatening human and wildlife health.
A new species of tarantula spider has been discovered in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The species, Aphonopelma jacobii, is threatened by climate change and habitat loss due to rising temperatures and precipitation.
Researchers from University of Freiburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen developed a framework to better understand the impact of invasive plant species on ecosystems. The framework combines new technologies, such as remote sensing and ecological monitoring, to learn and predict how invasive plants alter ecosystems over time.
A new study reveals disturbing practices in South Africa's captive lion industry, including evading detection and animal welfare violations. The research calls for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to transition away from current practices and end the industry.
A new platform, Ocean Species Discoveries, facilitates rapid taxonomic description of marine invertebrate species, reducing decade-long delays. This initiative, coordinated by the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance, aims to discover, protect, and raise awareness of threatened marine species before they become extinct.
A new study reveals a previously unknown galeommatoidean bivalve species, Brachiomya ducentiunus, found attached to sea urchins in False Bay's kelp forest. The discovery expands our understanding of marine biodiversity and ecological interactions.
Researchers have identified two new species of hillstream suck-loach, Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis, from the upper Pearl River system in southwest China. These species exhibit unique morphological specializations, including suction cup-like fins that enable them to adhere to rocky substrates.
Scientists have discovered two new wasp species, Troporhogas rogerfedereri and Troporhogas rafaelnadali, named after tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The parasitoid wasps were found in Thai national parks Khao Yai and Khao Sok.
The fourth SELINA Thematic Workshop in Trondheim built on progress since the second workshop and featured presentations on 11 work packages, breakout sessions, and a city walk. Participants explored methods and knowledge needs identified by 15 demonstration projects.
A new species of Ecuadorian velvet worm, Oroperipatus tiputini, has been described after over 100 years, expanding knowledge of these rare animals. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation efforts in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve.
Researchers create special language Phenoscript to describe traits in a way that both humans and computers can understand. This allows for large-scale studies of organismal traits, boosting the emerging field of phenomics. The new language is being tested and aims to integrate semantic species descriptions with nanopublications.
A new, tiny plant species has been discovered on the western Andean slopes of Ecuador, shattering the preconception that multitudes of life had vanished entirely. The discovery is a testament to conservation efforts and the heroic actions of local landowners who maintained small patches of forests.
A new species of medium-sized venomous snake, Ovophis jenkinsi, has been discovered in Yunnan, China. The snake is dark brownish-grey with trapezoidal patches on its back and is generally slow-moving but shows great aggression when disturbed.
Scientists have discovered a new plant species, Thismia malayana, in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. The plant acts as a parasite, stealing carbon resources from fungi on its roots to thrive in low-light conditions.
A captivating new species of ant has been found with a metallic blue coloration, adding to the rich diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The discovery was made during an expedition to resurvey biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley.
Researchers have discovered a new species of snake, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus, in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. The species is widespread and has a distinctive black collar and reddish coloration, filling a previously existing distribution gap.
The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.
Residents in the UK have complex views on the introduced ring-necked parakeet, with acceptance of urban presence but resistance in rural areas. Concerns include competition with native birds and unknown impacts on local ecosystems. The study suggests a possible generational divide in perceptions.
Research reveals invasive termites could soon invade cities in temperate zones due to climate change and urbanization. The study highlights the need for strict termite control measures to protect homes and infrastructure.
The lionfish species has significantly expanded its territory in the Mediterranean since its invasion began around ten years ago. Lionfish are generalist predators that impact ecosystems by preying extensively on local fishes, including endemics of high conservation value.
A new study found that 29 out of 78 endemic fish species haven't been reported in museum collections since 2010, with six considered of greatest concern. The researchers highlight the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species impacted by human activities.
Domestic dog attacks on mountain tapirs in Colombia's cloud forests threaten their physical wellbeing and reproductive performance. Conservationists urge population management and control of domestic dogs to protect these endangered species.
A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax kosovaensis, has been discovered in the Ibër River Basin in Kosovo. The species is already considered endangered due to habitat destruction and pollution, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
Scientists have discovered a new ghostly slender ant species, Leptanilla voldemort, in the Pilbara region of north-western Australia. The species' unique morphology and sharp jaws suggest it may be a predator that exploits subterranean refuges.
The event standardised and improved accessibility of biodiversity data, enabling informed policy-making and conservation efforts. Ten teams showcased their solutions to a jury of experts, with winning projects illustrating the versatility of data cubes in facilitating biodiversity conservation.
The TIER2 project is seeking consortia to establish a new Reproducibility Network (RN) in Widening participation countries. The selected consortia will receive 5,000 Euros each as seed money to support the kick-off meeting and promote reproducible research practices.
A study from Technical University Berlin suggests 'sufficiency' as a key strategy for protecting biodiversity by reducing consumption and resource use. The research proposes a detailed sufficiency typology to integrate the term in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Research on South Georgia reveals that invasive species are colonizing newly exposed ground as glaciers retreat due to climate change. This process allows exotic plants and animals to rapidly adapt and spread across the island.
A study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and Macquarie University highlights the ecological value of orchard meadows in Central Europe. The research team advocates for moderate management intensity, connectivity to neighboring habitats, and preservation of structural diversity to maintain biodiversity.
A team of scientists has unveiled a new gecko species, Cnemaspis vangoghi, named after Vincent Van Gogh's iconic painting The Starry Night. The species was discovered in the Southern Western Ghats of India and features striking colouration reminiscent of one of the artist's most famous works.