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.
Two Micrurus mipartitus coral snakes have been observed battling for a caecilian in the dense rainforests of western Colombia, showcasing a rare example of kleptoparasitism among Elapidae family members. The study highlights the elusive nature of these reptiles and challenges of observing them in their natural habitats.
Scientists have discovered a new, rare osmiine bee species in the French Alps with an unusual geographic distribution spanning over 2000 km to Turkey and Northern Iraq. The species has unique ecological characteristics, including distinct nesting behavior in dead wood.
A recent study outlines a methodology for integrating and harmonising data on plant invasions across Australia. The researchers created a standardised and unified database, the Alien Flora of Australia, to help monitoring and early-warning of alien flora.
A team of citizen scientists, including local students, discovered a new beetle species in the Ulu Temburong forest. The newly described Clavicornaltica mataikanensis is one of the largest known relatives among its tiny flea beetle cousins, highlighting the need for further research on their ecology and diversity.
Citizen science plays a crucial role in detecting the giant water bug's presence on Cyprus, with seven sightings recorded in 2020 and 2021. The species, known for its painful bites and hunting habits, is unlikely to have gone unnoticed for too long, sparking discussions about possible migration events.
A team of scientists has discovered over 1,000 new plant and lichen species in Agguttinni Territorial Park, including rare species found nowhere else in Canada. The comprehensive checklist provides valuable information for park managers and botanists, aiding in the conservation and management of the protected area.
The EU-funded BiCIKL project has developed a flagship outcome - the Biodiversity Knowledge Hub - a one-stop portal for understanding biodiversity research infrastructures. The consortium has also created 12 services dedicated to FAIR and linked ready-to-use biodiversity data.
Conservationists have initiated a breeding program in Vietnam to recover the spotted softshell turtle population threatened by overconsumption and habitat loss. The species is critically endangered, with no populations found in protected areas, highlighting the need for further conservation efforts.
Researchers have created an online survey to gather information from gardeners about ornamental plants showing 'invasive behaviour'. The results identified 251 potential invaders, including Mexican fleabane and Himalayan honeysuckle, highlighting the critical role of gardeners in early detection and prevention strategies.
A new species of rare pseudoscorpion, Olpium caputi, has been discovered in French Polynesia and named after Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová. The species was collected on the island of Tahiti and is the first new record for the region.
Nearly 90 participants from various sectors attended the workshop to collaborate on ecosystem service assessment results for private and public decision-making. The event highlighted key updates and challenges of the SELINA Demonstration Projects, showcasing progress toward supporting informed decision-making.
Two new EU-funded projects, PollinERA and WildPosh, will investigate the toxicological and ecological impacts of chemical pollution on terrestrial biodiversity and pollinators. The projects will improve risk assessment tools and characterise exposure routes to pesticides in four European regions.
Researchers have discovered five new species of eyelash vipers, characterized by their unique enlarged spine-like scales positioned atop their eyes. These vipers are also polychromatic, with different morphs exhibiting distinct colorations.
Researchers have discovered two new freshwater hyphomycete species, Acrogenospora alangii and Conioscypha yunnanensis, in southwestern China. These additions to the genera enhance the diversity of freshwater fungi known in the region, providing valuable insights into their ecological roles.
A comprehensive database of invasive plant impacts in Europe has been created, featuring 266 peer-reviewed publications and 4,259 field studies. The dataset highlights the widespread effects of invasive species on native ecosystems, including impacts on plants, animals, and microbes across various trophic levels.
Scientists have discovered a new species of coffee snake endemic to northwestern Ecuador's cloud forests. The species is threatened by deforestation and habitat destruction, prompting calls for conservation efforts. Its discovery highlights the need to protect the cloud forest ecosystem and its surrounding human-modified habitats.
The Taiwanese Leaf Litter Beetles Barcoding project has created a comprehensive reference library for these elusive beetles using DNA barcoding. The dataset comprises 4,629 beetles representing 334 species candidates from 36 families, unveiling taxonomic insights and enhancing our understanding of their biology and ecological roles.
Research reveals that European insects outnumbers non-native species in North America, Australia, and New Zealand despite reduced international trade patterns. Introduced plants may have promoted the spread of European insects by providing food and habitat for subsequent arrivals.
The European Geosciences Union invites submissions on landscape-scale approaches for managing environmental challenges. eLTER supports evaluation and development of environmental policies across spatial scales to support multiple societal objectives.