A novel blind daddy long-legs spider was found in Western Australia's Pilbara region, marking the first cave-adapted species reported from the continent. Another extraordinary species was also described from Réunion island, with its closest relatives found in eastern Africa.
A genetic study has found that a captive-bred population of the Orinoco crocodile, one of the world's most endangered species, possesses sufficient genetic diversity and is suitable for reintroduction efforts. The Colombian government can use this research to initiate new populations in areas where the species has been depleted.
Botanists and amateur enthusiasts rediscovered rare tropical plants from the genus Nasa using global data repositories like iNaturalist. Rediscoveries include species considered extinct in the wild, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and community science networks.
A new framework has been defined to predict plant species invasiveness, considering factors such as native range distribution and characteristics. The study found that plants with large distribution ranges occupying diverse habitats and multiple dispersal vectors are most likely to become exotic.
The Biodiversity Knowledge Hub (BKH) is a one-stop portal providing access to FAIR biodiversity data and services. It enables researchers to navigate linked data, tools, and services across the entire biodiversity research cycle.
A groundbreaking expedition in Colombia's Chocó Biogeographic Region has revealed four new tarantula species, including the exceptional trapdoor spider Ummidia solana. The discovery expands their geographical distribution and offers valuable insights into their morphological characteristics, taxonomy, and biogeography.
The Insects journal is inviting research articles and reviews on sustainable beekeeping solutions, including health monitoring, socio-economics, and pest control. The Special Issue will focus on evidence-based strategies to combat poor colony health and promote bee sustainability.
The EU climate target 2040 aims to reduce emissions, and ForestPaths suggests using forests and wood products to sequester carbon. The project recommends a holistic approach to consider interactions between forest-based activities, adaptation, and other sectors.
The SELINA project launched its Demonstration Projects, featuring 15 innovative examples from 12 countries. These projects demonstrate how knowledge on biodiversity can inform public and private decision-making. Participants gained insights into their future plans and potential synergies between the public and private sectors.
The Ngoc Linh Crocodile Newt is a newly discovered species of crocodile newt found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The species is considered Endangered due to its small population size and limited geographic range.
The new exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History in Sofia focuses on the importance of pollinators and the threats they face. Key research projects like B-GOOD, PoshBee, and Safeguard are showcased to promote conservation efforts.
A new butterfly species, Caeruleuptychia harrisi, has been discovered and named in recognition of Brian P. Harris' decades-long work supporting researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Harris provided critical support to visiting researchers, including the paper's lead author, Shinichi Nakahara.
The Sooty Bark Disease, caused by Cryptostroma corticale, is a growing threat to European maples and human health. Researchers have developed a DNA-based diagnostic method to detect the pathogen in air samples using volumetric air samplers.
A citizen science project in Italy involved 500 Italian students in trapping and identifying ambrosia beetles, resulting in new geographical records for two quarantine pest species. The students gained a greater understanding of the negative effects of invasive alien species and increased awareness of biological invasions.
Researchers used deep learning to analyze drone images of pine trees, detecting pine processionary moth larvae nests with high accuracy. The method can be applied in various settings to inform tree health managers about potential threats.
The workshop identified resistance to change, lack of capacity, and political will as common barriers to implementing biodiversity and ecosystem services. Enabling factors include communication, stakeholder engagement, data availability, EU regulations, synergies, and collaboration.
A recent study found large groups of fungi that don't form fruiting bodies and can't be grown in labs, highlighting their ecological importance. The authors suggest modifying nomenclature rules to describe these 'dark fungi', which could prove to be the dominant lifestyle in the fungal kingdom.
A team of citizen scientists discovered a new species of semislugs in the hot lowland forests of Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei. The 'snug' was named after a retiring field centre supervisor, Mr. Md Salleh Abdullah Bat, as a farewell gift.
A new study published in Nature Conservation found that pangolin scales are widely available in Chinese hospitals and pharmaceutical shops, despite a lack of effective regulation. The research reveals that 46% of surveyed hospitals and 34% of surveyed shops were selling pangolin scale products illegally.
The REST-COAST Summer Workshop brought together experts from around the world to discuss innovative research and management strategies for coastal restoration. Key findings included the financing of restoration projects, nature-based solutions, and coupled modelling systems for risk reduction.
The EU-funded B-Cubed project aims to transform biodiversity monitoring by standardizing access to data from various sources. By leveraging data cubes and the Essential Biodiversity Variables framework, policymakers can proactively address biodiversity change and inform evidence-based decision-making.
A new plant species, Carex quixotiana, has been discovered in the La Mancha region of Spain, specifically known for being the setting of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote. The species is a type of sedge with unique characteristics and limited distribution.
Researchers have described two new species of butterworts (Pinguicula) with striking appearances, found in the high Andes of southern Ecuador. The discovery has tripled the number of Pinguicula species recorded in Ecuador and highlights the region's exceptional biodiversity.
The Southern Flying Squirrel has been rediscovered in Honduras after 43 years, with records from 1935 to 1979. The discovery confirms the country's southernmost distribution and highlights the need for conservation efforts due to habitat destruction and climate change.
The Cinereous Vulture has been reintroduced to Bulgaria after being extinct for 36 years. The successful re-introduction campaign, led by Green Balkans and other organizations, involved importing 72 birds from Spain and European zoos. The team recommends the aviary method and delayed release for establishing a new core population, and ...
Researchers developed an AI tool called SILIC to identify 169 species, including 137 birds, from bird sounds in Yushan National Park. The dataset provides detailed acoustic activity patterns of wildlife across short and long temporal scales.
Researchers from Hiroshima Shudo University and the University of Tokyo have successfully identified species of deep-sea brittle stars using a novel metabarcoding approach. This method analyzes environmental DNA released from marine invertebrates, enabling efficient and cost-effective monitoring of biodiversity.
A new spider genus, Abba transversa, has been discovered in Australia, featuring distinctive dark spots and thick macrosetae on the legs. The genus was named after the Swedish pop group ABBA and is the result of a comprehensive study of orb-weaving spiders.
A new species of stream frog from the Andes of Ecuador was named Hyloscirtus tolkien, created by one of their favorite writer, JRR Tolkien. The researchers found it in the pristine streams of the Río Negro-Sopladora National Park.
A new study reveals the EU's massive demand for frog legs has led to a global trade chain threatening frog populations, with Southeast Asian and Eastern European species facing extinction. The authors call for greater transparency and monitoring of pesticide residues in traded frogs' legs to ensure sustainability.
The study of two Antarctic blue whales tagged in the east Antarctic sector of the Southern Ocean reveals significant logistical challenges and provides initial insights into foraging ecology, habitat preferences, distribution, movement rates, and feeding patterns. The satellite tracks will assist the International Whaling Commission's ...
Researchers have identified seven distinct species of whitefish in the Reuss river system, with two new species found in Lake Lucerne and one in Lake Zug. Eutrophication led to the extinction of several species, but the discovery highlights the unique characteristics of each lake's ecosystem.
A new species of snake, Dipsas aparatiritos, has been described from western Panama, having gone unnoticed for over 40 years. The species is relatively common and has a characteristic bulbous head and brown-and-black patterning.
Three new species of nautilus have been described from the Coral Sea and South Pacific, with researchers studying their characteristics to better understand biogeographic isolation. The discovery highlights concerns over ocean conservation due to pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
Scientists have recorded two new caddisfly species in Thailand, expanding the country's known fauna by 10 documented representatives. The newly discovered species are Diplectrona erinya and Diplectrona extrema, both belonging to the genus Diplectrona.
Five new tree-dwelling snake species were discovered in the jungles of Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. The research highlights the devastating impact of open-pit mining operations on these unique creatures.
A joint team of researchers uncovered serious management and compliance issues on lion farms in the Free State, including potentially fraudulent activities with microchip reuse and incomplete record keeping. The study highlights concerns that lion farm owners may be laundering wild-caught lions through microchip reuse.
A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax humoinsapiens, has been discovered in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo. The species was named to raise awareness about human activities that have degraded habitats and led to extinction. Researchers hope this naming convention will make insects 'talk' to humanity's collective consciousness.
A new species of bent-toed gecko from the genus Cyrtodactylus has been identified in Timor-Leste, a remote region in Southeast Asia. The newly discovered species, named Cyrtodactylus santana, is the first of its kind to be formally described as a species in Timor-Leste.
The eLTER initiative offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) funding for scientists conducting research in biodiversity, biogeochemistry, or socio-ecological fields. Long-term data and state-of-the-art instrumentation are available at 34 sites across 19 countries.
Scientists discover new Australian bush tomato species, Solanum scalarium, to promote equal and safe access to nature. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental injustices and increasing participation from diverse groups in outdoor activities.
The Horizon 2020 project PoshBee collects stakeholder summaries to increase accessibility and impact of EU-funded research on bee health. The summaries, published in plain language, provide concise recommendations on the practical value of project results.
The Safeguard project has released its first policy brief, providing concrete research-based recommendations for policymakers to consider pollinators. The brief highlights five key recommendations to support pollinators and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including protecting diverse pollinator assemblages and enhancing terr...
The report highlights that European taxonomic expertise is declining, with nearly half of insect orders not covered by sufficient scientists. The lack of expertise correlates with GDP and is more pronounced in biodiverse countries, posing significant problems for species conservation.
The EU project SHOWCASE has issued its first policy brief providing concrete research-based recommendations on how to trigger an uptake of nature-positive farming systems that reinforce biodiversity. Policymakers can take five specific actions to support agricultural products from biodiversity-enhancing farming systems with subsidies.
Genetic analysis confirms Asian hornet's origins, linking it to a single mated queen that arrived in France in 2004. The finding raises concerns about future invasions despite the species' limited suitability for Ireland's climate.
The European Union's H2020 SHOWCASE project has launched an open access collection in the Research Ideas and Outcomes journal, providing a comprehensive overview of its work and development. The collection showcases the project's synergy between agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, highlighting its contributions to transp...
A new study has created a comprehensive database of 265 show caves worldwide to monitor the effects of tourism on fragile cave ecosystems. The research found that tourists can disturb life in caves through increased temperatures, pollutants, and noise, posing a threat to subterranean species.
The 'Nature's Envelope' is a simple model that depicts the scope and scale of biology by compiling information about all living organisms' processes. The model plots sizes of participants and durations of processes on a logarithmic grid, revealing broad S-shaped envelope encompassing half of decadal blocks.
The BiCIKL project has reached its halfway stage, launching a European community of key research infrastructures and stakeholders in biodiversity and life sciences. The FAIR Data Place online platform aims to provide scientists with access to all types of biodiversity data 'at their fingertips'.