A new species of giant keelback slug, Limax pseudocinereoniger, has been discovered in Montenegro's Tara Canyon by an international team of citizen scientists. The slug, which can grow up to 20 cm in length, was identified through DNA analysis and anatomical differences from a similar species.
The Safeguard project recommends improving pollinator knowledge, tackling causes of decline, and raising awareness to reverse the 2030 pollinator loss objective. European Commission's public consultation gathered views on strengthening the current framework on wild pollinators.
A new species of leopard gecko, Eublepharis pictus, has been discovered in India's relic forests. The Painted Leopard Gecko measures 11.7 cm in length and is strictly nocturnal, actively foraging along trails in the forest after dusk.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller has rediscovered the Shelta Cave Crayfish, a rare and ancient species thought to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery was made in a cave system in northern Alabama and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.
Researchers found that beekeepers are aware of the Asian yellow-legged hornet's impacts on honey bee decline in Italy. Public awareness is increasing due to various channels such as internet searches and community activities. The hornet poses significant risks to pollination, honey production, and human safety.
A new study describes a troglobitic clam species from northern Brazil, characterized by lack of pigmentation and reduced size. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving fragile subterranean habitats threatened by recently amended laws in Brazil.
A new study suggests that goldfish pose a significant risk to native biodiversity in rivers and lakes. With insatiable appetites and bold behavior, goldfish can outcompete other species for resources, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
The BiCIKL Project has successfully integrated FAIR data on biodiversity for a year, focusing on creating a more transparent and efficient research ecosystem. The project aims to link different sources of biodiversity data across various infrastructures and open data platforms.
The snake trade in Indonesia is plagued by unsustainable practices, including underreported and illegal international trade in blood pythons. Research suggests that the current quota system may not be effective in ensuring sustainable harvesting, highlighting the need for urgent action to address these concerns.
A team of ornithologists revised a Romanian museum collection, uncovering rare species and updated taxonomy. The study provides valuable information on the status of avifauna in the Carpathian basin during the 19th and 20th centuries.
A growing market for pet insects is driving interest in praying mantis conservation; hobbyists and enthusiasts share valuable knowledge, while also raising concerns about the trade's regulation.
Plazi receives EUR 1.5 million grant from Arcadia Fund to develop Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR), providing access to over 750,000 taxonomic treatments, figures, and material citations. The project aims to liberate data from scientific publications, making it FAIR and open for researchers.
A new species of Phalotris snake was discovered in Paraguay's Cerrado forests, characterized by its unique red head, yellow collar, and black lateral band. The species is considered Endangered due to its extreme rarity and limited distribution.
Researchers from CIIDIR-Oaxaca Amphibian Ecology Laboratory studied the consumption of tadpoles in stone soup, revealing its significance as an indicator of water health and the species' vulnerability to overfishing. The study highlights the importance of accurately documenting human interaction with amphibians.
The EU's CLAIM project successfully contributed to reducing plastic litter and microplastics in European seas through innovative technologies and methodological approaches. The project's findings have paved the way for policy change and increased awareness of the importance of plastic-free seas.
A threatened South American coati was recorded in Canoas, Brazil's fourth most populous city, using a camera trap at a remaining green space. The finding underscores the significance of urban areas for species adaptation and highlights the need for conservation efforts beyond protected zones.
Researchers at Gauhati University studied roadkill on a 64-kilometer stretch of National Highway 715 in India's Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape. They found dramatic mortality rates among frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards, with over 6000 animals killed annually.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered 17 new species of twisted-claw millipedes, including Nannaria swiftae, named after singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The millipedes play a valuable role in decomposing leaf litter and have unique characteristics such as shiny caramel-brown bodies with white spots.
A collection of policy briefs presents guidelines and possible solutions for managing invasive alien pests and pathogens in Europe. The briefs focus on topics such as biological control, classical biological control, and prevention of invasive species.
A study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data on wildlife roadkill in Flanders found that some species are more prone to being killed by vehicles. The research used data from online platforms like Waarnemingen.be, which has collected over 90,000 roadkill records since 2008.
A new rice rat species, possibly arboreal, was discovered in Ecuador through detailed skull analysis. The species, Mindomys kutuku, has distinct characteristics that distinguish it from its sister species.
A review of invasive alien species reporting apps for citizen science identified key features and areas for improvement. The study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly apps with gamification, AI-powered photo identification, and coordination among developers to enhance public participation and data management.
A new orchid species, Maxillaria anacatalina-portillae, has been discovered in Ecuador's cloud rainforest. The plant is considered critically endangered due to its limited population and threats from climate change and human activity.
Researchers found 155,000 individuals of the rare Serapias neglecta orchid in a military base in Corsica, showcasing its high concentration and rarity. The area's unique conditions, including low vegetation and poor fertilization, contributed to the plant's thriving population.
Research reveals that approximately 3 out of 4 Fusarium infections of northern Vietnamese bananas are caused by F. tardichlamydosporum and F. odoratissimum, with wild bananas potentially acting as a sink for the disease. The study's findings suggest that concrete measures can be taken to control the future spreading of the disease.
A study analyzing Wikipedia searches found no significant increase in attention towards invasive alien mammals after the publication of a blacklist in Europe. However, temporary peaks in searches were observed following sensational news and viral videos about specific species. The research suggests that blacklists may not be an effecti...
A study found a significant correlation between hotel stays and exotic pest detections in New Zealand, suggesting that both international and domestic tourism can facilitate the spread of invasive species. The researchers emphasize the need for continued biosecurity measures to manage these risks.
The HOMED project offers policy briefs on improving forest resistance to invasive alien species through enhanced surveillance, increased tree diversity, and collaboration between pathologists and entomologists. The collection aims to promote the development of EU policies focused on forest protection from invasive alien species.
Green backyards in cities provide multiple benefits, including improved thermal comfort and increased carbon storage. Small differences in green structure can yield significant benefits, with greener courtyards showing up to 11°C cooling effects. Proper maintenance is key to enhancing these benefits.
The eLTER call offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) for scientists working on biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological research. The 39 sites in 19 countries provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and long-term data.
Lowland tapir populations in the Atlantic Forest are at risk of extinction due to population isolation and habitat fragmentation. The species' survival is threatened by hunting, highways, and lack of gene flow, with only a few viable populations remaining.
Researchers have discovered a new genus of tarantulas that live exclusively in bamboo stalks, found exclusively in high hill forests in northern Thailand. The new genus, Taksinus bambus, is unique due to its association with bamboo and can only be found at an elevation of about 1,000 m.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
A new species of rainfrog, Pristimantis gretathunbergae, has been discovered in Panama and named after global environmental activist Greta Thunberg. The frog's habitat is threatened by climate change and deforestation, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
The newly discovered Begonia giganticaulis, a type of plant genus Begonia, has been found to be the tallest species in Asia, reaching heights of up to 3.6 meters. Its conservation status is currently listed as Endangered due to its fragmentary distribution in southern Tibet.
Researchers identify previously unknown population of white-handed gibbons in Peninsular Malaysia, showing unusual mutations and potential local speciation. The discovery informs conservation efforts for translocation and reintroduction programs.
A group of Croatian students used photographs from iNaturalist to describe a new species of pygmy grasshopper, challenging traditional methods. The study highlights the potential of citizen science and encourages people to engage with nature to raise awareness about conservation.
The Natural History Museum's digital collection has been downloaded over 28 billion times, contributing to advancements in food security, biodiversity conservation and medicine discovery. The museum's digitisation efforts are expected to have a tenfold return on investment, with benefits exceeding £2 billion over 30 years.
A research team from India identified a previously unknown species of kukri snake, Oligodon churahensis, found in the Churah Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The discovery was made possible by an Instagram photo shared by Virendar K. Bhardwaj, which caught the attention of a herpetologist and led to further investigation.
Researchers discovered a new species of parasitoid wasp that forms star-shaped cocoon masses suspended by threads up to 1 meter long, providing protection against natural enemies. The structure can accommodate over 100 cocoons and is believed to help the wasps survive during critical periods.
A previously unknown glacial relic, the Alpine rose leaf-miner moth, has been discovered in the Alps. The caterpillars specialize on the rust-red alpine rose, avoiding it like most other moths and butterflies due to its toxicity.
A new study by Royal Holloway University of London found that glyphosate has no significant effect on bumble bee mortality, reproduction, or sucrose consumption. The research also suggests that the pesticide does not make parasite infections more intense at environmentally realistic concentrations.
Researchers from the University of Évora discovered seven new species of Terfezia fungi in Portugal, including two previously unknown to science. The study provides valuable insights into their ecological range and potential hosts, enabling the development of truffle cultivation techniques that can positively impact local communities.
Scientists discover 28 new species of Trigonopterus beetles, including T. corona, named after the coronavirus and Star Wars characters. The discovery fills a gap in understanding Sulawesi's geological history and biodiversity.
The study reports 21 species of Pakistan's amphibians, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to control populations and address human-caused threats. Researchers propose an inclusive wildlife conservation approach incorporating poorly documented taxa like amphibians to maintain ecosystem health.
A new onion species, Allium negianum, has been discovered in the western Himalayas, characterized by its unique growth habits and distribution. The species is currently under threat due to indiscriminate harvest for seasoning, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A severe upsurge of desert locusts in 2019-2020 caused $3.4 billion to $10.21 billion in monetary losses and severe acute food insecurity for over 3 million people in Pakistan. The authors suggest improving the prevention system, developing compensatory measures, and increasing the use of alternative pesticides.
Researchers found that jaguars are preying on guard dogs in a Mexican Caribbean village, mimicking the behavior of Indian leopards. The study highlights the threat of pet predation conflict to jaguar populations and the need for further research.
Researchers have identified two new species of venomous snakes, the Nujiang pit viper and the Glacier pit viper, found in the high-altitude regions of southwest China. The discovery suggests that glaciers may play a key role in isolating and speciating alpine pit vipers.
The BiCIKL project links biodiversity data types and classes across 14 European institutions, creating a Biodiversity Knowledge Hub for seamless access. This initiative streamlines Open Science and FAIR practices, empowering researchers with efficient tools to explore and utilize biodiversity data.