A recent study in Science highlights a devastating crisis in Asian forests due to snaring, causing unprecedented extinctions. The authors recommend managing this issue by regulating homemade snares and preventing 'empty forests', emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action.
Researchers found that livestock can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on rare wildlife, such as argali and wolves. While livestock reduces available pasturage for argali, it also serves as an alternative prey source for wolves, relieving predatory pressure. In contrast, herding dogs pose a threat to argali populations.
A recent study found that coral reef food webs are altered when fishing impacts on valued species, leading to potential collapse of top-tier predators. Lightly fished reefs can support these valuable fish, while moderate fishing levels cause a decline in mid-tier predators, ultimately affecting the ecosystem.
A massive genetic study of humpback whales has confirmed the need to protect unique populations in the Arabian Sea. The study, which analyzed over 3,000 skin samples from individual whales, revealed previously unknown degrees of relatedness between different whale populations.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and American Museum of Natural History found two dolphin species in the Bay of Bengal are genetically distinct from those in other regions. The research suggests that the Bay's unique oceanic habitat is driving evolutionary changes, potentially leading to new species emergence.
A new river basin classification system will help safeguard region's biodiversity and monitor infrastructure development in the Amazon. The framework provides a dynamic way to map natural resources and possible infrastructure impacts on them.
Researchers report that over half the planet has been converted to human-dominated land use, with alarming levels of habitat loss persisting. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation interventions in crisis and at-risk ecoregions where habitats are disappearing.
A new study suggests that maintaining a few orange-lined triggerfish increases the ability of coral reefs to grow by preying on reef-eroding sea urchins. This finding is significant as coral reefs face threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures.
A recent study by WCS found over 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles at Glover's Reef, indicating a positive conservation effort. The protected waters provide a safe haven for the species to thrive, with a high survival rate and promising implications for the Caribbean region.
A new study in Science says climate change is impacting every aspect of life on Earth, including genes and entire ecosystems. The study found 80% of 94 ecological processes show signs of distress due to climate change.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a park ranger was recently killed while defending Grauer's gorillas, highlighting the increasing threats to rangers and their families. The WCS Senior Conservation Scientist for Africa expresses concern over these increased threats to animal protection.
Researchers report catastrophic declines in global wilderness areas over the last 20 years, with an estimated 3.3 million km2 of wilderness lost, primarily in South America and Africa. The study emphasizes the urgent need for proactive global interventions to protect remaining wilderness areas.
A recent study confirms forest elephants as one of the world's slowest reproducing mammals, with females taking up to 23 years to breed and giving birth only once every five to six years. This low birth rate means that forest elephant populations will take nearly a century to recover from poaching since 2002.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that human activities have expanded at a slower rate than population and economic growth, but still have extensive environmental impacts. The research found that three-quarters of the planet is significantly altered and 97% of species-rich regions are seriously altered.
A new method developed by WCS, University of York, and Uganda Wildlife Authority improves ranger patrol allocation and targets specific conservation priorities. This resulted in a 250% increase in detections of illegal activities such as poaching and cattle encroachment without changing the number of rangers.
New analysis reveals that 72% of the world's threatened species are imperiled due to human activities such as agriculture, land conversion, and overharvesting. Well-managed protected areas and sustainable agricultural practices can help reduce biodiversity loss.
A global plan is necessary to prevent the extinction of megafauna, including elephants, rhinos, and big cats, which play critical roles in ecosystems. The study highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts to address threats like illegal hunting, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.
A new study from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, WCS, and CSU finds that dramatic increases in residential and energy development are associated with declining early winter recruitment in western Colorado's mule deer populations. The study suggests that these impacts on habitat may be having a greater effect on deer populations than previ...
The study found a 60% decline in breeding white-naped crane populations in the Ulz River basin, with only 17 pairs remaining. The species is classified as 'vulnerable' due to habitat loss and fire threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to address declining numbers and protect this critical ecosystem.
A study by WCS and University of Queensland found that countries most in need of conservation are not investing enough, despite being home to most of the Earth's biodiversity. The researchers recommend adopting culturally-appropriate conservation efforts to promote economic development and wealth before acting on conservation.
A study finds that fishing closures in Indonesia's shark sanctuary increase shark abundance, while also forcing fishermen to fish in unprotected areas, often turning to illegal practices. Ecotourism may provide an alternative livelihood, but its impact on fishing pressure and illegal activity is uncertain.
The loss of oldest female elephants guides their families to resources and holds decades of social knowledge. This could cause cascading effects on ecosystem function, as these females play a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining habitats.
The study found that fisheries management types, distance to fish markets, and water temperatures are crucial in predicting fish biomass levels. It also suggests a recovery time of 8.1 years for individual reef systems to reach a critical level of 1,150 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare.
Researchers found that small sanctuaries allow threatened blackbucks to survive in densely populated Maharashtra region. The study suggests that these micro-refuges can help preserve biodiversity in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
Research suggests that if males traveling from far-off areas are less attractive to females, connectivity between populations can be greatly reduced. This finding has significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for better understanding of animal dispersal and habitat fragmentation.
A study confirms that a Thai sanctuary is the only site in Southeast Asia where tigers are increasing in number. The sanctuary's tiger population has recovered thanks to enhanced protection measures and intensive patrol systems, which have led to improved survival and recruitment rates among the iconic carnivores.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that countries emitting the least amount of greenhouse gases are most vulnerable to climate change effects such as natural disasters and habitat changes. The highest-emitting nations, however, are less vulnerable despite contributing significantly to global emissions.
Native forests reduce flood frequency and severity, while coral reefs provide a 97% cost-effective defense from storm surges. The cost of adaptation could reach $100 billion per year, but intact ecosystems offer the best defense against climate change.
A new study suggests that climate change may reduce the range of the deadly chytrid fungus in Africa's Albertine Rift, potentially saving some amphibian populations. Microscopic examination revealed that most infected frogs appeared to be in good health, indicating regional resistance to the disease.
Researchers developed two monitoring indicators for hunting levels of rainforest mammals and birds, adapting fisheries monitoring methods. The study found that hunters may be shifting to smaller species over time and increasing pressure on bird and mammal populations.
A new study finds that more than 17,000 marine species worldwide remain largely unprotected. Nations like the US, Canada, and Brazil have large gaps in their protected areas, highlighting opportunities to achieve global biodiversity goals by 2020.
A new study suggests that protected areas are failing to meet biodiversity goals due to inadequate science and management. The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a three-point plan to improve the effectiveness of protected areas, including establishing ecologically sensible targets and identifying performance metrics.
A study found that larger protected areas, especially those in high population density regions, are more likely to undergo a downgrading event. The researchers highlight the need for conservation planners to consider the robustness of protected areas towards future economic and demographic changes.
New research explores the relationship between protected areas and poverty, as well as their effects on human well-being. The studies propose guiding principles for evaluating conservation interventions' impacts on local communities.
The Government of Chile has announced a plan to design a network of Marine Protected Areas for Patagonia's unique wildlife and ecosystems. With funding from the Waitt Foundation, the new MPA network will protect over 100,000 square kilometers of oceanic waters, meeting Chile's goal of 10% ecosystem protection by 2020.
A recent study in Primorye, Russia, suggests that logging companies can be essential for endangered Blakiston's fish owls. In fact, lands leased to logging companies account for 43% of suitable habitat, while protected areas only cover 19%. This collaboration enables the protection of nearly half of all potential fish owl home ranges.
A new study by WCS found that coral reef diversity 'hotspots' in the southwestern Indian Ocean prioritize fish biomass over location for conservation. Reefs with high fish biomass (>600 kg/ha) should be prioritized for protection.
A new study from WCS uses the Wisdom of Crowds method to assess the conservation status of the Manus green tree snail, a species found only on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. The approach involves surveying a large number of people to generate estimates of the snail's range, distribution, and decline rate.
Researchers studying blue whales in Chile have discovered that a female named 'Isabela' has traveled at least 5,000 kilometers from the Gulf of Corcovado to the Galapagos Islands, indicating a possible breeding ground. This journey represents the largest north-south migratory movement ever recorded for a Southern Hemisphere blue whale.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society presents a more complex model that incorporates multiple environmental factors and field observations to predict coral reef resilience. The model challenges traditional 'temperature threshold' predictions, suggesting a more nuanced and spatially complex future for coral reefs.
A new study suggests that fencing in dryland ecosystems may disrupt migration pathways and reduce wildlife populations. Conservationists are calling for policies to evaluate the effectiveness of fences in protecting wildlife and balancing human interests.
Coral reefs can recover if a minimum target of 500 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare is maintained. The study found that most degraded reefs lack key species and require time for recovery, with estimated times ranging from 35 to 59 years.
Current residential development research is limited by single-discipline perspectives, missing holistic insights into environmental, economic, and social impacts. Key findings include the underrepresentation of ecosystem processes and nutrient cycling in studies.
A team of experts has published six natural science principles to ensure the success of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiatives. The principles, designed to be scientifically robust yet practical, focus on understanding system dynamics, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring ecological sustainability.
A new study reveals that climate change is affecting male and female yaks differently, with females shifting to steeper terrain in search of snow for milk production. The research team analyzed historical data and recent observations to find that females are 20 times more likely to be found near snow patches than males.
A new study outlines key targets for evolutionary research and education in central Africa to guide conservation efforts. The review emphasizes the importance of genomic research to understand species' capacity to adapt to environmental changes and highlights the need for increased surveying and sampling efforts, as well as standardize...
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that spiny lobsters are abundant and support local fisheries. The study recommends increasing the size limit to make the fishery more sustainable.
Researchers have gathered rare photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah, shedding light on its elusive behavior and habitat requirements. The study's findings suggest that these large cats are more nocturnal, wide-ranging, and occur at lower densities than other cheetahs in Africa.
A WCS study tracked guanacos in Karukinka Natural Park, Chile, revealing their seasonal movements and conflicts with livestock. The research suggests a limited science-based harvest may help conserve this species.