A new study published in Nature assesses the location and extent of the planet's remaining free-flowing rivers, finding that only 37% of the world's 246 longest rivers are still unimpeded. The researchers' global assessment highlights severe degradation and offers a method for tracking the status of free-flowing rivers over time.
A new policy perspective published in Science warns that a ten-year delay in emissions reductions could negate natural climate solutions' benefits. Natural climate solutions like forest enhancement and carbon sequestration are not enough to meet the Paris Agreement's goals without rapid mitigation efforts.
A new study published in Science reveals that only 5% of global biodiversity datasets meet the 'gold standard' required for effective conservation. The lack of reliable and accessible data threatens our ability to understand and address key threats to biodiversity, such as invasive species, logging, and illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers tracked two consecutive years of zebra migrations between Chobe River in Namibia and Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana, covering a straight-line distance of 250km (500km round-trip). The findings highlight the importance of trans-frontier conservation areas in preserving great terrestrial migrations.
India has released its first updated tiger population numbers since 2007, estimating 1,706 tigers, an increase of 225 from the previous count. The figure includes an additional reserve in the Sundarbans, resulting in a corrected total of 1,636.
A new study by WWF scientists finds that tiger reserves in Asia can support over 10,000 wild tigers if managed as large-scale landscapes. The researchers believe that protecting core breeding sites and developing forest corridors can ensure tiger population growth.
A unique orangutan rescue project in Bukit Tigapuluh is at risk due to selective logging concessions by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. The project has been deemed critical for tiger conservation, with over 30 tigers and 150 elephants calling the forest home.
More than 1,069 tigers have been seized in tiger range countries over the past decade, with India leading the way. The seizures highlight severe poaching pressure on Indian tigers, with potentially more than 100 wild tigers being plundered each year.
A rare saola was photographed for the first time in over a decade in Laos, shedding light on its critically endangered status. The species, found only in dense forests along the Lao/Vietnamese border, is one of the most threatened large mammals globally.
A new analysis of elephant trade data highlights the failure of law enforcement in Central and West Africa and South-east Asia, where large domestic ivory markets openly sell ivory illegally. Urgent law enforcement action is crucial to addressing the illicit ivory trade.
A new study highlights the effectiveness of forest protected areas in slowing climate change by reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The study estimates that protecting areas could prevent an estimated 100,000 square miles of deforestation through 2050, equivalent to 1/3 of the world's annual CO2 emissions.
The World Wildlife Fund's latest report reveals that the China-Myanmar border is allowing illegal wildlife trade, with vendors selling tiger bone wine and other products to buyers in China. The report highlights the need for effective enforcement of laws to end all illegal trade.
The Kaiser's spotted newt, a Critically Endangered species, is being proposed for an Appendix I listing due to e-commerce sales threatening its survival. Online trade in endangered wildlife products will be regulated through CITES governments' increased efforts.
The CITES Standing Committee has given Peru a six-month deadline to address critical issues over the illegal mahogany trade, including implementing a computerized tracking system and harmonizing harvest and export quota systems. Failure to meet these requirements may result in suspension of mahogany exports from Peru.
The World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies has urged its members not to use tiger bone or other endangered wildlife parts, citing lack of medicinal benefits. The call aims to support tiger conservation and reduce trade in big cat products.
Camera traps in the Sumatran jungle have captured images of a rare female tiger and her cubs, providing unique insight into their behavior. The tigress and her cubs were seen stopping to sniff and check out the camera trap, giving researchers valuable information about their habitat and population.
China's new initiatives aim to replace 'paper tigers' with real conservation efforts, including improved policing of tiger trade and awareness-raising campaigns. The International Tiger Coalition welcomes China's engagement and recognizes the country's crucial role in wild tiger conservation.
The Government of Nepal has expanded Bardia National Park in the Terai Arc Landscape to increase critical tiger habitat. WWF welcomes the move and aims to help the country double its number of endangered tigers through innovative conservation strategies.
The Saola's population has declined sharply since its discovery in 1992, with only a few dozen individuals remaining. The primary threats to the species are hunting and snaring, which can be devastatingly effective due to the Saola's vulnerability to dogs.
A decade of research in the Eastern Himalayas has uncovered over 350 new species, including a prehistoric 100-million-year-old gecko and the world's smallest deer. Climate change threatens this biological treasure trove, putting cultural and biological diversity at risk.
A nationwide tiger population estimate in Nepal reveals the presence of 121 breeding tigers, a promising sign for conservation efforts. The study employed camera trapping and habitat occupancy surveys to derive information on abundance and distribution.
The World Bank has reaffirmed its support for the ban on tiger trade and called for the phasing out of tiger farms to protect wild tiger populations. The organization urges countries to continue banning domestic trade of wild tigers, citing economic and conservation concerns.
A WWF study predicts catastrophic loss of coral reefs in the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean by end of century, threatening 100 million people's food supply and livelihoods. The report highlights opportunities for prevention through climate action and regional solutions to overfishing and pollution.
A recent study found that biofuel plantations in tropical forests release more carbon into the atmosphere than they save, harming both climate change and biodiversity. The study suggests that preserving existing forests is a better way to combat climate change.
The Indonesian government and World Wildlife Fund announce a commitment to protect Sumatra's forests and critical ecosystems, home to endangered species. The agreement aims to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development on the island.
Scientists analyze lessons from cod collapse to advocate sustainable tuna management, including MSC certification and public awareness. Innovative research using data-logging tags can help protect bluefin tuna populations.
The World Wildlife Fund and Allianz Foundation offer a national climate change education program for high school students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The program aims to empower these students to address climate vulnerability in the Southeast US.
The wild tiger population has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and poaching, with only 7% of their historical range remaining. Experts warn that China's potential reopening of the tiger trade poses a new threat to the species' survival.
A new census confirms the Amur leopard's precarious survival, with fewer than 35 individuals remaining in the wild. The species is threatened by encroaching civilization, poaching, and climate change, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas and conservation efforts.
Scientists have discovered a new species of clouded leopard found only in Borneo and Sumatra, characterized by distinct physical features. The genetic analysis revealed significant differences between the two species, with around 40 nucleotide variations, suggesting divergence around 1.4 million years ago.
The World Wildlife Fund report reveals a significant growth in farmed salmon, leading to decreased wild salmon supply and economic impacts on fishermen. The study recommends harmonizing regulatory food safety standards and providing accurate information about salmon issues.
The Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya are home to over 1000 endemic species, many with ancient lineages. Effective conservation requires addressing human needs and securing protected areas to preserve biodiversity.
The Natural Capital Project aims to calculate ecosystem services' value to people, highlighting the importance of conserving natural systems. By incorporating these values into policies, conservation can be a profitable use of land, benefiting both biodiversity and human life.
A recent survey of Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountain range has revealed over 160 animal species, including 11 previously undiscovered ones. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the region's unique wildlife and forests.
A new study has pinpointed epicenters of Earth's imminent extinctions, identifying 794 species in need of urgent conservation action at specific sites worldwide. The research highlights the critical need for global cooperation to protect these imperiled species and ecosystems.
A new Science study confirmed that mangroves played a crucial role in shielding communities from the devastating effects of tsunamis. The study found that areas with trees suffered less destruction than those without, highlighting the importance of coastal vegetation in reducing tsunami damage.
A new generation of smart gear has been developed to minimize the accidental deaths of hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and juvenile fish. The innovations include weighted, deep-set lines that reduce encounters with sea turtles while increasing tuna catch, as well as avoidable, detectable gear for marine mammals.
Research finds American pikas' local extinction at 36% of US sites studied due to climate change. Pikas' inability to thermoregulate in extreme temperatures makes them susceptible to habitat loss and extinction.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has warned that tuna stocks are at risk of extinction due to unsustainable fishing and farming practices. The organization is calling for stricter regulations, including real-time monitoring of catches and the implementation of a new quota system.