Articles tagged with Biodiversity Conservation
Researchers from Shedd Aquarium and the U.S. Geological Survey discovered five new species of freshwater mussels in the southern US, highlighting the need for region-specific conservation strategies. The new species, named after their geographic locations, are rare and filter water to maintain healthy ecosystems.
The RELATE4NATURE project aims to recognize the intrinsic and relational values of nature, supporting people, communities, and wellbeing. The project will co-develop and evaluate new socio-economic models in four areas, establishing eight local pilot alliances to test alternative valuation methods and policy innovations.
A seven-year study of Barred Owls in California shows a significant decline in exposure to the most lethal class of rodenticides, attributed to the state's policy restrictions. The study also detects a new contaminant, cholecalciferol, in nearly one in five owls, suggesting product substitution as older compounds become harder to access.
Research finds that controlled Crown-of-thorns starfish populations can support coral diversity by preventing dominant species from monopolizing reef space. This helps increase coral diversity. COTS feeding on fast-growing corals like Acropora creates space for slower-growing species like Montipora and Porites to persist.
A new species of killifish, Laimosemion laranja, has been discovered in the Brazilian Amazon, characterized by its striking orange coloration. The fish is considered Endangered due to habitat loss and pollution, prompting efforts to protect its habitat.
This study presents the first complete ant fauna inventory for the Xisha Islands, revealing 21 ant species and 70% native taxa. Exotic species, including globally invasive fire ants, are significantly boosted by human disturbance, while vegetation type has negligible influence. Most Xisha ants are ground-dwelling omnivores, forming mut...
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive updated checklist of terrestrial mammals on Hainan Island, China's largest tropical island. The study documents 95 species, including 12.91% of China's terrestrial mammalian species richness, and identifies 10 species as threatened under IUCN criteria.
A new species of leafless flowering plant, Thismia daemona, has been discovered in Thong Pha Phum National Park in western Thailand. The species, which belongs to the genus Thismia, is critically endangered due to its limited population size and fragile habitat.
The EU-funded projects SpongeBoost, SpongeScapes, and SpongeWorks have published a joint policy brief recommending aligning EU policies to scale up sponge restoration across Europe. The policy brief highlights the importance of restoring the natural sponge function of landscapes to strengthen water and climate resilience.
A new species of spider, Hexura vandal, has been discovered in Idaho's Rocky Mountains, expanding the known range of the genus by 500 kilometers. The species is a predator that attacks and is considered likely endangered due to habitat pressure from logging and wildfires.
New research suggests that current conservation efforts are insufficient to halt the decline in common bird and butterfly species in Europe. The study projects a decline in species abundance across Europe up to 2050, with farmland birds and grassland butterflies facing strong pressures.
Researchers found that tree-layer α-diversity peaks at mid-elevation zones, while understory α-diversity shows a bimodal trend with two diversity peaks at 400-600m and 1000-1200m. Community composition differs among low-, mid- and high-elevation zones, driven by species turnover across elevational zones.
Researchers used eDNA metabarcoding to study fish biodiversity in heavily damaged mountainous cascade dammed rivers. The study found 97 fish species, including 14 IUCN threatened taxa, with seasonal differences in species detection rates and community composition.
Research at Kyoto University's gardens revealed seven species of frog and one species of newt, highlighting the importance of culturally managed water features as habitats for urban amphibians. The study's findings emphasize the need to consider these sites as biodiversity hotspots, promoting coexistence with nature.
The MAMBO project developed cutting-edge biodiversity monitoring tools, including UV light camera traps and sound recognition models. These outputs are now available to researchers and citizen scientists, enabling more automated and scalable conservation efforts.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that 'pioneering pairs' of ospreys, which nest away from others, are key to driving population recovery. These birds create separate subpopulations and increase the speed of recovery for the species through long-distance dispersal.
A GPS tracking study found that invasive barred owls consistently occupy the tallest, oldest, and most complex stands of forest, threatening spotted owls' habitats. Managing barred owl populations reopens habitat for spotted owls to reclaim, conservatively estimating over 1,800 square kilometers of restored habitat.
Researchers found that preserving native vegetation and tree cover between homes led to a wider variety of bird species remaining, particularly sensitive species like the Wilson's warbler and Swainson's thrush. This suggests that balancing human development with ecosystem health can benefit both.
The landmark review provides a detailed account of Honduras' mammals, verifying 227 native species and forecasting potential discoveries. The study draws on cultural knowledge and conservation summaries to guide research priorities.
A new study from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has developed a less invasive method to measure the body temperature of hatchling Mojave desert tortoises, reducing disturbance and handling stress. The handheld infrared thermal camera provides a reliable estimate of internal body temperature under various conditions.
A new study finds that beef and dairy production are the dominant drivers of both carbon loss and biodiversity loss on farmland, accounting for 41% of total biodiversity damage. Targeting these areas could deliver gains for climate and nature simultaneously.
A new synthesis paper examines how ecological structures and processes help ecosystems withstand disturbances while providing benefits. The study highlights the importance of 'portfolio effects' in maintaining ecosystem resilience.
Butterflies worldwide are experiencing extensive climate-induced range shifts, impacting ecosystems globally. As temperatures rise, butterfly populations are adapting to new habitats, altering species interactions and community dynamics.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
A new study identifies butterfly species most sensitive to environmental change, offering a practical framework for monitoring biodiversity and assessing forest restoration. The research highlights the conservation importance of specialist butterflies and their declining populations due to habitat loss.
The study demonstrates that biosphere reserves in the Western Amazon effectively prevent deforestation compared to similar areas. Transition areas and buffer zones are particularly effective in conserving biodiversity.
The study highlights a core trade-off between spatial resolution, spectral bandwidth and plot-pixel matching in arid ecosystems. Multi-source, multi-scale remote sensing fusion is advocated for future dryland biodiversity conservation and management.
A global analysis of zoo records shows a 21-44% increase in life expectancy for African and Asian elephants since 1960, mirroring improvements in their wild counterparts. These gains are attributed to advancements in management standards, veterinary care, and socialisation strategies.
A University at Buffalo study has identified a link between Canadian wildfire smoke and decreased bird sightings in New York State. Analyzing air quality data with birdwatching reports, researchers found that nearly half of the studied species were less likely to be observed when PM2.5 levels rose, including many migratory forest songb...
Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.
A new study has mapped Europe's wetlands, identifying peatlands as the most critical type to restore for climate benefits. The map provides a basis for assessing where wetland restoration could deliver benefits for climate and biodiversity.
A previously unknown species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis, has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species, known locally as Likweli, features a distinctive orange face patch and is one of the rarest discoveries in modern primatology.
A new study reveals that many influential companies make biodiversity pledges but lack transparency and specificity, hindering accountability. Researchers identified keystone corporations across multiple sectors making commitments, but only 13% met the criteria for robustness.
A recent study found that protecting primates in China's Yunnan province can also protect other animals and plants, highlighting the importance of umbrella species conservation. The research showed that large-bodied vertebrates need vast areas to support populations, which are habitats for many other species.
A single monitoring network developed by McGill University and partners detected multiple types of data in the Lower St. Lawrence, including underwater earthquakes, whale calls, ship noise, and tidal activity. The results show potential applications for conservation and marine policy.
A new white paper by 135 EU researchers highlights the decline of wild pollinators, threatening food security and societal functions. The report calls for policy coordination and education on ecosystems and pollinators to reverse the trend.
A new framework developed by IIASA researchers helps identify where conservation can prevent biodiversity loss and where restoration efforts are likely to have the greatest impact. The framework integrates ecological thresholds with protected area coverage to assess how upstream pressures affect downstream fish communities.
A new policy brief from PollinERA proposes a regional pesticide budget system to manage total pesticide pressure at landscape scale. The system would align with EU environmental law and provide farmers with a practical incentive to choose lower-impact products.
Ecosystems with diverse species and predators function more effectively, maintaining natural processes like pest control and climate regulation. The study analyzed over 300 global food webs and found up to 70 times more predation in diverse ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the Honduran cottontail rabbit is the main cause of crop damage in Honduras, contrary to local assumptions. Camera traps helped researchers understand which species interact with crops and how they respond to human-made stimuli.
The ANERIS project successfully demonstrated cutting-edge technologies for marine life sensing and monitoring, focusing on Operational Marine Biology (OMB) products. Key findings include the deployment of four case studies connected to Research Infrastructures, showcasing high-temporal marine life resolution monitoring.
Researchers at Linköping University found that old oak trees and semi-natural grasslands are crucial habitats for many species. The study identified thresholds for habitat size needed to support species survival, providing conservationists with concrete data to prioritize cost-effective interventions.
The partnership aims to leverage SDSU's technology transfer expertise to commercialize innovations from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's research, conservation, and wildlife care initiatives. This collaboration will help translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions for society and wildlife populations.
The Crown Princess Victoria Professorship in Biodiversity at the University of Gothenburg aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research into biodiversity and develop innovative strategies for its conservation. Alexandre Antonelli, a leading researcher, has been appointed to lead this initiative.
Researchers unveil a rigorous framework to fix global forest carbon credit systems, addressing methodological defects and promoting biodiversity conservation. The new standards aim to produce high-integrity climate assets while safeguarding community interests.
The Wilkes Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Alliance aims to safeguard the Atlantic Ocean's leatherback turtle populations, which are classified as 'vulnerable' globally. The alliance will produce research, strategic action plans, and advocacy to drive coordinated conservation action across the region.
The TSESOM framework proposes a dynamic service ecosystem approach to manage sustainable operations in botanic gardens, integrating biodiversity research and ecosystemic thinking. It offers a flexible tool for transformative collaboration and innovation, supporting planetary health and global sustainability transitions.
A new study reveals that threatened amphibian species are being inadvertently sold under incorrect names in digital marketplaces. Genetic barcoding analysis identified four frogs advertised as Chinese edible frogs as actually being Chinese spiny frogs, classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
A new study by Concordia researchers suggests that carefully habituating wild gorillas to non-threatening humans can help them overcome long-term aversions to people. Over an eight-year study in Cameroon, the animals' responses to human presence slowly changed from aggression and avoidance to curiosity and indifference.
A new global early warning system predicts that over 3,500 species will face unprecedented heat between 2024 and 2025. The system identifies hotspots across Mexico, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Himalayan region, India, Pakistan, and Western Australia where exposure is both intense and extensive.
Researchers found that rewetted peatland solar parks in Northern Germany support threatened bird species and exhibit an unusual mix of species, providing a unique habitat for biodiversity. The study suggests that this novel land use can be a valuable tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring peatland ecosystems.
A new study found that biodiversity offset grasslands support twice the number of wild bees compared to existing grasslands, with comparable numbers of hoverfly species. While not perfect replacements, these offsets can provide important resources for pollinators and may be as effective as existing sites in terms of species richness.
A new study suggests that expanding Norway's renewable energy could increase habitat loss by up to 28% by 2050. However, avoiding construction in species-rich habitats and using previously developed land can help curb those losses. Meanwhile, rooftop solar has a lower impact on biodiversity compared to ground-mounted solar plants.
A long-term study found that invasive Burmese pythons led to a dramatic decline in woodrat populations, while cotton mouse populations surged following Hurricane Irma's landfall. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of invasive predators on endemic ecosystem engineers and underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts.
A new commentary reveals that most of Africa's biodiversity persists outside formal protected areas, challenging the reliance on fenced reserves and policies like the 30×30 target. Working landscapes, shaped by centuries of human-nature coexistence, often retain higher ecological connectivity and resilience to climate change.
Scientists analyzed vast botanical data to understand why some exotic plants become invasive pests. They found that the timing of flowering is crucial and depends on climate conditions, with native species adapting to local environments and invasive species thriving in milder regions.
Researchers surveyed 7 pathogens in wild native snakes, finding Ophidiomyces and Raillietiella orientalis as most important infectious agents. Rattlesnakes are most likely to host these pathogens, with increased risks of ophidiomycosis and parasitic lung infection.
A recent study has identified five distinct species of pit vipers in the Himalayan region, including three new to science. The research combined fresh and historical DNA data with morphological and skeletal analysis, revealing deep evolutionary lineages and distinct ecological characteristics.
A new framework maps Europe's climate-smart rewilding potential, highlighting regional strengths in Eastern and Southern Europe. The approach balances ecosystem restoration with climate mitigation and adaptation, offering opportunities for diverse regions to contribute.
A joint results conference of nine Horizon Europe projects will bring together scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss transformative change for biodiversity. The event aims to translate findings into actionable policy guidance and inform EU strategies on biodiversity protection.