Articles tagged with Biodiversity Conservation
As rural populations decline, abandoned lands hold promise for rewilding and biodiversity recovery. However, land abandonment can also have negative impacts on local ecosystems and human culture. The authors highlight the need to balance economic needs with restoration and conservation goals.
Researchers have developed a method to rapidly assess the persistence of entire ecological networks and detect extinction risk. By examining interactions between species, scientists can identify patterns and make 'big picture' conclusions about ecosystem health.
Researchers warn that climate change will lead to the loss of habitats for invertebrates in the European Alps, with many species forced to seek refuge in colder areas. The study predicts that by the end of the century, most species will have experienced consistent losses of habitat.
A new study reveals a progressive spread of invasive American mink across most European countries over the past decade. The species is now widespread in Northern and Western Europe, but data are lacking for Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
The study reveals that mammals diversified before the K-Pg extinction, driven by continental drifting and stability following the mass extinction. This led to the rich diversity of mammal lineages, including carnivores, primates, and hoofed animals.
A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.
New research reveals that ant mounds on Danish heathlands are crucial for biodiversity. The heat and nutrients from these structures create a unique environment that allows certain plant species to thrive. This finding highlights the importance of preserving ant mounds as part of efforts to mitigate the biodiversity crisis.
A new study reveals that analyzing DNA can help predict which animals are most at risk of extinction. By examining the genomes of 240 mammal species, scientists found that those with smaller historical populations carry higher burdens of damaging mutations and are more likely to face extinction.
Research shows that arthropods in high-diversity forests contribute to improved productivity by suppressing herbivores, leading to increased tree species richness and multitrophic diversity. The study highlights the importance of conserving plant diversity to maintain arthropod diversity.
George Mason University researchers have identified key methods for successfully reintroducing captive birds into the wild, including exposing animals to wild food and providing supplemental feeding after release. Their study provides evidence-based support for exploring the use of behavior and its management as an influential tool in ...
A University of Alberta study finds that maintaining tree diversity in Canada's forests can significantly increase carbon capture and improve soil fertility. This conservation strategy can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon and nitrogen in the soil over decadal time scales.
A study by the University of Helsinki identifies nature-based solutions that work best as carbon sinks and for biodiversity conservation in urban areas. Community engagement is vital to ensure acceptable plans, according to the researchers.
According to the study, 50 countries' climate plans predict 12 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050, which must be removed from the atmosphere. The researchers emphasize the need for rapid reductions here and now, as relying solely on technology and nature restoration may not be sufficient to meet this goal.
Despite a parasite killing most males, female monarch butterflies still find mates about 1.5 times on average, suggesting high reproductive success throughout the year round. Uninfected females produce healthy male offspring, allowing the parasite to be transmitted in rare populations.
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 new study reveals that a Brazilian forest policy aimed at restoring natural vegetation has been less effective on private lands than in all conservation areas, resulting in the loss of 14.6 million hectares of agricultural land and 2.5 gigatonnes of carbon sequestration potential.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma advocates for integrating biogeography and behavioral ecology to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how to leverage existing biodiversity knowledge into predictive frameworks for addressing biodiversity loss. The authors argue that combining these two fie...
A new research approach suggests integrating biodiversity auditing into conservation plans to effectively support a wider range of important species. This method has been successfully tested in the UK's East Anglia region and could benefit biodiversity nationally, including the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
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.
A new study in Scotland reveals that stakeholders have diverse and nuanced views on potential lynx reintroduction, with disagreements over sheep farming and ecosystem management. The research highlights the need for a participatory approach to discuss the issue.
A new study reveals that the most endangered turtles and crocodiles are those with unique life strategies, which carry out critical processes in their ecosystems. The researchers highlight the urgent need for effective conservation management plans to protect these species and their habitats.
A new study by Yale University researchers suggests that protecting wildlife can significantly enhance natural carbon capture and storage. By conserving or restoring populations of nine key species, the world can collectively facilitate the additional capture of 6.41 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.
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.
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.
A global approach has been developed to survey the vast collections of world's largest natural history museums, estimated to hold over 1.1 billion objects. The initiative aims to inform responses to today's interlocking crises by providing a collective strategy for future conservation and sustainability efforts.
A study by researchers from BirdLife International, WWF, and the University of Cambridge found that 80% of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) on land contain infrastructure, which is a significant driver of threats to biodiversity. The prevalence of infrastructure in KBAs is likely to increase due to planned developments.
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 ...
A WCS-coauthored study reveals global mountain forests are vanishing at an accelerating rate, with 78.1 million hectares lost worldwide between 2001-2018. Protected areas played a crucial role in retaining forest habitat and conserving wildlife, but other conservation strategies must be considered to safeguard mountain forests.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that birds eat fewer invertebrates in coffee plantations than in forests, threatening their survival. The disturbance of ecosystems significantly impacts dietary options, leading to reduced survival and population declines.
A recent study by Kennesaw State University biologist Whitney Preisser found that a decrease in parasites in U.S. waters may signal potential danger for fish and other wildlife due to changes in water temperature, hinting at an ecological threat impacting all species.
A new study shows that reversing evolutionary changes in fish stocks like cod can be profitable and help conserve natural genetic diversity. With century-long planning horizons, evolutionary decline can be reversed without significantly reducing profits.
A study by University of Connecticut researchers examines three conservation network strategies to minimize the negative impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation. They found that non-random approaches, such as incorporating five to ten interconnected sites, are more effective at consistently maximizing species richness.
Restoration of Brazil's dry forests and savannas can sequester up to 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon in the long term, while conservation is essential to meet its 2030 climate goal. The new study suggests a focus on these biomes could be more cost-effective than restoration.
A study found that protected areas are unlikely to provide connectivity for species shifting ranges due to climate change, with two-thirds of the world's 30,000 protected areas expected to fail. Conservation strategies must prioritize effective use of protected areas to help species adapt to a warming planet.
A study found that wildlife documentaries highlight vertebrate species, such as mammals and birds, while underrepresenting invertebrates like insects. This biased portrayal risks leaving people with an inaccurate impression of nature's state.
Researchers found that mesophotic reefs differ from shallower counterparts, suggesting a strong ecological filter between depths. The study highlights the need to expand marine protections for coral reefs beyond shallow waters, emphasizing the unique biodiversity and vulnerability of deeper ecosystems.
A new study reveals that whooper swans thrive in UK nature reserves, with survival rates significantly higher and population growth up to 6% annually. This could lead to a doubling of the species' wintering population in the UK by 2030.
A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission has recognized two iconic Chicago institutions as Centers for Species Survival, elevating the region's role in biodiversity conservation. Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum will collaborate on projects highlighting aquatic and terrestrial linkages in Central American biodiversity hotspots.
A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
Guinea grass, an invasive species in Texas, uses a combination of crowding and chemical toxins to suppress native plants. The researchers found that the toxicity of guinea grass increases dramatically when its shading effect is combined with its chemical warfare, making it harder for native plants to survive.
A study reveals that plant roots are crucial for belowground life in the tropics, supporting decomposition and soil health. Removing living roots decreases animal abundance by 42% in rainforest plots and 30% in plantations.
Researchers used drones to map large areas of Antarctica, capturing unprecedented high-resolution imagery of vegetation and biodiversity in protected areas. The vision identified areas with moss and lichen not previously picked up by satellite, providing valuable insights into the fragile ecosystem.
A new study by Göttingen University reveals that mechanical weeding and reduced fertilizer usage significantly increase ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm production. The researchers found no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with these practices.
A groundbreaking study found that creating shallow water zones enhances fish populations, while coarse wood bundles have positive effects in selected lakes. The approach has stronger long-term effects than narrow species-focused conservation actions.
A study from Ohio State University reveals stark differences in avian functional diversity between the US East and West. Functional diversity patterns are highest in the West during breeding season, while in the East they are lowest despite high species richness.
Research reveals a clear link between tropical forest loss and reduced rainfall, with potential consequences for agriculture, hydropower plants, and local communities. The study estimates that continued deforestation in the Congo could lead to a 8-12% reduction in rainfall by the end of the century.
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework faces implementation challenges due to entrenched North-South divides and inadequate funding. The framework requires countries to adopt equity principles and account for past damage to achieve its 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature.
A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that watching nature documentaries, such as BBC's Green Planet, increases public awareness of plants and their importance. The researchers measured online behavior and found a significant effect on viewers' interest in portrayed plant species.
A modelling study by an international team of researchers found that climate change will likely disrupt core habitats of marine species, reducing suitable ranges by the end of this century. The results highlight the need for effective conservation management to protect marine biodiversity and resources.
Researchers found that the feathers of large seabirds contained nutrients from multiple ocean basins, while smaller birds had elements matching their local foraging environments. This discovery may explain the long-distance migrations of threatened species.
An international research team from the Global South emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in tropical ecology and conservation. They suggest ten actions for researchers living in the Global South to improve their inclusivity and participation in international research collaborations.
A new study has identified the top factors that determine the success of large carnivore relocation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting existing habitats. The findings could support global rewilding efforts and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
The EEB Language Project aims to revise harmful terminology in ecology and evolution, promoting inclusivity and precision. The project provides a repository of words with suggested alternatives, allowing community members to submit their suggestions and engage in dialogue.
A team of scientists found a 16-year-old European hedgehog in Denmark, exceeding the previous record by seven years. The discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that inbreeding reduces lifespan. The study's results provide valuable insights into the basic life history of hedgehogs and may improve conservation efforts.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found over 74,000 active fires in the Brazilian Amazon during the period, mainly due to recent deforestation. The research also revealed a sharp increase in forest fires on public lands and areas of Indigenous reservations.
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 global picture of local species richness trends is hindered by incomplete and biased data, with regional imbalances leading to a distorted impression. The study advocates for prioritizing local assessments and standardized monitoring programs to address measurement errors and spatial biases.