Articles tagged with Biodiversity Conservation
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study suggests that doubling protected lands for biodiversity could lead to substantial regional shifts in land use and potentially fail to protect world's most biodiverse hotspots. The research also found that the land used for growing crops for biofuels could be significantly impacted by the doubling of current protected areas.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that a small red-eyed damselfly from Europe has established itself in the UK without harming native species. Most native dragonflies and damselflies were either found more often or unchanged in areas colonized by the newcomer.
Researchers applied machine learning tools to study how climate impacts connectivity and biodiversity in the Pacific Ocean's Coral Triangle. They found that climate dynamics have contributed to biodiversity due to variability introduced by El Niño and La Niña events.
Scientists from Okayama University used environmental DNA (eDNA) to survey the distribution and population density of the endangered bitterling fish in Japan. They found that eDNA concentrations vary according to the downstream channel distance, providing a reference for conservation surveys.
A new Stanford-led study highlights the importance of coordinated policies governing biodiversity in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. The research found that biodiversity is governed by nearly 200 distinct policies covering various ecosystems and conservation approaches.
Researchers studied pollen data from North America's Neotoma Paleoecology Database to understand plant migration patterns and climate fidelity. Most plant species have exhibited long-term climate loyalty over the past 18,000 years, while some plants adapt locally in response to climate change.
A new species of snake, Dipsas aparatiritos, has been described from western Panama, having gone unnoticed for over 40 years. The species is relatively common and has a characteristic bulbous head and brown-and-black patterning.
Three new species of nautilus have been described from the Coral Sea and South Pacific, with researchers studying their characteristics to better understand biogeographic isolation. The discovery highlights concerns over ocean conservation due to pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
A new study found that 76% of global insect species are not adequately covered by protected areas. This underrepresentation is particularly concerning for critically endangered insects, with some species having no overlap with protected areas at all.
Scientists have recorded two new caddisfly species in Thailand, expanding the country's known fauna by 10 documented representatives. The newly discovered species are Diplectrona erinya and Diplectrona extrema, both belonging to the genus Diplectrona.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change has discovered that hybridization between species can help vulnerable populations adapt to climate change. Hybrid populations have been found to contain more genetic diversity, making them less susceptible to extinction due to environmental changes.
Researchers emphasize the importance of freshwater corridors in the Amazon for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study highlights critical areas that need protection to safeguard healthy rivers and mitigate climate change impacts.
A study by University of Reading ecologists suggests that social and economic factors drive the decline of large carnivore species, with habitat loss being less significant. The researchers propose a sustainable model of development to protect carnivores, but note that this may come at the cost of locking people into poverty.
Research by University of Queensland finds that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is not effectively protecting threatened habitats. Projects deemed 'significant' or 'not significant' have resulted in similar habitat destruction, highlighting inconsistencies in referral decision-making processes.
Researchers identified hundreds of microorganisms associated with plant roots and soil, showing potential for developing biological substitutes for phosphorus-based fertilizers. The discovery highlights the importance of microbial communities in supplying essential nutrients like nitrogen.
The endangered Amami rabbit plays a key role in dispersing seeds for the non-photosynthetic Balanophora yuwanensis plant. Researchers observed that the rabbit consumed both dry fruits and vegetative tissue from the plant, suggesting it serves as a major seed disperser incentivized by the plant's vegetative tissues.
The article highlights that forests are not just threatened by agricultural expansion, but also by the consumption of non-agricultural products and international trade. Intact forests play a crucial role in regulating climate and biodiversity, and their loss can have significant indirect impacts on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.
A new study predicts that by 2099, future extreme heatwaves will expose up to 11% of land vertebrates to temperatures beyond their historical levels. However, a low-emissions scenario greatly reduces animals' exposure to heat extremes.
Researchers from DePaul University studied small mammals in eastern Paraguay's Atlantic Forest remnants to understand biodiversity and its relation to forest edges. They found that species richness and abundance increase closer to the edge, while phylogenetic diversity is higher in interior sites.
A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax humoinsapiens, has been discovered in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo. The species was named to raise awareness about human activities that have degraded habitats and led to extinction. Researchers hope this naming convention will make insects 'talk' to humanity's collective consciousness.
A new species of bent-toed gecko from the genus Cyrtodactylus has been identified in Timor-Leste, a remote region in Southeast Asia. The newly discovered species, named Cyrtodactylus santana, is the first of its kind to be formally described as a species in Timor-Leste.
Establishing ecological corridors among western US national parks can enlarge mammal populations and allow species to shift geographic ranges in response to climate change. This could increase the long-term persistence time of mammal species by a factor of 4.3, compared to fragmented individual parks.
Researchers found that underwater light intensity plays a critical role in the energy expended by coral's symbiotic algae, highlighting the importance of water clarity for coral conservation. Preserving water optical quality is vital to protecting coral biodiversity and preventing reef degradation.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
A Tokyo Metropolitan University study reveals that smaller green areas surrounding large parks in urban environments can significantly affect biodiversity. The researchers found that mobile insect species benefit from these surrounding areas, while less mobile species do not.
A recent study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that Indigenous territories and protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. The study found that these areas accounted for approximately 52% of forests in the region, leading to only 5% of net forest loss and 12% of gross forest loss.
Researchers from Finland investigated the impact of wind turbines on bat presence and activity in boreal forests. Bats were found to be repelled by wind turbines, with Northern bats avoiding distances of up to 800 meters and Myotis species avoiding areas over one kilometer away.