A team of scientists has proposed a three-step framework to implement global biodiversity goals at the national level. The first step involves translating global targets into national action plans, engaging various sectors in co-design. The second step requires implementing actions across sectors using behavioral intervention tools and...
Researchers found two prion gene variants in Père David's deer that may reduce susceptibility to CWD. The genetic variants were surprising given the population's small founder size and conserved prion protein gene. Studies are needed to confirm whether these variants provide protection against CWD.
Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation in spatial planning can minimize trade-offs between nature and people. The study found that joint planning processes for rural development and biodiversity conservation are more ecologically effective and socioeconomically feasible than separate strategies. By dedicating at leas...
A new study in India reveals that more than half of surveyed crop varieties are under threat of extinction, with 50% considered threatened across five different agroecological regions. The Varietal Threat Index methodology proposes a systematic way to monitor changes in varietal diversity on farms.
A new study found that female bushbabies experience sharper increases in glucocorticoid hormones than males, indicating they may be under more stress and have less wiggle room to survive in a changing environment.
Research reveals limited consideration of roadkill's effects on small and vulnerable species, as well as global geographic limitations. The study calls for a shift towards examining population dynamics and connectivity to inform conservation efforts.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that the greatest increase in marine biodiversity on Earth occurred due to changes in climate cycles, rather than an asteroid explosion. Fossil analysis revealed a shift towards colder climates around 469 million years ago, leading to the blooming of marine life.
A study quantifying Nigeria-linked seizures of pangolin products suggests levels of trafficking are far greater than previously thought. Researchers found 190,407 kilos of scales taken from at least 799,343 animals, with 77 seizures analysed revealing connections to ivory-smuggling networks.
A study found that large herbivore biomass is only present in African reserves, with a close correlation between plant productivity and consumer biomass. In contrast, non-African ecosystems have low herbivore densities, even in protected areas.
A new study found that consuming sustainably sourced wild meat instead of domesticated livestock reduces greenhouse gas emissions and retains precious tropical forest systems. This can lead to significant financial incentives for forest conservation through carbon credit revenues, totaling millions of dollars per year.
A new study published in Coral Reefs confirms that soft corals Plexaura kükenthali and Plexaura homomalla are two separate species. The research found significant differences in morphology, genetics, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships between the two species.
Researchers found that complex mixtures of microbes isolated from closely related plant species increased the resistance of endangered Hawaiian plant Eugenia koolauensis to myrtle rust. This microbial treatment may be an important tool for combating disease-driven declines of endangered plants.
A new study by the University of York and Natural England finds that only 9% of Britain's land area has legal status for biodiversity protection. The researchers suggest prioritizing areas with high landscape value, but argues this approach is inefficient and may not deliver intended goals.
Researchers used flight efficiency estimates from museum specimens to predict bird dispersal distances, revealing that species with elongated wings can disperse farther. This study has applications in biodiversity conservation, as reduced flight capabilities may threaten bird populations.
The Safeguard project will assess the status and trends of European wild pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. It will also explore effective ways to halt declines in different scales, from local to global.
A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...
Researchers in Peru have estimated the population density of spectacled bears and identified an unknown hotspot, revealing over 10 bears per 100 square kilometers. The team also observed the first 'golden' bear with nearly golden fur, sparking further investigation into its unusual characteristics.
A study analyzing over 120 million social media posts reveals that tourists focus more on nature in marine protected areas than neighboring coastal zones. The research found that these areas provide more cultural ecosystem services than adjacent coastal areas.
Researchers found medium tree finch nests with high parasite survival rates, while hybrid finches had lower rates. Nestling behaviour also predicted naris deformation due to vampire fly parasitism.
A new study found that plastic pollution is ingested by juvenile sea turtles, leading them to accumulate in highly polluted areas like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The research team examined 121 sea turtles from five species and found that 86% of loggerheads and 83% of greens contained plastic.
Chapman's Pygmy Chameleon, one of the world's rarest chameleons, has been found in surviving patches of forest in Malawi. The species was feared extinct due to forest loss and habitat fragmentation, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased extinction risk.
A new study finds that current protected areas may not be enough to protect biodiversity in a changing climate. Countries have not fully harnessed the potential of protected areas to adapt to climate change, and instead need to identify lands with high levels of biodiversity in areas where climate is changing slowly.
Research reveals that marine protected areas increase total fish numbers and common species richness, with stronger gains among sensitive species. Network effects accumulate between individual reserves, suggesting synergistic benefits from regional marine protected area systems.
The article suggests that large carnivores and zoos can catalyze public engagement with nature and pro-environmental behavior, fostering an emotional appreciation for diverse species. By exploring connections between people, large carnivores, and zoos, this approach provides a rich multifaceted framework for biodiversity conservation.
The National Science Foundation grant will support the development of an open knowledge network to provide better information for agencies managing wildfires, water quality, and biodiversity conservation. The team aims to create automated methods to collect and share relevant information, improving decision-making processes.
Researchers suggest that trophy hunting undermines biodiversity conservation efforts and instead offer land-use and ownership reforms, diversified tourism, and environmental investments as more effective solutions. This approach aims to benefit and empower local communities, rather than just generating economic benefits.
Global REDD+ fund allocation scenarios optimize carbon reduction for a moderate cost increase in biodiversity conservation. Adding ambition to equity targets significantly improves outcomes without reducing the effect of funding on carbon and biodiversity results.
A new study found that only four countries (USA, Australia, South Africa, and Canada) dominated private land conservation research, with half of articles failing to report stakeholder engagement. The study calls for better understanding of socio-ecological systems and diverse cultural contexts in future research.
A new species of perennial Bromus has been identified in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Picos de Europa National Park. The plant is a small rhizomatous herb with distinctive features, and its discovery highlights the region's biodiversity.
A new study by International Institute for Sustainability presents a flexible tool to increase restoration cost-effectiveness by up to eight times, considering multiple criteria such as biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. The study identifies optimal priority areas for restoration, showcasing the potential of spati...
The Conservation Finance Alliance has received a major funding award of €701,114 (US$822,315) to support its work in promoting sustainable financing solutions for biodiversity conservation. The funding will be used to hire a full-time Executive Director and build the network's capacity for administration and fundraising.
A new study by the University of Oxford has created a plant-species hotspot map for tropical Africa, identifying critical areas for global biodiversity conservation. The map reveals regions with high concentrations of globally rare plants, such as the Horn of Africa and south-east Democratic Republic of Congo.
A University of Kent study suggests that rural areas can provide for both people and wildlife if agriculture is administered sustainably. The study recommends a policy mix combining regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, including strategic land use planning and incentives for sustainable agricultural practices.
A North Carolina State University study surveyed elementary students' priorities for wildlife conservation, finding that children's choices mirrored those of conservation biologists. Students prioritized species with rapid population declines and those important in nature over other attributes.
The Nature Conservation journal has published a study on the illegal trade of Indian Star tortoises across Asia, which gained significant media attention. The journal has also seen a significant increase in publications, authors, and readers over the past four years.
The newly discovered Rafflesia consueloae is the smallest of its kind, measuring only 9.73 cm in diameter, and has been named after Filipino conservationist Connie Lopez. The species was classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, highlighting the need for continued protection.
Retention forestry and agroforestry systems offer a balance between production and biodiversity conservation. The paper proposes bridging the two fields to enhance ecological benefits and species conservation.
The failure to meet 2010 biodiversity targets has led to a critical review of existing policies and the need for improved design and implementation. Scientists emphasize the importance of understanding complexity in processes to address scale-related problems in conservation.
A new study shows that incorporating multiple stakeholder interests in comprehensive ocean planning reduces conflict and enhances cultural, conservation, and economic benefits. The study found that designing offshore wind farms with multiple ocean users in mind can prevent losses to incumbent fishery and whale watching sectors while ge...
A decade-long study of people living near Kibale National Park in Uganda found that most households improved their prosperity, despite conventional wisdom suggesting parks contribute to poverty. The study suggests that parks provide a source of insurance for poor families, allowing them to hunt or sell park resources.
A Virginia Tech chemist will share a portion of pharmaceutical royalties with Madagascar, supporting biodiversity conservation and cancer research in the country. The research, led by David G.I. Kingston, aims to find new anticancer agents from Madagascar's unique plant and animal species.
A report by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals a large population of threatened monkeys, including 42,000 black-shanked douc langurs and 2,500 yellow-cheeked crested gibbons, in Cambodia's Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area. The populations have remained stable since 2005 and are estimated to be the largest known in the world.
The BBVA Foundation Award for Conservation Biology recognizes Harold Mooney and Peter Raven for their contributions to understanding the evolutionary and co-evolutionary processes that shape plant diversity. Their work has shifted the focus of conservation biology from species-centered approaches to ecosystems and services provided to ...
Despite being bastions of biodiversity conservation, African national parks are losing species at an alarming rate. The decline is attributed primarily to anthropogenic causes such as poaching and human encroachment, leading to the loss of large mammal populations.
A novel program in Panama trains professionals to advance drug discovery, reducing costs and promoting tropical biodiversity conservation. The International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) program provides economic and educational benefits for local students and communities.
Scientists Mas and Dietsch examined publicly available criteria for shade-grown coffee certification programs, finding that some distinguish farms with beneficial levels of shade for biodiversity conservation. The study suggests setting specific realistic conservation goals based on habitat use and forest fragment protection.
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) will create a searchable database of species, facilitating the digitization and sharing of biodiversity data. This initiative addresses the lack of accessibility to biodiversity information in developing countries and aims to support scientific research and conservation efforts.
A study by BIODEPTH found that reducing species richness in plant communities results in decreased productivity, higher soil nitrate concentrations, and altered ecosystem processes. The findings suggest that preserving and restoring biodiversity is crucial for maintaining grassland productivity.
The Everglades' low biodiversity, caused by nutrient deficiencies, makes them vulnerable to pollution. Researchers recommend reducing agricultural runoff and filtering water through marshes to preserve the ecosystem's character.
A symposium on bioprospecting was held at the American Society for Microbiology meeting, exploring microbial diversity and the search for novel natural products. Experts discussed the potential of bioprospecting to develop new drugs and chemicals, as well as its role in conservation and cultural diversity.
A group of prominent scientists, including Harold Mooney and José Sarukhán, are launching the International Biodiversity Observation Year to address the urgent need for information about biodiversity. They propose short-term international projects to fill gaps in data and promote research on fundamental aspects of biodiversity.
A new study by Cornell University estimates that biodiversity provides $2.9 trillion in economic and environmental benefits globally. In the United States alone, the value is estimated at $319 billion. The research highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem integrity for human well-being.
The reserve protects diverse ecosystems and biodiversity, including indigenous communities and unique plant species. The establishment of the reserve demonstrates Brazil's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
A new biodiversity theory suggests that protecting ecotones along rainforest periphery is crucial for preserving biodiversity. Ecotones, the transition zones between rainforests and savannas, may be integral to generating biodiversity in tropical rain forests.
Researchers at Resources for the Future found that biodiversity prospecting provides limited financial benefits for preserving habitats. The study suggests that funding sources other than commercial product research should be explored to support conservation efforts.