Articles tagged with Biodiversity Conservation
A new tool, developed at the University of Córdoba, uses satellite data and species distribution models to identify areas for conservation prioritization. The tool, tested with six Andalusian species, suggests that most protected areas and species suffered habitat decline between 2000-2020.
A study analyzing online seizure records found over 300 seizures of dried seahorses in 62 countries, with most occurring in transit or destination countries. The illicit trade is estimated to be worth CAD$29 million over 10 years, and emerging routes involve Europe and Latin America.
Researchers found that artificial water bodies, especially historic stone tanks, support a higher diversity of species compared to natural habitats. These structures serve as stable environments for vulnerable eggs and larvae, providing a lifeline for amphibian populations amidst climate change and land-use change.
New research from the University of the Witwatersrand finds that puff adders can increase their food consumption by up to 12 times during rodent outbreaks, outperforming traditional mammalian predators. This natural solution could significantly reduce crop damage and support sustainable farming practices in Africa.
Researchers found that removing invasive American bullfrogs allowed native northwestern pond turtles to recover and thrive in Yosemite National Park. The study suggests that eradicating non-native bullfrogs could be necessary in priority conservation areas to help pond turtle populations recover.
Researchers propose pathways for synergies between marine spatial planning and marine protected area planning under a rapidly changing climate. Key aspects of MSP and MPA planning set them apart, including zonation, scale, stakeholder involvement, systems view, and climate considerations.
A study by Brazilian, UK, and Dutch scientists found that just 30 species of trees dominate the Cerrado, accounting for almost half of all its trees. This phenomenon of hyperdominance has significant implications for understanding and conserving the ecosystem.
Research published in Global Change Biology found that tiger presence is associated with higher forest vegetation carbon stocks, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and higher carbon dioxide removal. Tiger density also seems to have a guardian effect to protect forests from deforestation and associated carbon emissions.
Researchers have mapped the saola's genome, revealing two distinct populations with significant genetic differences, and estimate that fewer than 100 individuals remain, raising hopes for conservation efforts through captive breeding and genetic de-extinction. The study provides new insights into the species' history and future prospects.
Researchers analyzed 724 ancient Chinese poems to track the decline of the Yangtze finless porpoise's habitat range. The study found that the porpoise's range decreased by at least 65% over 1,400 years, with most of this decline occurring in the past century. This ancient art form provides a unique window into biodiversity conservation.
A new study predicts that common noctule bats' hibernation areas will shift northeastward by up to 14% by 2100 due to warmer winters. The model accurately tracks the northward range shift of this species over the past 50 years, driven by shorter and warmer winters in Europe.
A new study by University College London researchers suggests that intensifying existing farmland can degrade local biodiversity more than expanding agricultural land, depending on factors like region and crop type. The study highlights the need for sustainable intensification techniques to mitigate the impact of farming on the environ...
Professor Paul Armsworth, a theoretical ecologist at University of Tennessee, has been recognized as an ESA Fellow for his contributions to ecological research and conservation. He bridges theory and practice to inform management and policy decisions, benefiting Tennessee and the broader society.
A study led by Monterey Bay Aquarium shows that the collapse of one marine predator can benefit another. Sea otters thrive in response to increased availability of mussels after a mussel boom is triggered by the loss of ochre sea stars, demonstrating keystone interdependence.
A recent study suggests that highly diverse microbial ecosystems may actually decrease stability under stress conditions. In contrast, low-diversity ecosystems often exhibit increased growth rates and community stability when faced with starvation or high salinity.
A new study suggests that regional conditions alter the makeup of communities, influencing biodiversity. The researchers found that immigration from highly diverse seed mixes maintained species diversity over time, while local factors had a limited impact on biodiversity loss.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution shows that integrating nature restoration with land management strategies can ensure long-term sustainability. Strategic restoration efforts can yield significant biodiversity and climate benefits while ensuring continued food and timber production across Europe.
A new study predicts that new plant pests and diseases will severely damage UK trees and woodlands by 2050, potentially losing over half of their growth. The research highlights the need for increased tree diversity and resilience to biocontrol measures.
A new study reveals climate change is the leading cause of biodiversity loss among endangered species in the US. Climate change affects 91% of ESA-listed species, with many facing multiple threats simultaneously.
A new study by Griffith University reveals that the term 'nature positive' is being used more for political rhetoric than actual conservation efforts, posing a threat to biodiversity. The research found that only 0.01% of the global tourism sector makes net positive contributions to conservation.
A new study found that a pay-to-release programme increased live releases of endangered species caught as bycatch, but also encouraged some vessels to increase their catches at the expense of conservation goals. Adjustments have been made to improve the programme's effectiveness.
Saharan mustard is overwhelming native plants' seed bank, reducing biodiversity and weakening ecosystems. The invasive species can crowd out native species, altering ecosystem function.
Camille Parmesan wins BBVA Foundation award for her pioneering studies on species shifting their geographical ranges in response to climate change. Her research has provided vital input to conservation strategies, including corridor creation and protected areas.
A new study analyzing over 175 scientific reviews found that agricultural intensification is a major driver of insect decline, but climate change has multiple individual drivers such as extreme precipitation and temperature. The research highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to conserve insect biodiversity.
A new study found that some bird species with large geographic ranges and big brains are actually more susceptible to climate change than previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from citizen scientists and found that birds adapted to narrow climate niches, such as the Arctic, are at higher risk from climate change.
A new study found that nutrient availability plays a crucial role in the relationship between precipitation and plant biomass. In grasslands, plant biomass increases with higher mean annual precipitation, but nutrient availability also comes into play. Fertilizing sites with multiple nutrients boosted plant growth and biomass, revealin...
The discovery of the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak, a new butterfly species, reveals striking genetic diversity and ecological uniqueness. The isolated population has been separated from its closest relatives for up to 40,000 years, resulting in low genetic diversity and reduced adaptability to changing climatic conditions.
Researchers found that high tree mortality in upper canopy can promote oak regeneration when maple is removed from understorey. Plantings on thinned forest plots showed fewer signs of drought stress, supporting oak growth.
A new study reveals how proactive salmon conservation in the North Pacific can protect biodiversity and advance global conservation goals. The stronghold strategy aims to proactively protect iconic salmon systems that sustain healthy watersheds, safeguarding food security and mitigating climate change.
Researchers found that common urban pollinator plants like white clover and bindweed accumulate toxic metals from contaminated soils, posing a risk to bee health. To mitigate this, scientists recommend testing soil for metals before planting wildflowers and choosing plant species suitable for the local conditions.
The deep sea accounts for 90% of ocean volume and hosts diverse ecosystems. However, human activities like mining and climate change threaten these areas. Scientists emphasize the need for major investment in deep-sea research to address knowledge gaps and inform sustainable management strategies.
Analysis of citizen science data suggests that warmer ocean temperatures can increase loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites along Italy's coastlines. Preserving natural beaches is crucial for maintaining these habitats.
New research suggests that conservation efforts can better protect bird species at greatest risk from climate change by understanding the specific climatic conditions they need to thrive. The study found that species with narrower climatic niches are more susceptible to population declines.
A team of HKU ecologists led an international initiative to study declining tropical insect populations, highlighting alarmingly limited knowledge and threats from urbanization, habitat loss, and climate change. The review emphasizes the need for more research and conservation interventions to maintain tropical biodiversity.
A scientific initiative is underway to prevent harmful Prymnesium algal blooms from occurring in the Broads, which threaten fish stocks and local biodiversity. Researchers are working to identify environmental triggers and develop strategies to safeguard the waterways.
The study reveals that animal behavioral diversity is at risk due to declining biodiversity, which can be linked to human activities. Preserving cultural behaviors, such as tool use in primates, could aid in developing comprehensive conservation strategies.
A new approach is needed to monitor species and protect them from climate change, land use, pollution, and invasive non-native species. The study proposes a framework that integrates all available methods for studying insects, including comparing diversity and abundance over time and across different habitats.
A study reveals widespread overlap between feeding grounds for seabirds, marine mammals, and regions with high wind potential. Researchers propose developing risk maps to predict conflicts and recommend expanding marine protected areas and strengthening spatial planning tools.
A Yale-led study finds that global climate change may devastate butterfly habitats, turning mountain ecosystems into traps and eroding temperature niches. The researchers urge conservation efforts to protect key habitats and migratory corridors to ensure butterfly diversity survives.
A study analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species reveals environmental conditions, particularly climate, play a significant role in shaping global plant distributions. Physical barriers have a smaller effect on ancient plant groups that have had longer periods to disperse widely.
A study predicts that over 80% of amphibian species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin will lose suitable habitats by 2100. The region, which includes the Pantanal and its surroundings, is expected to experience local extinctions under both optimistic and pessimistic greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.
The new service enables users to create and download customised reports summarising species occurrences in a format suitable for biodiversity modelling and indicators. This expansion of GBIF's capabilities aims to improve the usability of biodiversity data, particularly for Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and indicator workflows.
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has confirmed that the Leyte Chorus Frog is a hybrid of two species with overlapping ranges whose intermingling was driven by deforestation. The discovery sheds new light on the impact of human activities on the environment and highlights the importance of conservation efforts.
African Elephants have an extraordinary ability to plan their journeys based on energy costs and resource availability, according to a new study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology. The research team used GPS tracking data from 157 elephants over a 22-year period to analyze their movement decisions and habitat selection.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
Utah State University ecologists Joseph Wilson and Anthony Hunsaker published a checklist of the state's bee species, documenting 1,167 species and estimating up to 1,500 in total. The study highlights Utah's high bee diversity and provides valuable information for conservation efforts.
A recent study refines Siberia's land cover data using machine learning techniques, revealing a high-precision map that enhances climatic predictions. The new dataset improves assessments of carbon flux and ecosystem changes, providing essential insights for climate scientists.
A study led by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that tree diversity significantly enhances forest temperature buffering, particularly during heat peaks. Species-rich forests showed a greater cooling effect, up to 4.4°C stronger than single-species forests.
The introduction of Pacific oysters to the Port River has influenced surprising biodiversity benefits, including doubling mangrove seedling densities and supporting greater fish richness and foraging behaviour.
Despite decades of overfishing warnings, Southeast Asia's catch fisheries have maintained biodiversity and ecological health, with a three-fold higher ratio of underfished stocks compared to the global average. This study highlights the benefits of non-species-selective multispecies fishing practices in promoting sustainable fisheries.
The Bezos Earth Fund has launched a five-year project to conserve amphibian species in Latin America, partnering with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Amphibian Survival Alliance. The initiative aims to halt amphibian extinctions and boost captive populations by 15%.
A major review of over 67,000 animal species found that targeted conservation efforts are helping to recover many species threatened with extinction. The study highlights both successes and the need for urgent action to address the global biodiversity crisis.
A study analyzed conservation actions for endangered species and found that targeted efforts have driven improvements in over 100 species. However, only half of assessed species have conservation actions in place, and roughly six times as many species have deteriorated in recent decades than have improved.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
The 2025 US State of the Birds Report reveals continued widespread declines in American bird populations across all mainland and marine habitats. Over one-third of US bird species are at high or moderate conservation concern, with 112 species facing severe population losses.
Research by Kobe University reveals that restoring abandoned grasslands requires at least 75 years of continuous management to regain plant diversity. Pollinators also take time to adapt, with generalist insects like flies and hoverflies dominating recently restored sites.
A new study found that large, connected forests harbor more biodiversity than fragmented landscapes. The researchers analyzed data from 37 sites around the world and discovered that fragmentation decreases species diversity by an average of 13.6% at the patch scale and 12.1% at the landscape scale.
A University of Oxford study found that widely used biodiversity impact assessment tools have significant uncertainties, which can lead to misguided efforts and ineffective strategies if not addressed. The researchers suggest ways to reveal, reduce, and navigate these uncertainties to improve the use of these tools.
The VALOR project aims to understand the cascading impacts of pollinator shifts on ecosystems, farm businesses, and local communities. It will develop a comprehensive approach to gaining insights into the effects of pollinator changes on human well-being.
A new analysis reveals that nearly half of the genus Heliconia, a group of tropical plants related to birds-of-paradise and bananas, are threatened with extinction. Many imperiled plants are not found within protected areas or botanical gardens, making additional conservation action crucial.