Articles tagged with Biodiversity Loss
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.
A new study from Yokohama National University reveals that the order of species loss impacts grassland stability more than the total number of species lost. The researchers found that different species-loss sequences alter the processes supporting community stability, including functional diversity and compensatory dynamics.
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.
A global analysis of fish biodiversity in rivers reveals that warmer climates and larger catchment sizes are associated with increased biodiversity. However, human activity weakens this relationship, particularly in smaller river catchments. The study demonstrates the potential of environmental DNA as a tool for rapid, large-scale biod...
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that smaller tree swallows reproduce less due to declining insect populations. The decline in insects affects the timing of breeding and reproduction, leading to a phenological mismatch, which has significant consequences for bird biology.
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.
Researchers caution that weakening core safeguards in carbon markets risk worsening climate impacts and increasing net carbon emissions. Indigenous land stewardship is vital for maintaining intact ecosystems and vital carbon sinks, but alternative support mechanisms are needed to preserve the integrity of climate action.
The study reveals how pollinators support food production and diets, highlighting the risks of biodiversity loss for human health. Simple steps like planting wildflowers or using fewer pesticides can help boost pollinator numbers, strengthening both nature and people's wellbeing.
A global paradigm shift is needed to protect intact ecosystems and prioritize Nature Positive framework, integrating Indigenous knowledge and finance. The webinar series on May 28, 2026, will explore effective actions for people and nature, guided by the Three Conditions Framework.
The GREEN TALENT project organized four DemoHub workshops in Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria to foster collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning. The workshops focused on addressing climate and biodiversity challenges, engaging island communities, policymakers, and experts.
Researchers used 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to analyze the microscopic structure of coral skeletons, revealing subtle changes caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. The study found that Attention U-Net performed best in detecting differences between healthy and diseased corals.
A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.
Researchers warn that a securitized response to global biodiversity loss could lead to poorly targeted actions and policy. They highlight concerns over migration claims and call for evidence-based, non-securitised policy.
A study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg finds that wildfires pose an ever-increasing threat to biodiversity, with nearly 84% of vulnerable species facing a higher risk by the end of this century. Climate action can reduce the occurrence of wildfires and mitigate the risks to species worldwide.
A new Simon Fraser University research reveals that thousands of British Columbia's endangered species are not receiving the necessary help to survive. The study found that only a few species have shown signs of recovery since 2008, while many more are declining due to lack of legislative protection.
A new study warns of a 20-year window to act on climate and land use policies to prevent further biodiversity loss in Britain. Sustainable practices like strong emissions action and reduced meat consumption could save up to 69 fewer species from extinction.
A new study reveals that improving surrounding landscape quality can increase bird species survival in forest remnants, with modest increases in nearby tree cover substantially boosting numbers. This contradicts traditional views on habitat fragmentation and highlights the importance of a more hospitable matrix for conservation.
The US Nature Assessment Report documents human impact on nature, including resource extraction and habitat loss, but also shows restoration and Indigenous stewardship approaches can help turn things around. The report highlights the importance of farmer involvement in protecting ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.
A new study finds that contributions from casual and highly active citizen scientists are equally valuable, with each group complementing the other. The research, led by Erin Grady, analyzed millions of observations on iNaturalist and found that both groups contribute to balancing biases in data collection.
Researchers have identified detectable 'early warning signals' in genetic data that can alert conservationists to an approaching crisis before it becomes irreversible. The findings provide a new tool for protecting endangered species by monitoring genetic changes in populations and identifying early warning signs.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
A University of Sydney-led study found that honey made from mixed floral sources has superior performance against bacteria, with high levels of bioactive compounds. The findings could help develop new treatments for drug-resistant infections while supporting bushfire recovery and sustainable beekeeping practices.
A new study has found that a group of little brown frogs from Southeast Asia may be as many as 18 distinct species, rather than one. The research uses genetic sequencing to reveal complex evolutionary dynamics and challenges conservation efforts.
A new study led by University of Arizona researchers suggests that global vertebrate biodiversity has been significantly underestimated, with on average two unrecognized species for every recognized one. This finding could have consequences for conservation efforts if these hidden species are not properly identified.
The Safeguard project, which aimed to expand understanding of declining wild pollinators, has come to an end. The project delivered a comprehensive reassessment of European wild pollinator trends and developed an integrated assessment framework to guide evidence-based management.
Researchers found that agriculture intensity is the main driver of accelerated bird decline in three regions. The study analyzed data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey and estimated a 15% total loss of bird abundance across North America over 35 years.
A collaborative effort by researchers from the University of Göttingen and other institutions is creating a genomic inventory of European marine annelids. The goal is to accelerate biodiversity research worldwide and counteract the 'silent extinction' of marine species.
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
A recent study identifies plankton tropicalization in the western Mediterranean, indicating ocean warming impacts on marine ecosystems. Rising sea surface temperatures alter the base of marine food webs, affecting planktonic primary producers and consumers.
A new study highlights the importance of farmer-led collaboration in addressing biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes. Farmer clusters, groups of farmers working together to support biodiversity-sensitive farming, show varying levels of maturity and collaboration, influenced by factors such as leadership quality and institutiona...
A new report by Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York identifies key weaknesses in the UK's food system and recommends interventions to prevent disruptions from escalating into a crisis. The study suggests increasing energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting varied diets to reduce risks.
The BioMARatona Portugal citizen science initiative has achieved an unprecedented milestone with a notable increase in observations gathered and recorded species. Over 5,000 observations and 450 documented species have been accumulated since 2024, mapping diverse types of coastal species.
The partnership aims to support conservation genetics efforts globally by sequencing up to 4,000 unique animal samples across 1,300 species. The project will provide valuable genomic insights to inform conservation management decisions and promote ecological resilience.
The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum have pledged to protect endangered species such as Cucharillo and Stone's Paphiopedilum through collaborative conservation strategies. These institutions will co-host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2027 to accelerate crucial conservation work.
A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.
A new study reveals that socio-environmental mobilizations play a critical role in global biodiversity conservation by resisting environmental degradation. These local struggles often overlap with global conservation priorities, highlighting the need for policy shifts to recognize and support these movements.
A comprehensive review highlights the Cerrado's ecological crisis, with over 55% of native vegetation lost primarily for agricultural expansion. The region faces a silent water crisis, threatening biodiversity, economy, and climate resilience.
Scientists found that mosquitoes in the Atlantic Forest prefer feeding on humans due to convenience as biodiversity dwindles. This preference increases the risk of pathogen transmission and highlights the need for targeted surveillance and prevention actions.
A new study from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa challenges a 50-year-old narrative about Native Hawaiian birds, finding no evidence they were hunted to extinction. Instead, the authors suggest climate change, invasive species, and land-use changes led to the disappearances.
The US has more than 4 million miles of rivers, but existing regulations only account for less than 20% of total river length. Freshwater conservation strategies have historically focused on land use and development, leaving gaps in protection measures for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
According to a University of Arizona-led study, scientists are discovering new species at a rate that far exceeds extinction. The team analyzed taxonomic histories of 2 million species and found an average of more than 16,000 new species each year, including insects, plants, fungi, and vertebrates.
Researchers analyzed DNA captured on air filters since the 1960s to track changes in ecosystem biodiversity. The study found a clear decline in biodiversity from the 1970s to the early 2000s, linked to human activities such as forest management.
A study of over 3,200 terrestrial mollusk species found that nearly half were described by non-local researchers, highlighting a neocolonial practice. This 'helicopter science' or 'parachute science' harms local researchers and can lead to less robust studies.
A new study reveals regional vulnerability of plant-pollinator networks to climate change, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation approaches. Tailored strategies can enhance biodiversity protection in tropical regions, but may offer minimal benefit in temperate zones.
A new study of 1960s maps created by young people has provided important insights into the timing and extent of habitat losses in England and Wales. The analysis revealed a significant decline in semi-natural habitats, including rough grassland, heath, and wetland, which have lost 42% of their original area over the past 90 years.
The Crete Declaration outlines how scientific cooperation can be transformed into actionable policy and robust innovation. It aims to strengthen Europe's resilience and global leadership by sharing data and expertise, developing innovative solutions, and promoting evidence-based policies.
A new study reveals that collaborations between conservationists and artists can generate new knowledge, attract funding, and catalyze behavioral change. By working together, artists and conservationists can co-create ideas, develop more effective solutions, and shape public attitudes towards nature.
Researchers evaluate ways to redesign land use and nature conservation using integrated approaches to meet ecological, social, and economic goals. Multifunctional landscapes can promote biodiversity, food production, climate regulation, and human well-being.
A new Oxford-led study reveals Africa's wildlife ecosystems are running on less than two-thirds of their natural energy, posing risks to biodiversity and the livelihoods that depend on it. The research uses an ecosystem energetics approach to quantify how energy flows through food webs, finding that smaller species now dominate Africa'...
A new study reveals that climate change is driving many native Australian reptiles toward extinction. The research uses fossil evidence and genetic data to show how the endangered Australian Mountain Dragon has responded to major environmental changes in the past.
The Crown Princess of Sweden has been honoured with a professorship in biodiversity at the University of Gothenburg. The professorship, valued at 20 million Swedish kronor, will enable researchers to pursue interdisciplinary research and promote sustainability.
Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.
A study by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers found that 79% of endemic ant species in Fiji are declining over the past few hundred years, coinciding with European contact and modern agricultural techniques. In contrast, non-native ant species are exploding in population.
Dr. Julian Schrader will investigate the interaction between climate change and plant species spread on islands using a 1.5 million euro grant. He aims to close the knowledge gap on migration processes and their consequences for species communities.
A new study reveals that insect abundance is declining by an average annual rate of 6.6% in relatively undisturbed landscapes, leading to significant losses even in pristine areas. Climate change is identified as a key driver of these declines, highlighting the urgent need for biodiversity conservation.
The Earth BioGenome Project aims to create a digital library of DNA sequences to preserve and protect life on Earth. The project has revealed a refined strategy to scale up the sequencing of 150,000 species, accelerating biodiversity research and global conservation.