Articles tagged with Biodiversity Threats
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.
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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.
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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 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.
Researchers from iDiv and MLU found that species with extreme body size shifts have a higher risk of extinction on islands. The study analyzed over 1,200 extant and extinct island mammals and found a correlation between human colonization and increased extinction rates.
A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that private forests in Denmark have a significant impact on property values. Forest owners attribute great value to their trees and landscapes, leading to increased quality of life and financial gains.
A warmer climate is causing bumblebee queens to emerge earlier, potentially disrupting the timing of plant-pollinator interactions. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and lower pollination rates, as some species may not have enough food during their flight period.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 at University of Delaware examine transnational agricultural land acquisitions and forest loss, revealing threats to biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The study uses largest global dataset of georeferenced agricultural land investments to quantify the impact of these investments on forest cover.
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.
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 recent study reveals that recovering Madagascar's mammal species would take over 20 million years if currently threatened species go extinct, much longer than other islands.
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.
Climate change is expected to lead to a 65% decline in land plants and animals by 2100 if current management strategies are not implemented. Implementing ten key threat management strategies could benefit up to 84% of terrestrial bird, mammal, and plant groups, with a cost of $23 million annually.
Researchers found that simultaneously acting global change factors decrease grassland plant community diversity, regardless of individual factor quality. This effect is linked to increased biomass production due to the influence of highly influential factors like eutrophication.
The Safeguard project has released its first policy brief, providing concrete research-based recommendations for policymakers to consider pollinators. The brief highlights five key recommendations to support pollinators and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including protecting diverse pollinator assemblages and enhancing terr...
The report highlights that European taxonomic expertise is declining, with nearly half of insect orders not covered by sufficient scientists. The lack of expertise correlates with GDP and is more pronounced in biodiverse countries, posing significant problems for species conservation.
A new study finds that inadequate pollination leads to a 3-5% loss of fruit, vegetable, and nut production, resulting in 427,000 excess deaths annually from lost healthy food consumption. The health burden is greater in middle- and higher-income countries with high rates of non-communicable diseases.
A new study by the University of East Anglia highlights the risks of relying on nature-based solutions, such as forests and soils, to achieve net-zero emissions. The research warns that these solutions may not be enough to offset the remaining difficult-to-decarbonize emissions if progress on reducing fossil fuel use stalls.
Genetic analysis confirms Asian hornet's origins, linking it to a single mated queen that arrived in France in 2004. The finding raises concerns about future invasions despite the species' limited suitability for Ireland's climate.
A novel technique using stable isotopes can accurately determine whether wood turtles are wild-caught or captive-bred, helping combat the illegal pet trade. The method was tested on 71 turtles and achieved a success rate of over 97%, providing conservation law enforcement officials with a valuable forensic tool.
Conservation efforts in Madagascar require balancing human development with protection of its rich biodiversity, which is threatened by extinction due to local species' uniqueness. Reforestation and community engagement are recommended strategies for addressing these challenges.
New research reveals mangroves can withstand heavy metal contamination without adverse health impacts. Grey mangroves were found to tolerate high lead and zinc levels in contaminated sediment, highlighting their role in stabilising polluted regions.
A new study warns that oil palm expansion could harm a third of threatened species, including the blue-throated macaw and giant pangolin, due to habitat loss and disruption. Sustainability commitments may not protect tropical grassy and dry forest habitats.
Researchers have launched five projects to investigate the impact of pollution on UK rivers, which fail to meet good ecological status due to pollutants like chemicals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The projects aim to improve water quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
Researchers developed a global indicator to measure marine biodiversity based on extinct fish populations, revealing worsening extinction risk since the 1950s. Implementing management measures can reduce fishing mortality and recover tunas and billfishes, but sharks continue to face threats due to overfishing.
The NATURE FIRST project combines forensic intelligence and remote sensing technologies to monitor protected areas and detect human activities threatening biodiversity. The project aims to halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity in Europe by using predictive, proactive, and preventative capabilities.
A study analyzing historic habitat mapping data in Hamburg found a decline of species-rich habitats due to urbanization, while also revealing the colonization efforts of certain plant species. The research highlights the potential of these datasets for biodiversity research, with trends observed across Germany and Europe.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that large pelagic fish prefer using sharks as scratching surfaces for parasites. In contrast, smaller fish tend to avoid taking this risk due to the threat of predation, highlighting the adaptability of these species.
A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that 41% more plant species in Germany have decreased in abundance over the past 100 years, while only 19% have increased. This uneven distribution of gains and losses indicates a significant loss of biodiversity.
A new dataset provides an unprecedented insight into the Arctic Ocean's biological life, revealing a year's worth of microbial communities and their responses to climate change. The EcoOmics dataset aims to guide conservation efforts and provide evidence for novel biology that may influence our understanding of evolution on Earth.
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
A new review article by Brown University biologist Dov Sax and colleagues aims to shift the focus from non-native species' negative consequences to their benefits. The authors argue that most research focuses on threats and harm, clouding public understanding and hindering scientific progress.
A new study finds that even a modest temperature increase of 1.5°C will spell serious consequences in India, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Brazil, and Egypt, with droughts projected to last longer than two years in some countries. Limiting warming to 1.5°C could greatly benefit all six countries, but meeting the Paris Accords is crucial to r...
Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.
A study found that biodiversity conservation in national parks is strongly associated with socioeconomic conditions, including the Human Development Index. National parks in countries with higher HDI values showed lower species abundance declines compared to those with lower HDI.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee are investigating the movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks, with a focus on disease mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand how socio-economic factors impact pathogen dynamics and develop market-based mechanisms to promote healthy trade.
Experts argue that seagrasses are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals due to their carbon absorption and biodiversity benefits. The conservation and restoration of seagrass meadows can help tackle climate change and promote biodiversity recovery, making them a nature-based solution for the planet's future.
A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.
Research predicts that bird species extinction will decrease morphological diversity among remaining birds at a rate greater than species loss alone. Birds with extreme features are most likely to be affected, including the largest and smallest species, as well as regions like the Himalayan mountains and south Vietnam/Cambodia.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Researchers found that farm management practices like crop diversification and native plant presence support wild bee conservation. Urban agriculture can benefit local bee populations if managed sustainably.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
The IPBES assessment report reveals that billions of people rely on wild species for food, energy, and income, with 10,000 species harvested for human consumption. However, the report warns that unsustainable use is threatening the survival of these species, driven by drivers such as land changes, climate change, and pollution.
A new study models potential impacts on global biodiversity if temperatures increase by more than 2°C and then decline again. Tropical regions are most affected, with over 90% of species pushed outside their thermal niches.
A conceptual species 'stock market' aims to assign economic value to species and ecosystems, promoting sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The SSM would enable the valuation of ecosystem services and actions that harm or benefit biodiversity, fostering a unified approach to environmental decision-making.
The study identified 21 arthropods, 9 nematodes, and 20 pathogenetic species that pose a threat to Kenya's crops and biodiversity. The prioritized species include silverleaf whitefly, peace fruit fly, and yellow crazy ant, which require further monitoring and mitigating action.
New research from the University of British Columbia creates the world's first global map of mammal movement between protected areas. The study reveals that Canada has critical areas for connectivity, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and animal populations.
A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has joined the Shark Conservation Fund to combat overfishing, illegal trade, and habitat destruction threatening shark populations. The partnership aims to conserve shark species, maintain healthy oceans, and address climate change's impact on marine biodiversity.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
A review study finds that conservation measures can greatly slow human-induced climate change by preserving biodiversity. The creation and management of protected areas are key to mitigating climate change through carbon capture and storage, with current coverage at 12-16% globally.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
The study found that richer nations increase species extinction risk in poorer ones due to global consumption patterns. The impact of a single coffee purchase can contribute to biodiversity loss in distant countries.
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
Scientists have deciphered the helmeted honeyeater's genome and created a genetic map to guide advanced genetic rescue methods. The new tools allow for precise breeding decisions, reducing inbreeding and its negative impact on population health.
A new framework will help conservation agencies forecast climate change impacts and identify target areas for protection. The project aims to create adaptable portfolios of target sites for biodiversity conservation over time.