Articles tagged with Biodiversity Threats
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.
Coral reefs in remote areas of the Indian Ocean have shown rapid recovery after a 2015/16 bleaching event. The study found that reefs with intact physical structure and key coral species returned quickly, indicating a high level of resilience to ocean warming.
A new study reveals climate change has caused significant recent losses of India's forests, exacerbating deforestation. The research found that rainfall alterations and temperature trends contributed to large declines since the turn of the century, necessitating targeted preservation action.
A new study found that re-wetting drained peatlands can support bird diversity and sustainable oil palm farming without affecting yields. The research suggests restoring peatlands can conserve biodiversity and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Indonesia.
The Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in resilience, which could trigger dieback and have severe consequences for the environment. The study found that resilience has dropped consistently since the early 2000s, with parts of the forest losing resilience faster due to deforestation and climate change.
The Amazon rainforest is losing resilience and approaching a critical transition, with more pronounced losses in drier areas near human land use. This could lead to an abrupt transition to a much drier habitat with profound implications for biodiversity and climate change.
Research shows female chimpanzees tend to avoid villages and farmland, while males are more likely to encounter humans, leading to smaller social gatherings for females. This sex difference in risk perception could have significant consequences for the survival of chimpanzees.
Rising temperatures are causing the world's coldest forests to shift northward, threatening biodiversity and increasing wildfire risks. Soil nutrient availability also plays a key role in the response of boreal vegetation to climate change.
A new study reveals that South and Southeast Asia's native tree diversity is at risk of extinction, with only 10% of ranges suitable for conservation. Coordinated conservation and restoration efforts are critical to prevent further destruction and biodiversity loss.
A research team identified a general macroecological mechanism that challenges global conservation strategies, finding that remote fish communities are vulnerable to coral loss and other ecological dependencies
The OneZoom tree of life is an interactive visualization that connects over 2.2 million living species, showcasing their evolutionary history and threat status. The platform also features images of over 85,000 species and allows users to explore their relationships with others.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a pattern in how life reemerges after mass extinctions. In the past half-billion years, smaller marine genera were substantially more likely to be wiped out during mass extinction events, but during recovery intervals, originators tended to be tiny compared to holdover species.
A new study maps the location and intensity of key threats to terrestrial amphibians, birds, and mammals, identifying priority areas across the world. Agriculture and logging are pervasive in the tropics, while hunting and trapping is the most geographically widespread threat to mammals and birds.
Researchers argue that targeting high-risk wet markets, particularly those selling live wild animals, can mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks while minimizing disruption to food supply chains. These informal markets pose little risk to human health or biodiversity, with most selling processed domesticated animals.
A clear goal is needed to stop human-driven species extinctions, but current drafts risk failure. Scientists propose an ambitious, unambiguous goal with quantifiable elements to measure progress and prevent perverse outcomes.
Declining biodiversity is putting nature's contributions to people at risk, impacting crop yields and soil productivity. The degradation of environmental conditions also increases exposure to floods and storms, affecting human well-being and prosperity.
Several post-2020 biodiversity targets are at risk due to climate change, even if habitat exploitation is removed; flexible approaches could help mitigate effects on habitats and species. Climate change imperils international organizations' biodiversity goals, necessitating dynamic responses.
Research reveals climate change is drastically affecting species abundance in the tropics, with 69% of tropical species showing negative responses to temperature increases. This study highlights the urgent need for understanding how species respond to changing climates on a global scale.
A new study predicts that climate change risks to biodiversity will surge suddenly, with up to 15% of ecosystems facing irreversible damage by 2100. This is due to a 'series of cliff edges' where species face conditions they've never experienced before, leading to extinction.
A survey of Americans reveals a disconnect between expert and public opinions on what constitutes an endangered species, with experts citing higher risk thresholds than the general public. The findings highlight the importance of synthesizing facts and values in decision-making, particularly when it comes to biodiversity protection.
A study published in PNAS found that humans are driving the loss of biodiversity among narrow-ranged plant species in China, while widespread species are thriving. The research revealed that human impact factors lead to a negative correlation with narrow-ranged species and a positive correlation with widespread species.
A global study reveals that demand for electric power poses significant threats to biodiversity, particularly in countries where coal is a major energy source. The research suggests shifting to renewable energy sources could mitigate these impacts.
New maps reveal that over 3 million square kilometers of wilderness have been lost since the 1990s, threatening species extinction. However, conserving these areas can halve the world's extinction risk, according to a recent study published in Nature.
The study found that expansion poses a particularly serious threat to biodiversity in the tropics, while intensification primarily threatens biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global agricultural production must increase to meet demand, but this comes at the cost of biodiversity.
A new study reveals a strong positive relationship between global extinction risk and the loss of forest intactness in bird distributions. Most global hotspots of restricted ranges now fall in degraded forests, highlighting the importance of restoring intactness to reduce extinction risk.