Articles tagged with Biodiversity Threats
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.
A study has identified 66 alien plant and animal species that could pose the greatest threat to European biodiversity in the coming decade. These invasive species are likely to arrive via shipping or trade, with aquatic species being most at risk.
A new study published in Science reveals that only 5% of global biodiversity datasets meet the 'gold standard' required for effective conservation. The lack of reliable and accessible data threatens our ability to understand and address key threats to biodiversity, such as invasive species, logging, and illegal wildlife trade.
Climate change poses an existential threat to Arctic wildlife and ecosystems, with unique species at risk of extinction. The Arctic is home to over 21,000 species, many of which are highly adapted to the harsh environment.
A new atlas highlights the critical role of politics in driving biodiversity loss, emphasizing the need for policy reforms to reduce pressure on biodiversity. The atlas combines key research findings from a major European project and provides recommendations for policymakers and conservationists.
A team of scientists found that climate change allows certain plants to defend themselves against local enemies more effectively than native plants. This shift in the balance of ecosystems could lead to an increase in invasive plant species and a loss of biodiversity.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that land trusts' collective purchases can elevate land prices and displace development onto lands with high conservation value. Land trusts have invested billions of dollars in private land conservation, but must now factor in economic forces to pursue conservation responsibly.
The private sector is increasingly drawn into addressing biodiversity concerns through socially responsible investment (SRI) portfolios, with $640 billion managed in the UK. SRI funds have grown significantly since their inception, and companies are acknowledging business risks related to public concern about biodiversity.
Researchers at the College of William and Mary report that seep mussel beds exhibit higher diversity than vent mussel beds. This discrepancy may be due to a physiological barrier to invasion at vents, limiting dispersal and leading to lower biodiversity.
A recent study found that areas with greater biodiversity of small mammals have lower rates of Lyme disease. This is due to a decrease in the number of infected tick nymphs, which are most active during summer and hard to detect.
A study led by Colorado State University scientists reveals that human-caused global changes, such as land-use change and nitrogen deposition, are expected to drive biodiversity loss between now and 2100. The research identifies five primary drivers of global change and assesses their impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
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.