Conservation Biology

Forest restoration and spotted owl conservation can work together, study finds

Support local people to protect world’s nature, new report urges, as deadline for global conservation target looms

A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.

Study projects plant extinction rates through 2100

How river DNA can track fish, frogs, fungi and human feces — all at once

Researchers have developed a technique to analyze DNA from water samples to track species, detect pollution, and monitor ecosystem health. The technology identifies DNA from various organisms, including fish, amphibians, mammals, and even leatherback sea turtles.

Nature loss brings catastrophic risks – new report

A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.

Resource allocation trade-offs and rewired mycorrhizal networks uncover ex situ adaptation mechanism of Paphiopedilum purpuratum

A novel study in Biological Diversity reveals the integrated physiological and symbiotic adaptation mechanism underlying P. purpuratum's ex situ conservation. The research demonstrates that ex situ conservation elevates seed-set rates but incurs trade-offs in photosynthetic capacity and oxidative stress.

Black grouse eye test reveals best flags to protect birds from fatal cables

Researchers found that black grouse can't see dark shades of red and have limited visual contrast, making certain colors ineffective at warning them away from fatal cables. To mitigate this risk, they recommend using large, strongly contrasting markers to provide enough time for the birds to react.

Chalk-stream salmon could become an official sub-species

New research suggests chalk-stream salmon be classified as a sub-species of Atlantic salmon, with potential benefits for targeted conservation. The study found genetic distinctness between chalk streams and nearby rivers, highlighting the importance of protecting these habitats.

Promiscuity and parental behavior in birds driven by demographics, not the other way around

New research found that bird species with a skewed sex ratio are primarily caused by demographic factors, not the other way around. The study of 261 bird species revealed that one sex is more likely to die before reproducing due to differences in survival rates.

Relatively simple habitat management can help protect the genetic diversity of animal populations, Ben-Gurion University research team determines

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that altering water source distribution in a desert ecosystem improved mating structure and increased genetic diversity in wild populations. By establishing more territories for reproducing males, changes in resource management boosted population's variance effective population size.

Connected habitats help wildlife fight disease, strengthen protective microbes

Researchers found that connected natural habitats help maintain beneficial skin microbes that inhibit deadly fungal pathogens in tropical amphibians. Habitat fragmentation weakens these microbial defenses, leading to increased pathogen infection levels.

Opioids and other drugs accumulating in freshwater fish

A new study reveals that freshwater fish are accumulating antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs of abuse in their bodies, which can alter their behavior, development, and reproduction. The research uses a novel analytical method to detect these substances in small fish living in rivers receiving urban wastewater.

The giants of the reef: New citizen science project races to document centennial corals

A new study introduces Map the Giants, a pioneering citizen-science initiative to document giant coral colonies before they disappear due to global pressures. The project aims to unlock genetic secrets and traits of resilient corals, providing a validated sampling frame for future research.

Birds caught stealing from their neighbors

A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.

Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.

Although tropical mammals account for most discoveries, studies in temperate regions are more robust

A study reveals improved quality of mammal species descriptions from temperate regions, with authors from wealthy countries using more advanced techniques. The study, supported by FAPESP, analyzed 1,116 new species descriptions between 1990 and 2025.

Guidance aims to improve collaboration between scientists, tribal nations

A new blueprint for creating research agreements enables respectful research with Tribes and on Tribal lands. The guidance defines rights of Tribes and researchers, aiming to avoid extractive practices and protect data sovereignty.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Scripps Institution of Oceanography partner for innovative conservation efforts

The partnership aims to boost conservation impact by harnessing advanced digital technology and biobanking techniques, focusing on three core areas: knowledge transfer, innovation, and student engagement. This collaboration seeks to address pressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity threats and emerging pathogens.

Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves

Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.

New model shows how behavioral flexibility affects animal evolution

A new model by Carlos Botero suggests that animals with moderate behavioral flexibility can quickly adapt to environmental changes and evolve new forms, challenging the assumption that slow-evolving species are at higher risk from climate change. The model predicts that flexible lineages may fare better than previously thought.

The habits and habitats of 'living fossils' Nautilus and Allonautilus

Researchers documented new habits and habitats for current Nautilus and Allonautilus species, revealing they live in deeper water than their extinct cousins and scavenge food constantly. A new population of Allonautilus was found off New Britain, thriving due to hunting restrictions inspired by research efforts.

Dormice weight fluctuates as climate changes

New research suggests that climate change causes dormice to gain weight before hibernation but lose weight after, potentially as a result of smaller bodies losing heat faster. The study also found that habitats with higher density hedgerows were associated with heavier dormice.

Researchers call on the fragrance industry to move beyond sustainability rhetoric and fund plant conservation

The global fragrance industry has a significant impact on plant diversity, with an estimated 45% of flowering plants at risk of extinction. A new model, The Red List Project, pairs fragrance manufacturers with local conservation organizations to produce marketable products while supporting local environmental stewards.

Hefei Botanical Garden: A model for biodiversity conservation, resource utilization and public education in urban areas

The Hefei Botanical Garden is a key institution for biodiversity research in East China, with over 5000 plant species preserved, including rare and endangered species. The garden promotes sustainable resource utilization, ecological education, and rural revitalization through its 'Botanical Garden + Agriculture' model.

Florida’s most at-risk bat moves into safer artificial roosts

A new study by researchers from the University of Illinois has shown that bonneted bats can be lured to and inhabit safer bat boxes, which mimic their natural roosts and maintain a stable thermal environment. The study found that the external water jacket in the boxes provides a safer temperature for the bats, and that long-term follow...

Could ultrasound help save hedgehogs?

A new study reveals that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound, up to 85 kHz, which could be used to design sound repellents for cars to deter them from roads. The findings suggest a potential solution to reduce hedgehog deaths, which are a major cause of road traffic accidents.

Genetic mapping of Baltic Sea herring important for sustainable fishing

A new study by Stockholm University researchers reveals distinct populations of Baltic Sea herring with varying levels of genetic adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of genetic diversity in managing herring populations and suggest that current fishing practices may be detrimental to local populations.

Narrow-ridged finless porpoises are more social than assumed, study finds

Researchers observed finless porpoises in Ise Bay, Japan, interacting with adults beyond their mothers, challenging the long-held assumption of their solitary nature. Infants approach and swim alongside adults who are not their mothers, suggesting a potential weaker mother-calf bond compared to other species.

Whole-genome study of koalas transforms how we understand genetic risk in endangered species

A recent study analyzing koala genomes found that populations previously considered most at risk are now showing signs of genetic regeneration. The research, published in Science, challenges long-held assumptions about genetic risk in endangered species.

Protecting wildlife from genetic collapse with newly identified "early warning signals"

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.

A fanged frog long thought to be one species is revealing itself to be several

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.

Travel far, breed hard, and die young: Short-eared owls and why we should study them

Short-eared owls travel long distances to find prey in 'boom and bust' cycles, requiring nuanced perception. Climate change affects these cycles, making conservation efforts crucial for the species' survival.

Scared of spiders? The real horror story is a world without them

A recent study by UMass Amherst ecologists highlights massive gaps in data on insects and arachnids, which are crucial for ecosystems. The research found that almost 90% of species have no conservation status, with many states lacking protection for even a single species.

GPS data reveals: Feral horses and cattle create more resilient nature

A Danish rewilding study reveals that large herbivores like horses and cattle can effectively manage semi-open landscapes, promoting varied ecosystems and biodiversity. By analyzing GPS data and satellite imagery, researchers found that these animals create a patchwork of habitats with varying resilience to extreme weather events.

The wild can be ‘death trap’ for rescued animals

A new study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that released animals, like Bengal slow lorises, are at risk of being attacked by territorial peers. Only two out of nine released animals survived, with the others dying due to fatal attacks.

Celebrity dolphin of Venice doesn’t need special protection – except from humans

A solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon is monitored by researchers who assess its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. The team highlights the need for human behavior management to ensure the dolphin's welfare, rather than focusing on wildlife protection measures.

Hunting pressure is shrinking safe space for mandrills in Equatorial Guinea

Research reveals that hunting pressure is shrinking safe space for mandrills in Equatorial Guinea's Monte Alén National Park. Mandrills are adapting to changing conditions by focusing on high-quality sites with limited human impact.

Roadmap for Europe’s biodiversity monitoring system

A new study proposes a comprehensive roadmap for Europe's biodiversity monitoring system, which could become a global model. The system would track changes in species and ecosystems using 84 Essential Biodiversity Variables and integrate data from various sources, including DNA, digital technologies, and human expertise.

Global shark bites return to average in 2025, with a smaller proportion in the United States

In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.

Brain imaging reveals how wildlife photos open donor wallets

A study using brain imaging identified the social and emotional features of wildlife photos that predict engagement on social media. The analysis found that animal faces and evolutionarily similar species in images boosted engagement and predicted actual likes on Instagram.

Silver European eel discovered in Cyprus for the first time

The discovery of mature silver European eels in Cyprus highlights the importance of river fragmentation and local environmental conditions on eel populations. The finding also underscores the need for urgent implementation of Eel Management Plans to conserve this critically endangered species.

Plants retain a ‘genetic memory’ of past population crashes, study shows

Researchers found that plants living in areas with human activity causing population crashes have reduced genetic diversity and higher inbreeding levels. Conservationists must consider a population's history-influenced genetics alongside its size and habitat in planning.

The North American wild mountain sheep could face extinction unless we act to protect their habitat

The North American wild mountain sheep is losing its habitat to industrial mining, human activity, and climate change. The book highlights the risks faced by this species, which nearly collapsed in previous decades but now faces grave risks from disease and habitat loss.

Model connects animal movement and population dynamics

Researchers developed a new theoretical framework that links individual animal movements to population dynamics across space and time. The range-resident logistic model incorporates interactions between multiple animals, providing a more accurate prediction of population sizes and helping inform real-world conservation recommendations.

Are returning Pumas putting Patagonian Penguins at risk? New study reveals the likelihood

A new study reveals that more than 7,000 adult Magellanic penguins were killed by pumas in just four years, posing a significant threat to the penguin population. The research suggests that high puma predation rates could exacerbate reproductive decline and juvenile mortality, ultimately putting the colony at risk of extinction.

Devastation of island land snails, especially in the Pacific

A comprehensive review reveals devastating loss of island land snail biodiversity, with extinction rates ranging from 30% to 80%. The Hawaiian Islands, in particular, have lost up to 90% of their unique native snail species due to human arrival and colonization.

Artificial nighttime lighting is suppressing moth activity

A study by University of Exeter researchers found that moths move significantly less under artificial light compared to natural night conditions. The results suggest that light pollution has widespread effects on nocturnal moth activity, irrespective of lighting type, with implications for moth populations and ecosystem services.

Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival

A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.

Synthetic DNA can help researchers create models to track fish, wildlife in water

Researchers developed synthetic DNA to mimic eDNA behavior and tracked its movement for 33 hours. A new model predicts where a sampled particle of eDNA likely originated in a water body, aiding conservation efforts.

Freshwater browning threatens growth and populations of economically important fish, McGill researchers say

McGill researchers found that freshwater browning is stunting some fish species' growth, shrinking others' populations, and altering fish communities. This phenomenon has broad impacts on biodiversity, affecting economically important fish species such as northern pike and walleye.

Hop to it: research from Shedd Aquarium tracks conch movement to set new conservation guidance

Researchers from Shedd Aquarium tracked queen conch movements to estimate the space needed to protect breeding populations. The study suggests establishing a 330-meter spatial buffer around breeding areas to help protect conch populations and serve as a practical tool for local management.

Building a global scientific community: Biological Diversity Journal announces dual recruitment of Editorial Board and Youth Editorial Board members

The journal Biological Diversity is seeking experts in various disciplines to address the global biodiversity crisis. The editorial board will comprise senior scholars, while the youth editorial board will include early-career researchers. The dual structure aims to combine strategic wisdom and innovative energy.

Long-term study reveals predictable patterns in wolf–human conflict across Türkiye

A long-term study in Türkiye examines wolf–human interactions, revealing that conflicts cluster in areas with widespread rural livestock farming. The research highlights the impact of human-driven factors such as road networks and habitat fragmentation on conflict risk.

Giant clams thrive with Indigenous management in American Sāmoa

A new study reveals that giant clam populations in American Sāmoa are stable and abundant due to traditional community-based resource management. Village-managed closures outperform federally protected no-take areas, highlighting the effectiveness of cultural stewardship.

DNA floating in air reveals the hidden past of ecosystems

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.

Bird conservation groups use data from birdwatchers to fill critical information gaps for declining species

Conservation organizations are using eBird data to select priority species, manage habitat for waterfowl, identify important bird areas, and monitor populations at regional scales. The study demonstrates how eBird data products help fill critical information gaps and support conservation planning across many Joint Ventures.

In echo of Jurassic Park, mosquitoes capture entire ecosystems in their blood meals

A study by University of Florida researchers found that mosquitoes fed on 86 different species of animals, capturing nearly all the vertebrate biodiversity in a small area in central Florida. This innovative method uses mosquitoes to monitor other animals and conserve them.

Patch offers hope to save frog populations

A non-invasive method has been developed to monitor hormone levels in frogs, providing valuable insights into their wellbeing. This technology uses tiny patches that collect hormone-rich secretions from frog skin, marking a major step forward in amphibian monitoring.

Nearly 8,000 animal species at risk as extreme heat and land-use change collide, Oxford study finds

A new Oxford University study finds nearly 8,000 animal species could face extinction by the end of this century due to combined effects of climate-driven extreme heat and human land-use changes. The study highlights the urgency of conservation and mitigation actions globally to prevent immense losses to biodiversity.

Connection and protection boost health in coral reefs

A new study by the University of Oxford and WCS reveals that connections between coral reefs can stabilize reef health, reducing the risk of collapse. By simulating future reef conditions under different management scenarios, researchers found that a dual approach improving land and sea conditions provides the best outcomes for reefs.