Articles tagged with Conservation Biology
New research shows that young salmon are more susceptible to heat stress than older fish, and current methods may be underestimating the risks. Younger fish can tolerate warmer temperatures for longer periods, but fish acclimated to cooler temperatures struggle with rapid heat events.
A new study reveals that the Honduran cottontail rabbit is the main cause of crop damage in Honduras, contrary to local assumptions. Camera traps helped researchers understand which species interact with crops and how they respond to human-made stimuli.
Scientists at MIT developed a theoretical model that predicts the severity of most mass extinctions based on the mismatch between environmental change and biological adaptation rates. The study successfully predicted the fraction of life that went extinct in Earth's history, suggesting that life has evolved to adapt at a similar scale ...
The partnership aims to leverage SDSU's technology transfer expertise to commercialize innovations from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's research, conservation, and wildlife care initiatives. This collaboration will help translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions for society and wildlife populations.
A comprehensive study reveals the Bornean ferret badger is found only in Sabah's western highlands, with a previously unknown population discovered in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve. The species' range and distribution are largely confined to mountain landscapes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat.
A genomic study reveals koalas experienced a severe population decline around 100,000 years ago due to climate change and habitat loss. This finding overturns earlier studies that suggest human arrival led to the decline.
A recent study examines how donor money is distributed across protected areas in Africa, revealing that optimising a single goal leads to suboptimal decisions. The researchers propose a 'portfolio approach' to funding, prioritising clear definitions of success before allocating finite funds.
The Cozumel dwarf fox, a critically endangered species, has been rediscovered after two decades. The fox was rescued and released into the Laguna Colombia State Reserve, highlighting the need for urgent conservation measures to preserve its habitats.
Researchers found that pregnant Pacific pocket mice trained to fear snakes produce more vigilant offspring, which survive better in the wild. This method of antipredator training may improve conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.
Research found that African elephants are a keystone species for dung beetles in Kenya's savannas, with their removal causing a collapse in beetle populations and ecosystem functions. The study highlights the importance of considering the conservation value of species beyond just charismatic animals.
A new commentary reveals that most of Africa's biodiversity persists outside formal protected areas, challenging the reliance on fenced reserves and policies like the 30×30 target. Working landscapes, shaped by centuries of human-nature coexistence, often retain higher ecological connectivity and resilience to climate change.
New research reveals seagrass reproduces through sexual reproduction, producing genetically diverse seedlings that disperse on ocean currents. This discovery provides a new approach to conserving struggling meadows by using the genetic diversity of these seedlings.
An observational study published in Frontiers in Marine Science revealed that Guadalupe fur seals are experiencing significant hair loss due to an alopecia syndrome. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address early mortality and human impact on these vulnerable marine mammals
A new study proposes a comprehensive framework identifying distinct biophysical stewardship practices across three ecological levels. The authors argue that underrepresentation of Indigenous knowledge in conservation research and policy is detrimental to effective governance, and their framework aims to address this imbalance.
A new study reveals that almost three-quarters of Brazil's federal nature reserves lack adequate funding, with the Amazon facing significant financial shortfalls. The analysis highlights the need for increased resources and long-term financial planning to support conservation efforts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.