Articles tagged with Conservation Biology
A review paper highlights the importance of insect biodiversity in supporting vertebrate life, from food sources to shelter and medicine. The study emphasizes the need for insect conservation to address the decline of insect populations, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
A study led by UCalgary researchers found that both recreation and roads impact wolverine populations in western Alberta and eastern British Columbia. The study shows that recreation is linked to lower population density in a carnivore, and road density affects females the most.
A seven-year study of Barred Owls in California shows a significant decline in exposure to the most lethal class of rodenticides, attributed to the state's policy restrictions. The study also detects a new contaminant, cholecalciferol, in nearly one in five owls, suggesting product substitution as older compounds become harder to access.
Research finds that controlled Crown-of-thorns starfish populations can support coral diversity by preventing dominant species from monopolizing reef space. This helps increase coral diversity. COTS feeding on fast-growing corals like Acropora creates space for slower-growing species like Montipora and Porites to persist.
A UCF researcher is using genomics, ecology, and long-term field monitoring to better understand how genetic rescue can help recover imperiled species. The project involves translocating Florida scrub-jays to a new site to increase genetic diversity and improve population health.
A global review found that rising sea levels will negatively impact shorebird habitats and populations, while human infrastructure exacerbates the issue. Researchers urge planners to protect space inland of existing wetlands, remove artificial barriers, and enhance sediment supplies to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.
Researchers found that AI-generated images can improve species identification and biodiversity monitoring when real images are limited. However, the synthetic images were less effective than real images overall, highlighting the importance of community science and real-world observations.
Research shows that a moderate presence of pikas improves the composition of vegetation for grazing yaks, increasing the abundance and nutritional quality of palatable grasses and sedges. This moderate presence helps suppress tall poisonous plants, thereby facilitating weight gains in yaks.
A study found that feeding and watching birds positively impacts people's well-being, reducing stress and increasing feelings of joy, gratitude, and calm. The activity also fosters engagement and a sense of meaning, as participants feel they are connecting with nature and contributing to science.
A new species of leafless flowering plant, Thismia daemona, has been discovered in Thong Pha Phum National Park in western Thailand. The species, which belongs to the genus Thismia, is critically endangered due to its limited population size and fragile habitat.
A study from the University of California, Davis, and Argentina's National Research Council found that 71% of southern giant petrel chicks sampled had plastic in their bodies. Even small amounts of plastic ingestion were associated with changes in nutrition, metabolism, and immune response in young chicks.
Motion-triggered cameras revealed the frequency of 'nectar robbing' in Hawaiian flowers, which damages flowers and reduces nectar availability. In contrast, plants were able to produce fruit and viable seeds despite damage, indicating adaptations to the stress.
New research explores monarch butterfly conservation in rangelands and the effectiveness of state regulations for controlling invasive species. Studies reveal that ungrazed pastures support more milkweed and monarch eggs than grazed sites, highlighting the need for selective approaches to conservation.
The Galápagos snapdragon has shown encouraging signs of recovery thanks to a long-term partnership between the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Directorate. The project successfully outplanted 94 nursery-grown shrubs into harsh volcanic landscapes, with 28 adult plants established across two restoration sites.
A new study successfully uses audio deterrents to alert golden eagles to wind turbines, reducing collisions and deaths by over 50% at two wind farms in the Western USA. The system, called DTBird, emits warning sounds to attract the birds' attention and discourages closer approaches.
Northern spotted owl populations are approaching functional extinction across the Pacific Northwest, with AI-powered monitoring identifying critical habitats and ecological threats. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies, including barred owl removal and habitat conservation, to prevent further decline.
A new study analyzed extinction patterns among tropical forest mammals worldwide, revealing that past extinctions can provide valuable insights into species vulnerability. The research showed that traits like large body size, small brains, and slow reproduction were linked to extinction risk in the past, but these patterns are not cons...
UK zoos have a bias towards globally non-threatened species, but still contribute to preserving native and priority species, according to a study. The research found that only 9% of captive species are native to Britain and 2% appear on conservation priority lists.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that 'pioneering pairs' of ospreys, which nest away from others, are key to driving population recovery. These birds create separate subpopulations and increase the speed of recovery for the species through long-distance dispersal.
Researchers investigated adding iron to the ocean to boost CO2 removal, finding varying effects on marine ecosystems. The Southern Ocean offers a favorable balance of climate impact and ecological consequences, while other regions face more severe consequences.
A new study uses genomics to identify endangered southern pygmy perch populations most at risk from climate change. The research reveals that conservation breeding can preserve a species' adaptability to future warming.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
A new study identifies butterfly species most sensitive to environmental change, offering a practical framework for monitoring biodiversity and assessing forest restoration. The research highlights the conservation importance of specialist butterflies and their declining populations due to habitat loss.
A new study documents how an Indonesian Indigenous community adapted their sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony to protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo. The ceremony now uses naturally moulted feathers collected from wildlife rescue centres, preserving spiritual integrity and ensuring species survival.
The study demonstrates that biosphere reserves in the Western Amazon effectively prevent deforestation compared to similar areas. Transition areas and buffer zones are particularly effective in conserving biodiversity.
A recent study found that most injuries linked to deaths in released coho salmon can be avoided by not using landing nets. Researchers recommend keeping the fish in the water whenever possible and avoiding tandem or treble hooks.
A new study published in The Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports sheds light on longstanding relationships between humans and sea turtles in the Southern Caribbean. The research reveals details of interactions between humans and turtles dating back 1,000-years and provides information needed to protect populations going forward.
Research team identifies best strategies for managing native cacao trees in Peru, resulting in 59% higher yields after three years. Grafting native 'Blanco de Piura' cacao varieties onto fully grown trees increases productivity levels comparable to commercial clones.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a low-cost, semi-automated camera system using AI to monitor bumblebee populations and other insects. The system recorded six species of bumblebees, closely matching those documented through traditional methods, and identified them automatically using custom-built deep learning models.
The discovery of two new snail species in Montenegro highlights the need to protect the country's biodiversity. The snails, found in Durmitor National Park and Komarnica Canyon, were described as having unique features such as conical shells and a circular disk on their tails.
A global review of migratory bird population status reveals that over half of the world's migratory bird species are declining globally. The study emphasizes the need for a new approach to biodiversity conservation, addressing complex threats throughout the birds' lifecycles and international flyways.
Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.
A new species of colobus monkey, 'Likweli', has been identified by its distinctive facial markings and unique call. The rare species is found in the dense forests of Lomami National Park and is considered Endangered due to its small geographic range and population size.
A recent study found that protecting primates in China's Yunnan province can also protect other animals and plants, highlighting the importance of umbrella species conservation. The research showed that large-bodied vertebrates need vast areas to support populations, which are habitats for many other species.
A team of researchers is calling for more ethical consideration in using genomic technologies to influence the environment and species. They recommend respecting Indigenous data sovereignty and ensuring access and benefit sharing.
A 15-year study found that extreme weather events, particularly sudden spring frosts and wildfires, have a significant impact on White Stork survival. Juvenile storks are most vulnerable to these conditions, with only 33% of fire-related incidents resulting in rehabilitation.
Research from Minot State University and the University of Illinois identified factors for making trees suitable roosts for Indiana bats. Early-successional trees can provide viable habitats in about 70 years, while late-successional trees typically take 130 years.
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.
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.
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 global study of over 5,100 species reveals that climate change is transforming ecosystems and threatening species across the globe. Temperate species are experiencing more local extinctions than tropical species due to faster warming rates, with temperate regions losing up to 49% of their species.
A new study reveals that bees can adjust their feeding to avoid over-consuming certain essential nutrients. The findings suggest that honeybees make a specialist 'baby food' that gives their larvae a better-balanced diet, and that pollen mixing and processing by nurse bees may help overcome nutritional limitations.
A pair of grants aims to simplify wildlife management by integrating multiple species into a single plan, reducing redundancies and expanding effectiveness. The research focuses on managing entire ecosystems rather than individual species, using technologies like monitoring tools and multi-objective optimization.
A new study reveals that threatened amphibian species are being inadvertently sold under incorrect names in digital marketplaces. Genetic barcoding analysis identified four frogs advertised as Chinese edible frogs as actually being Chinese spiny frogs, classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
The Wilkes Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Alliance aims to safeguard the Atlantic Ocean's leatherback turtle populations, which are classified as 'vulnerable' globally. The alliance will produce research, strategic action plans, and advocacy to drive coordinated conservation action across the region.
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 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.
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.
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 study by researchers at Oregon State University suggests that restoring landscapes shaped by frequent low-intensity fire does not conflict with spotted owl conservation. The study identified areas suitable for spotted owl nesting and roosting that are more likely to persist through fire, providing insights for land managers to pl...
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.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, projects that 7-16% of global plant species will lose more than 90% of their range by 2100 under current climate change projections. Habitat loss is expected to drive these extinctions, rather than a plant's ability to shift locations in response to climate change.