Articles tagged with Conservation Biology
A University of Queensland-led research group has created the world's first successful donkey embryo using in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), which could save dozens of endangered donkey species. The team used a specialist IVF process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to create the viable embryo.
A study by the University of Washington suggests that adopting permanent daylight saving time would decrease deer-vehicle collisions due to brighter evening skies. The researchers estimate a reduction in 2.3% deer-vehicle collisions over a full year, potentially preventing 36,550 deer deaths annually.
A new study found that bats play a crucial role in protecting young tree seedlings from insect damage, with three times fewer bugs and five times more defoliation when bats are absent. The research reveals a mutually beneficial relationship between bats and oak trees, with bats serving as a key predator for insects that harm the trees.
Scientists have discovered a new species of scops-owl on Príncipe Island, characterized by its unique 'tuu' call. The population is estimated at around 1000-1500 individuals and is considered Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and the construction of a hydro-electric dam.
Researchers found that protected Indigenous lands have higher forest integrity than non-protected areas in all regions analyzed, including the Americas and Africa. However, within Indigenous lands without overlap with protected areas, forest health was actually worse off than non-protected areas.
Researchers created iPSCs from Okinawa rail, Japanese ptarmigan, Blakiston's fish owl, and Japanese golden eagle for conservation. The cells can differentiate into various cell types, providing a valuable resource for evaluating disease risks and pollution.
Scientists used a noninvasive tool of chewed plants to monitor mountain gorillas for human herpesviruses, finding no evidence of infection among the free-ranging gorillas. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of personalized health care for endangered mountain gorillas using this relatively new technique.
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that wild bees are actively foraging in the sunlit woodland canopy, particularly among Sycamore trees. A diverse community of wild bees was found to thrive in this habitat, with nectar and pollen-rich trees providing essential food sources.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that most species are not receiving protection until their populations are precariously small, dimming their prospects of recovery. The study also highlights the issue of inadequate funding for protecting threatened and endangered species, which has persisted for decades.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
A study published in Science found that more than one-tenth of the world's terrestrial genetic diversity may already be lost due to climate change and habitat destruction. This could have serious implications for species' ability to adapt to climate change, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
Researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to pinpoint high-priority areas for deforestation action, reducing the target area by 160,000 km². The study reveals that only 37% of the last three years' deforestation rate was covered by official monitoring in the 11 municipalities.
A study by OIST Graduate University's Marine Biophysics Unit found that mangroves in the Ryukyu Islands have limited connectivity, making it crucial to protect isolated forests. The research used genetics and oceanography to track propagule dispersal, revealing rare genetic exchanges between islands.
Conservationists deployed wooden nest boxes to provide shelter for Roseate Terns, resulting in a tenfold increase in breeding pairs. The strategy also boosted other colonies in Wexford and England.
A new standardized framework allows conservationists to evaluate positive impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity. EICAT+ provides a comprehensive understanding of non-native species' effects on native ecosystems, enabling informed conservation decisions.
A new study suggests that investing $16 billion a year can restore 65% of fire-impacted species habitat and sequester up to 291 megatons of carbon dioxide. The research also highlights the need for urgent removal of invasive species, replanting, and stopping native forest logging.
A team of US scientists proposes a 'Western Rewilding Network' to conserve and restore ecosystems in the region. The plan aims to reintroduce keystone species like gray wolves and North American beavers to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Researchers developed VegSense, an open-source application that uses a Microsoft HoloLens to quantify mature trees in the wild. The device excels at detecting relatively healthy forests by capturing vegetation patterns with a holograph-like grid pattern.
A long-term marine conservation effort in the US Virgin Islands has helped recover a key fish species, the red hind, with average fish size increasing by over 35% and population reaching sustainability. The recovery is attributed to management decisions and adherence to fishing closures.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
A new study found that active interventions can lift conservation units of wild Pacific salmon to green status, which means they are healthy and able to sustain fisheries under Canada's Wild Salmon Policy. Implementing an integrated habitat strategy and improving policies for watershed management can shift up to 17 CUs to green status.
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.
A new platform called MoveApps enables scientists and wildlife managers to explore animal movement data with little more than a device and a browser. The system uses open-source code and allows users to create complex analyses with simple clicks.
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.
Three new hawk moth species have been discovered in The Bahamas, measuring only about the length of a vitamin pill. Their small size is thought to be an adaptation to survive harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes and drought.
Scientists found that narwhals experience a large increase in the energetic cost of diving while their heart rate is paradoxically reduced, leading to a significant physiological challenge. The study reveals that prolonged exposure to seismic noise disrupts the normal physiological response of narwhals.
A recent letter to Science warns that a drastic reduction of Swedish wolf population could exacerbate inbreeding and genetic erosion. The authors advocate for increasing population size and securing connectivity with neighboring populations to improve conservation.
Researchers have discovered a lone Quercus tardifolia tree in Big Bend National Park, Texas, which was thought to be extinct. The tree's poor condition highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect its genetic variation and adapt it to environmental changes.
A new study reveals that 41% of Vietnam's amphibian species are threatened with extinction, with many having limited distribution ranges and no conservation data available. The researchers highlight the importance of implementing targeted conservation efforts, including ex-situ programs and protected areas, to address these gaps.
Great White Sharks have been avoiding a South African coastal region due to the presence of Orcas. Long-term sightings and tagging data show that Great Whites flee areas with high Orca activity, adopting a 'flight' strategy reminiscent of wild dogs in response to increased lion presence.
A global study found that half of a tree species' distribution is in unprotected landscapes, with 13.6% having no protection at all. The researchers propose protecting 17% of land areas to safeguard tree diversity, covering 66-83% of their habitats.
Researchers found that climate change is shifting the risk of human-wildlife conflicts in Thailand, with northern areas more vulnerable to elephant-human interactions. The study suggests that as natural habitats become fragmented, conflicts may intensify in rural areas where agriculture relies heavily on land.
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.
A new study by Oregon State University reveals that large wood in streams plays a significant role in supporting land-based animal populations. Researchers observed various species, including birds and small mammals, using the wood for shelter, food, and breeding grounds.
A new analysis demonstrates that mangrove and coral reef restoration can be a cost-effective solution for coastal flood reduction. The study found that the benefits from reduced flood damage exceed the costs of restoration, making nature-based solutions an attractive option for funding.
Researchers tracked medium ground finches' movements day and night, finding they cover areas equivalent to 30 soccer fields and gather nightly in a lush grove. This behavior helps birds fight cold and reduces predation risk.
A recent study found that brightly colored, round-bodied fish are rated as the most beautiful by the public, while less attractive species tend to be more ecologically and evolutionarily distinct. These unattractive species, including those listed as threatened or in need of conservation evaluation, may receive less public support desp...
A new study reveals that red pandas are being driven closer to extinction due to human activities such as infrastructure projects and habitat fragmentation. The research suggests that minimizing human-induced disturbances is crucial for the survival of this species.
A growing market for pet insects is driving interest in praying mantis conservation; hobbyists and enthusiasts share valuable knowledge, while also raising concerns about the trade's regulation.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a dramatic increase in fires within globally-important protected areas in Madagascar, with excess fires rising by 76-248%. The team used decades of past data to estimate the impact of the pandemic on fire patterns.
Researchers identified glacial refugia for Campanula americana and found that populations nearest the refugia had highest potential for speciation. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving habitats in Southeastern regions.
Scientists recommend practical strategies for managing biodiversity in a changing climate, including habitat restoration and assisted migration. Long-standing conservation measures remain crucial, while novel approaches like climate change refugia and protecting climate-adaptive genetics are gaining attention.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
A study from North Carolina State University found that critically endangered Wyoming toads have low genetic diversity in their immune systems, which could impact their ability to respond to new pathogens. The findings inform captive breeding strategies for endangered animal populations.
Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.
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.
Researchers at Gauhati University studied roadkill on a 64-kilometer stretch of National Highway 715 in India's Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape. They found dramatic mortality rates among frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards, with over 6000 animals killed annually.
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.
The Bird Language Diversity app provides a 'birds eye view' of vital information on bird species globally. Researchers found that 1587 species have 10 languages or more spoken within their distributions, highlighting the importance of overcoming language barriers for effective conservation measures.
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 American marten study found that monitoring the species has an 'umbrella effect' on 11 other mammals, detecting population declines. However, habitat loss and climate change threaten the marten's survival. The researchers developed a monitoring protocol for the winter season to detect protected species.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found a natural fungus that can kill off local populations of tawny crazy ants, with 62% of infected populations disappearing entirely. The fungus is specific to crazy ants and has no effect on native species, making it a promising biocontrol agent for protecting sensitive habitats.
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 massive volcanic eruption at the end of the Triassic period caused a global cooling effect, leading to the mass extinction. The event paved the way for the rise of dinosaurs as their natural predators went extinct.
Researchers found that tree spacing can control the likelihood of tree survival and reduce forest damage risk. Trees in forests with closer spacing are more vulnerable to strong winds due to reduced energy transfer buffering between trees.
A new orchid species, Maxillaria anacatalina-portillae, has been discovered in Ecuador's cloud rainforest. The plant is considered critically endangered due to its limited population and threats from climate change and human activity.
Researchers from University of California - Davis found that ultrasounds can detect when abalone are ready to spawn without touching them. The technique creates a gonad index score ranging from 1 to 5 indicating readiness for reproduction.