Articles tagged with Conservation Biology
Researchers found that young female black bears in Asheville, NC, weigh nearly twice as much as those in national forests and reproduce at a younger age, producing cubs by their second birthday. The study's findings raise questions about the diet and foraging activities of urban bears.
The MPA Guide categorizes MPAs by stage of establishment and level of protection, highlighting the importance of including local peoples in the decision-making process for effective conservation. The guide specifies outcomes for biodiversity and human well-being depending on the chosen level of protection.
New research explores conditions for humans and wolves to coexist peacefully in rural communities. Successful approaches to supporting communities have been identified, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating traditional knowledge and skills in living alongside large carnivores.
Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.
Researchers successfully used cryopreserved sperm to fertilize coral eggs from hundreds of miles away, demonstrating the reproductive compatibility of distant coral colonies. The technique, known as assisted gene flow, has potential as a conservation tool for endangered corals and could accelerate their adaptation to climate change.
A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...
A new species of wood lizard, Enyalioides feiruzae, has been described from the premontane forest of the Huallaga river basin in Peru. The lizard features stunning color variations and is believed to have established as a separate species due to geographical separation from a similar lizard.
A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that safe passages for species adapting to climate change are often not being protected. The researchers found that important connecting patches were left out of existing networks of protected areas, resulting in a 13.6% shortfall in connectivity.
Researchers in Peru have estimated the population density of spectacled bears and identified an unknown hotspot, revealing over 10 bears per 100 square kilometers. The team also observed the first 'golden' bear with nearly golden fur, sparking further investigation into its unusual characteristics.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
A revised model of wildlife conservation, I-NAM, incorporates Indigenous histories, perspectives, and knowledge systems into the original NAM framework. The new approach emphasizes continuous learning, listening, and respecting diverse views to improve wildlife management.
Researchers found that semi-natural habitat patches complement existing flower strips in protecting pollinators, attracting a greater number of species and providing year-round flowers. These small structures, such as hedgerows and overgrown fences, offer potential retreats and nesting sites for overwintering bumblebees.
A new study documents how Indigenous Warli people in India worship Waghoba, a leopard/tiger deity, to gain protection from leopards. The researchers identified over 150 shrines dedicated to the deity and found that such relationships facilitate coexistence between humans and leopards in their shared landscape.
A study of 136 nonprofits and 38 for-profit companies found that many planted commercial species like chocolate and mango trees, with only a fraction tracking survival rates. The analysis suggests organizations should prioritize biodiversity and monitoring to ensure effective tree planting projects.
Researchers studied blue rice corals, which produce a natural sunscreen pigment that may help them recover from bleaching and thrive in warmer oceans. This discovery sheds light on how some coral species can better withstand climate change and ocean warming.
An international research team found that ants and flies play a vital role in pollination for cocoa, while leaf-litter management enhances tiny cocoa pollinators. The study emphasizes the need to prioritize biodiversity-friendly habitats for pollinator conservation in cocoa agroforests.
A new study from the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch State Forestry Service highlights the importance of landscape in rewilding efforts. Researchers developed an index to measure and predict rewilding success, finding that varied landscapes show greater conservation potential.
Researchers found that using amber-colored filters on 'warm white' LED lamps reduces insect attraction to nocturnal lighting in a tropical forest. Insects play crucial roles as pollinators, regulators, decomposers, and food sources; using filtered LEDs can mitigate the negative impacts of ALAN on wildlife.
A new study suggests that limiting the numbers of invasive species may be a better goal than eliminating them altogether. The research, led by Stephanie Green, proposes a strategy called functional eradication to curtail the impact of destructive and widespread invasive species.
A study found that male authors from a few Western countries, such as the US, Canada, and UK, dominate the scientific literature in ecology and conservation biology. The research, published in Conservation Letters, calls for measures to address gender imbalance and geographic diversity.
A new bird checklist from Jicarón and Jicarita islands in Coiba National Park reveals 23 previously unrecorded species, including 10 endemic subspecies and 29 migratory birds. The islands' unique terrain supports a variety of bird species, with some rare migrants recorded.
Researchers discovered that peach-fronted conures can collaborate with invisible partners to solve a task, showcasing their sophisticated communication skills. The birds demonstrated unique approaches to the task, with one bird waiting for its partner's signal before picking up the string.
A new study reveals that conservation plans often overlook habitats used by females, putting declining species at greater risk. Researchers found that female birds face a higher threat to their habitats than males, highlighting the need for inclusive conservation strategies.
Researchers found that zebra stripes deter flies from landing due to visual disruption and twitching behavior. Zebras swish their tails constantly and run away if flies are persistent, whereas horses primarily twitch and swish to ward off flies, allowing them to be dislodged.
A team of international scientists found that preserving phylogenetic diversity among species can preserve 18% more functional diversity than selecting species at random. However, in some areas and groups, this method was less effective, highlighting the need for further research and adaptation.
A two-year project found significant declines in birds of prey across Botswana, with 14 out of 29 species monitored showing decreases. The study suggests climate change and poisoning by poachers as potential causes, highlighting the need for urgent research.
Increasing temperatures and mercury pollution shift female-to-male ratios in snapping turtles, favoring male offspring in agricultural habitats. Field experiments found that temperature profiles and soil moisture content influenced sex determination, while mercury levels correlated with the development of more male offspring.
The Guidelines on Business and KBAs provide steps for businesses to actively safeguard biodiversity and avoid contributing to its loss. Businesses are recommended to adopt 15 guidelines to better manage their impacts on places deemed critical for species and ecosystems worldwide.
An international study examines the impact of the world's largest ivory burn in Kenya, finding 81% of online media coverage was produced in the US, with lesser coverage in China and other ivory-consuming countries. Experts suggest sustained media pressure and monitoring are needed to change attitudes and reduce ivory demand.
The study presents a comprehensive checklist of 124,993 plant species across North and South America. Notably, the vast majority of plant species in the Americas are found in just one country or region, with Brazil having the most diverse flora. The authors predict an additional 25,000 species will be documented by 2050.
A recent study published in Biological Conservation highlights the effects of selective logging on great ape populations before, during, and after timber extraction. The research found that western lowland gorillas avoided areas during logging but returned after it passed through, while chimpanzees were less likely to return to their n...
A recent study found that European countries with high levels of biodiversity, such as Portugal and Slovakia, receive less funding for conservation than expected. The study suggests that the main European directives on conservation focus too much on bird species, leading to an underfunding of other taxonomic groups.
A recent study found that more than 100 natural World Heritage sites are being severely damaged by encroaching human activities, with many at risk of irreversible damage. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these globally important assets.
A novel algorithm reduces surface-level environmental impacts from shale gas development by more than a third, at a relatively small additional cost. The study, published in Conservation Biology, found that developers can avoid significant environmental disturbances by steering development away from habitats associated with rare species.
A Clemson University team will study the effects of conservation easements on land-use patterns, public participation, and ecosystem integrity. They will compare outcomes for easements with differing purposes and levels of public oversight.
A new study suggests that protected areas are failing to meet biodiversity goals due to inadequate science and management. The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a three-point plan to improve the effectiveness of protected areas, including establishing ecologically sensible targets and identifying performance metrics.
Researchers from Monash University and international collaborators analyzed past 30 years of research to determine the impact of protected areas on biodiversity. The study found that these areas generally have larger plant and animal populations and more species than adjacent non-protected areas.
A study by conservation biologists highlights the lack of accessible information on fracking fluid chemistry and spill data, raising concerns about chemical contamination and its impact on plants and wildlife. The authors call for increased transparency and cooperation to minimize environmental damage.
A study highlights significant knowledge gaps in understanding the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. The researchers found that chemical disclosure statements for wells are often incomplete or inconsistent, making it difficult to assess the effects on natural water systems and drinking supplies.
A group of scientists is calling for better recognition of local experts' role in conservation biology. Local guides play a critical part in data collection and are essential to successful conservation efforts.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that bighorn sheep became extinct on Tiburón Island in the Gulf of California between the 6th and 19th centuries. The research uses ancient DNA analysis to confirm the extinction, challenging conventional wisdom about the species' presence on the island.
Conservation scientists work a substantial amount of their time outside regular office hours, with Japanese and Chinese researchers submitting nearly 40% of their manuscripts outside regular office hours. This trend is increasing, with potential negative impacts on the quality of scientific work and life-work balance.
Researchers found that carnivores, including lions and hyenas, can share space with humans without major conflicts. The Maasai people's unique approach to managing their environment allows for coexistence between humans, livestock, and carnivores.
Researchers emphasize the need for policy-makers to consider various scales in conservation decisions, including space and time, to effectively protect biodiversity. The SCALES project highlights the importance of adopting scale-sensitive approaches to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications.
Maternal presence is crucial for juvenile moose survival, with orphaned calves facing up to 47 times more aggression. The study's findings suggest policy changes are needed to protect young moose, highlighting the importance of conservation planning and non-invasive data collection methods.
Aeroecology is a new discipline that focuses on the aerosphere and its influence on airborne organisms. Organisms such as bats, birds, and insects rely on this aerial environment for their existence, but are also affected by human-altered landscapes and climate change.
A recent study using DNA barcoding has discovered five previously unknown frog species among 30 that were wiped out by a fungal epidemic in Panama. The research also highlights the urgent need to address the biodiversity crisis, with many species disappearing before they can be documented.
A new teaching model using real data and relevant videos engages high school students in conservation biology research, improving understanding of ecological concepts. Students develop a better grasp of normal ecological processes and how human actions affect the natural world.
A US-based research team has assessed potential invasive snail and slug species threatening US agriculture and the environment. The study identifies key pests that could have significant impacts if introduced nationally.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that analyzing fecal DNA can accurately estimate tiger populations. This non-invasive technique allows researchers to identify individual animals and establish baseline numbers in areas where camera trapping is impractical.
A new study reveals that biofuels could hasten climate change due to the destruction of tropical rainforests. The study found that it will take over 75 years for carbon emissions saved through biofuel use to compensate for the carbon lost when these forests are converted into plantations.
Sarah Keenan Jacobi, a Lincoln Park Zoo researcher, has been awarded the prestigious Smith Fellowship to develop a framework for efficiently allocating resources for conservation. The fellowship program will support her research on managing habitat and controlling invasive species such as reed canary grass.
A new study by conservation biologists from the University of California, Berkeley found that parks with public access have significantly lower populations of native carnivores such as coyotes and bobcats. The researchers believe that human disturbance may be driving these animals away from heavily visited areas.
A new Texas A&M University program aims to tackle conservation challenges by integrating biology, culture, and governance. Led by Dr. Lee Fitzgerald and Dr. Amanda Stronza, the project will train students in interdisciplinary research and fieldwork to address pressing issues like invasive species, habitat loss, and social conflict.
Researchers found that Magellanic Penguins in Argentina's largest colony can handle up to 70,000 annual visitors without significant stress or harm. However, the study highlights the challenges of quantifying long-term consequences of human disturbance on wildlife.
Researchers found that newly hatched magellanic penguin chicks in breeding grounds with large numbers of human visitors show a significant spike in stress-related hormone levels. As the chicks grew older, their behavior towards humans changed, with those in tourist areas becoming more tolerant but still exhibiting caution.
Blast fishing remains a widespread issue despite Indonesia's ban in 1985. To combat this, programs that decrease destructive fishing practices are critical for ecosystem restoration and economic value., Gentle, low-cost care can help restore coral reefs.
A new study warns that increased gas development in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is putting long-distance migratory species like pronghorn antelope at risk. The authors suggest establishing protected migration corridors to safeguard these traditional migrations.
The giant catfish, a migratory species in Southeast Asia, is facing extinction due to the destruction of its habitats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this vital species and the ecosystem it supports.