Articles tagged with Conservation Biology
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.
A special section of BioScience provides in-depth analyses of assessment systems for protected area management effectiveness. Key findings include the need for more widespread use of assessments and monitoring, as well as the identification of critical management issues such as funding, staffing, and community relations.
Researchers estimate between 2 and 100 million global species, developing six methods to assess biodiversity in a single habitat. Three methods proved effective even with limited data, while spacing ecoregions evenly throughout the continent yielded the best results.
A recent study suggests that roads are a major threat to US turtle populations, with over 5% of turtles likely to die while crossing roads. The researchers recommend establishing buffer zones around aquatic habitats and building road crossings to mitigate this issue.
Researchers have developed a new genetic shark-identification test that is quick, accurate and relatively cheap. The test has been evaluated on 33 closely-related known species and found to be nearly 100% accurate, with an average accuracy of over 99%, according to Shivji and his colleagues.
Researchers estimate that eastern North American reserves must be at least 1,000 square miles in size to prevent loss of species. This is significantly smaller than the current sizes of most reserves, which are often not enough to safeguard biodiversity.
A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that moderate cattle grazing has little to no effect on Texas tortoise populations. The researchers compared tortoise populations in grazed and ungrazed pastures and found no differences in abundance, size, growth rate, or adult survival.
A minor earthquake occurred in the Evansville area with a preliminary magnitude of 3.9, according to the USGS. This region has been identified as having a potential for damaging earthquakes.
USGS researchers link Mercury levels in Lake Tulane to global climate changes, while also analyzing African dust's role in affecting coral health. Additionally, scientists explore the Chesapeake Bay bolide's crater formation and its structural implications.
Scientists from various disciplines gather to develop recommendations for restoring Pacific rivers for salmon habitats. The workshop aims to select candidate watersheds and measurements for evaluating restoration success, bringing together expertise in watershed restoration.
Researchers found nearly 1,000 cave species in the continental US, with over 60% living in a single county or cave. Protecting land above caves is crucial to save these species from disruptions to vegetation and drainage basins.
A new population of non-native Asian swamp eels has been found in south Florida, near the eastern border of Everglades National Park. The eels' genetic differences from previously discovered populations suggest a separate introduction and raise concerns about their potential to disrupt native species and food webs.
A study by Harvard University's Richard Forman estimates that US roads directly affect the ecology of nearly 20% of U.S. land, blocking animal migrations and spreading non-native species. Traffic noise also reduces bird populations, making it harder for them to communicate with their young.
Research by Leslie Ries and colleagues found that restored prairie along roadsides increases the number of sensitive butterfly species, with twice as many rare butterflies present compared to grass and weeds. This could provide crucial corridors for butterfly habitats, reducing road-crossing risks.
Researchers found that sites with high agricultural land had a stronger correlation with red-legged frog declines than UV radiation or global warming. The study suggests that wind-borne pesticides from the Central Valley may be contributing to the frogs' decline in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
UC and CREW biologists use a basic hole-puncher to collect plant samples, then study how to protect them from dehydration and rehydration. They discover that plants secrete a hormone called abscisic acid to protect themselves during dry times.