Conservation Policies

For biodiversity to thrive across Europe, laws should treat wildlife as individuals capable of suffering – experts argue

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.

Roadless rule helps protect clean drinking water for 25 million Americans, new study shows

A new study from the University of Washington highlights the potential consequences of losing roadless protections on rivers and drinking water supply. The study found that over 80,000 miles of rivers receive some protection from the rule, reaching 25 million people across the country.

Study questions growing international trade in critically endangered sand tiger sharks

Researchers found that nearly 90% of sharks collected from Delaware Bay were exported overseas, raising concerns about conservation goals. The study highlights the need for better scientific data and stronger oversight to ensure sustainable removals of critically endangered sand tiger sharks.

By saving ecosystems, environmental regulations help prevent biodiversity loss

Researchers found that long-term improvements in water quality, as well as increased occurrence of certain aquatic species, are associated with broad environmental regulations. Conservation policies have helped restore freshwater ecosystems and prevent extreme species loss, indicating the importance of protecting biodiversity and human...

Decades-long dataset shows which orcas are most at home in Puget Sound

Researchers found that Bigg's killer whales are increasingly present in Puget Sound, while southern resident killer whales are spending less time in inland waters. The data suggests that social cues may play a role in the changing distribution of southern residents.

Gorillas can learn to trust humans even after years of poaching pressure, Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia researchers suggests that carefully habituating wild gorillas to non-threatening humans can help them overcome long-term aversions to people. Over an eight-year study in Cameroon, the animals' responses to human presence slowly changed from aggression and avoidance to curiosity and indifference.

Why vague conservation targets are failing some vulnerable species

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.

Costly efforts to reopen rivers for fish can produce mixed results — this method can help planners avoid stranded investments

Researchers examine the process of prioritizing river restoration projects using a mathematical computer program called optimization. The study shows that score and rank systems don't always account for barriers in the full river context, leading to stranded investments.

One of the world’s most famous wildlife coexistence scheme falls short

A renowned conservation program, launched in 1996, has failed to maintain its success in promoting wolverine population growth. Despite initial promising results, documented numbers have fallen significantly in northern strongholds, with government funds frozen for two decades.

Beyond fences: Africa’s biodiversity depends on working landscapes, not just protected areas

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.

Thames microplastics research targets policy reform

A new study by University of East London researchers aims to gather data on microplastic contamination across the Thames, combining new sampling with existing datasets. The findings could inform discussions around wastewater management, river protection, and plastic pollution policy.

Protected areas that help wildlife often do little for the soil fungi that plants depend on

A new study reveals that more than half of critical underground fungal species are less protected in conservation areas. These mycorrhizal fungi form networks that help plants absorb nutrients, making ecosystems more resilient to stress and climate change.

Agriculture and conservation share common ground after Klamath dam removals, study finds

Researchers found that farmers and conservation groups share priorities on future uncertainty, collaboration, ecosystem-based approach, and creative management options. The study aims to improve dialogue and support effective management in the Klamath Basin and inform future river restoration efforts.

Scientists call for stewardship practices to be integrated into biodiversity conservation frameworks

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.

Research traces American wildlife values to European colonization

Support local people to protect world’s nature, new report urges, as deadline for global conservation target looms

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.

UBC researchers find Indigenous lands can outperform protected areas on conservation

A new study by UBC researchers found that Indigenous lands consistently protect forests, biodiversity, and carbon stores at levels equal to or greater than government-designated protected areas. The study highlights the importance of securing formal land rights for Indigenous Peoples and funding and resourcing Indigenous stewardship.

Integrated land planning is necessary to meet climate, food and biodiversity goals

An international team of researchers found that coordinated land-use planning can reduce species impact by 15% and carbon loss by 19%. Strategic planning can enable progress toward global biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development goals simultaneously.

More people are eating wild meat across Central Africa, raising urgency for sustainable wildlife management

A study in Nature reveals a sharp increase in wild meat consumption across Central Africa, driven by urban populations. The total annual biomass of wild meat consumed has increased from 0.73 million tonnes in 2000 to 1.10 million tonnes in 2022.

Restored ecosystems could help defend borders, study suggests

Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.

New research shows habitat restoration projects have paid off for Forest Park in St. Louis

A recent study published in Ecological Applications found that habitat restoration efforts in Forest Park have increased native bird diversity, with increases mostly seen in native species. The research also highlights the importance of access to water and varied habitats for boosting biodiversity.

Researchers warn against securitized response to global biodiversity loss

Researchers warn that a securitized response to global biodiversity loss could lead to poorly targeted actions and policy. They highlight concerns over migration claims and call for evidence-based, non-securitised policy.

Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves

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.

Could ultrasound help save hedgehogs?

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.

Carbon markets risk penalizing First Nations stewardship

A coalition of experts warns that carbon markets may be penalizing First Nations' long-term stewardship due to their 'additionality' requirements. The definition of 'additionality' often rewards restoration on degraded land, excluding protected ecosystems and traditional owners' custodianship.

Dense, dark forests in Europe are a modern phenomenon

A new comprehensive study reveals that modern afforestation in Europe is contrary to the continent's long-term ecological trajectory. The study suggests that dense forests are a recent phenomenon and that current reforestation practices are on the wrong track, harming biodiversity.

Framework for assessing national contributions towards the 30% protection target has been internationally peer-reviewed

A new science-based operational framework can help countries evaluate their progress towards the 30/10 biodiversity target. The framework reveals that only 2% of land and 2% of sea contribute to the target, while reported figures are often overestimated.

The wild can be ‘death trap’ for rescued animals

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.

Why letting museum visitors smell horse manure might be good for conservation

A new study from Nagoya University and Gifu University found that multisensory museum experiences can engage visitors with culturally significant heritage. By incorporating sensory elements like smell and touch, visitors can form personal connections to the artifacts, leading to deeper engagement and conservation efforts.

Global analysis of wildlife decline warns conservation action must be coordinated across multiple threats

A new study found that addressing multiple threats simultaneously is crucial for halting biodiversity loss, with single-threat interventions unlikely to reverse global decline trends. Mitigating multiple threats together leads to stable or recovering vertebrate populations.

Removing southern African fences may help wildlife, boost economy

A new study suggests that strategically removing sections of fencing in southern Africa could make both livestock and wildlife safer. The researchers found that the overall risk estimates of diseases were generally low, and removing fences may not increase the risk of pathogens crossing over.

Are returning Pumas putting Patagonian Penguins at risk? New study reveals the likelihood

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.

Can international laws save the ocean? Activists say direct action is needed too.

The High Seas Treaty has been ratified by 61 states, but authors of a new book argue that international laws are insufficient to protect the ocean. Direct action, such as interfering with whaling operations or cutting fishing nets, is necessary due to lack of global enforcement.

Science solves South Australia’s koala dilemma

A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.

New study reveals major gaps in global forest maps

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that satellite-derived forest maps often disagree, creating uncertainty for conservation, climate, and development policies. The discrepancies can be as high as a factor of 10, affecting millions of hectares and human lives.

Overlooked decline in grazing livestock brings risks and opportunities

A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Climate policies can backfire by eroding “green” values, study finds

A study published in Nature Sustainability finds that climate policies targeting lifestyle changes can erode existing 'green' values, leading to unintended negative effects. Researchers surveyed over 3,000 Germans and found a 52% greater negative response to climate mandates than COVID-19 mandates.

Research news from the Ecological Society of America

Recent research articles explore innovative methods for rehabilitating coral reefs, new observations of masquerading behavior in deep-sea squids, the rapid expansion of Sphagnum peat patches across Alaska's North Slope, trade-offs between protected areas and sustainable development goals, and a surprising first-time observation of moth...

New research from Montana State economist shows how wetland restoration can benefit local economies

A Montana State University economist's research found that wetland restoration through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program can reduce ammonia and nitrogen concentrations in local waterways, resulting in decreased costs for communities. This can lead to tangible savings of up to $17,000 per year in smaller rural towns.

Connection and protection boost health in coral reefs

A new study by the University of Oxford and WCS reveals that connections between coral reefs can stabilize reef health, reducing the risk of collapse. By simulating future reef conditions under different management scenarios, researchers found that a dual approach improving land and sea conditions provides the best outcomes for reefs.

Social justice should not be tokenistic but at the heart of global restoration efforts

Researchers from the University of East Anglia argue that placing social justice at the heart of global restoration initiatives is vital for success. The study found that ecological targets should be aligned with local social, economic, and cultural ones to ensure holistic and long-term thinking.

Illinois study finds cover crop adoption doubles in farm demonstration network

A new Illinois study reveals that investing in farm demonstration networks can significantly increase the adoption of cover crops, which improve soil health and water quality. The study found a 50% increase in cover crop adoption within four years after implementation, with greater increases observed near demonstration farms.

Unbee-lievable: scientists trial unique solution for human-elephant conflict

A new study in Botswana explores the effectiveness of bee-sound barriers in deterring elephants from raiding crops. While results show a positive reaction from some elephants, differences in response rates between Botswana and other countries suggest context-specific factors are at play.

New research highlights the need for region-responsive conservation planning over universal frameworks

A new study reveals regional vulnerability of plant-pollinator networks to climate change, emphasizing the need for tailored conservation approaches. Tailored strategies can enhance biodiversity protection in tropical regions, but may offer minimal benefit in temperate zones.

Neural network helps detect gunshots from illegal rainforest poaching

A new neural network developed by Naveen Dhar can filter out false positives in gunshot detectors, providing accurate alerts for on-the-ground intervention. The system uses a web of autonomous recording units and a central hub to analyze audio data and pinpoint the location of gunshots.

November research news from the Ecological Society of America

Researchers explored the impact of urbanization on pollinators, found that trees' root systems shift with age, and discovered sea urchin 'halos' as indicators of ecosystem vulnerability. The studies highlight the need for tailored conservation strategies to address regional ecological challenges.

Drones: An ally in the sky to help save elephants!

Researchers found that elephants can learn to ignore drones within minutes of exposure, opening a new window into their behavior and social interactions. The study's results suggest potential for drones as a cost-effective observation platform in elephant conservation.

The road ahead: Why conserving the invisible 99% of life is fundamental to planetary health

A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.

Island reptiles face extinction before they are even studied, warns global review

A new study reveals that island reptiles are more threatened with extinction than mainland species, yet remain largely ignored by researchers. The study found that 30% of island-dwelling reptiles are threatened, while only 6.7% of reptile-focused research publications have studied them.

Lisbon to host world’s largest conference on ecosystem restoration in 2027, led by researcher from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon

The University of Lisbon will host the world's largest conference on ecosystem restoration in 2027, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. The event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on restoring ecosystems, particularly in Portugal, a country with rich ecological diversity.

How the arts and science can jointly protect nature

A new study reveals that collaborations between conservationists and artists can generate new knowledge, attract funding, and catalyze behavioral change. By working together, artists and conservationists can co-create ideas, develop more effective solutions, and shape public attitudes towards nature.

Study maps priority areas to reduce macaw deaths from electric shock

A study has identified priority areas to reduce macaw deaths from electrocution in Brazil. Modifying 10% of high-risk poles could prevent 80% of these deaths, according to the research.

Tool reveals how your dinner affects the risk of 30,875 species of land-dwelling animal going extinct

Researchers developed a tool to measure food production's impact on species survival, finding that eating beef and lamb has the biggest effect on extinctions. Switching to vegetarian diets could halve biodiversity impact in the UK.

Farmed totoaba could curb poaching

Researchers find that farmed totoaba could alleviate poaching pressures by establishing a regulated trade. The study suggests that a market-based solution may be more effective than a regulatory approach in curbing poaching. A $6 million subsidy program could make farming cheaper and prevent further decline of the wild population.

Project to ‘freeze’ decline of iconic butterfly

Researchers investigate cryopreservation as a tool for conservation, using the European subspecies of the Swallowtail to assess its viability. If effective, it could support long-term strategies like breeding programs and reintroduction efforts.

New study reveals major trade-offs in global nature conservation strategies

A new study by researchers at the University of Helsinki compares two commonly used approaches to conservation planning, finding that the flexible approach provides higher habitat protection but with uneven distribution and minimum protection levels not guaranteed. In contrast, the target-based approach ensures all species meet their m...

Community management effectively protects millions of hectares of Amazonian forest

Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.

Biological ‘moonshot’ accelerates efforts to genetically map life on Earth

The Earth BioGenome Project aims to create a digital library of DNA sequences to preserve and protect life on Earth. With over 2,200 scientists in 88 countries, the project is making discoveries that could help assure food security and advance medicine.

Global map shows where ocean plastics pose greatest threats

A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.

Global review identifies opportunities to improve monitoring of juvenile fish habitats

A global review highlights the need for better tools to understand juvenile fish habitats, which are facing increased pressure from various factors. The study recommends incorporating metrics like growth, survival, and contribution rates to assess habitat quality.