Articles tagged with Conservation Policies
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
A review paper suggests microclimates could offset negative impacts of extreme weather on insects. The authors argue that current macroclimate models are not viable for predicting impacts on insect populations.
A new analysis found that diversity hotspots of mycorrhizal fungi overlapped with plant diversity hotspots in only 8.8% and 1.5% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that prioritizing conservation based on aboveground diversity fails to capture diverse belowground regions.
A study analyzing data from 10 species at 14 national parks found that animals avoid human infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings. However, responses varied across populations, species, and individual animals, with some adapted to human presence.