Articles tagged with Conservation Policies
A new study suggests that individual animals, like Lua the Antillean manatee, can be used as flagships to encourage engagement and behavioural change in conservation. These charismatic species often have unique characteristics that make them appealing to humans and can inspire policy changes.
A 20-year experiment found that active replanting with diverse tree species recovers logged tropical forests faster than natural recovery. The results showed that plots with 16 native tree species recovered canopy area and total tree biomass more quickly than those with fewer species.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
African lion populations are declining due to various threats including habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict. A new study reveals the importance of considering both ecological and socio-political factors in conservation strategies.
Researchers from the University of Illinois warn that artificial roosts can be detrimental to bat health due to overheating and inadequate insulation. The experts emphasize the need for further study on the risks associated with these structures.
A study published in Science found that overestimations of forest preservation in voluntary REDD+ projects result in the generation of millions of worthless carbon credits. The research team calculated that only 6% of these credits are linked to actual reductions in carbon emissions.
A new study reveals that large national parks can enhance bird diversity inside their borders and boost mammal diversity in nearby unprotected areas by up to 194 per cent.
Research found that warmer ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves lead to increased overlap between Chinook salmon and Pacific hake, raising the risk of salmon bycatch. The study used 20 years of data and modeled behavioral changes to show how salmon move lower into the water column during higher temperatures.
A trained detection dog can find great crested newts even through soil and at a distance, potentially aiding critical conservation efforts. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found the dog achieved an 87% success rate in detecting the species across various environmental conditions.
A study by Princeton University finds that strengthening protection for existing parks is vital for safeguarding biodiversity. Enhancing existing park networks can protect essential habitats of 1191 animal species, highlighting the importance of preserving already protected areas.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Researchers developed a suite of tools to assess economic benefits of improving urban stream water quality. The 'ecological production function framework' estimates use and non-use benefits, including increased property values and protected natural resources.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that environmental impact assessments often fail to account for species movement between sites, leading to underestimated impacts on wildlife. The research highlights a planned airport development in Portugal that could affect over 10 times the number of Black-tailed Godwits estimated by...
A new study reveals that the most endangered turtles and crocodiles are those with unique life strategies, which carry out critical processes in their ecosystems. The researchers highlight the urgent need for effective conservation management plans to protect these species and their habitats.
A worldwide study found that non-English-language literature was extensively used in national reports but failed to be reflected in global reports. The team suggests that international collaboration and multilingual databases can help develop more effective conservation science.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
A new study finds that the hen harrier debate has become increasingly polarized, with a few high-profile individuals and organizations dominating the discussion. The research suggests that allowing new voices to participate could help unlock the entrenched conflict.
A new study reveals the EU's massive demand for frog legs has led to a global trade chain threatening frog populations, with Southeast Asian and Eastern European species facing extinction. The authors call for greater transparency and monitoring of pesticide residues in traded frogs' legs to ensure sustainability.
Scientists from Okayama University used environmental DNA (eDNA) to survey the distribution and population density of the endangered bitterling fish in Japan. They found that eDNA concentrations vary according to the downstream channel distance, providing a reference for conservation surveys.
A joint team of researchers uncovered serious management and compliance issues on lion farms in the Free State, including potentially fraudulent activities with microchip reuse and incomplete record keeping. The study highlights concerns that lion farm owners may be laundering wild-caught lions through microchip reuse.
The endangered Amami rabbit plays a key role in dispersing seeds for the non-photosynthetic Balanophora yuwanensis plant. Researchers observed that the rabbit consumed both dry fruits and vegetative tissue from the plant, suggesting it serves as a major seed disperser incentivized by the plant's vegetative tissues.
Research by University of Queensland finds that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is not effectively protecting threatened habitats. Projects deemed 'significant' or 'not significant' have resulted in similar habitat destruction, highlighting inconsistencies in referral decision-making processes.
A recent study found that human-caused mortality triggers instability in wolf packs in national parks, decreasing the chance of pack persistence and reproduction. Wolves living outside park boundaries are at a higher risk of being killed by humans, with poaching being the most common cause of death.
A recent study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that Indigenous territories and protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. The study found that these areas accounted for approximately 52% of forests in the region, leading to only 5% of net forest loss and 12% of gross forest loss.
Researchers tracked elephant footprints with handheld GPS and overlaid it with satellite imagery to understand how plant diversity affects movement. The study found that bull elephants prefer paths with certain plants, while family groups prefer others, leading to a compromise in areas where both are available.
A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.
Climate change poses a significant threat to southwestern US reptile and amphibian populations, with limited-dispersal species facing the greatest vulnerability. The study suggests that prioritizing conservation efforts for these species may be crucial to mitigating habitat loss.
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.
A new study found that over a 5-year period, millions of cattle spent part of their lives grazing in protected areas of the Brazilian Amazon, including indigenous lands. This undermines efforts to conserve forests and biodiversity in these regions.
A recent study found that a quarter of Australians have a human-centric relationship with nature and a strong desire to protect the environment. This challenges the stereotype that right-leaning voters care less about taking steps to protect the environment and its biodiversity.
The study quantifies the impact of human activity on the Atlantic Rainforest's carbon storage capacity, highlighting that forest degradation leads to significant losses and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation efforts are crucial to reverse these effects and protect the biome's carbon stocks.
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 new database has been created to support conservation efforts by filling the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world. The database presents a valuable tool for planning conservation actions at any spatial scale and preventing species extinctions globally.
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.
The California Conservation Genomics Project is generating high-quality data to inform conservation policy, mapping genetic diversity across the state's diverse ecosystems. By analyzing over 22,000 genomes, researchers aim to identify critical habitats for protection and create a snapshot of genomic biodiversity.
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 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.
Wealthy individuals are more likely to purchase unsustainable products with higher price tags, feeling entitled to the benefits despite environmental costs. However, when encouraged to think about equality, this effect is diminished.
Researchers from the University of Zurich and University of Montréal developed a method to assess plant biodiversity across ecosystems using satellite imaging spectrometry. The study found that spectral diversity calculations can capture differences in plant community composition across all ecosystems studied, allowing for targeted fie...
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 study found that protected conservation areas in Madagascar experienced unprecedented spikes in fires during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when on-site management was suspended. The team suggests that governments should consider keeping some staff in protected areas to mitigate this impact.
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 found that lithium mining and climate change have caused a 10-12% decline in two species of flamingos in the Salar de Atacama lake. The birds can move to other lakes, but as demand for lithium increases, their habitats may be further threatened.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
Using ancient and historical DNA can assess population genetic patterns and inform conservation actions. The study reveals that a/hDNA can be compared with contemporary data to set baselines for intra-species genetic diversity and estimate changes in effective population size.
A team of scientists used genetic testing to uncover the tactics of international criminal networks behind ivory trafficking out of Africa. The analysis linked most large ivory shipments to a handful of interconnected smuggling networks, expanding efforts to track and seize illicit shipments.
A City University of Hong Kong study found that improper disposal of surgical masks can pollute over 54,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually with microplastics. The research also showed that microplastics accumulate in the food chain, affecting marine organisms and potentially harming higher-level species.
A recent study highlights the need for inclusive forest conservation policies that learn from past mistakes. The researchers argue that top-down approaches can be harmful and accelerate deforestation, instead recommending local social impact assessments and indigenous involvement in policy-making.
The 2020 wildfires in Brazil's Pantanal wetland resulted in the deaths of an estimated 16.9 million vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and primates. The study estimates that between 13.2 million and 18.8 million small vertebrates and 691,000 to 1.2 million medium-to-large vertebrates were killed.
A study quantifying Nigeria-linked seizures of pangolin products suggests levels of trafficking are far greater than previously thought. Researchers found 190,407 kilos of scales taken from at least 799,343 animals, with 77 seizures analysed revealing connections to ivory-smuggling networks.
Satellite images reveal a substantial increase in saltmarsh area and stable trends of tidal flat areas after 2012, driven by decreased anthropogenic activities and increased conservation and restoration efforts. Conservation efforts have positively impacted China's coastal wetlands, mitigating the loss of these important ecosystems.
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.
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 study investigates the closure of a marine area in the Pacific Ocean to fishing, revealing that it could drive up offshore fish prices and increase tourists' consumption of reef fish. However, offering tourists a local and sustainable offshore fish choice can avoid environmental impacts on nearshore reef ecosystems.
A study found that accounting for local perspectives when designing conservation policies may increase community support and improve their success. Local people's frustrations with policies were rooted in technical issues, lack of funding, and inadequate involvement in decision-making.
A five-point plan proposes integrating recreational fishing into global fisheries management to address conflicts and loss of social welfare. The proposal aims to consider the unique needs of anglers, who support a significant number of jobs worldwide.
Modern nature conservation faces challenges in governing diverse ecosystems, with threats from human activities like forestry, agriculture, and fisheries. The study emphasizes the need for efficient governance to address these issues and halt biodiversity deterioration.