Articles tagged with Conservation Priorities
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
Researchers urge prioritizing ecosystem function over single species in conservation efforts, citing negative outcomes from previous initiatives. Conservation programs often focus on charismatic species without considering overall ecosystem health, leading to unforeseen issues and failed conservation outcomes.
Marine Animal Forests are complex habitats that provide essential ecological services, including biodiversity hotspots, nursery areas, and carbon cycling. Scientists urge immediate action to protect these ecosystems from destructive fishing practices, pollution, and climate change.
A comprehensive survey of the Eastern Tropical Pacific finds that remote Marine Protected Areas support abundant and diverse shark populations, including critically endangered species, whereas coastal areas display alarming declines in predator numbers. The study highlights the importance of strict protection for marine reserves to hel...
A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.
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 newly discovered orchid species in Colombia is threatened with extinction due to climate change. The 'Nasar Effect' reveals that the species' demise is foretold by the conditions that threaten it, highlighting the need for international action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and boost conservation efforts.
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
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 published in Nature Conservation assesses the threat status of bird species from Vietnam, revealing critical conservation needs. The study highlights areas for improved protection and calls for integration of expanded ex situ conservation efforts.
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 at the University of Technology Sydney discovered that tailored lipid supplements can significantly increase coral larvae's strength, speed, and survival rate. This innovation has major implications for reef restoration projects, which aim to improve larval supply but often face low post-settlement survival rates.
A team of international marine scientists urges reform to licensing and regulation of coastal restoration projects. The authors argue outdated systems hinder progress toward ambitious global targets to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
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...
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.
Researchers found that the island has enough trees, hedgerows, and seeds for the estimated 3500 red squirrels to thrive and grow. The study also discovered signs of genetic mixing between the east and west populations, suggesting a bright future for the island's squirrel population.
A new study by Bournemouth University confirms that red squirrel populations across Europe are resilient to the effects of climate change, but highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitat. The study found that temperature changes and low rainfall do not directly affect the survivability of red squirrels.
The Rhisotope Project uses low-level radioactive isotopes in rhino horns to track and intercept trafficked horns, aiming to disrupt the illegal trade. Researchers have confirmed the process is safe for animals and effective in making horns detectable through international customs systems.
Scientists have released high-resolution maps revealing 90% of mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity hotspots outside protected areas, posing a threat to carbon drawdown and ecosystem resilience. The research highlights the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi in regulating Earth's climate and ecosystems.
A team of scientists proposes using gene editing to restore lost genetic diversity in endangered species, enabling them to adapt to future environmental changes. The approach could complement traditional conservation methods and attract new investors and expertise.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
The Nature FIRST project, a £4.9m Horizon Europe-funded initiative, aims to protect endangered species and their habitats across Europe. The project's tools and training will help rangers detect and respond to wildlife crime and other threats using digital technologies and forensic investigation techniques.
An international study found that dehorning rhinos resulted in a drastic reduction of poaching, with a 78% decrease in poaching rates. The study analyzed data from 11 Greater Kruger reserves and found that dehorning reduced incentives for poaching, making it an effective conservation strategy.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
Researchers have identified two new species of crayfish in the Pacific Northwest, but their discovery also highlights the risk of extinction due to invasive species. The Okanagan Crayfish and Misfortunate Crayfish have been named after their native habitat and unfortunate fate.
New research from the University of the Witwatersrand finds that puff adders can increase their food consumption by up to 12 times during rodent outbreaks, outperforming traditional mammalian predators. This natural solution could significantly reduce crop damage and support sustainable farming practices in Africa.
New research suggests that conservation efforts can better protect bird species at greatest risk from climate change by understanding the specific climatic conditions they need to thrive. The study found that species with narrower climatic niches are more susceptible to population declines.
A research team at Oxford is developing a machine learning-based filtering tool to accurately distinguish between genuine wildlife references and unrelated content. The project aims to reduce misclassification, misinformation, and misinterpretation of wildlife data, enhancing media-based conservation research.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
A new analysis reveals that nearly half of the genus Heliconia, a group of tropical plants related to birds-of-paradise and bananas, are threatened with extinction. Many imperiled plants are not found within protected areas or botanical gardens, making additional conservation action crucial.
Researchers at MSU's Zipkin Quantitative Ecology Lab advocate for assemblage-level conservation, which considers the interactions between multiple species in a habitat. This approach aims to better estimate and manage biodiversity declines by protecting groups of related species.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified priority areas for prairie dog conservation, which benefits not only the prairie dog but also other grassland species. The study provides a blueprint for conserving habitats that could help revitalize North America's Central Grasslands.
The study highlights the importance of semi-dry forests in Nui Chua NP, which have the highest diversity and occupancy of the silver-backed chevrotain. Conservation efforts should prioritize these transitional habitats to protect this flagship species.
A team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University, San Diego Natural History Museum, and SeaWorld San Diego collaborate to digitize a rare vaquita skeleton, providing a valuable resource for conservation efforts. The scans resulted in three terabytes of data and will be used to create replicas for public display and education.
A global map of ship strike risk for blue, fin, humpback and sperm whales has been created, revealing that these species' migratory ranges overlap with about 92% of global shipping traffic. The study identifies high-risk areas along coastal regions in the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia.
A new study highlights the importance of protecting Earth's oldest and wisest creatures due to human intervention. These individuals provide unique biological functions and ecological knowledge, essential for ecosystem services.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
A recent study found that two-thirds of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in tropical forests are experiencing new temperature conditions. KBAs identify critical habitats for species and their ecosystems. The researchers assessed 30 years of temperature data below the forest canopy, revealing that 66% of KBAs have transitioned to new
A decade-long analysis of wildlife rescue records in NSW reveals a bias towards larger reptiles, with two species accounting for almost two-thirds of all rescues. Human behavior and environment play significant roles in shaping these interactions.
A study found that invasive cicad aulacaspis scale alters leaf litter decomposition dynamics of cycad species, releasing nutrients too quickly. This damage threatens ecosystem balance and conservation efforts in invaded islands.
A study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that NGO park management improves measures for wildlife, including reducing elephant poaching and increasing tourism. However, it also increases the risk of armed groups targeting civilians in protected areas, particularly in conflict zones.
A new study predicts that expanding marine protected areas will decrease both inside and outside the reserves, challenging common assumptions about ocean conservation. The research model used historical fishing data and machine learning to forecast the impact of large-scale closures on global fishing effort.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
A study found that heath goannas are more effective in removing blowflies from the landscape than introduced European mammals. This reduces the emergence of 'fly strike', a disease affecting sheep, and has significant implications for the Australian sheep farming industry.
Researchers confirmed that elephant calls contained a name-like component identifying the intended recipient through machine learning analysis. Elephants responded affirmatively to calls addressed to them and less so to those meant for others, suggesting an ability to learn and use arbitrary vocal labels like humans.
Restoring Sumas Lake could help the region adapt to future floods, facilitating climate resiliency. The lake's return also promotes ecological reconciliation, supporting healthy food systems and endangered species recovery.
A new study highlights the human impacts of endangered species mating with domestic relatives, causing economic loss and death. Conservation efforts are also overlooked for marginalized pastoralist populations, who often lack effective defense against aggressive wild males.
A new study emphasizes the need for regulatory backing to ensure business and finance disclosures effectively combat biodiversity decline. Current voluntary targets are criticized for prioritizing short-term financial interests over medium-term conservation goals.
Researchers propose prioritizing large, interconnected protected areas with high ecological integrity to achieve global biodiversity targets. Identifying these 'Nature's Strongholds' can help coordinate efforts to conserve biodiversity at a global scale.
Researchers emphasize that field stations studying primates contribute to biodiversity conservation by deterring poaching, deforestation, and natural resource extraction. The authors call for increased funding and support for red colobus conservation efforts.
A study from Technical University Berlin suggests 'sufficiency' as a key strategy for protecting biodiversity by reducing consumption and resource use. The research proposes a detailed sufficiency typology to integrate the term in biodiversity conservation efforts.
A global study of 34 countries reveals that marine protected areas deliver significant economic benefits to the fishing and tourism industries. The study found that MPAs boost either fishing or tourism, with some profits in the billions, and that strictly protected areas are more profitable and cheaper to manage.
A new study identifies conservation priority areas for vascular plants in Madagascar, highlighting uneven distribution of taxon richness and phylogenetic diversity. The researchers found that arid and semi-arid regions lack protected areas, presenting additional conservation challenges.
Researchers found a more diverse range of microbiota in grey squirrel guts, which may improve their health and immunity. This difference could be linked to the destruction caused by grey squirrels' broad diet, including tree bark, a previously unknown trait.
Researchers found that biodiversity data is concentrated in wealthy countries, with implications for conservation projects. This context should be considered to prevent inequitable implementation, Chapman argues. The team hopes to see more inclusive science policy collaboration to ensure that biodiversity data is applied justly.
A new study led by the Smithsonian identifies five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from Southeast Asia, using DNA analysis and physical characteristics. The two new species, Hylomys vorax and H. macarong, are endemic to the endangered Leuser ecosystem in North Sumatra and Southern Vietnam.
The 15th annual horizon scan highlights 15 key conservation issues, including declining invertebrate populations and altering marine ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for continued innovation in sustainable energy technologies to address climate change.