Articles tagged with Conservation Priorities
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 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 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.
The University of Illinois initiative brings Denali neighbors together in an online discussion forum to share views on protected area conservation and land management. The study finds that engaging diverse stakeholders leads to collaborative dialogue and thoughtful discussions, despite differing priorities.
A new study suggests that Canada's ability to meet its 30 by 30 target relies on national coordination and prioritizing biodiversity-rich areas. If successful, this could protect over 65% of all species, but regional strategies hinder progress and result in lost biodiversity.
A new study by the University of Zurich found that global shark and ray protection is inadequate, with crucial species playing vital ecological roles in maintaining biodiversity. The research identified 18 unique functional diversity hotspots concentrated along continental shelves and oceanic islands.
Researchers found 22 globally threatened elasmobranch species in Cyprus' coastal waters, with simple measures like limiting net lengths crucial for sustainability. Local authorities have banned trading of 15 species, and conservation efforts are underway to protect the marine ecosystem.
Researchers investigating sihek health have found that female birds are at greater risk for death and disease than males. The study also highlights reproductive diseases as a major threat to the species' survival, with females succumbing to these diseases more frequently.
A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, proposes a way to improve the effectiveness of conservation funding by giving organizations more freedom to allocate funds. By doing so, the team found that conservation projects can offer a high return on investment and make a greater impact on species protection.
Ecologists say that carbon-capture tree plantations have a negative impact on tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services, despite their potential to offset climate change. In contrast, intact ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and savannahs store large quantities of carbon below ground and provide multiple ecosystem services.
A new study suggests that protecting large areas of land can help stem biodiversity loss, with vertebrates declining 0.4% per year inside protected areas compared to 1.8% outside. The study highlights the importance of proper governance for the success of protected lands and their role in conserving biodiversity.
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...
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.
The study established a broad range of reptile cell lines, including those from crocodilians, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. This breakthrough will help advance reptile conservation and replace the need for live animals in scientific research, leading to improved animal welfare.
A recent study reveals that illegal bird shootings are now the leading cause of death for birds found dead near power lines in the western United States. Researchers analyzed 410 carcasses collected over four years and found that 66% died from being shot, surpassing electrocution as a leading cause.
A recent study by BirdLife International reveals that nearly four in 10 of Europe's bird species are now of conservation concern, including 14% of global concern. The continent's nature is facing an urgent need for comprehensive restoration legislation to halt and reverse the decline in threatened bird species.
Scientists have deciphered the Arctic flora's evolution over time, discovering its roots date back to the Early Late Miocene. The study reveals a complex dispersal corridor between the Arctic and western North America, with both immigration and in situ speciation contributing to biodiversity.
Researchers uncovered a deadly trade where Bolivian prisoners sell jaguar skins and body parts to produce wallets and other fashion items. The illegal market poses significant threats to jaguar conservation despite international protection since 1975 and national protection in Bolivia since 1986.
A new study highlights the immense potential of living cell banks in contributing to global conservation priorities. By analyzing genetic samples from the Frozen Zoo, researchers identified opportunities to increase representation of threatened species and provide access to critical genetic diversity.
A new study highlights the potential of living cell banks to contribute to global conservation priorities. Cryo-banked samples provide crucial genetic diversity and reintroduction opportunities to increase adaptability and resilience in threatened species.
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.
The study found that about one-third of all farming occurs in high conservation priority areas, with certain staples like beef and soybeans tending to be produced there. Changing sourcing practices can help reduce the impact on biodiversity, according to researchers.
Carefully planned restoration of agricultural coffee landscapes can increase crop yield by promoting pollinators' habitat, leading to long-term conservation and economic benefits. Over a 40-year period, strategically allocating land to agriculture and forest can double profits for landholders while increasing forest cover by 20%.
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.
A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.
George Mason University researchers have identified key methods for successfully reintroducing captive birds into the wild, including exposing animals to wild food and providing supplemental feeding after release. Their study provides evidence-based support for exploring the use of behavior and its management as an influential tool in ...
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded a record 75 grants to support shark and ray conservation projects worldwide. The foundation's 20th anniversary year highlights growing commitment to protecting these vital ocean species.
A new research approach suggests integrating biodiversity auditing into conservation plans to effectively support a wider range of important species. This method has been successfully tested in the UK's East Anglia region and could benefit biodiversity nationally, including the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy.
An international research team has developed a framework to evaluate government preparedness for ocean acidification, a pressing threat to marine ecosystems. The framework identifies six aspects of effective policy and specific indicators, enabling policymakers to assess their own preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
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 new technology developed by Arizona State University researchers allows scientists to remotely track the location and time of birth for shark pups, enabling them to protect critical habitats. The device, called Birth-Alert-Tags (BAT), has yielded remarkable results, revealing previously unknown birth sites for certain shark species.
Researchers developed an updated conservation metric, EDGE2, incorporating scientific uncertainty and status of related species. This approach identifies top-priority species for protection, preserving over 700 million years of evolutionary history, and allocates limited funds effectively.
Researchers have identified critical areas in northern, northwestern, and western Iran for urgent conservation action. The study used maps of threatened species to pinpoint regions necessary to protect critically endangered species like the Asiatic cheetah and Persian leopard.
A recent study published in Nature highlights the underestimation of global wetland loss over the past 300 years. The research found that temperate river floodplains and tropical regions are disproportionately affected, while remote boreal-arctic peatlands remain relatively unharmed.
A new study found that Indigenous communities with formal tenure rights in Brazil's Atlantic Forest reduced deforestation and improved forest cover, outperforming territories without such rights. Strengthening self-determination rights of Indigenous peoples has been shown to be crucial for forest conservation efforts globally.
A new study by ICTA-UAB calls for a biocultural approach in nature conservation, incorporating human perspectives and cultural values. The research team compiled a list of 385 culturally important species that have a recognized role in supporting local identity, providing a common sense of place and belonging.
The study highlights the need to address root causes of biodiversity decline, including inequality, consumption patterns, and unsustainable technologies. A 'nature-and-people-positive' approach is crucial for conservation efforts to be successful and equitable.