Articles tagged with Endangered Species
Researchers found that declining elephant populations lead to smaller, less-connected social groups, threatening their ability to forage, acquire information, and raise young. The study, published in Science, warns of a tipping point where social networks become irreparably fractured.
New research reveals a dramatic decline in suitable habitat for nearly 1,000 cactus species, with over a quarter at risk of losing 80% of their habitat by the end of the century. Climate change makes extreme events more frequent, and conventional distribution models fail to capture these impacts.
Carnaby's cockatoos rely on small, fragmented patches of native vegetation to survive, with birds traveling longer distances in fragmented landscapes to find food. Small, degraded patches of native vegetation remain crucial for maintaining landscape connectivity.
Researchers found rerouting container ships and oil tankers around whale shark hotspots used at most one percent more fuel on longer voyages. For shorter crossings, restricting vessels' speed was more fuel efficient, with costs limited to less than one percent.
A University of Oxford-led study found that demand for saiga antelope horn in Singapore is driven by misconceptions and cultural traditions, despite conservation efforts. The study involved focus groups with Chinese Singaporeans, who cited habit and perceived government approval as reasons for continuing to buy the horn.
The total population of Antarctic blue whales is estimated at 4,018, representing 1.9% of the pre-whaling population. The species is still critically endangered, but the study suggests a cautious optimistic picture for their recovery, with a growth rate of 4.5% per year.
A major study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that active conservation can successfully recover species on the edge of survival. Conservation efforts, such as invasive predator control and habitat restoration, led to recoveries in 61% of species that received direct support.
A new study published in Ecography reveals that California is home to more than 60,000 different species of insects, with only about two-thirds described. The California Insect Barcode Initiative, a six-million-dollar grant-funded project, collected and identified over one million insect specimens, marking a significant increase in the...
A new framework developed by Newcastle University and IUCN translates global biodiversity targets into measurable local action, guiding users from understanding species risk to guiding action and measuring conservation efforts. The framework is based on the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric, which quantifies the po...
A new study by Simon Fraser University reveals that Canada's endangered species are being left in bureaucratic limbo, denying them the legal protections needed to survive. The study found that only 17 of 288 species assessed have been processed within the recommended timeline, with many species facing extended delays, lack of transpare...
A UBC-led global review found that relocating amphibians and reptiles to make way for development rarely leads to long-term conservation success. Conservation-focused relocations showed population growth or potential for survival over the long term, with only 6% of development-related relocations achieving population growth.
Researchers found pygmy blue whales generally fed during daylight hours, leaving more time available for singing at night. Listening to differences in whale song between day and night could provide a way to monitor feeding activity across large areas of ocean.
A new study led by Dr. John Stewart from Bournemouth University solved the 150-year-old mystery of the extinct giant crane's identity. The researchers found that the bones were from larger versions of the current common crane, not a separate extinct species.
The Kenya Rhino Range Expansion partnership has successfully created a new space for Kenya's growing rhino populations, expanding their habitat in Tsavo by 30 times. In Central Kenya, over 14 partners have committed to opening their properties to support rhino expansion, creating potential for new tourism and employment opportunities.
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals how Brazil's presidents have affected environmental destruction, with Lula's term showing a significant decline in Amazon deforestation, while the Cerrado saw a 50% increase in habitat losses under Bolsonaro's presidency.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has developed innovative research methods to study the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population using drones. Researchers collect thermal and breath samples to create individual health profiles, providing crucial non-invasive monitoring of the critically endangered population.
A new special issue in Nature Conservation brings together contributions from the international conference
Researchers have developed an affordable, open-source air quality monitoring device for wildlife, tracking particulate matter and providing insights into smoke exposure and behavior. The device can be attached to animal collars, filling gaps in data and delivering health insights for people exposed to smoke.
Scientists have identified potential locations in Panama where amphibians can persist without the threat of disease, providing a tool to select sites for reintroduction. The models suggest that only certain species can survive in areas with high disease resistance, offering a glimmer of hope for amphibian conservation.
A review paper highlights the importance of insect biodiversity in supporting vertebrate life, from food sources to shelter and medicine. The study emphasizes the need for insect conservation to address the decline of insect populations, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
A seven-year study of Barred Owls in California shows a significant decline in exposure to the most lethal class of rodenticides, attributed to the state's policy restrictions. The study also detects a new contaminant, cholecalciferol, in nearly one in five owls, suggesting product substitution as older compounds become harder to access.
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive updated checklist of terrestrial mammals on Hainan Island, China's largest tropical island. The study documents 95 species, including 12.91% of China's terrestrial mammalian species richness, and identifies 10 species as threatened under IUCN criteria.
Researchers used infrared cameras to create a 3D view of biodiversity in the Congo Basin, revealing which mammals share the forest and how they use that space. The study identified 47 mammal taxa and found that 25% of arboreal mammals preferred the understory, highlighting the value of surveying the lower-mid forest strata.
A comprehensive guide to the native reptiles of the Turks and Caicos Islands has been published after 20 years of collaborative fieldwork. The guide documents 11 native species, eight of which are found nowhere else on Earth, and includes original photographs, distribution information, and conservation assessments.
Northern spotted owl populations are approaching functional extinction across the Pacific Northwest, with AI-powered monitoring identifying critical habitats and ecological threats. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies, including barred owl removal and habitat conservation, to prevent further decline.
Cool river temperatures in first 15 days after fertilization are crucial for survival, with warm years limiting survival. Research suggests strategies like reintroduction to historical habitat may be more effective in the long run than targeting specific cold water releases.
A new study analyzed extinction patterns among tropical forest mammals worldwide, revealing that past extinctions can provide valuable insights into species vulnerability. The research showed that traits like large body size, small brains, and slow reproduction were linked to extinction risk in the past, but these patterns are not cons...
UK zoos have a bias towards globally non-threatened species, but still contribute to preserving native and priority species, according to a study. The research found that only 9% of captive species are native to Britain and 2% appear on conservation priority lists.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that 'pioneering pairs' of ospreys, which nest away from others, are key to driving population recovery. These birds create separate subpopulations and increase the speed of recovery for the species through long-distance dispersal.
Scientists are helping to safeguard UK's rarest orchard wildlife through a three-year conservation initiative focusing on four threatened species. Innovative techniques like pheromones and DNA will be used to improve monitoring of noble chafer and red-horned cardinal click beetle populations.
A new study from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has developed a less invasive method to measure the body temperature of hatchling Mojave desert tortoises, reducing disturbance and handling stress. The handheld infrared thermal camera provides a reliable estimate of internal body temperature under various conditions.
Butterflies worldwide are experiencing extensive climate-induced range shifts, impacting ecosystems globally. As temperatures rise, butterfly populations are adapting to new habitats, altering species interactions and community dynamics.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
A new study documents how an Indonesian Indigenous community adapted their sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony to protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo. The ceremony now uses naturally moulted feathers collected from wildlife rescue centres, preserving spiritual integrity and ensuring species survival.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a low-cost, semi-automated camera system using AI to monitor bumblebee populations and other insects. The system recorded six species of bumblebees, closely matching those documented through traditional methods, and identified them automatically using custom-built deep learning models.
Researchers have discovered a key breeding ground for endangered sand tiger sharks off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. The Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge provides a vital sanctuary for the critically endangered species, allowing them to complete their reproductive cycle in Brazilian waters.
A global analysis of zoo records shows a 21-44% increase in life expectancy for African and Asian elephants since 1960, mirroring improvements in their wild counterparts. These gains are attributed to advancements in management standards, veterinary care, and socialisation strategies.
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.
A new species of colobus monkey, 'Likweli', has been identified by its distinctive facial markings and unique call. The rare species is found in the dense forests of Lomami National Park and is considered Endangered due to its small geographic range and population size.
A previously unknown species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis, has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species, known locally as Likweli, features a distinctive orange face patch and is one of the rarest discoveries in modern primatology.
A recent study found that protecting primates in China's Yunnan province can also protect other animals and plants, highlighting the importance of umbrella species conservation. The research showed that large-bodied vertebrates need vast areas to support populations, which are habitats for many other species.
A single monitoring network developed by McGill University and partners detected multiple types of data in the Lower St. Lawrence, including underwater earthquakes, whale calls, ship noise, and tidal activity. The results show potential applications for conservation and marine policy.
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.
Two studies found that California gray wolves primarily eat cattle, with 72% of scat samples containing cattle DNA. Elevated cortisol levels in cattle grazing near wolf packs also indicate chronic stress, affecting their physiology and potentially production rates.
A recent study found that spinner dolphins off Hawaii Island have alarmingly low calf numbers, indicating potential threats to their long-term survival. The researchers used drone-based photogrammetry and age-length data to determine the age structure of the population, revealing a stark contrast to expected healthy numbers.
Research from Minot State University and the University of Illinois identified factors for making trees suitable roosts for Indiana bats. Early-successional trees can provide viable habitats in about 70 years, while late-successional trees typically take 130 years.
A new study reveals that the Honduran cottontail rabbit is the main cause of crop damage in Honduras, contrary to local assumptions. Camera traps helped researchers understand which species interact with crops and how they respond to human-made stimuli.
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...
Scientists at MIT developed a theoretical model that predicts the severity of most mass extinctions based on the mismatch between environmental change and biological adaptation rates. The study successfully predicted the fraction of life that went extinct in Earth's history, suggesting that life has evolved to adapt at a similar scale ...
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 global study of over 5,100 species reveals that climate change is transforming ecosystems and threatening species across the globe. Temperate species are experiencing more local extinctions than tropical species due to faster warming rates, with temperate regions losing up to 49% of their species.
The FAU Queen Conch Mobile Lab has successfully hatched its first queen conch egg masses and juveniles, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of this iconic Caribbean species. The lab, designed to grow up to 2,000 juvenile queen conchs annually, will support restoration efforts throughout the region.
A pair of grants aims to simplify wildlife management by integrating multiple species into a single plan, reducing redundancies and expanding effectiveness. The research focuses on managing entire ecosystems rather than individual species, using technologies like monitoring tools and multi-objective optimization.
Researchers have digitally preserved the vaquita by scanning a complete skeleton and creating interactive 3D models. The technology enabled the team to capture microscopic skeletal details and make the information accessible to anyone, with the resulting models being made freely available through MorphoSource.
A comprehensive study reveals the Bornean ferret badger is found only in Sabah's western highlands, with a previously unknown population discovered in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve. The species' range and distribution are largely confined to mountain landscapes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat.
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.
The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK) improves conservation-led veterinary medicine by providing accessible diagnostic infrastructure. The lab, established through a collaborative partnership, serves the northern Kenya landscape and enhances the country's national wildlife health infrastructure.
Researchers found that pregnant Pacific pocket mice trained to fear snakes produce more vigilant offspring, which survive better in the wild. This method of antipredator training may improve conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.
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 long-term study found that invasive Burmese pythons led to a dramatic decline in woodrat populations, while cotton mouse populations surged following Hurricane Irma's landfall. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of invasive predators on endemic ecosystem engineers and underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts.