Articles tagged with Endangered Species
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 Cornell-University of South Carolina-led report warns that warming oceans are driving North Atlantic right whales towards extinction. The calving rate has declined by 26% since 2010, with the population now estimated at just 356 whales.
Researchers in Peru have estimated the population density of spectacled bears and identified an unknown hotspot, revealing over 10 bears per 100 square kilometers. The team also observed the first 'golden' bear with nearly golden fur, sparking further investigation into its unusual characteristics.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that unregulated reptile trade in the US drives demand for illegal reptiles in Australia. Three reptile families had the highest probability of being smuggled, with species listed in CITES Appendices I having a higher smuggling probability
A new study highlights how rapid climate change and extreme events are accelerating species extinction risk, particularly for emperor penguins. The research proposes listing the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act to support conservation efforts and mitigate climate change impacts.
Chapman's Pygmy Chameleon, one of the world's rarest chameleons, has been found in surviving patches of forest in Malawi. The species was feared extinct due to forest loss and habitat fragmentation, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased extinction risk.
A recent analysis reveals that Shark Week prioritizes sensationalism over scientific accuracy, with hosts relying on unproven methods and making false statements about shark biology. Researchers suggest improving diversity in expert representation and factually accurate storytelling to boost the program's credibility.
A long-term study tracked macaw movements using satellite telemetry over eight years, revealing large home ranges and daily travel distances. The research highlights the importance of conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw and similar species, which share habitats with endangered species and influence ecosystems.
A third of EU-regulated eel products were found to be mislabelled, with some species originating from China and the US. The study highlights the need for straightforward labelling requirements that include the scientific name of the species.
A University of Guam study highlights the importance of traditional practices in conserving endangered species like the Marianas fruit bat and Micronesian cycad. The research found that restoring these species could also restore traditional Chamoru practices, improving food security and biodiversity in the region.
A new study from the University of Utah reveals that more bird species in the Philippines may be endangered than previously thought, including those yet to be discovered. The research identifies key traits that make certain species more at risk of extinction, such as narrow elevation ranges and dependence on forests.
Researchers used a new survey method to detect Eastern spadefoots in Rhode Island, finding 42 individuals over 10 nights, contradicting previous assumptions of their rarity. The study also revealed sub-adult frogs were common, and the species' social structure is more complex than previously thought.
A new study suggests that excluding individuals with harmful mutations and selecting those from multiple source populations can improve the success of translocation programs for threatened species. Computer simulations show that this approach can minimize inbreeding depression and ensure population survival.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique to detect North Atlantic right whales by listening for their sounds underwater. The technology can remove unwanted noises, increasing the reliability of detecting right whales in adverse conditions, and offers hope for the species' survival and population increase.
Research reveals that genetic differences within microscopic algae living inside corals correspond to the coral species they inhabit, suggesting a coevolutionary relationship. This partnership optimization may hold key insights into improving conservation efforts for critically endangered coral species.
A recent study found that conservation efforts have led to an increase in mountain gorilla population densities, which may raise their risk of infectious diseases. The research also discovered striking geographic differences in parasite infections across the entire range of the mountain gorilla.
A new method developed by evolutionary biologists improves current species delineation methods and can help determine the threatened status of species. The DELINEATE approach models the speciation process, allowing researchers to understand how populations evolve into distinct species.
Researchers have developed 29 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers to accurately census endangered Sumatran rhinos. These markers are ideal for non-invasive wild sampling and can help determine genetic diversity, aiding conservation plans.
A new study reveals that sifakas, a genus of lemurs found only in Madagascar's forests, have taste preferences and digestive adaptations that allow them to thrive on tough leaves, fruit, and even pine needles. This dietary flexibility may give them an advantage over their strictly leaf-eating or fruit-only cousins.
A team of scientists compared different methodologies to count African forest elephants, including dung analysis and camera traps. The study found that a new DNA-based method was comparable in accuracy to traditional methods but less expensive on larger scales.
A new online database, CarniDIET, has been created to provide detailed information on the diets of carnivores worldwide. Users can search for data by species or country and access interactive maps to understand geographical variations in diet.
Genetic sleuthing reveals that Indus and Ganges river dolphins are separate species, differing in tooth count, coloration, growth patterns, and skull shapes. This distinction is crucial for conservation efforts, with only a few thousand individuals remaining, making them critically endangered.
Researchers found that climate change poses a significant extinction threat to Tidestrom's lupine, a plant with only seven known populations. A 1°C temperature increase is projected to reduce individual plants by 90%, with local extinction likely for one population.
The review paper highlights extinction risks of cycad species in U.S. controlled lands due to geopolitical boundaries. Coordinating conservation measures across multiple governments and countries is necessary to mitigate these risks.
Researchers have discovered that soupfin sharks undergo a triennial migratory cycle and reproductive cycle, returning to the same location every three years. This finding has significant implications for conservation and management of the species in U.S. waters, highlighting the need for revised management strategies.
Researchers found that wolf social groups affect disease transmission within and between groups. The models account for individual death rates, group split or combination, and Allee effects, showing pathogens reduce population size mainly through reduced group numbers.
A new study proposes a plan for farmers to protect themselves from financial losses while preserving endangered predators, such as snow leopards. Community livestock insurance contracts could benefit both farmers and conservation efforts.
A recent study published in Conservation Science and Practice found that known deaths of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales account for only 36% of the true death toll. The study analyzed data on whale encounters, animal health, serious injuries, and necropsies to determine undercounting of human-caused mortalities.
A new study has found that American alligator hatchlings are more active and exploratory than spectacled caiman hatchlings, reflecting the strength of maternal protection. This research has important conservation implications for increasing population sizes of endangered crocodilian species.
A comprehensive analysis of land mammal composition across mapped Indigenous lands reveals that 2,175 mammal species have at least 10% of their ranges within these lands. The study highlights the importance of Indigenous peoples' lands for biodiversity and ecosystem services, with 413 threatened species occurring in these areas.
Researchers successfully counted African elephants using satellite images and deep learning algorithms, achieving accuracy comparable to human observers. This new surveying technique offers an efficient alternative to manual counting from low-flying airplanes, enabling vast areas of land to be scanned rapidly.
A novel method identifies areas most suitable for the conservation of the endangered black lion tamarin, considering both climate and landscape factors. The study used modeling to pinpoint areas with suitable forest cover and climate, indicating a need for targeted strategies in forest restoration to connect fragmented habitats.
Despite panda conservation efforts, some species suffer from habitat loss and degradation under 'umbrella' policies. Research found that Asiatic black bears, forest musk deer, and Chinese serows are negatively impacted by panda-centric management.
A new study has documented a significant increase in sightings of critically endangered smalltooth sawfish in coastal waters off Miami. The research highlights the need to better understand the effects of coastal urbanization on these endangered species and inform conservation efforts.
A University of Washington study found that aircraft noise impacts the Olympic Peninsula at least 20% of weekday hours, affecting wildlife and residents. The researchers also found most military aircraft noise is intermittent and comparable to Seattle's air traffic.
Scientists have discovered that a critically endangered tree species on Guam modifies its leaf function to best exploit prevailing light conditions. The findings provide new insights into the adaptations of trees in response to changing environmental factors.
Researchers from the University of Queensland are exploring traditional Chinese medicine to develop more effective strategies for conservation. The study aims to make this ancient practice more accessible and culturally nuanced for conservationists.
A new study published in Science reveals that more than 4,400 species are at risk due to excessive or insufficient fire activity. The research highlights the impact of climate change, land-use changes, and invasive species on fire regimes, threatening biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
A large international consortium has sequenced the genome of 130 mammals and analyzed existing data to identify important DNA positions. This information can help researchers understand disease mutations in humans and preserve endangered species.
The Trump administration's recent ESA changes have sparked controversy due to their potential impact on economic activity. To address the issue, researchers propose improving consensus and transparency in the ESA language to reduce inconsistencies and promote conservation legitimacy.
A team of conservation scientists and ESA policy experts recommend deeper improvements to the rules governing the US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. The goal is to make the Act more effective in protecting species, particularly in a warmer future.
Researchers found 26 mammals that could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to variations in the ACE2 protein. These include domestic cats, dogs, mink, and great apes, which could potentially act as reservoirs for the virus.
A study revealed that over 4,000 reptile species are in global trade, with 3/4 not covered by international regulations. Most traded species are endangered or range-restricted, especially from Asia.
An automated assessment approach using machine learning algorithms identifies over 4,300 potentially threatened orchid species, highlighting conservation priority areas such as Madagascar, East Africa, and South-east Asia.
Researchers found 92 endangered and 11 critically endangered species of seafood were caught globally. The seafood industry lacks effective conservation policies due to international supply chains.
A recent study reveals significant genetic diversity among Four-eyed turtles, highlighting the importance of genetic screenings to prevent extinction. The research emphasizes the need for stricter laws and regulation in releasing confiscated animals back into the wild.
A new tracking technology using Footprint Identification Technique (FIT) helps monitor endangered black rhinos in Namibia. The software analyzes footprint images to identify individual animals and track their movements without disturbing them.
Research by a University of Queensland-led team shows that protected areas have doubled the populations of 80% of monitored mammal species over the last 50 years. Protected land is home to 10% of analysed species, highlighting their importance in conserving biodiversity.
A study of over 2,000 species reveals that common animal populations are rising and falling at a rate similar to rare species due to global change. Amphibians, however, experienced declines, while birds, mammals, and reptiles showed increases.
A study found that red foxes are outcompeting Arctic foxes for food in the high mountains, thanks to human littering. In contrast, Arctic foxes avoid areas with more litter and prefer cleaner habitats. This shift is altering alpine ecosystems.
A recent study found that only 80 primate studies investigated the effectiveness of conservation interventions, highlighting a severe lack of evidence for effective conservation. The authors propose several actions to improve the evidence base, including increasing resources for intervention-effectiveness testing and publication.
A study found that pallid sturgeon stocked in the lower basin of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri live an average of just 19.8 years, nearly three times shorter than in the upper basin. The researchers also discovered that females in the lower basin weighed an average of seven times less and spawned fewer eggs over their lifetimes.
A US study reveals that only 21 of 159 endangered species are adequately protected by existing areas, highlighting the need to increase conservation efforts. Private landowners can play a vital role in achieving conservation goals through conservation easements.
SlothBot, a slow-moving and energy-efficient robot, is being tested at the Atlanta Botanical Garden to monitor endangered species and the environment. The robot's unique design allows it to linger in the trees for months or years, providing new insights into critical ecosystems.
Researchers found that migratory shorebirds rely on the upper tidal flats closest to dry land for food and energy, which are often lost to development. This study suggests a new approach to conserving endangered species by focusing on preserving these high-value habitats.
Researchers used photographs of frogs in their natural habitats to identify individual species without capturing them. This method was successful in identifying 94.3% of the 'Beautiful stream frog' population, providing a promising approach for estimating endangered frog populations.
The global wildlife trade encompasses all major branches of life, from fungi to plants and animals, but more attention is given to charismatic species. Research found that even small organisms like sea cucumbers and anemones are traded, with extensive data needed on the trade's consequences.
A new species of miniaturized stump-toed frog, Stumpffia froschaueri, has been discovered in Madagascar and classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The species is found only in areas with relatively undisturbed forest, where it has been observed during the day.
Researchers from Germany and Vietnam discover two new species and one subspecies of crocodile newts in northern Vietnam, bringing the total of crocodile newt taxa known from the country to seven. The discovery highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts due to habitat loss and overcollection.
A study using CRISPR technology has developed a rapid detection platform to genetically distinguish threatened fish species from non-native species in near real-time. This tool shortens the process from hours to minutes, enabling researchers to identify species quickly and accurately.