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A study places the origin of a group of trees growing in Africa 50 million years ago

A recent study by the University of Córdoba has pinpointed the origin of a group of trees growing in Africa to 50 million years ago. The research, which used molecular clock and phylogenetic methods, found that these legume plants diversified in response to climate changes and can be found in various parts of Africa and Madagascar.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateApr 29, 2020

Logging threatening endangered caribou

A recent study by University of Guelph researchers found that logging in Ontario's boreal stands is threatening the population of endangered woodland caribou. The team analyzed video collars attached to 30 caribou, as well as GPS-tracking radio collars on wolves and caribou, to monitor their movements and find evidence of predation.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 15, 2020

Canada lynx disappearing from Washington state

A massive monitoring study found Canada lynx on only 20% of its potential habitat in Washington state, highlighting the impact of climate change and wildfire on their survival. The research suggests that lynx are a key indicator species for climate change, with warming temperatures and reduced snowpack threatening their ability to thrive.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateApr 9, 2020

Improving success of giraffe translocations

Researchers developed guidelines for giraffe translocations to ensure long-term population viability, including ideal group composition and decision-making processes. A founding population of 30 females and 3 males is recommended for initial translocations, while larger groups can be used to maintain genetic diversity.

SourcePenn State·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 19, 2020

Does animal size in zoos matter?

A new study finds that zoos with large, iconic animals like rhinos and tigers tend to have higher attendance and contribute more to conservation funding. However, the research also suggests that zoos can increase conservation impact by diversifying their species collections.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

What is an endangered species?

A survey of Americans reveals a disconnect between expert and public opinions on what constitutes an endangered species, with experts citing higher risk thresholds than the general public. The findings highlight the importance of synthesizing facts and values in decision-making, particularly when it comes to biodiversity protection.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 17, 2020

Putting a conservation finger on the internet's pulse

Scientists from the University of Helsinki have created a computer algorithm that measures online discussions about endangered species, such as rhinos. The method successfully identified major events, including the death of the last northern white rhino, and highlights the importance of public sentiment in conservation.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 11, 2019

Victorian hog deer genetics revealed

A study by La Trobe University researchers has found that hog deer introduced to Victoria in the 1860s are comprised entirely of hog deer and chital hybrids. The discovery could affect conservation efforts, as the hybrid species is fertile and plays a crucial role in conserving the native range.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

Do newly discovered mating habits of female Tasmanian devils help or hurt the species?

Researchers found that female Tasmanian devils can be polyandrous, having multiple male partners, which could increase genetic diversity but also pose challenges for captive breeding programs. The study's findings offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against devil facial tumor disease, which has devastated wild populations.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 12, 2019

New research shows effectiveness of laws for protecting imperiled species, remaining gaps

Expert agencies play a critical role in assessing the impacts of proposed federal actions on threatened and endangered species. New research from Defenders of Wildlife shows that limiting or removing these services could have disastrous consequences, while suggesting areas where the consultation process can be made more efficient witho...

SourceDefenders of Wildlife·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2019

Counting the uncounted

Researchers developed a new approach to estimate population abundance from simultaneous counts of unmarked individuals over multiple sites. The methodology works best in scenarios with few sites, large variation in abundance among sites, and individuals moving between sampling sites.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Meet the tenrecs

Researchers have identified six threatened tenrec species out of 31, categorized as Vulnerable or Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. The conservation status of tenrecs is expected to improve by integrating research into broader sustainable development objectives.

Even more amphibians are endangered than we thought

Researchers used ecological and evolutionary attributes to model extinction risk for data-deficient amphibians, finding over 1,000 species threatened with extinction. Half of these species are likely Endangered or Critically Endangered, primarily in the Neotropics and Southeast Asia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 2019

The last chance for Madagascar's biodiversity

A team of scientists has identified five priority measures for Madagascar's new government to prevent species and habitats being lost forever. Investing in protected areas and local community tenure over natural resources are key strategies to address the country's biodiversity crisis.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 29, 2019

Study shows zoos and aquariums increase species knowledge index 800%

A study published in PNAS confirms that zoos and aquariums hold critical information about more than 98% of known species, including fertility and survival rates. By analyzing data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), researchers were able to fill large gaps in demographic knowledge for these species.

SourceSpecies360·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Disappearing bumblebee species under threat of extinction

A new study led by York University reveals the American Bumblebee is critically endangered due to a 70% reduction in its area of occurrence and an 89% decrease in relative abundance. Immediate conservation action may save the species from extinction, similar to the fate of the Rusty-patched Bumblebee.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateApr 18, 2019

CSI meets conservation

Researchers at Stanford University and India's National Centre for Biological Sciences have developed a new approach to extract genetic clues from degraded DNA samples. This method uses a sequencing technique that amplifies small bits of DNA with unique differences in each sample, allowing for the use of contaminated or mixed samples. ...

SourceStanford University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 10, 2019

Should I stay or should I go?

A team from Kyoto University analyzed the dispersal patterns of golden lion tamarins, revealing that males and females use different tactics to maximize their reproductive success. The study aims to inform management strategies for conserving other threatened species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateApr 2, 2019

Bringing endangered species back from the brink

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a method to produce eggs from ovarian tissue in labs, providing new hope for the critically endangered Northern White Rhino. The technique could enable conservationists to pull species back from extinction by utilizing ovarian tissue from old or injured animals.