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.
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.
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.
Restoring drained peatland involves re-wetting, which brings water table closer to surface, reducing fire risk. Local community involvement is key to successful restoration, with alternative income sources needed for farmers.
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.
A new conservation tool has identified top priorities and projections of what species would benefit from increased conservation dollars. The algorithm considers diverse data, including land acquisition costs, development patterns, budget allocations, and threatened species, to find optimal protection opportunities.
A recent study by Tufts University found that federally protected lands in the US significantly reduced habitat loss and protected endangered species. Compared to private lands, protected federal lands lost only 3.6% of their habitat over a 30-year period.
A recent camera trap study in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in southern Sumatra has captured images of dozens of species, including critically endangered Sumatran tigers and Sunda pangolins. The study provides valuable insights into the habits and habitats of these rare beasts.
A new study highlights the need for systematic surveys and novel data collection methods to assess poaching's impact on biodiversity in forested areas. The research provides critical information for protecting rare species in landscapes with severe defaunation.
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.
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.
Scientists have identified wildlife corridors that should be protected to help the jaguar's survival. The study found that conservation efforts can focus on the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Maya Forest Corridor.
A unique breeding project at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is designed to save the native White's Seahorse species in Australia. The project, led by Robbie McCracken, has successfully bred and raised six babies, with plans to release them into the wild next year.
Australian scientists have developed a genetic probe to detect eDNA of the endangered Gouldian finch, revealing its habitat and distribution. The test uses a PCR primer to amplify mitochondrial DNA and a species-specific probe to identify Gouldian finch DNA, increasing knowledge on population trends.
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.
A new study reveals that Madagascar's few remaining patches of lowland rainforest host the highest levels of lemur abundance. Human encroachment in coastal areas disproportionately threatens these primates, emphasizing the need for research and conservation management to protect them.
The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.
Research reveals that dung beetles are sensitive to livestock management chemicals, affecting their growth and development. This can lead to reduced ecosystem services, including nutrient redistribution and pest control, ultimately impacting agriculture and the environment.
Over 1,600 scientists endorse letter calling on Congress to fully fund conservation programs to stem biodiversity decline. Funding would accelerate species recovery and ensure a stable Earth.
Since 1970, North America has experienced a significant decline in bird populations, with nearly one in four species losing abundance. The study attributes this loss primarily to 12 bird families, including songbirds, and highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further declines.
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.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals critical failures in Australia's environmental protection laws, with over 7.7 million hectares of threatened species habitat destroyed between 2000 and 2017.
A research team has successfully identified an unknown population of the endangered Yamato salamander in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Using a combined methodology of GIS and eDNA analysis, they discovered five new potential habitats for the species.
Researchers used eDNA to survey Japanese and signal crayfish habitats around Lake Akan, finding signal crayfish are widely distributed, potentially threatening native species. eDNA analysis identified presence or absence of aquatic organisms more reliably than conventional methods.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that a two-thirds increase in returning coho salmon to the Oregon coast would generate up to $518 million in annual non-market economic benefits. The study also found that people value conservation goals sooner rather than later, with up to $277 million in annual benefits.
A recent study found that more than half of the 504 primate species were left out of the research literature, with only 13% focused on chimpanzees. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered primate species and their habitats.
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.
Camera trap surveys reveal 28 mammal species in protected forest and 21 in fragmented habitats, including critically endangered species like Sunda pangolin and Sumatran tiger. These findings suggest conservation value for small patches of remnant forest and the importance of further research.
Recent calculations by University of Groningen researchers suggest that bird species in New Zealand will need around 50 million years to regain their lost diversity. However, the fate of endangered species like the kakapo and kiwi could add millions more years to this timeline.
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...
The global price of ivory has increased tenfold since the 1989 CITES ban, leading to higher poaching incentives and greater numbers of elephants being killed. This study provides new insights into the factors driving increases in ivory prices, shedding light on how conservation efforts can be improved.
A new species of flying squirrel from Southwest China, Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis, has been described. The discovery sheds light on the genus' previously unknown range and highlights the need for further research into its ecology and conservation status.
A study published in Oryx highlights 85 conservation projects protecting the critically endangered South American River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. These efforts have successfully protected over 147,000 female turtles across the basin.
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.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate cumulative human impact for individual species, revealing threatened seahorses in data-poor regions. The study found China, Southeast Asia, and Europe as major threat epicentres for global seahorse populations.
Researchers suggest that large, slow-breeding animals require 'demographic safe spaces' to maintain non-negative population growth rates. Conservation efforts for Asian elephants and other species can focus on enhancing survival of females and calves to prevent extinction.
A new study in Journal of Applied Ecology proposes ways to improve risk assessments for endangered species by incorporating accurate population growth rates and survival data. The models more closely reflect reality by assessing long-used assumptions and proposing analytics that better reflect the impact of survival and reproduction.
A recent study found that organic animal farms increase bird numbers in agricultural environments, contrary to other environmental subsidies. The proximity of organic farms was particularly beneficial for insectivore birds.
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.
A Yale-led study reveals that 1,012 additional amphibian species are at risk of extinction, with many found in South America and Southeast Asia. The study predicts that more than half of these species are 'Endangered' or 'Critically Endangered',
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.
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.
A Duke University study suggests that giant devil rays may have an unknown birthing zone in nearby waters, which could be a good news for conservation efforts but requires action to limit fishing during birthing months.
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.
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.
Researchers found that public interest in US bird species increases with body size and abundance, while endangered species attract high local interest. Certain well-known species are also popular nationwide, despite their limited range.
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. ...
A collaboration between astrophysicists, conservationists, and ecologists is using drone technology with thermal-imaging cameras to count orangutans. The method has proven successful in detecting the great apes in the Bornean forest canopy, even at night or in fog.
The study identifies regions under high-intensity threat from commercial harvesting of species, highlighting urgent need for sustainable use and protection. High-risk areas contain 82% of impacted species, with only 16% covered by protected areas on land.
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.
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.
Scientists developed a unique model that can predict Eastern Pacific leatherback turtles' location along the coast of Central and South America. The model aims to reduce bycatch mortality of this critically endangered species.
A global wildlife map identifies areas where threatened species can find refuge, but also highlights shrinking refuges and high levels of species richness threatened by human activities. The study provides a roadmap for conservation investment and mitigation strategies to save endangered species.
A study published in Folia Primatologica found that protecting national parks can preserve multiple mammal species, including carnivores and ungulates. Researchers observed a significant increase in species diversity within the protected area of Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal.
Researchers used environmental DNA to track Japanese eel populations in 10 rivers, detecting 91.8% of confirmed locations and providing insights into abundance and biomass estimation. This non-lethal method is ideal for monitoring endangered species, including invasive foreign eels.
A new study reveals that despite export bans and international regulations, the global seahorse trade continues to thrive through illegal channels. The research found that 95% of dried seahorses sold in Hong Kong's large market came from source countries with export bans in place.
A new study finds that 28% of endangered species are unprotected by CITES, with 62% needing up to 24 years for protection. Experts recommend speeding up the policymaking process to prevent extinction.
A significant gap exists between scientific identification of species threatened by international trade and their provision of international protection. One-third of currently endangered species due to trade are not protected, highlighting the need for accelerated action.
Conservationists have successfully used acoustic monitoring devices to track the movements of reintroduced hihi birds, marking a breakthrough for conservation efforts. The 'stitch' call of the endangered species was found to change from random distribution to settled home range, indicating success.
A NUS study reveals that crossbreeding between milky storks and their cousins is threatening the species' conservation. The research found that more than half of the stork population in Singapore is genetically influenced by Painted Storks, posing a major threat to the species' survival.