Articles tagged with Endangered Species
Three new species of groundwater salamanders discovered in Central Texas, including one critically endangered, have been identified as highly vulnerable to extinction. The discovery highlights the need to protect these keystone species, which maintain aquifer ecosystem health.
A new mathematical model developed by University of Southern Denmark researcher Fernando Colchero can help predict the population growth of endangered species. The model takes into account age-specific survival and reproduction rates, as well as trade-offs between these factors, resulting in more accurate predictions.
A new study reveals that tourists in Morocco object to using barbary macaques as photo props, citing concerns about animal welfare and potential health risks. The practice is perceived as unacceptable by 88% of respondents, who also raise concerns about hygiene and the risk of infections.
New research reveals small and isolated habitat patches in Australia are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. Small patches of vegetation, such as those along roadsides or in urban areas, can be a last piece of habitat for species that once had widespread habitats.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that small and isolated habitat patches are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. The research highlights the importance of conserving these small patches, which can sometimes be the last remaining habitats for species.
New research highlights invasive species as the top threat to Australian biodiversity, affecting 82% of threatened species, while habitat changes impact 74%. The Threatened Species Recovery Hub and Centre for Invasive Species Solutions warn of an extinction crisis without innovative management options.
The latest ranking from ZSL's EDGE of Existence programme highlights the most ancient fish at risk of extinction, including guitarfish, angel sharks, and saws-on-their-faces rays. These unique species have few or no remaining close relatives, making each one irreplaceable if they go extinct.
A study led by Australian National University found swift parrots experience love triangles, sneaky sex, and increased fighting among males as the ratio of females to males increases. The introduction of sugar gliders has led to a chronic shortage of females, resulting in fewer babies being born.
A new machine learning-based approach predicts conservation status of over 150,000 plants, identifying 15,000 species at high risk. The method uses data analytics and machine learning to assess habitat features, weather patterns, and physical characteristics.
Archaeologists and scientists studied ancient Maya shells and tissue samples, leading to the first molecular study of freshwater mussels in Mexico and Central America. The study provided crucial insight into North American freshwater mussel evolution and revealed that some species were overestimated due to lack of DNA data.
A new study categorizes Australian land mammals by their susceptibility to predation by feral cats and red foxes, revealing 63 of the 100 surviving mammal species are highly susceptible. The most vulnerable species include potoroos, bandicoots, bettongs, native rodents, and several marsupial species.
Researchers successfully established an immortalized cell line derived from the critically endangered Okinawa rail. The use of the K4DT method, which involves co-expressing mutant CDK4, Cyclin D, and TERT genes, significantly extended cellular division and immortalization in avian cells. This breakthrough paves the way for further func...
A recent study found that the Mauritian flying fox is responsible for only some fruit damage and can be managed effectively without culling. The research recommends alternative methods such as pruning trees and using nets to reduce losses.
A recent study published by Kew scientists reveals that 36% of 'critically endangered' plant species produce recalcitrant seeds, making seed banking an ineffective conservation method. This means alternative techniques like cryopreservation are necessary to safeguard the world's most threatened species and iconic tree species.
Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers successfully protected Ridgway's hawk nestlings from botfly infestations by applying an insecticide product, resulting in a 170% increase in survival rates. This treatment could be used to help save other island bird species declining due to aggressive botflies.
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in the aquarium's water that break down waste and nitrates with varying efficiency. The study suggests that mixed bacterial communities may work more efficiently than single-star players, providing a backup option for optimal performance.
A new framework proposes a logical and transparent approach to allocate limited resources for conservation and recovery efforts. This approach aims to identify the most important objectives and allocate funds efficiently, leading to greater confidence in funding agencies and partners.
A Cornell University study used eBird and survey data to model the Tricolored Blackbird population decline by over 33% in 10 years. The research provided crucial evidence for the State of California's Endangered Species Act protections, approved in April.
A species of seed-feeding fly is critically damaging orchid seeds, threatening their reproduction. The fly reduces seed production by over 95% in five species, putting already-endangered orchids at risk.
Researchers found that hookworms feed at a constant rate in their hosts, leading to high levels of anemia and mortality. The worms' short lifespans have evolved to synchronize with the fur seals' reproductive cycles, allowing them to maximize egg production before dying.
A new study has detected BFDV in eight countries, raising fears for threatened species. The virus is believed to have originated in Australasia and can cause severe health issues in parrots.
A new tool developed by UBC researchers helps conservationists make data-driven decisions about which species to recover with limited funds. By analyzing empirical data and expert knowledge, the Priority Threat Management tool prioritizes conservation strategies for endangered species.
A research team from the University of Queensland has developed a new approach to help Australian freshwater fish species overcome obstacles like culverts. By creating a channel of slower flowing water, small and young fish can now navigate fast flows, increasing their chances of survival.
A long-term study found that drought helped ecological underdogs by stressing dominant species, while carnivores suffered when their prey became scarce. The Carrizo Plain National Monument revealed patterns relevant for climate change, with implications for conservation efforts.
A new study tracked juvenile whale sharks across the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the archipelago for the species. The study found that all tagged whale sharks stayed within the Philippines, with one individual traveling over 2,500 km through the Sulu and Bohol Seas.
A new study finds that nearly four in five Americans support the Endangered Species Act, despite claims of controversy. The survey data contradicts claims that public opinion is divided on the issue, showing high levels of support across various groups.
A new study found that four out of five Americans support the Endangered Species Act, with support remaining stable over the past two decades. The survey also revealed a stark contrast between public opinion and policy-making decisions, highlighting the need for elected officials to be responsive to their citizens.
Scientists have developed a new cryoprotective mixture that significantly improves the motility of frozen rhinoceros sperm after thawing. The new mixture has been successfully tested with sperm samples from three rhino species and shows potential for increasing the success rate of artificial insemination.
Orangutans' evolution has been heavily influenced by humans over thousands of years. The critically endangered species can adapt to survive in human-dominated landscapes, expanding their habitat range.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona has found no evidence of domestic dog ancestry in the Mexican wolf population. The analysis of 87 Mexican wolves using genomic technology revealed a low percentage of genetic similarity with domestic dogs, suggesting that the species is genetically pure.
Research in Japan found that Asiatic black bears create arboreal feeding signs (AFS) on trees with large mast energy values, indicating a cost-benefit analysis for climbing. AFS are also more likely during poor mast years when competition for hard mast is high.
The study highlights the devastating impact of human activities on primate populations, with up to 78% decline in their habitats by the end of the century. The authors recommend extending protected areas, reforestation, and promoting sustainable farming practices to conserve primates.
Scientists have recorded Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a lethal fungus, for the first time in caecilians and amphibians in the Western Ghats. The fungus, Bd, causes chytridiomycosis and poses a significant threat to these species.
A new online tool, EcoCast, provides fishermen with computer-generated maps to target productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. By predicting where different marine species are likely to be found under various ocean conditions, EcoCast aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries.
A new report reveals that limiting warming to 1.5°C would avoid half the risks associated with warming of 2°C for plants and animals, and two-thirds of the risks for insects. Species in Southern Africa, the Amazon, Europe, and Australia would particularly benefit.
The Sahara-Sahel region is experiencing a dramatic population decline of species such as African elephants and dorcas gazelles due to armed conflicts. The research highlights the need for greater emphasis on environmental factors in peace process initiatives to protect local wildlife.
A decade-long study reveals a significant increase in western lowland gorilla and central chimpanzee populations, with an estimated 360,000 gorillas and 130,000 chimpanzees. However, the majority of great apes exist outside protected areas, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to safeguard their habitat
A collaboration between astrophysicists and ecologists is helping to monitor rare and endangered species using thermal infrared imagery captured by drones. The project aims to track, find, and monitor endangered animals easily and prevent poaching.
A proposed Texas border wall would threaten endangered species, cause habitat destruction, and disrupt the region's growing ecotourism industry. The construction of the wall and associated roads could also damage valuable riparian forest ecosystems and harm pollinators.
A recent study by Lund University found that chance plays a significant role in local species survival, sometimes overriding conservation initiatives. The researchers also discovered negative frequency-dependence, which counteracts the role of chance and helps rare species recover.
A new UC Santa Barbara-led study found that ending overfishing can promote population recoveries for many endangered species caught incidentally as bycatch. In about half the cases, overexploiting these mammals, turtles and birds occurs because we're also overexploiting the target species.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used a combination of traditional kick-seining and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to study the rare Faxonius eupunctus crayfish. They found the species most abundant in the middle part of its 30-mile range, with up to 35,000 cubic feet of water flowing by each second.
A new study reveals that animal traffickers are smuggling pangolins out of Central Africa, primarily for their meat and scales, due to high international demand. The price of giant pangolin scales has risen over 45 times the rate of inflation between 2002 and 2014, driving up local costs.
A Brazilian-American research group has published a comprehensive study on monitoring the survival of muriquis, two critically endangered primate species. The study highlights key factors such as population trends, conservation priorities, and feasibility, providing a roadmap for preserving these unique animals.
A new study reveals the location of 20 whale shark aggregation sites globally, increasing knowledge of abundance and geographic range. The research also identifies sex-ratio bias, site fidelity and hotspot sites, improving conservation efforts for this endangered species.
A new study published in Endangered Species Research found that chronically entangled North Atlantic right whales have high hormone levels indicating severe stress. The research used fecal samples from live, entangled, and dead whales to investigate stress levels and determine cause of death.
The study reveals that climate change and insufficient international protection are endangering the North Atlantic right whale population, which has made modest gains in recent years. The lack of adequate policies in northern waterways increases the risk of ship traffic and commercial fishing gear harming the whales.
Climate change and human activities are putting North Atlantic right whales under immense pressure, with food scarcity and high mortality rates exacerbating their decline. The study predicts population growth will be hindered by climate-mediated food availability and policy-driven mortalities.
A University of Queensland researcher suggests that conservation burials, where burial fees support threatened species conservation, have substantial potential to increase biodiversity. By generating revenue exceeding the cost of saving all threatened species, conservation burials could effectively protect endangered wildlife.
Researchers discovered that adult sea turtles like Eleanor can survive and even thrive during tropical storms. The study found that sea turtles like Eleanor drastically change behavior when the storm strikes, using more energy than usual but still surviving without injury.
Research finds that increased conservation spending is effective in reducing biodiversity loss, with countries like Brazil experiencing fewer threats and Chile facing more. A new measurement assigns percentage of responsibility to protect threatened species based on their range within a country.
A new database identifies 1,189 threatened island species and the invasive species driving their decline. Effective management could prevent extinctions for 95% of these species.
A genetic rescue technique has increased population numbers and survival rates of the endangered mountain pygmy possum, with a rapid growth of over 200 individuals detected since its introduction in 2011. Habitat restoration, predator control, and environmental protection also played crucial roles in conservation management.
Research by Melanie Flynn, a University of Huddersfield lecturer, has led to Malaysia setting up environmental courts to deal with wildlife crimes. In contrast, the UK has made slower progress in tackling the issue, with inconsistent sentencing and limited resources hindering efforts.
The Critically Endangered Cycas wadei population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and fires. Empirical methods were used to determine the structure and density of the population, highlighting deficiencies in potassium in the soils as a major resource constraint.
Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.
The rehabilitated forest in Drabo harbours about 600 plant species and serves as a sanctuary for many animals. The restoration project has increased West-African forest species while declining pantropical weedy species.
A University of Guelph study using DNA barcoding technology found 71% of dried shark fins and manta ray gills were from endangered species. This highlights the need for stricter enforcement to prevent protected species from being traded internationally.
Scientists are searching for Edwards' pheasant, a critically endangered bird species endemic to central Vietnam. Researchers have identified two potential locations where the bird may still exist, using data compiled from known sightings and recordings dating back to the late 1800s.
A new study found that Caribbean staghorn corals are benefiting from 'coral gardening,' which involves planting laboratory-raised coral fragments on reefs. The research provides important benchmarks for the long-term survival of coral reefs worldwide, which have been declining due to climate change and ocean pollution.