Articles tagged with Endangered Species
A recent survey has found that approximately 14,600 Sumatran orangutans live in the wild, exceeding previous estimates of 6,600. However, continued deforestation poses a significant threat to their survival, with up to 4,500 individuals at risk of disappearing by 2030 if current plans are implemented.
A new study from Griffith University uses population viability modelling to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species. For seven out of nine species analysed, ecotourism provides net conservation gains through measures like private reserves and habitat restoration.
Most US marine fish and invertebrate species are vulnerable to climate change, with some more resilient than others. The study ranks species based on their vulnerability, predicting widespread distribution shifts and potential impacts on abundance and productivity.
A recent study has found that the majority of species are poorly known, making it difficult to determine their conservation status. Newly discovered species are often found to have smaller ranges and occupancies, as well as greater perceived extinction risk.
Researchers have raised laboratory-bred colonies of a threatened Caribbean coral species to sexual maturity, reproducing simultaneously with their natural population. This breakthrough technique increases genetic diversity and provides new hope for the recovery of dwindling elkhorn coral populations.
A new, tiny arboreal toad species from the Andaman Islands has been identified, prompting concerns about its endangered status. The 'Andaman bush toad', named Blythophryne beryet, is characterized by its reddish-brown coloration and is threatened by human activity and invasive fauna.
A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that every Australian city and town has threatened species. The study highlights the importance of planning and managing cities for conservation as well as human wellbeing.
A new study by James Cook University scientist Professor William Laurance suggests that over half of Amazonian tree species are globally threatened. Protected areas and indigenous territories have the potential to protect many of these species if properly managed.
A new study suggests that up to 57% of Amazonian tree species are globally threatened, but protected areas and indigenous territories can protect most of the affected species. The study's findings highlight the importance of preserving these critical ecosystems.
A new study estimates that up to 8,690 Amazonian tree species may face extinction, with more than half of the world's tropical tree species at risk. Protected areas and indigenous territories have made strides in preserving biodiversity, but further management is crucial to prevent extinctions.
The discovery of an ancient Iberian lynx specimen provides new insights into the evolution and origins of this endangered feline species. The fossil remains, dated to 1.6-1.7 million years ago, reveal a larger and heavier body than the modern species.
Thirty-one percent of cactus species are threatened with extinction, primarily due to the illegal trade of live plants and seeds. Key threats include unsustainable harvesting and smallholder livestock ranching, affecting 47% of threatened species.
A new study proposes a logical classification scheme for dogs and wolves, revealing that domestic dogs are descendants of two interbred species: an extinct Asian wild dog and the grey wolf. This finding has implications for wolf conservation, as some hybrids have evolved into full species.
A Purdue University study develops a statistical approach to estimate the number of generations remaining before a population reaches low genetic variation. The method performs significantly better than current methods for identifying species in need of conservation efforts.
A three-year study led by QUT found that controlling feral pigs is the most cost-effective strategy to conserve 148 endangered plant and animal species in the Lake Eyre Basin. Implementing these strategies could increase food production by up to 10% and save the Australian economy $5 billion annually.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the Hawaiian hoary bat migrated to Hawaii from the Pacific coast of North America in two separate waves over 9,000 years apart. This genetic history suggests that the current legal protection may be inadequate or misdirected, highlighting the need for updated conservation efforts.
A new study finds that shoppers' willingness to pay more for sustainably grown palm oil could create profitable incentives for producers to preserve certain wildlife habitats. The study shows that higher prices for 'conservation grade' products can promote biodiversity at the least cost to oil palm companies.
Research by University of East Anglia reveals that a willingness among consumers to pay more for sustainably-grown palm oil could incentivise producers to engage with conservation projects. This approach has the potential to support vulnerable 'Red List' species and provide cost-effective conservation options.
Queensland scientists have discovered five new species of antechinus, a 50% increase in diversity within the genus. Three of these species are already under threat from climate change, feral pests, and habitat loss, with one species destined for the threatened list.
A new analysis of archived calls from North Atlantic right whales reveals distinctive traits that might be used to identify and track individuals. The researchers found that a combination of variables, including call duration and fundamental frequency change, could distinguish between upcalls of individual whales.
Researchers tracked loggerheads from Dry Tortugas National Park to Bahamas, finding they spend most of their lives there before returning to nest. This new information helps identify areas for conservation efforts to protect the threatened northwest Atlantic population.
Researchers tracked a critically endangered whale migrating over 14,000 miles from Russia to Mexico, raising questions about its status and potential genetic link to eastern gray whales. The study challenges past assumptions of distinct species and highlights the need for closer examination.
Fire management teams set fires to reduce hazardous fuels and protect human communities. Planned burns also help remove unwanted species, promote habitat for threatened species, and recycle nutrients back to the soil.
Recreational anglers' understanding of rockfish biology and fishing practices influences their views on conservation. Education plays a crucial role in garnering long-term support for rockfish recovery.
A 10-year study on tiger DNA has provided new insights into the genetics of tigers, allowing for more effective conservation strategies. The research found that extinct subspecies are nearly identical to surviving ones, providing powerful tools for forensic identification and management.
A new study identifies 15 animal species at the highest risk of extinction due to low conservation opportunities. Researchers estimate that conserving these species would require a significant investment of $1.3 billion annually.
A new study reveals that invasive species like Asian carp use landmarking to find mates by congregating at easily identifiable locations. This strategy allows them to reproduce even when population densities are low, posing a significant threat to conservation efforts.
A comprehensive study found nearly 700 species of marine animals have encountered man-made debris, with plastic accounting for 92% of cases. The study highlights the widespread harm caused by debris on threatened or near-threatened species.
A study using satellite tracking reveals the home range of bearded vultures in the Pyrenees spans an average 11,700 km2, with notable differences between individuals. The birds' movements are also influenced by supplementary feeding points and predictable food sources.
A recent survey in Honduras found that residents prefer to hunt and consume female Valle de Aguán spiny-tailed iguanas carrying eggs. This unsustainable practice is threatening the species' extinction. The study recommends educating residents on sustainable harvesting methods to mitigate the impact.
A young female hammerhead shark was tracked for 10 months, revealing its 3,350 km journey and important insights into habitat use. The research suggests that juvenile hammerheads are trading off risks to get offshore quickly, maximizing growth and reproductive potential.
NASA's MODIS instrument detects high temperatures indicative of fires in the southern United States, including small wildfires and prescribed burns. Prescribed fires offer numerous ecological benefits, such as reducing hazardous fuels and promoting tree growth.
A new report confirms the American peregrine falcons' recovery trajectory is within predicted trends, with volunteer-generated data supporting population viability analysis. The study highlights the importance of considering geographic group health and behavior for threatened species, such as sea turtles and grizzlies.
A study found that modern methods for predicting species distributions under climate change often leave out rare and threatened species. In Africa, over 90% of listed species are missed by popular tools, despite these species being critical to conservation efforts.
A new species of Boophis rappiodes group, Boophis ankarafensis, has been described from the hidden streams of Ankarafa Forest in northwest Madagascar. The species is characterized by high genetic divergence and a unique call with a double click.
Researchers in Brazil developed a non-lethal strategy to reduce shark encounters with humans, increasing protected species survival rates and decreasing attacks. The 'simple and humane' approach has been shown to be effective over 8 years, making swimmers safer without harming threatened shark populations.
A new species of Hibiscadelphus was discovered in a remote valley on Maui, with over 99 trees found, exceeding all previously known combined. The discovery is a significant contribution to Hawaiian natural history and offers hope for the conservation of this highly endangered plant species.
A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that the bumphead parrotfish, a major coral predator, has both positive and negative effects on reefs. The fish helps reduce algae abundance and disperse small coral fragments, but also consumes coral and reduces its diversity.
Conservation translocation is being explored as a means to combat biodiversity loss. Researchers suggest creating 'wildness' rather than restoring 'wilderness'. Reintroduction of species and ecological replacement are controversial methods being considered.
A new review in Science cautions that the loss and decline of animals are contributing to what appears to be the early days of the planet's sixth mass biological extinction event. Human activity and habitat loss are driving the die-off, with large animals facing the highest rate of decline.
The Duke Lemur Center has made nearly 50 years of life history data for endangered primates available online. The database contains detailed records of over 3600 animals representing 27 species, including birth and death dates, breeding habits, and health information.
Researchers used 3-D technology to track and visualize the movements of California condors, giant pandas, and dugongs. The study provided highly detailed data on their range and habitat use, informing conservation efforts to restore populations.
Scientists at the University of Utah have identified a new plant species found in Valentine, Texas, as Solanum cordicitum. The genus Solanum includes over 1,500 species, including poisonous nightshades and edible crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
A new study finds Emperor penguins in peril, with all colonies projected to decline by more than 50% by the end of the century due to sea ice concentration changes. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts and potential refuges to preserve populations, with implications for international conservation paradigms.
Researchers warn that invasive watersnakes in California pose a threat to native and endangered species, including the giant gartersnake, California tiger salamander, and foothill yellow-legged frog. The snakes' spread could disrupt ecosystems and lead to further declines of already imperiled native fish and amphibians.
A new study reveals that existing protected areas are insufficient in safeguarding the world's most threatened species, with 85% of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians unprotected. The authors recommend expanding protected areas to target high-threat species currently lacking protection.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that many protected areas are established on low-value land, failing to protect endangered species. The researchers propose a 'happy medium' where countries can achieve significant biodiversity benefits with minimal lost-opportunity costs.
A new study found that existing protected areas are insufficient in safeguarding the world's imperilled biodiversity, with 85% of threatened mammal, bird, and amphibian species not adequately protected. The authors recommend linking protected area expansion to high-threat species coverage to increase conservation chances.
A new University of Florida study found that great white shark numbers are likely growing and not endangered along the California coast. The research team reanalyzed data from multiple aggregation sites and estimated a total population of at least 2,000 sharks, contradicting earlier claims of alarmingly low numbers.
A recent study reveals that Caribbean corals and their algae form a stable relationship, which could be used to restore healthy coral in heat-damaged reefs. The research found that individual coral colonies often harbor only one strain of algae, suggesting that this partnership may not adapt to climate change.
A study published in Science reveals that eradicating invasive species can sometimes harm endangered ones, such as the California Clapper Rail. The researchers found that slowing down invasive species eradication allows for restoration or natural recovery of the ecosystem, providing suitable habitat for the endangered species.
A new study published in Science examines the conflict between invasive species removal and endangered species recovery. Researchers at UC Davis recommend slowing down invasive species eradication to allow restoration or natural recovery of habitats.
Researchers from Virginia Tech developed an efficient placement method for acoustic bat detectors to improve species detection and monitoring of endangered bat species impacted by white-nose syndrome. The technique allowed for non-invasive tracking without transferring fungal spores, enabling conservation efforts.
A new study led by Duke University finds that emerging technologies can efficiently identify species at greatest risk and take steps to protect them. Online databases, smartphone apps, and crowd-sourcing are making it easier to collect data on species.
A new Ebola vaccine has been successfully tested on captive chimpanzees, producing a robust immune response and showing safety. The researchers argue that this could be a turning point in saving endangered ape species from extinction, but the need for captive chimps testing raises ethical concerns about animal welfare.
The Caribbean monk seal's extinction has been reclassified, with its DNA analysis revealing a closer relationship to the Hawaiian seal. The study led to the creation of a new genus, Neomonachus, highlighting the importance of conserving these endangered seals.
Despite declining global biodiversity, a recent study found that many ecosystems have remained stable, with no significant decrease in species richness. Instead, researchers discovered substantial changes in species composition, averaging 10% change per decade.
Researchers challenge FIFA and Brazilian government to protect the critically endangered Caatinga ecosystem and its iconic species, the three-banded armadillo. The authors suggest promoting eco-friendly stadiums and instituting conservation plans for the armadillo's habitat.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation has identified 29 priority conservation areas along the US-Mexico border, prioritizing habitat preservation and sustainable economic development. The Big Bend-Rio Bravo Conservation Assessment provides a collaborative approach to conservation, involving scientists, government experts, privat...