Articles tagged with Endangered Species
Illicit crops, particularly opium poppies, are expanding into critical bird habitats in the Andes region of Colombia. This could lead to devastating effects on forest-dependent bird species if the expansion continues.
Six scientists are recognized for their groundbreaking work on biodiversity conservation in China, Ecuador, Madagascar, Peru, and the US. The winners' efforts focus on tracking animal evolution, establishing national parks, studying lemur populations, and promoting indigenous cooperation.
A study suggests that the global extinction crisis is more severe than previously thought, with over 50% of declining mammal species losing historic ranges. Population extinctions are concentrated in densely populated areas, such as Southeast Asia and Eastern states.
Researchers found that snakes relying on ambush foraging are more likely to be threatened due to habitat destruction and prey scarcity. The study identified six species not listed as threatened but with similar ecological traits, highlighting the need for closer management.
A recent study assesses the jaguar's long-term survival prospects and identifies priority areas for conservation. The researchers found that the big cats are likely to survive in 70% of their current range, with the Amazon Basin being a key region for protection.
The use of biased conservation lists is exacerbating the rate of species extinctions, according to Associate Professor Mark Burgman. The lists focus on large, spectacular species, neglecting lesser-studied groups that are more vulnerable to extinction.
The Southern Highlands region of Tanzania is facing significant biodiversity loss due to widespread harvesting of African orchids. The Wildlife Conservation Society is working to establish a national park in the region to protect the area's floral significance and prevent further depletion of the species.
Toxic algal blooms in Monterey Bay have been linked to domoic acid accumulation in anchovies, sardines, and krill, posing a threat to endangered whale species. Monitoring programs are in place to ensure seafood safety, but more research is needed to understand the toxin's effects on wildlife.
A female Northern Right Whale has been tracked every step of her journey between northern feeding grounds and southern breeding grounds using a satellite tracking tag sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The successful tracking demonstrates a critical tool in the conservation efforts of this endangered species.
Researchers at U.S. Geological Survey and University of Denver have identified a new bird species, the Gunnison sage-grouse, through DNA analysis and genetic research. The study confirms the species' distinctiveness from the Greater sage-grouse and highlights concerns about its low genetic diversity and population decline.
The Arid Zone Recovery Project successfully re-introduced Greater Bilbies to a 14 square kilometre exclosure, with estimates suggesting around 20 bilbies now living in the site. The project also reintroduced other species, such as Burrowing Bettongs and birds like the Bush Thick-knee and Plains Wanderer.
Scientists have identified a new species of right whale in the North Pacific Ocean, which is genetically distinct from other populations. The discovery was made using DNA analysis of historical specimens and suggests that there may be fewer than 300 individuals remaining in this population.
The National Sea Grant College Program has released a 70-page guide to salmon issues in the Pacific Northwest, providing basic resources for news media covering the salmon management debate. The guide lists Sea Grant-funded researchers, contact information for agencies and organizations, and web-based resources.
A leading expert warns that amphibian declines are a complex problem with multiple causes, including rising levels of UV-B radiation, pathogens, and pollutants. The lack of a single cause does not diminish the seriousness of this ecological phenomenon.
The Chinese alligator is critically endangered with fewer than 150 remaining in the wild. Conservationists believe that restoring populations through habitat improvements and captive breeding can help stage a comeback for this culturally significant species.
A new study at Oregon State University found that low levels of nitrate and nitrite in water can kill some species of amphibians, especially during their larval stages. The study suggests that water quality criteria set by the EPA may not guarantee the survival of all protected and endangered amphibian species.
A captive breeding program aims to replenish the nearly decimated population of white abalone by leveraging their unique reproductive needs. The mollusks require close proximity with an opposite sex for fertilization, hindering effective reproduction and making conservation efforts challenging.
A study by Anthony Ricciardi and Joseph Rasmussen reveals freshwater species are dying out five times faster than terrestrial species. At this rate, many at-risk species will disappear within the next century, with non-native species and dams identified as major threats.
Sixty experts agree that half of the world's turtle species are at risk of extinction due to human consumption. The main causes of decline are linked to ecological change, while exploitation drives 50% of threatened turtles to extinction.
A new species of rabbit with distinctive brown stripes has been identified in the Annamite Mountains of Laos. Genetic analysis reveals a close connection to a critically endangered Sumatran species, suggesting divergence around 8 million years ago.
The USGS has successfully released captive-reared puaiohi birds into the wild, with four chicks having already fledged. This is a significant step towards the species' recovery, with biologists optimistic about re-establishing a self-sustaining population.
The gray wolf population is thriving in Yellowstone, with 10 breeding pairs established in each of the three states. The reintroduction of wolves has boosted biodiversity, reducing elk and coyote populations while increasing eagle, pronghorn, foxes, and wolverine numbers.
A comprehensive review of 200 endangered species recovery plans aims to evaluate their effectiveness and inform future improvements. The study, led by University of Washington zoologist Dee Boersma, will analyze factors such as species type, region, and plan revisions to determine the success of these plans.
Behavioral factors can contribute to extinction, such as electrocution from roosting on electric wires or flying into lights. Biologists are using decoys and mimicry to reestablish colonies and attract species.
A study by Cornell University ecologists estimates that non-indigenous species in the US cost $123 billion annually. These invasive species, including weeds, insects, and mammals, cause significant economic damage and threaten native ecosystems.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new way to preserve species by transplanting ovarian tissue from one animal into another, enabling the production of viable eggs in a wide variety of female mammals. The breakthrough could boost breeding programs for endangered species and address fertility problems in humans.
A University of Cincinnati computer model is being used to study the most cost-effective plans for species preservation. The model, developed by researchers Jeffrey Camm and Amy Ando, takes into account both species distributions and land values to provide a more flexible and economical approach.
Researchers discovered that tiger beetles' ability to see shuts down when accelerating towards prey due to insufficient photon gathering. This unique behavior results in the insect's stop-and-go chase pattern, allowing it to temporarily regain its vision and catch its prey.
A recent study and court ruling have led to the listing of jaguar as an endangered species in the US. The decision is based on evidence of rare sightings and potential population dispersal from Mexico.
A study published by University of Georgia researchers reveals a vast array of novel bacteria in Carolina bays, many of which remain unclassified. The discovery highlights the importance of the microbial world in shaping biodiversity.
A new study highlights the importance of managing multiple species to prevent extinction, according to Dr. Ron Pulliam, director of the National Biological Service. By identifying vulnerable species and human activities threatening them, conservation efforts can be targeted to save species.
The Piping Plover population has shown a significant increase of 7% since the last census in 1991, primarily attributed to conservation efforts along the Atlantic coast. However, midcontinent bird populations have declined due to massive nest flooding on the Missouri River and lack of habitat improvement in prairie potholes.
Scientists are releasing 15,000 fingerlings into northeast Georgia's Broad River as part of a reintroduction effort for the robust redhorse, a fish thought extinct until survivors were discovered in 1991. The fingerlings have been artificially bred from surviving members and will be released at seven sites to help the species flourish.
Duke University primatologists failed to capture a mate for Romeo, the rarest lemur species, during an October expedition. The diademed sifaka is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, with estimates suggesting it will go extinct in about 20 years.