Articles tagged with Endangered Species
The center, established at Virginia Tech, aims to study and propagate endangered mussels. Researchers produce nearly 50,000 juvenile mussels annually and work on projects like surveying bivalves for stress indicators and studying pearl production.
A global assessment of amphibian populations reveals that nearly one-third of species are threatened with extinction, with many more considered vulnerable. Key drivers of decline include habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and climate change.
A recent study has found that the extinction of a host species can lead to the loss of up to 200 associated species, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. The researchers calculated the expected levels of co-extinction across diverse systems and identified 6300 species at risk of being classified as co-endangered.
A Queen's biologist calls for immediate protection for two distinct rock ptarmigan populations in Newfoundland and Alaska, citing genetic differences and threats from human activities. The study's findings suggest that these populations should be considered separate species, deserving special preservation under the Species at Risk Act.
The West Nile virus has a devastating impact on small populations of sage-grouse, with a 25% decrease in late summer survival rates. The bird species lacks resistance to the virus, making it essential to improve habitats and implement effective mosquito control measures.
The use of artificial reproduction technologies in wildlife conservation aims to understand fundamental reproductive mechanisms in various species. Dr. David Wildt highlights the importance of collaboration between specialists from different disciplines to achieve genuine conservation.
The BP Conservation Programme is awarding $600,000 to 29 student-led teams for critical conservation projects worldwide. Winners will attend practical workshops and learn from global experts to carry out their projects.
The Caucasus region, home to 51 globally threatened species, will receive a significant boost for conservation efforts thanks to $8.5 million in grants from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The funding will support conservation efforts across six countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Researchers at the Wildlife Conservation Society discovered a large population of jaguars in Bolivia's Kaa-Iya Park, estimated to be one of the largest in any protected area. The park, which covers over 34,000 square kilometers, is also home to a diverse range of other wildlife, including endangered species such as the Chacoan guanaco.
Conservation efforts in Canada are threatened by growing human populations and economic development. Despite these challenges, conservation initiatives continue to focus on preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health.
A recent analysis of 11,633 species published in Nature found that more than 300 critically endangered species are completely unprotected. The study emphasizes the need for a major shift in conservation strategies to prevent large-scale species extinctions over the next few decades.
A staggering 42% of documented extinctions are mollusks, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for these species. Nonmarine mollusk diversity is valued for its own sake and as an indicator of ecosystem health.
Conservation efforts have led to a significant decrease in poaching, reducing turtle egg removal from nearly 100% to approximately 21% on the Pearl Cays. Beach surveys and active protection of females and their eggs are crucial for the survival of this endangered species.
A new study found that listing endangered species may not effectively protect their habitats on private property. Landowners were more likely to improve or destroy habitats based on their values and perception of conservation responsibility.
A new study analyzing 11,000 mammal, amphibian and bird species reveals major gaps in the global protected area system, placing over 700 species at risk of extinction. The analysis highlights urgent conservation priorities for tropical areas, islands, and specific endangered species.
A ferret protein called glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) plays a key role in the reproductive process, allowing fertilized embryos to implant successfully. The discovery also sheds light on the mechanism of cancer cells, which can co-opt this process to invade healthy tissues.
A recent study by Ohio State University anthropologist Jeffrey McKee predicts that the United States will face a significant threat to global biodiversity within 50 years, with at least 10 additional species added to the threatened list. The prediction is based on a model that separates human population growth from environmental impact...
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a method to extract DNA from dung, enabling the study of wild animal populations without capturing or handling them. This technique has been shown to be reliable and efficient, allowing researchers to analyze genetic data on species such as Asian elephants, rhinos, and apes.
A recent study by Wildlife Conservation Society researchers found that the reintroduction of wolves and grizzly bears in Yellowstone has led to ecosystem dysfunction. Female moose showed little reaction to predator sounds and smells, indicating a lack of ecological recovery.
Researchers have identified nearly 900 square miles of forest in China's Qinling Mountains that could support giant pandas. The area includes five unprotected core habitats and two linkage zones that could connect isolated populations.
Researchers are turning to gene banking as an alternative to in situ conservation, using cryopreservation technologies to store viable cell lines from over 3,200 individual mammals, birds, and reptiles. This approach will be crucial for conserving endangered species' genetic material for future research and potential reintroduction.
According to a recent report from Conservation International, 25 primates are now threatened with extinction, with Asia accounting for almost 45% of the world's most endangered primates. Habitat loss and hunting are major factors in the decline of these species, and urgent conservation action is required to prevent extinctions.
Incorporating mate choice into breeding programs can increase the survival of young whitefish and other species by selecting for genetically superior males. However, this approach may also reduce genetic variation, requiring a balance between the two goals.
Bushmeat consumption has been linked to chemical poisoning, with 30% of samples containing organochlorines, carbamates, and organophosphorus. The Ghana government aims to reverse the extinction of wildlife through sustainable alternatives like wildlife farming and education campaigns.
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.
Researchers found that whitebark pines, large ranges, and low human density are key factors in the survival of grizzly bears. The ESA has helped protect these areas, leading to increased bear populations in places like Yellowstone.
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.