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Living on borrowed time

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that timely conservation action can slow extinction rates and save species. The research found similar patterns of species loss following habitat disruption across various taxonomic groups, including birds, mammals, plants, reptiles, and invertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2016

Biggest library of bat sounds compiled

An international team has compiled the largest library of bat sounds, allowing researchers to accurately identify and differentiate between 59 bat species found in Mexico. The developed method can be used to monitor biodiversity change and characterise bat communities in different regions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2016

Risks to penguin populations analyzed

A major study analyzing all penguin species highlights the need to mitigate effects of habitat degradation, food scarcity, and climate change. The authors recommend measures such as establishing marine protected areas and implementing ecosystem-based management methods to protect biodiversity.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalConservation Biology·DateAug 6, 2014

Saving the wild orchids of Borneo

The American Society for Horticultural Science reports that Borneo is home to 2500-3000 orchid species, but many are endangered due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation. A recent study has identified 197 species of orchids in West Borneo, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these rare species.

Location, location, location

A study in Ecological Applications finds that cluster development reduces habitat loss, but the placement of housing developments around sensitive areas like lakeshores can exacerbate environmental effects. The researchers suggest that clusters must be located away from these areas to reduce impacts.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 24, 2007

Study finds disparity in land protection

Temperate grasslands like the Great Plains suffer from inadequate land protection, with species-rich ecosystems and habitats for imperiled species at risk. Temperate conifer forests in regions like the Northwest U.S. exhibit robust conservation efforts, even amidst relatively low levels of development.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 13, 2005

Habitat loss and reserve network selection

A novel method integrates habitat modelling and spatial population dynamics in reserve-network design to consider the impact of habitat loss on species survival. This approach represents a step towards more realistic consideration of species survival when selecting reserve networks.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 2, 2003