Articles tagged with Species Richness
Researchers from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador discovered a new species of frog, Pristimantis milpe, by reviewing historical specimens preserved at the Natural History Museum in London. The species is widely distributed and easy to detect, inhabiting the Chocó forests of western Ecuador and southern Colombia.
A new synthesis paper examines how ecological structures and processes help ecosystems withstand disturbances while providing benefits. The study highlights the importance of 'portfolio effects' in maintaining ecosystem resilience.
The Conservation Gap Analysis of Select Native Asian Oaks reveals over half of native ranges are under human pressure, with many species lacking backup in botanical collections. The report prioritizes oak conservation efforts in Southeast and East Asia, focusing on regions with high human impact and limited protected area coverage.
The study highlights a core trade-off between spatial resolution, spectral bandwidth and plot-pixel matching in arid ecosystems. Multi-source, multi-scale remote sensing fusion is advocated for future dryland biodiversity conservation and management.
A new policy brief from PollinERA proposes a regional pesticide budget system to manage total pesticide pressure at landscape scale. The system would align with EU environmental law and provide farmers with a practical incentive to choose lower-impact products.
A new study from Yokohama National University reveals that the order of species loss impacts grassland stability more than the total number of species lost. The researchers found that different species-loss sequences alter the processes supporting community stability, including functional diversity and compensatory dynamics.
The ANERIS project successfully demonstrated cutting-edge technologies for marine life sensing and monitoring, focusing on Operational Marine Biology (OMB) products. Key findings include the deployment of four case studies connected to Research Infrastructures, showcasing high-temporal marine life resolution monitoring.
A team of researchers has conducted the first comprehensive exploration of Inútil Bay's underwater ecosystems, documenting 72 distinct macroalgal taxa. The survey revealed a diverse assortment of green, brown, and red algae, including rare and highly unusual specimens.
Researchers discovered a new cave cricket species, Dolichopoda balrogi, thriving in man-made tunnels on the Greek island of Kastellorizo. The species, found exclusively in a tunnel system, highlights the importance of exploring artificial underground environments for unique endemic species.
A new species of sea slug, Thecacera sesama, has been identified in the coastal waters of Keelung, Taiwan. Measuring less than three millimeters in length, this tiny nudibranch exhibits four primary behaviors: feeding, searching, mating, and laying eggs on bryozoans.
A recent study has identified five distinct species of pit vipers in the Himalayan region, including three new to science. The research combined fresh and historical DNA data with morphological and skeletal analysis, revealing deep evolutionary lineages and distinct ecological characteristics.
A new spider species, Theridion himalayana, has been discovered in the Indian Himalayas with 32 different color variations, or 'morphs', found across three locations. DNA analysis revealed a genetic variation of approximately 8.5% from its Hawaiian happy-face spider cousin.
A study published in Insect Systematics and Diversity documented over 100 species of Platydracus beetles, with more than half being new discoveries. The findings highlight the vast gaps in known biodiversity, even among well-studied groups like rove beetles.
The study found a clear hump-shaped elevational pattern with species richness peaking at approximately 600 m, supporting the mid-domain effect. Community structure was differentiated by body size and biomass, with lizards contributing most of the individuals but only 66% of total biomass.
A new species of moth, Pyralis papaleonei, has been discovered in the White Mountains of Crete, Greece, showcasing its striking purple forewings and orange-golden patch. The discovery underscores the urgent need to protect sensitive habitats and highlights the importance of scientific research in biodiversity conservation.
A new study by The Morton Arboretum reveals that oaks rapidly diversified in the Americas when they encountered high-elevation terrain, forming a unique biodiversity hotspot. This is supported by data from 322 of the world's approximately 450 oak species, with Mexico and Central America home to at least 160 different oaks.
A newly discovered pitviper, Trimeresurus lii, is found to be a distinct lineage with unique physical characteristics and venomous properties. The species was previously mistaken for the bamboo pitviper due to similar green appearance.
A global paradigm shift is needed to protect intact ecosystems and prioritize Nature Positive framework, integrating Indigenous knowledge and finance. The webinar series on May 28, 2026, will explore effective actions for people and nature, guided by the Three Conditions Framework.
A new paper warns that halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 is urgent to avoid destabilizing the Earth's vital systems. The authors call for a unified 'Nature Positive' approach to global environmental goals and governance.
Researchers found that trematode parasites are more abundant in cooler temperate waters, defying the typical pattern of higher biodiversity near the equator. Temperature and host mobility play a major role in shaping parasite distributions, with certain species thriving in areas where hosts can tolerate infections better.
A new study reveals that improving surrounding landscape quality can increase bird species survival in forest remnants, with modest increases in nearby tree cover substantially boosting numbers. This contradicts traditional views on habitat fragmentation and highlights the importance of a more hospitable matrix for conservation.
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.
The Formosan legless lizard has been reclassified as a distinct species, Dopasia formosensis, with a new physical specimen designated as the neotype. The study reveals distinctive features such as an exceptionally long tail and moveable eyelids, setting it apart from snakes.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
A new study has found that a group of little brown frogs from Southeast Asia may be as many as 18 distinct species, rather than one. The research uses genetic sequencing to reveal complex evolutionary dynamics and challenges conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered a new species of jellyfish, Malagazzia michelin, found in Japanese waters. The species has distinctive brown spots and a hemispherical umbrella-shaped body.
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...
The METAGROLAND project aims to improve environmental farming schemes by studying plant-pollinator interactions and land manager networks. Key findings include the development of practical guidance for agri-environmental schemes that align ecological processes with real-world management.
The BioMARatona Portugal citizen science initiative has achieved an unprecedented milestone with a notable increase in observations gathered and recorded species. Over 5,000 observations and 450 documented species have been accumulated since 2024, mapping diverse types of coastal species.
The Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum have pledged to protect endangered species such as Cucharillo and Stone's Paphiopedilum through collaborative conservation strategies. These institutions will co-host the 9th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in 2027 to accelerate crucial conservation work.
According to a University of Arizona-led study, scientists are discovering new species at a rate that far exceeds extinction. The team analyzed taxonomic histories of 2 million species and found an average of more than 16,000 new species each year, including insects, plants, fungi, and vertebrates.
Researchers at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum uncovered a slipup from decades ago: the misidentification of a poison frog specimen from Peru used as a holotype. After discovering the error, they corrected it by re-examining data and field notes. The frog in question has since been reclassifie...
A new study reveals that for every 10% increase in forest cover, an additional species is present, and sites with complete forest cover support three times the terrestrial vertebrate species compared to those lacking tree cover.
Researchers evaluate ways to redesign land use and nature conservation using integrated approaches to meet ecological, social, and economic goals. Multifunctional landscapes can promote biodiversity, food production, climate regulation, and human well-being.
A new Oxford-led study reveals Africa's wildlife ecosystems are running on less than two-thirds of their natural energy, posing risks to biodiversity and the livelihoods that depend on it. The research uses an ecosystem energetics approach to quantify how energy flows through food webs, finding that smaller species now dominate Africa'...
Researchers found that species diversity is highest in landscapes with 60% unmanaged forests and 40% intensively managed forests. Extensively managed forests contribute little to support species richness, but improving their ecological performance can help maintain forest biodiversity.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.
Birdwatching tourism has seen significant growth globally, with countries in the tropics experiencing increased visitation and economic development. However, not all countries have benefited equally, with research from UC Santa Cruz identifying challenges and success stories that may inform future conservation efforts.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
Scientists have uncovered the remains of a vast animal community that lived in the European Arctic 75,000 years ago. The bones represent the oldest example of an animal community in the region during this warmer period of the ice age, providing valuable insights into how wildlife responded to dramatic climate shifts.
A recent study challenges the idea that specialization with sea anemones explains clownfish diversification. Researchers identified 'eco-morphotypes' independent of host specialisation, with some species expending less energy for swimming and regularly swimming away from their anemones.
A new study found that people's intuitive perception of biodiversity through visual and audio cues is remarkably accurate, aligning closely with scientific measures. Participants sorted images and audio recordings of forests based on perceived biodiversity, noticing vegetation density and light conditions visually, while acoustically d...
Researchers at The University of Osaka develop AI-powered method to analyze urban vegetation color, structure, and seasonal changes using street view imagery. This allows city planners to enhance the 'feel-good' factor of urban green spaces throughout the year.
A study analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species reveals environmental conditions, particularly climate, play a significant role in shaping global plant distributions. Physical barriers have a smaller effect on ancient plant groups that have had longer periods to disperse widely.
A study by YOKOHAMA National University found that species asynchrony and compositional stability jointly stabilize moorland communities, while bryophyte cover destabilizes them. Dominant species play a crucial role in maintaining community stability.
A study led by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that tree diversity significantly enhances forest temperature buffering, particularly during heat peaks. Species-rich forests showed a greater cooling effect, up to 4.4°C stronger than single-species forests.
A study found that reductions in zinc and copper pollution led to improvements in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers. The researchers used statistical modeling to investigate various factors contributing to the decline in metal pollution.
Despite decades of restoration efforts, biodiversity growth has stalled in restored Danish wetlands. The study highlights the need for concrete measures such as grazing animals and full restoration of watercourses to improve plant species richness.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that diverse landscapes with good connectivity between quarries and calcareous grasslands support wild bees. Large, old, and flower-rich quarries are particularly valuable habitats for endangered species.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that bird wing shape is a key factor shaping biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide. The study revealed how birds' dispersal abilities influence the number of species found on islands, with low-dispersal birds leading to steep species-area relationships.
A study in Warsaw, Poland found no difference in insect-pollinated plant composition or species richness between sown and natural meadows. However, natural meadows had twice the number of butterflies compared to sown meadows.
A new study has found that Britain's iconic limestone pavements have undergone significant changes over the past 50 years, with some areas experiencing increases in plant biodiversity while others have seen declines in rare specialist species. The research highlights the importance of understanding these changes for conservation efforts.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
The world's freshwater lakes are freezing over for shorter periods due to climate change, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Changes in ice duration have major implications for human safety, water quality, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles.
Research in San Diego reveals a decrease in bat species richness attributed to increasing artificial lights, urbanization, and unmanaged land use. Specifically, Townsend's big-eared bat is found to be particularly vulnerable to these threats.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the diversity and abundance of flowers in a garden, rather than its surroundings, have a greater impact on attracting pollinators. The researchers discovered that providing blooms all season long is crucial for promoting local pollinator communities.
A new species of tarantula spider has been discovered in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The species, Aphonopelma jacobii, is threatened by climate change and habitat loss due to rising temperatures and precipitation.
A study by the University of Essex found that oil and gas extraction can cause a nearly 30% decline in species richness near platforms, with pollutants like hydrocarbons up to 10,613% higher within 500m. This has a direct impact on marine invertebrates and food webs.
A new study by Newcastle University shows that citizen scientists can accurately identify slug species with proper training and support. The research found that participants improved their identification skills throughout the project, with accuracy rates ranging from 47-70%.