Species Richness
Articles tagged with Species Richness
Mid-domain effect and wooded habitats jointly shape Mediterranean reptile communities
New ‘Ecclesiastical’ Moth named after Pope Leo XIV
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.
Why are mountain forests in Mexico and Central America hotspots for oak trees? New study led by The Morton Arboretum shows most definitive answer yet
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.
Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: Halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 critical to avoid disastrous effects on human well-being
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 philosopher’s serpent: new grass-green pitviper discovered in China’s Giant Panda National Park
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.
Halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 critical to avoid disastrous effects on human well-being
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.
FAU study finds parasites defy biodiversity rules, thriving far from the equator
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.
Wildlife-friendly landscapes dramatically boost biodiversity in fragmented forests
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.
40 migratory animal species receive new or upgraded protection at close of UN meeting in Brazil
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.
Is it a snake or a lizard? Understanding the Formosan legless lizard
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.
Share of migratory wild animal species with declining populations despite UN treaty protections worsens from 44% to 49% in two years; 24% face extinction, up 2%
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 fanged frog long thought to be one species is revealing itself to be several
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.
New Michelin star jellyfish discovered in Japanese aquaria
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.
Hidden insect diversity in grass shoots threatened by mowing
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES
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...
Restoring the web of life in farmland
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.
Citizen science activities for biodiversity monitoring continue to deliver outstanding results across Portugal
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.
Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum pledge to safeguard threatened species for Reverse the Red Day
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.
New species are now being discovered faster than ever before, study suggests
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.
A clerical error caused misidentification of frog specimen that once stood for an entire species
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...
Terrestrial biodiversity grows with tree cover in agricultural landscapes
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.
Landscapes for biodiversity, food, climate and more
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.
Africa’s wildlife has lost a third of its natural ‘power’, Oxford-led study warns
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'...
Diversity in forest management promotes biodiversity
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.
Biodiversity needs more than just flower strips
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 is booming. Some countries are benefiting, while others are left behind
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.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework advances protection of marine biodiversity
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.
Major discovery of Ice Age bones in a Norwegian cave opens a window into the past
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.
Clownfish are not as homebound as we thought
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.
People can accurately judge biodiversity through sight and sound
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...
Enhancing the “feel-good” factor of urban vegetation using AI and street view images
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.
Global patterns in seed plant distribution over millions of years
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.
Mechanisms stabilizing Japanese moorlands, species asynchrony, and species and compositional stability
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.
Tree diversity helps reduce heat peaks in forests
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.
Biodiversity in England’s rivers improved as metal pollution reduced
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.
Twenty years on, biodiversity struggles to take root in restored wetlands
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.
Lifesaver for wild bees: The importance of quarries
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.
Island biodiversity rides on the wings of birds
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.
Can sown wildflowers compensate for cities’ lack of natural meadows to support pollinating insects?
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.
New study reveals half a century of change on Britain’s iconic limestone pavements
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.
Seven new frog species discovered in Madagascar: sounds like something from Star Trek
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.
Loss of lake ice has wide-ranging environmental and societal consequences
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.
Bat species richness in San Diego, C.A. decreases as artificial lights, urbanization, and unconserved land increase, with Townsend's big-eared bat especially affected
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.
Flower Power: providing blooms all season long may be the key to attracting pollinators, no matter what landscape your garden is near
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.
Will climate change lead to the extinction of a newly discovered tarantula species?
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.
Oil and gas extraction causes pollution to spike 10,000%
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.
Research highlights the role of citizen scientists in accurate slug identification
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%.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä are mapping the world's fungi from air samples
A study published in Nature used DNA sequencing to identify fungi from air samples worldwide, providing groundbreaking knowledge about their occurrence and seasonal variation. The research aims to predict the fate of fungal species under global change and has significant implications for biomonitoring and biodiversity forecasts.
Braiding community values with science is key to ecosystem restoration
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
No evidence that England’s new ‘biodiversity boost’ planning policy will help birds or butterflies
A new legal requirement for developers to demonstrate a biodiversity boost in planning applications may not be effective in improving bird and butterfly populations. Despite this, researchers suggest that the metric can capture plant biodiversity well, but needs improvement to reflect ecosystem intricacies.
Newly discovered dinosaur boasts big, blade-like horns
Lokiceratops rangiformis, a plant-eating dinosaur with large horned frill and asymmetrical caribou-like antlers, has been discovered in Montana. The species' unusual features may have played a role in mate selection or species recognition.
Insecticides contributed to loss of butterflies across American MidWest
A new study found that neonicotinoid-treated seeds led to an 8% drop in butterfly species diversity, with the pesticide also affecting monarch butterfly populations. The research calls for publicly available data on pesticide use to understand the causes of butterfly decline.
New, giant horned dinosaur discovered in the ancient swamps of Montana
The newly discovered Lokiceratops rangiformis is a massive horned dinosaur found in the badlands of northern Montana. It boasts two enormous blade-like horns on its frill, as well as an asymmetric spike, making it one of the most ornate species ever found.
The role of biodiversity in mitigating rapid loss of plant community stability in drylands during changing climate
A study published in Global Change Biology reveals that higher biodiversity and synchrony between C3 and C4 species can increase a community's stability. Maintaining diverse plant communities with high C3 and C4 species abundance is key to enhancing stability across Mongolian grasslands.
Captivating blue-colored ant discovered in India’s remote Siang Valley
A captivating new species of ant has been found with a metallic blue coloration, adding to the rich diversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The discovery was made during an expedition to resurvey biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang Valley.
Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
Regional differences in bird diversity in agroforestry systems
A study by the University of Göttingen investigated regional differences in bird diversity within cocoa agroforestry systems in Peru. The research team found that biodiversity decreases with increasing distance from natural forests, with greater richness of species found in humid subtropical forests than in dry tropical forests.
Bees and butterflies on the decline in western and southern North America
Research detects declines in bees and butterflies in western and southern North America due to environmental change and habitat loss. The study identifies regions of concern and highlights the need for conservation efforts and improved monitoring methods.
Study shows natural shorelines support greater biodiversity in the chicago river
Researchers found that natural shorelines support a higher number of fish species and abundance compared to armored shores. The study suggests de-arming and restoring shorelines can aid aquatic biodiversity.