Articles tagged with Biodiversity
A new species of click beetle, Lissomus arawak, has been discovered in the Dominican Republic with a distinctive glossy black body and pale-yellow antennae. The species is named after the island's Indigenous Arawak people and is structurally closer to species from Central and northern South America.
This study identifies a diverse viral community in a rescued Naemorhedus griseus, including bacteriophages, plant-derived viruses, and mammalian viruses. The findings highlight the genetic diversity of Naemorhedus griseus-borne viruses and their transmission dynamics across humans, animals, and wildlife.
Research finds that controlled Crown-of-thorns starfish populations can support coral diversity by preventing dominant species from monopolizing reef space. This helps increase coral diversity. COTS feeding on fast-growing corals like Acropora creates space for slower-growing species like Montipora and Porites to persist.
A new species of killifish, Laimosemion laranja, has been discovered in the Brazilian Amazon, characterized by its striking orange coloration. The fish is considered Endangered due to habitat loss and pollution, prompting efforts to protect its habitat.
A new study reveals that plant community turnover and nematode body width shape soil nematode diversity across different spatial scales. Nematode diversity consistently increases with plant β-diversity, emphasizing the need to maintain a mosaic of plant communities to safeguard hidden biodiversity.
A new book proposes that smallholder farmers, who already produce 30% of the world's food, could meet humanity's additional food needs by 2050 while restoring nature. Regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices can offset CO2 emissions and improve soil health.
A new species of egg-eating snake, Dasypeltis albigularis, has been described from the Harenna Forest in Ethiopia. The species, which feeds exclusively on birds' eggs, can be distinguished by its pale skin and white throat and belly. Genetic analysis has confirmed its distinctiveness from closely related species.
A new study calculates the pre-colonial Indigenous population was up to 2.22 million, significantly higher than previous estimates. The research also estimates 2.06 million excess deaths between 1788 and 1861, highlighting the devastating impacts of colonization.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that forest fire smoke negatively impacts bird diversity in the US, with a 3% decline in species numbers. The effect is evident across the country, even after accounting for other factors, and can have significant ecosystem implications.
Researchers found that the river has not settled into a stable state, with species disappearing and new ones arriving, despite 23 campaigns of monitoring
Researchers have discovered a significant increase in blood viruses, including Anelloviridae, in gastric cancer patients, providing potential biomarkers for diagnosis. The study found that the virome is compartment-specific, with the gut virome showing increased diversity in cancer patients.
Researchers found that AI-generated images can improve species identification and biodiversity monitoring when real images are limited. However, the synthetic images were less effective than real images overall, highlighting the importance of community science and real-world observations.
A recent study by King Abdullah University of Science & Technology found that aquatic invertebrates like oysters and mussels are a significant source of essential nutrients. The research reveals that current global production of these invertebrates can meet the nutritional needs of over five billion people, providing a crucial contribu...
A new study suggests that support for biodiversity conservation measures can be less divisive than climate change measures, particularly among people with egalitarian worldviews. Cultural worldviews and relational values of nature also play a significant role in shaping policy support, the researchers found.
A new framework combines satellite imagery, environmental DNA, and machine learning to predict fish biodiversity. The approach outperforms conventional methods, offering a scalable and noninvasive pathway for biodiversity mapping, conservation planning, and freshwater surveys.
A new global framework for insect conservation tackles the major blind spot in biodiversity conservation, proposing locally led research and collaboration. The framework identifies four major obstacles to tropical insect conservation and proposes combining conventional scientific research with regional and non-English literature.
Scientists have discovered 10 new species of branching marine worms, shedding light on their evolution and diversity. The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, used DNA sequencing and anatomical analyses to solve a long-standing puzzle and provide new insights into the evolution of complex body forms.
A new study found that forests with greater tree species diversity show smaller declines in productivity during compound climate extremes and recover more effectively afterwards. Biodiversity acts as a form of biological insurance, helping forests maintain stability in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
A new species of leafless flowering plant, Thismia daemona, has been discovered in Thong Pha Phum National Park in western Thailand. The species, which belongs to the genus Thismia, is critically endangered due to its limited population size and fragile habitat.
A new study found that the presence of peregrine falcons in the Bay Area dropped by 65% after an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza. The decline is synchronous with the outbreak, which has affected millions of birds globally.
A new species of spider, Hexura vandal, has been discovered in Idaho's Rocky Mountains, expanding the known range of the genus by 500 kilometers. The species is a predator that attacks and is considered likely endangered due to habitat pressure from logging and wildfires.
Motion-triggered cameras revealed the frequency of 'nectar robbing' in Hawaiian flowers, which damages flowers and reduces nectar availability. In contrast, plants were able to produce fruit and viable seeds despite damage, indicating adaptations to the stress.
This article highlights the collaboration between Chile's Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and Colombia's Humboldt Institute, which aims to build a Latin American model of socioecological research. Through a series of working sessions, researchers and communities engaged in dialogue and reflection to develop a collaborative model ...
New research suggests that current conservation efforts are insufficient to halt the decline in common bird and butterfly species in Europe. The study projects a decline in species abundance across Europe up to 2050, with farmland birds and grassland butterflies facing strong pressures.
A randomized trial in 21 Japanese elementary schools found that students respond more strongly to environmental education when nature is framed around its human benefits rather than its intrinsic value. This approach increased students' short-term interest in the environment. In contrast, students who received an ecocentric framing sho...
Global mangrove cover has increased by 47,720 hectares worldwide between 1985 and 2025, according to new analysis, but some key regions, such as Indonesia, have lost significant mangrove cover, highlighting uneven progress in mangrove ecosystem changes.
A new research study by Trinity College Dublin and University of Bern found that colonial exploitation of biodiversity in rich countries created poverty legacies that persist today. The study assessed datasets from 168 countries and found that regions targeted by colonial powers were generally the richest in biodiversity. This has cont...
Researchers used eDNA metabarcoding to study fish biodiversity in heavily damaged mountainous cascade dammed rivers. The study found 97 fish species, including 14 IUCN threatened taxa, with seasonal differences in species detection rates and community composition.
UTSC researchers suggest governments should rethink round goby management as the invasive species spreads inland, threatening native biodiversity. The team proposes a combination of trapping, electrofishing, physical barriers, and rapid-response programs to reduce local populations and eliminate them.
Researchers have identified two new species of shrimp-like amphipods, Bogidiella isajii and Bogidiella painushima, in Japan's groundwater and anchialine environments. These species, characterized by their eyeless and elongated features, provide insights into the diversity of life in subterranean aquatic areas.
A GPS tracking study found that invasive barred owls consistently occupy the tallest, oldest, and most complex stands of forest, threatening spotted owls' habitats. Managing barred owl populations reopens habitat for spotted owls to reclaim, conservatively estimating over 1,800 square kilometers of restored habitat.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that 'pioneering pairs' of ospreys, which nest away from others, are key to driving population recovery. These birds create separate subpopulations and increase the speed of recovery for the species through long-distance dispersal.
A new Yale-led study reveals that extreme weather events are limiting where bird species can exist and affecting biodiversity estimates for over 500 North American bird species. The research found that accounting for variable and extreme weather conditions is crucial for understanding the distribution of biodiversity and its change.
Researchers found that upper and lower surfaces of oak leaves support different microbial communities, with the upper surface hosting stress-tolerant genera and the lower surface favoring sugar-fermenting taxa and insect-associated bacteria. The two sides show striking seasonal divergence in terms of diversity and abundance.
The landmark review provides a detailed account of Honduras' mammals, verifying 227 native species and forecasting potential discoveries. The study draws on cultural knowledge and conservation summaries to guide research priorities.
A new study finds that beef and dairy production are the dominant drivers of both carbon loss and biodiversity loss on farmland, accounting for 41% of total biodiversity damage. Targeting these areas could deliver gains for climate and nature simultaneously.
A new study from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has developed a less invasive method to measure the body temperature of hatchling Mojave desert tortoises, reducing disturbance and handling stress. The handheld infrared thermal camera provides a reliable estimate of internal body temperature under various conditions.
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.
A new species of shrimpgoby, Tomiyamichthys oriens, has been discovered in Indonesian coastal waters. The fish boasts radiant orange markings and is named after its birthplace, Banyuwangi's 'Sunrise of Java' region.
A team of researchers found that asynchronous species fluctuations within herbivore communities play a central role in stabilizing trophic communities. Herbivore asynchrony acts as a biological buffer between plant and predator communities, mediating resource supply to predators.
A global review of migratory bird population status reveals that over half of the world's migratory bird species are declining globally. The study emphasizes the need for a new approach to biodiversity conservation, addressing complex threats throughout the birds' lifecycles and international flyways.
A study found that Blanco de Piura cacao can produce an average of 1,200-1,500 kilograms of dry beans per hectare, matching those of commercial clones. Good tree management and agronomic practices are key to achieving high productivity levels.
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.
Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.
Research finds biodiversity delivers largest gains under extreme drought in drier grasslands, with stronger effects from species complementarity. In contrast, forests show no comparable context dependence under extreme drought.
A previously unknown species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis, has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species, known locally as Likweli, features a distinctive orange face patch and is one of the rarest discoveries in modern primatology.
A new study has mapped Europe's wetlands, identifying peatlands as the most critical type to restore for climate benefits. The map provides a basis for assessing where wetland restoration could deliver benefits for climate and biodiversity.
A new study reveals that many influential companies make biodiversity pledges but lack transparency and specificity, hindering accountability. Researchers identified keystone corporations across multiple sectors making commitments, but only 13% met the criteria for robustness.
A new tool, Tree Value Visions, aims to support councils and communities in thinking about the future of trees in towns and cities in a more inclusive way. The research highlights the importance of considering deeper connections people have with nature and integrating urban tree planning across different policy areas.
A recent study found that protecting primates in China's Yunnan province can also protect other animals and plants, highlighting the importance of umbrella species conservation. The research showed that large-bodied vertebrates need vast areas to support populations, which are habitats for many other species.
The ORIGIN project aims to reduce development timelines for sustainable, fermentation-based ingredients from 5-7 years to 2-3 years. By combining AI, biotechnology, and fermentation, the project will address scientific and technological challenges to produce high-value natural ingredients.
Research shows that road verges with heavy traffic can be deadly for bumblebees, while those with low traffic have a mortality rate of near zero. The study suggests investing in species-rich road verges may not replace traditional conservation habitats.
A new study assesses how climate change affects predator-prey dynamics in a semi-arid ecosystem. Researchers found that during periods of low precipitation, owls shifted to different prey, increasing dietary overlap variability. Temperature was the strongest driver of these changes.
A new white paper by 135 EU researchers highlights the decline of wild pollinators, threatening food security and societal functions. The report calls for policy coordination and education on ecosystems and pollinators to reverse the trend.
A new framework developed by IIASA researchers helps identify where conservation can prevent biodiversity loss and where restoration efforts are likely to have the greatest impact. The framework integrates ecological thresholds with protected area coverage to assess how upstream pressures affect downstream fish communities.
A new beetle genus named after Monkey D. Luffy has been discovered, encompassing two distinct species: Luffy schillhammeri and Luffy nika. The genus features elongated mandibles and antennae reminiscent of Luffy's rubber body abilities.
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.
Researchers from Kyushu University Museum discovered a new wasp species, Eupelmus curvator, in Japan using social media-facilitated observations. The study provides the first formal scientific description of the male species and highlights the potential of digital collecting for biodiversity research.
A new study reveals that sponges may use photosynthesis, increasing the productivity of tropical coral reefs. Sponges were found to account for 11% of gross primary productivity, surprising researchers who previously considered them as pure consumers.
A new study suggests that several COVID-19 drugs can be toxic to marine organisms, even at low concentrations. The research found that ivermectin and other pharmaceuticals caused significant mortality in brine shrimp, highlighting an environmental concern.