Researchers urge prioritizing ecosystem function over single species in conservation efforts, citing negative outcomes from previous initiatives. Conservation programs often focus on charismatic species without considering overall ecosystem health, leading to unforeseen issues and failed conservation outcomes.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 2, 2025
Researchers found that captive-bred axolotls can survive in both artificial and restored Mexican wetlands. However, they may need specific temperature conditions to thrive, offering insights for amphibian reintroductions and translocations.
A new study reveals disturbing practices in South Africa's captive lion industry, including evading detection and animal welfare violations. The research calls for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to transition away from current practices and end the industry.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateAug 8, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study found that relocated songbird chicks can successfully learn the diversity of songs they need to communicate and survive. Despite an initial lack of song diversity, the population recovered as it increased in size, suggesting that translocating nestlings may not lead to long-term problems.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024
Researchers conducted extensive surveys and collected data from local communities, but found no evidence of Arabian leopards in Saudi Arabia. The study concludes that human-designed breeding programs and reintroductions are necessary for the recovery of leopard populations.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalOryx·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2023
A genetic study has found that a captive-bred population of the Orinoco crocodile, one of the world's most endangered species, possesses sufficient genetic diversity and is suitable for reintroduction efforts. The Colombian government can use this research to initiate new populations in areas where the species has been depleted.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateJul 26, 2023
A new UK project, GEMALOR, monitors hatchery-reared lobsters to ensure wild populations remain genetically diverse. Researchers will assess genetic diversity in both captive and wild environments to improve broodstock management.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A recent study found significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos that reproduced successfully versus those that did not. The researchers identified a particular genus of microbes that may be limiting reproductive success in captive breeding programs.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023
A joint team of researchers uncovered serious management and compliance issues on lion farms in the Free State, including potentially fraudulent activities with microchip reuse and incomplete record keeping. The study highlights concerns that lion farm owners may be laundering wild-caught lions through microchip reuse.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateJan 25, 2023
Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem cells and cerebral organoids from the last male Malaysian Sumatran rhino, enabling study of brain development and potentially aiding in breeding program. The technology holds promise for fighting extinction of critically endangered species.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have completed and released a chromosome-scale genome sequence of the Aldabra giant tortoise, providing a much-needed genetic resource for rescue efforts. The data will aid in breeding efforts, comparative studies with other tortoise species, and understanding the species' remarkable size.
SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 19, 2022
A study from North Carolina State University found that critically endangered Wyoming toads have low genetic diversity in their immune systems, which could impact their ability to respond to new pathogens. The findings inform captive breeding strategies for endangered animal populations.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalConservation Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers from University of California - Davis found that ultrasounds can detect when abalone are ready to spawn without touching them. The technique creates a gonad index score ranging from 1 to 5 indicating readiness for reproduction.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
The Bonelli's eagle has been successfully reintroduced in Mallorca through a study coordinated by the University of Barcelona. The non-juvenile eagle release system (WildTrans) emerged as the most effective strategy, enabling the release of mature and experienced individuals that can reproduce faster and grow the population quickly.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2021
Sea turtle nesting populations in the Cayman Islands have recovered significantly after conservation efforts, with loggerhead and green turtle numbers increasing dramatically. However, hawksbill turtle nest numbers remain low and populations still face threats including illegal hunting and artificial lighting on nesting beaches.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 4, 2021
A study found captive-breeding affects monarchs' ability to migrate south for overwintering in Mexico. Researchers compared wild-caught and commercially bred monarchs, finding reduced migration and reproductive success.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2019
A team of biologists has discovered red wolf DNA in a group of canines living on Galveston Island, Texas, raising hopes for the species' survival. The finding, which may represent lost genes from captive breeding, challenges conventional science's dismissal of 'red wolves' as coyotes.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that critically endangered species should be left to breed in the wild, rather than in captivity. The research challenges the assumption that captive breeding is always a good idea when a species is close to extinction in the wild.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 4, 2015
Researchers report a decline in the proportion and concentration of diclofenac in cattle carcasses in India, slowing the annual population decline of vultures by approximately 60%. However, illegal use of diclofenac remains a challenge to be addressed.
A review of salmonids reveals that captive breeding can rapidly lead to genetic diversity loss, hindering the ability of fish to adapt in the wild. The study highlights the need for more data and alternatives to captive breeding, such as live freezing or population relocation, to conserve biodiversity.
SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateDec 11, 2008
A study by Imperial College London found that captive breeding of a rare species of toad introduced the deadly chytrid fungus to wild populations in Mallorca, highlighting the risks of reintroduction programs and the need for biosecure facilities. Despite the infection, some infected populations appear to be thriving.
SourceImperial College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2008