Articles tagged with Endangered Plants
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba discover that old grasslands have higher plant diversity than new ones, and that grassland longevity can indicate high conservation priority. This finding suggests that focusing conservation efforts on long-standing grasslands will be most effective in preserving biodiversity.
Researchers at the University of Guelph used advanced cloning techniques to produce 1,000 plants from just two seeds, offering a new method for conserving endangered plant species. The CPR method preserves genetic material and can produce large quantities of plants in a controlled environment.
Researchers found that by prioritizing more effective 'umbrella' species, Australia's conservation efforts could be improved by a factor of seven. Different choices in the country could provide more assistance for threatened species, including koalas and red goshawks.
The Threatened Species Recovery Hub has identified the top 100 Australian plant species facing extinction, with ground orchids topping the list. Urbanization, inappropriate fire regimes and introduced plant diseases are major drivers of these extinctions, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to save these unique species.
A US-Mexico border wall could harm hundreds of terrestrial and aquatic species, including the Mexican gray wolf and Sonoran pronghorn. The authors call for mitigation measures and urge the government to prioritize environmental protection.
Researchers successfully transplanted beneficial microbes from a healthy, related species to a critically endangered Hawaiian plant, Phyllostegia kaalaensis. The treatment provided significant protection against powdery mildew disease, allowing the plants to thrive in the wild for the first time.
The Critically Endangered Cycas wadei population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and fires. Empirical methods were used to determine the structure and density of the population, highlighting deficiencies in potassium in the soils as a major resource constraint.
Botanic gardens conserve nearly two-thirds of plant genera and over 90% of plant families, yet face a significant imbalance between temperate and tropical regions. The majority of plant species are tropical, yet only 25% of these are represented in botanic gardens.
The rehabilitated forest in Drabo harbours about 600 plant species and serves as a sanctuary for many animals. The restoration project has increased West-African forest species while declining pantropical weedy species.
New research reveals that root extension rates vary depending on plant age and size, with younger plants extending roots more at night and older plants doing so during the day. This study contributes to our understanding of ontogeny, or the study of organisms from initiation to maturity.
New propagation methods for rare tropical tree species, like Serianthes nelsonii, are being developed at the University of Guam. These methods enable the production of more propagules every year, supporting conservation goals and expanding species recovery potential.
Researchers have identified flavonoids in Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. plant parts and callus culture, which exhibit antidiabetic properties. The study aimed to develop a sustainable method for metabolite production using tissue culture, helping conserve the endangered species.
A rare South African plant, Mrs Barber's Beauty, was rediscovered in the Great Winterberg mountains after 147 years. The plant is now recognized as Critically Endangered due to limited ecological conditions.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that rare dune plants, such as Tidestrom's lupine, rely on open sand habitats for germination and survival. Removing beachgrass from coastal dunes can help restore native species by allowing the sand to move and creating more mobile dunes.
Research on giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands reveals that they prefer non-native plants over native ones, with introduced species making up roughly half of their diet. The tortoises' nutritional status shows no negative effects from eating invasive plants, suggesting a potential positive impact on their health.
The New England Wild Flower Society honors Dr. Paul P. Smith, former head of the Millennium Seed Bank, for his leadership in conserving seeds from over 25,000 plant species. The organization recognizes his efforts to preserve biological diversity and raise awareness about native plants and conservation.
Scientists at the University of Utah have identified a new plant species found in Valentine, Texas, as Solanum cordicitum. The genus Solanum includes over 1,500 species, including poisonous nightshades and edible crops like tomatoes and potatoes.
Researchers successfully reintroduced the critically endangered marsh sandwort plant to multiple locations, guided by experimental findings and habitat variations. The discovery of a native indicator plant, water parsley, helped identify suitable habitats for the species.
Biologists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a DNA barcode for Podocarpaceae, the second-largest conifer family, to facilitate species identification. The project helps protect endangered populations by assigning unknown individuals to their respective species, promoting conservation efforts.
The newly described species Ridleyandra chuana is a rare herb found in montane forests of Peninsular Malaysia, with a limited distribution and only two known populations. The conservation status of this species has been assessed as Endangered due to its restricted distribution and low population numbers.
The critically endangered Chinese species Passiflora kwangtungensis has been rediscovered in Hunan Province, highlighting its high population size decline and limited genetic diversity. The plant's rarity is attributed to deforestation and geographical isolation, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
The invasive dog-strangling vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum) has been found to compete successfully with native Canadian plants in both disturbed and undisturbed areas. Despite cooler temperatures, the plant produces an equal number of seeds as it does in its typical range.
The Borderea chouardii plant, critically endangered and found only on two cliff sides in the Pyrenees, employs a doubly mutualistic reproductive strategy with local ants. The plant's unusually long lifespan and climatically stable habitat contribute to its success.
The NYBG has developed a streamlined method for evaluating the conservation status of large numbers of plant species using Geographic Information Systems technology. This approach identifies which plant species are widespread in a region and those with restricted ranges, making them more susceptible to extinction.
A WSU researcher finds that forest disturbances, including fires and wildfires, can help create habitats for rare plants and animals. This approach to forest management can enhance biodiversity by mimicking natural disturbances.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have cloned American elm trees that survived Dutch elm disease epidemics, offering a potential model for preserving endangered plant species. The breakthrough could help reintroduce disease-resistant trees and conserve thousands of other endangered species.
A new species of Amomum (Cardamom) has been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The plant is characterized by its distinctive ligules and small flowers, and is considered critically endangered due to conservation efforts.
Researchers are struggling to help Michaux's sumac germinate due to its extremely hard and thick-seeded shell. Despite attempts using heat, flames, and boiling water, seeds remain dormant. Only acid treatment breaks seed coat dormancy.
Research by Thomas Marler and Karl Niklas examines environment's influence on Guam cycad reproduction, finding wind's role in seed production is less crucial than initially thought. The study suggests insects play a more significant role in pollination, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect the endangered species.
A recent study by Notre Dame biologists highlights the growing issue of endangered plants being sold online, often illegally, and moved outside their native range. The researchers warn of the dangers of unchecked species redistribution, which can lead to environmental harm and economic costs, including damage to crops and ecosystems.
A recent study on Cycas micronecia, a critically endangered ancient plant species, reveals moderate genetic variation within local populations and dynamic gene flow between regions. The research provides valuable insights into the conservation of this species, which is threatened by invasive pests and habitat loss.
A binational team is monitoring the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant on the cienega, which could affect endangered species and bird populations. The researchers are tracking water quality, water level, and vegetation to assess the impact of the plant's operation.
A recent study found that carnivorous plants can be harmed when consuming insects contaminated with toxic metals like cadmium. The research, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the importance of limiting exposure to these metals to protect endangered plant species.
A researcher has used motion-sensitive night cameras to capture the first known instance of a cricket functioning as an orchid pollinator. The 'raspy' cricket is also entirely new to science and has been found to be a surprisingly efficient pollinator, with higher rates of pollination and fruit set in certain orchid species.
The University of Guam and the Guam Navy have partnered to conserve the endangered fadang cycad species on Tinian, which faces threats from alien insect invasions. The donation of over 200 plants aims to establish a safe haven for the species in case all plants on Guam are killed.
Two UBC researchers are part of an international team recommending standards for DNA barcoding of land plants. They selected two genomic regions as the best candidates for generating barcode data, with a near-unique signature for barcoding and high accuracy in identifying plant species.
Researchers found that Phragmites delivers a one-two chemical knock-out punch to its victims, with the poison becoming even more toxic in UV-B radiation. The study highlights the persistence of phytotoxins and their enhanced effects against native species.
Notre Dame researchers have developed a new tool to assess the effectiveness of 'managed relocation' strategies for preserving species threatened by climate change. The tool uses multi-disciplinary criteria to score proposed relocations, considering factors such as ecosystem impact and social importance.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that tropical regions have higher risks of plant extinction than previously thought. The study analyzed worldwide databases and discovered that factors like latitude are more important in determining the number of threatened species than human activities.
A recent study published in The Southwestern Naturalist has shed light on the pollination habits of endangered Texas wild-rice (Zizania texana), revealing that pollen can only travel about 30 inches away from a parent plant. This information will be crucial for conservation efforts to reintroduce and propagate this rare aquatic grass.
A unique DNA gene, matK, has been identified as a potential 'barcode' for plants, allowing for easy identification and cataloging of different species. This discovery could lead to new methods for identifying plant ingredients in traditional medicines and monitoring endangered species.
A recent study found that about half of protected species are no longer declining in numbers. The research highlights the importance of considering agency administration and funding in evaluating the success of conservation efforts under the Endangered Species Act.
Researchers are turning to gene banking as an alternative to in situ conservation, using cryopreservation technologies to store viable cell lines from over 3,200 individual mammals, birds, and reptiles. This approach will be crucial for conserving endangered species' genetic material for future research and potential reintroduction.
Grasshoppers are drawn to plants with mycorrhizal symbiosis due to their increased nutrient content and tolerance to grazing. The study, conducted by Kansas State University researchers, found that grasshoppers avoid plants without this beneficial relationship, suggesting a crucial role for fungi in ecosystem health.
UC and CREW biologists use a basic hole-puncher to collect plant samples, then study how to protect them from dehydration and rehydration. They discover that plants secrete a hormone called abscisic acid to protect themselves during dry times.