Researchers are trying to unravel the mystery behind salmon size declines in Alaska and estimate their implications for humans and ecosystems. Quantifying these declines and understanding their impacts will be critical for future fishery management.
We often hear about “endangered species” but few people are aware of how a species ends up on an endangered list and even fewer understand the impacts of this designation. A group of scientists finally asked the question of how an endangered listing, particularly on the IUCN Red List, changes the prospects for species at risk – with some encouraging results.
How can we use the ocean to combat climate change? New research suggests that underwater forests, in the form of macroalgae, present a promising, new, and understudied opportunity to mitigate climate change.
Hydropower has been widely considered a “green” energy source. However, a new study from India examines the wide ranging and severe impacts that small hydropower projects can have on the environment – and the consequences of not evaluating these impacts before a project starts.
Darwin’s finches are the poster child for evolution. As the focal subject of numerous studies since the 19th century, we thought we knew everything about these birds—until now. A new study shows that the birds may be major players in a newly discovered form of seed dispersal via nests.
Indigenous peoples are great contributors to sustainable resource management. A new study highlights how natural resource managers can improve their conservation mechanisms, by taking into account the needs and perspectives of indigenous people.
To protect endangered frogs from disease, scientists sometimes capture and breed them in zoos to keep the species alive while it goes extinct in the wild. But new research has shown that captive-bred frogs have significantly fewer and less diverse skin bacteria than their wild counterparts, casting doubt on the possibility of using captive-bred frogs in re-introduction conservation programs.
Protected areas function as important survival refuges for many species facing the threats of climate change. However, new research shows that isolated protected areas are not enough to combat these threats. Hence, we need to connect and expand isolated protected areas to ensure the survival of important species.
Cities around the world are restoring once neglected and degraded rivers. With thoughtful, interdisciplinary planning, these revitalized rivers can benefit humans and wildlife alike.
