Biased Waters: The Skewed Science of Marine Conservation
Research reveals that the most endangered reef fishes are often the least studied and appreciated, with public and scientific interest skewed towards commercially valuable or…
Endangered News
The term “endangered” refers to a status assigned to species that are at high risk of extinction in the near future. This designation is part of a classification system used by various conservation organizations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which maintains the Red List of Threatened Species. Species classified as endangered are those that have experienced significant declines in population size, have very small or declining ranges, or face severe threats from habitat loss, pollution, overhunting, disease, or climate change. The classification aims to highlight the urgency of the situation and prioritize conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats. Effective conservation strategies often involve habitat preservation, legal protections, breeding programs, and efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, aiming to stabilize or increase population sizes and prevent extinction.
Frog ‘Saunas’ – Pandemic Protection for Endangered Frogs Facing a Deadly Global Fungus
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method using heat to combat chytridiomycosis in frogs. This simple strategy involves creating ‘hotspot’ shelters where frogs can elevate their…
On the Brink of Extinction – Scientists Develop Genetic Rescue Plan for Arabian Leopards
Research on the critically endangered Arabian leopard indicates that reintroducing carefully selected, captive-bred individuals into the wild could substantially aid in the recovery of their…
Scientists Discover Unusual Ancient Fish 900 Miles North of Its Previous Known Range
The Australian brook lamprey (Mordacia praecox) belongs to a group of primitive jawless fish. Growing up to 15 cm in length, it has rows of…
How Baobabs Conquered the World From Madagascar
The mystery behind the origin, evolution, and dispersal around the world of iconic baobabs has been solved by scientists. Also known as upside-down trees, or…
Decoding the Mysterious Origins of Baobab Trees
Recent genomic research suggests that baobabs originated in Madagascar and later dispersed to Africa and Australia. Factors like climate and sea level changes influenced their…
This Ancient Lineage of Cryptic Plants Is Millions of Years Old. They May Be Permanently Gone in Decades.
Scrub mints are among the most endangered plants you’ve probably never heard of. Over half of the existing 24 species are recognized as threatened or…
From Myth to Reality: Scientists Uncover Hidden Turtle Paradise in Kerala’s Rivers
Biologists have identified a breeding group of Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtles during conservation initiatives in southern India. Local communities have provided essential knowledge leading to…
Rediscovered After 60 Years: The Bizarre Egg-Laying Mammal of the Cyclops Mountains
An international team rediscovered the rare Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna in Indonesia, also uncovering new species and a cave system. These findings, achieved with local community…
Scientists Uncover Genetic Secrets of Butternuts
An international collaboration reveals the genetic secrets of endangered species, from trees to cockatoos to deep-sea corals. Butternuts are soft and oily, with a light…
Scientists Discover New Species of “Rock-Climbing” Gecko in Madagascar
Named after its habitat preference, Paroedura manongavato, from the Malagasy words “manonga” (to climb) and “vato” (rock), is a bouldering expert. Part of its “home range” is…
Three Out of Four Populations of Rare Butterflies Have Been Lost
In a span of 26 years, Eastern Denmark has witnessed a 72% decline in the presence of rare butterflies. Numerous species are now on the…
Shark Shock – Scientists Discover Basking Sharks Are Warm-Bodied in One-in-a-Thousand Exception
Basking sharks, known for their gentle, plankton-feeding behavior, have been unexpectedly identified as regional endotherms, maintaining a higher body temperature than the water they inhabit,…
Tall Order: The Fight to Save the Masai Giraffes From Extinction
Giraffe populations separated by Great Rift Valley in eastern Africa are genetically distinct, suggesting that conservation efforts should be considered separately for each population. Giraffes…
Cultural Legacy in Peril: The Fight To Save Japan’s Purple Gromwell
The preservation of endangered plant species is critical to the survival of cultural legacy. Historically, the color purple has been linked with nobility globally, and…
Asia’s Elephant Crisis: A Staggering 64% Habitat Loss in Three Centuries
Asian elephant habitats across Asia have decreased by over 64% since 1700, equating to a loss of 3.3 million square kilometers. Researchers found that by…
The Alarming Decline of Elephant Ecosystems in Asia
Study examining habitats across centuries reveals an urgent need for sustainable land use and conservation strategies to avoid dangers for wildlife and human communities. The…
Rare Reptiles in Peril: The Surprising Extinction Risk for Unusual Turtles and Crocodiles
New research led by the University of Oxford has revealed that the most endangered turtle and crocodile species are those that are most unique. Their…