Tropical climates are the most biodiverse on Earth − but it's not only because of how warm and wet they are

A new study reveals how the geography of global climates influences the rich patterns of species diversity in an ever-changing world.

Dave Roberts, Professor Emeritus of Ecology, Montana State University • conversation
Sept. 28, 2023 ~8 min

Policy framework for coexisting with wolves, bears and mountain lions could benefit both people and the environment

Setting guidelines for human coexistence with carnivores usually falls to local community leaders. An expert explains why the federal government should step in.

Neil Carter, Associate Professor of Wildlife Conservation, University of Michigan • conversation
Aug. 22, 2023 ~10 min


I’ve spent 50 years studying one seabird colony fight its way back from near extinction – now it faces new threats

Studying a guillemot colony for 50 years has provided unique insights into how climate change and oil spills affect seabird populations.

Tim Birkhead, Emeritus Professor of Zoology, University of Sheffield • conversation
July 31, 2023 ~7 min

How climate change is causing a communication breakdown in the animal world

Some animals are finding it harder to detect chemicals they use to communicate.

Mahasweta Saha, Marine Chemical Ecologist, Plymouth Marine Laboratory • conversation
July 4, 2023 ~5 min

By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance

A newborn bison calf in Yellowstone National Park had to be euthanized after a visitor handled it in May 2023 – a recent example of how trying to help wild animals often harms them.

Julian Avery, Associate Research Professor of Wildlife Conservation, Penn State • conversation
June 30, 2023 ~11 min

Bees can learn, remember, think and make decisions – here's a look at how they navigate the world

Scientists are learning amazing things about bees’ sensory perception and mental capabilities.

Stephen Buchmann, Adjunct Professor of Entomology and of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~9 min

You shed DNA everywhere you go – trace samples in the water, sand and air are enough to identify who you are, raising ethical questions about privacy

Environmental DNA provides a wealth of information for conservationists, archaeologists and forensic scientists. But the unintentional pickup of human genetic information raises ethical questions.

Jessica Alice Farrell, Postdoctoral associate, University of Florida • conversation
May 15, 2023 ~8 min

In protecting land for wildlife, size matters – here's what it takes to conserve very large areas

Governments and wildlife advocates are working to protect 30% of Earth’s lands and waters for nature by 2030. An ecologist explains why creating large protected areas should be a top priority.

David Jachowski, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Clemson University • conversation
April 26, 2023 ~9 min


Fire danger in the high mountains is intensifying: That’s bad news for humans, treacherous for the environment

Fires here can affect meltwater timing and water quality, worsen erosion that triggers mudslides, and much more, as two scientists explain.

Mojtaba Sadegh, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Boise State University • conversation
April 19, 2023 ~8 min

Climate change threatens spring wildflowers by speeding up the time when trees leaf out above them

Many beloved wildflowers bloom in early spring, while trees are still bare and the flowers have access to sunlight. Climate change is throwing trees and wildflowers out of sync.

Tara K. Miller, PhD Candidate in Biology, Boston University • conversation
March 14, 2023 ~9 min

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