Dendrobium orchids are familiar to most people in bouquets, but they are in high demand in China for use in traditional medicines. Can Beijing find ways to grow these threatened plants sustainably?

Polar bears and wolves may get the glory, but small predators like weasels, foxes and their cousins play outsized ecological roles. And many of these species are declining fast.

Governments, scientists and conservation groups are working to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water for nature by 2030. Two scientists explain why scale matters for reaching that goal.

A recent study offers evidence that marine biology’s biggest stage is broken, and suggests ways to fix it.

China has rich natural resources and is seeking to play a leadership role in global conservation, but its economic goals often take priority over protecting lands and wildlife.

Standard marine protected areas with fixed boundaries can’t effectively shelter these ocean nomads.

Emperor penguins survive in a ‘Goldilocks zone’ between too much sea ice and too little. Climate change is having an impact.

Scientists don’t know what prompts turtle hatchlings to emerge from their nests and head for the water, but vibrations appear to play a role.

Honey bees, wild and native bees face threats from parasites, pesticides and habitat loss. Shorter winters, more extreme weather and more habitat destruction won’t help.

Published in 1962, ‘Silent Spring’ called attention to collateral damage from widespread use of synthetic pesticides. Many problems the book anticipated persist today in new forms.