Coastal wetlands can’t keep pace with sea-level rise, and infrastructure is leaving them nowhere to go

A coastal scientist explains why marshes, mangroves and other wetlands can’t keep up with the effects of climate change, and how human infrastructure is making it harder for them to survive.

Randall W. Parkinson, Research Associate Professor in Coastal Geology, Florida International University • conversation
April 8, 2024 ~8 min

Restored coral reefs can grow as fast as healthy reefs after just four years – new study

Artificial reef stars have been added to damaged coral reefs in Sulawesi, Indonesia. A new study shows that within just four years, restored reefs are thriving as much as healthy reefs.

Tries Blandine Razak, Researcher, IPB University • conversation
March 8, 2024 ~6 min


Not all underwater reefs are made of coral − the US has created artificial reefs from sunken ships, radio towers, boxcars and even voting machines

Artificial reefs are structures that humans put in place underwater that create habitat for sea life. A new study shows for the first time how much of the US ocean floor they cover.

D'amy Steward, Master's Student in Biology, University of Guam • conversation
Jan. 18, 2024 ~9 min

To protect endangered sharks and rays, scientists are mapping these species' most important locations

A new initiative is pinpointing areas in the world’s oceans that are key habitats for sharks and their relatives, so that governments can consider protecting these areas.

David Shiffman, Faculty Research Associate in Marine Biology, Arizona State University • conversation
Jan. 11, 2024 ~8 min

Wild 'super pigs' from Canada could become a new front in the war on feral hogs

Feral hogs are one of the most destructive invasive species in North America, harming land, crops and wildlife.

Marcus Lashley, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology, University of Florida • conversation
Dec. 19, 2023 ~8 min

Artificial light lures migrating birds into cities, where they face a gauntlet of threats

Migrating birds need stopover locations en route where they can rest and feed. A new study shows that artificial light draws them away from sites they would normally use and into risky zones.

Kyle Horton, Assistant Professor of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University • conversation
Dec. 14, 2023 ~7 min

Giraffes range across diverse African habitats − we’re using GPS, satellites and statistics to track and protect them

The largest ever giraffe tracking study shows how these massive animals are responding to human pressures across many different habitats throughout Africa.

Michael Brown, Conservation Science Fellow, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
Aug. 30, 2023 ~9 min

Human activities in Asia have reduced elephant habitat by nearly two-thirds since 1700, dividing what remains into ever-smaller patches

A new study looks back into history to assess human impacts on the range of Asian elephants and finds sharp decline starting several centuries ago.

Shermin de Silva, Assistant Professor of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, University of California, San Diego • conversation
April 27, 2023 ~10 min


Mountain environments are key to biodiversity – but the threats to them are being ignored

Mountain environments are rich in plant and animal species, but the dual threat of human habitation and climate change means urgent action is needed to protect them.

Rob Marchant, Professor of Tropical Ecology, University of York • conversation
Jan. 11, 2023 ~8 min

Olive ridley sea turtles are constantly on the move, so protective zones should follow them

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

Joseph Bernardo, Research Associate Professor of Biology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Nov. 3, 2022 ~11 min

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