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

Beavers can do wonders for nature – but we should be realistic about these benefits extending to people

The role of beavers in safeguarding against our heating climate has become an interesting point of discussion. But just how important remains subject to debate.

Matthew Dennis, Senior Lecturer in Geographical Information Science, University of Manchester • conversation
Sept. 26, 2022 ~6 min


Hedgehog conservation: how to make a garden nest box appealing – new research

Garden surveys reveal what makes a house a home for Britain’s favourite mammal.

Abi Gazzard, PhD in Ecology and Conservation, University of Reading • conversation
July 4, 2022 ~7 min

Paradox lost: wetlands can form in deserts, but we need to find and protect them

Wetlands in drylands seem impossible, but their benefits to people and wildlife are very real.

Timothy J. Ralph, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University • conversation
Feb. 2, 2021 ~7 min

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