Colombia orchid sanctuary collects and clones endangered species
Deep in Colombia's northwestern forests, an orchid enthusiast has gathered a colorful collection of nearly 25,000 specimens, some of which he is cloning to protect them from extinction......»»
Sea snakes regain advanced color vision, recovering a complex trait once lost to evolutionary time
Nine species of sea snakes have now been identified as having regained the genetic requirements for advanced color vision, demonstrating that once a complex trait has been lost to evolutionary time, it may be regained in some way......»»
Rare species found "thriving" in streams after rescue from wildfires
Years after a wildfire threatened to wipe out a rare, genetically unique species in a tiny Colorado creek, it was found "thriving" in new streams, officials said......»»
LA Zoo hatches first-ever perentie lizards, one of largest lizard species in the world
Two new baby lizards have hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, the first of their species to be bred there, zoo officials said Thursday......»»
Newly identified mysterious fossil seed reveals Ice Age climate patterns
La Brea Tar Pits scientists have identified a previously unknown juniper species as Juniperus scopulorum, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Juniper. The successful identification, along with the first-ever radiocarbon dating of these fossil plants.....»»
Federal protection for monarch butterflies could help or harm this iconic species, depending on how it"s carried out
Monarch butterflies are among the most beloved insects in North America. They are brightly colored and unique, both as caterpillars and later as mature insects. Monarchs are found in every U.S. state except Alaska, so nearly everyone has seen a monar.....»»
Extended chart of life shows ancient species may have evolved slower and lasted longer
If all the world's a stage and all the species merely players, then their exits and entrances can be found in the rock record. Fossilized skeletons and shells clearly show how evolution and extinction unfolded over the past half a billion years, but.....»»
Near-extinct Caribbean reptile makes epic comeback
The Sombrero ground lizard, endemic to a tiny Caribbean island near Anguilla, is a critically endangered reptile. In 2018, it was estimated that fewer than 100 individuals of the species were left in the wild—it was on the very brink of extinction......»»
Top 10 plant and fungal species named new to science in 2024
Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and their partners reveal their pick of the top 10 plants and fungi named new to science in 2024......»»
Researchers identify 35 new lizard species on Caribbean islands
A new scientific study from Temple University's College of Science and Technology (CST) has identified 35 new species of forest lizards, all from islands in the Caribbean. However, that same study has also found that these species of lizards won't be.....»»
Endangered whales found entangled in rope off Massachusetts, and 1 is likely to die
Two endangered whales have been spotted entangled in fishing gear off Massachusetts, and one is likely to die from its injuries, the federal government said......»»
Scientists witness evolution in action when two lizard species meet for the first time
In South Florida, two Caribbean lizard species met for the first time. What followed provided some of the clearest evidence to date of evolution in action......»»
Topographic complexity: A blueprint for biodiversity conservation
In the intricate landscapes of karst regions, the subtle interplay of slopes, soils, and microclimates is shaping the survival of plant species. A new study published in Forest Ecosystems has revealed how the unique structure of dolines—topographic.....»»
World"s only bonobo sanctuary aids orphaned apes in developing social skills
Apes orphaned by the illegal trade in bushmeat and pets can overcome trauma and develop social abilities like those of their mother-reared peers......»»
New model maps monkey habitats to aid conservation efforts
A monkey mapping study could boost conservation of animal species that share their habitats with humans......»»
Critically endangered elephant found dead in Bali river
A critically endangered elephant living at a zoo on the Indonesian resort island of Bali was found dead in a river Tuesday after being swept away by strong currents following days of torrential rain, officials said......»»
UK"s inland bathing sites tainted by chemical pollutants and antibiotic resistant genes, researchers find
The U.K.'s rivers are contaminated with a mixture of chemical pollutants and antibiotic resistant genes, which could be causing severe harm to people and aquatic species, according to the findings of a new study......»»
Protective salt marshes along coasts are in danger across the globe but it"s not too late to act, researchers say
Salt marshes are among coastal habitats endangered by both rising sea levels and urban development......»»
Threat of abrupt mortality events keeps endangered monkey population at risk, despite decades of growth
Despite the population being almost four times larger than it was in 1982, a new study published in the journal Ecology suggests the northern muriqui monkeys remain at risk, especially in the face of ongoing habitat disturbances......»»
A biochip for fish detection using eDNA
Dolly Varden is a rare species of fish found in the Nooksack River basin of northwestern Washington state. Although they have flyrods in tow, Trout Unlimited volunteers' primary tool of choice is an environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling kit. This tool en.....»»
Closest relative of "magic mushroom" discovered in Africa
A team of biologists, mycologists and microbiologists in the U.S., South Africa and Zimbabwe reports that a species of mushroom growing in parts of Africa is the closest relative of Psilocybe cubensis, the most widespread hallucinogenic mushroom know.....»»