Polynesian island yields "treasure trove" of fungal biodiversity
The islands of the South Pacific are a hot spot for biodiversity, but their jagged peaks, hot and humid conditions, and remote locations have limited scientists' ability to document the many fantastic forms of life in the region......»»
In French Polynesia, boom in whale-based tourism sparks concern
A giant whale stole the show at the Summer Olympic Games, shooting out of the water as athletes competed in women's surfing semi-finals on the French Pacific island of Tahiti last month......»»
Unraveling an ancient European extinction mystery: Disappearance of dwarf megafauna on paleolithic Cyprus
Scientists have unraveled a mystery about the disappearance of dwarf hippos and elephants that once roamed the picturesque landscape on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus before paleolithic humans arrived......»»
Urban sustainable development needs to secure basic human needs, finds study
Urban sustainable development (USD) plans and policies cover a wide range of issues, such as biodiversity protection, transportation, or poverty reduction. Yet, it is unclear what the USD policy preferences of residents are......»»
Road networks stretch into Congo Basin forests: Satellites and AI help to monitor
The Congo Basin rainforest is the second-largest tropical forest in the world, storing large volumes of carbon and hosting high levels of biodiversity. While these forests have historically stayed mostly intact, road development has recently become a.....»»
Researchers use training model to map planted and natural forests via satellite image
While planting trees may seem like an easy win to combat climate change, planted forests often encroach on natural forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This can reduce biodiversity, disturb the natural environment, and disrupt carbon and water cycling......»»
"Ecocide" on Easter Island never took place, studies suggest
Two recent studies have cast doubt on a popular theory that the ancient residents of Easter Island suffered a societal collapse because they overexploited their natural resources, an event often labeled one of history's first "ecocides"......»»
Ethics of biobanking for conservation: Researchers adjust ethical assessment tool for the use of genome research banks
In the face of the global biodiversity crisis, more and more biobanks are being set up to safeguard and potentially restore genetic diversity. Preserved tissue or cells allow scientists and conservationists to overcome spatial and even temporal fragm.....»»
The roles played by Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation
Indigenous Peoples play an indisputable and critical role in the conservation of the planet's biodiversity. Their lands and livelihoods sustain life in myriad forms. However, a study by researchers at the ICTA-UAB published in Nature concludes that t.....»»
Study shows urbanization has impacted the population genetic structure of the Eurasian red squirrel in Japan
Since many kinds of wildlife have started living in urban environments, urban environments have been recognized as places of biodiversity conservation. What kind of factors facilitate or prohibit wildlife from living in urban environments?.....»»
Old Easter Island genomes show no sign of a population collapse
Native American DNA in the genomes dates to roughly when Rapa Nui was settled. Enlarge (credit: Jarcosa) Rapa Nui, often referred to as Easter Island, is one of the most remote populated islands in the world. It's so dis.....»»
High-Andean wetlands release more CO₂ under short-term warming, study suggests
The high-Andean wetlands of the Argentinean Puna region, called "vegas" by local inhabitants, although covering less than 1% of this arid mountain region, are important ecosystems as they support biodiversity and provide local people with fresh water.....»»
Corn-shaped seed pellets to boost habitat for monarchs, bees
Crop fields are low in biodiversity, but farmers may soon be part of the solution thanks to a Cornell innovation that allows growers to use corn or other crop seed planting machines to plant strips of milkweed or wildflowers next to their fields......»»
Ancient DNA from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) refutes best-selling population collapse theory
Rapa Nui or Te Pito o Te Henua (the navel of the world), also known as Easter Island, is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the world. Located in the Pacific, it lies over 1,900 km east of the closest inhabited Polynesian island and 3,700 k.....»»
Study finds tire abrasion particles threaten fresh water habitats
A research team led by Prof. Dr. Markus Pfenninger from the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center Frankfurt (SBiK-F) has investigated the effects of tire-abrasion particles on freshwater ecosystems......»»
Genetic analysis reveals new giant fanged frog species in Philippines that is nearly identical to even larger species
Researchers from the University of Kansas have published findings in the journal Ichthyology & Herpetology describing a new species of fanged frog, named Limnonectes cassiopeia, from the Philippine island of Luzon......»»
Study fills in gaps and biases in plant biodiversity data
It is hard to protect something if you don't know where it is. Yet many people who study and want to safeguard native plants are faced with this exact problem......»»
Studying fungi"s "weak link" to fight global rise in deadly fungal infections
A group of scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have conducted neutron scattering research to reveal key information about fungus cell membranes that could aid in developing new antifungal treatments......»»
47 states fail to meet the ideal ratio of chargers to EVs, report says
Only the District of Columbia and three states — Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island — have the prime ratio of electric vehicles to public chargers, according to the report by Here Technologies and SBD Automotive......»»
Tagged fish help scientists improve restoration efforts
NOAA scientists are collaborating with some unique partners to learn more about how several Chesapeake Bay species use natural and restored areas near Poplar Island, on Maryland's Eastern Shore......»»
Taiwan volunteers fight rise in whale and dolphin strandings
Taiwanese volunteers gathered around a large inflatable whale as they learned how to help beached sea mammals—an increasingly common sight across the island......»»