Ancient DNA Giving Fresh Insights
Scientists trying to save endangered species are finding help in museum collections. It has been shown that using DNA specimens from old specimens to understand evolution and threats to their survival.
Articles & Blogs - Page 3
Bringing you the latest articles, opinion and analysis in the conservation world
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Sea Eagle Stress
White-tailed sea eagles in Germany were tested for the stress hormone corticosterone, levels of which were particularly high in birds nesting close to roads and paths. This has implications for tourist use in areas of high eagle density.
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Green Turtles Eat Plastic that Looks Like Food
It may seem obvious but it has now been scientifically proven that green turtles eat plastic that closely resembles sea grass, their preferred food. This research is important, as it shows what kind of plastic pollution is a particular problem.
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Shocking South African Extinctions
Over the past 300 years, 79 plants have been confirmed extinct from three of the world’s biodiversity hotspots located in South Africa – the Cape Floristic Region, the Succulent Karoo, and the Maputuland-Pondoland-Albany corridor.
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Large Freshwater Animals in Decline
A study of large freshwater animals between 1970 to 2012 has revealed that populations throughout the globe have fallen by 88%, with large fish species being particularly affected. Conservation action for freshwater biodiversity is urgently required.
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Groundbreaking Technique to Save Northern White Rhinos
A groundbreaking procedure has been successfully conducted with a view to saving the northern white rhino from extinction. Eggs have been harvested from the last two individuals left, and artificially inseminated.
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Habitat Loss Major Threat to Australian Birds
New research has found that habitat loss is a major concern for hundreds of Australian bird species, threatened as well as non-threatened, and south-eastern Australia has been the worst affected.
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Research Bias Leaves Primates at Risk
A study of research articles published in recent years has found that they have focused heavily on a few charismatic primates and nationally protected parks and forests, leaving lesser known species and habitats at risk.
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Faecal Transplants for Koalas
Analyses of microbiomes in the guts of koalas has led tot he discovery that faecal transplants could help them to eat a wider range of food. This may help them to survive habitat loss and could benefit other endangered species with very specific diets.
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Fishing Cause of Shark Numbers Plummeting
Sharks being killed for there meat and fins has resulted in them becoming much rarer in areas near to large human populations and fish markets. The body size of them and other marine predators has also fallen dramatically in these areas.