Conservation
Climate Change Claims Its First Mammal Extinction
The Bramble Cay melomys, a tiny island rodent, was wiped out by sea-level rise, according to the government of Australia.
Stories by John R. Platt
Conservation
Crocking the Genetic Code
New genetic tests may reveal the secret to saving the critically endangered Siamese crocodile from extinction
Conservation
Breeding the "Snot Otter"
The gigantic Ozark hellbender salamander is in trouble in the wild, but one zoo—and a hard-working team—is helping to boost its populations
Conservation
Found but Lost: Newly Discovered Shark May Be Extinct
Carcharhinus obsolerus (that’s Latin for “extinct”) swam in the waters of the western Pacific, but it hasn’t been seen in 80-plus years...
Conservation
Hawaii's Snail Extinction Crisis: "We're Just Trying to Stop the Bleeding"
The death of a snail named George on New Year’s Day marked the extinction of his species. Saving the rest of Hawaii’s unique snails is a race against time—but not one without hope...
Conservation
The Biggest Issues for Wildlife and Endangered Species in 2019
It’s going to be a rough year, but we’ll also see some progress
Conservation
Swampy Thing: The Giant New Salamander Species Discovered in Florida and Alabama
After decades of rumors and searches, the existence of a two-foot-long amphibian called “the reticulated siren” has finally been confirmed
Conservation
You Can't Save a Species If It Doesn't Have a Name
A newly discovered plant genus could be wiped out by dams and mining. Could giving it a name save it from extinction?
Conservation
Trump, Zombie Deregulation and the Hawaiian Hawk
A bid to remove the bird from the Endangered Species Act has emerged once again—long after the disappearance of the organization that proposed its removal
Conservation
Shock as China Legalizes Medicinal Trade in Rhino Horns and Tiger Parts
In a move that shocked and horrified many conservationists, China this week opened up two legal markets for rhino horns and tiger body parts. Under China’s new rules, which overturn a 25-year-old ban, farm-raised tiger and rhino “products” can be approved for use in medical research or by accredited doctors in hospitals, despite the fact that the body parts have no known medicinal value...
Conservation
Conservationists: Don't Give Up on the "Living Dead"
Small, remnant populations might look like they’re doomed, but a new study says they could still deserve protection...
Conservation
Prickly but Unprotected: 18 Percent of Cactus Species at Risk
A new study—the first of its kind—finds the world’s conservation areas fail to protect hundreds of rare cactus species...
Conservation
New Tree Species Discovered—and Declared Extinct
Researchers have identified a new tree species in Cameroon, but it only grew in a landscape that has now been destroyed by agriculture
Conservation
When This Rat Went Extinct, So Did a Flea
The extinction of the Christmas Island flea—and the current risk to other parasites—shows a major gap in conservation efforts
Conservation
Lemurs in Crisis: 105 Species Now Threatened with Extinction
At least 95 percent of Madagascar’s beloved primates are now at risk, conservationists warn
Conservation
Lion-Hunting by Trump Donors Is Awful, but the Trade in Lion Bones Is Worse
Experts worry this booming trade could doom the big cats in the wild
Conservation
Is the Great Indian Bustard About to Go Extinct?
Only one male has turned up at the birds’ breeding grounds this year—and he’s too young to breed
Conservation
Climate Change Is Killing These Ancient Trees , but That's Just Part of the Story
New research shows 2,000-year-old baobab trees are suddenly dying. New trees won’t have a chance, either
Conservation
Bat-Killing Fungus Spreads to 2 New Species and 2 New States
The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome continues its deadly spread west, but a meeting of bat researchers reveals cause for hope
Conservation
Saving California Condors with a Chisel and Hand Puppets
Conservationists have helped to save North America’s largest bird from extinction, but it’s still important to give every chick a chance to fly free...
