Conservation1236 articles archived since 1845

Sacred Groves

Small Farmers in Mexico Keep Corn’s Genetic Diversity Alive

“Campesinos” are driving the evolution of maize in North America

World's Largest Organism Faces Bleak Future

The single organism that is the Utah aspen grove known as Pando is on the decline due to herbivores wiping out its youngest tree outgrowths

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

Climate Change May Curtail Shorebirds’ Need to Fly North

Arctic predators have been eating twice as many shorebird eggs, threatening populations and potentially migration itself

Blue Wave in Midwest Could Resurrect Climate Compact

A 2007 agreement aimed to reduce regional emissions, then political winds shifted

Solving Microplastic Pollution Means Reducing, Recycling—and Fundamental Rethinking

New practices, and new chemistries, are needed to end the scourge

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...

Singing Fish Reveal Underwater Battles in the Amazon

Researchers recorded piranha "honks" and catfish "screeches" in the Peruvian Amazon, which might illuminate fish activity in murky jungle waters. Christopher Intagliata reports...

Index Ranks U.S. Cities Based on Climate Risk and Readiness

The evaluation aims to help authorities better plan and prepare for the impacts of climate change

South Africa’s Invasive Species Guzzle Water and Hurt the Economy

The country’s pioneering first report on its biological invaders paints a dire picture for resources and biodiversity

“Ghost Gear” Haunts the Oceans in a Growing Threat

Tons of dumped nets and other fishing equipment are strangling animals and habitats

Pandas Swoon to Particular Croons

Listening to the sounds panda pairs make when they're introduced could lead to better breeding success. Christopher Intagliata reports.

As Insect Populations Decline, Scientists Are Trying to Understand Why

The real story behind reports of an “insect Armageddon” is more nuanced—but probably just as unsettling

For Halloween, Consider the Chocolate Midge

A tiny fly, related to biting no-see-ums, pollinates cacao trees and enables our chocolate cravings. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Human Pressures Have Shrunk Wildlife Populations by 60 Percent

In 40 years, human actions like deforestation have taken a major toll on wildlife, a new report finds

Conservationists Worry about Amazon's Fate after Bolsonaro's Victory in Brazil

The far-right president-elect has proposed opening the rainforest to trade and withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement

Dolphins Dumb Down Calls to Compete with Ship Noise

Bottlenose dolphins simplify and raise the pitch of their whistles to be heard above underwater shipping noise. Christopher Intagliata reports.

"Whose Land Do You Live On?" Reminds Americans Colonization Happened in Their Backyards

First Peoples populated America long before Europeans arrived to stake their claim. We have largely forgotten this legacy. A mapping tool is looking to change that