Conservation
Which Lost Species May be Found Again? Huge Study Reveals Clues
There are 856 mammal, bird, amphibian and reptile species currently missing—but researchers continue to search
Ecology2779 articles archived since 1845
Conservation
Coast Redwoods Are Enduring, Adaptable Marvels
Redwoods, like all trees, are engineered marvels that offer life lessons about adapting over time
Conservation
What’s Missing from the Emoji Animal Kingdom?
In the digital age, some scientists argue the emojisphere should better represent Earth’s biosphere—tardigrades, flatworms and all
Ecology
How a Parasitic Worm Forces Praying Mantises to Drown Themselves
Thieving worms may manipulate their prey with stolen genes
Ecology
Turns Out Undersea Kelp Forests Are Crucial to Salmon
The beloved fish that feed orcas and humans depend on kelp forests’ unique habitat.
Ecology
Wildfire Brought Wolves Back to Southern California after 150 Years
Wolves and other animals seeking easy meals and ideal habitat can flock into areas burned by wildfire
Conservation
Invasive ‘Cocaine Hippos’ Are Being Sterilized in Colombia
To deal with invasive hippos that were brought to Colombia by drug lord Pablo Escobar—and that threaten the country’s biodiversity—the nation’s government is sterilizing, exporting and euthanizing the animals ...
Ecology
Mysterious Galápagos Reefs Harbor Strawberry Squid and Other Fantastic Creatures
A deep-sea expedition discovers a strange, dark world of strawberry squid and ratfish in cold-water corals near the Galápagos Islands
Endangered Species
How AI Can Help Save Endangered Species
Scientists are using artificial intelligence to fight biodiversity loss by analysing vast amounts of data, monitoring ecosystems and spotting trends over time
Climate Change
‘Air-Conditioning’ Rivers and Streams Could Save Overheated Fish
Warming waters pose a danger to Atlantic salmon. A new effort aims to lower the temperature in waterways used by the fish to spawn
Ecology
Can We Save Every Species from Extinction?
The Endangered Species Act requires that every U.S. plant and animal be saved from extinction, but after 50 years, we have to do much more to prevent a biodiversity crisis
Ecology
Thousands More Puzzling ‘Fairy Circles’ Have Been Found around the World
These mysterious spots of barren soil have fascinated scientists for years. Now evidence of their existence beyond two known locations is stirring up a fresh round of contention
Ecology
A Beautiful Newfound Fungus Mummifies Its Spider Prey
A striking purple species is one piece of the fungal kingdom’s uncharted diversity
Pollution
Maui Fires Could Contaminate the Island’s Waters
Researchers in Hawaii are studying the effects of the deadly blazes on its island of Maui, including how they have impacted drinking-water quality and might affect local marine ecosystems...
Animals
The Hot Secret behind a Deep-Sea ‘Octopus Garden’
Thousands of usually solitary octopuses gather to brood eggs in a special spot off California
Ecology
Turtle Shells Record Nuclear History
Minuscule amounts of uranium detected in the shells of turtles point to a new way to track such materials’ impacts on people and ecosystems
Climate Change
Disappearing Glaciers Expose Vast New Ecosystems That Need Protection
New habitats that are emerging as mountain glaciers melt away represent huge ecological shifts and present new challenges for conservation
Ecology
In This Ancient Garden, Plants Can Cure or Kill You
Apothecaries founded this famous garden—one of the most ancient botanical gardens in Europe—to teach their students which plants poison and which plants cure.
Ecology
Strange Ecosystem Found Thriving below Seafloor Hydrothermal Vents
An expedition using a deep-sea remotely operated vehicle has uncovered a hidden underground ecosystem below hydrothermal vents on the seafloor
Ecology
More than Half of Earth’s Species Live Underground
Researchers set out to calculate how much of Earth’s life dwells in the planet’s least admired environment
