Biodiversity

On the outer edge of a bog in Kohlhütte nature reserve, the land is drier than it used to be. Once, this dirt would have been more like thick mud.

In Germany’s Black Forest and beyond, a quiet loss of biodiversity

A recent survey indicates much less species growth in Germany’s Black Forest. Two plant species have gone extinct, and several more will likely disappear in the next 15 years.

In Germany’s Black Forest and beyond, a quiet loss of biodiversity
Old growth Douglas fir trees stand along the Salmon river Trail on the Mt. Hood National Forest

1 in 6 trees in the US threatened with extinction

1 in 6 trees in the US threatened with extinction
The book cover for "Eating to Extinction," by Dan Saladino.

'Eating to Extinction' author rallies for a more diverse global food system

'Eating to Extinction' author rallies for a more diverse global food system
Ecologist Tom Lovejoy is being remembered for his decades of research and bringing people together to protect the Amazon rainforest and other ecosystems on the planet.

Remembering Tom Lovejoy, champion of biodiversity and the Amazon

Remembering Tom Lovejoy, champion of biodiversity and the Amazon
Huseyin Kara shows off his lush green olive trees, like a proud grandfather.

Seed keepers in Turkey revive old farming methods to confront new climate threats

Seed keepers in Turkey revive old farming methods to confront new climate threats
An image of blue water surrounding the Galápagos Islands.

Chinese fishing fleet threatens Galápagos Islands

A fleet of more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels off the coast of the Galápagos Islands poses a danger to the area’s delicate ecosystem, Ecuadorian officials say.

Chinese fishing fleet threatens Galápagos Islands
Silver-backed chevrotain caught on camera

Rare mouse-deer spotted in Vietnam for the first time in 30 years

The forests of coastal Vietnam are among the most biodiverse on Earth. But in the face of rampant poaching, many species are vanishing. Recently a species of mouse-deer was spotted for the first time in nearly 30 years, handing a much-needed bit of hope to conservationists.

Rare mouse-deer spotted in Vietnam for the first time in 30 years
Barbary macaque endangered

A sobering report on biodiversity loss spurs big plans to save species

A United Nations biodiversity report concludes that as many as one million species are at risk of going extinct in the coming decades. In response, the the UN Convention on Biodiversity and the Center for Biological Diversity have released new plans to avert the crisis.

A sobering report on biodiversity loss spurs big plans to save species
A woman walks by a mural in New York.

Why are so many languages spoken in some places and so few in others?

Linguists have a lot of largely untested theories. Borrowing a tool from ecology, researchers built a model that didn't look for one worldwide explanation.

Why are so many languages spoken in some places and so few in others?
Coral reef

A UN report says Earth faces 'unprecedented' threat to biodiversity

The United Nations recently released a shocking report on the state of the world’s biodiversity, warning that about a million plant and animal species are on the verge of extinction due to human activity.

A UN report says Earth faces 'unprecedented' threat to biodiversity
Bioacoustics device

Listening to forests could aid conservation efforts around the world

A technique called bioacoustic monitoring is helping scientists get a better picture of the biodiversity of forests.

Listening to forests could aid conservation efforts around the world
toy dinosaurs on a yellow background

What makes some species more likely to go extinct?

Estimates suggest 99.99 percent of all species that have ever lived are now extinct. All species that exist today — including human beings — will invariably go extinct at some point.

What makes some species more likely to go extinct?
Piles of recently cut-down trees are are seen in Brazil.

Biodiversity loss has an enormous impact on humans, according to a UN report

A three-year study finds that land degradation and rapidly declining biological diversity has profound implications for humanity, putting billions of people at risk of living without adequate food, water and energy.

Biodiversity loss has an enormous impact on humans, according to a UN report
Microsoft recently announced a commitment of $50 million and five years to its "AI for Earth" program.

Artificial intelligence could play a pivotal role in managing and protecting planet’s natural resources

Earth's oldest resources could receive needed protection and management from man's newest technologies.

Artificial intelligence could play a pivotal role in managing and protecting planet’s natural resources
water mite

Jennifer Lopez has a species of water mite named after her. Really

What do Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez and Bob Marley have in common? Think science and species.

Jennifer Lopez has a species of water mite named after her. Really