Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

Half the Earth Relatively Intact From Global Human Influence

Study Presents Clear Opportunities to Conserve What Remains

Roughly half of Earth’s ice-free land remains without significant human influence, according to a study from a team of international researchers led by the National Geographic Society and the University of California, Davis.

Natural Habitat Around Farms a Win for Strawberry Growers, Birds and Consumers

Removing Natural Habitat Can Increase Growers’ Costs Up to 76% With No Detectable Effect on Food Safety

Conserving natural habitat around strawberry fields can help protect growers’ yields, their bottom line and the environment with no detectable threat to food safety, indicates a study led by the University of California, Davis.

Global Science Team on Red Alert as Arctic Lands Grow Greener

Scientists are adopting new research techniques to tackle the most visible impact of climate change — the so-called greening of Arctic regions.

A paper published today in the journal Nature Climate Change describes how the latest drone and satellite technology is helping an international team of researchers better understand how the vast, treeless region called the tundra is becoming greener.

Outlook for the Polar Regions in a 2 Degrees Warmer World

International Team Assesses Widespread Effects of Polar Warming

With 2019 on pace as one of the warmest years on record, a major new study from the University of California, Davis, reveals how rapidly the Arctic is warming and examines global consequences of continued polar warming. 

The study, published today in the journal Science Advances reports that the Arctic has warmed by 0.75 C in the last decade alone. By comparison, the Earth as a whole has warmed by nearly the same amount, 0.8 C, over the past 137 years.    

Outlook for the Polar Regions in a 2 Degrees Warmer World

International Team Assesses Widespread Effects of Polar Warming

With 2019 on pace as one of the warmest years on record, a major new study from the University of California, Davis, reveals how rapidly the Arctic is warming and examines global consequences of continued polar warming. 

The study, published today in the journal Science Advances reports that the Arctic has warmed by 0.75 C in the last decade alone. By comparison, the Earth as a whole has warmed by nearly the same amount, 0.8 C, over the past 137 years.    

Do Marine Protected Areas Work?

Study Identifies How to Verify Whether MPAs are Effective

Marine protected areas, or MPAs, are an increasingly common way of protecting marine ecosystems by prohibiting fishing in specific locations. However, many people remain skeptical that MPAs actually benefit fish populations, and there has not yet been a way to demonstrate whether or not they are effective. Until now.

Working Landscapes Can Support Diverse Bird Species

Forest Patches Are Opportunities to Conserve Wildlife

Privately owned, fragmented forests in Costa Rica can support as many vulnerable bird species as can nearby nature reserves, according to a study from the University of California, Davis. 

The research suggests that working with landowners to conserve or restore forests on working landscapes can help protect wildlife. In Costa Rica, working landscapes include forest patches, crops, pastures and small towns.