A new study suggests many vertebrate species are “cryptic”: they look the same but have distinct DNA. On average there may be two hidden species for each recognized one, which can affect conservation and legal protection.
Photo by Kody Goodson, Unsplash
Tea plantations and other development near Kibira National Park in northwest Burundi have reduced forest cover and made wildlife, including chimpanzees, rarer. Experts and local people call for community action to protect the park.
The Government of Nepal has proposed the Chepang Landscape as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM). The area is community-managed and important for biodiversity, but land-rights and cultural concerns must be addressed.
A study using drone footage found many tourism rule violations at El Azul, a large whale shark site off the Yucatán coast. Researchers recorded boats and swimmers too close to feeding sharks and recommend better monitoring and self-regulation.
A Washington State University review finds that human-made beaver dams, or beaver mimicry, can help rivers and streams. The studies show benefits for water storage, cooler summer temperatures, biodiversity and fire resistance, but more research is needed.
Cameroon's Manyange Na Elombo-Campo MPA covers 110,300 hectares and includes 10 villages. A June 28, 2024 guide and a local charter involve communities in management, but illegal fishing, funding uncertainty and technical limits remain challenges.
