Are marine protected areas as effective as they seem?
A global analysis of shallow reef MPAs suggests that less than 2% of global oceans may be protected by ecologically effective MPAs, falling short of the global goal of 30% by 2030.
Butterflies reveal a global connectivity challenge
A global analysis of more than 1,700 butterfly species reveals widespread climate-driven range shifts, highlighting the importance of connected landscapes that allow species to adapt.
Climate warming disrupts connectivity for terrestrial vertebrates
A global assessment projects that nearly 80% of the world's land area will experience reduced climate connectivity under future warming.
Rethinking the economic costs of forest protection for 30×30
A new analysis shows that protecting connected forests to meet 30x30 goals may cost far less than previously thought, as global market responses can offset reduced timber production.
High-quality matrices support bird diversity in forest fragments
Global data from forest islands and forest fragments show that improving tree cover and landscape connectivity around small forest fragments can dramatically increase bird diversity and reduce local extinctions.
Plant range shifts can help diversity but not prevent global extinctions
Climate-driven plant migrations can help maintain biodiversity, but new research shows that protecting climate refugia and connected landscapes will be essential because species movement alone cannot prevent many future plant extinctions.
Social implications of 30×30
A global analysis of the 30×30 conservation target shows that expanding well-connected protected areas could affect billions of people, highlighting the need for equitable, locally led conservation.
Climate models often miss the pace of range shifts
A global assessment of more than 3,500 terrestrial and marine species shows that while observed range shifts often follow the predicted direction, species frequently move much faster than climate models anticipate.
Forest fragmentation and loss intensifies droughts
As forests become more patchy, they not only lose connectivity but also see a disruption in the land-atmosphere feedbacks that help stabilize regional water cycles.
Practical guidance for climate-smart planning
A recent climate-informed approach to landscape planning outlines a five-step process that integrates climate change exposure and refugia information to strengthen conservation and management decisions.
Rethinking connectivity through reused wildlife travel routes
A global comparison of canid and felid travel routeways uncovers consistent, unexpected differences, with implications for conservation connectivity planning.
Mapping global marine climate refugia
A global assessment of marine protected areas identifies climate resilient marine refugia and reveals major protection gaps, offering a clear roadmap for strengthening ocean conservation and advancing global 30x30 goals.
Over half of global forests have become more fragmented
A new global analysis uses multiple metrics incorporating habitat connectivity and aggregation to reveal that more than half of the world’s forests have become increasingly fragmented since 2000.
Deep-sea life connects across oceans
Deep-sea ecosystems are more connected across oceans than shallow water ecosystems, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies that protect biodiversity at all depths.
Climate warming disproportionately impacts deep-sea connectivity
A global assessment of range shifts in the ocean under climate change shows that the deepest zones are likely to lose the highest amount of connectivity.
The extent of global tropical forest degradation
More precise measurements of degradation in tropical moist forests show that edge effects, recovery times, and forest vulnerability are much greater than previously thought.
Quantifying two decades of global forest fragmentation
An analysis of forest fragmentation across the globe shows where forests are most intact, and where deforestation and loss of connectivity are accelerating.
Wind connectivity and its impact on tree genetics
A global analysis of wind patterns and forest genetics shows how landscape wind connectivity plays a role in the ecology and evolution of trees.
Only 40% of global forests have high ecosystem integrity, due to human disturbance
Forests provide important ecosystem services, such as sequestering carbon and preserving biodiversity. However, not all remaining forests are in the same condition; a new tool finds most are fragmented and disturbed by human pressures.
Human pressure impacts the connectivity of protected areas in tropical Andean countries
A new assessment of connectivity in the tropics includes a human impact factor, and suggests that connectivity in the region may not be as high as previously thought, impacting progress toward Aichi Target 11 goals.