No-one doubts that life on Earth is undergoing a mass extinction. Estimates of species loss vary. Nonetheless, it is clear that human impacts are taking their toll. There are numerous examples of extinctions due to human activities, whether directly (e.g., hunting) or indirectly (e.g., introducing invasive species). Human activities may promote speciation We applaud the […]
The 10 Most Powerful Biodiversity Images
Here we present 10 powerful biodiversity images. A picture is worth a thousand words, they say. That may be true! Today we’re swamped with information. Images can say a lot with a little. That said, we’re in the digital revolution. So now we’re flooded with zillions of photos and memes. We like and tag images […]
Wildlife conservation outcomes for a golf course in England
My name is Steve Thompson, I have been working at John o’ Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire for 27 years. My main job as a greenkeeper is helping to keep the golf course to a high standard (e.g., cutting greens, tees, raking bunkers, etc.). My passion today is golf course conservation. I have always had […]
Honesty, integrity and “fake news” in fund-raising for conservation
A hair-raising fund-raising story This story begins with a post I read on LinkedIn. The article in question is trying to raise money for a conservation organization. Among several dubious claims, one stuck out. According to the author, for “approximately $12M a single donor could have protected, in perpetuity… trillions of microbial species.” Well, I’m […]
How our definition of nature shapes conservation efforts
In our attempts to safeguard nature, from entire ecosystems to the last specimen of rare species, all allies are welcome. More than ever, there is a need for an overarching view on what conservation is supposed to be. This article serves to introduce biodiversity professionals to contemporary environmental philosophy. It is a discipline that could […]
The BIG Biodiversity Challenge 2016
With construction and development essential for continued economic growth, it is crucial that the current upward trend does not come at the expense of the natural environment. Further awareness of the relationship between natural systems and a strong economy has led to organisations developing plans and strategies that integrate both economic and environmental targets. An […]
Sustainability Debate: Where are the marketers?
Sustainability, what is it good for? We may well ask the question, since the word seems to have lost its impact with consumers. “So where are the marketers?” asks guest author Barbara de Waard. The marketing profession has been absent from the sustainability debate Many biodiversity professionals have undoubtedly followed events at the recent COP21 […]
5 Reasons To Love Introduced Species
Introduced species get a bad rap from conservationists Over the last half-century, conservationists worldwide have taken every opportunity to deride introduced species certain in the knowledge that their views would escape serious scrutiny. We’ve all been singing from the same song sheet—the louder and more passionate the denouncement the more praise it has attracted. Many […]
Petition to save the wild chinchilla
The chinchilla is a beloved pet for many. However, wild chinchillas are listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered. Their conservation status is due to exploitation of the animal for fur. According to Meadow (1969), “…the disappearance of the once beautiful chinchilla alarmed the South American governments of Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. By 1918 […]
Conservationists must engage local communities
Let’s face it, top-down approaches haven’t worked. While the big NGOs have some merits, the model of going into a conservation area and it fencing off has not made much difference to the overall trend of biodiversity loss and wildlife population declines. One answer is to engage communities more frequently and more effectively. According to […]
reply
retweet
favorite