Biodiversity

"Once common in the West, whitebark pine is being wiped out by a deadly fungus, ravaging beetles, and climate change. Scientists hope advances in gene sequencing and a recent federal listing as threatened will speed the hunt for trees that can be replanted and seed the future."

"Many of the policies enacted around the world to curb the mass killing of sharks have backfired, partly because well-intentioned rules against taking the predators solely for their fins have led to an increase in demand for shark meat, according to a study published on Thursday."

"An ancient species of great ape was likely driven to extinction when climate change put their favorite fruits out of reach during dry seasons, scientists reported Wednesday."

"With Alaska's wildlife numbers declining, agencies are blaming — and culling — predators. The true threat is much more complex."

"The Pacific coast’s only native oyster is making a comeback, but it still needs a little help from its friends."

"Light can be deadly. Many animals and plants are threatened by artificial light. Numerous organisms have found their evolutionary niche in the dark of night, and now have to adapt to bright nights."

"Drive down any of the long, rutted back roads of Anza, a dusty Riverside County community, and it won’t take long before you feel like you’ve fallen off the grid."

"Sperm whales live in clans with distinctive cultures, much like those of humans, a study has found."

"Understanding animal and environmental microbiomes could be the key to successfully reintroducing captive animals to the wild".

"In summer, South Georgia island’s Cumberland Bay now sees whale numbers that rival the early days of whaling."