Conservation Science
Protecting nature is what we do. Science shows us how. We tell the stories behind Nature Conservancy science — from the field to the research lab, and everywhere in between.
From the Field
We get our boots dirty. Join us as we cover science in action, from stormwater drains to the Indonesian rainforest..
Climate Mitigation Depends on Seed-Dispersing Wildlife
A new study finds that the loss of seed-dispersing species in tropical forests more than halves the potential for areas of natural regrowth to sequester carbon.
The Power of the Emerald Edge
Old-growth forests in the Emerald Edge store carbon, support biodiversity, and sustain Indigenous stewardship.
Strictly Protected Marine Areas Can Effectively Deter Most Industrial Fishing
Industrial fishing vessels in fully and highly protected marine areas occur about 9 times less frequently than in unprotected surrounding waters.
Meet the Tuatara: New Zealand’s Bizarre Ancient Reptile
Join ecologists as they search for tuatara — one of the world’s most unique reptiles —in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
Extraterrestrial Impact: Rare Geological Find Provides Evidence of “Unimaginable Devastation”
An extraordinary find at North Carolina’s Paint Farm reveals evidence of one of the largest extraterrestrial impacts to ever hit the planet.
A Bird’s Eye View: Drones Search for Grassland Birds in Colorado
At The Nature Conservancy’s Carpenter Ranch Preserve, drones assist in the search for grassland birds.
Science for Strategy
Science is strategy. Learn from 600 scientists & our partners researching the best way to protect nature.
A Partnership for a Healthier Appalachian Forest
Restoring a healthy Appalachian forest has many benefits, for wildlife and local communities.
Protecting the Plains-wanderer, Australia’s Odd Inland Shorebird
Grazing lands can help protect one of the most unique — and endangered — birds in the world: the Australian plains-wanderer.
California Quail: Encounters with a Suburban Gamebird
Many bird species are declining, but the California quail is thriving in farm fields and suburbia of the western United States. Here’s a look at the life and times of this charismatic bird.
Young Forests Are an Overlooked Climate Solution
New research by TNC scientists provides the first detailed picture of the carbon removal value of naturally regrowing forests
Meet the Kangaroos That Live in Trees
Tree-kangaroos are one of the world’s most bizarre and fascinating mammals.
Cool Green Summer Book Review 2025
Whether you bird or fish or love the beach or just love a good story, our summer book review has something you’ll love.
Science Brief
Your hub for the latest peer-reviewed research powering conservation action.
Archives
Sun on the Water: How to Plan for a Renewable Energy Future That Floats
The expansion of floating photovoltaics could provide renewable energy while also sparing land. But there are still many unknowns.
Minimizing Tradeoffs Between Crop Yields and Climate Benefits
Research pinpoints where regenerative agriculture practices can have the most benefits for climate change mitigation and crop production.
One Size Does Not Fit All for Sustainable Livestock Production
Understanding economic, environmental, and social and cultural contexts is essential to achieving sustainable livestock production.
Coconut Palms Dominate Over Half of Pacific Atoll Forests
First study of its kind shows that decades of coconut palm agriculture have led to deforestation on over 80 percent of Pacific atolls, and coconut palms now cover more than half of the atolls’ forested areas.
Fish Aggregating Devices Could Enhance the Effectiveness of Blue Water Marine Protected Areas
Research from TNC’s Palmyra Atoll suggests fish aggregating devices could increase the time mobile species spend within blue water MPAs.
Mapping Global Land Conversion to Support Conservation Planning
A new map identifying land conversion pressures helps identify where conservation interventions are most urgent.
