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..
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.
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.
Exploring Idaho’s Thousand Springs Region
Crystal clear springs in southern Idaho, a legacy of Nature Conservancy protection efforts, are home to endemic species and offer outstanding recreational opportunities.
Meet the Spectacled Bear: South America’s Only Bear
South America’s only bear species is under threat from habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. Scientists are working hard to study—and protect—this remarkable species.
The Overlooked Biodiversity of Appalachian Caves
The cave habitats of Tennessee and Kentucky have species that most will never see. Here are some of the unusual creatures found there.
Science for Strategy
Science is strategy. Learn from 600 scientists & our partners researching the best way to protect nature.
Meet the Mole Crab, a Common and Surprising Beach Creature
Get up close with a fascinating crustacean you can find (and catch) on your next trip to the beach.
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.
A Kayak in Search of a Fish
In a historic Illinois wetland, a team tackles invasive carp using uncrewed small boats
Meet the Civet, the Mammal Behind the Coffee
Beyond the coffee, how much do you know about civets? They are incredibly cool mammals you really should know.
Chasing Unicorns: A Photographer’s Journey Documenting Rhino Conservation
Photographer Ami Vitale travels to Kenya to cover the translocation of 21 endangered northern white rhinoceros to TNC partner Loisaba Conservancy.
Pit Stops on the Monarch Flyway: Arkansas Partnership Benefits Pollinators
Restoring pollinator habitat on TNC Preserves to provide critical stops for monarch butterflies to nest and feed.
Science Brief
Your hub for the latest peer-reviewed research powering conservation action.
Archives
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.
A Roadmap for Reducing the Climate Impacts of U.S. Beef
Adoption of selected actions, especially around grazing, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. beef industry by up to 30%.
To Save Pacific Turtles, Focus on Small-Scale Fisheries
Small-scale fisheries cause significantly greater mortality to Solomon Islands turtles than longliners.
