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..
Solar’s Hidden Footprint: Why Accurate Land Data Matters for Conservation
New research reveals solar datasets underestimate land use by up to 34%, masking habitat loss in natural areas.
Get Up Close With Alabama’s Rivers
Follow photographer Mac Stone as he explores the pitcher plant bogs, nesting bird islands, and floodplain forests for Alabama’s river ecosystems.
Turning the Lens on Mongolia
Mongolia shaped his photography career. Now, 25 years later, he returns to capture the country’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Meet the Apalachicola Redhorse, a Newly Recognized Fish Species
For more than 50 years, the Apalachicola redhorse was a fish with no name. Learn more about this newly recognized species of sucker.
Forest Carbon Projects May Help More Than We Thought—New Study Finds Leakage Often Overestimated
New findings challenge current carbon market accounting practices and advocate for more nuanced, carbon-specific leakage estimates to ensure integrity and unlock greater investment in Climate Smart Forestry as a natural climate solution.
Searching for Black-backed Woodpeckers After the Burn
Learn the fascinating life history of the unusual, elusive black-backed woodpecker.
Science for Strategy
Science is strategy. Learn from 600 scientists & our partners researching the best way to protect nature.
The Swift Fox Makes a Surprise Comeback
New research shows North America’s smallest canine might be more adaptable than anyone previously thought.
The Butterflies of Marinduque: Small Wings, Big Changes
National Geographic Society & TNC extern Dustin Francisco shares how butterfly farming in Marinduque reveals the fragile balance between livelihood, culture, and conservation.
Bat: It’s What’s for Dinner
From crocodiles swimming through bat guano sludge to raccoons feasting in caves, here are weird stories of the predators that target bats.
A Search for the Cassia Crossbill, Idaho’s Endemic Bird
Meet the crossbill shaped by lodgepole pine “islands” and an absence of squirrels.
Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas: Culture and Community-Centered Conservation
National Geographic Society & TNC extern Cyusa Rio Dasilva shares his experience studying mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
Maximizing Climate Returns: Albedo Accounting for Smarter Carbon Investments
New research shows how the albedo effect—Earth’s reflectivity—influences how well forest restoration projects can help cool the Earth.
Science Brief
Your hub for the latest peer-reviewed research powering conservation action.
Archives
Aquaculture Can Benefit Blue Carbon Ecosystems
A new review, led by TNC scientists, explores the potential for bivalve aquaculture to benefit blue carbon ecosystems.
How Living Cover Could Help Heal the U.S. Corn Belt
Regenerative ag practices—like cover crops, agroforestry, and pastured livestock—could reduce nitrate loss, erosion and emissions.
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.
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.
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
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.
