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..
Caught on Camera: the Long-Nosed Chilean Shrew Opossum
Camera traps in the Valdivian Coastal Reserve document an increase in sites where one of Chile’s least-known marsupials is known to live.
Meet the Mysterious Long-Nosed Chilean Shrew Opossum
Spoiler alert: it’s not a shrew. It’s a relict marsupial, and has lived in the forests of Chile’s Valdivian Coast for millennia.
Small but Mighty: Pacific Island Atolls are Globally Important Sites for Tropical Seabirds
Global conservation efforts largely overlook the important contributions of atolls to the protection, restoration, and survival of tropical seabirds.
This Skunk Does Handstands. Yes, Handstands.
The island spotted skunk is difficult to observe. But a monitoring program on California’s Channel Islands offers a glimpse at this creature’s amazing habits.
Saltmarsh Sparrow: The “Canary” of Sea-Level Rise
The saltmarsh sparrow is literally adapted to keep its head above water. But the seas are rising.
Shearwater Search: The Trials and Rewards of Offshore Seabird Research
Off the coast of Long Island, researchers are helping shape conservation actions by tracking seabirds. But they have to catch them first.
Science for Strategy
Science is strategy. Learn from 600 scientists & our partners researching the best way to protect nature.
To Save Pacific Turtles, Focus on Small-Scale Fisheries
Small-scale fisheries cause significantly greater mortality to Solomon Islands turtles than longliners.
Bringing Beavers Back to Britain
Nature Conservancy & National Geographic Society extern Eleanor Salisbury shares her experience studying how reintroducing beavers to the U.K. can benefit both nature and people.
How Trees Can Help Fight Rising Heat in Arid Cities
New science shows increasing greening programs in arid cities could reduce air temperatures near people’s homes by an average of 0.5˚C.
Brazilian Family Farmers Use Agroforestry to Improve their Lands and Livelihoods (and Help Fight Climate Change)
Natural climate solutions, like agroforestry, can help protect biodiversity and contribute to the reductions needed to mitigate climate change.
TNC Scientist Honored with Naming of New Skink Species
It’s not every day that a young female scientist is honored alongside David Attenborough and E. O. Wilson.
How Communities Are Leading the Way in Agroforestry
From the Dominican Republic to the Ecuadorian Amazon, how four community-led agroforestry systems are helping to advance the science that supports this natural climate solution.
Science Brief
Your hub for the latest peer-reviewed research powering conservation action.
Archives
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%.
Mapping the World’s Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems Reveals Protection Gaps
A first-of-its-kind global map shows 53% of groundwater-dependent ecosystems are in areas of known groundwater depletion, and likely at risk.
Want to Suppress Coral Disease? Bring Back Sea Cucumbers
By feeding on microbial pathogens in marine sediment, the weird and wonderful sea cucumber can enhance reef resilience by suppressing coral diseases.
Fisheries Trusts Can Advance Sustainability and Resilience Goals
The first national review of community fisheries trusts in the U.S. shows they can achieve positive outcomes for fishing communities and marine ecosystems.
Freshwater Migratory Fish are in Trouble All Over the World
The Living Planet Index reports a staggering 81% average decline in global freshwater migratory fish populations since 1970.
When Sea Cucumbers Spawn, Where Do Their Larvae Go?
New research on sea cucumber genetics indicates that locally managed marine areas are a good way to protect this fishery for communities.
