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..
Borax Lake Chub: Conserving a High Desert Survivor
This fish has adapted to a lake high in arsenic and heavy metals. But human activity poses a greater challenge.
Communities Unite to Save Papua New Guinea’s Forests from Logging
A group of villages in Papua New Guinea decided to protect their damaged rainforests from future clearcuts. A photographer captured that work in action.
Coral Atolls are Not a Lost Cause
An international team argues that strategic ecological restoration could save coral atoll islands from the rising seas of climate change.
Nēnē: The Recovery of the Hawaiian Goose
One of the rarest waterfowl species on earth, the nene nearly disappeared forever. Here is its epic story.
Lost and Found: A Story from Palmyra Atoll
When you work in a place remote as Palmyra Atoll, if equipment fails, there won’t be a midweek run to Bass Pro Shops.
Meet the Bison: North America’s Most Famous Mammal
For all their fame, you’d be surprised by how much you don’t know about North America’s largest land mammal.
Science for Strategy
Science is strategy. Learn from 600 scientists & our partners researching the best way to protect nature.
Scientists Re-Discover Giant Rat Not Seen in 30+ Years
A TNC-funded expedition in the Solomon Islands has re-discovered a giant rat species.
How An Invasive Ant Affects East Africa’s Iconic Wildlife
Invasive ants are having an outsized effect on savanna ecology, impacting even the largest mammals.
Photographing Eels in the Dark
An artist turns her camera to the slippery, elusive and endangered American eel.
The Search for America’s Tiniest Turtles
In Massachusetts, a team is restoring wetlands and using some old-school ways to track bog turtles process.
Running the Numbers on Global Seabird Restoration
A new database of global seabird restoration projects allows scientists to analyze trends and provides a tool for practitioners looking to effectively restore seabirds and coastal ecosystems.
Sea Turtles Are Under Threat from Small-Scale Fisheries
Free divers are fishing turtles at unsustainble levels in the Solomon Islands.
Science Brief
Your hub for the latest peer-reviewed research powering conservation action.
Archives
Overlooked ‘Albedo’ Effect Should Be Factored into Tree Cover Restoration Decisions for Climate
Albedo changes can cause large reductions to the climate benefit of tree planting. New research helps identify areas around the […]
Want Resilient Coral Reefs? Bring Back Seabirds
Eradicating rats and restoring seabird populations could increase coral reef resilience to climate disturbances.
Empowering Communities with Solar
The ongoing transformation of the U.S.’s energy systems creates a compelling opportunity to build the energy infrastructure of the future.
Restoring Old-Growth Forests in the Pacific Northwest: Lessons from TNC’s Ellsworth Creek Preserve
Scientists are evaluating 15 years of forest management at TNC’s Ellsworth Creek Preserve to inform large-scale forest restoration efforts.
Nature and Equity: The Future of Lasting Conservation?
Solutions to the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change may require entwined solutions framed by “Nature and Equity.”
A New Boost for Biochar as a Natural Climate Solution
Biochar could be a meaningful ally in tackling the climate crisis.