Search results (232)
« Back to NewsLogged tropical forests are still valuable for biodiversity, study finds
13 January 2025
A research team led by the University of Oxford has carried out the most comprehensive assessment to date of how logging and conversion to oil palm plantations affect tropical forest ecosystems.
Botanists name beautiful new species of ‘lipstick vine’ from the Philippine rainforest
16 December 2024
Scientists have announced the discovery of a species of lipstick vine completely new to science, from the depths of the Philippine rainforest.
New project aims to transform how wildlife trade is monitored and managed
9 December 2024
The University of Oxford will play a leading role in a new project to develop indicators to measure progress towards globally agreed conservation targets, backed by $1.9 million funding from The Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Chimpanzees perform the same complex behaviours that have brought humans success
6 December 2024
A new study led by the University of Oxford suggests that the fundamental abilities underlying human language and technological culture may have evolved before humans and apes diverged millions of years ago.
New study reveals the explosive secret of the squirting cucumber
26 November 2024
A team led by the University of Oxford has solved a mystery that has intrigued scientists for centuries: how does the squirting cucumber squirt? The findings were achieved through a combination of experiments, high-speed videography, image analysis, and advanced mathematical modelling.
Ethiopian wolves reported to feed on nectar for the first time
25 November 2024
Researchers are reporting a previously undocumented behaviour of Ethiopian wolves – feeding on the nectar of Ethiopian red hot poker flowers – the first large carnivore species ever to be documented feeding on nectar.
In The Conversation: The climate and biodiversity crises are entwined, but we risk pitting one against the other
18 November 2024
Climate change and biodiversity policies have largely evolved in isolation, even though the two crises are deeply intertwined. The three summits in quick succession make this is an important opportunity to align these agendas. Healthy ecosystems are crucial for climate resilience, while a stable climate is essential to protecting biodiversity.
Work with nature to unlock economic prosperity, says major Oxford study
31 October 2024
A comprehensive review of the economic impacts of nature-based solutions (NbS), led by the University of Oxford and published this week in PLOS Climate, concludes they can unlock prosperity by boosting local economies, increasing agricultural productivity and creating jobs.
New study confirms beehive fences are highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict
30 October 2024
A ground-breaking, nine-year study has revealed that elephants approaching small-scale farms in Kenya avoid beehive fences housing live honey bees up to 86% of the time during peak crop seasons, helping to reduce human-elephant conflict for local farmers and boost income.
Study finds that better ocean connectivity boosts reef fish populations
24 October 2024
Research led by the University of Oxford has found that oceanographic connectivity (the movement and exchange of water between different parts of the ocean) is a key influence for fish abundance across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).
In The Conversation: Nuer people have a sacred connection to birds
17 October 2024
A multi-disciplinary team from Jimma University, University of Oxford, University of Oslo and Bahir Dar University discuss how cultural connection can guide conservation in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Ant queens cannibalise their sick offspring - then ‘recycle’ them
24 September 2024
Instead of nurturing their sick young, ant queens eat their infected offspring at the first sign of illness then ‘recycle’ them into producing new eggs, a new study led by the University of Oxford has shown.
New analysis indicates UK hunting trophies law would cause more harm than good
18 September 2024
A new study led by researchers from the Department of Biology and the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade concludes that the proposed UK Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill could cause more harm than good for the species it is intended to protect.
MPLS researchers awarded European Research Council Starting Grants to launch ambitious projects
5 September 2024
The ERC - the premier European funding organisation for excellent frontier research - has announced the awarding of 494 major ERC Starting Grants to young scientists and scholars across Europe, including six Oxford University researchers, two of whom are from MPLS.
Growing old with prides: Male and female lions socialise differently throughout their lives
8 August 2024
New research from the Department of Biology on wild lions has revealed that males and females experience vastly different changes to their social network throughout their lives, and that this may shape their survival.
Patents can help us understand wildlife trade trends, new study shows
6 August 2024
Researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Wildlife Trade at the University of Oxford have demonstrated that patent data could provide a novel source of evidence that can help identify future commercial trends associated with the overharvesting of wildlife.
New study shows tiny animals steal antibiotic recipes from bacteria
19 July 2024
A group of small freshwater animals protect themselves from infections using antibiotic recipes stolen from bacteria, according to new research led by the University of Oxford that could help develop future medicines.
In The Conversation: Tiny animals use stolen genes to fight infections – and could fight antibiotic resistance too
18 July 2024
A little-known group of microscopic animals has spent millions of years copying recipes for antibiotics from bacteria and using them to fight infections. Could this unusual defensive strategy could offer short-cuts in the race to develop antimicrobial treatments?
In The Conversation: Lions make a perilous journey across a 1.5km stretch of water to find mates
11 July 2024
Lions in a Uganda park make a perilous journey across a 1.5km stretch of water: WildCRU collaboration suggests the drive is to find mates.
Nature-based Solutions Conference 2024: Honouring indigenous sovereignty, reconnecting with nature
28 June 2024
The Nature-based Solutions Conference, hosted by Oxford University 18-20 June, blended scientific rigour with ceremonial and cultural richness.