New research suggests Sonoran Desert toads went into steep decline after stories of their mind-bending chemical properties began circulating among drug users.
Author: RACHEL NUWER
There’s an Effective Way to Deter Rhino Poachers, a New Study Finds
Poaching rates dropped by more than half in African reserves where veterinarians removed the animals’ horns, which are in high demand in some parts of Asia.
The Taxidermy Bat Market Is Compounding Threats to a Species’ Existence
Online sales appear to be compounding threats from climate change and habitat loss, according to new research.
Monkeys in Puerto Rico Got Nicer After Hurricane Maria
Macaques, reeling from a hurricane, learned by necessity to get along, a study found. It’s one of the first to suggest that animals can adapt to environmental upheaval with social changes.
Long Before Amsterdam’s Coffee Shops, There Were Hallucinogenic Seeds
A nearly 2,000-year-old stash pouch provides the first evidence of the intentional use of a powerful psychedelic plant in Western Europe during the Roman Era.
Black Rhinos, Horns Cut Off, Lose Some of Their Gusto
New research shows a conservation strategy can disrupt the animals’ social networks.
Killing of Ranger Protecting Rhinos Raises Fears for Conservation Efforts
The fatal shooting of the head ranger at the Timbavati reserve in South Africa has stoked concerns that organized poaching syndicates are targeting wildlife protectors.
Extinction Is Not Inevitable. These Species Were Saved.
Conservation efforts have saved up to 48 mammal and bird species since 1993, but scientists say much more is needed to stem biodiversity loss.
Mass Extinctions Are Accelerating, Scientists Report
Five hundred species are likely to become extinct over the next two decades, according to a new study.
Elephants Really Can’t Hold Their Liquor
Humans and other species have a gene mutation that lets them digest alcohol. In other species, it’s missing.