Topic: International Union for Conservation of Nature

Sawfish skewer species with serrated snout, say scientists

Australian scientists at the University of Queensland have found that the endangered sawfish uses its eponymous nose for a variety of tasks.

5 invasive species now in retreat

Invasive species are ones that don't naturally occur in an area and may have detrimental effects.  Here are some eradication success stories.

Sources: Global Invasive Species Database, International Union for Conservation of Nature, National Cotton Council, US Dept. of Agriculture

Standoff over South Korean naval base

Locals say construction of a Navy base on Jeju Island will spoil one of South Korean's environmental gems. South Korean officials say it's a necessary defense against as a rising North Korean threat.

Disgusting sea creature threatened with extinction

Conservationists say that the hagfish, a loathsome undersea scavenger whose appearance and behavior are too revolting for most people even to contemplate, is on the decline.

Rainbow toad: Found after 87 years, first photo ever

Rainbow toads, more precisely, the Bornean rainbow toad, has not been seen since 1924. It was one of the world's top 10 most wanted lost amphibians.

West Africa Rising: Could Guinea-Bissau jack up fishing rates on the EU?

The once debt-encumbered country’s four-year fishing agreement with the European Union expires next month. The world’s wealthiest monetary zone currently pays just 7 million euros or $10 million a year.

How long does it take species to go extinct? Longer than previously thought.

Habitat destruction drives species extinct more slowly than previously thought, according to a new model described in this week's Nature. 'We have bought a little time for saving species,' says scientist.

West Africa Rising: Liberia leads charge to lure palm oil investors

In the past three years, four major companies have promised a total of $2.6 billion in palm oil investment in Liberia, and more could be coming soon. Global demand for the versatile oil is expected to double by 2020.

Great white shark population lower than previously believed

Great white shark: Researchers have found that fewer great whites are in the Pacific ocean than previously believed. Other shark species from around the world have also suffered steep population declines like the great white shark's in recent years.

Climate change talks in Cancun: What can be accomplished?

The two-week negotiations begin on Monday and carry far lower expectations than did last December's climate change talks in Copenhagen.

Tiger trade in Myanmar and China targeted by wildlife group

Tiger trade: The markets, in an area of northeastern Myanmar controlled by the Wa minority, are considered one of the world's hot spots for wildlife trafficking, and among the only places left where tiger parts are openly sold.

Snub-nosed monkey can't stop sneezing when it rains

Snub-nosed monkey, newly discovered in a remote forest in Myanmar, has a nose that is upturned, causing it to sneeze whenever it rains.

Biodiversity study sounds an extinction alert (for things with spines)

Biodiversity researchers warn that 20 percent of vertebrate species are threatened with extinction, largely because of human damage to habitats. But conservation efforts, they say, are effective.

The extinction risk for birds, mammals, and amphibians

On Tuesday the academic journal Science released an assessment of the survival chances of the world's vertebrates. Working off of the International Union for Conservation of Nature "Red List," which measures extinction risks, the journal analyzed the level of danger for more than 25,000 species. Science found that one-fifth of all species are classified as threatened and that proportion is increasing.

At Japan biodiversity meeting, access to resources divides rich and poor

As talks on halting the global loss of species got underway Monday in Japan, long-standing disagreements over how to split up the economic benefits those species generate are threatening to stall negotiations.

Asian 'unicorn' spotted, dies in captivity

Asian 'unicorn,' also known as the saola, is one of the world's rarest animals. It has been sighted in Laos for the first time in a decade. Likened to a unicorn despite having two horns, the captured asian 'unicorn' died in captivity.

Penguins facing extinction, warn scientists

Of the 18 species of penguins, 13 are considered either threatened or endangered. Some species on the brink of extinction.

Endangered plants you'll likely never see

'Losing Paradise,' a new botanical art exhibition of 44 rare species, illustrates the art form's enduring value – even in this age of digital.

Scientists discover new monkey species, declare it almost extinct

Callicebus caquetensis, a cat-sized species of titi monkey, has has grayish-brown hair and a bushy red beard. It faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.

Pygmy hippo calf makes its debut at Australian zoo

Pygmy hippo calf Kambiri is appearing in short stints at an exhibit at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. The pygmy hippo is just one of many species of tiny versions of animals.

Shark Week attacks August 1 with Ultimate Air Jaws

Shark Week celebrates its 23rd anniversary this Sunday. The Discovery Channel's Shark Week starts with the "Ultimate Air Jaws" premiere at 9 PM.

Are we causing a mass extinction in our oceans?

Research shows that many areas of today's oceans have conditions that parallel those of 250 million years ago, when 95 percent of marine species quickly died out.

Gulf oil spill: Can earth survive the disaster?

Gulf oil spill is a crude reminder of the many ways humans are fouling the planet. Can Earth survive?