Nature reports

Reef sharks are observed less frequently on Caribbean reefs with high levels of diving activity and coastal development. This is shown by research published on 5 April in the Journal of Applied Ecology. Even recreational..

In 2025, volunteers from Naturalis Biodiversity Center and members of the Dutch Entomological Society discovered a species of praying mantis on Aruba. It turned out to be a previously undescribed species. The praying mantis was..

Despite widespread concern about declines in insects globally, a dire shortage of data on species numbers over time means it will be impossible to assess our progress towards biodiversity goals – and to implement effective..

With eDNA metabarcoding, researchers read DNA traces from soil, water, or even air as if they were barcodes. This allows them to discover which plants are or were present, even when they are invisible to the naked eye. It is a..

Beavers could play a significant role in Europe’s climate mitigation efforts, by transforming suitable river corridors into long term carbon stores. Beavers are able to engineer riverbeds into promising ways to prevent carbon..

There are no places in the ocean completely untouched by human chemical impacts. A global analysis of more than 2,300 seawater samples, from more than 20 field studies around the globe, indicates that human-made chemicals make up..

Coral reefs are selectively fished empty with no evidence left behind. Recent research on the international trade shows which popular aquarium species are in danger, that cultivation is increasing, and that the majority of..

Dune restoration is becoming increasingly important due to rising sea levels and stronger storms. Paul Berghuis and colleagues from NIOZ and Utrecht University showed in the dunes of Texel that dune grass patches “cooperate” to..

Birds play a larger role in the dispersal of wild cotton than previously thought. A study published in the journal Oikos shows that they collect cotton fibres as nesting material and can move seeds over distances of more than a..

Birds that live and breed in vegetated coastal areas shape their own surroundings. This was discovered by earth scientist Floris van Rees. "Plant species that retain sand better benefit from the presence of bird excrement, which..