Conservation Content

How One Word Could Strip the Endangered Species Act

Katherine E Kerlin — May 13, 2025 - 12:31pm

A rule change proposed by the Trump administration could green-light the destruction of protected species' habitats and gut the Endangered Species Act, write an ecologist and law professor.

Helping Birds and Floating Solar Energy Coexist

Katherine E Kerlin — May 12, 2025 - 2:00am

How might floating solar energy projects impact wild birds and vice versa? A 51�Թϱ�� paper outlines key considerations for a growing floating solar industry.

A New Record for California’s Highest Tree

Katherine E Kerlin — April 17, 2025 - 9:00am

A 51�Թϱ�� professor's pleasure hike in the High Sierra turned into a new elevation record for California's highest tree, the Jeffrey pine, which wasn't formerly known to grow at extreme elevations.

California Rice and Conservation

Andy Fell — April 07, 2025 - 4:12pm

In 1991, the state of California largely banned burning of rice straw after harvest, and farmers turned instead to winter flooding of fields to break down straw. As a result, wildlife has flourished in rice fields which reproduce, to some extent, the wetland habitat that once covered most of California's Central Valley. Rice fields now support some 200 species including fish, birds and reptiles.

California Rice and Wildlife Report Released

Katherine E Kerlin — February 27, 2025 - 9:00am

How many acres of rice are needed to support wildlife? 51�Թϱ�� outlines a conservation footprint for the state's rice in a report for the California Rice Commission.

How Urban Streams, Climate Change and Unhoused People Intertwine

Katherine E Kerlin — January 27, 2025 - 9:28am

A search for compassionate, sustainable solutions takes researchers to Bay Area streams to investigate the intersections of climate change, urban streams and unhoused people.

Dining Out with San Francisco’s Coyotes

Katherine E Kerlin — January 22, 2025 - 5:45am

As their traditional dining options dwindle, the native coyotes of San Francisco are shifting what they eat. A 51�Թϱ�� study reveals what's on the menu.

Carnivorous Squirrels Documented in California

Katherine E Kerlin — December 18, 2024 - 1:00am

California ground squirrels hunt, kill and eat voles, reveals a study by 51�Թϱ�� and UW-Eau Claire, sharing the first evidence of widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.

Peregrine Falcon Nox Healed and Flying Free

Katherine E Kerlin — October 21, 2024 - 12:22pm

Nox, a peregrine falcon of UC Berkeley web cam fame, was released to the wild Oct. 18 after recovering from wing surgery at 51�Թϱ�� and its California Raptor Center.

Genetic Rescue for Rare Red Foxes?

Katherine E Kerlin — September 26, 2024 - 8:00pm

A 51�Թϱ�� study shows inbreeding is affecting Lassen's small, isolated red fox population. Genetic rescue could be a viable option for their recovery.