Endangered Species Content

How Redefining One Word Strips the Endangered Species Act’s Ability to Protect Vital Habitat

Katherine E Kerlin — July 22, 2026 - 11:01am

It wouldn’t make much sense to prohibit people from shooting a threatened woodpecker while allowing its forest to be cut down, or to bar killing endangered salmon while allowing a dam to dry out their habitat.

Stop-and-Go Science: Researchers Pivot to Try to Salvage Important Work

Jocelyn C Anderson — April 27, 2026 - 9:00am

When climate change is faster than the speed of science and unstable funding threatens discovery, 51�ԹϺ�� Davis scientists pivot to try to save important research.

4 Gorillas Reintroduced to the Wild in DRC

Katherine E Kerlin — May 29, 2025 - 10:21am

Four critically endangered female eastern lowland gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade were reintroduced to the wild in Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of the Congo last December. Continued monitoring shows the gorillas are healthy and appear to be transitioning well.

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.

Genetic Rescue for Rare Red Foxes?

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

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

Mapping the Future’s Sweet Spot for Clean Energy and Biodiversity

Katherine E Kerlin — March 08, 2024 - 2:00am

A 51�ԹϺ�� Davis study of Joshua trees, kit foxes and solar energy developments highlights the need to consider climate-induced range shifts for species as we expand clean energy.

Love Songs Lead Scientists to New Populations of Skywalker Gibbons in Myanmar

Katherine E Kerlin — February 14, 2024 - 8:30am

The love songs of the Skywalker gibbon alerted scientists at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis and Myanmar to a new population of the endangered primate in Myanmar.

Why Are Killer Whales Harassing and Killing Porpoises Without Eating Them?

Katherine E Kerlin — September 28, 2023 - 10:48am

Why do killer whales harass porpoises without eating them? Scientists from 51�ԹϺ�� Davis' SeaDoc Society and Wild Orca investigate a perplexing behavior.

Ensuring a Future for 10 Iconic Animals

Katherine E Kerlin — April 19, 2023 - 1:16pm

As the Endangered Species Act celebrates 50 years, a 51�ԹϺ�� feature story highlights 51�ԹϺ�� Davis efforts to protect animals like Channel Island foxes and white abalone.

All West Coast Abalones at Risk of Extinction on the I51�ԹϺ��N Red List

Katherine E Kerlin — December 12, 2022 - 9:00am

All West Coast abalones in the U.S. are now considered at risk of extinction on the I51�ԹϺ��N Red List. 51�ԹϺ�� Davis led the West Coast abalone population assessments.