Nebraska Medicine & University of Nebraska Medical Center

Looking Forward: The Future of Conservation As we move through 2026 and beyond, conservation faces both challenges and opportunities. Climate change will continue to pressure species and ecosystems, requiring adaptive management strategies. Human population growth and development will increase habitat pressures in many regions. However,...

The Role of Technology in Conservation In 2026, technology plays an increasingly important role in conservation efforts. Understanding these tools helps appreciate the sophistication of modern conservation and identifies opportunities for support. Genetic Technologies Advanced genetic analysis helps conservationists understand population...

How You Can Help: Practical Conservation Actions Conservation isn't just for scientists and wildlife professionals. Everyone can contribute to protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity. Here are meaningful actions you can take. Make Informed Consumer Choices Your purchasing decisions have significant impacts on wildlife and...

Hawksbill Sea Turtle: Threatened by Multiple Factors Hawksbill sea turtles face threats throughout their lifecycle. Their eggs are harvested for food, juveniles are caught as bycatch in fishing operations, adults are killed for their beautiful shells, and their coral reef habitats are degrading due to climate change and...

Sumatran Orangutan: Losing Ground in the Rainforest Sumatran orangutans face a dire situation as their rainforest habitat continues to shrink due to palm oil plantations, logging, and human settlement. With fewer than 14,000 individuals remaining, this species could disappear within decades without significant intervention. Conservation...

Amur Leopard: A Conservation Success Story in Progress The Amur leopard, native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China, represents both a conservation challenge and a success story. From a low of approximately 30 individuals in the early 2000s, the population has grown to over 100 in 2026 through dedicated conservation efforts. This...

Javan Rhino: Clinging to Existence The Javan rhinoceros, once widespread across Southeast Asia, now survives only in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, with a population of approximately 70 individuals. Habitat loss and poaching for their horns have driven this species to the brink. Conservation strategies focus on intensive protection...

Vaquita: The World's Rarest Marine Mammal The vaquita, a small porpoise found only in Mexico's Gulf of California, remains the world's most endangered marine mammal. With fewer than 10 individuals estimated to survive in 2026, the vaquita faces extinction primarily due to bycatch in illegal gillnet fishing operations targeting another...

Warming is happening faster than ever The rate of warming today is more than 3× faster than it was in the late 1800s. 👉 Rapid change = harder for ecosystems and humans to adapt.

Oceans are becoming more acidic The ocean’s acidity has increased by about 30% since the Industrial Revolution. 👉 This harms coral reefs and marine life.