
Foundation Species Shape Ecosystems Even After Death
Scientists discover that coral, oysters, and big trees continue supporting wildlife long after they die. The finding could reshape how we approach conservation and ecosystem recovery.
Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
7468 results for "foundation species"

Scientists discover that coral, oysters, and big trees continue supporting wildlife long after they die. The finding could reshape how we approach conservation and ecosystem recovery.

A rapid wildlife survey revealed that India's famous Kaziranga National Park now protects 30 species of raptors and six stork species, including some of the world's rarest birds. The discovery confirms the park as a critical sanctuary for endangered species like the Pallas's fish eagle.
Species once down to their last hundreds are now numbering in the hundreds of thousands thanks to conservation wins. From bald eagles to California condors, these comeback stories prove extinction doesn't have to be the end.

Gramma, a Galapagos tortoise born in 1884, spent over a century at the San Diego Zoo as part of a conservation effort that helped her species rebound from just 15 individuals to over 2,000 today. Her remarkable story shows how sometimes removing an animal from the wild is the key to saving it.

Thousands of Americans celebrated wildlife comeback stories at the 21st annual Endangered Species Day, highlighting how the Endangered Species Act has helped save over 2,000 threatened species. From baby gorillas in Los Angeles to five new red wolf pups in North Carolina, communities across the country gathered to honor conservation wins.

Behind every adorable zoo baby is a carefully orchestrated conservation effort that's helping save species from extinction. The Saint Louis Zoo has welcomed Amur tiger triplets, cheetah quintuplets, and the first-ever African painted dog pups through a nationwide breeding program designed to protect endangered animals.

Conservation teams in South Africa just removed invasive trees and fish from 13,000 acres of critical habitat, saving endangered frogs and the nation's rarest migratory fish. The eight-year effort proved that coordinated action can beat back invasive species even on continental scales.

England just announced its largest ever investment in saving threatened wildlife, tripling funding to bring hundreds of species back from the brink. The £90 million commitment has already helped prevent 35 species from disappearing forever.

A foundation born from tragedy just awarded its largest scholarship class ever, turning heartbreak into hope for 28 students. Since 2016, the Abbie DeLoach Foundation has given over $2 million to deserving young people in coastal Georgia.
The Richland County Foundation is opening its scholarship application season, offering financial support to students at every stage of their educational journey. Last year alone, the foundation awarded over $1 million to help local students pursue their dreams.

Birders rediscovered five "lost" bird species in 2025 that hadn't been seen in over a decade, all from islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The wins bring the global "lost birds" list down from 163 species in 2022 to just 120 today. #
Conservation efforts have pulled ten endangered species back from the brink, proving that focused action can reverse even the direst wildlife trends. From bald eagles to desert antelopes, these recoveries show what's possible when people commit to saving a species.

A fish hiding in plain sight for decades has been identified as a brand new species in Kerala's Periyar Tiger Reserve. Scientists discovered the barb fish was mistakenly identified as a different species for years.

Global delegates just expanded protections for 40 threatened migratory species, including cheetahs, giant otters, and hammerhead sharks. The landmark decision brings the total number of protected species to over 1,200.

Joel Sartore is racing against time to photograph every animal species in human care, creating portraits that make a mouse as captivating as an elephant. His National Geographic Photo Ark has documented over 17,000 species in nearly 20 years, inspiring everyday people to protect wildlife starting in their own backyards.

Ten American species, from Washington's Olympic marmot to Delaware's lantern firefly, are being considered for endangered species protections. If approved, these would be the first new protections granted under the current administration.

Amateur birders across Southeast Asia and the Pacific just rediscovered five bird species that hadn't been seen in up to 94 years. The wins are shrinking a global watchlist by 25 percent and proving citizen scientists can save species.

A major packaging trade group just created a charitable foundation that will double the impact of members' donations to causes they care about. The PACK gives BACK™ Charitable Foundation starts with $6 million and aims to transform how an entire industry supports communities. #

Researchers in India discovered a rare new plant species in a community-protected forest, proving that local stewardship can safeguard biodiversity better than we imagined. The find highlights how indigenous communities are protecting species science didn't even know existed.

Scientists discovered a second koala species that lived in Western Australia until 30,000 years ago, revealing Australia's richer wildlife past. The find came from century-old cave fossils that finally included enough skull material to identify the unique species.
Showing 20 of 7468