What is biodiversity and why is it important? Here's what to know.
This Earth Day, learn about the millions of species of plants and animals and the vital role they all play in the planet's future.
Endangered Species
Too hot for a lizard? Climate change quickens extinction
A disappearing lizard population in the mountains of Arizona shows how climate change is fast-tracking the rate of extinction.
2 endangered ferrets cloned from animal frozen in 1980s
The recent births of Noreen and Antonia are boosting hopes of diversifying the endangered species.
Six-legged gazelle spotted in Israel
Experts say a rare six-legged gazelle with a genetic disorder has beaten the odds to "lead an impressive life" in an Israeli nature reserve.
Endangered whale found dead off Virginia was killed in ship collision
There are fewer than 360 North Atlantic right whales and the species is vulnerable to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Botswana threatens to send 20,000 elephants to "roam free" in Germany
Botswana says it will send its surplus elephants to Europe if Germany goes ahead with plans to restrict the import of hunting trophies from Africa.
Australia races to save last few earless dragons in the wild
The critically endangered dragons will likely be extinct in the next 20 years without conservation efforts, experts say.
Japanese island plagued by voracious birds and their acidic poop
Great cormorants were once endangered in Japan, but now they've eaten and pooped their way onto the holy island of Miyajima's most-wanted list.
8 kids, 1 adult die after eating sea turtle in Zanzibar, officials say
Sea turtle meat is considered a delicacy in Zanzibar even though it periodically results in deaths from chelonitoxism, a type of food poisoning.
Rare red panda among 87 animals seized from smugglers at Thai airport
Officials in Thailand say 87 live animals, including an endangered red panda, were found in smugglers' luggage as they tried to fly to India.
Whale calf suffered "agonizing death" after vessel strike
A calf of one of the world's most endangered large whale species was found in January with "serious injuries to its head, mouth, and lip from a vessel strike."
Rescuers work to get a baby elephant hit by a train back on her feet
India's train tracks run straight through elephant country, and collisions are a big problem. Meet a team trying to get one victim back on her feet.
Emaciated endangered whale found dead on Oregon shore
With so many visible signs of distress, officials believe they may know what led to the young and endangered 46-foot-long fin whale's death.
Rare snow leopard captured after killing dozens of animals
The leopard was captured after becoming trapped in a livestock enclosure, killing some 30 animals, officials said.
First rhino IVF pregnancy could save species with only 2 living animals
Just two northern white rhinos remain in the world – and the world's first IVF pregnancy in its closest relatives could help their species.
7 giant tortoises mysteriously found dead in U.K. forest
Police in England would like to speak with anyone who's missing some giant tortoises, or "knows of anyone who normally has a large number of tortoises but has fewer now."
Boat propeller gravely injures endangered whale calf, NOAA says
The injuries could impact the North Atlantic right whale calf's ability to nurse from its mother, and officials believe the calf is likely to die.
Officials report first endangered Florida panther death of 2024
Nearly 70 endangered Florida panthers have been found dead since 2021.
Avian flu kills polar bear for first time ever
Rampant avian flu that has impacted millions of birds in the U.S. has now killed a polar bear for the first time ever recorded.
Jaguar previously unknown to U.S. caught on camera in Arizona
Jason Miller, a hobbyist wildlife videographer who posts trail camera footage online, captured the image of a roaming jaguar last month near Tucson.
The Endangered Species Act at 50: "The most dazzling and impactful environmental feat of all time"
Historian Douglas Brinkley celebrates the success of the 1973 law that finally gave legal protection to America's iconic flora and fauna facing extinction.
Most funding for endangered species only benefits a few creatures
Since passage of the Endangered Species Act 50 years ago, more than 1,700 plants, mammals, fish, insects and other species in the U.S. have been listed as threatened or endangered with extinction.
Startup accused of selling health drink made from endangered fish
Environmental watchdogs accused the startup of selling a health supplement made from endangered totoaba fish to several countries including the U.S. and China.
Wolverines listed as threatened species under Endangered Species Act
Officials said climate change has threatened the species and reduced their numbers. Less than 300 wolverines are estimated to live in the contiguous U.S., according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Rare gigantic rat caught on camera for first time
Researchers were able to attract "one of the world's rarest rodents" in their endangered habitat using glass oil lamps filled with sesame oil.
Exclusive
U.S. may have withheld warnings to Ukraine on deadly Kyiv strikes
Pope's cancer prognosis may depend on these factors, doctors say
Ilhan Omar's relatives subpoenaed as part of immigration probe
Live
Houthis launch new attack on Saudi capital as Trump mulls strikes
911 call shows Hayden Panettiere was given CPR on day she died
U.S. banks dropped customers over political views, regulator says
Florida man charged with murder in ex-fiancée's 2011 disappearance
Iran and Russia blamed for growing list of hybrid attacks in Europe
Exclusive