Our Science

The World's Best Conservation Science Organization

The Earth is our conservation lab! Learn how our 550 scientists are protecting the planet.

The Conservancy is a world leader in cutting-edge conservation science — and you play a key role in our adventures! Keep up with our 550 staff scientists around the globe and learn how you can support their work to benefit nature and people.

PETER KAREIVA: The journal Nature dubs him "the practical conservationist."

SANJAYAN: Our lead scientist talks people, youth and big business with The Atlantic.

NEW TALK: Chief scientist Peter Kareiva discusses a "new environmentalism." (video)

LATEST RESEARCH: A new study uncovers the hidden risks of mercury pollution to people and wildlife, as reported in Grist.

LATEST BLOG: Motion sensor cameras in China capture rare images of a giant panda eating meat. What can science learn from the photos?

NCM101122_D112thumbScientists with Mote Marine Laboratory check up on a staghorn coral that has been transplanted to a reef east of Looe Key and fastened—along with its cement pillar—to the service below. Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) was once one of the most abundant corals on Caribbean and Floridian reefs. Today, after severe losses due to coral bleaching and disease, it is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Conservancy is working with Ken Nedimyer to grow this species in his underwater nursery to restore the coral to its former abundance. By comparing the survival and growth rates of multiple coral genotypes at different positions along the reef, Conservancy scientists are learning about genetic and geographic aspects of reef resilience. © Tim Calver
Our Scientists: Leaders and Innovators

Meet some of the Conservancy's leading science innovators and analysts. Get to know us

Mark Haberstich 215x143Mark Haberstich stands amid native grasses planted at the Cobra Ranch © Mark Skalny
Signature Science

The Conservancy takes a unique approach to conservation science. Learn more

WOPA071204_D037 2010-10-12 215x143China. © Scott Warren
Latest Conservancy Research

Conservancy scientists author more than 200 peer-reviewed articles a year. Keep up with our scientists

WOPA110624_D011-215x143.jpgAlys Stevens (an Ecologist with the Biodiversity Conservation Unit of Australia's Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources) holds an animal container containing a rock rat captured during a survey on Arnhem Land in Australia's Northern Territory. Geoffrey Lipsett-Moore, The Nature Conservancy's director for the Northern Territory (who is assising in the survey) looks on during the process of recording data about the animal. Alys is talking with an aboriginal children who are assisting with the survery at their Kulnuki campsite. The Nature Conservancy is supporting the work of the indigenous people as well as local government and non-government agencies in managing the traditional homelands of the aboriginal people. © Ted Wood
Feature Science Stories

Watch and read some of the fascinating things that Conservancy scientists are working on—then Ask a Conservationist your question! Explore

DFLW090115_D017 2011-02-02 215x143Sheep's wool being inspected at the Lava Lake Ranch near Hailey, Idaho. Working with The Nature Conservancy, the ranch maintains an active science and research program and has developed a plan to conserve the native ecosystem. The ranch has already permanently protected 7,500 acres with conservation easements. Photograph taken on assignment for The Nature Conservancy "Design For A Living World" project and exhibit. © Ami Vitale
Conservation by Design

How do we determine where to work, what to conserve or which strategies to use? Learn more

science_council_at_jackson_lane_preservesmthumbTNC Science Council © Joel Cohen, Rockefeller University
Science Council

Our advisory Science Council has some of the world's best scientists in disciplines that are critical to our work. Meet them

splash_leadingwithscience215_143Yellow warbler caught in a mist net for purpose of banding © Mark Godfrey/TNC
Leading with Science

Conservancy chief scientist Peter Kareiva explains why the Conservancy leads its work with science. Find out

Read More

Tout: DRTV Promo with Sanjayan for Read More section 78x52Join the Fight to Save Nature.

Join the Fight to Save Nature

We need to act now, before it's too late. Watch the Video, Take Action

Top Stories: San Pedro de Valdes Reserve, Argentina 78x52San Pedro de Valdés Reserve, Argentina. © Bridget Besaw

Greening Latin America

We're addressing Latin America's most pressing conservation issues. Read the Story

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Where Conservancy scientists voice their opinions--nominated for a 2011 Webby Award! Start reading