Cuckoos enhance biodiversity by tricking rival birds into raising their young, leading to evolutionary changes and the emergence of new sub-species. A two-decade international study focused on bronze-cuckoos laying eggs in songbird nests. Cuckoos and host birds evolved in response to each other, with cuckoos mimicking host chicks to avoid detection and host birds learning to recognize and reject odd-looking nestlings. This co-evolution potentially fosters the creation of new species, increasing biodiversity. 

Future risk of coral bleaching set to intensify globally
An international research team led by the University of Adelaide projects that future marine heatwaves will extend coral bleaching periods, severely threatening coral reefs. They found that by 2080, bleaching will begin in spring rather than late summer, coinciding with coral spawning and disrupting reproduction. Highly vulnerable equatorial regions, which are already at their thermal limits, like Indonesia's Coral Triangle, could face near-constant bleaching by the end of the century. The study's findings will aid reef managers in prioritising conservation efforts in regions with lower bleaching risks, enhancing chances for coral survival and ecosystem resilience.

Ocean's loss of oxygen caused massive Jurassic extinction: Could it happen again?
Researchers have found evidence in Italian limestone that links oceanic oxygen depletion to a mass extinction of marine life during the Jurassic Period. Volcanic activity in modern South Africa released massive amounts of CO2, heating the oceans and reducing their oxygen levels, which led to the extinction of many marine species. This historical event serves as a partial analog for predicting future impacts of human-induced climate change on ocean oxygen levels and marine ecosystems. Although human CO2 emissions are only 12% of those during the Jurassic, the current rate of CO2 release is unprecedented, posing a significant challenge for predicting future extinctions. The study's findings on past oxygen loss help inform future projections of marine ecosystem impacts due to climate change

Italian museum recreates Tanzanian butterfly forest to raise awareness for biodiversity research
The Museo delle Scienze (MUSE) in Trento, Italy, has recreated a Tanzanian butterfly forest in a greenhouse to raise awareness about biodiversity research. This "Butterfly Forest," modeled after the Udzungwa Mountains, showcases various plant and animal species to highlight MUSE's research on biodiversity threats such as deforestation and climate change. The exhibit aims to educate the public on the critical roles butterflies play in ecosystems and their sensitivity to environmental changes, making them key indicators of biodiversity health. MUSE's partnership with the Tanzania National Parks Authority and the establishment of the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Center supports conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of habitat restoration and sustainable land management to protect butterfly populations and overall biodiversity.