The rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) was once a common species in North America. But over the past 40 years, its population level has dropped by 90 percent. Scientists, conservationists and citizen scientists work together to find out why.  Read more and learn how you can help

To study populations of Asiatic black bears in China, SCBI researchers collect fecal samples and monitor stress hormones. To find those fecal samples, they have harnessed the power of a dog's nose. Read more

Researchers at Smithsonian’s National Zoo were the first to identify and are the world leaders in research on the elephant herpesvirus, which threatens elephant populations worldwide. Elephants in captivity and in the wild are affected by this condition, which has been responsible for about half of the deaths of young elephants in zoos. Scientists are working hard to understand elephant herpesvirus, learn more about how it is passed among elephants, develop and improve treatments, and find a vaccine.

Learn about their efforts and read more

SCBI scientists don't just study animals; they study the planet. Enormous continent- and planet-wide initiatives are taking place in Front Royal that will monitor the health of the planet by studying large-scale climate shifts, the same way SCBI veterinarians monitor the health of animals by checking their temperatures. Read more

As the fate of tigers hangs in the balance, conservationists from SCBI and partner organizations in the Global Tiger Initiative have launched a month-long course in Thailand aimed at teaching wildlife officers, field managers, and researchers from tiger-range countries best practices to bolster the animals’ numbers. The course in Thailand brings together participants from 12 countries. Read more

Study: Tiger Numbers Could Triple if Large-Scale Landscapes are Protected

Protecting core breeding sites, developing forest corridors, and providing benefits to local communities can ensure tiger population growth.

Virginia Big-Eared Bats Hibernate at SCBI Front Royal

SCBI researchers mimic hibernation conditions for their captive population of this endangered bat.

April 18-29, 2011

Species Monitoring and Conservation: Terrestrial Mammals Course

Skills, approaches, and solutions to assess and monitor wild mammal populations.

Field Notes from Gabon

SCBI ecologist Hadrien Vanthomme of the Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability, is studying how an oil concession in the Gabon coastal rainforest affects large mammals, including forest elephants and gorillas. Follow his adventures