Hints of ‘Dark Extinction’ in Species Collections

Scientists have identified new species of bats, birds, beetles, fish, frogs, snails, orchids, lichen, marsh plants, and wildflowers by studying old museum specimens, only to find that they may not exist in the wild anymore. Such discoveries illustrate the mounting scale of extinctions.

Editorial Mission
Undark Editorial Mission
We illuminate the complicated and fractious places where science collides with politics, economics, and culture, and where differing world views compete for resources and influence. Learn more here.
Editor's Pick:
Excerpt: Why Do We Insist on Lying to Ourselves?

ICYMI Highlights

Book Review: Understanding Your Cat’s Wild Side

In “The Cat’s Meow,” evolutionary biologist Jonathan B. Losos explores the ancestral roots of the modern housecat, from the appearance of the first felines 30 million years ago to today. Tapping into a wide range of research, from GPS tracking to DNA testing, Losos explores the mysteries of cat behavior.

Assault and Retaliation at an American Zoo

Interviews and court documents related to a pricey sexual harassment settlement depict the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as a dysfunctional organization where unchecked impunity protects people at the top, drives others out, and hampers the scientific work the organization claims to champion.

The Podcast

Our podcast is a monthly audio exploration of science and society.

All Episodes
Podcast: Restoring Landscapes and Livelihoods
Podcast: When Accents Speak Louder Than Words
Podcast: Shifting Blame Over Water Pollution