From chimpanzees and wolves to snakes and starlings, these new books capture hidden truths about fascinating species — and reveal how to better protect them.

Wolf conservation in the European Union has become a political issue instead of a scientific and environmental one, leading to ineffective policymaking.

Scientists also declared several other extinctions, including the first documented plant extinction in New Hampshire.

Other new research this month looked at snow leopards, wolves, wildlife crossings, newly discovered species, and … scorpion copulation?

These howling good books examine how we’ve persecuted wolves, how we’ve helped to restore them, and how they embody humanity’s relationship with nature.

The world still faces a growing extinction crisis, but that hasn’t stopped conservation efforts or individual overachievers. Here are some of the animals who made a difference.

Science says many types of animals can serve as “umbrella species.” But donors and the public pay the most attention to tigers, orangutans and other charismatic megafauna.

This month’s best and worst environmental stories also include a rebounding lynx, a climate lawsuit boom, and a spa for frogs.

From wolves to climate change, these new books will help set the agenda for the year ahead.

This will be a critical year for several endangered and threatened species, as well as a time of opportunity for others.