The first-ever nationwide mammal survey in the US has been published, utilizing 1,509 motion-activated camera traps from 110 sites across all 50 states. The data reveals that urban areas tend to have higher overall mammal detections, with three top sites being urban locations.
The newly discovered Carolina Sandhills Salamander boasts distinct genetic and physical traits, setting it apart from other two-lined salamander species. Its restricted range in the Sandhills region of North Carolina underscores the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.
A new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis, has been described from Phnom Chi mountain in the sanctuary. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation and underscores the need to strengthen management of the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Spiral Graph project uses a tracing method to accurately measure the winding of spiral galaxies' arms. This approach outperforms automated methods and can estimate parameters like black hole mass and dark matter content. By enlisting citizen scientists, researchers aim to better understand galaxy evolution.
A massive study of over 3,000 freshwater mussels reveals seven new mussel-associated leech species, some of which are obligate inhabitants of the mantle cavity. The association evolved over millions of years and is crucial to understanding biological threats facing imperiled animal groups like freshwater mussels.
A team of researchers discovered that Antarctic fishes evolved genetic changes long before the continent cooled, mirroring human bone diseases like osteoporosis. This finding highlights that some adaptations used by fishes are similar to disease states in humans.
A new study of eastern US deer numbers found that coyote predators did not significantly affect deer population sizes. Despite coyotes preying on vulnerable individuals, predation on healthy adults is uncommon and may not impact deer populations at large scales.
Students from 28 schools and four countries contribute to a large-scale camera-trap study, collecting thousands of images of 83 native mammal species, including 12 threatened or endangered ones. The students' data is comparable to that of adult citizen scientists and professional researchers in nearby protected areas.
A new study reveals that Florida's Formica archboldi ant uses chemical mimicry to hunt trap-jaw ants, with cuticular hydrocarbon profiles matching native species. The research expands knowledge of an important insect chemical phenotype and provides insights into the evolution of chemical diversification.
A study suggests that nature-based citizen science can reverse the 'extinction of experience' by fostering cognitive and emotional connections to nature. Citizen science programs increase participants' knowledge, skills, interest in and curiosity about nature, leading to positive behavioral changes.
The discovery of two new species of saber-toothed predators in Russia sheds light on the early evolution of mammals and a significant shift in predator roles after the mid-Permian extinction. The findings, published in PeerJ, reveal that a global turnover in predators occurred after this mass extinction event.
Researchers mapped coyote range expansion from ancient fossils to modern museum specimens, correcting misconceptions of their original range. Their findings indicate coyotes had a broader geographic distribution than previously thought, with significant expansions into taiga forests, deciduous forests, and tropical rainforests.
A new study validates 'phantom' fossil footprints collected in the 1950s showing dicynodonts coexisting with dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on ancient ecosystems and highlights the importance of trace fossils like footprints.
Astronomers have discovered a rare Hoag-type galaxy with two circular rings, providing unique insights into galaxy formation and evolution. The galaxy's inner ring is older than its outer ring, suggesting different formation histories for the two components.
Scientists have discovered a new dominant ant species in Ethiopia displaying signs of supercolony formation, expanding rapidly into disturbed habitats and potentially posing a global threat. The species, Lepisiota canescens, exhibits characteristics reminiscent of invasive species, including high densities and ecological dominance.
A recent research project by Bryan L. Stuart and colleagues found three distinct evolutionary lineages of Asian common toads, each with narrower geographical ranges and ecological niches, in mainland Southeast Asia, coastal Myanmar, and the Sundaic islands.