Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
A study reconstructing 23 million years of African megaherbivore evolution found that low rates of speciation drove their decline, not higher extinction rates. Larger species did not go extinct faster than smaller ones, but megaherbivores gave rise to new species much more slowly.
Scientists are helping to safeguard UK's rarest orchard wildlife through a three-year conservation initiative focusing on four threatened species. Innovative techniques like pheromones and DNA will be used to improve monitoring of noble chafer and red-horned cardinal click beetle populations.
Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.
A study on coyote attacks in Stanley Park revealed that habituation and food conditioning contribute to aggressive behavior. To coexist with coyotes, people should not feed them, avoid approaching them, and be aware of their presence during certain times and locations.
Researchers found that Bigg's killer whales are increasingly present in Puget Sound, while southern resident killer whales are spending less time in inland waters. The data suggests that social cues may play a role in the changing distribution of southern residents.
Researchers tracked Arabian Sea humpback whales' movements, revealing the first direct evidence of a whale crossing the Arabian Sea. The study found that these whales have adapted to their habitat in a unique way, deviating from traditional migration patterns.
A study found that mountain lion visits to a small preserve led to changes in deer activity, vegetation growth, and the presence of smaller predators like coyotes and foxes. This 'ecology of fear' demonstrates the ripple effects of apex predators on ecosystems.
Researchers at Kyoto University used visual survey data to predict the most suitable habitats for humpback whales around Chichijima Island. The analysis revealed shallow water depths with gentle slopes as critical areas, supporting conservation efforts in the Ogasawara waters.
A study by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found that Lesser Black-backed Gulls rarely visit wind farms off the Zeeland coast, except for some male birds. Despite being attracted to fishing boats outside the wind farm, the gulls' behavior suggests they avoid entering the wind farm due to unknown reasons.
New research from the University of Sydney reveals that moderate temperature rises increase koala hospital admission and mortality risk. Koalas in inland north-west NSW are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, with populations on the brink of extinction.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that drought conditions in the Southwest have reduced the suitable habitat for herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores by at least 10%. The analysis of 12 years of data from GPS collars on mule deer, black bears, and cougars showed that drought is negatively impacting life across Utah a...
New research reveals that complex terrain is vital to brush-tailed rock-wallaby habitat choice, essential for conservation and reintroduction programs. The study suggests shelter from predators and environmental extremes is the key factor influencing den site selection.
The study found a clear hump-shaped elevational pattern with species richness peaking at approximately 600 m, supporting the mid-domain effect. Community structure was differentiated by body size and biomass, with lizards contributing most of the individuals but only 66% of total biomass.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz's Forest Fear Lab discovered that the dense upper story of the Amazon carries the cries of frightened birds to other animals, forming a shared information network. Small bird species are key drivers of this acoustic 'information highway,' with larger species also joining in.
A new study reveals that strategically located poplar plantations can improve functional connectivity for forest birds in fragmented agricultural landscapes. The findings suggest that managed forests may contribute to both biomass supply and biodiversity conservation, particularly for species with moderate to high dispersal capacity.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered that naked mole rats can transition to peaceful queen succession, demonstrating flexibility in their social order. This finding challenges previous understanding of colony dynamics and opens new avenues for studying eusocial mammals.
Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.
Researchers found that two species of ticks, Gulf Coast and lone star, can live at least one week and up to three weeks on hard-surface and carpeted floors. The study emphasizes the importance of taking protective measures to prevent tick bites.
Researchers analyzed 11,000-year-old bowhead whale fossils to reveal the devastating impact of commercial whaling on the species' genetics. The study found that genetic diversity will continue to decline, severely impacting the species' resilience to climate change.
Researchers tracked 69 ravens and 20 wolves across Yellowstone National Park for two and a half years, finding that ravens knew where to go without cues from wolves. Ravens were spotted at nearly half of observed wolf kills within seven days and made beelines to common kill sites.
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
The North American wild mountain sheep is losing its habitat to industrial mining, human activity, and climate change. The book highlights the risks faced by this species, which nearly collapsed in previous decades but now faces grave risks from disease and habitat loss.
A new study reveals that cougars' dietary changes to smaller prey help them avoid wolf encounters and reduce competition. Researchers found that cougars tend to avoid areas where wolves have made kills and stay close to escape terrain.
A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that about half of wood mice take time to examine nuts before selecting, potentially increasing their exposure to predators. Despite this risk, the extra time investment pays off as picky eaters are more likely to select undamaged chestnuts.
Dinosaurs operated with a 'latchkey kid' approach, with young offspring independent and foraging alone after just a few months. This led to an increased number of functional species in dinosaur fossil communities compared to modern mammals.
A University of Cambridge-led team analyzed giant anaconda fossils to determine their maximum size occurred 12.4 million years ago. The study found that ancient anacondas were four to five metres long, matching the size of modern anacondas, suggesting they have remained giants due to a suitable environment.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
Researchers used drones to create detailed maps of a high-density nesting beach, identifying steepness and proximity to dune crossover stairs as key factors influencing turtle nesting success. The study provides insights into how changing coastal conditions affect sea turtle habitats, informing conservation policy and coastal development.
Researchers tracked oceanic manta rays and found they dive to depths over 1,200 meters to gather information about their environment and navigate across the open ocean. These dives are linked with increased horizontal travel afterwards, suggesting a mental mapping function.
A study in Communications Earth & Environment found that WWII munitions in the Baltic Sea support a higher abundance of marine life than surrounding sediment. The hard metal casings on the munitions provide a suitable surface for organisms to inhabit, outweighing the disadvantages of chemical exposure.
Researchers found that prairie dogs and grasshoppers greatly increase soil nutrient availability, with prairie dog towns showing the highest levels of carbon and nitrogen. Grasshoppers also contribute to phosphorus cycling, while larger herbivores consume relatively constant plant biomass.
A global review highlights the need for better tools to understand juvenile fish habitats, which are facing increased pressure from various factors. The study recommends incorporating metrics like growth, survival, and contribution rates to assess habitat quality.
Honeybees use various strategies to build hives that accommodate different space constraints, including merging cells, tilting borders and layering combs. Researchers observed these adaptations using X-ray microscopy and found that the bees' behavior is intuitive and physics-based.
A new study sheds light on how river birds adapt their communication depending on social and environmental cues. White-throated dippers use visual signals, such as blinking bright white eyelids, to convey messages when noise levels are high.
Researchers found that behavioral flexibility is related to exploration and dispersal in great-tailed grackles. Individuals with greater flexibility exhibit more exploratory behavior, which facilitates their ability to adapt to new environments and expand their geographic range.
Researchers found river otter scat containing parasites that infect prey, indicating otters may play a crucial role in shaping their ecosystems. The study also discovered diverse diets and invasive species among the otters' meals.
A new statistical model using GPS tracking data accurately predicted nest success for the California Condor, demonstrating its potential to inform conservation decisions. The model's results were corroborated by field observations and camera footage, allowing researchers to assess nest fate with high accuracy.
A recent study found that Arizona Bald Eagles migrate north instead of south, unlike most migratory birds in temperate zones. This adaptability allows them to take advantage of ephemeral food sources, such as spawning salmon or ungulate carcasses.
A new study reveals how US national parks influence wildlife behavior, with some species avoiding humans while others adapt to developement, affecting ecological dynamics and conservation efforts.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have developed a multi-sensor biologging tag on the whitespotted eagle ray, enabling long attachment times and detailed data collection. The study provides insights into the rays' behavior, habitat use, and social interactions.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
A comprehensive inventory of wildlife species dependent on rangelands has been published by Montana State University. The study identifies over 1,066 species that rely on these ecosystems for survival, with 33 endangered and vulnerable species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
Researchers analyzed 724 ancient Chinese poems to track the decline of the Yangtze finless porpoise's habitat range. The study found that the porpoise's range decreased by at least 65% over 1,400 years, with most of this decline occurring in the past century. This ancient art form provides a unique window into biodiversity conservation.
Researchers used fossil data to predict the home range of Protemnodon, an extinct giant kangaroo, finding it had a smaller foraging range than expected. Climate change and habitat disruption led to local extinction when this small range could not find enough food.
A new study reveals how proactive salmon conservation in the North Pacific can protect biodiversity and advance global conservation goals. The stronghold strategy aims to proactively protect iconic salmon systems that sustain healthy watersheds, safeguarding food security and mitigating climate change.
A new autonomous drone system, WildWing, provides ecologists with deeper insights into animal behavior in the wild by collecting dense animal behavioral data. The system has been shown to improve accuracy and reliability compared to human-driven attempts, enabling scientists to focus on scaling up research objectives.
A recent study found that urban bird species exhibit more elaborate colours and less brown plumage compared to those that fail to thrive in cities. This suggests that urbanization plays a role in shaping the colouration of birds in these environments.
New research suggests that conservation efforts can better protect bird species at greatest risk from climate change by understanding the specific climatic conditions they need to thrive. The study found that species with narrower climatic niches are more susceptible to population declines.
Research reveals that infected starlings have limited access to high-quality foraging habitats, leading to poorer physical condition and lower chances of survival in their young. Infected birds spent less time foraging and were more picky in their choice of habitats, resulting in 12% lighter offspring.
A study from Lund University found that reptiles living in open habitats generally have brighter colouration than those in denser vegetation. The researchers analyzed images of 10,638 species and discovered a strong connection between light colors and open habitats over the past 200 million years.
The study found that almost 600 of the over 125,000 known fly species are likely to be migratory, highlighting their importance as pollinators, decomposers, and pest controllers. The review emphasizes the need for connected habitats to support flies along their epic journeys, as climate change and human impacts threaten many species.
A mass mortality event occurred in Triassic Wyoming, where dozens of giant amphibians called metoposaurid temnospondyls died together on an ancient floodplain. The study provides a unique snapshot of a single population and doubles the known number of individuals of the species Buettnererpeton bakeri.
A study predicts that over 80% of amphibian species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin will lose suitable habitats by 2100. The region, which includes the Pantanal and its surroundings, is expected to experience local extinctions under both optimistic and pessimistic greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.
Scientists tracking great hammerhead sharks in the Bahamas have discovered that some individuals choose to stay at home, rather than migrate, due to the availability of resources and favorable environment. This finding provides crucial information for protecting the critically endangered species.
Researchers found evidence of biological material in desert rocks, suggesting the presence of microorganisms that can survive without light. The discovery has sparked interest in the global carbon cycle and its potential impact on climate change.
Researchers created a new GIS-based multi-criteria decision tool to guide decisions on using nature-based shorelines or hybrid solutions in the Florida Keys. The study finds that nearly 8% of the shoreline is suitable for nature-based solutions, while 67% is already vegetated or represents another natural shoreline.
Researchers found that some coral reef fish exhibit higher thermal tolerance in the Arabian Gulf's variable thermal environment, but overall biodiversity is lower. This suggests that only certain species can adapt to environmental changes, and highlights the need for further investigation into climate change impacts.