Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
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A University of Otago study found the kea is not an alpine specialist but rather adapted to open habitats due to human disturbance. The research also reconstructed demographic histories of kākā and kea species, suggesting the kea may struggle in a warming climate.
Researchers discovered that semi-aquatic anoles use a bubble to re-oxygenate the air they exhale, allowing them to stay underwater for extended periods. The lizards' hydrophobic skin facilitates this process, which is essential for their survival in aquatic habitats.
A recent study assesses the invasiveness of European and native plant species using three dimensions: local abundance, geographic extent, and habitat breadth. High values in these variables characterize successful invaders, with early introduction to Europe and rapid growth contributing to their success.
Researchers analyzed stable isotope analysis of skin, muscle, and bone tissue to study Sowerby's beaked whale spatial ecology. The results show that the species exhibits both short- and long-term habitat fidelity, with at least two subpopulations in the eastern and western Atlantic.
Researchers found that palm oil plantations significantly increase aggressive interactions and reduce bonding behaviors in southern pig-tailed macaques. The study showed that the plantation edge provides a safe haven for social interactions, while the interior poses greater safety risks.
A study found that introduced plant species on Christmas Island do not provide a balanced meal for fruit bats, putting their survival at risk. The researchers suggest preserving the animals' complex foraging habitats is key to their conservation.
A new study led by Russ Van Horn finds that steep terrain and rugged spots are crucial for female Andean bears to choose suitable dens for their cubs. The research may aid conservation efforts by providing critical information on managing human activities near bear habitats.
A new study suggests that the pet trade in bushbabies could be causing genetic changes within their wild populations, affecting their ability to adapt to human expansion. Researchers analyzed DNA samples from bushbabies across South Africa and found unusual gene mutations that may indicate secret animal trafficking.
Fossilised footprints from 58 million-year-old rocks in Wyoming reveal that early mammals used marine habitats, pushing back an estimated 9.4 million years of previous assumptions. The prints showed diverse tracks, including those of semiaquatic mammals and artiodactyls.
Scientists found that wild orangutans on Borneo have lower muscle mass when fruit is scarce, a surprising finding given their ability to survive food shortages. Conservation plans must consider fruit availability to protect these critically endangered primates.
A study suggests reintroducing jaguars into the US Southwest could be a viable alternative to recovery, as the region provides suitable habitat for 90-150 jaguars. Reintroduction could also enhance local economies and ecology.
Researchers found that varying microclimates in habitats support butterfly populations. Insect larvae benefit from specific temperature and moisture conditions, which can be promoted in gardens with diverse plants and structures.
The Bornean subspecies of Rajah scops owl may be its own unique species and deserving of a conservation designation. Researchers recommend nocturnal surveys to study habitat, record vocalizations, and collect blood or feather samples to resolve the taxonomic relationship.
Researchers assess underwater habitat to understand how spawning fish would fare in the river's blocked stretch, finding acres of suitable habitat. The study reveals that hundreds of miles of streams are available to support both adult and juvenile salmon.
The study highlights the importance of creating and managing habitat oases to protect remaining species in threatened habitats. The research reveals that a diverse array of habitat types is critical for the survival and thrival of birds and other animals, such as the endangered Australian numbat.
Planktonic foraminifera retained a stable temperature preference over 700,000 years of glacial-interglacial climate fluctuations. The species' inability to adapt suggests they may be vulnerable to extinction if habitats shift suddenly.
Researchers call for climate projections to be taken into account in conservation planning to protect areas at risk of biodiversity loss and climate impacts. Climate change is expected to impact 58% of montane forests in the Peruvian Andes, highlighting the need for adaptive management frameworks.
A recent study found that much of considered 'intact habitat' is missing species due to human impact. However, restoring certain species through reintroduction could potentially increase ecological integrity to up to 20% of the planet's land surface.
A new species of aquatic snail, Travunijana djokovici, was discovered in Montenegro's karstic springs. The snail is adapted to live in the underground habitats of the Dinaric karst and has a milky-white shell.
Research reveals that high-traffic roads contribute to the rapid spread of common ragweed by facilitating seed dispersal through vehicles and maintenance activities, even in less favorable habitats. This finding has practical implications for managing and controlling roadside populations.
Piping plover populations have been found to differ in their nesting habitat preferences along the Atlantic Coast, with those in New England favoring backshore habitats and Mid-Atlantic and Southern regions opting for overwash areas. These differences may be related to the availability of food, as birds in overwash areas often move tow...
A new study finds that restoring Louisiana's coastal marshes can store significant amounts of carbon in the soil, potentially altering the global carbon budget. The study examined 24 sites across four marsh habitats and found that protecting these areas is vital to preserving carbon stored in the soils.
A new USGS study reveals lower reproductive rates and higher movement patterns among piping plovers in the Northern Great Plains, suggesting a higher extinction risk than previously assumed. Habitat quality appears to be key, with better habitats supporting improved reproductive output.
African elephants could occupy a fraction of their potential range if protected from human pressure, with 62% of Africa suitable for their survival. The study found that elephants have great potential for recovery into areas where the human footprint is light.
A recent study found that African elephants' actual range has shrunk to just 17% of its potential due to human pressures, including ivory killing. Despite this, the researchers suggest that elephants can still recover into areas with light human footprint for peaceful coexistence.
Researchers found that Gray's beaked whales have high genetic diversity and flexible social systems, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. The species' ability to thrive in the face of environmental shifts could provide insights into how other deep-sea animals respond to rapid ecological change.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found that warm river habitats provide pulses of growth potential during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, fueling fish energy to travel to cooler parts. This challenges conventional conservation strategies that prioritize cold-water habitats alone.
A study using satellite technology has revealed the 3D movements of young great white sharks near New York, showing they prefer coastal waters and can exhibit connectivity to mid-continental shelf regions. The research provides new insights into their ecology, behavior, and conservation, informing preservation strategies for this vulne...
Researchers discovered that hummingbird hawkmoths divide their visual field into two areas: one for flight control in the lower half and another for orientation in the upper half. Optic flow in the lower half provides information on movement and flight speed, while patterns in the upper half are used for orientation.
Bottlenose dolphins adapted to coastal construction by shifting feeding locations and behavior timings, but these changes persisted after construction. Human activities like dredging and pile driving cause significant stress and harm to marine wildlife, emphasizing the need for conservation policies.
Research found that restored streams have fewer large and stable rocks for insect egg-laying, delaying recovery. Insects rely on these rocks to quickly repopulate and maintain ecosystem health.
Researchers found significantly higher Asian tiger mosquito populations and habitat availability in a low-income neighborhood with high levels of environmental blight. The study highlights the need for blight reduction efforts to mitigate public health risks from mosquito-borne diseases in vulnerable communities.
A study by James Cook University found that invasive plants rapidly adapt to new regions, growing and reproducing faster in tropical environments. This trend suggests that global warming will increase invasive impacts in these areas.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that global warming poses significant threats to the habitats of approximately 11,500 freshwater fish species worldwide. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius can reduce the number of species at risk from over half to just 4%.
A comprehensive review reveals the benefits of firefly tourism, including economic and social gains, but also highlights threats to local firefly populations. The authors urge site managers, tour guides, and tourists to adopt tailored conservation practices and promote eco-friendly behavior to protect these charismatic creatures.
A new study found that whooping cranes migrate around wind turbines to select safe rest and refueling locations. The researchers suggest placing infrastructure outside migration corridors to mitigate negative impacts on bird populations.
A new study by the University of Cambridge finds that conserving and restoring natural sites provide greater economic benefits than converting them for intensive human use. The research analyzed dozens of sites across six continents and found that almost half of them are worth more to society in their natural form.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new species of millipede, Nannaria hokie, living on campus and in nearby woods. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving native habitats and showcases the diversity of these often-overlooked creatures.
Researchers surveyed over 900 coffee-drinking bird-watchers and found that only 9% purchased shade-grown coffee due to lack of awareness about its impact on bird habitats. Increased advertising, availability, and collaborations may help raise awareness about the benefits of bird-friendly coffee.
A survey of birdwatchers found that only 9% purchase bird-friendly certified coffee and less than 40% are familiar with it. Shade-grown coffee can help conserve habitats for migrating and resident bird species, but increasing awareness is crucial to mobilizing the estimated 45 million U.S. bird enthusiasts.
A study suggests that continued warming of Atlantic coastal waters may enhance the spread of invasive blue catfish within the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries along the U.S. East Coast. Warmer waters favor the spread and establishment of blue cats, which can out-compete native species.
Researchers sequenced African leopards' genomes, finding high genetic diversity comparable to Amur leopards. This may give them an advantage in coping with environmental changes, including climate change and habitat destruction.
Researchers found that pheasants in different habitats prefer to use either allocentric or egocentric navigation strategies. The study suggests individual variation in these biases may influence habitat selection and resource relocation.
A new study led by the University of Maryland Baltimore County estimates the Bahama Oriole population at 1300-2800 individuals, suggesting a much larger number than previously believed. The research reveals that pine forest is an important habitat for the birds, contrary to earlier findings.
A recent study reveals that the soundscapes of coral reef ecosystems can recover from hurricanes like Irma in just 24-48 hours. The researchers used underwater microphones to monitor the reef's acoustic picture before and after the storm, finding that the snapping shrimp were back to pre-storm sound levels within 24 hours.
New research suggests that genetic diversity is not a reliable predictor of species survival and highlights the importance of habitat protection in saving species. Scientists found that most genetic diversity within a genome is neutral and not correlated with overall genetic diversity.
A new study finds that current protected areas may not be enough to protect biodiversity in a changing climate. Countries have not fully harnessed the potential of protected areas to adapt to climate change, and instead need to identify lands with high levels of biodiversity in areas where climate is changing slowly.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 591 turtles to uncover factors shaping their diversity, finding species diversified in response to historical climate shifts. The study suggests that habitats exposed along continental margins were critical for turtle speciation and remain key to their persistence.
Researchers found substantial differences in brain morphology between forest edge and deep forest butterfly species, with the latter investing more in visual information processing. The study suggests that changes in brain structure play a crucial role in speciation across environments.
A new study reveals climate change has altered habitats, driving growth of forest habitat favored by bats. This created a suitable environment for many bat species to harbor more types of bat-borne coronavirus, including SARS-CoV-2.
A review published in the Journal Birds suggests that studying birds in their natural habitats can improve zoo management and conservation efforts. By analyzing the ecological role of bird species, zoos can design enclosures that support reproduction and develop conservation actions.
Researchers found surface slicks to be critical nurseries for commercially and ecologically important fish species, containing 39% of the study area's larval fish and 75% of its organic debris. The diversities of fishes in slicks represent nearly 10% of all recorded fish species in Hawai'i.
Surface slicks off West Hawai'i harbor an astounding array of marine life, including over 112 species of commercially and ecologically important fishes. These 'bioslicks' form an interconnected superhighway of nursery habitat, attracting tons of young fishes with dense concentrations of food and shelter.
A Curtin University study has found that residential gardens are a poor substitute for native bushland in supporting pollination networks of native bees. The research highlights the importance of preserving native vegetation to protect sustainable bee communities and their pollination services.
Researchers tested the 'Field of Dreams' hypothesis, finding plant diversity has limited effects on animal biodiversity. Management strategies, such as controlled burns and bison reintroduction, had stronger impacts on animal communities.
Scientists have created a technique using stable isotopic analysis of eye lenses to reveal a fish's life history and diet. The study found that fish on floodplains grew faster and had different dietary signatures than those in rivers or hatcheries, providing valuable insights for managing habitats and conservation efforts.
A study by Durham University and RSPB investigated how human activities shape bird species' geographical distributions. The research found that 42% of breeding bird species would be more widely distributed if humans didn't impact the landscape, while 28% are rarer today than in a human-free world.
In a study of local rivers, researchers discovered that litter provides the largest and most stable habitat for invertebrates, supporting diverse communities. The findings have important implications for river management, including clean-up events and introducing alternative habitats.
Researchers found that mountain lions expend more calories to navigate human-dominated landscapes, leading to smaller home ranges. This trend is particularly pronounced for males, who must establish larger territories to find mates.
A team of researchers rediscovered a species of mouse thought to be extinct after Mount Pinatubo's devastating eruption 30 years ago. The survey revealed that native rodents were abundant and thriving in the disturbed landscape, contradicting expectations.