Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
A study reveals that birds' eye size reflects their environment, diet, and behavior, providing insights into conservation efforts. The research suggests that larger eyes are associated with closer proximity to the equator and foraging habits near the forest floor.
Researchers found that lizards with sticky toepads prevail in the arboreal environment, accessing new resources unavailable to padless lizards. This evolutionary advantage enables them to stay in trees and rarely leave, whereas padless species often transition to ground life.
Researchers found that semi-natural habitat patches complement existing flower strips in protecting pollinators, attracting a greater number of species and providing year-round flowers. These small structures, such as hedgerows and overgrown fences, offer potential retreats and nesting sites for overwintering bumblebees.
A new DNA study provides critical information on conserving rough-nosed horned lizards in Sri Lankan rainforests. The research found that the lizards are separated into four forest groups, which can inform guidelines for forest landscape restoration and habitat connectivity.
Chapman's Pygmy Chameleon, one of the world's rarest chameleons, has been found in surviving patches of forest in Malawi. The species was feared extinct due to forest loss and habitat fragmentation, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased extinction risk.
A recent review from Oregon State University suggests that agricultural pollution is the cause of 48% of water-quality impairment in US surface waters. The study recommends greater buffer zones around bodies of water and more consistent enforcement of water protection regulations to reduce pollution.
Researchers have identified five new plant species in Bolivia's Bolivian Andes, expanding the genus Jacquemontia. The study highlights the importance of classifying and conserving these species, which are highly vulnerable to threats like invasive species and habitat destruction.
A study published in Ibis found that Golden Eagles avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss, affecting their suitability inside and outside of wind farms. The largest impact of wind farms was the loss of Golden Eagle habitat, which could be mitigated by incorporating the findings into wind farm planning.
A study from North Carolina State University found that Bahamian mosquitofish in fragmented habitats are more exploratory but also more stressed and have smaller brain regions associated with fear response. The research cautions against damaging adapted populations in environmental restoration projects.
New Stanford research shows muskrat populations are a bellwether for the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a protected landscape in northeastern Alberta, Canada. The study demonstrates how human-driven changes to water systems and the global climate affect even this most protected ecosystem.
Research from the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows that regional shelter-in-place orders during the pandemic led to pumas moving into or closer to urban habitats. The study found a strong relationship between declining human mobility and the cats' increased willingness to venture into urban areas.
Researchers at UConn discovered that salt marsh vegetation, bacterial communities, and soil composition can predict a marsh's potential to be a blue carbon reservoir. The study found that tidal restoration leads to changes in plant growth, microbial activity, and carbon cycling.
A nationwide analysis of dragonflies and damselflies in Germany between 1980 and 2016 found both losses and gains, with cold-adapted species declining due to habitat loss and degradation. Meanwhile, warm-adapted species increased, likely due to climate change.
A team of scientists used the world's smallest computer to study the survival of a native snail species in Tahiti. The study found that the white-shelled Partula hyalina can tolerate more sunlight than its darker-shelled predator, allowing it to persist in sunlit forest edge habitats.
New research shows that dense sweet pittosporum canopies reduce bird richness and abundance, leading to declines in ground-dwelling birds. Restoration projects must balance weed control with retention of structural value to support local plants and animals.
A recent study found that only 45% of moth and butterfly species can adjust to a changing climate by advancing their flight period or shifting their range further north. The remaining 55% have seen their populations decline due to insufficient habitats, making it essential to preserve biodiversity through high-quality habitats.
A new study from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center found that actively restoring oyster reefs can create healthier habitats than simply protecting them. The study used underwater videos to rate habitats and found that restored reefs earned the highest scores for oyster habitat, with 74% receiving a top ranking.
A new study led by WCS has updated the global population estimate for Critically Endangered Grauer's gorillas to 6,800 individuals from a previous estimate of 3,800. The findings provide hope for the conservation of this subspecies in eastern DRC.
A new study predicts massive range declines of African great apes (85-94%) due to climate change, land-use changes, and human population growth. The authors warn that effective conservation strategies require careful planning for protected areas and connectivity between habitats.
Researchers found that table corals can recover habitats on the Great Barrier Reef at a rate 14 times higher when abundant, compared to reefs without them. The study highlights the importance of protecting table corals to promote reef recovery and biodiversity.
A study of 158 European butterfly species found that 25 thrive in urban environments, while others decline. Generalist species with adaptable traits are more likely to succeed.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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%.
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 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.