Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
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Research shows that juvenile crown of thorns starfish can delay their diet shift to coral for at least 6.5 years, allowing them to build up populations on reefs in the absence of coral. This delayed transition complicates efforts to manage the starfish population and may trigger a feedback mechanism in their transition to coral predators.
Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have discovered that host contact rates and habitat structure significantly impact the transmission of Bsal among eastern newts. Adding habitat complexity and reducing population density can curtail transmission rates, similar to COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
A new Stanford study finds that deforestation and agriculture expansion increase human-wild primate interactions, leading to a higher risk of zoonotic diseases. The researchers suggest creating buffer zones around biodiversity-rich forests and providing alternative resources to reduce pressure on people to venture into forested areas.
Bird species that exhibit novel foraging behaviors have reduced risk of extinction, according to a study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The researchers found that the more innovative a species is, the lower its risk of extinction, with some species able to adapt to habitat destruction by finding new food sources.
Researchers found that whooping crane conservation efforts may inadvertently put the species at risk due to large flock formation. The birds gather in proportionally larger groups as they lose their habitat, increasing the potential impact of disease outbreaks or extreme weather events on a substantial portion of the population.
Researchers found that dynamic illumination, like water caustics in coral reefs, can increase attack latency for fish. This delay can be maximized in shallow water with fine scale and sharp water caustics.
A new study found that Vermont has conserved 33% of its highest priority targeted lands, with 87% of those acres also considered critical for wildlife habitats and corridors. However, lower elevation targets and riparian areas remain underprotected, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to achieve a sustainable future.
A new study by University of Michigan-led researchers found that West African lions do not favor life inside park boundaries over hunting concessions. Habitat quality in national parks is inadequate, leading to a lack of preference among lions.
A study found that reef manta rays in New Caledonia are diving much deeper than previously recorded, with maximum depths exceeding 672 meters, and most dives occurring at night.
A new study suggests that raking leaves just out to forest edges can result in a three-fold increase in blacklegged ticks. Homeowners can reduce tick habitats by removing leaves from high-use areas, composting them, or taking advantage of municipal curbside leaf pickup.
A 1.57-meter long ancient Elpistostege fish fossil found in Canada has yielded the missing evolutionary link between fish and tetrapods, revealing a humerus (arm), radius, ulna, carpus, and phalanges organized in digits (fingers). The discovery pushes back the origin of digits in vertebrates to the fish level.
A new study reveals that conserving natural habitat around strawberry fields can decrease crop damage costs by up to 23% and increase yields, without compromising food safety. Removing natural habitat, on the other hand, can lead to significant cost increases of up to 76%.
A new study found that climate change is likely to cause the extinction of the Greek Meadow Viper, with up to 90% of its habitat becoming uninhabitable by the end of the 2080s. Rising temperatures and aridification due to climate change are the primary threats to the species' survival.
Researchers at Utah State University developed a computer model to help manage wetland, floodplain and aquatic habitats. The Watershed Area of Suitable Habitat systems model, known as WASH, identifies optimal water allocation strategies to improve habitat quality and area.
A study by NUS found that between 1996 and 2016, over 60% of Myanmar's mangroves were converted to agricultural use, posing a threat to the country's coastal ecosystem. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this critical habitat.
A recent study by Tufts University found that federally protected lands in the US significantly reduced habitat loss and protected endangered species. Compared to private lands, protected federal lands lost only 3.6% of their habitat over a 30-year period.
A Curtin University-led study found that Ross Sea killer whales, also known as Type C, have a unique call repertoire comprising burst-pulse sounds and whistles to convey information about their environment. The research analyzed data from over 392 encounters with the species.
A new study from UBC Okanagan campus suggests that monitoring and protecting multiple species habitats offers better conservation outcomes than relying on a single representative species. The research found that a mixture of five to 10 game and non-game species serves as the best surrogates for biodiversity conservation.
A review of 167 peer-reviewed studies found significant negative impacts on juvenile Pacific and Atlantic salmon from human activity in estuaries. The study identified stressors such as light and noise pollution, as well as tidal gates, which can cut off access for salmon to parts of a river.
To create more corridors for wildlife movement, researchers apply a new mapping system to areas next to streams in Okanogan County. The system uses weighted scales to rate naturalness and legal authority, helping organizations prioritize conservation projects and reveal potential areas of coordination.
A global research team has identified 13 invasive species that threaten biodiversity on the Antarctic Peninsula. Non-native species can be transported via human visitation, boats, or food supplies, and require mitigation measures to prevent harm to delicate ecosystems.
Target-based ecological compensation provides a framework for linking compensatory requirements to biodiversity targets, ensuring no net loss of species habitats. This approach resolves uncertainty and promotes better outcomes for the planet and people.
Researchers studied prehistoric oyster shells to understand the decline of colossal oysters in Florida's northern Gulf Coast. They found a massive 2.6 inch decrease in maximum size, shorter lifespan, and slower growth rate compared to their ancestors.
In Mediterranean Protected Areas, red coral colonies (Corallium rubrum) have recovered partially, with health levels comparable to those of the 1980s. The study highlights the effectiveness of marine protections and underscores the need for urgent protection measures in Mediterranean biodiversity hotspots.
A recent study by a team of biologists at Tufts University has found that fireflies are threatened by habitat loss, light pollution, and pesticide use. The researchers surveyed experts worldwide to identify the most significant threats to firefly survival, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these insects.
The study maps the impact of current and future river dams on fish habitats worldwide, revealing that habitat fragmentation will increase by a quarter or more in tropical regions like the Amazon, Niger, Congo, Salween, and Mekong river basins. This will disrupt the life cycles of freshwater fish species, causing extinction risk.
A new study warns that global conservation efforts may not be making progress due to ecological time-lags. Conservation measures can take decades to show results, and current targets may not accurately reflect success or failure. The research proposes using milestones to track progress towards biodiversity goals.
Researchers tracked microbial blooms in Trunk River lagoon to study their formation and collapse. They discovered that certain microorganisms can thrive in mildly oxic waters, leading to new understanding of bloom dynamics.
A recent study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society found nearly one fifth of all spider families associated with saltwater or freshwater habitats. Aquatic spiders display a range of adaptations, including dense hairs to repel water and specialized sensory systems.
A new study reveals that climate conditions, not human activity, dominated the shaping of early forests in New England for thousands of years. The research team combined archaeological records with studies on vegetation, climate, and fire history to reconstruct historical changes to the land.
A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.
A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals that tardigrades are vulnerable to long-term high temperature exposures, with median lethal temperatures ranging from 37.1°C for active animals and 82.7°C for desiccated specimens. This finding highlights the Achilles heel of these super-resistant animals.
Scientists from Arizona State University led a broadest study to date assessing how Bornean elephants utilize different landscapes in Sabah. They found that elephants actively avoided urbanized areas, preferring to travel along ridgelines, and that they required less space than previously thought.
Researchers have discovered a new species of goby, Larsonella pumilus, off the coast of Okinawa, revealing insights into its habitat and relationships with other deep-sea fish. The discovery was made at a depth of 214 meters, making it the deepest recorded finding of the species.
Researchers tracked common noctule bat trajectories in Berlin to find that they mostly avoid built-up areas with artificial light. Instead, they use dark corridors like forests, parks, and watercourses for commuting and foraging.
A new study by University of Alberta biologists found that birds of the same species do not use the same habitats in different parts of the Canadian boreal forest. This phenomenon, known as differential habitat selection, has significant implications for conservation planning and management strategies.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that ongoing habitat management can help prevent hurricane-driven extinctions. The research found that a rare Florida plant, the pineland croton, weathered the damage from Hurricane Irma better in plots under human management than those left alone.
A recent study found that managed rivers in California are compromising the diversity of native Chinook salmon, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes. The researchers suggest that restoring natural flows and habitats could improve their survival rates, while also preserving a 'portfolio effect' that allows for adaptabili...
The wild relatives of chile peppers, pumpkins, carrots, and lettuce are imperiled, with many species not well-represented in gene banks or protected areas. These plants possess genes that can help their cultivated cousins withstand harsh climate conditions.
The study found that herbicide leaf treatment was the most effective method to control invasive Oregon grape, with manual removal and salt application showing medium effectiveness. The researchers recommend prompt eradication as the best management strategy due to the high level of infestation in Belgian dune ecosystems.
Research finds that pine martens in Northern Ireland are contributing to the recovery of native red squirrels, as grey squirrels decline. However, urban areas pose a threat to this success, and addressing control issues is crucial for long-term conservation.
Researchers used a combination of VR, aerial thermal-imaging, and ground surveys to develop a statistical model for predicting koala locations. The three-pronged approach proved 75% more accurate than ground surveys alone, providing critical information for koala protection.
Researchers found that juvenile Coho salmon grew fastest and survived longest when exposed to natural temperature gradients and plenty of food. However, there is a catch: while food can help offset the effects of rising temperatures, it cannot completely compensate for the impacts of climate change.
Researchers found that direct urban expansion leads to significant habitat destruction, but the broader environmental impacts of urbanization are much greater, with climate change and land-use change driving global biodiversity loss. The study highlights the need for more research on indirect effects in developing countries.
A unique breeding project at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is designed to save the native White's Seahorse species in Australia. The project, led by Robbie McCracken, has successfully bred and raised six babies, with plans to release them into the wild next year.
A new study suggests that Northern Goshawks prefer late-seral forest habitats with larger trees and closed canopies, which are already in short supply due to changing fire patterns. The research found that 80% of foraging habitat and 87% of roost sites were designated a 'High Wildfire Potential Hazard' by the US Forest Service.
A study found that bats in the Sierra Nevada appear to be well-adapted to wildfire, with overall species richness increasing in burned forests. This suggests that prescribed burns and managed wildfire may benefit these species by creating diverse habitat conditions, including openings for roosting and insect-foraging.
Transboundary protected landscapes near the US-Canada border provide vital habitat for lynx and connections with larger Canadian populations. Climate change and increased border security pose significant threats to species conservation.
Researchers discovered over 40 new species of cichlid fish in Lake Mweru, formed around one million years ago. The team found that females were more likely to mate with males from different species if their coloration was attractive or light conditions made it difficult for them to see.
Researchers observed four generations of clown fish in Papua New Guinea's Kimbe Island lagoons to find no genetic variation for reproductive success. Environmental conditions, particularly sea anemones, play a vital role in clown fish survival and population replenishment.
A study found that clownfish population persistence depends on high-quality habitats, not shared genes. The researchers identified individual fish and their DNA over five generations to assess reproductive success.
A study reveals that endangered monkey species in national parks make calculated decisions to balance risks and rewards of sharing space with humans. The research highlights the negative impact of human food consumption on their physical health and the need for sustainable conservation programmes to save declining species.
A study of threespine stickleback in California estuaries reveals evolutionary changes in response to climate-driven habitat alterations. The fish are adapting by reducing the number of bony plates along their sides, allowing for increased maneuverability and energy efficiency.
Researchers found that right whales were present throughout the year in Massachusetts Bay, with a significant increase in detections during winter-spring months. This shift has implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests that whales are adapting to changing conditions and may be entering areas without protections.
The 'Half Earth' conservation proposal aims to spare 50% of the planet for nature, but its impact on human populations is significant. A study estimates that over 1 billion people would be directly affected, primarily in middle-income countries and wealthy nations.
Researchers found climate change and turf seaweed contributing to the transformation of seafloor landscapes, with shrub-like seaweed dominating lower areas. This shift could impact species habitats and the food web, specifically affecting mid-trophic level species like cunner.
A study by the University of Barcelona finds sediment accumulation outpaces nitrate toxicity in harming river ecosystems. Researchers warn that habitat degradation due to deforestation and agricultural practices threatens Europe's Water Framework Directive goals.
Larval fish from various ocean habitats consume plastic, affecting development and survival. Surface slicks act as nursery habitats, concentrating planktonic prey and plastics.
New research reveals that surface slicks in coastal waters of Hawai'i contain a high concentration of larval fish, as well as prey-size plastics. Larval fish ingesting these plastics may face development and survivorship impacts due to toxicity and malnutrition.
Researchers found that larval fish in ocean surface slicks ingest prey-size plastics, which could impact their development and survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding complex gradients in plankton and larval fish abundance to protect these vulnerable life-history stages.