Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
A new study led by two Japanese researchers found that pre-modern ironwork had significant impacts on the current distributions of 21 mammalian genera native to Japan. Medium-to-large mammals responded positively, while small mammals were negatively impacted due to habitat degradation.
Researchers built mini temperature-controlled habitats to study how poison frogs adapt to warmer temperatures. The study found that frogs from sunny pastures prefer higher temperatures, but their maximum tolerance remains unchanged.
Scientists have discovered a new non-blooming orchid species, Gastrodia amamiana, on Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima islands. The unique plant has hard buds instead of opening its flowers, suggesting it may have evolved to conserve resources in a forest environment.
Researchers fitted satellite transmitters to harbor seals, revealing their home ranges and habitats along the Oregon coast. The study found individual differences in behavior, with some seals ranging hundreds of miles from marine reserves.
Wild gibbons require extensive forest territory for each group, making them vulnerable to habitat loss. Their large home ranges are also a challenge for conservation efforts, as they squeeze into fragmented forests too small to accommodate multiple competing groups.
Researchers studying lionfish ear-bones found that these fish are more mobile than previously believed, moving at least once throughout their life. This discovery has implications for managing the invasive species, as understanding habitat choice can inform effective removal and conservation efforts.
Researchers discovered a tiny monkey species, Nanopithecus browni, 4.2 million years ago in Kenya's Kanapoi site, challenging previous assumptions about guenon evolution. The fossil, found near grasslands and open forests, provides insights into the complex history of Old World monkeys.
Researchers found that small-scale farming is destroying tropical forest wilderness in northeastern Peru, posing significant threats to biodiversity. The study highlights the need for careful management of remote areas and potential opportunities to link conservation with rural development efforts.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that degraded rainforest habitats are having an unhealthy impact on at least one species of Madagascar's treasured lemurs. Despite moderate levels of habitat fragmentation and disturbance, some groups of sifakas showed substantial resilience to these changes.
Small mammals use roadside vegetation foraging in Canada, contrary to assumptions that wildlife passages are only for crossing. The study suggests maintaining habitat between highways could attract animals to roads, increasing the risk of collisions.
A recent study found that old-growth forests are less likely to experience high-severity fire than young-growth forests during wildfires. This suggests that old-growth forests could be used as biodiversity refuges to buffer the effects of climate change on fire regimes in the Pacific Northwest.
A new paper argues that wildfire management through prescribed burning and restoration thinning could help save spotted owls in the West, similar to how it helped red-cockaded woodpeckers in the South. The strategy aims to reduce wildfire hazards and create more owl-friendly habitat conditions.
A study on squamate skulls reveals that diet, habitat, and evolutionary forces shape the wide range of skull features. The research found correlations between skull traits, with aquatic and burrowing species exhibiting rapid evolution.
A new study suggests that extending cover crop growth periods can help alleviate soil erosion, nutrient losses, and main-crop damage in wet springs. However, the approach may also decrease crop yields in certain environments, highlighting the need for careful consideration among farmers.
A team of researchers, led by a former war refugee, used ecological niche modeling to predict the future geographic distribution of the endangered White-breasted Guineafowl in response to climate change. The study found that the bird's range is more stable than expected, but coastal areas are threatened by sea-level rise and erosion.
Researchers found that birds are more likely to thrive in environments with similar native habitats and climates, as well as in areas where other alien species are already established. This study analyzed 4,346 global invasion events spanning 708 species to understand the factors enabling bird success in new habitats.
A €10 million, four-year project will assess the Atlantic's health using latest technologies, combining data on marine life, habitats, and human activities. The study aims to provide unprecedented insights into climate change's effects on plant and animal life in the Atlantic.
Agricultural pesticides reduced aquatic insect biodiversity but increased mosquito density, particularly for the pesticide-resistant Wyeomyia abebala. Pesticide use led to the loss of predators, allowing these mosquitoes to colonize habitats without competitors.
According to a study published in Nature Climate Change, most fishing communities from Maine to North Carolina will face declining fishing options unless they adapt to climate change. Communities like Portland, Maine, are at greatest risk of losing their current fishing options due to ocean warming.
Climate change connected and disconnected Andean sky islands over the past million years, according to a new mathematical model. The páramo habitat, with stunted shrubs and alpine plants adapted to high winds and cold temperatures, exists between the upper forest line and snowline.
Researchers at Penn State are embarking on a four-year effort to restore the endangered Chesapeake logperch to its original habitat in the Susquehanna River. The group, led by Jay Stauffer, has secured $500,000 in funding and is using innovative techniques such as underwater drones and culturing to introduce the fish back into the wild.
Researchers used climate and ecological modelling to show that many tropical bird groups are relatively recent arrivals in their equatorial homes. Climate change rates may be too fast for species to adapt, putting them at risk of extinction.
Researchers want a standardized approach to studying how ants react to environmental changes, with insights suggesting all ant communities respond strongly to openness in their habitats. This heterogeneity is due to millions of years of biogeographic and evolutionary history, leaving a signature on contemporary ant community structure.
A new study by Florida Museum researchers found that temperate species evolved first, driven by climate change 15 million years ago. Saxifragales, a flowering plant group with nearly 2,500 species, diversified before physical traits and habitats developed, contradicting the conventional view of evolutionary processes.
New research reveals that different types of habitat loss can destabilise entire plant and animal communities. The study found that the specific ways in which habitat is lost is key to understanding its impact on ecosystem function and stability.
A new study by Macquarie University reveals that more protected areas are needed in New South Wales' west to safeguard native species from climate change. The researchers identified suitable habitats for vulnerable species like the spotted-tailed quoll and squirrel glider but found inadequate protection in central-western NSW.
The mosquitofish is a highly invasive species that competes with native fish and moves them away from their habitats. Removing its population and improving water quality are key strategies to control its spread in ponds and lakes.
Researchers found that shore crabs from mudflats closely match the appearance of the mud they live on, while those in rock pools rely on high-contrast patterns to break up their outline. This study contributes to understanding why shore crabs are so diverse.
Researchers have discovered that specific areas within the Nushagak River watershed are critical for salmon production and growth, with favorable locations changing year to year due to climate conditions. The study highlights the importance of protecting or restoring the entire basin scale to maintain ecosystem function.
Researchers found that animals move faster through 'low quality' habitats, which could change conservation efforts. The study suggests using suburban and urban greenspace as strategic 'stepping stones' for species range shifts.
Research from Göttingen reveals that wild red deer grazing in open landscapes can contribute to the conservation of protected habitats. The proportion of plant growth eaten by wild red deer is comparable to extensive grazing by farm livestock.
A new study by Duke University scientists reveals that tropical and subtropical fish are taking up residence on shipwrecks and other sunken structures off the North Carolina coast. The artificial reefs created by these structures serve as stepping stones for fish moving northward in search of suitable habitat.
Researchers found that warmer water temperatures during early development increase the proportion of male southern flounder, with up to 94% in some cases. This could threaten wild populations and commercial fishing industries that rely on larger female flounder.
Research reveals coffee plantations host nearly as many bird species as forests, with shaded areas providing double the number of forest specialist birds. However, overall bird populations decline, highlighting the need for large primary forest reserves for conservation.
A new study reveals that 75% of the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Central Florida will be highly vulnerable to erosion and inundation from rising tides by 2030. The region has seen a 30% increase in highly vulnerable areas since 2000, with species like loggerhead and green sea turtles facing significant threats.
A Rutgers-led study found that global warming causes twice as many ocean-dwelling species to disappear from their habitats compared to land-dwelling species. The research highlights the vulnerability of sea creatures to warming temperatures and the need for new conservation efforts.
A new species of perennial Bromus has been identified in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Picos de Europa National Park. The plant is a small rhizomatous herb with distinctive features, and its discovery highlights the region's biodiversity.
A global atlas offers a new way to map coral reefs from space, containing over 65,000 square kilometers of coral reefs and surrounding habitats. The high-resolution maps provide information on shallow water marine habitats, helping track changes in reef composition and structure over time.
A new study reveals that female sand tiger sharks exhibit site fidelity to shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast, using them as rest stops or potential mates. The finding suggests that the wrecks are crucial habitats for this endangered shark species, which experienced significant population drops in the last century.
A study published in Biological Conservation highlights the importance of tree dens for pandas raising infants in native habitats. Tree dens provide a more stable microclimate than cave dens, facilitating offspring survival. This research emphasizes the need to preserve large old trees for giant panda conservation.
A new study proposes a blueprint for conserving habitat across the Western Hemisphere to protect migratory birds. The research uses eBird data to calculate how much land must be conserved for each species, finding that working lands are more efficient than protected areas.
UTSA joins NASA's Resilient ExtraTerrestrial Habitats institute (RETHi) to advance space smart habitat designs for deep space habitats, leveraging expertise in civil infrastructure with advanced technology fields.
A study of over 1000 frog and toad species found that those living on land invested more time and effort in parental care, leading to increased survival rates and colonization of terrestrial habitats. The research also discovered diverse parenting behaviors, including male involvement in egg protection and female nourishment.
Researchers at University of Southampton used volunteer birdwatching data to study how temperatures affect habitat management for British birds. They found that a mix of forests, fields, and meadows is crucial for jays to thrive, especially in higher temperatures.
A new study found that small-scale land use can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, even with minimal non-crop habitat.
Researchers found evidence of woodpeckers evolving to resemble neighbors' plumage, linked to environmental factors. The study suggests that this phenomenon is more common than previously thought, with repeated cases of distantly-related species mimicking each other in the same region.
A team of scientists from Australia has shown that providing woody habitat in the Murray River significantly increases native fish populations. The study found a three-fold increase in Murray cod and doubling of golden perch abundance in restored areas compared to constant habitats.
Researchers discovered sea snakes can dive as deep as 250 meters in the mesopelagic zone, challenging previous assumptions about their habitat. The ability to cope with diving sickness allows them to access previously unexplored ecosystems.
Research team discovers that habitat loss causes double damage to biodiversity, with local extinctions linked to reduced ability for species to recolonize neighboring patches. Spatial processes and metacommunities play a key role in this phenomenon.
Experts have developed a model to identify suitable locations for the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx in Scotland, suggesting that the Kintyre Peninsula is the most suitable site. The study found that Scotland possesses sufficient habitat for population establishment and spread, with the Central Belt acting as a barrier to colonization.
A comprehensive analysis of over 11,000 coastal-habitat measurements confirms the nursery function of mangroves and seagrasses, providing key guidance for marine resource managers. The study also finds that other structured habitats, such as coral reefs and oyster reefs, support greater juvenile abundance, growth, and survival.
A study conducted at the University of Toronto found that elevation plays a major role in determining which species can survive as human land use changes. The research suggests that species in highland areas are more likely to go extinct when forests are cut down, while lowland species can adapt and thrive in warmer environments.
Researchers found that soil treatments mimicking floods led to the highest woolly star survival rate, while no treatment favored invasive grasses. The study suggests that restoring natural flood pulses can help reestablish the plant species in degraded habitats.
A study of rat body sizes over time provides new evidence for the local environment during the time of Homo Floresiensis. The results indicate that the habitat was mostly open grasslands more than 100,000 years ago but shifted rapidly to a more closed forested environment around 60,000 years ago.
New research from University of Wyoming scientists found that hungry moose are less likely to change their behavior to avoid wolves as winter progresses. Moose movements increased in early winter following encounters with wolves, but only when wolves were within a specific distance.
The study used data from over 800 sharks and tunas, as well as 900 industrial fishing vessels, to create a map of the northeast Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that vessels from Taiwan, China, Japan, the US, and Mexico accounted for over 90% of fishing in key habitat areas for seven shark and tuna species.
Researchers found that 86% of East Africa's ecoregions have achieved the Aichi Target 11 goal of protecting at least 10% of each region by 2020. However, three ecoregions are poorly represented with less than 10% coverage. Protected areas cover at least 10% of endemic species' ranges, but many species still lack full protection.
A team of researchers has developed an individual-based computer model to assess the dispersal potential of juvenile little owls from Germany to suitable habitats in northern Switzerland. Key findings include inter-individual and sexual behavioral differences among juvenile little owls, with females tending to move more directionally.
New research maps the distribution of destructive human activities impacting threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians globally. The study identifies hotspots of human impact, including South East Asia and South America, where tropical forests are rich in biodiversity.
Research reveals that supporting local communities with cultural, spiritual, and economic connections to pollinators is key to effective conservation. The study suggests that policies like biocultural conservation can foster pollinator protection and sustainable management of resources.