Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
Modern-day crocodiles and alligators originated from various ecosystems over time, including land, estuarine, freshwater, and marine environments. This challenges the long-held assumption of a simple evolutionary path from a land-based ancestor.
A new study found that conservation programs in Illinois have helped some rare birds increase their populations to historic levels. The Bell's vireo, one of four species studied, has bounced back from historic declines and is now more than double its last estimated abundance. In contrast, other bird species with wider geographic ranges...
A recent study reveals that wildlife classification, particularly for similar species like bobcats and lynx, is a challenging task. Even experts had difficulty agreeing on the species in images, leading to potential errors in conservation and management efforts.
A study of a long-protected northeastern virgin forest plot found that small forest fragments may not provide conservation benefits. Nearly half the species present at initial protection are now gone, and yearly species composition is highly dynamic. Effective management is needed to prevent degradation of habitat.
A new analysis by UC Santa Cruz researchers found that fallowed farmland in the San Joaquin Desert has strong potential for habitat restoration. The study identified over 600 square kilometers of land suitable for conservation, offering a promising solution to protect endangered species like the blunt-nosed leopard lizard.
The fall armyworm is forecasted to invade staple crops in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, due to their similar climates. The species' potential for invasion and seasonal migration is high, and early detection of small larvae is crucial for effective management.
A study found that mountaintop removal mining disproportionately alters the habitat of timber rattlesnakes, a docile reptile species. The mining operations destroy ridgelines and habitats, cutting into biodiversity.
A new study models potential habitat for the Asian longhorned tick in North America, suggesting a large swath of eastern US could be suitable. The tick's adaptable nature and ability to reproduce via parthenogenesis make it a significant public health concern, with over 300,000 people infected with Lyme disease each year.
A study using long-term data from 'Butterfly Monitoring Germany' found more butterfly species in Natura 2000 areas, but a significant decline in species numbers regardless of location. The network appears to protect valuable habitats, but its overall effectiveness remains unclear.
New research reveals small and isolated habitat patches in Australia are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. Small patches of vegetation, such as those along roadsides or in urban areas, can be a last piece of habitat for species that once had widespread habitats.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that small and isolated habitat patches are vital to the survival of many rare and endangered species. The research highlights the importance of conserving these small patches, which can sometimes be the last remaining habitats for species.
Researchers found isolated habitat patches with high conservation value are critical for rare and threatened species. Small habitats pose greater risks to biodiversity than large ones due to land clearing and degradation.
A 30-year-old hydroelectric project in Thailand has caused the local bird population to collapse. The reservoir has inundated a unique habitat rich in biodiversity, leading to deforestation and human-caused fire, resulting in isolated habitat patches dominated by disturbance-tolerant species.
A new machine learning-based approach predicts conservation status of over 150,000 plants, identifying 15,000 species at high risk. The method uses data analytics and machine learning to assess habitat features, weather patterns, and physical characteristics.
Researchers found that the Peace-Athabasca Delta has been drying since the 1970s, significantly reducing muskrat habitat and leading to a decline in the species. The study used satellite imagery to track changes in water levels and revealed a 32% loss of suitable muskrat habitat over 46 years.
A recent analysis estimates that suitable habitat for brown bears will decrease by 11 percent in Central Asia and the Asian Highlands due to climate change. This may force bears to move outside protected areas, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas and corridors.
A new research from the University of Vermont provides insight to help predict which plants are likely to become invasive in a particular community. Plant height can be a competitive advantage for non-native plants, enabling them to outcompete native plants and spread more aggressively.
A long-term study found that frequent disturbances outweigh severe ones in structuring kelp forest biodiversity. Annual disruptions led to a doubling of smaller plants and 30-61% fewer fish and shellfish, highlighting the importance of resilience over severity.
The first vertebrates on Earth diversified in nearshore intertidal and subtidal environments over a period of 100 million years. Early adaptations allowed them to spread into other habitats, with more strongly built creatures remaining in shallow waters and gracile body forms colonizing deeper water.
A new study reveals that ancient fish species originated in shallow ocean waters, not coral reefs. The researchers analyzed fossil records and created a database to reconstruct the early habitats of vertebrates, finding that they diversified in near-shore areas.
A new study provides the first survival estimates for small migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico, revealing that fatter birds and stronger tailwinds significantly increase their chances of survival. By understanding these factors, conservation efforts can be implemented to improve birds' ability to cross the Gulf.
Climate change and overexploitation are driving the decline of caterpillar fungus in the Himalayas. Rising winter temperatures and unfavorable conditions are threatening the sustainability of this valuable traditional medicine component.
A new review paper suggests diversifying working lands, including farmland, rangeland and forests, to preserve biodiversity. This approach can extend habitats for wildlife and create more sustainable, productive farming landscapes.
A Cornell University study found that wildflower strips on farms boost strawberry yields when surrounded by the right mix of natural habitat and agricultural land. The optimal range for pollinator attraction is between 25 to 55 percent surrounding natural landscapes, where wildflowers also draw more beneficial insects.
Research suggests that dogs from specific breeds, such as gun dogs and terriers, may be more at risk of contracting Alabama Rot in woodland and dry heathland areas. The studies found associations between certain breeds and geographical locations with high risks of the disease.
A newly-discovered moth species, Admetovis icarus, has been identified with a distinctive flame-shaped mark on its forewing. The moth prefers high-elevation habitats and can be spotted in the mountains of western North America during June and August.
Researchers tracked adders translocated from a development site in Essex and found that male snakes dispersed significantly more than resident ones. One male even returned to his original home after being released, highlighting the need for new conservation strategies.
A recent study found that secondary forests in southern Costa Rica last an average of 20 years before being converted to another land use, preventing them from providing habitat for many forest species and absorbing large amounts of carbon.
A study by UC Santa Barbara's NCEAS reveals that policies restricting grazing access on public lands may harm sage grouse habitats and ranch profitability. Sustainable grazing is key to maintaining habitat and supporting both ranching and wildlife, according to lead author Claire Runge.
The Bureau of Reclamation is supporting a six-year study to assess the impact of its projects on endangered pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River. The study aims to preserve the species and potentially lead to its downlisting, with data gathering focused on reproduction conditions and habitat analysis.
Scientists from California Academy of Sciences discover a new species of reef fish with vivid pink and yellow stripes, found in remote Brazilian archipelago. The discovery sheds light on the vast ocean habitats that remain unexplored and highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
Researchers genotyped 2,000 brook trout in Pennsylvania's Loyalsock Creek watershed and found that over 93% were of genetically wild origin. The study suggests that hatchery-raised brook trout have low fitness and survival rates due to high mortality, making it difficult for them to introduce their genes into the wild population.
A recent study from North Carolina State University found that the overhead ratio, a widely used metric for assessing nonprofit efficiency, is actually negatively correlated with efficiency. The researchers used data from Habitat for Humanity affiliates and two established efficiency analysis tools to demonstrate this problem.
A new study suggests that high-yield farming systems can produce fewer pollutants, cause less soil loss, and consume less water than previously believed. However, the authors caution that if higher yields are used solely for profit or lower prices, they will only accelerate the extinction crisis.
The study highlights the critical ecological roles turtles play in maintaining healthy food webs, dispersing seeds, and creating habitats for other species. The decline of turtles could have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems and human populations.
A study published in BioScience reveals that 61 percent of the world's 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, which could have ecological consequences. Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy food webs and dispersing seeds, making their decline a concern for ecosystems around the globe.
Researchers used audio technology to analyze willow warbler migration patterns in fragmented woodlands. They found that birds arrived earlier in patches with less surrounding habitat, indicating a shift in their behavior due to habitat loss.
Researchers are evaluating 13 villages across Tanzania's Pangani and Rufiji districts to identify how small communities get caught in poverty traps. They're also analyzing the local mangrove ecosystems, including their role as a habitat for commercially valuable fish and other species. The study aims to create a predictive socio-ecolog...
A new study suggests that protecting key habitats outside of existing wildernesses and preserves is essential for conserving at-risk species with small ranges. The analysis shows that even half of the world's large wilderness areas may not be enough to protect many more species.
Beaver dams raise water levels, releasing organic carbon to the atmosphere. Research indicates beavers can act as both carbon sinks and sources, with some ponds fixing up to 470,000 tons of carbon per year or releasing 820,000 tons annually.
A new analysis shows that habitats of three shark species are relatively well protected from longline fishing, but some prime locations remain vulnerable. The study's findings have important implications for protecting at-risk species from bycatch in U.S. federal waters.
Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that young species of cupuladriid bryozoans can expand into new Caribbean habitats more quickly than older species, taking 2 million years longer to adapt on average.
Researchers are studying how island scrub-jays, found only on Santa Cruz Island, genetically diverge despite being isolated. The study aims to understand microgeographic adaptation strategies in these birds.
A recent study using eDNA sequencing identified aquatic plant diversity in ponds, offering a new approach to ecological surveys. The study found that pondweed diversity had been underestimated at a reserve in Ontario, detecting three previously unknown species.
Researchers combined NASA satellite imagery with wildlife surveys to model the effects of plant productivity on mule deer and mountain lion populations. They found that prey and predator abundance both increased with plant productivity, leading to potential conflicts with humans.
A genome-wide scan reveals the shared loss of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene function across marine mammal lineages, leaving them vulnerable to neurotoxic chemicals. This loss may be related to PON1's role in fatty acid oxidation and poses a significant health risk for marine mammals living near agricultural runoff.
Researchers emphasize the importance of seagrass conservation in securing a sustainable planet due to its role in biodiversity, fisheries, and carbon cycling. Seagrasses store significant amounts of carbon in their sediments, supporting local ecosystems and potentially mitigating climate change.
A Dartmouth study found that Arctic mosquito populations depend on aquatic habitats and blood meal availability. The research indicates that female mosquitoes carrying eggs were most abundant near ponds in areas frequented by animals.
A study found that natural habitat surrounding farm fields is not always effective in controlling pests, with benefits varying widely across the globe. The analysis, published in PNAS, compiled data from over 6,700 sites in 31 countries, revealing no one-size-fits-all recommendations for farmers.
Researchers found that land sparing, combining high-yield agriculture with preserving natural habitats, stores greater amounts of carbon than other systems. Lower-yield farming practices consistently held more carbon than high-yield farms due to increased area requirements.
Contrary to expectations, diamond doves don't adjust their movements to accommodate flexible perches. They use generalized behaviors regardless of perch stiffness, losing energy during takeoff on flexible branches.
A new study reveals that there are still many areas in Europe where brown bears could live, but with suitable habitat for hosting the species. The German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have identified over 380,000 square kilometres of potential bear habitat, offering a ...
Research presents coldwater stream habitats as potential refugia against climate change, enabling persistence of ecosystems and species. Conservation strategies can be effective with understanding of these habitats' persistence, helping management practices such as dam removal and trout stocking.
A study published in BioScience warns that the Mexico-US border wall could lead to the extinction of over 1,500 native animal and plant species in the US. The construction of physical barriers disrupts annual or seasonal migration and dispersal routes, causing habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and changes in fire regimes.
Researchers found that microclimates, or sheltered pockets of cooler and more variable conditions, can provide alternative habitats for many climate-sensitive species. These refugia have reduced the probability of extinctions of certain butterfly species by up to 63%.
A recent study by UCSB researcher David Herbst explores the connection between benthic invertebrates and stream water flow. The research, published in Hydrobiologia, sheds light on how these organisms sort out and change with stream dynamics. This new understanding has significant implications for water quality monitoring programs.
Researchers used satellite and acoustic technology to track baby white sharks for the first time, confirming their movement patterns and seasonal migrations. The study found that the New York Bight serves as a primary nursery for young white sharks, providing them with a refuge from predators.
Marine species in the eastern Bering Sea are trailing behind climate change, potentially increasing their vulnerability to future fluctuations. The study highlights the importance of incorporating species-specific sensitivity to climate variation when predicting rates of range shifts.
Financial incentive programs created critical waterbird habitat in the Central Valley of California during severe droughts. Satellite data revealed a 61% increase in flooded rice fields and up to 100% of available habitat created by these programs.