Research on the habitats animals depend on. Covers forest protection, megaherbivore decline, orchard conservation, and plastic pollution.
Researchers created dozens of human-made ponds with cloned water fleas to understand their dispersal patterns and success in the wild. Higher genetic diversity among the clones was found to enhance the likelihood of at least one clone surviving and dominating a new pond, providing insights into aquatic ecosystems.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that ptarmigan in Colorado are not strongly affected by recent climate warming trends. However, annual reproduction declined at one site due to warmer spring temperatures leading to earlier breeding.
Despite living in close proximity, Peregrine falcon pairs in Chicago remain monogamous through the years, with only one case of infidelity detected. Researchers used DNA testing and observations to study the birds' mating habits, contradicting initial assumptions about their behavior.
Researchers found city birds exhibit higher levels of territorial aggression than rural counterparts, possibly due to limited space but better resources to defend. The study, published in Biology Letters, measured bird responses to simulated intrusions at urban and rural sites.
The newly discovered Telipogon diabolicus orchid species has a distinctive devil-like appearance, with a 'devil's head' at its center. Found in a critically endangered habitat in southern Colombia, the plant's unique features make it easily distinguishable from other species.
A recent study projects that approximately 30% of current Adélie colonies may decline by 2060 and 60% of the present population may dwindle by 2099. The penguins at more southerly sites in Antarctica are less affected by climate change.
Two studies suggest that frogs' ability to withstand high temperatures can help them survive disease outbreaks, such as the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Climate change may outpace deforestation as a habitat threat in tropics, and species with high thermal tolerance are less susceptible to infection.
The study found a 60% decline in breeding white-naped crane populations in the Ulz River basin, with only 17 pairs remaining. The species is classified as 'vulnerable' due to habitat loss and fire threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to address declining numbers and protect this critical ecosystem.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has partnered with the Land Trust Alliance to launch the Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, aiming to improve bird conservation on private lands. The initiative provides technical support, workshops, and a Resources Directory to help land trusts enhance bird habitats.
A recent survey led by UMass Amherst researcher Zulmai Moheb confirms the existence of a small population of Bactrian deer in northern Afghanistan, a sub-species believed to have been extinct since the 1970s. The animals urgently need conservation due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Climate change is projected to lead to a 60% decline in Adélie penguin populations by the end of the century, with some areas already experiencing population declines. The study suggests that refugia, or areas with relatively unaltered climate, may exist beyond 2099 and buffer a species-wide decline.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that exposure to diluted bitumen impairs swimming ability and changes heart structures in young salmon. The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is expected to increase oil sands products reaching the Pacific coast.
Research by University of Montana scientists reveals the importance of gravel-bed river floodplains to entire ecosystems, supporting over half the plant life and 70% of bird species in the Yellowstone to Yukon region. These habitats provide complex food webs and essential connectivity for terrestrial and aquatic organisms.
The Dark Bordered Beauty moth is facing a severe decline due to habitat loss caused by the removal of Creeping Willow plants, which are essential for its caterpillars. Conservation efforts aim to boost Creeping Willow populations and modify grazing regimes to secure the moth's long-term future in England.
Researchers used high-resolution connectivity maps and satellite imagery to predict how future land-use change and climate change will alter landscape connectivity for six species, including black bear and red wolf. The study highlights the urgent need to protect and restore habitats to promote species survival.
A new study from Rice University and Louisiana State University suggests that the early life experiences of individual animals can have wide-reaching impacts on entire species. The research, which examined whether past environments could affect species distribution, found that ignoring these carryover effects can result in incorrect as...
A study by Australian National University has found that pythons and boas, two snake families, evolved independently to share similar traits due to living in the same habitat. This demonstrates the power of natural selection and adaptation in reptiles.
A new study published in Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene found that removing dams in New England can help reconnect fragmented river networks and improve watershed resilience. The study, conducted by a team of researchers at Dartmouth College, examined the impact of dam removal on regional aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers analyzed head shapes of 1,073 python and boa specimens from diverse habitats to understand the independent evolution of similar characteristics. The findings suggest that pythons and boas can serve as a new model system for studying various aspects of evolution.
A recent study by the University of Exeter found that roads present a real and growing danger to protected bat populations, disrupting their ability to reach feeding and roosting areas. The research identified over 1,000 bat fatalities caused by collisions with cars.
Researchers have discovered eight new endemic polyester bee species in Chile, showcasing their adaptability across various habitats. The newly described species, including the Charizard bee, display unique characteristics such as snout-like faces and broad hind legs.
These unique ecosystems sustain a diverse range of marine life, including tube worms, giant crabs, and mussels, which consume methane and toxic sulfide. The hydrothermal vents and seeps also release minerals and heat, creating rocks and habitat that can last for tens of thousands of years.
A new study reveals that Port Jackson sharks have distinct personality traits, including boldness and handling stress reactivity. These differences are repeatable in juvenile sharks and may influence their interactions with habitat and other species.
Researchers found that African monkeys in Tanzania and Kenya are consuming bats as a food source. This predation behavior could facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases between animals and humans.
Researchers used GIS tools to identify high-risk poaching areas and proposed drone surveillance for more efficient conservation efforts. The study found that open savannah areas with roads and water features are hotspots for poaching.
A new University of Florida study proves removing beach debris significantly increases the number of sea turtle nests. The study shows that clearing beaches of flotsam and jetsam increased nest numbers by as much as 200 percent, while leaving detritus decreased them by nearly 50 percent.
Researchers from Wake Forest University have discovered that tiger moths produce ultrasonic signals to deter bats, showing that this behavior occurs in nature and is used as a warning system. The study highlights the evolution of animal behavior in the bat vs. moth arms race.
A study found that Neandertals ate mainly meat in open environments and supplemented with plants, whereas modern humans retained a large proportion of plant-based foods. This difference may have given modern humans an advantage over Neandertals.
Scientists used NASA satellite data to study cloud cover, finding it helps identify the size and location of important animal and plant habitats. The study found that variations in cloud cover sharply delineate the boundaries of ecological biomes relevant to many unique species.
Recent changes in Alaska's tundra landscape allowed moose to expand their habitat northward by hundreds of miles. The study found that increased shrub height and longer summers created a suitable environment for the iconic species.
A new grid-based design for butterfly monitoring has been shown to reduce habitat bias and cover previously underrepresented habitats, such as coniferous forests and wetlands. The study found that butterflies were abundant in these areas, highlighting the importance of systematic transects in improving data quality.
A new Duke University-led study uses mapping software to track threats to endangered species, pinpointing areas for conservation. The San Martin titi monkey's habitat has been fragmented due to farming, logging, and urbanization, with nearly 95% of remaining habitats too small or poorly connected to support viable populations.
New facilities will enable researchers to develop innovative therapeutic agents, models for managing fishery resources, and statistical models for analyzing aquatic habitats. This includes the creation of an aquatic habitat analysis and modelling laboratory and a facility for designing organometallic catalysts and therapeutics.
A new study from Colorado State University found that improving habitats for game animals has mixed consequences for other wildlife in the same setting. The research calls for a more holistic approach to current management efforts.
A proposed canal project in Nicaragua could deplete habitats of endangered animals like jaguars and Baird's tapirs. MSU researchers developed a conservation plan to minimize damage, suggesting adjustments to the canal design to preserve crucial habitat.
Researchers created a computer model to identify habitats of the endangered shrubby reed-mustard plant. The model uses satellite imagery, elevation data, and soil characteristics to predict habitat locations with accuracy.
A study of 200 years reveals a steady loss of butterfly species in nature conservation areas, which are largely ineffective in protecting them. The decline is attributed to high emissions of reactive nitrogen, promoting the growth of plants that outcompete larval host plants and alter nutrient composition.
Researchers developed a new computerized method to reconstruct lizard habitats and track temperature management. The study found lizards deliberately choose habitats with optimal temperatures, adjusting behavior to avoid heat shock.
A new species of narrow-mouthed frog, Microhyla laterite, has been discovered in laterite rock formations of southwest India. The frog, which is distinct from closely related species, is classified as Endangered due to its narrow geographic range and fragile habitat.
A recent survey has found that approximately 14,600 Sumatran orangutans live in the wild, exceeding previous estimates of 6,600. However, continued deforestation poses a significant threat to their survival, with up to 4,500 individuals at risk of disappearing by 2030 if current plans are implemented.
A UK-wide collaborative project aims to save the country's dwindling pollinator population by transforming schools' grounds and community spaces. Pupils will gain hands-on experience in creating pollinator-friendly habitats through vertical green walls, night-blooming flower beds, and lobbying for change.
Researchers found that female alligators near wading bird nesting colonies had higher body condition than those without active colonies. The study suggests a beneficial interaction between birds and alligators, where birds provide protection and chicks become a food source for the alligators.
A James Cook University study found adult females remain in coastal areas year-round, giving birth and raising young. The team tracked over 100 sharks for more than two years, discovering a mysterious attraction to a specific bay near Townsville.
Eight new species of whip spiders found in Brazilian Amazon, with diversity of Amblypygi species now at 25, threatening habitats from iron mining and dam flooding. Conservation efforts recommended to preserve their increasingly threatened habitat.
A study by University of Stirling scientists found beaver dam building skills improve stream habitats, increasing species diversity by 28% and reducing pollutants. Beaver dams also store flood water and increase organic matter retention.
Coralline algae, crucial for marine biodiversity, are becoming less robust due to ocean acidification. The skeletal structure of these algae is vulnerable to changes in carbonate chemistry, which can lead to habitat loss and reduced support for other species.
Researchers found diverse communities inhabit plastic debris with barnacles creating complex habitat, similar to trees or corals. This could allow foreign species to invade natural coastlines, compromising biodiversity.
A new study shows that logging in tropical rainforests creates micro-environments that black rats love, facilitating their invasion into the habitat. This can lead to displacement of native small mammals and have negative impacts on the forest ecosystem.
Research reveals improved fish numbers, survival, and reproduction in rivers with restored habitats through intensively monitored watersheds (IMWs). Studies show significant increases in juvenile fish populations and survival rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of IMWs in assessing restoration impacts.
A new study highlights how topography influences biodiversity in mountains. Mid-altitudes host the most species due to the size and connectivity of similar habitats. Biodiversity peaks at these elevations, not at high altitudes or lower levels, according to researchers from EPFL.
A new study suggests that the American pika may survive and even thrive in some western US National Park Service areas due to cold boulder fields and connectivity among habitats. However, other parks face increased risk of extinction due to warming temperatures and loss of suitable habitat.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that China's National Forest Conservation Program increased forest cover and improved wildlife habitat, particularly for the giant panda. The program's payment scheme proved effective in engaging local residents to monitor and protect forests.
Agricultural expansion is a leading cause of wild species loss and greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, researchers propose "land-sparing mechanisms" that link yield increases with habitat protection, such as zoning and smart subsidy schemes. By minimizing farming's footprint, land can be spared for conserving natural habitats.
For the first time, female Calumma vatosoa chameleons have been described using X-ray micro-computed tomography scans, shedding light on their morphology and distribution. This discovery contributes to the conservation of threatened species and expands knowledge about biodiversity in Madagascar.
A modified version of the Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQI) tool accurately assesses wetland quality without requiring a list of all plants. The rapid model was found effective in predicting wetland quality in 87 tested areas, with a free online calculator available for public use.
The first comprehensive survey on freshwater mussel species in Europe reveals declining stock sizes and habitat degradation. Mussels play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, filtering water and maintaining ecosystem balance.
Researchers from the University of Guam studied the effects of tropical cyclones on nutrient cycling in Philippine coastal zones. Cycad plants were found to be particularly resilient to typhoon damage, but their populations are restricted to these coastal zones.
The US has identified key agricultural regions at high risk for wild bee decline, which could destabilize crop production. The study suggests 39% of croplands face a pollinator shortage, with the Midwest's corn belt and California's Central Valley particularly affected.
Scientists have discovered two critically endangered species of sea snakes off the coast of Western Australia, including the short-nosed and leaf-scaled sea snakes. The discoveries were made in Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, raising hopes for conservation efforts to protect these unique species.
Research finds nearly 4% annual decline in Northern spotted owl populations from 1985 to 2013. Barred owl invasion is a major factor, but habitat loss and climate also contribute to population declines, with some areas experiencing up to 77% reduction in Washington.