Research on the habitats animals depend on. Covers forest protection, megaherbivore decline, orchard conservation, and plastic pollution.
Researchers found that moving from forest to urban habitats affects epigenetic patterns of the immune response, while historical lifestyles impact development and physical characteristics. These findings suggest a significant influence of environment on epigenetics and potential risks for autoimmune diseases.
A new USGS study reveals that piping plovers are likely losing their breeding habitat in the Great Plains due to wetland drainage and climate change. The research found that consolidation drainage results in fewer and fuller wetlands with less shoreline nesting space for the species.
A new, highly modified harvestman species, Iandumoema smeagol, has been discovered in a cave in southeastern Brazil. The species is eyeless and adapted to living underground, with pale yellowish colors and reduced melanistic pigmentation.
A new farming scheme has been found to support 20% more species of butterflies while producing the same amount of crops as conventional farms. Farmers who sign up to the non-organic Fair to Nature growing protocol gain a premium price for their crops, in return for setting aside and actively managing wildlife habitat.
Researchers create synthetic adhesives that mimic the viscosity and tackiness of spider web glues, improving performance in humid environments. The study's findings suggest that adding salts to synthetic adhesives could enhance their stickiness.
A recent study found that climate change has led to the establishment of moose and snowshoe hares on Alaska's North Slope, with warmer temperatures supporting denser vegetation. The shift in ecosystem is attributed to the increased growth of shrubs, which provides a habitat boost for these animals.
A new moth species, Antaeotricha floridella, has been discovered in Florida's sandhills and scrub with a preference for dry habitats. Its forewings are found to be immaculately white, distinguishing it from its close relative Antaeotricha albulella.
Researchers used fossil galls caused by tiny wasps to reconstruct the local habitats of Southern California at the end of the last Ice Age. The study indicates that many habitats, including coniferous forests and chaparral, were present in the region between 33,000 and 44,000 years ago.
A long-term study on a rooftop in Copenhagen reveals that climate change is altering the local insect community, with specialized species being more sensitive to temperature increases. The research found that some species are moving northwards in Europe, while others are being squeezed out of their range.
Climate shifts may drive up temperatures in Hawaii, allowing mosquitos into high elevation habitats where native vegetation persists. 20 Hawaiian forest bird species risk losing more than 50% of their range under climate change scenarios.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo propose a six-step process to improve success rates for ecological reclamation projects and control mine closure costs. The study highlights the need for a more pragmatic approach to reclamation planning that takes into account projected climate change, which could lead to billions in additiona...
A study of fossil species on Great Abaco Island reveals that humans were more significant a threat to island biodiversity than climate change. The discovery highlights the impact of human activities such as habitat alteration and introduction of invasive species, which can lead to rapid extinctions.
Researchers have developed a theoretical framework, ecological simplification, to address the complexity of ecological relationships in ecosystems. By systematically observing components of complexity, causes of simplification can be recognized and countermeasures can be introduced.
A Rutgers study found that Bornean orangutan populations thrive in Indonesian peat-swamp forests with sufficient high-energy food, but struggle in areas with limited nutrition. Conservation efforts must prioritize suitable habitats for successful reintroduction and population increase.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a virtual reality platform to help protect endangered animals. The platform uses 360-degree cameras and real-time data analysis to predict the locations of critically endangered species such as rock wallabies and Sumatran orangutans.
Scientists applied remote sensing and GIS to study bearded capuchin monkey habitats in northeastern Brazil, finding that distance to human influence and elevation are key landscape characteristics. The study's findings inform conservation efforts for this species' unique stone tool use.
A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
A new US Forest Service-led study reveals that habitat diversity is key to protecting coastal cutthroat trout from the effects of forest harvest and climate change. The study found that trout in different streams respond differently to these disturbances based on their habitat features.
Researchers found that two alpine bumblebee species have evolved shorter tongues in response to declining flowering due to warming temperatures. This adaptation may help the bees cope with environmental challenges caused by climate change.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that bird diversity in the Central Valley's riparian areas is similar between summer and winter, with genetic diversity even higher in winter. Neotemperate migrants from Canada fill the gap during winter months.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program has funded 13 new community-based removal projects, distributing nearly $1.4 million to remove large debris such as derelict vessels and abandoned fishing gear from shorelines and coastal waters. The projects also focus on prevention initiatives and raise local awareness about marine debris.
Researchers found that burrowing owls colonizing cities exhibit the same levels of stress as rural populations, suggesting a high tolerance to human disturbances. Urban individuals with intermediate levels of corticosterone hormone have better survival rates.
A new analysis suggests that banning microbeads from products is the best way to protect water quality and wildlife. Researchers estimate that 8 trillion microbeads are being emitted into aquatic habitats daily, with toxic effects on animals and ecosystems.
A team of UK scientists has created the first three-dimensional picture of a submarine canyon habitat using marine robotics and ship-based measurements. The expedition used unique robot technology to collect data in hard-to-reach areas, leading to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes.
A species of ant, the northern hairy wood ant (Formica lugubris), is thriving in newly formed coniferous forests in the North York Moors National Park. The ant's population has expanded into these plantations, suggesting they provide a suitable habitat for this forest specialist species.
The New England Wild Flower Society and partners have launched a $2.3M project to collect native seeds for coastal habitat restoration from Maine to Virginia. This initiative will supply seeds sustainably collected from the local area, targeting 50 species common throughout the project range, plus regional and site-specific species.
A recent USDA Forest Service study found that warming temperatures and acidity threaten coldwater aquatic species in the southern Appalachians, with an estimated 10-20% loss of habitat for brook trout. The research highlights the importance of watershed management and climate adaptation planning to mitigate these impacts.
A team of researchers found that several bat species are struggling in fragmented landscapes, but also discovered that shade-grown coffee plantations offer a lifeline for biodiversity. These plantations keep native forest canopies while promoting wildlife-friendly agriculture.
The Ocean Health Initiative aims to protect and restore coastal and marine habitats, supporting the conservation of threatened marine and coastal species. The program, funded by a $1.5 million pledge from SeaWorld Entertainment, will focus on key estuaries along the Eastern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers found that clearing non-crop vegetation around farms does not lower pathogen levels in produce. Instead, diverse habitats can encourage pollinated food crops and filter out agrichemical runoff.
Vertebrates show variation in species numbers among groups, with land animals exhibiting higher diversification rates, suggests a study by UA evolutionary biologist John Wiens. Habitat is likely a more important variable than climate or metabolic rate explaining species richness.
Researchers from Concordia University and the University of Tennessee found that preserving natural habitats is crucial for maintaining bat populations. The study analyzed data from 9,552 hours of bat call recordings and found that bats need natural habitats to survive, even in highly modified agricultural landscapes.
A new study finds Pribilof Canyon in the Bering Sea to contain dense populations of deep-sea corals and sponges, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts. The research also suggests that restrictions on bottom-contact fishing can be implemented without significantly impacting the commercial fishing industry.
A study published in Ecology found that parasite prevalence and diversity increase with higher latitude, challenging the typical latitudinal diversity gradient. This exception suggests that local ecological factors play a role in shaping biodiversity, despite the general pattern of decreasing species richness towards the poles.
Researchers urge caution when using biodiversity offsets to compensate for development damage, as it can lead to 'stealth' reneging on existing conservation goals. Properly designed offsets can help reconcile development with conservation, but improper use can cause more harm than good.
Researchers have found that climate change is causing widespread declines of pollinators across continents, affecting critical roles played by bumble bees as wild pollinators. The study reveals that bumble bee species are being compressed into their northernmost ranges, leading to alarming effects on ecosystems.
A study by the University of Exeter found a 35% decline in bird species in agricultural habitats compared to natural areas. The researchers recommend incorporating patches of natural vegetation into agricultural landscapes to maintain biodiversity.
A new study found that different plant species in standing water influence mosquito larvae growth, survival and egg-laying habits. Native blackberry leaves seemed to attract mosquitoes but hindered larval development, while non-native plants like Amur honeysuckle increased adult mosquito populations.
A new $20,000 grant from the National Geographic Society will support Chan Kin Onn's research on revealing the hidden diversity and riverscape genetics of reptiles and amphibians in Malaysia. Through genetic analysis and ecological niche modeling, Chan aims to catalog and conserve species threatened by habitat destruction.
Native wildflowers in California are losing species diversity after multiple years of drier winters, according to a study. Drought-intolerant species suffered the worst declines, foreshadowing larger-scale extinctions.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) supports the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's approval of an amendment protecting deep sea corals. The areas proposed for designation encompass over 38,000 square miles and will safeguard these ecosystems' long-term health.
Researchers found that six-gill and prickly deep-sea sharks are positively buoyant, requiring less energy to swim upward than downward. This adaptation may provide them with a 'stealth' advantage during hunting or aid in nightly migrations to shallower areas.
As warmer ocean temperatures speed up metabolic needs for oxygen, animals will struggle to find sufficient oxygen in lower-oxygen waters. This shift will result in marine habitats being displaced towards shallower, more oxygen-rich areas, with some species becoming oxygen-starved.
Researchers found that corals and fish are migrating towards Earth's poles in response to climate change, with habitats shrinking as a result. Coral species can only nest in shallower depths at higher latitudes, limiting their range, while fish habitats will contract by about 20% due to decreased oxygen abundance.
Researchers found that city bats are less likely to cross tree lines in brightly lit areas, especially larger gaps. This barrier effect varies with gap width, with narrower gaps more tolerable than wider ones.
Researchers combined local bird survey data from 16 point counts in Northeast and Midwest forests, revealing significant declines in populations of four ecological indicator species. The study highlights the need for more formal monitoring in rare habitats and suggests that some species may be increasing in certain regions.
A researcher from University of East Anglia has found a rare Annamite Striped rabbit in Laos and Vietnam. The discovery provides new insights into the species' habitat and genetics, highlighting its potential risk of extinction due to deforestation and hunting.
A radio-tracking study by Jennifer Fill and colleagues shows that eastern diamondback rattlesnakes depend on pine savanna habitats with frequent fires. The study found that every studied snake had pine savanna as part of its home range, highlighting the importance of preserving this ecosystem for the species' survival.
Researchers found that coral adaptation to high salinity levels in the southern Persian/Arabian Gulf may prevent them from escaping their fate through global warming. Corals lose their exceptional heat stress tolerance when adapting to normal salinity levels.
Researchers compared plant taxa to climatic history and habitat information to provide new insights into plant dispersal patterns. The findings suggest that some plants escaped extinction by dispersing from Antarctica millions of years ago, improving the accuracy of climate change prediction models.
Researchers at Washington State University found that vineyards with native plant habitats have three times the number of butterfly species and four times more butterflies than conventional vineyards. This conservation method helps reduce pesticide usage and promotes a sustainable agricultural industry.
Researchers found moderate genetic variation in five sloth bear populations and two genetic clusters, suggesting habitat corridors play a crucial role in maintaining gene flow. The study highlights the importance of protecting threatened habitats connecting isolated sloth bear populations.
Researchers Jitka Polechova and Nick Barton propose a new theory on why species can't adapt to wider environmental conditions. Their findings suggest that sharp range limits can form even in environments with smooth changes, due to random fluctuations in gene frequencies.
The world's largest herbivores are declining due to habitat change and hunting, leading to a 'empty landscape' in diverse ecosystems. This loss of species poses significant ecological, social, and economic costs, including reduced food for large carnivores and altered nutrient cycles.
A new bird species, the Sichuan bush warbler, has been discovered in central China by an international team of scientists. The bird is characterized by its distinctive low-pitched drawn-out buzz and shorter click song, and can be found in dense brush and tea plantations at lower elevations.
New research reveals that minor changes in environment can trigger dramatic shifts in evolutionary strategy as a generalist species disperses into a heterogeneous landscape. This can lead to a positive feedback loop where reduced dispersal triggers further specialization.
A recent multinational study assesses the impact of Arctic sea ice decline on 11 marine mammal species, including seals, walruses, and polar bears. The research highlights the critical role of sea ice in their habitats, revealing changes in population trends, feeding patterns, and behavior.
A recent study found that over 50% of National Forest land in the northern Sierra Nevada is designated to promote mature, closed-canopy forest, while many bird species prefer undergrowth and habitat outside reserves. The study suggests a need to balance old-growth forest management with diverse forest habitats for all species.
A new USGS study tracked 19 wild-caught Burmese pythons to reveal their home range and habitat use patterns. The research found that pythons share common areas within the park, which may be optimal locations for control efforts, and provides insights into the snakes' movement patterns during wet and dry seasons.
Researchers developed a powerful new model to help decision makers choose cost-effective barrier removal projects, doubling habitat accessible to migratory fish. The study found that coordinated efforts across the entire basin are nine times more cost-effective than local or county-level efforts.