Research on the habitats animals depend on. Covers forest protection, megaherbivore decline, orchard conservation, and plastic pollution.
A researcher at the University of Kansas will investigate how organisms transition from aquatic to terrestrial existence, analyzing South American water scavenger beetles. The study aims to understand the mechanics of evolution and how species respond to environmental instability tied to climate change.
Scientists at the University of Granada have confirmed Bergmann's rule for ectotherms, revealing that long-tailed lizards are larger and retain heat longer in high-altitude habitats. This study resolves decades-long debates on the mechanism behind the Bergmann clines, showing that larger animals indeed have slower cooling rates.
A US Forest Service-led study found that 195 out of 201 bird and mammal species in northwest Alaska could face habitat loss or gain due to climate change. The research projects up to 52% of species may experience habitat expansion, while 45% will see contractions.
Two new species of Saurichthys, a predatory ray-finned fish, have been discovered in Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland. These ancient fishes exhibit distinct skull and body shapes, suggesting different hunting styles and habitats, contributing to their evolutionary success.
A new study found that 13 of 23 protected areas in Ivory Coast had lost their entire primate populations due to illegal cocoa farming. The researchers also discovered that 20 of the areas had unauthorized villages with nearly 30,000 people, highlighting the scale of deforestation caused by cocoa production.
The Tasmanian swift parrot is facing a severe population collapse, with its numbers projected to halve every four years. The research emphasizes the need for urgent protection measures to preserve the bird's forest habitat and prevent its potential extinction within 16 years.
Marine ecologists track striped marlins in Pacific Ocean using satellite tags, revealing their preferred habitat in the epipelagic layer within 8 degrees C of sea surface temperature. The study's findings may help reduce undesired catch and target higher-value species.
A new study reveals that dottyback reef fish can change color to imitate various damselfish species, allowing it to sneak up on unsuspecting young and avoid detection by larger predators. This unique ability makes it harder for prey to develop strategies to evade the dottyback.
A study at Lincoln Park Zoo found that chimpanzees prefer to travel longer distances for their preferred food source, grapes, over carrots. The apes demonstrated innovative problem-solving behavior as they adapted to the situation.
New research from the University of Warwick found that zoos and aquariums can increase respondents' understanding of biodiversity and conservation after a visit. The study involved 5,661 respondents at 26 zoos and aquariums worldwide, showing an increase in positive evidence of biodiversity understanding from pre-visit to post-visit.
A new study identifies 15 animal species at the highest risk of extinction due to low conservation opportunities. Researchers estimate that conserving these species would require a significant investment of $1.3 billion annually.
Researchers found that bat activity was lower in street-lit areas than dark locations with similar habitat. Only Leisler's bat showed a positive association with street lighting, highlighting the need to reconsider urban planning strategies.
A new study reveals that female killifish avoid mating with males of closely related species and also tend to shun males of their own species if they come from an unfamiliar population. This phenomenon, called cascade reinforcement, can lead to the early stages of speciation.
A new paper suggests that conservation organizations need to be bolder in their adaptation efforts due to the rapid ecological changes caused by climate change and other global changes. By adapting like the organisms they seek to protect, these organizations can conserve something that won't stay still.
The discovery of a new turtle genus in Wyoming provides insight into how animals may respond to future climate change. Modern-day turtles may struggle to migrate northward due to habitat loss and human pressures, leading to some species' potential extinction.
Lemurs are expected to lose considerable amounts of suitable habitat due to climate change, with some species shrinking their ranges by nearly 70 percent. The study identifies key forest corridors that need protection for lemurs to reach future habitats.
New research reveals interacting and cumulative time lags in biodiversity responses, exacerbating environmental degradation and ecosystem service losses.
A study by Smithsonian scientists found that oyster disease is more prevalent in areas with low oxygen levels at night, which can cripple the oysters' defense against the parasite. However, surprisingly, oysters' filtration powers flag during periods of low oxygen but recover afterwards.
A study analyzing 308 bird species found that many birds switch between federal land managers throughout the year, highlighting the need for cooperation in conservation. The research used crowdsourced checklists and mapping to identify key habitats and inform land management priorities.
Researchers found that reclaimed oil and gas well pads in Colorado lack the patchy soil patterns that support sagebrush recovery. This uniformity can make it harder to reestablish big sagebrush, a critical component for diverse wildlife species.
Researchers predict that up to one in three Bornean mammal species will lose 30% or more of their habitat by 2080 due to deforestation and climate change. A targeted conservation approach, focusing on higher-elevation reserves, can mitigate this threat and safeguard biodiversity hotspots.
A recent study revealed that the Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee subspecies has a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought, with three distinct populations found in central Cameroon. The research also suggests that climate change could cause significant harm to chimpanzee populations due to habitat alterations.
Climate change threatens Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees with drastic habitat loss, including the savanna-woodland habitat of central Cameroon. The subspecies has only about 6,000 individuals in the wild, making it particularly vulnerable to extinction.
Research on endangered monkey species in the Amazon reveals new insights into their diversity and evolutionary history. Genetic analysis shows that some species have distinct groups, while others have smaller habitats threatened by climate change.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that human behaviors, such as disturbance, may be driving changes to bird communities in residential areas. Despite contrasting geographies, exurban development appeared to have similar effects on birds in two regions, with some species benefiting and others negatively impacted.
A new model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately identify stream sections suitable for wild brook trout, helping fisheries managers protect habitat. The model uses characteristics like water temperature and soil type to predict brook trout occurrence in the eastern United States.
Research found that gliding lizards in Borneo mimic the colours of falling leaves to camouflage, using extendable gliding membranes. The study suggests that populations have evolved different coloured membranes to match their habitats, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.
Scientists discover two new taxa of wood-feeding cockroaches in China, highlighting their unique hermit lifestyle. These wood-eating insects are distinct from other cockroach species, which typically infest human habitats, and were previously understudied due to their secluded behavior.
A new study reveals that giant pandas are not as picky about their habitat as previously believed. The research, led by Michigan State University, found that pandas are willing to live in secondary forests, climb different slopes, and choose areas with varying amounts of sunshine.
Researchers have identified key habitats for Iberian orcas, showing they are closely tied to tuna migration patterns. The small population faces threats from human activity in their limited habitat.
A Michigan State University study found that mining can damage fish habitats miles downstream and even in streams not directly connected to the mine. The research suggests that mines are a regional stress on stream fish assemblages, affecting downstream communities.
A new study published by Point Blue Conservation Science found that aggressive removal of conifers can restore aspen stands in the Sierra Nevada, increasing groundwater, enriching soils, and supporting biodiversity. The study's authors used bird species to measure the effectiveness of the restoration approach.
Research suggests that Peruvian coastal waters provide suitable habitat for endangered South Pacific green turtles, with healthy populations found in two sites off the southern and northern coasts. The study highlights the importance of conservation measures to protect these vulnerable species from pollution, bycatch, and illegal catch.
A new study by University of Oregon geologist Edward B. Davis and colleagues found that fossil records of five ancient mammalian species point to weaknesses in ecological niche models and hindcasting methods used to predict future animal and plant habitats.
Researchers identified canyon maple's salt tolerance as a result of its native semiarid woodland habitat. The tree showed better resistance to leaf damage and salinity than bigleaf maple, but was more affected at higher salt concentrations.
Researchers found that businesses with more natural land cover, such as tall grass and trees, are more welcoming to raptors. Minor landscape changes can attract this wildlife, making areas more suitable for raptor presence.
A new study shows that adopting healthier traditional Mediterranean, pescatarian, or vegetarian diets could boost human lifespan and quality of life while slashing greenhouse gas emissions and saving habitat for endangered species. The research predicts that this dietary shift would prevent massive environmental damage, increase global...
A new species of nocturnal gecko, Paroedura hordiesi, has been discovered in northern Madagascar with a unique camouflage pattern to blend into its environment. The species is classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and degradation.
New research reveals that Swainson's warbler populations are increasing in pine plantations, which could support majority of breeding populations by 21st century. The species, one of North America's rarest songbirds, has been found to thrive in a surprising new habitat, boosting conservation hopes.
Researchers observed large parties of chimpanzees foraging crops at night in maize fields of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Chimpanzees also presented few signs of vigilance and anxiety during nighttime crop-raids, indicating a high level of adaptability to human activities.
A study reveals key details of prehistoric marine croc group Machimosaurus, showing adaptations for various habitats similar to modern-day crocodiles. The ancient species varied in body length and features, with some living in open seas and others in coastal environments.
A team of MIT researchers assessed the Mars One mission's technical feasibility, highlighting the need for new technologies to keep humans alive on Mars. The study found that a system to remove excess oxygen and more advanced water extraction methods are required, among other innovations.
A new study reveals that harlequin ladybird, an invasive alien species, prefers urban areas and sunnier habitats. The invasive species has outcompeted native ladybirds due to habitat deterioration and competition.
A study found that grassland fields in southern Wisconsin supported over three times as many bird species as cornfields, including 10 imperiled species. The research suggests that diverse bioenergy crop fields could benefit birds more than less diverse fields, making grasslands an acceptable tradeoff for biomass production.
Researchers found that mangrove habitats in the U.S. Virgin Islands are providing a refuge for over 30 species of reef corals, which thrive under the shade of red mangroves but bleach in unshaded areas. This adaptation may help corals survive rising ocean temperatures and acidification.
MARCO adopts course of action to strengthen federal protection of submarine canyon habitats, with a focus on synthesizing existing data and promoting scientific exploration. The initiative aims to advance conservation efforts in the Mid-Atlantic region.
A new study reveals that the Tree Bumblebee prefers built-up areas and is associated with human habitation. The research found that these areas form a large part of their habitat use, setting them apart from other common British bumblebee species.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharks thrive in healthy coral reefs with no fishing zones. The research revealed a significant increase in shark abundance in non-fished areas of the Great Barrier Reef, emphasizing the importance of preserving coral health for shark conservation.
New research reveals that many North American bird species use looped migration routes, following the flush of green vegetation in spring and avoiding harsher winter conditions. By analyzing large datasets from eBird and satellite imagery, scientists have uncovered a general pattern common to many species.
The 790 Fire in Oregon affects over 3,000 acres with a 54% containment rate, posing risks to natural resources like the Northern Spotted Owl habitat. The Happy Camp Fire Complex in California spans 105,000 acres, with an estimated cost of $60.7 million to fight.
A new study has created a 'global roadmap' for prioritizing road building across the planet, identifying areas with most potential benefit and conflict zones. The approach balances competing demands of development and environmental protection.
A study found that orb-weaving spiders living in urban areas tend to have larger bodies and increased reproductive abilities compared to those in natural environments. The spiders' size is associated with the level of urbanization, with larger bodies found in areas with more hard surfaces.
A new species of Boophis rappiodes group, Boophis ankarafensis, has been described from the hidden streams of Ankarafa Forest in northwest Madagascar. The species is characterized by high genetic divergence and a unique call with a double click.
Researchers found that mowing and prescribed burns increased plant density and flowering percentage of gentian species, a rare find due to human suppression of wildfires. Northern pine snakes struggle to cross roads, with only small patches of habitat left to support populations.
Researchers discovered active microbes in tiny droplets of water, revealing diverse bacteria and archaea. These microorganisms also degrade oil in asphalt, suggesting a similar process could be used to clean up oil spills.
Researchers tracked bigeye tuna movements for up to 292 days, revealing a wide geographical range from Georges Bank to the Brazilian shelf. The study provides valuable habitat use data and informs future management approaches for this commercially important species.
The deep sea provides numerous benefits to society, including acting as a greenhouse gas sink, regenerating nutrients, and fueling the marine food web. However, rapid exploitation of its resources poses significant threats to its habitat and global impact, necessitating a global effort to protect and manage these vast habitats.
The deep sea provides essential services to humans, including nutrient-rich fish stocks, waste management, and reserves of oil, gas, precious metals, and rare minerals. Its unique ecosystems also host life forms with potential for new antibiotics and anti-cancer chemicals.
New research identifies high-priority conservation areas in Europe due to climate change, with only 4% of land area offering refuge for species. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
Conservation translocation is being explored as a means to combat biodiversity loss. Researchers suggest creating 'wildness' rather than restoring 'wilderness'. Reintroduction of species and ecological replacement are controversial methods being considered.