Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
A new technology developed by Arizona State University researchers allows scientists to remotely track the location and time of birth for shark pups, enabling them to protect critical habitats. The device, called Birth-Alert-Tags (BAT), has yielded remarkable results, revealing previously unknown birth sites for certain shark species.
A study by Dr. Maria M. Georgi and colleagues found that mulching times of forest meadows have a negative impact on both insect larvae and flower-visiting insects. Mulching in September was shown to protect the latter, while mulching in June had a negative effect.
Researchers found strong seasonality in blue whales' foraging and breeding behavior, with changes in vocalizations based on environmental conditions like marine heatwaves. The study's findings can inform conservation management of this endangered blue whale population.
The war in Ukraine may trigger a new global land race, threatening rural livelihoods and the environment. Large-scale land acquisitions could exacerbate conditions of water scarcity and land degradation, prompting concerns about policy implications and long-lasting effects on rural development.
A three-year effort to conserve bee populations showed positive effects, with increased bee abundance and diversity in studied areas. However, quality of the habitat played a key role in these positive effects, and its impact on maintenance over time was also significant.
A Stanford-led study estimates that about 20% of all Sierra Nevada conifer forests are mismatched with the climate around them. This means they are temporarily surviving in habitats that have grown too warm for them, but are likely to be replaced by tree species better adapted to the climate after catastrophic wildfires.
Daurian redstarts move their nests closer to human settlements when cuckoos are around to protect against brood parasitism. This strategy has been observed in a population of Daurian redstarts in northeastern China, illustrating how urbanization affects interspecific interactions.
Bowhead whales are shifting their migration patterns due to declining sea ice in the Arctic, affecting their long-term health and impact on Indigenous communities. The lack of ice is causing changes in bowhead availability for hunters, leading to competition for resources and increased human interaction.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that arranging rows of trees at right angles to semi-natural habitats increases pollination performance and nut production. The design also promotes easy movement of bees through the plantation.
Researchers are using pythons captured by SFWMD's Python Elimination Program and FWC's Python Action Team to study python biology further. The tracking devices will lead researchers to the snakes, allowing them to record behavior and document reproductive data such as nesting sites and hatchlings.
Research suggests that rapid ocean warming could force plankton to move away from the tropics, negatively affecting marine food chains. The study used microfossils to track the history of zooplankton and found that tropical plankton populations lived in waters more than 2,000 miles from their current location 8 million years ago.
A new study has identified the top factors that determine the success of large carnivore relocation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting existing habitats. The findings could support global rewilding efforts and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Researchers found that the feathers of large seabirds contained nutrients from multiple ocean basins, while smaller birds had elements matching their local foraging environments. This discovery may explain the long-distance migrations of threatened species.
A study by the University of California, Davis, finds that most Amazon land mammals are threatened by climate change and projected savannization. Camera trap surveys revealed that only a few species preferred savanna habitat, while most species, including those using both habitats, chose forest habitats.
Researchers found that snake species distribution in the Chaco region correlates with adaptations, such as fossorial habits for burrowing and arboreal traits. The study showed that southern species have small eyes and short tails, while northern species have long tails and are tree dwellers.
Researchers document diverse assemblage of fish species living on asphalt volcanoes in the Santa Barbara Channel, characterized by low densities and high diversity rates. The team's findings highlight the unique nature of these habitats and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect them.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that a small red-eyed damselfly from Europe has established itself in the UK without harming native species. Most native dragonflies and damselflies were either found more often or unchanged in areas colonized by the newcomer.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that the Bahama Warbler may only survive on Abaco island after Hurricane Dorian devastated its forest habitat on Grand Bahama. The study, published in Bird Conservation International, reveals that the bird prefers areas with taller, more mature trees and can adapt to burnt vegetation.
Researchers at Lund University identified two areas in the genome that decide whether a willow warbler migrates across the Iberian Peninsula or the Balkans. This discovery sheds light on the genetics behind songbirds' migratory behaviour and has implications for understanding how species adapt to climate change.
A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.
A global survey of large carnivore attacks found that attacks in high-income countries occurred mostly during recreation, while those in low-income countries were linked to livelihood activities. The study also highlighted the importance of tailored approaches to prevent such attacks.
Research led by Christina Aiello shows that GPS tracking data and computer simulations can predict animal movements, helping optimize habitat connectivity enhancement projects. The study identified eight populations of bighorn sheep where barrier removal would increase accessible habitat.
Five new tree-dwelling snake species were discovered in the jungles of Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. The research highlights the devastating impact of open-pit mining operations on these unique creatures.
Researchers found that salmon carcasses can cause wildflowers to grow bigger and produce more seeds, shedding light on the impact of climate change on rivers and streams. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, extends previous knowledge about nitrogen isotopes and their connection to plant growth.
A study by University of Reading ecologists suggests that social and economic factors drive the decline of large carnivore species, with habitat loss being less significant. The researchers propose a sustainable model of development to protect carnivores, but note that this may come at the cost of locking people into poverty.
A new study found that protected natural areas of the UK are failing to stop declines in insects and spiders, despite being richer in species. The results suggest that while these areas conserve valuable habitats, they need more assistance to tackle wider threats posed by climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
A team of researchers found that coastal habitats can adapt to rapid sea-level rise by utilizing abundant sediment, which can help salt marshes survive. The study's key finding highlights the importance of re-infusing sediment into estuary systems when dredging is necessary.
A study found that wind turbines in forests cause common noctules, a threatened bat species, to collide with blades and lose foraging space. The researchers recommend building turbines at least 500 meters away from roosts and compensating for lost habitats elsewhere.
Neanderthals at Combe-Grenal consistently preferred to hunt in open tundra-like habitats, unaffected by climatic changes over many millennia. The study's findings provide insights into the subsistence strategies of Neanderthal populations and their adaptability to environmental shifts.
Researchers from DePaul University studied small mammals in eastern Paraguay's Atlantic Forest remnants to understand biodiversity and its relation to forest edges. They found that species richness and abundance increase closer to the edge, while phylogenetic diversity is higher in interior sites.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that ants do not adjust their behavior in response to rising temperatures, persisting in sub-optimal microhabitats. The study suggests that ants may not be able to adapt to warmer ecosystems, with potential implications for forest ecosystems.
Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.
A new study provides insights into the conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds by identifying key stopover hotspots and habitat associations. The researchers found that small pockets of deciduous forest, particularly in areas with high concentrations of food and shelter, are crucial for birds to complete their migration.
Researchers found parallel genomic signatures in urban Anolis cristatellus lizards, which also exhibit physical differences such as longer limbs and larger toe pads. These adaptations enable the lizards to thrive in cities.
A Tokyo Metropolitan University study reveals that smaller green areas surrounding large parks in urban environments can significantly affect biodiversity. The researchers found that mobile insect species benefit from these surrounding areas, while less mobile species do not.
Researchers from Finland investigated the impact of wind turbines on bat presence and activity in boreal forests. Bats were found to be repelled by wind turbines, with Northern bats avoiding distances of up to 800 meters and Myotis species avoiding areas over one kilometer away.
Researchers studied deer and elk behavior around a wildlife tunnel, finding they were less likely to use the crossing after displaying a 'vigilant' response to passing vehicles. The study suggests designers should focus on animals' perceptions of their environment when building wildlife crossings.
Researchers found that wooded areas, cropland, roads, and housing developments are obstacles to snake relocation. Reconnecting fragmented populations through strategic habitat changes could help restore the species to a thriving state.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive map of the world's airborne microbes, providing fresh insights into how these species interact with the surface environment. The atlas reveals that human activities have changed the structure of microbiomes in natural ambient air, particularly with higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria in urban air.
A study by McGill University researchers found that Northern Tree Shrews' body size increased with warmer climates, contradicting Bergmann's rule. The team analyzed museum specimens and historical climate data, revealing a reversal of the Island rule as well, highlighting the complex interaction between ecological factors.
A new study synthesizes years of research on monarch habitat, finding that establishing habitat near crop fields with insecticide use will support breeding generations and increase population growth. The study suggests a 100-125 feet buffer is essential to add conservable land.
Researchers analyzed coyote diets and movement in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to determine why a lone hiker was attacked. The study found that coyotes relied on moose due to resource scarcity, adapting their behavior to exploit this unusually large food source.
A new study reveals that bat diversity is highest in old deciduous forest stands on river banks in Eastern Ukraine. The research found that mature forests older than 90 years improve breeding activity and abundance of bats, with species richness increasing up to 22% of all forests in the region.
A new study aims to assess habitat quality by analyzing arthropod food resources in bird diets and vegetation, providing an effective and cost-efficient way for DoD land managers to monitor threatened species. The project uses advanced genetic approaches and bioinformatics expertise to measure habitat quality on military installations.
Rondaxe Lake's experience is just one of thousands worldwide as lakes lose oxygen due to warming, leading to conditions like hypoxia and anoxia. This phenomenon, exacerbated by seasonal stratification, threatens aquatic life and ecosystems.
A new study by Michelle Szydlowski from the University of Exeter warns that rhino conservation efforts in Nepal are putting a burden on communities, infrastructure, and other species. The study found that successful anti-poaching campaigns have increased tourist numbers and rhino populations, but also led to human and animal casualties.
A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.
Great tits with higher glucocorticoid levels in cold weather have better heat production capabilities, increasing their survival chances.
A study found that Antarctic ice-free areas will create new habitats for some species, but also increase competition and risk of invasion by non-native species. The research highlights the need to address key questions about the impacts of these changes on biodiversity.
A new study reveals that global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons, such as corals and sea urchins. The researchers found a clear pattern showing that species with high levels of magnesium in their skeletons become more common with warmer seawater temperatures.
A new report reveals that animals are key to forest recovery by carrying a wide variety of seeds into deforested areas. Animals disperse over 80% of tree species in the tropics, and their presence near old-growth forests can improve restoration efforts.
Researchers at Göttingen University found that removing vegetation in small areas led to a significant increase in ground nests, especially with nearby flowering plants. The removal of vegetation proved to be a simple measure to promote ground-nesting wild bees on calcareous grasslands.
A study by the University of Exeter found that 74% of green turtles foraging in Cyprus feed at Lake Bardawil, an Egyptian lagoon. The number of turtle nests has increased almost tripled since the early 1990s, but their dependence on this single location leaves them vulnerable to changes in conditions.
Researchers measured phycotoxin concentrations in bull sharks caught in the Indian River Lagoon, finding multiple toxins widespread or persistent in the environment. The study highlights dietary exposure as a key mechanism of toxin transfer to bull sharks.
Researchers found that habitat loss and climate-induced food shortages drive pathogen spillover, but preserving and restoring natural habitats can prevent these events. By analyzing data from Australia, the study predicts when viruses like Hendra and Nipah will spill over from bats to humans.
An international team of researchers found evidence of cooked fish remains at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov archaeological site in Israel, dating back approximately 780,000 years. This discovery predates previous knowledge by about 600,000 years and sheds light on the evolution of cooking techniques.
A global analysis of habitat changes in coastal wetlands has clarified the decline of shorebird populations. Changes in intertidal feeding areas and high tide roosting areas have been identified as critical factors contributing to the decline of non-breeding shorebirds.
The NATURE FIRST project combines forensic intelligence and remote sensing technologies to monitor protected areas and detect human activities threatening biodiversity. The project aims to halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity in Europe by using predictive, proactive, and preventative capabilities.
Research by a University of Texas at Austin doctoral candidate reveals that some American parrot remains may have been captured locally rather than imported from Mexico. The study suggests that the ecology of the past can be different from today's, and natural history collections are essential for research.
A team of 70 scientists warns that climate change will drastically reduce the ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy ecosystems. Insects face extinction and ecosystem disruption due to global warming and extreme weather events.