Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
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.
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.
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.
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.
The studies will provide evidence for a new global approach to valuing natural habitats and evaluate biodiversity in marine and urban areas. They aim to deliver on the recommendations from the Government's Dasgupta Review and support nature recovery and halt biodiversity loss.
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.
Researchers found distinct gut microbiomes in wild marten from pristine and heavily impacted areas, highlighting a tool for assessing ecosystem health. The study's findings suggest that human disturbance affects carnivores' diets, reflected in their gut microbiomes.
The study reveals fundamental differences in cell regulation and energy metabolism between the mountain hare and brown hare, correlating with their distinct evolutionary histories. These findings provide insights into how genomic differences translate into adaptive phenotypic differences between species.
A new study reveals that protected areas of natural and seminatural vegetation effectively cool the land surface temperature, providing a thermal buffer against climate change. This helps to protect species in the wild from episodes of extreme heat and moderates biotic responses to macroclimate warming.
Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.
Research finds LA mountain lions are avoiding burned areas but crossing roads and traveling longer distances to find resources. The population is increasingly at risk due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
A study analyzing Asian elephant movement and habitat preference found that they prioritize areas outside protected spaces, particularly those near the boundaries. This suggests that human-elephant conflict will rise unless strategies are implemented to promote coexistence around these areas.
Research findings suggest that lighting differences in habitats contribute to variations in eye color across primate species. The study found that populations farther from the equator tend to have lighter conjunctiva and shift towards greener or bluer iris colors.
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that wild bees are actively foraging in the sunlit woodland canopy, particularly among Sycamore trees. A diverse community of wild bees was found to thrive in this habitat, with nectar and pollen-rich trees providing essential food sources.
A new study has identified 195 previously unknown nectar plants for the painted lady butterfly, providing a source of food in Southern California. The research suggests that droughts may impact the butterflies' ability to reproduce, but the discovery of these nectar plants offers hope for their survival.
A large wingless wood-eating cockroach unique to Australia's Lord Howe Island has been rediscovered at the foot of a single Banyan tree. The species was thought extinct since the 1930s, but its genetic difference from offshore relatives suggests it may have survived due to co-evolution with ground-dwelling insects.
A team of researchers has identified three new turtle nesting sites in the central Red Sea, which could inform efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. The discovery was made using drone surveillance and sediment samples to identify optimal nesting conditions.
Researchers found that small amounts of development can positively impact bee species in a given area, revealing the importance of forest remnants and blended landscapes. The study discovered 111 species, representing 20% of known Georgia bee species, and provided a framework for future research to assist in bee conservation.
Researchers analyzed data from Australia's Reef Life Survey and two major reef monitoring programs to understand the effects of warming waters on reef fish populations. The study found that temperature changes had a greater impact on temperate reefs, while tropical reefs were more affected by habitat changes such as coral bleaching.
New research finds that purple needlegrass thrives in areas with sheep grazing, especially during wet weather, creating space for new growth and reducing competition from non-native grasses. The study's findings aim to inform effective management strategies for this long-lived species and its potential role in mitigating climate change.
Researchers used computer models to link red squirrel sightings to environmental parameters, identifying areas with missing ecological corridors. The study aims to improve urban planning by understanding the challenges faced by urban squirrels due to habitat fragmentation and climate change.
A recent study by the University of Hong Kong estimates that there are between 20 x 10^15 and 2 x 10^17 individuals on Earth, weighing more than all wild birds and mammals combined. The study also found that ants are unevenly distributed over the global land surface, with tropical regions harbouring more ants than non-tropical regions.
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
A 12,000-year analysis of El Niño's impact on animal communities reveals a tipping point where five or more major events per century lead to dramatic changes in eastern Pacific ecosystems. This finding suggests that strong El Niño events will play an increasingly important role in shaping future ecosystems.
A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.
New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.
A new study developed a novel way to understand how human activities cause unintended consequences on sustainable development goals. Researchers used China's Wolong Nature Reserve as a demonstration site and found that efforts to promote one goal often result in unintended impacts on others.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
A new study by Flinders University scientists highlights the importance of prey and habitat diversity for the coexistence of Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins. The research found that subtle differences in their habitat use and prey selection promote the coexistence of these ecologically similar dolphin species.
A new standardized framework allows conservationists to evaluate positive impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity. EICAT+ provides a comprehensive understanding of non-native species' effects on native ecosystems, enabling informed conservation decisions.
A new University of Washington study found that bird behavior was not significantly affected by the reduced human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns. In fact, many birds were observed in highly developed urban areas, suggesting that green spaces may serve as important refuges for urban birds.
Oregon State University scientists suggest using federal lands in 11 states to establish a wolf habitat network, potentially triggering powerful ecological effects. Beaver restoration is also proposed to repair degraded riparian areas, providing habitat for up to 70% of wildlife species.
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
A recent study has revealed that the great current diversity of eukaryotes is largely due to the large number of habitat transitions between sea and land over millions of years. Microbial eukaryotes have made hundreds of leaps from one habitat to another, allowing them to occupy vacant ecological niches.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
Researchers discovered the earliest direct evidence of brood care among insects in the Middle-Late Jurassic Daohugou Biota. Fossils of a water boatman insect showed it carrying a cluster of eggs on its left mesotibia, providing protection from predation and environmental risks.
A new panda species, Agriarctos nikolovi, has been discovered in Bulgaria, which may have been Europe's last known giant panda. The fossilized teeth, found in the late 1970s, suggest that this ancient panda consumed a largely vegetarian diet, unlike modern pandas.
A new study challenges the notion that restoring coastal vegetation like mangroves and seagrass can significantly remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The review highlights seven reasons why blue carbon accounting is uncertain, including high variability in carbon burial rates and vulnerability to climate change.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that corals' fluorescence serves as a lure for plankton, which are then consumed by predators like corals. The researchers found that green-fluorescent corals were 25% more preyed upon than yellow-fluorescent ones.
At least 30 out of 114 North American bird species have become less well-adjusted to their climate over the last 30 years, according to a recent study. Climate decoupling, where species distributions and abundances diverge from climate conditions, is particularly prominent among habitat specialists.
Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.
A new study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 kilometers in gentle weather conditions, with cumulative impacts likely in areas with multiple mines. The deep sea is home to organisms found nowhere else on Earth, and mining activities could have untold impacts on these species.
A study reveals over 50 common toads in UK woodlands, defying expectations of their terrestrial lifestyle. The discovery highlights the importance of tree cavities as a habitat for amphibians and encourages conservation efforts.
Rapid seed dispersal by hornets is essential for the short-lived seeds of Aquilaria sinensis due to their vulnerability to desiccation. The hornets consume fruit elaiosomes and deposit seeds in damp shade, allowing germination.
The construction of dams and changes in land use have significantly impacted the amount of sediment rivers carry to oceans. Sediment transport has decreased by 49% globally due to dam construction, while increasing on 36% of rivers in the south, primarily driven by deforestation.
Researchers analyzed historical data from ice ages to understand how cold-adapted Arctic mammals responded to severe climate fluctuations. The study identified common patterns in the responses of different species and provided new models for interpreting their behavior.
Researchers found that climate change is shifting the risk of human-wildlife conflicts in Thailand, with northern areas more vulnerable to elephant-human interactions. The study suggests that as natural habitats become fragmented, conflicts may intensify in rural areas where agriculture relies heavily on land.
A conceptual species 'stock market' aims to assign economic value to species and ecosystems, promoting sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The SSM would enable the valuation of ecosystem services and actions that harm or benefit biodiversity, fostering a unified approach to environmental decision-making.
A previously unknown subpopulation of polar bears living in Southeast Greenland has been genetically distinct and uniquely adapted to its environment. The study provides insight into how the species might persist into the future, but highlights the need for careful extrapolation due to limited access to sea ice.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University discovered charcoal remnants from olive trees at the Chalcolithic site of Tel Zaf, indicating intentional cultivation around 7,000 years ago. This marks the earliest evidence of domestication of a fruit tree worldwide.
A Cornell University research team used AI to detect eelgrass wasting disease at nearly three dozen sites along the West Coast. The study found that warmer-than-normal water temperatures are associated with eelgrass wasting, regardless of region. Eelgrass is a vital coastal species for fish habitat and biodiversity.
A new standardized method for measuring calcium carbonate on ocean floors can help researchers compare coral reef health globally. The 'how-to' guide enables the collection of comparable data from coral and oyster reefs worldwide, providing insights into the impacts of climate change and human activities.
Southern right whale mothers choose shallow nursery sites in 30-foot-deep waters to minimize predator detection, allowing them to communicate securely with their calves. This habitat selection behavior is a new form of acoustic crypsis, reducing the risk of being overheard by predators.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that monarch populations have remained relatively stable over the past 25 years due to summer breeding growth. The study suggests that population growth during the summer compensates for losses due to migration, winter weather, and environmental factors.
A new study found climate change is altering how large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, use habitats in the warming Gulf of Maine. The research team analyzed over 20 years of data and found that peak use of Cape Cod Bay had shifted almost three weeks later for right whales and humpback whales.
Several salamander species in eastern US and Canada face drastic habitat loss due to climate change, threatening ecosystem stability. Proportions of suitable habitats predicted to decline significantly, with some species facing up to 96% reduction.
Researchers tracked medium ground finches' movements day and night, finding they cover areas equivalent to 30 soccer fields and gather nightly in a lush grove. This behavior helps birds fight cold and reduces predation risk.