A team of scientists has developed a pioneering approach to combine advances in computer vision with ecological expertise to analyze wildlife populations. By leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms, researchers can extract key features from images and videos to quickly classify species, count individuals, and track behavior.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022
Researchers at UNH found that reducing carbon dioxide emissions can preserve almost three weeks of snow cover and below freezing temperatures. This preservation is critical for woodland animals, preventing the spread of invasive pests, and maintaining ski resorts' ability to make snow.
SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalNortheastern Naturalist·DateFeb 3, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Research reveals three modes of thought among Finnish forest owners: one views biodiversity loss as an emergency and advocates for radical change, while others see no problem. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging biodiversity loss denial in forestry discussions.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalForest Policy and Economics·DateJan 31, 2022
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that changing climate conditions 23,000 years ago expanded food options for humans in Israel's Sea of Galilee region. The research analyzed animal remains at the submerged archaeological site of Ohalo II, revealing a diverse diet with multiple prey sources.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022
A 100-million-year-old cockroach fossil provides insights into its sensory organs, which suggest the species lived in bright environments during the day. The study found that the extinct species had well-developed eyes and a unique pattern of receptors on its antenna, indicating it may have used these to communicate between sexes.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Science of Nature·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022
A diverse pollen diet and varied landscape contribute to better colony growth and more offspring for young queens. This diversity also reduces the negative effects of infestation with parasitic wax moth larvae.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2022
A new method developed by researchers predicts the optimal time to spend learning about a species' habitat before designating protected areas. This balance between knowledge acquisition and resource allocation can save species from extinction while minimizing unnecessary protection of incorrect habitats.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Native fish populations are declining due to lack of natural flow, making conservation efforts challenging. The study highlights the importance of protecting rivers with natural flow regimes to sustain native fish and their habitats.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFisheries·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 13, 2022
The study found that most USSE facilities were installed on grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands, potentially impeding Florida panther dispersal. Restoration of dispersal corridors and gene flow is critical to the species' survival, benefiting biodiversity and resiliency at the landscape-scale.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2022
A team of researchers found that animals with strong site fidelity, which is returning to the same places to eat, travel, and raise their young, may not survive or reproduce as well in changing landscapes. This can lead to population declines, especially in species like mule deer affected by human development.
SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 11, 2022
Scientists used biologging tech to track three seabird species taking different migration routes from a shared Canadian Arctic nesting location. The study adds evidence linking marine biodiversity in the Arctic region to high seas conservation efforts. Local coastal communities are connected through these Arctic seabirds' migrations.
SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021
Forest restoration reduces severe fire risk by half, safeguarding California spotted owl habitats. This study suggests that targeted forest management can mitigate climate change impacts on species conservation.
SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 2021
Researchers created detailed distribution map of glasswing butterflies, showing highest diversity at high elevations. The study highlights pressing need for conservation efforts in mountainous regions threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateDec 16, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A Texas A&M University study reveals that mussel beds shield tiny crabs and isopods from temperature swings and drying out on hot days. This 'ecological air conditioning system' provides crucial protection for heat-sensitive species, helping them weather near-term climate change effects.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEcology·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2021
A recent study found that polar bears in the Beaufort Sea are traveling up to 30% farther from their traditional hunting grounds, resulting in a 20% decrease in population. As sea ice recedes earlier and further, bears are being displaced from primary foraging habitats and forced to compete for food resources.
SourceWashington State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021
A new study suggests that melting glaciers in the Pacific mountains could produce over 6,000 kilometers of new salmon habitat by 2100. Researchers modeled glacial retreat under different climate change scenarios and found that 315 glaciers could create habitats with conditions suitable for salmon.
SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers found that dolphins have adapted to coastal life independently due to ancestral genes, which provide benefits for living in different environments. These genetic variations can be learned and passed down through generations.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021
A study predicts that 6,150 km of new Pacific salmon habitat will emerge in the Pacific mountains by 2100, with most occurring in Alaska and the transboundary region. This newly formed habitat can support rapid colonization by salmon populations, offering local opportunities for some species but posing challenges under climate change.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021
Wild pigs establish home ranges along preferred habitats of bottomland hardwood swamps and are influenced by air temperature and weather conditions. Researchers at UGA's Savannah River Ecology Lab tracked 49 wild pigs with radio collars to shed light on pig movements, which can inform management decisions.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPest Management Science·DateDec 6, 2021
Coastal organisms thrive on floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, expanding their biogeography. The discovery reveals that plastic pollution is providing a habitat for coastal species to survive and even thrive in the open ocean.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 2, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers identified 187 North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a 40% segment of the catalogued population, with most returning every year for up to 5 months. The study highlights the importance of the Gulf as a habitat and provides valuable information for developing protection measures.
SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 30, 2021
Research found that bats can adapt to diverse climates by finding similar roosting conditions, but those with high water loss are more heavily impacted by white-nose syndrome. This study highlights the importance of understanding bat hibernation patterns for conservation efforts.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology B·DateNov 29, 2021
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2021
A major new study found that woodland and hedgerow creation can support higher numbers of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The survey, which covered hundreds of sites across Wales, revealed the importance of carefully managed habitats in land management incentive schemes.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A University of Utah team analyzed woodrat gut bacteria and found that evolutionary history plays the greatest role in shaping microbiome structure. Diet and geography also influenced microbiome composition, but host relatedness was the strongest predictor in both wild and captive populations.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021
A new study reveals that marine species in the Mediterranean are migrating tens of meters deeper to survive warmer temperatures. The research found that cold-water species deepen significantly more than warm-water species, with an average depth increase of 55 meters across the region.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateNov 11, 2021
A team of researchers has developed a new tool to predict the habitat needs of New Zealand's endangered sea lions, enabling conservation efforts to better prepare for their return to the mainland. The model takes into account various factors such as sand, grass, and forest types, slopes, and human impact like roads and farms.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2021
FAU researchers custom-build multi-sensor tag combined with AI to observe goliath grouper species in the wild. The study identified 13 behaviors, including hovering, forward swimming, and vocalizations, using video footage from the tags.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSensors·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers found that in dry years, birds funnel into riparian environments due to increased greenness, leading to overcrowding and decreased bird populations. The study highlights the importance of understanding how birds respond to climate change for conservation purposes.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021
A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateOct 28, 2021
A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science researchers maps the conditions most suitable for key species of forage fishes in the Chesapeake Bay, offering guidance for protecting or restoring their habitats. The analysis reveals that factors such as water depth and temperature affect the abundance of forage fish, with some spec...
SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021
A new study reveals that road development in sub-Saharan Africa has negative impacts on biodiversity, both inside and outside protected areas. The researchers found that roads act as barriers to movement, facilitate access to previously inaccessible land, and contribute to urbanization, logging, and cropland expansion.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 19, 2021
A recent study suggests that primates and marsupials were among the few tree-dwelling mammals that survived an asteroid impact 66 million years ago. The researchers used computer models and fossil records to find that most surviving mammals did not rely on trees, but some arboreal species may have been versatile enough to adapt.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 12, 2021
Research at Florida Atlantic University found that green sea turtles in polluted environments have impaired immune systems, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The study suggests a positive feedback loop where pollution compromises immunity, making turtles more prone to Green Turtle Fibropapillomatosis.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021
A unique form of English rewilding is emerging as domesticated and scaled-down compared to global efforts. This approach requires human intervention to restore ecological function and increase biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Values·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new study found that beaver dams in Scottish streams increase the availability of suitable habitat and abundance of food for brown trout, benefiting their growth and abundance. The research showed that beaver-modified streams had larger trout populations with greater sanctuary from predators.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2021
Research suggests that concentrate farming allows for more natural habitats while meeting future food targets, resulting in better biodiversity outcomes compared to wildlife-friendly agriculture. This approach also sequesters more carbon and may benefit marine life.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Zoology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2021
A six-year international conservation project aims to revive 24,000 freshwater pearl mussels in Finland and surrounding areas by improving habitats and removing human-made barriers. The project uses innovative methods such as drone-based surveys and shell opening resistance tests to monitor the condition of individual mussels.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·DateOct 5, 2021
Researchers at Shedd Aquarium and Northwestern University discovered a family of microbes responsible for disappearing anti-parasitic medicine in the aquarium's quarantine habitats. The microbes, which were using the medicine as a source of nitrogen, were found in outlet pipes and were identified as belonging to various phyla.
SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021
A new study quantifies landscape changes on barrier islands, revealing that storms can create habitat for coastal species. The research found varying impacts from two hurricanes, Irene and Sandy, which reshaped Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Geography·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Research confirms two separate tiger shark populations in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans, despite trans-oceanic migrations. This long-term separation has resulted in distinct genetic diversity among Hawaiian and Indian Ocean tiger sharks, emphasizing the need for tailored management plans and targeted conservation efforts.
SourceSave Our Seas Foundation·JournalJournal of Heredity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2021
A 15-year study found that the availability of beech nuts can predict bear intrusions into human habitats. The research used numerical modeling and observed beech flowering patterns to forecast bear activity, reducing direct conflicts between humans and bears.
SourceShinshu University·JournalLandscape and Ecological Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2021
Researchers discovered fossilized footprint tracks of straight-tusked elephants, indicating a Late Pleistocene nursery site in Huelva, Spain. The tracks suggest that young elephants, possibly up to two years old, were raised in this area, which may have provided a food source and reproductive habitat for female elephant herds.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers developed a method to forecast blue whale locations up to three weeks in advance, enabling proactive conservation and management. The tool helps minimize the burden on ocean users while protecting whales.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021
A new fly species, Scenopinus jerei, has been officially described from Finland, belonging to the primitive and species-poor family of window flies. The species is found in boreal forest habitats and is widespread but rare in Finland, with its larvae preying on other insects.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalZooKeys·DateSep 15, 2021
Scientists discovered two distinct sardine populations in South Africa, one adapted to cool-temperate waters and the other to warmer subtropical conditions. The study suggests the Sardine Run may be a relic of spawning behavior dating back to the glacial period.
SourceFlinders University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 15, 2021
A study published in Biological Conservation enlisted the help of 80 citizen scientists to collect 1500 naturally detached Posidonia shoots washed up on the beach after storms. The 'Storm Squad' successfully rehabilitated populations of NSW's endangered Posidonia australis, with most transplanted fragments producing new shoots after on...
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalConservation Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, assessing over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Global Reef Expedition provided a comprehensive dataset for coral reef conservation, highlighting the status and major threats to these ecosystems.
SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2021
Scientists have sequenced the Indian wolf genome, revealing it to be one of the world's most endangered and evolutionarily distinct populations. The study suggests that Indian wolves may represent the most ancient surviving lineage of wolves.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2021
A new study assesses the impact of environmental policies on Amazon biodiversity, finding that 40-73,400 square miles of rainforest have been affected by fires since 2001. The research highlights the need for strong antideforestation policies and recognition of Indigenous lands to protect the region's biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2021
A study by Greta Wengert and colleagues found that illegal cannabis farms overlap with habitat ranges of endangered Pacific fisher, threatened Humboldt marten, and northern spotted owl. The researchers mapped 1469 illicit cultivation sites using location data and compared them to habitat distribution models.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A Cornell-University of South Carolina-led report warns that warming oceans are driving North Atlantic right whales towards extinction. The calving rate has declined by 26% since 2010, with the population now estimated at just 356 whales.
SourceCornell University·JournalOceanography·DateSep 1, 2021
A study of 20 US cities reveals that urban intensity, characterized by paved landscapes and high population density, is a stronger correlate with mammal biodiversity than income. While the 'luxury effect' shows some correlation between income and biodiversity, it's not strong enough to explain the observed patterns.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2021
A study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals that ʻopihi age, growth, and longevity are influenced by the Hawaiian intertidal environment. The research team found that ʻopihi species grow rapidly, reaching maturity within 8-9 months, and can live up to 5 years old.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021
A new study found that LED streetlights have a detrimental impact on local insect populations, with moth caterpillar numbers being 52% lower under LED lighting than in unlit areas. The study suggests that this is due to female moths laying fewer eggs in habitats illuminated by streetlights.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2021
A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that safe passages for species adapting to climate change are often not being protected. The researchers found that important connecting patches were left out of existing networks of protected areas, resulting in a 13.6% shortfall in connectivity.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A study found that giant anteaters in less forested habitats have larger home ranges, allowing them to access thermal shelters and regulate body temperature. Sex and body size also play a role in space use, with males using more space than females of similar size.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021