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Close encounters of the furry kind: managing alien squirrel invasion in Japan

Researchers from Japan highlight the decline of native squirrel species due to introduced non-native sciurine species. The study emphasizes the importance of early action in addressing ecological concerns and conserving rare endemic species, with successful eradication efforts reported in four locations.

SourceForestry and Forest Products Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 15, 2023

Reign of invasive rusty crayfish may be ending; Wisconsin lakes rejoice

A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 13, 2023

Colombia, a biodiversity hotspot, holds lessons for other countries trying to balance development with conservation, Stanford-led study shows

A new Stanford-led study highlights the importance of coordinated policies governing biodiversity in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. The research found that biodiversity is governed by nearly 200 distinct policies covering various ecosystems and conservation approaches.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Living on the edge: Small mammals in threatened, biodiverse hotspot hold clues for conservation

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.

SourceDePaul University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

Invasive rats transform reef fish behavior

Scientists found that invasive black rats transform reef fish behavior, causing changes in territorial patterns and nutrient cycles. The presence of rats disrupts the nutrient cycle by reducing seabird populations and nutrients deposited onto islands.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Tweets, news offer insights on invasive insect spread

Researchers tracked tweets about two invasive insects, spotted lanternfly and Tuta absoluta, on Twitter and in news stories. They found that activity patterns on these platforms aligned with official surveys, providing insights into pest spread timing and location.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputers Environment and Urban Systems·DateJan 4, 2023
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.

Scientists return from expedition after mapping fungal networks on world’s most remote island

Researchers from SPUN mapped the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across Palmyra Atoll, finding unique nutrient feedback loops that support rainforests, plankton communities, and coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of these underground networks in maintaining ecosystem resilience to climate change.

SourceSPUN (Society for the Protection of Underground Networks)·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Argentine ants will do anything for sugar, but they won’t do this

In a surprising twist, researchers found that starving Argentine ants exercise caution when foraging in high-risk environments, unlike expectations. This counterintuitive strategy may contribute to their success as an invasive species and agricultural pest.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCurrent Zoology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

A world map of plant diversity

Researchers modelled relationship between plant diversity and environmental conditions, capturing how diversity varies along environmental gradients. The models predict highest concentrations of plant diversity in environmentally heterogeneous tropical areas like Central America and the Amazonia.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Illinois report says native fish overlooked as invaders in U.S. waters

A new review highlights the lack of understanding about non-game native transplant (NGNT) fish in the US, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Researchers urge anglers and aquarium hobbyists to take steps to prevent NGNT invasions, such as not releasing bait fish into different watersheds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFisheries·DateNov 3, 2022

Endangered birds can be protected from predators with chemical camouflage

A study by the University of Turku found that red foxes can be deceived into not eating bird eggs with chemical camouflage, while raccoon dogs showed less effectiveness. The methods could provide an alternative to hunting and help protect vulnerable prey species.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study of ancient invasive species can improve modern conservation strategies

A new research study analyzed ancient invasions preserved in the fossil record, providing a better understanding of how modern invasions impact ecosystems over larger time scales. The results suggest that biotic invasions of certain types are unlikely to result in incumbents' extinction and may require less conservation investment.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 10, 2022

The no-tech way to preserve California’s state grass

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 22, 2022

Little rodent, big appetite

Invasive house mice on Southeast Farallon Island consume and compete with native species for food, leading to significant impacts on the island ecosystem. The study found that mice are highly opportunistic eaters whose diets vary throughout the year in response to changes in food availability.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 22, 2022
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.

Pythons are true choke artists

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that Burmese pythons have evolved super-stretchy skin between their lower jaws, enabling them to consume prey much larger than expected. This adaptation allows pythons to eat deer and other large animals whole, providing a significant energy advantage in their ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2022

Plants that pull nitrogen from thin air thrive in arid environments

A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen-fixers are most diverse in arid regions of the US, contrary to expectations. Plants have evolved creative ways to acquire nitrogen, and their diversity increases in these environments due to adaptations such as thicker cuticles.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateAug 23, 2022

DNA profiling solves Australian rabbit plague puzzle

A study published in PNAS confirms the single-origin hypothesis for Australia's invasive rabbits, tracing their ancestry back to Thomas Austin's family in England. Genetic diversity declined as the population spread across the continent, revealing a possible genetic advantage that enabled the rabbits to adapt to Australia's climate.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2022

Climate change leads to invasive insect expansion on West Coast

Climate change is driving the expansion of invasive insect species, such as the oak gall wasp, into more northerly oak savannas. This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, as these insects can overwhelm native species without natural predators or competitors.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateAug 10, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Global dashboard to track invasive mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases

A new global dashboard tracks invasive mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases, combining data from three partner apps and utilizing AI-powered image recognition software. The platform has the potential to provide real-time data on disease vectors, enabling early detection and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalInsects·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2022

Invasive species’ success may lie in living fast, dying young

Researchers found that asexual freshwater snails, successful invaders worldwide, matured and reproduced more quickly than non-invasive counterparts. This combination of traits allows them to outcompete other snail lineages in new environments.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalOecologia·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022

Invasive fish: Sperm hijacking as success strategy

The study reveals that female Prussian carps use hijacked sperm to reproduce, producing only female clones. This unique reproductive method has allowed the species to colonize new habitats and outcompete native species.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 19, 2022

Genetically-enhanced biocontrols can help fight large invasive mammals

A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of gene drives on mammal populations at a landscape scale. The X-shredder drive has been shown to potentially eradicate mice, rats, and rabbits, but with varying probabilities of success and eradication times ranging from 18 to 48 years.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateJul 8, 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.

The chanchita may have the highest cold tolerance of all non-native fish in Central Florida

Researchers have discovered that chanchita, a cichlid fish native to South America, has the highest cold tolerance of all non-native species in Florida, allowing it to survive central and possibly northern Florida's winters. Chanchitas exhibit parental care behavior, with both parents guarding eggs and young.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateJun 30, 2022

What the nose doesn’t know helps wildlife: Using olfactory cues to protect vulnerable species

Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 21, 2022

Invasive marine species can survive under surprising environmental conditions

A study from Tel Aviv University found that invasive marine species can survive in extreme conditions, including changing temperatures and salinity. The researchers' experiment demonstrated the importance of regulating trade routes to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can harm local environments and resident species.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 19, 2022

Invasive wasp tests nature’s strengths and weaknesses

Research on the invasive Sirex woodwasp estimates it can reproduce up to 2-3 times higher in North America than in its native range, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems. The wasp's ability to tolerate climate extremes and spread rapidly makes it a challenging insect to control.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNeoBiota·DateJun 16, 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.

Kelp connecting Southern coasts – genomics reveals

A University of Otago-led study used genomic analysis to track the origins of kelp found on southeastern New Zealand beaches, revealing connections to South Georgia and Marion Island. Kelp rafts carry a variety of organisms across vast distances, influencing ecosystem dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 8, 2022

Has a beautiful songbird become an invasive species in Britain?

A new study finds the Red-billed Leiothrix, a small songbird native to subtropical Asia, has become an invasive non-native species in Britain. The species' potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is being highlighted by researchers, who note that it could cause significant changes if widely established.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateJun 6, 2022

​​​​​​​Vocal non-native songbird could change Britain’s dawn chorus as we know it

A new study warns that the Red-billed Leiothrix, a loud and brightly coloured bird from subtropical Asia, could become established in Britain, altering the country's dawn chorus. The species has already been spotted in several parts of Europe and is kept as a cage bird, potentially leading to its escape into the wild.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalIbis·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Citizen power mobilized to fight against mosquito borne diseases

A WHO-supported series has collected 13,700 new database records on mosquito-borne diseases, providing valuable resource for studying and containing infectious diseases. The data can be used to train machine-learning models for vector detection and classification, improving global human health.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Invasive species and climate change impact coastal estuaries

A recent study published in Ecology found that climate change and biological invasions are altering the predator-prey landscape in California's coastal estuaries. This interaction increases stress on native species, making them more vulnerable to invasive predators.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Nanoparticles prove effective against the yellow fever mosquito

Researchers at Ohio State University discover that carbon black nanoparticles are fatal to yellow fever mosquito larvae in standing water. The material accumulates on the larvae's head, abdomen, and gut, blocking basic biological functions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInsects·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022
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.

Invasive insects will kill 1.4 million US street trees by 2050: Study

A new study forecasts 1.4 million US street tree deaths from invasive insects by 2050, with the emerald ash borer responsible for most fatalities. Urban diversity can help mitigate this impact, and prioritizing management efforts like quarantining wood products may be necessary.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 7, 2022

Stray cats: worthy of our love or invasive and destructive?

A 12-year longitudinal study in Israel reveals that controlling stray cat populations requires continuous and intensive neutering of at least 70% of street cats. The study also suggests implementing a policy to control cat food resources, ensuring cats are properly fed before neutering, to mitigate rebound effects.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022
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.

Invading hordes of crazy ants may have finally met their kryptonite

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found a natural fungus that can kill off local populations of tawny crazy ants, with 62% of infected populations disappearing entirely. The fungus is specific to crazy ants and has no effect on native species, making it a promising biocontrol agent for protecting sensitive habitats.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Researchers ID sex pheromone of invasive giant hornet

Scientists have identified three major components of the Asian giant hornet queen's sex pheromone, which can be used as bait to trap and track the insects. The discovery could help locate and remove the invasive species from North America, where it threatens bee populations and crop production.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Stemming the tide of invasive species in Great Lakes

A bi-national regulation targeting ships entering the Great Lakes since mid-2000s has reduced invasive species risk by 85%, with a significant impact on fisheries and biodiversity. The study suggests that saltwater flushing through ballast tanks is a crucial control strategy.

SourceMcGill University·JournalConservation Letters·DateMar 11, 2022

Marine plastic pollution could contribute to the introduction of invasive species

A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Invasive alien species? Isn't there an app for that?

A review of invasive alien species reporting apps for citizen science identified key features and areas for improvement. The study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly apps with gamification, AI-powered photo identification, and coordination among developers to enhance public participation and data management.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMar 2, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Review highlights opportunities for joined-up action on climate adaptation and invasive species management

A CABI-led review found opportunities for increased policy coordination to achieve win-win results for both climate adaptation and Invasive Species Management (ISM) in the four countries. The study identifies sub-national planning and governance systems as an optimal area for integration of policy and practice.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2022

Noble False Widow Spider captures bats in the attic

Scientists have discovered a Noble False Widow spider capturing and entangling two protected Pipistrelle bats in the UK. The discovery demonstrates the species' invasive impact on native species, with the spiders' venom capable of causing neuromuscular paralysis.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2022

eDNA a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab

A new study published in Ecological Applications shows that eDNA-based detection can be a useful tool for early detection of invasive green crab. The technique involves collecting water samples and analyzing DNA to detect the presence of the species, which can help wildlife managers contain future invasions and prevent new outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

How to get people interested in invasive species? Catchy news and viral videos

A study analyzing Wikipedia searches found no significant increase in attention towards invasive alien mammals after the publication of a blacklist in Europe. However, temporary peaks in searches were observed following sensational news and viral videos about specific species. The research suggests that blacklists may not be an effecti...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateFeb 4, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Rise of termite clone queendoms offers clue to curb invasions

Researchers discovered all-female, forest-dwelling drywood termite colonies in Japan and found they evolved through human-assisted hybridization, leading to stronger offspring and double breeding. This can outcompete incumbent species, posing a risk to homeowners with drywood termite infestations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2022

Pristine groundwater seeps support native algae on Hawai‘i’s coasts

Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Invasive species ‘hitchhiking’ on tourist and research ships threaten Antarctica’s unique ecosystems

New research reveals that invasive species can arrive in Antarctic waters from almost anywhere across the globe via biofouling on ships' hulls. Fishing, tourism, research, and supply ships expose Antarctica to non-native species threatening its pristine environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022