Articles tagged with Biodiversity
Common noctule bats form mobile sensory networks to optimize prey localization, reducing foraging time by 40%. This collaborative strategy enables bats to effectively control agricultural insect pests and contribute to ecosystem balance.
A new study analyzing 72 lakes in four large Neotropical wetlands of Brazil reveals that human impacts on biodiversity compromise wetland multifunctionality. Strong associations between aquatic organism diversity and wetland functioning were found, highlighting the crucial role of species richness in driving ecosystem health.
A new study found that the global forest area per capita has declined by over 60% from 1960 to 2019, due to 81.7 million hectares of loss. This decline threatens biodiversity and affects the lives of 1.6 billion people worldwide.
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 new study reveals that reef fish diversity is driven by a recent innovation among bony fish – feeding by biting prey from surfaces. This feeding method allowed fish to access diverse new prey, promoting the evolution of a wide variety of body shapes and a high rate of diversification.
A study found that bird photography decreases nest predation and boosts nestling survival in tropical forests. Researchers discovered a significant reduction in predation rate among photographed nests, with little effect on feeding rates.
Scientists have discovered a new, venomous pit viper species in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, China. The newly described snake has unique characteristics and is found to feed on small mammals in sunny days by the roadside.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
Researchers found that domesticated rye has smaller recombining regions, making it less resistant to climate change. In contrast, wild rye has a more diverse genetic makeup and can freely recombine its genetic material.
A new database has been created to support conservation efforts by filling the large gaps in our understanding of where and how human activities threaten wild species around the world. The database presents a valuable tool for planning conservation actions at any spatial scale and preventing species extinctions globally.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Researchers have updated V.PhyloMaker to incorporate two new botanical nomenclatures, generating more robust evolutionary trees. The new package retains The Plant List's botanical nomenclature while including the Leipzig Catalogue of Vascular Plants database and World Plants database.
A new study reveals how large-scale groundwater exploitation by local farmers led to the desiccation of sandy soils and decimation of wildlife populations in Spain's Doñana National Park. The lack of effective oversight created an economically and environmentally unsustainable situation, destroying a protected natural space.
Researchers at the University of Malaga study the global risk of yellow fever transmission to humans, finding high zoonotic potential in southeastern Brazil and western Amazon basin. The team proposes prioritizing vaccination efforts in regions with favorable conditions for virus presence and mosquito vectors.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
The IPBES assessment report reveals that billions of people rely on wild species for food, energy, and income, with 10,000 species harvested for human consumption. However, the report warns that unsustainable use is threatening the survival of these species, driven by drivers such as land changes, climate change, and pollution.
Scientists have discovered a new species of pitcher plant that operates underground, catching prey in the soil. The Nepenthes pudica species has modified leaves known as pitfall traps, which are formed in cavities or directly in the soil.
A comprehensive survey of scientific literature suggests that nearly all known biological pathways are linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that immune, metabolic and depression-related pathways were consistently cited as major mechanisms contributing to the disease.
A new study by Oregon State University reveals that large wood in streams plays a significant role in supporting land-based animal populations. Researchers observed various species, including birds and small mammals, using the wood for shelter, food, and breeding grounds.
A new species of giant keelback slug, Limax pseudocinereoniger, has been discovered in Montenegro's Tara Canyon by an international team of citizen scientists. The slug, which can grow up to 20 cm in length, was identified through DNA analysis and anatomical differences from a similar species.
The proposed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to address the totality of chemical pollutants threatening ecosystems worldwide. Researchers urge negotiators to include persistent and toxic substances like mercury and PFAS in the agreement.
A new study suggests that sustainable irrigation can boost crop productivity to feed 1.4 billion more people, reducing environmental impacts and clearing natural land for agriculture. However, climate change may complicate this calculus, requiring additional research on water management strategies.
A study by UFZ researchers used satellite data and artificial intelligence to determine the land-use intensity of meadows and pastures in Germany. The results show that grassland was used less intensively in 2018 due to drought, with 64% not mowed compared to 36% in 2017.
Research found that exposure to drought in previous generations increases complementarity between plant species, making them more resilient to subsequent droughts. This transgenerational effect enhances the sustainability of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that local community perceptions of ecosystem services provided by wild cherry trees can be used for community-based management and conservation. The study revealed notable differences among groups, highlighting the importance of understanding how people perceive the value of symbolic sp...
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
A new study finds that cold-water corals thrive when food supply and oxygen content are available, but decline in response to changes. The research, led by MARUM, analyzed sediments from six locations and found that these factors have been critical to coral survival over the past 20,000 years.
A new study examines mathematical models designed to draw inferences about how evolution operates at the level of populations of organisms. The researchers conclude that such models must be constructed with care, avoiding unwarranted initial assumptions and weighing existing knowledge.
A study by TUM researchers found that warmth-loving insect species increased in population trends, while cold-adapted species declined. This is partly due to improvements in water quality benefiting dragonflies, which depend on aquatic habitats.
New research from the University of British Columbia creates the world's first global map of mammal movement between protected areas. The study reveals that Canada has critical areas for connectivity, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and animal populations.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller has rediscovered the Shelta Cave Crayfish, a rare and ancient species thought to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery was made in a cave system in northern Alabama and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.
A new species of leopard gecko, Eublepharis pictus, has been discovered in India's relic forests. The Painted Leopard Gecko measures 11.7 cm in length and is strictly nocturnal, actively foraging along trails in the forest after dusk.
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.
A new study describes a troglobitic clam species from northern Brazil, characterized by lack of pigmentation and reduced size. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving fragile subterranean habitats threatened by recently amended laws in Brazil.
Researchers use AI software to identify invasive species and native trees threatened by disease from photos taken by on-train cameras. This technology enables railway workers to take action to better manage lineside vegetation and achieve biodiversity net gain by 2035.
The BiCIKL Project has successfully integrated FAIR data on biodiversity for a year, focusing on creating a more transparent and efficient research ecosystem. The project aims to link different sources of biodiversity data across various infrastructures and open data platforms.
A study by researchers at Göttingen University and the Centre for Ecological Research found that organic farming is more effective in promoting wild bee populations than conventional fields with flower strips. The findings suggest that considering both yield and area of land is crucial when evaluating agri-environmental measures.
This study reveals that topography and soil pH are key factors influencing the spatial distribution and activity density of termites in tropical forests. The researchers found that different feeding groups respond to environmental influences, such as plant biomass and litter mass, affecting their co-occurrence and ecological impact.
A team of ornithologists revised a Romanian museum collection, uncovering rare species and updated taxonomy. The study provides valuable information on the status of avifauna in the Carpathian basin during the 19th and 20th centuries.
An international study identified 562 terrestrial vertebrate species as 'lost', meaning they haven't been seen in over 50 years. The majority of these lost species are found in megadiverse tropical countries and are considered potentially extinct.
A new species of Phalotris snake was discovered in Paraguay's Cerrado forests, characterized by its unique red head, yellow collar, and black lateral band. The species is considered Endangered due to its extreme rarity and limited distribution.
Plazi receives EUR 1.5 million grant from Arcadia Fund to develop Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR), providing access to over 750,000 taxonomic treatments, figures, and material citations. The project aims to liberate data from scientific publications, making it FAIR and open for researchers.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
Researchers found that jellyfish's stinging cells evolved by repurposing a neuron inherited from a pre-cnidarian ancestor. This discovery provides insights into the emergence of new cell types and the evolution of biodiversity, suggesting that co-option of ancestral cell types was an important source for new cell functions.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to a dramatic increase in fires within globally-important protected areas in Madagascar, with excess fires rising by 76-248%. The team used decades of past data to estimate the impact of the pandemic on fire patterns.
A study found that protected conservation areas in Madagascar experienced unprecedented spikes in fires during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when on-site management was suspended. The team suggests that governments should consider keeping some staff in protected areas to mitigate this impact.
A new species of dusky salamander has been discovered in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi and Alabama, increasing knowledge of the region's biodiversity. The species, Desmognathus pascagoula, is similar to another recently discovered species but has distinct morphological, genetic, and geographic characteristics.
An international study published in Conservation Science and Practice gives fast-growing nations a simple, inexpensive guide to inform planning and decision-making. The study shows how easily accessible biodiversity data can support application of the mitigation hierarchy, a tool used to balance economic development goals with environm...
UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.
A review study finds that conservation measures can greatly slow human-induced climate change by preserving biodiversity. The creation and management of protected areas are key to mitigating climate change through carbon capture and storage, with current coverage at 12-16% globally.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
Researchers recorded 600 non-song calls around the Vema Seamount, including a previously unknown 'gunshot' sound. The study highlights the importance of protecting high-sea habitats and creating a network of Marine Protected Areas to ensure seamounts like Vema are protected.
A global study reveals that protected areas can have a positive impact on biodiversity, but only if managed properly. The research found that larger protected areas tend to be more effective in conserving species and their habitats, highlighting the need for better management strategies.
A new study by University College London (UCL) researchers found that climate change and intensive agricultural land use have already led to a 49% reduction in insect populations in the most impacted parts of the world. Insect declines are linked to rising temperatures and land use changes, with tropical areas seeing the biggest declines.
A new study found that wolves preferentially target adult moose with osteoarthritis, an age-related disease, over prime-aged adults. This selective predation helps maintain a balance in prey populations, reducing the incidence of diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered 17 new species of twisted-claw millipedes, including Nannaria swiftae, named after singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The millipedes play a valuable role in decomposing leaf litter and have unique characteristics such as shiny caramel-brown bodies with white spots.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Researchers tracked 60 stingrays for a year, finding they prefer shallow waters but move into deeper lagoons during extreme tides and temperatures. Climate change may alter their preferred habitat, putting them at risk from sharks.
Researchers propose that wildlife can return phosphorus to the land by restoring interconnected animal communities, revitalizing ancient pathways of natural fertilization. This approach aims to generate sources of fertilizer for farmers and increase ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
Scientists have developed a method using DNA from blood meals of blood-sucking leeches to survey vertebrate species in large areas. The study, led by Harvard researchers, identified 86 vertebrate species in the reserve, including near-threatened and threatened species.