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New methods make tracking individual bird species during migration possible

Researchers developed breakthrough methods to track individual bird species during migration by combining participatory science data with weather radar technology. The BirdFlow project provides species-specific migration estimates across North America, addressing a long-standing limitation in migration monitoring.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

A snapshot of transhumance in Spain: a diverse group of shepherds facing shared challenges

A study on Spanish transhumance identifies three distinct types of systems, aligned with agroecological principles, offering insights into sustainable livestock farming. The findings highlight the need for greater political support and a regulatory framework to protect this ancient practice.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalSustainability Science Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2026

Too hot to handle? Study explores how heat is reshaping US population shifts

A new study from Florida Atlantic University challenges the narrative that rising temperatures will drive Americans away, finding that heat alone isn't driving large-scale out-migration. Instead, population shifts are shaped more by economic opportunity, housing affordability and local quality of life than climate conditions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2026

Counting salmon is a breeze with airborne eDNA

Researchers at the University of Washington successfully tracked salmon populations using airborne eDNA, finding that the airborne DNA concentration fluctuated with visual counts reported by the hatchery. The technique links air, water, and fish, providing a valuable tool for population health monitoring and management.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Scientists map the navigation styles of wild cats and dogs

A University of Maryland-led study found that wild canids create and stick to specific travel routes within their territories, while felids tend to roam more freely. The research challenges traditional assumptions about animal movement and has implications for conservation and management of at-risk mammalian carnivores globally.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2025

AI-based satellite count of migrating wildebeest

A recent study using AI and satellite images estimates that fewer than 600,000 wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem annually, contradicting previous aerial surveys. The findings highlight the potential of satellite-based population counts for terrestrial mammals.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 9, 2025

Changing climate pushed islanders to 'chase the rain' across the Pacific 1,000 years ago

Research reveals a major shift in South Pacific climate conditions around 1,000 years ago, prompting people to settle further east and move away from drier conditions. The climate shift saw western areas become progressively drier while eastern areas became wetter and more attractive for colonization.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2025

Seals on the move

The study analyzed the northbound migration of northern fur seals, revealing that they concentrate foraging activity along continental shelf-breaks and near anticyclonic eddies. The findings provide new insights into the seals' response to oceanographic conditions and highlight the importance of long-term monitoring in understanding th...

SourceKyoto University·JournalDeep Sea Research Part I Oceanographic Research Papers·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2025

Major discovery of Ice Age bones in a Norwegian cave opens a window into the past

Scientists have uncovered the remains of a vast animal community that lived in the European Arctic 75,000 years ago. The bones represent the oldest example of an animal community in the region during this warmer period of the ice age, providing valuable insights into how wildlife responded to dramatic climate shifts.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 4, 2025

Asians made humanity’s longest prehistoric migration and shaped the genetic landscape in the Americas, finds NTU Singapore-led study

A groundbreaking NTU Singapore-led study has identified the earliest known Asian migrants who traveled over 20,000km from North Asia to South America. The GenomeAsia100K study reveals that these ancient humans arrived in the Americas approximately 14,000 years ago, diverging into four major groups and adapting to diverse environments.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2025

Database reveals vital ocean links to aid conservation

The University of Queensland and Duke University scientists have developed a global map to show the migratory patterns of over 100 marine species. The MiCO database highlights critical areas and connections that transcend political boundaries, emphasizing the need for globally-aligned conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 8, 2025

Making moves and hitting the breaks: Owl journeys surprise researchers in western Montana

A study tracking 89 Northern Saw Whet Owls in Western Montana reveals stopover behavior and notable individual variation, highlighting the complexity of their migrations. The research sheds new light on the migration patterns of North America's smallest owl, with implications for conservation efforts and further studies on other owl sp...

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2025

Post-Dobbs decision changes in obstetrics and gynecology clinical workforce in states with abortion restrictions

The Dobbs decision has been linked to moderate but significant decreases in obstetrics and gynecology practitioners in the most restrictive states compared to control states. Clinician migration is likely affecting reproductive care access, quality, and equity as abortion rights are increasingly decided at the state level

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 10, 2025

UH researchers characterize keys to successful pregnancy in humpback whales

Humpback whales' reproductive success is linked to maternal characteristics and energy balance. Researchers found fetal growth rates increased with maternal length and energy demands peaked in the final third of pregnancy, coinciding with fasting and migration. This study highlights a vulnerable period for pregnant humpback whales and ...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2024

A visit from the stork brings genomic hope for this endangered species

A new genomic study reveals high genetic diversity and low inbreeding in the endangered Oriental Stork population, a common finding in many critically endangered species. The study provides hope for the species' long-term survival and suggests that protecting its habitats could rapidly rescue this species from extinction.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2024

Drier winter habitat impacts songbirds’ ability to survive migration

A new study reveals that poor winter habitat conditions in the Caribbean can lead to reduced survival rates during spring migration and the breeding season for migratory songbirds. Climate change is expected to further exacerbate these effects, underscoring the need for conservation measures to protect vulnerable species.

SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Study finds environmental conditions influenced how early humans migrated across northern Eurasia and the Americas beyond Africa

Researchers used climate models, genetic data, and archaeological evidence to understand how environmental conditions shaped early human migration. The study found that ancestors traveled primarily through warm and humid areas with a mix of forests and open spaces for resources and shelter.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

How miniature backpacks led to the discovery of the world’s largest hummingbird species

Researchers attached miniature tracking devices to giant hummingbirds and discovered they migrate up to 13,000 feet in elevation, pausing for days to acclimate. The team found two distinct species of giant hummingbirds, one living year-round in the high Andes, after analyzing DNA from 154-year-old specimens.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

URI-led team finds direct evidence of ‘itinerant breeding’ in East Coast shorebird species

A study led by the University of Rhode Island found that the American woodcock, a migratory shorebird, overlaps its migration and reproductive periods. The bird was found to nest multiple times during migration, with some females nesting up to six times, allowing them to reduce energy costs.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2024

New research shows migrating animals learn by experience

A study by researchers at the University of Wyoming and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that migrating animals refine their behavior with age, suggesting experiential learning plays a crucial role in successful migration. As young birds explore new places during migration, they gradually adopt more direct routes, resultin...

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2024

Endangered seabird shows surprising individual flexibility to adapt to climate change

Researchers found that individual Balearic shearwaters are adapting to climate change by shifting their migratory range northwards, with a speed of 25km per year. However, this flexibility comes with constraints, as the birds have further to fly back in the autumn, and the impact on breeding success and survival is still unclear.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2024