ESA research news: March 31, 2022
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Migration Tracking
Articles tagged with Migration Tracking
Life Sciences
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Nomads and snow leopards coexist successfully on the Tibetan Plateau
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Like father like child – male parents lead young birds on first migration
A study published in Nature Communications found that male Caspian terns carry the main responsibility for teaching young birds the secrets of migration during their first journey. Young birds always remained close to an adult bird and died if they lost contact, highlighting the importance of experienced adults guiding them to survive.
Emily Cohen awarded NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities
Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.
Genetic legacy of last glaciation influences reindeer’s seasonal migrations
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic legacy from the last glaciation influences reindeer's migratory behavior. Caribou with more northern ancestry were more likely to migrate longer distances, highlighting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh tundra environments.
Tiger shark migrations altered by climate change, new study finds
A new study found that climate-driven changes in ocean temperatures have shifted tiger shark movements outside of protected areas, making them more vulnerable to commercial fishing. The study's results suggest that warmer waters are now suitable for tiger sharks, allowing them to migrate farther poleward and earlier than usual.
Antarctic oceanographers use seals to do research where ships fear to go
Oceanographers replaced ship-based studies with sensors attached to seals to navigate icy waters, revealing seasonally varying water flows and their impact on biological production. The study found that warm, low-salinity water appears during autumn, positively affecting seal foraging behavior and potentially enhancing prey availability.
Arctic birds connect the world: Biologging tech tracking of nearctic seabirds surprise scientists with diverse migratory paths from shared breeding site
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.
Extent of migration of sooty terns presents conservation challenges
Researchers used GLS tracking data to study sooty terns' migration patterns, showing they range up to 2,900 km from breeding colonies and cover 47,000 km during an eight-month migratory period. The largest breeding population of terns is on Ascension Island, which was designated a Marine Protection Area in 2019.
After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’
Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.
How land birds cross the open ocean
Researchers tracked five species of large land birds flying nonstop over the open ocean, exploiting wind and uplift conditions to save energy. The study reveals that many land birds rely on atmospheric support to complete their migrations, making them vulnerable to climate change.
How ungulates learn to surf the 'green waves' of forage
Researchers found that migratory ungulates develop and persist migration behaviors through social learning of local knowledge. Reintroduced populations showed better green-surfing ability over time, demonstrating the importance of cultural transmission in these nomadic mammals.
Birds at the head of a flock are the more efficient, tactical fliers
Research tracking juvenile storks reveals that birds at the head of a flock use thermal winds more efficiently and flap less. The study suggests that individual variation in flight performance is linked to differences in finding and exploiting thermals.
Basking sharks seek out winter sun
Researchers used satellite tracking to study basking shark migrations, revealing they don't hibernate in UK waters but instead seek out warmer temperatures. The data provides crucial information for conservation efforts, as the species is classified as 'vulnerable' and faces threats from human activities.
Migration ranges of flying birds depend on body size and flight style
A study of 196 bird species reveals that body size affects their migration patterns, with smaller birds traveling longer distances than larger ones. Soaring birds, such as raptors and albatrosses, have larger migration ranges independent of body size due to low energy consumption.
How variation in body size correlates with en-route migration performance of songbirds?
Researchers found that larger-bodied birds tend to stay longer at stopover sites during fall migration, but smaller-bodied birds migrate faster in autumn. The study suggests that physical characteristics such as body size and wing size play a significant role in determining migration performance.
Stanford researchers offer bold solutions for managing marine conservation on the high seas
Dynamic MPAs can move in time and space to protect migratory species, while CCAMLR's success in Antarctica offers a model for high seas conservation. Closing the high seas to fishing could lead to increased catch and more equitable distribution through EEZs.
Study provides insights into birds' migration routes
Researchers used geolocators to track songbirds' migration patterns, finding that hybrid species exhibited increased variability in their routes. This study supports the hypothesis that differences in migratory behavior can act as postmating reproductive isolating barriers.
Duck migration study reveals importance of conserving wetlands, MU researchers find
Researchers monitored mallards' migration patterns using satellite tracking technology, revealing the crucial role of public and private wetland areas. The study underscores the need for protected wetlands to maintain healthy migratory bird populations.
Northern birds are fatter!
Research on Western Sandpipers reveals that birds fatten more rapidly as they move further north, with longer stays at refuelling sites resulting in lower fattening rates. This suggests changes in behaviour or physiology may be responsible for the observed differences.