Articles tagged with Native Species
A new study by the University of Exeter found that a small red-eyed damselfly from Europe has established itself in the UK without harming native species. Most native dragonflies and damselflies were either found more often or unchanged in areas colonized by the newcomer.
A University of Texas at Austin paleobiologist's new examination reveals the serious impact of reptile extinctions on island ecosystems. The study found that smaller islands lack a buffer when losing reptile species, leading to reduced ecosystem stability and increased vulnerability to collapse.
A new study reveals that a single seeding of native understory plants can reap lasting benefits in restored fallow agricultural fields and other landscapes. Cooler and wetter conditions, shallower needle depth, and greater tree spacing promote better establishment.
Expanding seaweed farming could reduce demand for terrestrial crops and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 billion tonnes per year. The study identified millions of available hectares of ocean suitable for farming, with the Indonesian EEZ showing great potential.
The Australian black swan's genetic makeup makes it highly susceptible to viral illnesses like avian flu. Without common immune genes found in other waterfowl, the species is at risk of decimation if HPAI enters its native habitat.
A study by the University of Tsukuba found that Siebold's beech populations on Okushiri Island have high genetic diversity, suggesting they may have persisted there since before the last glacial maximum. This challenges the assumption that island populations are less genetically diverse due to geographical isolation.
Researchers identified 92 proteins in the spider's venom, including cysteine-rich peptides with potential therapeutic applications. The toxins were found to be effective in paralyzing crickets and may become active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and biological insecticides.
Researchers mapped strategies to minimize impact of mining on rare plants, finding that protecting 30% of threatened species can ensure long-term survival. The model optimizes energy project placement to balance space use and minimize harm.
Researchers developed AI-powered software to measure and classify pacu fish, enabling breeders to select animals with higher fillet yield and faster weight gain. The system uses deep learning and can recognize different parts of the fish even in challenging environments.
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.
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.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that European beech trees are experiencing increased drought stress in northern Germany due to climate change. The study reveals that dry locations show the strongest long-term decline in growth, highlighting the need for more resilient tree species.
A study found that Antarctic ice-free areas will create new habitats for some species, but also increase competition and risk of invasion by non-native species. The research highlights the need to address key questions about the impacts of these changes on biodiversity.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
The Devils Hole pupfish has the lowest genetic diversity among known vertebrates, with 58% of its genomes identical. This lack of diversity may doom the species to extinction as climate change and human impacts increase.
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.
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
A research team at Kumamoto University has identified the separation of Japanese cockroaches in ancient pottery, dating back over 5,000 years. The study found that the smokybrown cockroach was native to western Japan and the Yamato cockroach was native to eastern Japan.
A new review article by Brown University biologist Dov Sax and colleagues aims to shift the focus from non-native species' negative consequences to their benefits. The authors argue that most research focuses on threats and harm, clouding public understanding and hindering scientific progress.
A new study has identified 195 previously unknown nectar plants for the painted lady butterfly, providing a source of food in Southern California. The research suggests that droughts may impact the butterflies' ability to reproduce, but the discovery of these nectar plants offers hope for their survival.
A large wingless wood-eating cockroach unique to Australia's Lord Howe Island has been rediscovered at the foot of a single Banyan tree. The species was thought extinct since the 1930s, but its genetic difference from offshore relatives suggests it may have survived due to co-evolution with ground-dwelling insects.
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.
The six interdisciplinary studies will explore effective ways to expand UK trees, hedgerows, woodlands, and forests in rural and urban settings. Researchers aim to improve understanding of treescapes' value to people and the planet, supporting the Government's ambition to increase tree cover.
Researchers found two distinct populations of the invasive American bullfrog in Brazil, one descended from 1935 introductions and another from the 1970s. The study highlights the need for law enforcement to prevent escape from frog farms.
A new study by Rice University biologist Tom Miller explores the role of fungi in determining the range limits of plants in Texas. The research reveals that fungal partnerships improve drought tolerance and could potentially extend the range of grasses in response to climate change.
Native Australian rodents have been mapped using DNA analysis, providing a clearer picture of their evolutionary history and spread across the Pacific. The study reveals that mountain formation in New Guinea five million years ago triggered the spread of native rodents across the region.
New research from the University of Ottawa finds that climate change is waking bumblebees earlier from winter hibernation, putting the species at risk. The study found that this early emergence timing puts bees out of sync with their food sources, leading to smaller colonies and lower survival rates.
A study reveals that over 50% of mammal food web links have disappeared due to animal declines, leading to a collapse of global ecosystems. Restoring extinct species to their historic ranges holds great potential to reverse these declines and restore food web complexity.
A new standardized framework allows conservationists to evaluate positive impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity. EICAT+ provides a comprehensive understanding of non-native species' effects on native ecosystems, enabling informed conservation decisions.
Pairing prescribed burning with the residual herbicide indaziflam provides better control of downy brome than either method used alone. Burning stimulates native species and impedes emergence of new seedlings, while indaziflam helps maintain plant community diversity.
A new study by the University of Barcelona highlights the negative effects of translocated native species on native fish, finding that habitat quality is essential for conservation. The study suggests that these species can have similar impacts to exotic invasive species.
Exotic snakebites in the UK are increasing, with 321 reported cases over 11 years, mostly affecting children under 5. Most bites result in mild symptoms, but severe cases have occurred, prompting concerns about illegal snake ownership and access to expert advice.
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.
A study found that imidacloprid, a widely used pesticide in Brazil, is toxic to native bees and can cause alarming levels of poisoning. Researchers are calling for specific protocols and more effective regulation to protect these vital pollinators.
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.
Researchers recommend using native plant gardening to reverse horticultural trends and conserve declining plant species. The approach involves promoting certified native seed production, marketing, and use of region-specific lists of endangered plants.
Researchers found that extinct species had smaller brains than surviving ones, suggesting a link between brain size and adaptability. The study suggests that larger brains helped extant species cope with human activities and climate change.
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.
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 new study found that native species in southwestern Washington floodplains adapt to bullfrogs and sunfish by changing their feeding strategies. The researchers analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in predators and prey to understand food webs, finding that some species shifted towards more abundant food sources.
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.
A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University and National Parks Board in Singapore has discovered that certain tropical plant species can absorb and remove toxic heavy metals and metalloids from contaminated soil. The study identified 12 plant species effective for phytoremediation, including Cow Grass, Brake Fern, and I...
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.
A new study found that restoring diverse native forests delivers greater climate and environmental benefits than simple tree plantations, but plantations outperform native forests in wood production. The research synthesized data from over 26,000 records to assess the relative performance of different forest restoration approaches.
Researchers found that pelicans primarily eat native fish species like Utah sucker and chub, with only a small percentage of cutthroat trout consumed. This discovery provides managers with more insight into the ecological dynamics of the reservoir, allowing them to focus on other factors impacting trout populations.
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.
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...
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.
A global dataset of over 200,000 plant species shows that human activity is the biggest driver of homogenization of plant communities. Non-native invasive plants naturalized by humans are the strongest contributor to biotic homogenization.
Restoring 47.5 million hectares by 2030 demands high-quality seeds and seedlings. The study highlights the need for effective seed control and local community participation to ensure successful restoration projects.
Scientists have investigated the sporulation potential of Phytophthora ramorum on common California plant species. Most species produced spores, with bay laurel and tanoak producing significantly more than others. This study helps predict disease trajectories and informs forest treatment plans.
Plant pathologists have developed a set of Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices to eradicate the harmful organisms from nursery stock. Through testing and accreditation programs, nurseries that comply with the guidelines have shown no detectable Phytophthora infection in their stock, enabling habitat restoration plantings.
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.
A researcher is collecting and genetically analyzing species found in the region's watersheds to understand their historical genetic connections. The project aims to rewrite the book on Guam's native diadromous organisms and potentially discover new species.
Researchers found that non-native warmwater fish species like walleye and bass consume more baby salmon than native fish in Oregon's reservoirs. The study used stable isotopes and stomach contents to identify which predators eat the salmon fry, revealing that walleye are the main consumers.
A study by the University of Helsinki found raccoon dogs to be a significant threat to ground-nesting bird populations in Northern Europe. The invasive species was found to destroy nests and prey on farmed mallard eggs, contributing to the decline of waterbird populations.
A long-running survey of ants at Stanford's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve found that the distribution of Argentine ants has receded by 30% since 1994. Climate change was identified as a significant factor in this decrease, particularly during an extreme drought from 2012 to 2015.
Native Mediterranean species have been found to prey on the invasive Pacific red lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, suggesting direct human management measures are needed to control their populations. The study documents native predators for both species, including loggerhead turtles and dolphinfish.
A 17-year study found that removing invasive barred owls arrested the population decline of northern spotted owls. Spotted owl populations stabilized in areas where barred owls were removed, while declining sharply without removals.