Articles tagged with Native Species
A newly detected alien aphid, Aphis lugentis, poses a significant threat to Kangaroo Island's threatened plant species, including the scented groundsel. The discovery highlights concerns over invasive species' spread across Australia, with potential economic losses estimated at A$13.6 billion.
A new study using near-infrared (NIR) spectrum cameras has shown that these small, mobile cameras can help detect more snakes and could lead to an automated python tracker. By utilizing NIR cameras, pythons can be detected 20% farther away than with visible cameras.
The study found that invasive alien species cause substantial crop losses and economic costs, with the moth Phthorimaea absoluta affecting tomato plants and costing $4.1 billion per year in crop losses. Weeding cereal crops accounts for 72% of total weeding costs, totaling $26.2 billion annually.
A Curtin University study found that European honeybees can outcompete native bees for nectar and pollen resources in urban gardens dominated by non-native flowers. Planting more flowering plants preferred by vulnerable species and controlling honeybee density may help prevent native bee decline.
A coordinated conservation strategy removed invasive rodents from Hawadax Island, leading to the return of native species and a restoration of the island's ecosystem. The study found that removing the rats allowed the seabirds to replenish the seashore invertebrate population, driving down kelp abundance.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new species of millipede, Nannaria hokie, living on campus and in nearby woods. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving native habitats and showcases the diversity of these often-overlooked creatures.
A study by University of New South Wales found that kangaroo overgrazing is having a detrimental impact on soil health and vegetation biodiversity, even more so than rabbits. The research suggests that conservation reserves need to rethink their management strategies to address the issue.
A team of researchers rediscovered a species of mouse thought to be extinct after Mount Pinatubo's devastating eruption 30 years ago. The survey revealed that native rodents were abundant and thriving in the disturbed landscape, contradicting expectations.
Researchers found that changes in a central gene node lead to the formation of larger eyes in some species, while different mechanisms explain smaller eyes in others. The study contributes to understanding of evolution of complex traits and could inform animal and plant breeding.
A study found that nonnative birds in Oahu, Hawaii, dominate seed dispersal networks, with most seeds coming from nonnative plants. This shift has significant implications for the island's ecosystems and biodiversity.
A long-term study led by CABI scientists reveals that the invasive harlequin ladybird has caused a severe decline of the two-spotted ladybird in northern Switzerland. The researchers found that the harlequin ladybird dominated broadleaved hedges, but not pine stands or meadows.
A study by Université de Genève analyzed 911 tree species in Geneva's urban spaces and found that most native and non-native species provide similar ecosystem services. Despite some drawbacks, the research concludes that introduced species can have a beneficial role in certain contexts.
Research reveals that trapping is ineffective in controlling invasive American signal crayfish in Europe, and may even exacerbate the problem. A novel 'triple drawdown technique' proved significantly more accurate in determining population size.
A new experiment reveals that fungal endophytes, which live inside plants, play a key role in invasion success and invasional meltdown in multi-species communities. The study found that alien species share fewer soil microbes with each other than with native species, making them less negatively affected by each other.
Research reveals dams restrict native fish movement, hindering their response to climate change, while alien species thrive in fragmented habitats. The Ebro River's 300+ dams exacerbate native species loss and alien species gain.
Researchers found that introduced species have increased mutualistic relationships seven-fold over the past 75 years, reducing ecosystem stability. As geographic isolation breaks down, regions with distinct species combinations are linked, leading to the loss of unique co-evolutionary trajectories.
Researchers found that Hawaiian tiger cowries are voracious predators of alien sponges, eating half their body weight weekly. The study suggests that cowries could help control invasive species, saving the state time and money.
Interplanting native tree species like rosewood and amarillo with teak in Central America's nutrient-poor soils improves soil health, increases water management, and boosts biodiversity. These findings suggest a more sustainable approach to reforestation and may protect the Panama Canal from flooding and drought.
A new native Hawaiian land snail species has been discovered after a decade-long survey of the islands. The discovery brings a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, with scientists describing a small candy-striped snail that shows pronounced variation in coloring and is less than two-tenths of an inch long.
Researchers discovered 67% of examined sharks contained microplastics and man-made fibers, emphasizing the widespread nature of plastic pollution. The study highlights potential sources of microplastic contamination, including fishing lines and textile waste.
Charismatic invasive species are more likely to be introduced and establish themselves due to social acceptance. This can lead to one-sided gaps in knowledge and wrongly prioritized protective measures, affecting both ecosystems and invasive species welfare.
After 20 years of misidentification, researchers have confirmed the presence of the chanchita in Florida waters, a South American freshwater fish that could outcompete native species for habitat and food resources. The correct identification is crucial for proper management and conservation efforts in the state's aquatic ecosystems.
Angola's rich biodiversity is under threat due to illegal hunting and bushmeat trade. The study found that despite existing legislation, there is no effective law enforcement mechanism to control the trade.
Some native plant species can grow aggressively, outcompeting other native species and forming dense monocultures, resulting in ecosystem disruptions. Excessive growth of aquatic plants can inhibit water movement and negatively impact flood control operations.
Researchers at the University of York found that non-native plants are supporting communities of British insects, including pollinators and beetles. The study suggests that a balance between native and non-native plants may provide the best home for most insects.
Researchers developed a global database to predict invasive plant populations, finding that species from disturbed environments are more likely to become invasive. The study suggests avoiding the export of these species, which can cause harm to people, industry, and wildlife worldwide.
New research highlights the urgent need to protect national parks from invasive animal species, which can cause loss of wildlife, decrease visitor enjoyment, introduce diseases, and have significant economic impacts. The National Park Service has taken steps to combat this issue, but more action is needed.
A literature review found five woody species native to Oklahoma that have become invasive in other regions, causing harm to biodiversity. The study suggests prioritizing conservation efforts based on a species' benefits or harm to the environment.
A global ant expert has discovered a new, native species in his Utah backyard, which is likely adapted to the region's warm and moist habitats. The species, Strumigenys ananeotes, was found in areas with over 150 years of irrigation and introduced forest.
A new study has found that habitat loss is a major concern for hundreds of Australian bird species, particularly those in south-eastern Australia. The research, led by the University of Queensland, used the Loss Index to quantify the impact of habitat destruction on native bird populations.
A new study reveals that non-native tree species thrive in areas where their close relatives do not, thanks to the lack of soil pathogens. This 'enemy-release' effect gives invasive species a competitive advantage over native species, leading to their rapid spread and dominance.
Introduced parrot species can cause environmental damage, but severe impacts are rare and localized. Most reports of damage link to ring-necked and monk parakeets, which compete with native species for resources.
A new study predicts that up to a quarter of the world's conifer species will face extinction by 2070 due to climate change. Species native to smaller islands are most at risk, with some expected to be pushed out of their fundamental niche and tolerance range.
Callery pear trees, originally introduced as urban favorites, now outcompete native species in US forests, threatening ecological balance. The invasive trees' deep roots and long growing season make them difficult to remove, posing an existential threat to native biodiversity.
A recent study reveals that non-native wetland plants have a broader ecological footprint, taking over regions and negatively affecting bird and insect populations. Dominant non-natives outcompete native species, reducing species richness and abundance more than dominant natives do.
Researchers found that birds are more likely to thrive in environments with similar native habitats and climates, as well as in areas where other alien species are already established. This study analyzed 4,346 global invasion events spanning 708 species to understand the factors enabling bird success in new habitats.
A new study suggests that non-native plants may thrive over native plants as temperatures rise, potentially altering local landscapes. Native species showed no shift in flowering times despite warming temperatures.
A study conducted in Brazil found that intensive silviculture using herbicide spraying and substantial fertilizer application promotes tropical forest regeneration and biomass gain, exceeding traditional manual weeding methods. Researchers aimed to maximize woody biomass accumulation for carbon sequestration and financial viability.
The IPBES Global Assessment Report reveals an alarming rate of species extinction, with 1 million threatened, and ecosystem degradation worsening. Human activities, including land use changes, climate change, pollution, and invasive species, are driving these declines.
A recent study published in PeerJ: Life & Environment found that urban biodiversity still strongly reflects regional species, despite similarities across cities. The study analyzed over 65,000 wildlife observations and documented 5000 species across 14 US cities.
A global meta-analysis reveals that invasive species can cause significant declines in native populations, especially when they reach higher trophic levels. Early detection becomes critical to prevent long-term damage. Strong policies are needed to prevent novel introductions and manage early stages of invasion.
A new North Carolina State University study found that lionfish in the Atlantic and Pacific regions share genetic similarities, suggesting a population near Taiwan as the source of the invading species. The research also revealed that lionfish in the Atlantic exhibit rapid reproductive rates and voracious predation, devastating native ...
The article presents science-based guidelines for creating a bee-friendly landscape, highlighting the importance of native plants and diverse flower forms. Key findings include non-native plants extending the flowering season and pest-free plants attracting beneficial bees.
A new study by UCL researchers finds that alien species are the primary cause of recent global extinctions, responsible for 126 extinctions. Many plant and animal species, including mammals and birds, have been affected, with some species, such as rats and cats, being major contributors.
The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal publishes research on parasites hidden in museum specimens that can teach us about past and present diseases. A review reveals non-native species contribute to more plant and animal extinctions than native species.
A study by Yale scientists reveals that native species dominate New York City's natural areas, containing over 5 million trees, rather than just street trees. This finding highlights the need for conservation policies and management strategies focused on these spaces to manage biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A new research from the University of Vermont provides insight to help predict which plants are likely to become invasive in a particular community. Plant height can be a competitive advantage for non-native plants, enabling them to outcompete native plants and spread more aggressively.
New research from Binghamton University found that invasive plant leaf litter and sodium chloride accelerate developmental time and reduce mass of native leopard frogs, while aiding invasive African clawed frogs. The study highlights the importance of considering interactions between multiple stressors in preserving native biodiversity.
A recent study by University of Delaware researchers found that residential yards dominated by non-native plants have fewer arthropods, leading to a decline in bird populations. The research suggests that prioritizing native plant species can support biodiversity and sustain wildlife.
A team of researchers has successfully sequenced and assembled the cane toad genome, providing a reference for understanding its interplay with ecosystems. The findings also identify three new viruses that could potentially be used as biocontrol agents, offering new hope in controlling the invasive species' population.
A recently discovered pygmy moth species from Asia, Stigmella multispicata, has spread rapidly across Siberian elm trees in eastern North America. The species was first found in the US in 2010 and has since been identified in ten states and two Canadian provinces.
Research found that migrating monarchs encounter high levels of disease when interacting with resident monarchs at tropical milkweed sites, which can lead to reproductive issues and reduced migration rates. Monarch populations are vulnerable to parasitic protozoan OE due to the loss of natural migration patterns.
Research by an international team from the University of Vienna reveals that remote islands have higher numbers of non-native species, which can lead to extinction events and threaten unique island species. The study found that isolation from the mainland increases the number of non-native species, while native species decline.
A new study reveals severe declines in mountain hare populations on Scottish grouse moors, with numbers decreasing by nearly 5% every year from 1954 to 1999. The decline accelerated dramatically between 1999 and 2017, with counts in 2017 showing less than one percent of original levels.
A US-Mexico border wall could harm hundreds of terrestrial and aquatic species, including the Mexican gray wolf and Sonoran pronghorn. The authors call for mitigation measures and urge the government to prioritize environmental protection.
Researchers found that microclimates, or sheltered pockets of cooler and more variable conditions, can provide alternative habitats for many climate-sensitive species. These refugia have reduced the probability of extinctions of certain butterfly species by up to 63%.
The article examines 12 leporid species introduced by humans, highlighting their effects on ecosystems, including providing food resources for predators and competing with native herbivores. Conservation biologists must carefully consider these impacts when planning management strategies.
A new study suggests that native pine martens are suppressing invasive gray squirrel populations, allowing native red squirrel populations to recover. Exposure to pine martens has a strong negative effect on gray squirrel numbers, while having a positive impact on red squirrels.
A new study describes a 5.5-million-year-old fossil turtle species from eastern Tennessee, revealing important differences between this species and others. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of turtles, suggesting that many ancient slider species died out without leaving direct descendants.
New studies suggest that biodiversity might be remaining steady globally, even as species go extinct and decline locally. However, other research finds a mix of stability and increase in species richness at various locations worldwide.