Articles tagged with Native Species
A $500,000 USDA-funded project at the University of Nevada, Reno is using genetic studies and new seed stock to find compatible seeds for various zones in the Great Basin. The four-year study aims to improve restoration results, exploring the use of native seeds grown in local conditions.
Researchers found invasive plant species can change their ecological niches to thrive in new continents and climates, challenging traditional assumptions. This shift has major consequences for predicting invasive species distribution and responses to climate change.
A meta-analysis of 133 studies found that natural regeneration is more effective in restoring biodiversity and forest structure compared to active restoration. Natural regeneration also proves to be a lower-cost approach, contrary to previous findings.
Researchers found five native Brazilian fruits, such as araçá-piranga, to contain bioactive properties like blueberries and strawberries. The study suggests these fruits could combat free radicals and chronic inflammation, potentially preventing diseases like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers finally found a giant, tree-dwelling rodent after years of searching in the Solomon Islands. The newly discovered species, Uromys vika, is approximately 4 times larger than black rats and can weigh up to 2.2 pounds.
Researchers found that native North American species have a vegetation period approximately 3 weeks shorter than those in Europe and Asia due to fluctuating temperatures. This difference affects plant productivity and biogeochemical cycling, with implications for climate change impacts on ecosystems.
A recent experiment by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that native tree species outperformed teak in infertile tropical soils. The study showed that Amarillo (Terminalia amazonia) trees grew exceptionally well, accumulating biomass faster than teak and having excellent timber value.
Researchers found that reducing invasive moose populations indirectly lowers wolf density and stops decline of endangered caribou. This approach shows promise as a long-term solution to stabilize the species, which requires population growth to achieve recovery goals.
A Johns Hopkins paleontologist and her team report that human arrival and activity led to the extinction of native mammal species in the Caribbean. The study found that 60% of endemic mammals went extinct after humans arrived, with current conservation efforts focusing on protecting bats and insectivores.
A new study by Duke University scientists found that invasive plant species can provide essential ecosystem functions in degraded coastal habitats. Non-native seaweed, such as Gracilaria vermiculophylla, helped offset the loss of foundation species and offered vital services like food production and storm protection.
Researchers developed a concept to model the physical surroundings' influence on Acacia longifolia's interaction with other plants, considering factors like soil type, nutrients, light intensity, wind, and soil moisture. Isoscapes reveal the distribution of nitrogen introduced by the invasive species across the landscape.
Since 1840, European freshwater fish species have undergone significant changes, with non-native species outnumbering native ones. Human activities, such as habitat destruction and intentional introductions, have led to an increase in taxonomic homogenization across Europe.
A new invasive species, Anolis porcatus from Cuba, has been identified in the São Paulo coast of Brazil near the Port of Santos. The species, a generalist predator, competes with native lizards for resources and could potentially harm local ecosystems.
A new study finds that invasive fruit fly males of the wrong species can coerce females into sex, reducing their offspring production and willingness to mate with their own kind. Native species are threatened by these unwelcome romantic advances, which contribute to their decline.
A recent study found that 37% of all recorded alien species have been introduced globally over the past few decades, with new introductions increasing at an alarming rate. Climate change is expected to lead to further invasions as non-native plants adapt to new environments.
A University of Washington study reveals that invasive marine snails react differently to threat signals compared to native snails. Native snails use multiple sources of information before fleeing or hiding, while invasive snails respond impulsively and hide at the first whiff of danger.
A global map of alien bird species shows that human activities are the main determinants of their presence, but also highlights areas with rich native bird species as hotspots for alien species. The study found a significant increase in bird introductions since World War II and suggests that economic factors contribute to the spread of...
A recent study finds that urban centers like Hong Kong can play a crucial role in conserving globally threatened species. Introduced populations of these species have been thriving outside their native habitats, providing an opportunity to augment declining populations in their native ranges and mitigate threats to local ecosystems.
Researchers from Charles University capture first living golden jackal in the Czech Republic, setting a precedent for the species' expansion into central Europe. The animal's long-term persistence in its habitat suggests that climate change and human activities may be facilitating its spread.
Researchers from OU, BU, and Smithsonian found that Arctic ground squirrels arrived on Chirikof Island at least 2,000 years ago, contradicting previous assumptions. The study's results have implications for conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the need for long-term data to determine native and indigenous species.
New research investigates how native California wild mustard species respond to temperature stress, highlighting natural variation in thermotolerance. The study identifies the Boechera genus as a tractable system for studying thermotolerance and gaining insights into heat stress mechanisms.
Research highlights how humans impact the evolution of other species, leading to rapid changes in a few years to decades. Examples include commercial fishing, invasive species, and urbanization, which drive evolutionary adaptations.
New research reveals that human transport has a significant impact on the genetics of marine species, disrupting natural patterns and leading to unexpected consequences. The study found a mosaic of genetic patterns in a native invertebrate species, suggesting that anthropogenic activities are altering genetic composition in native ranges.
Researchers found that killer shrimps drove native amphipods out of hiding places, making them easy prey for round gobies. The invasive crustaceans played an indirect role in the decline of native species.
Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur from the Early Jurassic period in Patagonia, Argentina. The 'Allkauren koi' species boasts an intermediate state in brain evolution, shedding light on the origin and adaptation of flying reptiles.
A new study reveals that biological invasions are threatening the last remaining biodiversity strongholds in developing nations. Invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and grey squirrels are causing significant economic damage and compromising global biodiversity.
A new study reveals that controlling invasive mammal populations can prevent as much as 75 percent of predicted island-level extinctions for globally threatened vertebrates. The research identifies specific islands where conservation efforts will have the greatest impact, providing valuable guidance for conservation interventions.
Scientists propose a new framework to understand plant extinctions, identifying six thresholds that species cross before becoming extinct. The study highlights the slow pace of plant extinction and the need for urgent action to protect declining native species.
Researchers have discovered six new infestations of the invasive Lasius neglectus ant in the UK, which are capable of dramatically altering ecosystems and driving native species to extinction. The ants pose no threat to humans but can out-compete native ants for resources, highlighting the need for management on a national scale.
Researchers successfully killed and removed invasive plants using specific herbicides during late winter, allowing native plant species to regrow in southwestern Ohio. This approach has shown positive results in controlling aggressive invasive species such as Wintercreeper, English ivy, and lesser periwinkle.
A global study found that invasive mammal eradications on islands result in substantial conservation gains, benefiting 596 native species populations. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of this simple and cost-effective conservation intervention.
A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.
A new species of toothed pterosaur, Cimoliopterus dunni, discovered in Texas and linked to its closest relative in England. The discovery suggests prehistoric creatures moved between North America and England earlier than previously thought.
Researchers found that feral cats in Australia originated from European settlers' pets, introducing a damaging invasive species. The study's findings have implications for managing invasive species, as they determined a specific time frame for cat introduction linked to native species decline.
Research by Vladimir Dinets and Mark Hauber found that two invasive Eurasian cuckoo species are on the verge of invading North America, posing a threat to native bird populations. The cuckoos' sophisticated parasitic behavior, including egg mimicry, may evade defenses developed by Native American birds against cowbirds.
The University of Guam research team used a unique glass tube setup to study fadang tree pollen settling velocity and theoretical distances of wind-borne pollen movement. The results show that fadang pollen can travel over 500 meters laterally before dropping one meter in elevation.
A recent study models the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, predicting that warming oceans will lead to significant changes in species distribution. The researchers found that some species will expand into new regions, while others with restricted ranges are likely to face extinction.
A global study by University of Minnesota researchers found that adding nutrients to grasslands gives invasive species a leg up on native species. The study, published in Nature Communications, used data from 64 sites across 13 countries to pinpoint the role of nutrient availability and herbivore density in plant invasion.
An international research team found that human-mediated dispersal of alien gastropods has led to a global reorganization of biogeographic patterns, with communities becoming increasingly similar across continents. Climate now plays a major role in shaping species distribution, rather than geographical distance.
New research reveals that non-native plants are less widespread and do not outcompete native species, suggesting alternative causes for vegetation change. High diversities of native and non-native plant species coexist in locations with high native species diversity.
The Menetries's tiger moth was recorded feeding on the native devil's helmet host plant, Aconitum rubicundum, for the first time. This discovery confirms that the species is polyphagous and may rely on aconite alkaloids for protection against diseases.
A University of Tennessee study finds that plant evolutionary history influences community responses to global change, with native species from the same lineage more effective at sequestering carbon. The research may aid in predicting ecosystem futures and informing conservation efforts.
Researchers documented the rapid evolution of native Florida lizards, shifting their perching habits and adapting their feet to better grip thinner branches. Within 15 years and 20 generations, their toe pads became larger with more sticky scales, allowing them to outcompete the invasive species.
NASA's MODIS instrument detects high temperatures indicative of fires in the southern United States, including small wildfires and prescribed burns. Prescribed fires offer numerous ecological benefits, such as reducing hazardous fuels and promoting tree growth.
Researchers use fossils to reconstruct ancient ecosystems on the Bahamian island of Abaco, where megafauna like crocodiles and tortoises once flourished. The study's findings suggest that reptiles played a dominant role in these ecosystems, providing vital clues for conservation efforts.
Researchers have identified 871 wild plant species in China with potential to adapt globally important crops, including rice and wheat. These crop wild relatives (CWR) can improve crop tolerance and nutritional qualities.
A new study reveals nearly half of Galapagos Island's canopy is comprised of non-native trees, shrubs, and grasses, competing with native species for resources. The research provides a map and database to help managers prioritize invasive species control efforts.
A study from North Carolina State University found that non-native Asian camel cricket species have spread into homes across the eastern United States. The greenhouse camel cricket was found to be the most common species reported by respondents, with a significant presence in yards east of the Mississippi River.
A University of Georgia study found that Japanese stiltgrass creates a habitat for wolf spiders, which then feed on American toads. The study reveals that the invasive grass reduces toad survival by increasing spider densities.
A new analysis recalculates the theoretical limit of terrestrial plant productivity, finding it is much higher than current estimates allow. This could lead to increased food production and biomass conversion, but also raises concerns about invasive species and environmental consequences.
Researchers are studying the effects of projected climate changes on native plant species in the Pacific Northwest. By growing 12 species of range-limited native grasses and forbs in simulated future climate conditions, scientists aim to understand how plants will adapt and potentially disappear as temperatures rise.
A study reveals that over half of meat sold as bushmeat in Africa is from birds, with large raptors like eagles and vultures being disproportionately consumed. The findings highlight the significant impact of bushmeat trade on endangered species and human health globally.
Regulated hunting has spurred regrowth of native tree seedlings and wildflowers, improving forest health. Plant cover increased by 100% and native species recovered, while invasive species declined.
Research reveals that Spanish slugs (Arion lusitanicus) are not native to Spain but originated in Central Europe, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings highlight the need for reevaluation of EU regulations on invasive species and encourage a more nuanced approach to labeling non-native species.
A study by researchers from the University of Montana finds that climate warming is increasing hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout and invasive rainbow trout. This accelerated hybridization threatens the genetic integrity and diversity of native species.
The study found that climate change has accelerated the spread of hybridization between native westslope cutthroat trout and introduced rainbow trout in North America. Hybridization has contributed to the decline and extinction of many native fish species, including all subspecies of cutthroat trout.
Researchers found that European birds are expanding their ranges into UK nature reserves, but non-native wetland birds such as the Black Swan and Egyptian Goose are also invading protected areas. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to tackle these invasions and protect native species.
Three new species of tarantulas were discovered in northern Argentina, shedding light on the region's unique arachnid diversity. The newly identified species belong to the subfamily Theraphosinae and are named after local locations and cultural figures.
Research found that security barriers restrict native species' territory but do not necessarily limit human migration in affected areas. Camera trap data showed increased detection of puma and coati in areas without barriers.
A study by researchers from the University of Miami and University of Pittsburgh finds that high deer populations facilitate garlic mustard population explosion while suppressing native trillium plants. Deer exclusion reversed invasive species growth, supporting an ecological theory where native plants exert biotic resistance.