Articles tagged with Species Distribution
A Canada-wide study using DNA metabarcoding reveals the intricate relationships between cavity-nesting bees and wasps and their food sources. The project, involving over 5000 students, creates detailed maps of these interactions, providing valuable insights into biodiversity and conservation.
A new study shows that geotagged social media photos can improve biodiversity datasets by 35% and provide more accurate species distribution models. The enhanced models reveal range expansions in areas missed by traditional records, particularly in regions with sparse formal monitoring.
A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.
The discovery of seven naturally-mummified cheetahs in Saudi Arabia reveals that at least two subspecies inhabited the peninsula before their extinction. This finding may open new possibilities for the reintroduction of cheetahs to the peninsula, with a genetic pool supporting rewilding efforts.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen predicts that climate change could create more favorable conditions for malaria mosquitoes, exposing millions to increased risk of infection. The researchers warn that if left unchecked, this could put between 200 million and up to 1 billion people at additional risk.
Researchers used hydrogen isotope analysis to track the origins of six American warbler species. The study found that vagrants originated from western parts of their breeding ranges, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings provide new insights into bird migration mechanisms and range expansion.
A new species of Physalia jellyfish has been discovered in northeast Japan, prompting questions about the distribution and movement of marine organisms. The study suggests that warm ocean currents may be transporting surface-drifting marine organisms to previously unrecorded areas.
A new study traces the transformation of mammal communities across six continents over 50,000 years, finding that farming and hunting reshaped ecosystems. Only a handful of domesticated species, including cattle and horses, spread globally, altering native mammal populations.
Researchers analyzed seeds from a now-extinct plant population on Nishinoshima, tracing its lineage to nearby Chichijima island. The study found distinct genetic traits and a strong founder's effect due to limited seed dispersal opportunities.
Researchers have recorded the sliteye shark for the first time on the Great Chagos Bank, highlighting the ecological importance of the archipelago's Marine Protected Area. The discovery provides new insights into deepwater seagrass habitats and their role in supporting marine biodiversity.
A new study has discovered that the microbial signature of tiny planktonic crustaceans, called copepods, reflects ocean currents and environmental gradients more accurately than freely living microbes. This finding suggests that copepod-associated microbes could serve as valuable bioindicators for detecting shifts in marine ecosystems.
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
The Siberian flying squirrel's genetic diversity is lowest in Finland and highest in the Russian Far East, highlighting a need for taxonomic re-evaluation and conservation efforts. The species' western populations are facing population declines and habitat loss, compromising their capacity to adapt to environmental changes.
A new study maps the geographical distribution of shallow-water marine mollusks, showing how temperature, ocean currents, and paleogeographic development shape their habitats. The research highlights the impact of rapid climate change on marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity.
A new study on the wall brown butterfly found that rapid evolution aids its northward expansion, but cold winters restrict further growth. The study showed that butterflies from northern populations grew faster and survived winter better, but still couldn't persist beyond certain climatic limits.
A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution finds that most species cluster in small 'hotspot' areas before spreading outward, driven by environmental filtering. This pattern suggests a universal organising mechanism governing life's distribution across biogeographical regions.
Scientists have discovered a 113-million-year-old hell ant fossil in Brazil, representing the earliest undisputable geological record of ants. The find showcases highly specialized anatomical features, suggesting unique hunting behaviors in ancient insects.
A new study found that some bird species with large geographic ranges and big brains are actually more susceptible to climate change than previously thought. Researchers analyzed data from citizen scientists and found that birds adapted to narrow climate niches, such as the Arctic, are at higher risk from climate change.
A new DNA detection system allows for the efficient surveying of cephalopods in deep-sea habitats. The technique uses environmental DNA metabarcoding to detect specific species, providing insights into their ecology and behavior.
A study analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species reveals environmental conditions, particularly climate, play a significant role in shaping global plant distributions. Physical barriers have a smaller effect on ancient plant groups that have had longer periods to disperse widely.
Researchers analyzed satellite data from the Sentinel-2 satellites to predict variations in tree traits and map functional diversity. They found significant differences in forest function across continents, with American tropical forests showing greater functional richness than African and Asian forests.
Researchers found that terrestrial snakes on Sado Island coexist by differentiating their activity time, habitat, and diet. Niche complementarity among species with overlapping food resources reduces overlap in other dimensions.
The study highlights the importance of semi-dry forests in Nui Chua NP, which have the highest diversity and occupancy of the silver-backed chevrotain. Conservation efforts should prioritize these transitional habitats to protect this flagship species.
Researchers have mapped critical habitat characteristics for Canada lynx in western Colorado and southern Wyoming, revealing that over half of lynx habitats overlap protected areas. However, wildfire poses a major threat to lynx populations, with around one-third of potential habitat overlapping with disturbance areas.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
A study found that climate- and land use change will alter the availability of wild traditional foods in the Russian Far East, affecting Indigenous Peoples' health and livelihoods. Rural households heavily rely on these foods for income, with losses predicted in central and southern areas.
A new database reveals significant gaps in hippo population knowledge, with fragmented populations relying on protected areas. The research calls for coordinated surveys and a centralized spatial database to improve conservation efforts.
Researchers found that giraffes prefer flat terrain and avoid steep slopes of more than 20° due to energy requirements and risk of falling. This limits their access to habitats in protected reserves, with nearly half of Namibia's habitat being unusable for giraffes.
The new atlas, developed by the University of Illinois and West University of Timișoara, offers a comprehensive database of 427 crayfish taxa and over 100,000 observation records. This resource will facilitate informed conservation decisions and support efforts to mitigate the impact of invasive species on freshwater ecosystems.
Historical records show manatee populations increased alongside human populations in the 1800s and 1900s. The study suggests that Florida manatees are more abundant today than any previous time in North American human history.
A new study reveals significant declines in West African coastal fish stocks, with key local species experiencing reduced catches and smaller fish sizes. Local knowledge from fishermen and fishmongers highlights the impact of semi-industrial fishing practices on marine ecosystems.
The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.
Researchers at UNICAMP suggest that many species thought to be cosmopolitan may actually be misidentified, leading to a greater diversity of tardigrade species in Central and South America. The study proposes ignoring historical records and focusing on recent descriptions to better understand the species' distribution patterns.
Researchers verify that large biodiversity databases can calibrate community models, improving predictions on species distribution and interactions. At least 50% of species must be recorded for accurate predictions, according to a study using GIBIF data.
A new study predicts that climate change will threaten the survival of up to 2,000 resident bird species in the Neotropics by 2100. However, a more optimistic future scenario suggests that only 90 bird species will be exposed to longer dry seasons.
Researchers used deep learning to correlate citizen science data with remote sensing images, predicting plant distributions down to scales of a few square meters. The AI model, Deepbiosphere, outperformed previous methods in accuracy and showed potential for global monitoring of vegetation change.
Research led by Penn State scientists found that indigenous hunter-gatherer practices played a key role in seed dispersal and genetic diversity of native plants. The study challenged the conventional notion of agriculture and suggested humans impacted plant populations long before farming began.
New research reveals nitrogen pollution as primary driver of westward shifts in European forest plant distribution. High levels of atmospheric nitrogen deposition allow rapid spread of nitrogen-tolerant species, often at expense of specialized plant species.
A new species of clearwing moth has been identified from specimens found by a traveler returning from Guyana to the UK. The discovery was made possible through community science efforts involving a young ecologist and a photographer, leading to DNA sequencing and identification as Carmenta brachyclados.
A new study applies modern portfolio theory to conserve the coquí llanero frog by diversifying investments and managing risk under future climate uncertainty. The analysis suggests that relying on existing protected areas may not be enough to mitigate climate risks, and investing in additional habitats could be worth the cost.
Researchers discovered a massive number of evolutionary events in the Asteraceae family on remote islands, resulting from rapid speciation over short time periods. The findings confirm that larger, isolated islands harbor unique species and highlight the importance of protecting this diverse group of plants.
A new study found that the Kirtland's Warbler's home range and core area are linked to vegetation age and food resource distribution in the Bahamas. Conservation efforts at a landscape scale are necessary to sustain patches with sufficient food resources for this near-threatened species.
The Safe-Hub platform provides a harmonized and standardized database for pollinator health, monitoring, distribution, and conservation. It offers various tools and resources, such as species distribution maps, knowledge library, and events calendar, to support recommendations and co-design solutions for wild pollinator decline.
Researchers at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research found that specific climate periods can shift by several months or even six months within a year, affecting species distribution. This shift poses significant challenges for distribution models, potentially leading to extinction or migration of species.
A WVU biologist is studying how genes establish animal body plans and contribute to regenerative abilities. He has identified Hox genes as key players in planarian regeneration, suggesting their functions may differ in highly regenerative versus poorly regenerative organisms.
Genetic analysis reveals that ancient Indigenous people brought the native tuber to southern Utah, adding to the list of culturally significant plant species domesticated in the Southwestern U.S. The Four Corners potato was transported and cultivated by various tribes, including Pueblo and Apache communities.
The study reveals that 'move' dominated during Eocene and Miocene Climatic Optimums, while 'evolve' prevailed after Miocene, correlating with global cooling and new habitats. The transition between these strategies has significant implications for plant survival and adaptation.
A recent study found that tree species can sustain life in temperatures higher or lower than where they are currently growing. The research revealed that trees have overlapping potential niches that extend beyond their realized niches, allowing them to expand their ranges. This new understanding challenges current methods for predictin...
Researchers have found that climate change is driving tree species towards colder and wetter regions across Europe and North America. The study analyzed data from over two million trees and found that no single trait of the tree species could explain these changes.
Researchers have identified over 3,700 species threatened by natural disasters, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The study suggests strategies such as captive breeding programs and translocation to prevent extinctions.
Researchers found that only 11% of studies on species distribution models include human activities, despite humans being the primary drivers of change. New models aim to accurately account for human influence in conservation predictions.
Researchers have discovered a new species of snake, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus, in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia. The species is widespread and has a distinctive black collar and reddish coloration, filling a previously existing distribution gap.
A new study by York University finds that community science programs, such as Bumble Bee Watch, play a crucial role in monitoring bumble bee distributions and detecting endangered species. The program provides valuable data on bee populations, habitats, and distribution patterns, complementing traditional scientific methods.
A study led by Spanish researchers reveals Bonelli's eagles colonized the Mediterranean 50,000 years ago due to early human settlement, displacing golden eagles as the dominant species. Human activities now threaten the eagle's survival.
A new study reveals that jellyfish in the Arctic Ocean are expected to expand their habitats poleward, with some species potentially tripling in size. This could have significant cascading impacts on the entire food web and affect fish populations already under pressure.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London reveal that baobab trees originated in Madagascar before traveling to Africa and Australia, where they evolved unique pollination mechanisms. The study provides new insights into how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.
New research predicts that seven of eight modeled species will move further north in the Arctic Ocean due to climate change. This shift could have cascading effects on Arctic Ocean fish populations and overall ecosystem dynamics.
Research finds climate conditions restrict animal distribution in folklore, and native species are necessary for trickster animals to occur. The study uses biogeographical methods to analyze the interactions between ecology and culture.
Researchers mapped the distribution of lone star ticks, a dominant tick species in Georgia, to identify areas with high prevalence. The study found that these regions contain sweet spots for lone star ticks, including forested areas of mid-elevation and soils retaining moisture but not swampy.
A study predicts that climate change will lead to a major species turnover in North American cities by the end of the century. Cities with cooler and wetter climates are expected to gain new species, while warmer cities may lose many species.