Articles tagged with Species Distribution
A new study found that about half of Cerrado plant species will experience a net range loss due to climate change by 2040, leading to less plant diversity in lowland areas. The research suggests that the fate of plant species depends on their geographical range, with mountain plants having nowhere to go.
Increasing sea surface temperatures have led to a five-fold increase in juvenile bull sharks in Mobile Bay. The study found that warmer waters made habitats more suitable for these sharks. Computer modeling revealed that temperatures above 22.5°C were associated with higher shark presence.
A new study identifies conservation priority areas for vascular plants in Madagascar, highlighting uneven distribution of taxon richness and phylogenetic diversity. The researchers found that arid and semi-arid regions lack protected areas, presenting additional conservation challenges.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered eight new deep-sea species of marine sponges in the Balearic Islands, increasing the ecological importance of the region. The study reveals a strong case for the inclusion of underwater mountains and caves within the Natura 2000 Network, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Research found that introduced ribwort plantain populations have higher concentrations of chemical defense compounds than native populations, despite showing slightly greater feeding damage. Climatic conditions also play a role in the accumulation of volatile compounds and the plants' ability to cope with environmental stresses.
Biologist Elizabeth Carlen's investigation into iNaturalist data revealed biased species distribution in St. Louis, with northern parts of the city underrepresented. The framework developed by Carlen and her co-authors identifies four filters contributing to this bias: participation, detectability, sampling, and preference.
Genetic research revealed many new fern species in tropical America, with 18 newly named and described species. The study found that similar-looking species were previously thought to be a single widespread species.
A study models habitat suitability for medically relevant black flies in four German federal states, predicting an increase in their population due to climate change. The findings suggest that the warming temperatures and changing land use could promote the growth of species with a broad niche, leading to more frequent occurrences.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that three-quarters of vegetation types in North, Central, and South America fall below the Global Biodiversity Convention's target of 30% protection. The research highlights that over 40% of threatened bird and mammal species are mostly found in a single vegetation type.
A new study from McGill University and international collaborators investigates the role of temperature in determining animal species' current and potential habitats. The research reveals that temperature is less directly limiting for land animals like reptiles, amphibians, and insects than previously thought.
A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that grey wolves' habitat selection changes during recolonization in Germany, moving from early-stage 'cherry-picking' to late-stage less-selective choices. This shift affects predictions of wolf distribution and expansion in the country.
A recent study has unveiled two previously undiscovered families of Pseudoscorpions in Israel, including Syarinidae and Cheiridiidae. The research expands the catalog to include 61 pseudoscorpion species belonging to 28 genera and fourteen families.
A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.
A new database combines distribution and lifecycle datasets to examine the prevalence of different lifecycles globally. The study found that annuals are expected to benefit from climate change, but their increased presence could be devastating for ecosystems.
Rising Arctic temperatures are causing a mass migration of zooplankton, which Pacific right whales rely on for food. This shift is also drawing industrial fishing fleets northward, increasing the risk of ship collisions and gear entanglements.
Research reveals Eurasian otters in Hong Kong were once more widespread and common, but have declined drastically since the 1930s due to lowland wetlands destruction. The species' critical habitat, Deep Bay wetlands, is under threat from government-led mega development plans.
Scientists validate a long-held ecological distribution theory, but find it doesn't hold true for islands with human habitation. The findings suggest that traditional models of the natural world may no longer be valid in the face of mounting local human impacts.
By 2070, 44.61% of koala habitats in Australia will be highly susceptible to bushfires, up from 39.56% today. Koalas may struggle to survive due to habitat fragmentation and food source vulnerability.
A study warns that Brazil's hydroelectric power plants are threatening the Williams' side-necked turtle, which depends on rapids for survival. The study estimates that 30% of its habitat could be lost, heightening the risk of extinction due to highly suitable areas becoming increasingly rare and less interconnected.
A new study forecasts the impact of marine heatwaves on top ocean predators, revealing varied effects and potential redistributions across international boundaries. The researchers developed models to provide real-time predictions of how species shift during heatwaves, informing proactive climate-ready management strategies.
Researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and found a universal pattern of species abundance distributions, with most species being rare but not extremely rare. The study's findings may help answer Darwin's question about why some species are common while others are rare.
A comprehensive study reveals a 72% reduction in rare butterfly populations across Eastern Denmark, with only 158 sites remaining from 565 in 1993. The research highlights the need for improved habitat protection and management to safeguard these species.
Research confirms the EIH hypothesis on a global scale using extensive data, showing that plants from vast, species-rich regions are most successful at naturalizing. Additionally, economic plants from these regions also show similar patterns of invasion and cultivation, suggesting interactions between biological and cultural systems.
Scientists have discovered two 14ft smalltooth sand tiger sharks in Ireland's waters, a rare find suggesting the species is expanding its geographic range due to warmer sea temperatures. The discovery highlights the need for increased awareness and monitoring of these vulnerable creatures.
A novel method to monitor range shifts of protected organisms and expanding noxious species has been developed. By marking the average position of the 'connectivity limit' over time, researchers offer a statistically reliable approach to tracking changes in species distributions.
A study led by University College London researchers analyzed 393 wasp samples collected from citizen scientists and found a single population of the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) across Britain. The findings demonstrate the wasp's ability to disperse itself widely, contributing to its success in human-modified environments.
Scientists from Tohoku University propose a new hypothesis explaining the emergence of endemic species on the Miyako Islands. A land area between Okinawa and Miyako existed as a transit site for biological migration, suggesting that the island chain's unique species evolved after being uplifted 400,000 years ago.
A research team from Hokkaido University has found an exceptionally preserved fossil forest of Wataria parvipora, which was predominantly accompanied by Byttneriophyllum leaves. The discovery helps reconstruct a whole Eurasian plant from the late Miocene epoch and sheds light on the taxonomic identity of plants.
Scientists have deciphered the Arctic flora's evolution over time, discovering its roots date back to the Early Late Miocene. The study reveals a complex dispersal corridor between the Arctic and western North America, with both immigration and in situ speciation contributing to biodiversity.
The Ngoc Linh Crocodile Newt is a newly discovered species of crocodile newt found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The species is considered Endangered due to its small population size and limited geographic range.
A new study reveals that human activity can shape global plant distribution, with slow-growing plants vulnerable to land use effects. Human land use is a significant driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem change, particularly in areas with high biodiversity.
The study used a battery-powered acoustic array to record Goliath grouper sounds at an artificial reef, assessing their presence by measuring acoustic activity and habitat distribution. The results showed that the model can be used to automatically process large amounts of acoustic data and provide detailed movements of marine organisms.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A study from Dartmouth College found that athletes' physique is adapted to shedding or retaining heat in certain climates, affecting their performance in Ironman events. Taller, leaner runners excel in warm climates, while stockier builds fare better in colder climates.
A new study reveals a progressive spread of invasive American mink across most European countries over the past decade. The species is now widespread in Northern and Western Europe, but data are lacking for Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder identified a fossil chili pepper that may rewrite the geography and evolutionary timeline of the tomato plant family. The team's findings suggest that chili peppers were present in North America at least 50 million years ago.
Researchers discovered that coastal marine invertebrates can survive and reproduce on floating plastic debris in the open ocean. This finding suggests a rapid shift in biogeographical boundaries due to floating plastic pollution.
Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.
Researchers at University of Illinois have recalibrated climate change effects on salamanders, showing a somewhat more hopeful future. The study found that incorporating microclimate data at fine spatial scales reduced predicted habitat loss by 55-80% compared to using free-air temperature data.
A new plant species, Carex quixotiana, has been discovered in the La Mancha region of Spain, specifically known for being the setting of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote. The species is a type of sedge with unique characteristics and limited distribution.
Researchers found that widespread species tend to increase in occupancy through time, while narrowly distributed species decrease. Habitat protection can mitigate some effects of biodiversity change, particularly for small-ranged species.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University identify vital differences between the plants, including pollinators and lifespan, confirming their classification. The study highlights the importance of recognizing every species for conservation programs.
A recent study found that Glacier National Park is home to an estimated 1.28 lynx per 100 square kilometers of terrain, exceeding initial expectations and providing a potential climate haven for the species. The research used camera trapping and coat marking analysis to estimate lynx density in specific areas of the park.
Researchers from Japan highlight the decline of native squirrel species due to introduced non-native sciurine species. The study emphasizes the importance of early action in addressing ecological concerns and conserving rare endemic species, with successful eradication efforts reported in four locations.
Vegetation in North America's mountains is shifting to higher elevations at an unprecedented rate, driven by climate change. This shift is occurring faster than many animal species can adapt, with widespread changes observed across diverse ecosystems.
Researchers found that the feathers of large seabirds contained nutrients from multiple ocean basins, while smaller birds had elements matching their local foraging environments. This discovery may explain the long-distance migrations of threatened species.
Scientists from Okayama University used environmental DNA (eDNA) to survey the distribution and population density of the endangered bitterling fish in Japan. They found that eDNA concentrations vary according to the downstream channel distance, providing a reference for conservation surveys.
A new study found that 76% of global insect species are not adequately covered by protected areas. This underrepresentation is particularly concerning for critically endangered insects, with some species having no overlap with protected areas at all.
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 used museum collections to measure ecological response to climate change in central Norway, finding clear regional connections and impacts on species life cycles. Small temperature changes can have significant effects on species distribution and biodiversity.
A new study predicts that by 2099, future extreme heatwaves will expose up to 11% of land vertebrates to temperatures beyond their historical levels. However, a low-emissions scenario greatly reduces animals' exposure to heat extremes.
A new species of mycoheterotrophic plant has been identified in Japan, characterized by its rosy pink petals and stems. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and biodiversity of this unique genus of plants.
Researchers modelled relationship between plant diversity and environmental conditions, capturing how diversity varies along environmental gradients. The models predict highest concentrations of plant diversity in environmentally heterogeneous tropical areas like Central America and the Amazonia.
Scientists have discovered a new species of scops-owl on Príncipe Island, characterized by its unique 'tuu' call. The population is estimated at around 1000-1500 individuals and is considered Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and the construction of a hydro-electric dam.
A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that 41% more plant species in Germany have decreased in abundance over the past 100 years, while only 19% have increased. This uneven distribution of gains and losses indicates a significant loss of biodiversity.
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.
Researchers analyzed 170,000 vegetation plots from all climate zones to find that small areas can have high biodiversity, like Eastern European steppes and Siberia. This challenges the idea of large-scale conservation, as smaller protected zones may be more effective in preserving ecosystems.
Researchers have identified eight new species of tiny brown geckos in Madagascar's rainforests, expanding our understanding of their distribution and evolution. The discovery highlights the importance of continued sampling across the region to uncover new species.
A high-resolution map of ant biodiversity has been created, revealing areas with high diversity and potential for new species discovery. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting critical regions with high ant diversity.
Scientists have discovered a new, venomous pit viper species in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, China. The newly described snake has unique characteristics and is found to feed on small mammals in sunny days by the roadside.