Articles tagged with Species Distribution
A new Amazon study suggests that by redesigning conservation projects to consider both freshwater and land species, big positive gains can be made for critical freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts could deliver up to 600% more protection for these ecosystems without negatively affecting land species.
Researchers tracked baleen whale movements using passive acoustic recordings, finding four species have changed their distribution patterns in the past decade. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than other regions, resulting in changes in distribution for five out of six baleen whale species.
A new species of riffle beetle, Podonychus gyobu, is described from Kyushu, Japan, with a disjunct distribution across the equator to Indonesia. The genus was previously known only in Indonesia and has a unique characteristic of having six-segmented antennae.
A new monograph published in PhytoKeys reveals details about the 425 New World species in the largest genus of morning glories, including six new species and nine new subspecies. The study found that most plants originated from two large centers: South America and the Caribbean Islands.
A recent book on the ecology of woody introducents in the Murmansk oblast of Russia identified only 4 out of 19 plant-damaging insect species correctly. The study emphasizes the need for accurate insect identification to prevent cascading effects of mistakes.
Research reveals physical connectivity between southern Red Sea and Indian Ocean, highlighting need for regional marine conservation approach. Genetic patterns suggest clearer separation between northern and southern parts of sea.
A new study by University of Alberta biologists found that birds of the same species do not use the same habitats in different parts of the Canadian boreal forest. This phenomenon, known as differential habitat selection, has significant implications for conservation planning and management strategies.
A study published in PNAS found that humans are driving the loss of biodiversity among narrow-ranged plant species in China, while widespread species are thriving. The research revealed that human impact factors lead to a negative correlation with narrow-ranged species and a positive correlation with widespread species.
Computational analysis identifies gaps in mosquito species distribution models, highlighting the need for improved data and models to advance disease understanding. Key regions with high uncertainty were found, particularly in borderland habitats and areas like Florida's panhandle.
A study by researchers at Technical University of Munich found that fungal communities have darker mushrooms in cold climates, suggesting a correlation between coloration and temperature regulation. This mechanism may improve reproduction by allowing fungi to harness solar energy.
Researchers found that public interest in US bird species increases with body size and abundance, while endangered species attract high local interest. Certain well-known species are also popular nationwide, despite their limited range.
A new study found that physiological coordination between plant height and xylem hydraulic traits is linked to habitat water availability. The researchers discovered that taller plants from wet habitats exhibit greater xylem efficiency, wider conduits, and lower sapwood density.
An international team of biodiversity modelers has developed best-practice standards framework with detailed guidelines. The standards enable scoring of studies based on species distribution models for use in biodiversity assessments, ensuring transparency and consistency in policy recommendations. The framework proposes four levels of...
A new review article explores how fire histories affect animal movement patterns and the distribution of species. It highlights the consequences of altered fire regimes and habitat fragmentation on animal populations, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary research to better understand these complex interactions.
A Brazilian study found that climate change could lead to the extinction of up to 10% of frog and toad species endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest biome within the next 50 years. The researchers used spatial distribution data and ecological niche models to predict which areas would be favorable for each species.
The study uses Landsat and Aster satellites to identify ecologically relevant environmental and biotic variation, and machine learning algorithms predict species distributions. The findings provide important information for forest management and conservation in the Peruvian lowland Amazonia.
A study using online citizen scientist observations and museum specimens predicts updated distribution ranges for the Northern black widow and Black purse-web spider. The models suggest that the purse-web spider's range may have shifted, while the black widow's range may have increased over time.
Researchers created a model to simulate biodiversity history in South America over thousands of years, closely matching observed patterns. The model's results suggest topography and climate play critical roles in species diversification and extinction.
A new study by HKU researchers found that land-use changes significantly influence species distribution shifts in response to climate change. In cooler regions, forest loss slows down species migration, while deforestation accelerates it in warmer areas.
A Brazilian study identifies areas with high genetic diversity and climatic stability for conservation. The researchers used ecological niche modeling to simulate the distribution of forests in past eras, revealing priority areas for action that have suffered least from climate change.
A new study found that scientific models used to determine which species and habitats to protect lack critical information, leading to ineffective conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for more accurate species distribution models to target conservation efforts in areas with the most impact.
Researchers found Neotropical fruit species in Central and South America have larger geographic ranges when linked to human diets, suggesting human impact on species distribution. Human use of these fruits may have driven the expansion of their ranges.
The study found that the highest number of alien species can be found on islands and in coastal regions, with Hawaii leading the way. The researchers also discovered that densely populated areas and economically developed countries are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of new species.
A new species of frog has been discovered in the Neotropics, featuring transparent skin that allows its heart to be visible. The species, Hyalinobatrachium yaku, is characterized by dark green spots on its head and body, and a unique call. Its distribution is uncertain due to its small size and habitat destruction.
As ocean waters warm at a rate two to three times faster than the global average, commercially important species will continue to shift their distribution. This shift is expected to impact local fishing communities, as species now landed at those ports move out of range and new species move in.
A global research team developed a new Web app to compare and align marine species occurrence maps from two extensive databases, improving the basis for ecological studies and policy decisions. The updated maps include 24,586 species, with some discrepancies found in the IUCN and AquaMaps datasets.
A new international study highlights how climate-driven changes in species distribution are affecting human health, culture, and economies worldwide. As species move towards the poles, they impact resources like fish and coffee, industries like tourism and fishing, conflict over land use, and even indigenous cultures.
A new genus of copepods, Eirinicaris antonioi, has been discovered in Brazil's rocky savannas, providing insights into ancient species distribution. The discovery highlights the vast amounts of undiscovered biodiversity in these ecosystems, which face significant anthropogenic threats.
A PLOS study found that Neotropical spotted cat species are drawn to protected areas, with habitat preferences playing less of a role than protection status in determining their distribution. The study suggests maintaining and creating reserves can help conserve the species.
A long-term biodiversity project has provided detailed distributional and abundance data for 286 arthropod species, including many new species descriptions. The data has inspired studies on macroecology, conservation priorities, and extinction debt in the Azores.
Researchers at Uppsala University and Chinese Academy of Sciences estimated the potential distribution of the endangered Rufous-headed Robin, suggesting it might be larger than previously believed. The study also analyzed DNA and found the bird's closest relative is the Rufous-tailed Robin.
A study examines the impact of climate change on freshwater species in New South Wales, Australia. At least a third of species are likely to lose more than half their range under climate change. The researchers hope that better communicating modeling uncertainty can inform adaptive management and balance risks.
Researchers created a bioquality map to measure global rarity and identify critical plant species hotspots in tropical Africa. The Horn of Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and other regions were found to be 'hottest' for plant biodiversity.
A 1,000-kilometre-long geological boundary in Amazonia constrains plant species occurrences more effectively than large rivers. Laboratory analyses confirm soil differences on both sides of the boundary.
Freshwater communities exhibit uneven species distributions, with rare species underrepresented. A recent study suggests that environmental conditions drive this pattern, with favorable environments supporting more equitable species abundance distributions.
Researchers found consistent patterns in species distribution shifts within assemblages, influenced by temperature and depth. Climate change impacts vary between regions, affecting predator-prey interactions and fisheries management.
A recent study reveals that over 50% of tropical plant specimens are likely to be incorrectly named, raising concerns about the reliability of biodiversity data. Researchers estimate it takes £500 to revise a species, suggesting a feasible solution to address this issue.
Research by the University of York reveals that certain moth and butterfly species are becoming more abundant due to improved climate conditions, while others are declining. The study found that species sensitivity to climate change varies greatly among species.
A team of scientists has confirmed the existence of a previously unknown wild orchid species, known as Dendrochilum hampelii, which was misidentified as 'Big Pink' in flower stalls. The discovery was made through DNA analysis and confirms that the species is separate from its cultivated relatives.
A new study found that climate change is altering the distributions of young and adult fish in the Northeast U.S. Larval stages of 43% of species shifted distribution, while adult stages of 50% also changed, often moving northwards or along the shelf. These changes have significant implications for fisheries management.
A new report by the University of Washington reveals 253 known fish species living in the Salish Sea region, including some newly added and removed species. The comprehensive survey represents the first thorough analysis of Salish Sea fishes in 35 years.
Researchers from Uppsala University analyzed the whole genome of 40 bird species to estimate their abundance at various points in time. The study found that many species exhibit cyclical swings in numbers, often coinciding with ice ages, but human influence may push declines beyond a tipping point to extinction.
A study found that modern methods for predicting species distributions under climate change often leave out rare and threatened species. In Africa, over 90% of listed species are missed by popular tools, despite these species being critical to conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered tetrodotoxin, a potent paralysis-inducing neurotoxin, in two species of terrestrial flatworms. The toxin was found to be used during predation to subdue large prey and may also play a role in defense through egg capsules.
A study compared phenolic compounds in indigenous rose species to those of modern cultivars, revealing distinct differences in leaf phenolic content. Indigenous rose species are found to contain higher levels of phenolic antioxidants, making them a potentially suitable source for medicinal purposes.
A new species of freshwater crayfish has been discovered in the swamps of coastal eastern Australia, belonging to the genus Gramastacus. The species, found in lowland habitats surrounding coastal lakes and lagoons, is highly fragmented due to human development, posing a threat to its survival.
Researchers found that insect distribution is primarily defined by their tolerance to extreme temperatures, not average temperature changes. This knowledge helped model the expected shift in distributions due to climate change, with some species predicted to disappear entirely in a few decades.
A recent study has confirmed the presence of 21 lizard species in Qatar, with some species found only in specific locations. The distribution maps will help identify areas that require urgent conservation measures to protect these species.
A study published in ZooKeys found up to 11 species among populations previously considered two widespread treefrog species. The genetic variation of dozens of Amazonian populations across six countries revealed a large amount of cryptic diversity, with four new species formally described.
Scientists have discovered three new species of wafer trapdoor spiders in Brazil, expanding our knowledge of the genus Fufius. The discovery highlights the morphological variability of the species and provides insight into their distribution across different environments.
A new scorpion species, Euscorpius lycius, has been discovered in the ancient Lycia region of Turkey, adding to the total of five known species within the genus. The newly found species is relatively small, ranging from 2-2.5 cm in length and has a pale color with darker pedipalps.
A multidisciplinary team is developing a framework to explain and predict plant and animal species distribution in the endangered Atlantic Forest. The researchers will use climate and landscape data to understand how forest species have responded to past environmental shifts, enabling them to predict responses to future changes.
This study uses ecological niche factor analysis to predict amphibian richness hotspots in Southern and Central China, providing insights into potential conservation strategies. The research estimates diversity over spatial quadrates incorporating climatic and geophysical information.
A new study suggests that local climatic conditions, rather than biological differences among species, explain observed shifts in marine species distribution. Researchers analyzed four decades of data from NOAA and Canadian fisheries surveys and found that 74% of species shifted latitude in the same direction as climate velocity.
The giant water bug Lethocerus patruelis is the largest European true bug, reaching lengths of up to 8cm. It has a powerful hunting tool that involves injecting strong digestive saliva into its prey.
A recent study challenges traditional views on Bechstein's bat distribution, suggesting that historical changes in its habitat rather than climate may be responsible. The research found that the species' ecological niche is narrow and flexible, with adaptable roosting and hunting habits.
A study models the distribution and abundance of six dominant Hawaiian coral species, predicting that Porites lobata is the most abundant around the main Hawaiian Islands. Environmental factors such as wave energy, seafloor shape, and island age influence coral cover, with highest concentrations found in wave-sheltered coastlines.
The newly described species, Pyropia plicata, has a distinctive growth form with pleated blades and beautiful coloration. It is highly prized by Maori in New Zealand as karengo and is also eaten worldwide for its high protein content.
A study by Andrea Giometto reveals that body sizes in aquatic microorganisms follow a mathematical expression common to all species, influencing size distributions and ecosystem balance. This finding could lead to new insights into population dynamics and the existence of universal laws governing natural ecosystems.
A new species of blunt-headed vine snake has been discovered in Ecuador's Chocó region, characterized by its thin body and unique features. The discovery expands the number of species in this group to seven and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots.