Articles tagged with Animals
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 black-coated Canada lynx has been photographed for the first time in Yukon, shedding light on a rare genetic variation. The animal's unique coat color is a result of melanism, a condition where an individual has excess melanin, and its impact on hunting abilities is still unclear.
Researchers have discovered that erect-crested penguins, an endangered species, lay a smaller first egg and reject it in favor of a larger second egg. This reproductive strategy allows the bird to better feed its chicks and increases the chances of survival for both eggs.
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
The study finds that many species are protected too late, with insufficient time to recover and breed, and with limited financial resources to support conservation efforts. This analysis highlights the need for improved policy and increased funding to effectively protect endangered species in the US.
A research group from Japan has found a new genus of fungus in the Kickxellales that inhabits the guts of cave crickets, suggesting the evolutionary transition between saprobes and gut-inhabiting fungi. The discovery sheds light on how fungi in the Kickxellomycotina evolved to live inside animals.
Researchers found pelagic seabirds fly into the eye of a storm to reduce risk of injury or death. The birds' unique flight style allows them to navigate strong winds.
A recent study of Alaskan brown bears reveals that their gut microbiomes play a crucial role in supporting health and achieving comparable size despite eating vastly different diets. The research sheds light on the importance of diverse dietary niches for bears, which can help them extract nutrition from various food sources.
Researchers at Washington State University identified eight proteins that regulate insulin sensitivity and resistance in hibernating bears, similar to human genes. The discovery could lead to the development of treatments for human diabetes.
Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.
Scientists discover Opisthiamimus gregori, a new extinct species of lizard-like reptile that lived in Jurassic North America alongside dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of rhynchocephalians, an order that diverged from lizards over 230 million years ago.
A UC researcher is using information technology to track and study the endangered little brown myotis bat species in Ohio. The team has established a summer roost at Clendening Marina, where they are collecting data on the population's size and trajectory.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers has identified distinct genetic patterns among the most prevalent types of canine soft tissue sarcomas, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. The findings suggest that a single treatment approach may not be effective for all subtypes of the tumor.
A study by MIT and WHOI scientists found that shy albatross males are more likely to divorce their mates, while bold males are more likely to stay together. This is the first study to link personality and divorce in a wild animal species.
Research from the University of California - Davis recommends cleaning nest boxes in fall months to avoid disturbing American barn owl breeding pairs. Land managers can install nest box networks to attract barn owls and benefit agricultural operations by controlling pests.
Scientists discovered the rarest North American snake, Tantilla oolitica, locked in fatal combat with a giant centipede it swallowed. The CT scan revealed that the centipede's size was the final blow, cutting off the snake's air supply.
Researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History found that frog forelimbs are not just for jumping, but also for fighting and grasping mates during reproduction. The fused radius and ulna bones provide strength and weight reduction, while also increasing stress on the tendon connecting to the bone.
Researchers identified 15 instances of mucinization, where new mucins emerged from non-mucin proteins by adding repeating sequences. This process transformed the proteins into mucins with gooey consistency, contributing to their various biological functions.
The study analyzed blood samples from bottlenose dolphins in the northern Gulf of Mexico, finding changes in gene expression related to immune response and oxidative stress. The results provide new insights into the health impacts of oil spills on marine life.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
A study by Nagoya University found that the quality of a thoroughbred's sire, not its broodmare's age, determines its racing success. The researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 horses and discovered that breeding older females with high-performing males resulted in lower win rates.
The winning image depicts a parasitic fungus infecting a fly, while other images showcase the relationships between species, biodiversity under threat, and research in action. The competition highlights the intersection of art and science, celebrating ecologists' creativity to protect the natural world.
A study by Hoi-Lam Jim and colleagues found that neither dogs nor wolves formed reputations of humans as generous or selfish after indirect or direct interactions. However, some animals showed preference for the generous human after combined experiences.
Researchers deployed video cameras on Navy dolphins to study their hunting behaviors in San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The footage revealed the dolphins' prey preferences, hunting strategies, and even encounters with a sea snake.
A recent study found that isolating horses can lead to stress-related immunomodulations, weakening their immune systems. The researchers discovered that single housing caused these changes, regardless of the group composition, highlighting the importance of social interaction for horse health.
A recent study found that US animal shelters experienced a surge in dog and cat intake following climate-linked disasters. The influx of animals lasted for up to a year, highlighting the need for preparedness and resources for affected facilities.
Western gorillas in zoos have developed a novel vocalization to get attention and food from their human caregivers. Researchers observed this unique behavior in response to food availability and interaction with zoo staff.
A new study found that North American mammal communities have become more than twice as homogenous as they were 10,000 years ago, primarily due to early human hunting and farming activities. The accelerated homogenization is likely linked to the spate of large-mammal extinctions, which increased similarity among remaining species.
The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from over 400 equids in Celtic and Roman settlements, finding mule remains only in the Roman sites. Mules were valued by Romans for their pack and work capabilities due to their strength, endurance, and resistance to diseases.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that urban density has a stronger correlation with house sparrow health than other environmental factors like light pollution or noise levels. The researchers also discovered high lead levels in the birds' bodies, which could be linked to bioaccumulation from food sources.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that African wild dogs, a highly endangered species, shifted their breeding dates later in response to changing temperatures, leading to reduced pup survival rates. The study highlights how large predators can be vulnerable to climate change and its impact on life history events.
A new species of giant keelback slug, Limax pseudocinereoniger, has been discovered in Montenegro's Tara Canyon by an international team of citizen scientists. The slug, which can grow up to 20 cm in length, was identified through DNA analysis and anatomical differences from a similar species.
Research on the invasive Sirex woodwasp estimates it can reproduce up to 2-3 times higher in North America than in its native range, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems. The wasp's ability to tolerate climate extremes and spread rapidly makes it a challenging insect to control.
A new study finds that the quality of dog-owner relationships is similar between Canadian-born dogs and internationally sourced dogs. Owners reported equal satisfaction, attachment, and problematic behaviors, suggesting owner attitudes play a greater role than dog characteristics.
A new study finds that polar bears and brown bears have a complicated evolutionary history due to interbreeding. The analysis of modern bear genomes and ancient DNA from a 115,000-year-old tooth reveals gene flow from brown bears into polar bears, challenging previous hypotheses.
A new study reveals that red pandas are being driven closer to extinction due to human activities such as infrastructure projects and habitat fragmentation. The research suggests that minimizing human-induced disturbances is crucial for the survival of this species.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
A new study has found that most dinosaurs were warm-blooded, contrary to long-standing debate. By analyzing molecular waste in fossilized bones, researchers inferred dinosaur metabolic rates and found they were generally high.
Vertebrate scavengers prefer to dine on the carcasses of herbivores like mallard ducks and chickens, rather than higher-trophic-level vulture remains. This study found that avian and mammal scavengers only consumed a small portion of the vulture carcasses, highlighting the complexity of nutrient cycling through food webs.
Research reveals Patagonian sheepdogs share common traits with European herding breeds, tracing back to extinct UK shepherds. The study uses genomic characterization and DNA sequencing to identify the connection between the two populations.
A study found that domesticated pigs and horses, as well as Asian wild horses, can tell the difference between positively and negatively charged sounds. The animals reacted stronger to negatively charged voices and showed mirroring of emotions.
A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.
In the species Isodontia harmandi, siblings regularly consume each other to ensure access to their mother's food resources. This unique behavior is observed in communal brood cells, where siblings compete for limited resources.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
A tropical spider species uses a thin layer of air to hide underwater from predators for up to 30 minutes, according to Binghamton University researchers. This unique adaptation allows the spider to prevent thermal loss and maintain respiratory function while submerged.
A new framework for understanding animal societies emerges from a review of wealth inequality research in humans and animals. Wealth is found to be distributed equally or unequally across species, with material goods, individual attributes, and social connections being critical sources.
Researchers discover that type 1 TPCs encode SV channels in plant vacuoles, while type 2 TPCs likely encode distinct ion channels. This study provides functional and evolutionary insights into the TPC family in plants, shedding light on their role in plant growth and defence mechanisms.
A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that Patagonian sheepdogs share a common ancestor with modern UK herding breeds, dating back around 150 years. The breed's unique genetic makeup reflects the pattern of European colonization in South America.
Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.
Researchers at Kyoto University have produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the endangered Grévy's zebra, showcasing similarities with human and mouse stem cells. The study's findings provide insight into evolutionary conservation between mammals and may help advance research on endangered species.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Researchers found varied diversity of gut microbiomes among brown bears at three national parks in Alaska, with Katmai showing the most diversity due to its diverse food sources. The study advances understanding of wildlife habitat, diet, and gut microbiome diversity.
Researchers discovered that dogs have faster muscle fibers than wolves, enabling greater facial mobility and effective communication with humans. The study also found an additional mimetic muscle contributing to the 'puppy-dog eye' expression in dogs.
Fish species zebra mbuna and stingrays are found to possess numerical abilities on par with other vertebrate species. Through training, six of the eight zebra mbuna and three out of eight stingrays learned to associate blue with addition and yellow with subtraction, demonstrating consistent performance in recognizing numbers from 1 to 5.
Researchers at Binghamton University discovered that orb-weaving spiders use their webs as extended auditory arrays to capture sounds, allowing them to detect prey and predators. The study found that the spiders can respond to sound levels as low as 68 decibels and localize sound sources with 100% accuracy.
A survey of Finnish dog-owners found that repetitive behaviors like tail-chasing are more common among first-time owners, those living with larger families, and exercising for less than an hour per day. These behaviors were associated with a range of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors.