Eastern red bats, now the most commonly detected bat in Midwestern forests, have a significant impact on tree regeneration due to their appetite for insect-damaging bugs. Forest managers can benefit from considering these bats' landscape preferences, particularly ponds and smaller forest openings.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateNov 14, 2022
A study by the University of Exeter shows that urban life leads to a decline in plant awareness, which can be addressed through activities like wild food foraging. The research found that people's interest in plants develops where they have frequent interactions with relevant plants.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2022
A study by Finnish researchers found that exposure to the herbicide glyphosate impairs bumblebees' fine color vision, affecting their ability to learn and remember connections between colors and tastes. This weakened color vision can severely impact bumblebees' foraging and nesting success.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 13, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that wild bees are actively foraging in the sunlit woodland canopy, particularly among Sycamore trees. A diverse community of wild bees was found to thrive in this habitat, with nectar and pollen-rich trees providing essential food sources.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Researchers documented social ties between individual chimpanzees and gorillas that persisted over years and across different contexts. The study found enhanced foraging opportunities to be a key benefit of interspecies social interactions, with apes sharing knowledge of diverse plant species.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2022
A team of researchers has identified three new turtle nesting sites in the central Red Sea, which could inform efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. The discovery was made using drone surveillance and sediment samples to identify optimal nesting conditions.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 29, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study from Lund University found that solitary bees ingesting the pesticide clothianidin resulted in slower bees and smaller strawberries. The research team also discovered that the substance impaired the bees' ability to pollinate strawberry flowers, highlighting the complex effects of pesticides on bee behavior.
Computer simulations reveal that animals rearing up to smell the air is part of an efficient strategy for locating scent sources. Animals use physics to navigate turbulent environments, pausing and standing on hind legs to catch distant scents in the air.
A new study by University of Missouri and Webster University scientists finds climate change linked to decline of bumblebees in alpine regions. Warming temperatures are creating a longer growing season, allowing lower-elevation bees to migrate to alpine areas, where they struggle to adapt.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 18, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Research shows that exposure to commonly used insecticides can profoundly impair honeybees' visually guided behavior, crucial for flight and survival. The study found that pesticide-exposed bees have impaired optomotor responses, with increased asymmetry in left and right turns.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022
Common noctule bats form mobile sensory networks to optimize prey localization, reducing foraging time by 40%. This collaborative strategy enables bats to effectively control agricultural insect pests and contribute to ecosystem balance.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2022
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that ageing female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland tend to adopt a life of solitude as they grow older. They interact with fewer other individuals within their home ranges and shift to less populated areas of their habitat.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 21, 2022
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.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2022
Researchers found that flower shape is a key predictor of parasite transmission to bees, with wider, shorter flowers increasing the risk. The study suggests that identifying floral traits and species associated with lower parasite transmission rates could help create pollinator habitats with reduced disease risk.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022
Researchers have found that deep-diving seals rely on their sensitive whiskers to detect water movement and capture prey in the absence of light. The study provides insight into the unique sensory adaptations of marine mammals and sheds light on how seals navigate and hunt in extreme environments.
SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers tracked medium ground finches' movements day and night, finding they cover areas equivalent to 30 soccer fields and gather nightly in a lush grove. This behavior helps birds fight cold and reduces predation risk.
SourceMcGill University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2022
Researchers found that otters learn to extract food from unfamiliar natural prey with their own wits, not just by observing others. Eleven of the 20 otters in the study successfully extracted meat from rainbow trout, shore crabs, and blue mussels.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2022
Researchers found that boldness, dominance, and obstinacy are key factors in problem-solving success for zebra finches. Over two years, consistent personality traits predicted innovation in novel foraging tasks, supporting the 'necessity drives innovation' hypothesis.
SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022
Researchers found that tobacco hawkmoths can identify vital nectar sources and suitable host plants despite a complex odor mixture, with female moths responding strongly to specific floral scents after mating. The study suggests that plant-typical mixing ratios play a crucial role in guiding the moths to the right oviposition sites.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers found that baby leatherback hatchlings are less sensitive to light than loggerheads, leading to circling behavior and delayed ocean entry. This difference may be an adaptation for detecting prey or habitats in the open ocean.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMay 19, 2022
Researchers have found that Sowerby's beaked whales are faster, more agile hunters than expected, with shorter dives and higher frequency clicks. This unique strategy may help them avoid competition among other beaked whale species.
SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022
Researchers found that diverse landscape compositions with faba beans led to higher bumblebee densities, increased pollination success, and higher bean yields. Short-tongued bumblebees stole nectar more frequently from faba beans when there was a high proportion of faba beans in the landscape.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Vervet monkeys have excellent cognitive skills for quickly appraising social context and planning routes accordingly. They make complex, multifactor decisions that consider contextual information, such as individual skill, rank, and competitor distance.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
A study of ancient shell remains found at El Mazo cave site reveals that prehistoric humans in Europe adapted to a 1,500-year cold period by exploiting different mollusc species and avoiding overfishing. This research provides insights into human responses to climate change and its impacts on marine environments.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022
A study of isotopes found in bird samples reveals long-term patterns in the short-tailed albatross' foraging behaviour, which disappeared after hunting. The research suggests this hyper-specialised foraging could re-emerge as populations recover, highlighting the need for close monitoring.
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022
Researchers at Flinders University found that sharks can learn to avoid wasting time and energy on inaccessible food sources. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, reveals the decline of shark's natural response to prey when reward frequency is decreased or non-existent.
SourceFlinders University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2022
A team of researchers found that spotted hyenas in the Serengeti National Park adjust their foraging behavior in response to climate change, with a decrease in migratory herd presence due to increased rainfall. Despite this, lactating hyenas successfully nurse their young, suggesting high plasticity in their foraging behavior.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateApr 1, 2022
A study by researchers at the University of Plymouth reveals that energy-efficient broad spectrum lighting is reducing the efficacy of coastal species' camouflage. This can have significant impacts on visually guided ecological processes, with certain color variations being more vulnerable to detection.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022
Research found that adult howler monkey play increases when faced with competition over fruit, a valuable resource. This playful behavior helps regulate relationships within the social group and avoid conflict, unlike collective grooming used by some other primates.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 16, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A new study reveals that genes inherited from moms and dads play distinct roles in shaping behavior, with certain cells relying on the mother's copy of a gene to produce essential neurotransmitters. This discovery has implications for understanding how parental genetics may influence behavior and related health conditions.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022
Worms use cost-benefit calculations to choose between different actions, similar to vertebrates. The study demonstrates that complex decision-making capabilities can be encoded in small biological networks.
SourceSalk Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 7, 2022
A new analysis of human remains provides the earliest DNA from sub-Saharan Africa, outlining major demographic shifts between 80,000 and 20,000 years ago. The study reveals people moved and settled in other areas, developed alliances and networks to trade and share information.
SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022
A new research model shows that optimistic decision-making leads to healthier circumstances and better access to food. Foraging animals that give mental weight to positive outcomes have an on-the-ground caloric advantage.
SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2022
Researchers at the University of Montana found that Yellowstone wolves' handling times increase when bears are present, and they move back and forth from kill sites to avoid confrontations. This dynamic affects wolf behavior and kills rates in the presence of bears.
SourceThe University of Montana·JournalEcological Monographs·DateFeb 4, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A Japanese squirrel's feeding behavior on poisonous Amanita species has been observed, suggesting a potential mutualistic relationship. The study found that the spores of these fungi may survive being eaten and excreted by squirrels, facilitating their dispersal.
SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022
A study in Berlin found that urban areas can provide suitable habitat for bats if certain conditions are met, including low artificial light and access to vegetation and water bodies. The research involved over 200 citizen scientists and revealed that features of the urban landscape influenced the presence of bats.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 13, 2022
A new study found that Tasmanian devils have picky diets and only consume their favorite foods, unlike most other scavengers. The researchers tracked the eating habits of 71 devils using whisker samples and found that most devils choose to dine on specific foods.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 11, 2022
A new study reveals that New Caledonian crows prioritize the storage of complex and efficient foraging tools over basic ones. The research suggests that these birds have an understanding of the relative value of different tool types, similar to humans when handling valuable items.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 17, 2021
Researchers discovered that forest mammals eavesdrop on monkey meals to access fruit dropped by messy eaters. This eavesdropping strategy is crucial for these animals' survival, particularly during periods when almond trees produce abundant food.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiotropica·DateDec 10, 2021
A new study reveals that orangutan mothers are proactively involved in teaching their young, tailoring behavior to match age and abilities. They adjust tolerance levels during feeding interactions, facilitating learning opportunities and enabling immatures to acquire complex foraging skills.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2021
Scientists have discovered that Tasmanian devils' whiskers can capture seasonal dietary changes over at least nine months and potentially up to a year. The long, wiry whiskers hold chemical imprints from food the devils ate in the past, offering a way to monitor the endangered native species with minimal disruptions to their habitats.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEcosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021
Researchers discovered a brain circuit that enables C. elegans worms to switch between foraging and feasting behaviors based on sensory information. The circuit involves a key neuron called AIA, which integrates food odor signals to influence the behavior.
SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers found that Barbary ground squirrels in the Canary Islands rely on synchronized vigilance as their main defense mechanism against predators. They spend a significant amount of time watching each other and scanning their surroundings to detect threats.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021
A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateOct 28, 2021
A new study suggests that waters off the French coast can be a deadly trap for small, foraging turtles in winter. Satellite tracking data reveals that younger individuals are at risk of being trapped in the region due to their inability to regulate body temperature and get lethargic with decreasing sea temperatures.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021
A study published in Scientific Reports found fossilized remains of sauropodomorphs, including eggs and skeletal remains, that suggest the earliest evidence of herd living in dinosaurs. The fossils, dated to approximately 193 million years old, show age-specific clusters of individuals, indicating possible herding behavior.
SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers found that African greys waited up to 29.4 seconds for preferred food, while blue-throated macaws only waited 8.3 seconds. Pacing was the most effective waiting behaviour among parrots.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateOct 12, 2021
A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that intelligent bird species such as parrots and great apes are at risk of poor welfare in captivity. The researchers recommend providing naturalistic diets, enrichment items, and stimulating environments to improve care and reduce psychological problems.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021
Researchers discovered a cheap and naturally occurring chemical compound that can prevent or reverse the effects of the deformed wing virus in bees. Bees fed with this compound before becoming infected were nine times more likely to survive the virus after five days.
SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Female vampire bats with close social bonds leave the roost separately but reunite when hunting, indicating a preference for cooperative foraging. The study also reveals three distinct call types used during foraging trips, including one that may help identify friends and foes.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
Researchers tracked 50 vampire bats, including those with social relationships, to find that they hunt together and coordinate their efforts. The study suggests that forming friendships in the roost can create more interdependence among socially bonded bats, increasing their success at obtaining blood meals.
SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2021
Researchers developed a method to forecast blue whale locations up to three weeks in advance, enabling proactive conservation and management. The tool helps minimize the burden on ocean users while protecting whales.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021
Researchers developed a computer model revealing how single brain cells in nematode worms sense and process environmental information to drive decision-making. The study found that sensory cells use salt cues as 'navigation beacons' to direct foraging behavior, controlling the animal's search strategy.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021
Researchers found that bats with high hearing sensitivity to low frequency sounds are more sensitive to prey sounds, such as frog and katydid calls. This suggests that differences in hearing abilities may be a key factor in the diversity of bat species in tropical forests.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered that hummingbirds can avoid insects with defensive compounds, such as formic acid, which harm birds. The study shows that scent plays a crucial role in hummingbird foraging decisions and ecosystem function.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021
A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.