Megafauna
Articles tagged with Megafauna
Tiny ocean life helps scientists estimate whale prevalence off the California coast
Seals get their hearts racing to detox after foraging trips at sea
A new study found that fur seals' heart rate peaks six to eight hours after returning to land, indicating a delayed recovery from the physiological costs of foraging at sea. This suggests that seals use their time onshore to actively recover and replenish oxygen stores.
The polar bear ‘umbrella’: How protecting one species saves many
A new study reveals that protecting polar bear habitat naturally safeguards the resources they rely on to survive, providing critical benefits to the ecosystem. By analyzing tracking data from 355 bears, researchers identified a high-use area near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting it as a prime location for a Marine Protected Area.
New ice age animals and slice of earth history found in central Texas water cave
A team of paleontologists has uncovered fossilized remains of giant tortoises, armadillos, and other Ice Age animals in a Central Texas water cave. The discovery, published in Quaternary Research, provides new insights into the region's past environment and animal community.
Rewilding could fill gap left by Panama’s lost giants
A study of lake sediments reveals three major declines of plant-eating megafauna in Panama, which had significant impacts on forests and grasslands. Rewilding efforts by introducing new species or increasing populations of existing ones could restore nature and its benefits to humans.
Global shark bites return to average in 2025, with a smaller proportion in the United States
In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.
Bison hunters abandoned long-used site 1,100 years ago to adapt to changing climate
Researchers found that bison hunters stopped using a kill site in central Montana around 1,100 years ago due to severe droughts. The team's study suggests that environmental stressors, social and economic pressures, and the need for larger hunting operations drove the abandonment of the site.
Ecology: Svalbard polar bears insulated against sea ice loss
Despite sea ice losses, Svalbard polar bears' body conditions have improved due to increased fat reserves and access to land-based prey. The study found that the number of ice-free days in the Barents Sea region increased, but the mean body condition index of adult polar bears rose following 2000.
Global sports industry holds untapped potential for wildlife conservation
Research reveals that threatened species are overrepresented in professional sports emblems, offering a powerful new avenue for biodiversity conservation partnerships. Fans' emotional connections with team mascots can mobilize audiences to support conservation initiatives.
The pterosaur rapidly evolved flight abilities, in contrast to modern bird ancestors, new study suggests
Researchers found that pterosaurs developed flight with a smaller brain similar to non-flying dinosaurs. Advanced imaging tools were used to study the brain cavities of pterosaur fossils, revealing a larger optic lobe that may have aided in their ability to fly.
Cleveland’s famous sea monster gets a scientific update
A new study reveals that Dunkleosteus was an oddball among ancient armored fishes, with a cartilage-heavy skull and unexpected feeding behavior. The research places Dunkleosteus in proper evolutionary context, highlighting the diversity of arthrodire groups.
Polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species
A new study reveals that polar bears act as crucial providers for Arctic species, leaving behind millions of kilograms of prey annually. This carrion provides a vital energy source for a wide network of arctic scavenger species, including Arctic foxes and ravens.
Not hunters but collectors: the bone that challenges the ‘humans wiped out Australian megafauna’ theory
A new study suggests that Indigenous Australians may have been fossil collectors, rather than hunters, of Australia's megafauna. The researchers re-analyzed a fossilized tibia bone with an incision and found that it was likely already fossilized when the cut occurred.
Do elephants know when we're looking at them?
A study by researchers at Kyoto University found that Asian elephants understand the importance of visual attention for effective communication. The elephants gestured most when both the experimenter's body and face were oriented towards them, suggesting they use a combination of cues to recognize human visual attention.
Nearly 80% of whale sharks in this marine tourism hotspot have human-caused scars
A recent study found that 62% of whale sharks in the Bird's Head Seascape off Indonesian West Papua have scars and injuries from preventable human causes. Simple interventions, such as modifying traditional fishing platforms and boat designs, could greatly lessen this burden on the local population.
Statistical model correctly predicts nest success for the critically endangered California Condor
A new statistical model using GPS tracking data accurately predicted nest success for the California Condor, demonstrating its potential to inform conservation decisions. The model's results were corroborated by field observations and camera footage, allowing researchers to assess nest fate with high accuracy.
Chagos study highlights value of vast Marine Protected Areas
A new study highlights the importance of Vast Marine Protected Areas in protecting diverse marine species. Tracking data from sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds revealed that 95% of tracking locations were recorded inside the Chagos Archipelago MPA.
Don’t feed the animals: Researchers warn of risks tied to wildlife interactions
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
Jaguar population increases after wildfire and drought, indicating area’s role as climate refuge
A new study found that a wildfire and drought led to an increase in jaguar population density in the Brazilian wetlands. The site, which is home to a unique population of jaguars with aquatic diets, may serve as a climate refuge, buffering extreme climate events.
Wildlife forensic scientists develop new tool to detect elephant ivory disguised as legal mammoth ivory
Wildlife forensic scientists develop a cheap and rapid method to distinguish between elephant and mammoth ivory using stable isotope analysis. The technique can quickly identify suspect pieces of ivory and prevent the illegal trade of elephant ivory.
Elephant instead of wild boar? What could have been in Europe
Studies suggest that straight-tusked elephants ( Palaeoloxodon antiquus ) could still inhabit Europe today due to the continent's suitable climate. The species helped shape Europe's landscape, maintaining open spaces and light woodlands that still support native plant species.
Unraveling the mystery of the missing blue whale calves
Researchers propose that timing hypothesis explains the mystery of missing blue whale calves, where births occur in fall and winter, and calves are weaned before returning to feeding areas. This explanation offers alternative insight into high pregnancy rates vs. low sightings of mother-calf pairs.
Pairing old and new technologies could unlock advances in plankton science
The study highlights the potential of novel techniques to collect and analyse plankton data more efficiently, filling knowledge gaps and generating complete pictures of plankton dynamics. However, integrating old and new methods is crucial to ensure accurate assessments of marine biodiversity.
Did prehistoric kangaroos run out of food?
A new study reveals that prehistoric kangaroos in southern Australia had a general diet that allowed them to adapt to environmental changes and climate shifts, contradicting previous assumptions about their survival. The research used advanced dental analysis techniques to study microscopic wear patterns on fossilised teeth.
Study reveals mammoth as key food source for ancient Americans
Scientists uncovered the first direct evidence that ancient Americans primarily relied on mammoth and other large animals for food. The study sheds light on both the rapid expansion of humans throughout the Americas and the extinction of large ice age mammals.
More evidence that Europe’s ancient landscapes were open woodlands: Oak, hazel and yew were abundant
A new study reveals that European forests before modern humans arrived were dominated by light woodland and open vegetation. Hazel, oak, and yew thrived in these dynamic ecosystems, providing a diverse mix of habitats.
50 years of survey data confirm African elephant decline
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
Unravelling an ancient European extinction mystery: Disappearance of dwarf megafauna on palaeolithic Cyprus
A new study reveals that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are responsible for the disappearance of two species of megafauna: dwarf elephants and hippos. The research suggests that these small human populations could have driven both species to extinction due to their hunting practices.
When mammoths roamed Vancouver Island: SFU and Royal BC Museum delve into beasts’ history in our region
A new study from Simon Fraser University has provided the clearest picture yet of when mammoths roamed Vancouver Island. The study found that mammoths lived on the island up to 45,000 years ago, with the youngest sample dated around 23,000 years old.
Elephants on the move: Mapping connections across African landscapes
A recent study maps landscape connections to optimize elephant movement corridors and reduce genetic isolation, addressing a major conservation priority in southern Africa. The research provides insights into how elephants navigate their vast home ranges and identifies key routes to maintain gene flow across protected areas.
Evidence for butchery of giant armadillo-like mammals in Argentina 21,000 years ago
A study published in PLOS ONE found cut marks on fossils of a glyptodont, a giant relative of armadillos, that are consistent with known marks made by stone tools. The placement of these marks indicates a butchering sequence targeting areas of dense flesh.
UMA scientists find a natural quicksand trap dated to more than one million years ago in the ‘elephant graveyard’ of Orce
Scientists at the University of Malaga have uncovered a natural quicksand trap in the 'elephant graveyard' of Orce, dated to over 1.4 million years ago. The discovery provides insights into human presence in Western Europe and competition with large carrion hyenas for meat resources.
The evidence is mounting: humans were responsible for the extinction of large mammals
Researchers from Aarhus University conclude that human hunting was responsible for the extinction of at least 161 species of large mammals over the past 50,000 years. The analysis of various research fields, including climate history and genetic estimates, suggests that human hunting was widespread and consistent across the world.
New, giant horned dinosaur discovered in the ancient swamps of Montana
The newly discovered Lokiceratops rangiformis is a massive horned dinosaur found in the badlands of northern Montana. It boasts two enormous blade-like horns on its frill, as well as an asymmetric spike, making it one of the most ornate species ever found.
Pacific coast gray whales have gotten 13% shorter in the past 20-30 years, Oregon State study finds
Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.
Clues to mysterious disappearance of North America’s large mammals 50,000 years ago found within ancient bone collagen
Researchers used novel biomolecular methods to analyze fossil bone fragments at the Smithsonian Museum, revealing excellent preservation of collagen proteins that can provide a molecular barcode for identification. The study provides new insights into the mysterious disappearance of North America's large mammals 50,000 years ago.
Dinosaur study challenges Bergmann’s rule
A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers challenges the long-held scientific principle that animals in high-latitude climates are larger than their relatives in warmer climates. The study found that Bergmann's rule applies only to a subset of homeothermic animals and ignores other climatic variables.
Looking to the past to prevent future extinction
Researchers created a model to predict extinction likelihood based on human hunting and environmental pressures. The model accounted for interactions between humans, animals, and their environment, considering factors like climate change and life history traits.
Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.
Large native herbivores aren’t better for the local plants than introduced species
A new large-scale study finds that functional traits, not nativeness, play a key role in shaping the effects of large mammalian herbivores on plant communities. Introducing feral cattle or water buffaloes into local areas could be a good idea for complementing native deer and promoting plant diversity.
Global study: Wild megafauna shape ecosystem properties
A global meta-analysis of six continents reveals that large wild herbivores have a significant impact on ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem variability. The study found that megafauna communities with larger herbivores tend to have positive effects on local plant diversity, while smaller species communities decrease it.
People, not the climate, caused the decline of the giant mammals
A new study from Aarhus University confirms that human activity, not climate change, caused the dramatic decline of giant mammals over the past 50,000 years. By analyzing DNA data from 139 large living mammal species, researchers found that populations fell dramatically around 50,000 years ago, coinciding with the spread of modern humans.
New study identifies the best areas for rewilding European bison
A new study identifies the best regions for rewilding European bison, pinpointing areas where conservation efforts can be most effective. The research suggests that understanding the species' decline is crucial to ensuring long-term protection and recovery.
Poachers beware: New online tool traces illegal lion products back to source
A new conservation tool, Lion Localizer, helps authorities track the origin of illegally traded lion parts by analyzing mitochondrial DNA. The tool provides critical information on population impact and resource allocation, supporting efforts to protect tiny West African lion populations.
Study confirms age of oldest fossil human footprints in North America
New research confirms the age of the White Sands footprints using multiple lines of evidence, including radiocarbon dating and pollen analysis. The study provides strong support for the 21,000 to 23,000-year age estimate, resolving a controversy sparked by earlier results.
Scientists zero in on timing, causes of ice age mammal extinctions in southern California
Researchers used radiocarbon dating and time-series modeling to study the timing and causes of megafauna extinctions at Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. The team found that a sharp decline in population occurred between 13,070 to 12,900 years ago, coinciding with warming and drying climate change and increased fires sparked by humans.
Research reveals the ecological threats of small-scale fisheries in Thailand
A study by Newcastle University reveals that gillnets in Thailand's small-scale fisheries catch an estimated 5.6 million rays, 457 thousand sharks, and other threatened species each year. The researchers urge regulation of these fishing methods to protect megafauna from extinction.
Prehistoric poo reveals ‘waves’ of extinction in Colombia
Fungal spores found in dung indicate large animals went extinct in two waves in the Colombian Andes, with major impacts on ecosystems. The study reveals that megafauna existed for thousands of years before disappearing and reappearing again, highlighting the sensitivity of habitats to local herbivore declines.
Island-inhabiting giants, dwarves more vulnerable to extinction
Research reveals island-dwelling mammal species face higher extinction risks, with those experiencing extreme size changes being particularly endangered. Human arrival on islands multiplies the probability of extinction by 16, contributing to a 'protracted extinction event' spanning over 100,000 years.
Insular dwarfs and giants more likely to go extinct
Researchers from iDiv and MLU found that species with extreme body size shifts have a higher risk of extinction on islands. The study analyzed over 1,200 extant and extinct island mammals and found a correlation between human colonization and increased extinction rates.
Increasing forest cover in the Eifel region 11,000 years ago resulted in the local loss of megafauna
The expansion of forests in Central Europe, circa 11,000 years ago, led to the decline and eventual extinction of large Ice Age mammals such as mammoth and bison. The growth of trees deprived these herbivores of their main food source, grass.
True giant wombat gives Diprotodon podium a wobble
Researchers from Griffith University have shed light on a large species of ancient 'giant wombat' found in Queensland, which belonged to the modern-day wombat family. The discovery provides unprecedented insights into the biology and appearance of this previously little-known species, including its cranial sinuses and premaxillary spine.
Dinosaur teeth reveal what they didn’t eat
Researchers used dental microwear texture analysis to infer feeding habits of large theropods, including T. rex and Allosaurus. The study found that these dinosaurs did not eat bones as frequently as thought, with juveniles having a different feeding behavior.
Charcoal and cattle correlate with Madagascar’s megafaunal extinctions
A new study suggests that human activities such as burning forests for introduced grazing species led to the disappearance of Madagascar's large animals. The researchers found a drastic increase in charcoal and domesticated species like zebu cattle around 1,000 years ago, coinciding with the extinction of megafauna.
Reducing bycatch with sensory deterrents
A new study suggests that sensory deterrents can work in some circumstances and may be part of the solution to reduce bycatch. The authors found that LED lights were the only technology to date found successful in trials across all marine megafauna groups, but also led to increased bycatch in some species.
Largest known manta ray population is thriving off the coast of Ecuador, new research shows
A distinct population of oceanic manta rays was identified off the coast of Ecuador, with an estimated total population of over 22,000 individuals, making it more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation. The population is large and potentially healthy due to favorable conditions in the region.
Reign of PNG’s megafauna lasted long after humans arrived
A new study re-examines fossil bones from the Nombe Rock Shelter in PNG Highlands and suggests that several large mammal species may have survived for another 40,000 years. The research challenges general assumptions about megafaunal extinction timelines and provides fresh insights into the natural history of PNG.
Video footage provides first detailed observation of orcas hunting white sharks in South Africa
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
What caused the holes in SUE the T. rex’s jaw? Probably not an infection
Researchers analyzed high-resolution photos of SUE's jaw with healed breaks in other fossil skeletons and compared them to trepanation holes made by Inca surgeons. The study found that SUE's injuries were consistent with these examples, suggesting the animal survived long enough for bones to begin repairing themselves.