Wildlife
Raccoons break into liquor stores, scale skyscrapers and pick locks – studying their clever brains can clarify human intelligence, too
Raccoons break into liquor stores, scale skyscrapers and pick locks – studying their clever brains can clarify human intelligence, too Raccoons are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills, but they have been overlooked as a model organism in scientific research. The species’ impressive cognitive abilities, including mental imagery capabilities similar to humans, may […]
🔬 Science
How facial recognition for bears can help ecologists manage wildlife
How facial recognition for bears can help ecologists manage wildlife Facial recognition technology for bears, known as BearID, is being developed to help ecologists manage wildlife by identifying individual animals and tracking their behavior. The tool uses deep learning algorithms to analyze images of bears and identify unique facial features, allowing researchers to track individual […]
🔬 Science
With wolves absent from most of eastern North America, can coyotes replace them?
With wolves absent from most of eastern North America, can coyotes replace them? Coyotes have expanded their range across eastern North America, potentially filling the ecological role left by wolves that were extirpated from the region. Research found that coyotes and wolves have different diets, with wolves eating more medium-sized herbivores like beavers and nutria, […]
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Thousands of genomes reveal the wild wolf genes in most dogs’ DNA
Thousands of genomes reveal the wild wolf genes in most dogs’ DNA Dogs were domesticated from gray wolves between 20,000 to 22,000 years ago, and their genomes still contain wild wolf genes. A study analyzing 2,693 dog and wolf genomes found that most dogs have detectable wolf DNA, even in small amounts, with some breeds […]
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Wildlife recovery means more than just survival of a species
Wildlife recovery means more than just survival of a species Traditional wildlife conservation policy aims to protect endangered species until they reach a minimum population threshold, but this approach may not be enough to restore ecosystems or cultural connections between humans and animals. The concept of “thrive” in species recovery involves recovering a species’ ecological […]
📰 News
Flamingos are making a home in Florida again after 100 years – an ecologist explains why they may be returning for good
Flamingos are making a home in Florida again after 100 years – an ecologist explains why they may be returning for good Flamingos have been spotted in Florida again after 100 years, with over 300 birds blown into the state by Hurricane Idalia in 2023. The return of flamingos to Florida may be a sign […]
🔬 Science
How to identify animal tracks, burrows and other signs of wildlife in your neighborhood
How to identify animal tracks, burrows and other signs of wildlife in your neighborhood Identifying animal tracks and signs can be a fun and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. With practice, you can learn to recognize different species and their habits. Some common signs of wildlife in your neighborhood include paw prints, burrows, holes, and […]
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Birding by ear: How to learn the songs of nature’s symphony with some simple techniques
Birding by ear: How to learn the songs of nature’s symphony with some simple techniques Learning to recognize bird songs can be a rewarding hobby for bird-watching enthusiasts, allowing them to identify birds beyond visual cues. Listening to bird songs requires full attention and limiting distractions, using the same part of the brain used to […]
🔬 Science
The surprising recovery of once-rare birds
The surprising recovery of once-rare birds Many bird species that were once rare or extinct have made a surprising recovery in recent decades, thanks to conservation efforts and changes in human behavior. The recovery of species such as the merlin, pileated woodpecker, sandhill crane, and others is attributed to habitat protection and restoration, reduced pesticide […]
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Parasitic worms bury themselves in the brains of moose and elk – a new test can help diagnose these animals to prevent disease spread
Parasitic worms bury themselves in the brains of moose and elk – a new test can help diagnose these animals to prevent disease spread Parasitic worms, specifically Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (brain worm), can infect moose and elk, causing catastrophic disease and death. A new test developed by researchers at the University of Tennessee can help diagnose […]
🏥 Health