Wildlife
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, […]
🔬 Science
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 […]
🔬 Science
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 […]
🔬 Science
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 […]
🔬 Science
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
Moose have lived in Colorado for centuries – unpacking the evidence from history, archaeology and oral traditions
Moose have lived in Colorado for centuries – unpacking the evidence from history, archaeology and oral traditions Moose have been living in Colorado for centuries, contrary to previous assumptions that they were only occasional visitors. A recent study found that moose and elk are altering valley ecosystems by reducing willow plants, which deprives beavers of […]
📰 News
National parks are key conservation areas for wildlife and natural resources
National parks are key conservation areas for wildlife and natural resources The United States’ national parks have an inherent contradiction between protecting fragile wild places and ensuring public enjoyment. The parks are crucial for research and conservation efforts, containing diverse environments such as volcanoes, glaciers, and ecosystems that face various challenges like climate change and […]
📰 News