Wildlife News
16th March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How American Alligators' Size Affects Their Environment
A University of Florida study reveals how the size of American alligators in the Greater Everglades affects their body shape and growth patterns, a key insight for conservation.
14th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Hazardous Roommates: Birds and Bat Predators Living Together
Italian researchers reveal that greater noctule bats may not threaten nesting birds like Eurasian blue tits, suggesting nuanced predator-prey dynamics.
13th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Saving the Rare Three-Striped Turtle Through Genetic Study
Despite a significant decline over 2,000 years, India's critically endangered three-striped roofed turtle still has moderate genetic diversity, offering hope for its conservation.
12th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Great Tits Unaffected by Tough Environments in Social Learning
Generalist foraging birds, like the great tit, may not rely more on social learning in harsh environments, challenging the assumption that tougher conditions always lead to stronger social learning skills.
7th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Parasitic Infections in Wild Americas' Mammals: An Overview
Researchers highlight gaps in understanding of Hepatozoon parasites in America's wild mammals, pointing out limited data and the need for more advanced diagnostic methods.
4th March, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Building Local Knowledge by Studying Nature Together
WildTracker combines citizen science and professional research, engaging Tasmanian landholders in wildlife conservation through data collection and shared insights.
4th March, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Monitoring Shows Some Bats Visit Fewer Flowers Over 10 Years
Thai researchers warn of an 80% decline in certain bat species crucial for plant pollination, linking this to habitat changes and underscoring conservation needs.
24th February, 2024
| Greg Howard
Boosting Lizard Immunity Against Warmer Weather with Gut Health
A study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals desert lizards may adapt to climate change via changes in gut microbes, improving their immunity and resilience to warmer temperatures.
11th February, 2024
| Greg Howard
How certain tree smells boost male bird testosterone levels
Birds, especially songbirds, use plant-emitted chemical SOS signals to locate food, but a study found male great tits had increased testosterone when exposed to such signals, potentially affecting their breeding readiness, unlike females who showed no change in egg production.
7th February, 2024
| David Palenski
Unlocking the Design Secrets of Nature's Stingers
From scorpion stings to narwhal tusks, nature's piercing structures follow a universal pattern for optimal performance. Researchers' study could lead to better medical needles and engineering tools, inspired by the strength and precision of these natural forms.
31st January, 2024
| David Palenski
How Disease Influences Gene Variations in Rocky Mountain Elk
In a race against a devastating disease, researchers have found that a genetic variant may help Rocky Mountain elk combat chronic wasting disease. As CWD spreads, elk with this gene appear to resist its symptoms longer, hinting at a complex interaction between genetics, ecology, and disease.
30th January, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Weather, Land, and People Affect Conflicts with Elephants
Elephant encounters on farmlands may seem like folklore, yet this is a real challenge for many. A study predicts a sharp rise in human-elephant conflict by 2050 due to crop density, population growth, and climate change, especially under high-emission scenarios. However, there's hope: proactive land management and conservation could foster coexistence.
26th January, 2024
| Mary Jones
Understanding and Managing Wild African Honey Bees
Exploring the time-honored traditions of African beekeeping, this article delves into how local practices have preserved the natural resilience of bees. It highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge and the need for tailored bee management, emphasizing the crucial role bees play in local livelihoods and ecosystems.
24th January, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Leaf-Footed Bugs Developed Complex Weapons
Leaf-footed bugs engage in an evolutionary arms race, with males developing complex biological weaponry for mating rights. Researchers discovered a cyclical pattern of gaining and losing weapon parts, highlighting a dynamic evolutionary process.
24th January, 2024
| David Palenski
Discovering a New Virus in a Rare Bat's Liver Sample
The discovery of adenovirus YN01 in a bat species highlights the critical link between animal and human health. Unraveling its genome offers insights that could prevent future pandemics, emphasizing the need to understand bat-borne viruses.
17th January, 2024
| David Palenski
Evaluating Lake Life to Monitor Ecological Health at Finima Park
Researchers at Finima Nature Park monitor macrozoobenthos in FNP Lake, gaining ecological insights into water health. Their findings highlight key factors like pH and oxygen levels, providing benchmarks for future studies and conservation efforts.
17th October, 2023
| Jenn Hoskins
Discovering Two New Leaf-Miner Species in China
China's biodiversity gets a boost with the discovery of two new Lyonetia moth species, highlighting the intricate beauty of the insect world & the importance of scientific detective work in understanding intricate ecosystems.
22nd August, 2023
| Jenn Hoskins
Discovering a New Leaf-Mining Moth Species
Entomologists have discovered a new species of leaf-mining moth, Dactylotula phragmitella, in China's Yellow River Delta. Identified by DNA barcoding, the moth thrives on Phragmites australis reeds, providing insights into the region's biodiversity and highlighting the hidden complexity of ecosystems.
5th January, 2024
| David Palenski
Discovering New Species: A Look at South Korea's Leaf-Mining Moths
Researchers in Korea have identified eleven new species of the leaf-mining moth genus Phyllonorycter, including two that were previously undescribed, enriching our understanding of biodiversity and highlighting the intricate role these creatures play in ecosystems.
13th December, 2023
| Phil Stevens
Discovering 20 New Species of Leaf-Eating Thrips in Australia
Researchers in Australia have discovered 20 new species of tiny, yet impactful, thrips, increasing our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem health. These insects, key to agriculture and pollination, reveal nature's complexity and the significance of even the smallest life forms.
