ecology

The scientific study used satellite transmitters, population counts, and DNA analyses of tissue samples to describe the special Kangia ringed seal in Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, a seal has just had a satellite transmitter mounted on its back. Credit: Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Nature InstituteLocal hunters in the Icefjord near Ilulissat are familiar with a special variety of ringed seal known as the Kangia seal. Distinct in size and appearance, the Kangia seal is considerably larger and boasts a notably different fur…

Like human armies, army ants spell trouble for anything that finds itself in their path. The insects make…

Recent research indicates that trees in wetter regions are more vulnerable to drought, challenging previous beliefs about tree resilience. This study, involving the analysis of over 6.6 million tree rings, reveals that trees in drier areas are surprisingly resilient to drought. The findings underscore the widespread impact of climate change on forests and suggest that genetic diversity in drier regions could be crucial for adapting to changing conditions. Credit: SciTechDaily.comScientists flip the script, revealing trees…

There are differing opinions on cats' personalities and behaviour: They're affectionate, they're aloof, they love you, they hate you.Then there's the undeniable fact of what they become when left to roam free outside: indiscriminate, stone-cold killers.A new study has found cats roaming free prey upon almost any animal, reptile, insect, and amphibian around the world – their hunting so prolific and so successful, the authors found, that it poses a legitimate threat to global biodiversity."What's shocking is just the…

Researchers have created a groundbreaking method for polar bear conservation by analyzing DNA from their footprints in the snow. This non-invasive technique, which is also applicable to other snow-dwelling animals like lynxes and snow leopards, offers a safer and more efficient way to gather essential data for wildlife conservation.Scientists have found a way of capturing DNA from snow tracks — a promising non-invasive method of monitoring elusive animals like polar bears.Polar bears are icons of the Arctic, elusive and…

Don’t let their fluff fool you: Your cat was built for murder. Felines, no matter how chonky, eepy, or boopable, are remarkably adaptable obligate carnivores, down to eat just about anything that fits in their mouth.Well-intentioned (or … threatening?) gifts of dead birds, rats, and lizards are familiar to outdoor cat owners—even my shockingly uncoordinated indoor cat has killed a spider or two in her day. But an analysis published today in Nature Communications, led by Auburn University ecologist Christopher Lepczyk,…

As It Happens6:32The mating dance of sea fireflies is ‘the coolest fireworks show that you've ever seen’: scientistNicholai Hensley has spent countless hours standing waist-deep in pitch-black waters off the coast of Panama, watching thousands of tiny sea creatures perform dazzling displays of bright blue light.The creatures — each the size of a sesame seed — belong to a recently discovered species of ostracod, also known as sea fireflies, whose males lure potential mates with a synchronized dance powered by iridescent…

Researchers at the University of York have mapped the evolutionary history of crocodiles, revealing the impact of climate change, competition, and ecological factors on their current limited diversity, providing vital insights for conservation efforts. Credit: Jagged Fang designs Researchers have mapped the family tree of crocodiles and their extinct relatives to shed new light on why there are so few species of the giant reptiles living today. The research team, led by scientists at the University of York, mapped the…

Nearly 1,000 birds tragically perished after colliding with a brightly lit building in Chicago, highlighting the severe threat posed by light pollution to migrating birds. A comprehensive study, using weather radar data, revealed that artificial lighting significantly influences birds’ stopover locations during migration, often leading them into dangerous urban areas. The research emphasized the critical importance of suitable resting spots for birds during their long migratory journeys and identified light pollution as…

Recent research in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park has uncovered that local wildlife, including elephants and giraffes, fear humans more than lions (pictured above), highlighting the global impact of humans as “super predators” and posing new challenges for wildlife conservation. Credit: Daniel Rosengren A new study reveals that elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife fear this predator far more than lions. Lions have long been regarded as the apex predators, often referred to as the “king of beasts,”…