Spiochaetopterus iheyaensis

<p>Researchers unearthed a new species of tarantula exhibiting a vibrant electric blue coloration, nestled within the enigmatic landscapes of Thailand’s mangrove forests. This exciting discovery unfolded in the Phang-Nga province and is the inaugural record of a tarantula species dwelling in Thai mangrove ecosystems.</p>



<p>Dr. Narin Chomphuphuang and his research ensemble, accompanied by local wildlife aficionado and YouTuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwahnsJVPWodYOLoTQl3q6A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JoCho Sippawat</a>, embarked on this trailblazing expedition following the revelation of Taksinus bambus -- the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/four-new-tarantula-species-discovered-in-colombia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tarantula</a> known to inhabit bamboo stalks, in Thailand. Their quest was driven by the zeal to delve deeper into the secretive world of these arachnids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encounter-with-the-vibrant-creature">Encounter with the vibrant creature</h2>



<p>The distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/spider_Chilobrachys-natanicharum_Yuranan-Nanthaisong_2medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric blue</a> of the tarantula immediately distinguished it from its peers, its color acting as a beacon in the dense, dark green foliage. </p>



<p>Narin explained, “The first specimen we found was on a tree in the mangrove forest. These tarantulas inhabit hollow trees, presenting a challenge in catching them, as one needs to climb trees and lure them out of complex hollows amidst humid and slippery conditions.”</p>



<p>The expedition meticulously maneuvered through the terrain in the evenings and nocturnal hours during low tide, overcoming obstacles to collect two specimens, showcasing the tarantula’s elusive nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-of-colors">A symphony of colors</h2>



<p>The electric blue tarantula, it was discovered, doesn’t owe its striking coloration to pigments, but rather to the intricate nanostructures within their hair, manipulating light to craft the illustrious blue hue, sometimes revealing an enchanting violet tint, creating a mesmerizing iridescent effect. </p>



<p>The mechanism to appear blue necessitates the absorption of minimal energy while reflecting high-energy blue light, making blue one of the most scarce and fascinating colors in nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-prior-commercial-appearance">A prior commercial appearance</h2>



<p>Before its scientific documentation, this species had been seen in commercial tarantula markets as the "Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue Tarantula," however, without any records of its distinctive attributes or its natural surroundings.</p>



<p>Dr. Narin elucidated the adaptability of the electric blue tarantula, explaining, “These tarantulas can flourish in both arboreal and terrestrial environments in evergreen forests but are confined to tree hollows in mangrove forests due to tidal activities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-the-new-tarantula-species">Naming the new tarantula species</h2>



<p>The scientific designation, <em>Chilobrachys natanicharum</em>, resulted from an auction campaign, with Nichada Properties Co., Ltd., Thailand, emerging victorious, proposing a blend of the names of company executives Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew. </p>



<p>The proceeds from the auction have been channeled to bolster the education of Lahu children in Thailand and to aid impoverished cancer patients. The Lahu people, an indigenous tribe known for their rich culture and traditions, face stark educational disparities due to financial constraints. </p>



<p>Similarly, many cancer sufferers grapple with economic adversities, hindering their access to quality medical care. The donation aims to bridge these gaps and extend support to those in dire need.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-over-habitat-destruction">Concerns over habitat destruction</h2>



<p>Dr. Narin emphasized the indispensability of taxonomy in research, from resolving everyday queries about species names to undertaking pivotal conservation research to thwart species extinction. He underscored its critical role in advancing knowledge and fostering conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The looming menace of deforestation imperils mangrove forests and their unique inhabitants like the electric blue tarantula—one of the world’s rarest. This discovery brings forth pertinent questions about humanity's inadvertent role in habitat destruction and the subsequent displacement of these exceptional species, prompting reflections on conservation imperatives.</p>



<p>This discovery, a beacon of Thailand’s rich biodiversity, has not only expanded the realms of arachnological knowledge but has also sparked crucial conversations about ecological conservation, habitat preservation, and the proactive roles that can be played to shield these extraordinary creatures from extinction.</p>



<p>The study was published in the <a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/106278/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal ZooKeys</a>.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>

Electric blue tarantula discovered in a Thai mangrove forest

Researchers unearthed a new species of tarantula exhibiting a vibrant...

<p>A new study published by <a href="https://global.oup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University Press</a> uncovers the evolutionary adaptations in bats that may explain their extraordinary capability to ward off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-increases-risk-of-fatal-bacterial-infections/">infections</a> and resist cancer. This discovery, believed to be associated with bats' rapid evolution, may have promising implications for cancer research.</p>



<p>Bats have long fascinated scientists due to their unique attributes. Not only are they the only mammals capable of sustained flight, but they also boast long lifespans, remarkably low cancer rates, and incredibly robust immune systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, it is widely believed that bats played a pivotal role in the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Their peculiar ability to tolerate various viral infections possibly arises from distinct features in their innate immune response.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-human-health-nbsp">Implications for human health&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of understanding bats are far-reaching, especially for human health. Gaining insights into the bat immune system's mechanisms that enable it to withstand viral infections might pave the way for better strategies in preventing zoonotic disease transmissions to humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, by comparing the genomic data of bats to other mammals more susceptible to cancer, researchers could unearth new knowledge about cancer's origins and its intricate relationship with immunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While mice remain a primary organism for experimental studies due to their ease of manipulation, they lack many attributes relevant to human diseases. In contrast, bats offer a more comprehensive perspective.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>"The ability of bats to tolerate viral infections may stem from unusual features of their innate immune response. Together, these adaptations make bats a powerful system for investigating a wide variety of genotype-to-phenotype relationships, including several with implications for human health," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"For example, by better understanding the mechanisms of the bat immune system that allow them to tolerate viral infections, researchers may be better able to prevent zoonotic outbreaks."</p>



<p>"In addition, comparative genomic analyses of bats and cancer-susceptible mammals may shed new light on the causes of cancer and links between cancer and immunity."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For their investigation, the researchers used the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read platform, along with bat samples from the American Museum of Natural History in Belize. The genomes of two bat species, the Jamaican fruit bat and the Mesoamerican mustached bat, were sequenced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team conducted an extensive comparative genomic analysis involving various bats and other mammals.</p>



<p>"Our comparative genomic analysis of these genome sequences, which have been released as a public resource, provides several new insights into unique features of innate immune response and cancer resistance in bats," said the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered-nbsp">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists identified genetic modifications in six DNA repair-related proteins in bats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, 46 proteins related to cancer suppression were found to be altered in bats. These modified genes related to cancer were present over two times more in bats than in other mammals.</p>



<p>“By generating these new bat genomes and comparing them to other mammals we continue to find extraordinary new adaptations in antiviral and anticancer genes,” said study lead author Armin Scheben.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These investigations are the first step towards translating research on the unique biology of bats into insights relevant to understanding and treating aging and diseases, such as cancer, in humans.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evad148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Genome Biology and Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.</p>

Unique biology of bats may hold secrets of cancer resistance

A new study published by Oxford University Press uncovers the...

Dolphin,Portrait,Detail,Of,Eye,While,Looking,At,You,From

<p>In a recent study, researchers have discovered that a staggering 72% of cetacean and pinniped stocks under U.S. jurisdiction exhibit high or very high vulnerability to the threats posed by climate change.&nbsp;The main threats to these marine mammals include rising ocean temperatures and changes in water composition. </p>



<p>Pinnipeds are “flipper-footed” animals such as seals, sea lions, and walruses, while cetaceans are species that cannot survive on land, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/">whales</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/dolphin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-magical-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> and porpoises.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-marine-mammals">Climate change and marine mammals</h2>



<p>The study, led by Matthew D. Lettrich from <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Fisheries</a>, sheds light on the susceptibility of marine mammals in US waters to the ever-intensifying impacts of a changing climate.</p>



<p>Several factors drive this vulnerability. As the Earth's climate undergoes rapid alterations, the distribution, behavior, and movements of marine mammals are being significantly influenced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Key agents of this change include warming ocean temperatures, diminished sea ice cover, increased ocean acidity, changing salinity levels, and declining dissolved oxygen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Until now, while <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/climate/climate-vulnerability-assessments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Vulnerability Assessments</a> (CVAs) provided insights into the climate impacts across a spectrum of species, none had specifically delved into US-managed marine mammals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recognizing this gap, the researchers embarked on a comprehensive assessment of 108 marine mammal stocks spanning the western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal was to gauge their exposure to climate change and their inherent ability to adapt to its consequences.</p>



<p>To do this, the team used 16 climate-related factors that are likely to influence marine mammals directly or indirectly via their prey or habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-results-for-marine-mammals">Alarming results for marine mammals</h2>



<p>The assessment revealed that a startling 44% of marine mammal stocks were found to have a “very high” climate vulnerability score. Baleen whales, medium-sized whales, toothed whales, and dolphins were found to have the greatest risk.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary culprits affecting these species were identified as alterations in ocean temperature, acidity, and dissolved oxygen levels, which have direct repercussions on their prey availability and habitat conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-sound-transmission-nbsp">Changes in sound transmission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, a less explored facet of climate change impacts on marine mammals is the changes in sound absorption and transmission in waters due to fluctuating pH and temperature levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This has significant implications for species that rely on echolocation for activities like communication, hunting, and foraging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-management-and-conservation">Ecosystem management and conservation</h2>



<p>“These results provide information for researchers, managers, and the public on marine mammal responses to climate change to enhance the development of more effective marine mammal management, restoration, and conservation activities that address current and future environmental variation and biological responses due to climate change," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"This vulnerability assessment provides a tool that can complement other marine mammal assessment techniques and support the broader implementation of protected species and ecosystem management and conservation as the climate changes.”</p>



<p>The researchers would like for the marine mammal climate vulnerability assessment to be repeated when enhanced input data is available, such as higher-resolution climate projections and better species-specific biological information.</p>



<p>“Using a systematic approach allowed us to look across all of these stocks and better understand what drives their vulnerability to climate change," said Lettrich.</p>



<p>"We can now go out and look at some of these individual responses to climate change, and explore approaches to reduce the impacts of climate change on these vulnerable populations.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290643"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>

Marine mammals in U.S. waters are highly vulnerable to climate change

In a recent study, researchers have discovered that a staggering...

Pied,Tamarin

<p>A recent research study has shed light on the intriguing ways in which the critically endangered pied tamarin monkeys adapt their communication techniques, in response to human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-increases-the-risk-of-hypertension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise pollution</a>, by increasing their scent markings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-amidst-the-urban-din">Communication amidst the urban din</h2>



<p>Native to a tiny geographic span in central Brazil, a majority of which now finds itself encapsulated within the urban sprawl of Manaus, the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/fr/species/40644/192551696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pied tamarins</a> (Saguinus bicolor) primarily employ a combination of vocal calls and scent markings to convey messages. </p>



<p>But as cities grow and their natural habitats are continuously fragmented, how these primates communicate is dramatically changing.</p>



<p>The latest research, jointly spearheaded by experts from Universidade Federal do Amazonas and <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a> (ARU), examined nine distinct groups of wild pied tamarins. With the help of radio tracking, the research team shadowed each group for a span of 10 days. </p>



<p>Throughout these habitats, the main sources of human-made noise emanated from road traffic. However, noises from aircraft, visitors to parks, and even military operations also contributed to the cacophony.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vital-role-of-scent-markings">The vital role of scent markings</h2>



<p>Effective intergroup communication is crucial for not just the health but the very survival of a species. Pied tamarins resort to various scent markings, each serving different purposes, such as conveying territorial or reproductive information.</p>



<p>The study’s compelling findings revealed a direct correlation between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-noise-affects-the-color-of-songbirds-beaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escalation in noise</a> decibel levels and the frequency of scent markings. This indicates that as their vocal communication gets muffled amidst the urban noise, these primates are relying more heavily on scent markings.</p>



<p>Tainara Sobroza, the lead author from <a href="https://www.ufam.edu.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidade Federal do Amazonas</a>, noted, “Pied tamarins produce long calls which are pivotal for numerous reasons including intergroup communication, territory demarcation, and group cohesion. With urban landscapes steadily encroaching their habitats, our data implies that these creatures' communication techniques are evolving in the face of urban noise.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-adaptations-and-conservation">Evolutionary adaptations and conservation</h2>



<p>Adding to this, <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/people/jacob-c-dunn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jacob Dunn</a>, Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology at ARU, pointed out that human activities have massively altered the acoustic landscapes that many species were originally adapted to. He emphasized, “The rise in scent marking is probably a flexible adaptation to this drastic change. It's captivating to note that pied tamarins are adjusting their behavior in the face of city noise.”</p>



<p>While scent markings offer the advantage of transmitting information over a prolonged period, they don't match the reach of vocal calls. As these creatures find their habitats becoming more splintered, this might spell trouble for an already critically endangered species.</p>



<p>This fascinating research, which throws light on the behavioral shifts of animals in urban environments, was generously funded by esteemed institutions like the National Geographic Society, the Rufford Foundation, Primate Action Fund, and the International Primatology Society.</p>



<p>The findings have been unveiled in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03949370.2023.2248591" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ethology Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>

Monkeys use more scent markings to combat human noise pollution

A recent research study has shed light on the intriguing...

<p>Freshwater mussels, known for their sensitivity to water quality changes, may be at heightened risk due to the impacts of increasing sea levels on coastal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/">rivers</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent investigation has shed light on the potential dangers that these species, along with other salt-sensitive organisms, face in the wake of climate-induced sea level changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The goal of the research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/etc.5731"><em>Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry</em></a>, was to understand the threshold of sea salt concentration that could jeopardize the survival of juvenile mussels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This information is crucial in understanding the implications of rising sea levels on these species and the ecosystems they inhabit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-salinity-levels-nbsp">Increased salinity levels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Sea levels across the planet are rising, particularly along the eastern coast of the United States. Climate-induced sea level rise can result in the inundation and intrusion of seawater into freshwater drainages. This would alter salinity regimes and lead to the salinization of coastal freshwater ecosystems," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Increased salinity levels in freshwater can negatively affect freshwater-dependent species, including native mussels belonging to the order Unionida, which are highly sensitive to changes in water quality."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Sea salt is largely made up of sodium and chloride ions, forming sodium chloride, a known toxicant to freshwater mussels. However, sea salt is a mixture that also contains other major ions, including potassium, sulfate, calcium, strontium, and magnesium, among others."</p>



<p>"Freshwater mussels exposed to sea salt would be exposed to each of the sea salt ions at the same time, resulting in a mixture toxicity effect. The mixture toxicity of these ions on early life stages of freshwater mussels is largely unknown because most research to date has evaluated individual salt ions in relative isolation."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers conducted acute toxicity tests on early life stages (glochidia and juvenile) of three freshwater mussel species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The southeastern coast of the US became the focal point of the study, given that this region has observed a consistent sea-level rise, ranging from 2 to 6mm annually.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study revealed that salt water is toxic to both glochidia and juvenile life stages of freshwater mussels, with glochidia being the most sensitive life stage.</p>



<p>This is consistent with previous research that has shown glochidia to be the most sensitive life stage and that glochidia are more sensitive to sodium chloride than juveniles, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>By identifying the toxic levels of salt water for mussels at different stages of their life cycle, the study offers a roadmap for conservation initiatives. Such insights could pave the way for developing better strategies that factor in the challenges of sea level rise and the subsequent saltwater intrusion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Joseph McIver from North Carolina State University emphasized the global significance of the issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Climate change represents a serious threat to our aquatic ecosystems worldwide and the organisms that live there,” said McIver.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Protecting and conserving our already highly imperiled freshwater mussels is of paramount importance and our research on the effects of salinity and sea level rise will hopefully contribute valuable information toward these goals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The potential ramifications of sea level rise stretch beyond mussels and could reshape the balance of entire ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As freshwater sources face the threat of increased salinity, a ripple effect may be felt throughout the food chain, impacting not only salt-sensitive species but also the larger web of life they support.</p>



<p>Protecting vulnerable species like freshwater mussels may be a small piece of a much larger puzzle, but it is a critical step towards preserving the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.</p>

How freshwater mussels are threatened by sea-level rise

Freshwater mussels, known for their sensitivity to water quality changes,...

<p>Researchers have discovered that two common birds are developing smaller eyes - most likely as a response to urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-exposes-migrating-birds-to-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>. The species are the Northern Cardinal and Carolina Wren, both of which inhabit urban areas around the country. </p>



<p>Remarkably, these birds were found to have eyes that were about 5% smaller than their counterparts living on the outskirts of the city. This contrasts with two migratory species, the Painted Bunting and White-eyed Vireo, which showed no variance in eye size based on their urban or suburban habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-bird-populations">Declining bird populations</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are profound, especially in the context of the worrying decline of bird populations across the U.S.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to past research, the U.S. and Canada have witnessed a devastating reduction of 29% - or 3 billion birds - since 1970.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although habitat fragmentation has been identified as the primary culprit, this new research suggests that human-generated sensory pollutants, particularly light, could also be influencing birds' ability to thrive in urban settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-birds-eyes">Studying birds' eyes</h2>



<p>"This study shows that residential birds may adapt over time to urban areas, but migratory birds are not adapting, probably because where they spend the winter--they are less likely to have the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-biting-season-extended-by-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-caused light</a> and noise pressures. It may make it more difficult for them to adjust to city life during the breeding season,” explained study senior author Jennifer Phillips, a wildlife ecologist at <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>. </p>



<p>For the investigation, Phillips collaborated with Todd Jones and Alfredo Llamas from Texas A&amp;M University, San Antonio. The trio analyzed over 500 birds, comparing body and eye sizes. They also evaluated the noise and light measurements of each habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered-nbsp">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, no notable differences were detected in the body sizes of birds from various locations, except for the Painted Bunting. This discrepancy, the researchers concluded, was primarily age-driven.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Younger male buntings, struggling in the mating competition, were more frequently found in brighter, louder city centers, presumably less sought-after habitats.</p>



<p>This research is the first to link urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-is-a-growing-issue-for-migratory-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> to physiological adaptations in birds, specifically eye size. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-with-smaller-eye-size">Birds with smaller eye size</h2>



<p>The smaller eye size may enable birds to deal with the brighter and more constant light in city environments, said Jones, the study’s first author who is now a post-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Jones, birds with bigger eyes can be somewhat blinded by the glare of city lights or be unable to sleep well, putting them at a disadvantage in urban areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-consequences-nbsp">Unintended consequences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Humans may have some unintended consequences on birds that we don’t realize,” said Jones. “We don’t know if these adaptations could have good or bad consequences for the birds down the road, considering that urban environments aren’t going away anytime soon."</p>



<p>"It is also important to understand how to manage such environments for the birds that maybe aren't urban adapted.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-nbsp">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With the support of a $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, Phillips is leading a team to investigate the effect of both light and noise pollution across multiple bird species.</p>



<p>The team will investigate how light and noise affects the birds’ stress levels, sleep hormones, song structure, aggression levels, and overall fitness.</p>



<p>“We want to know whether patterns at molecular and behavioral scales affect fitness or not. Essentially, we're trying to understand what are the benefits and costs to these animals living in a sensory polluted world,” said Phillips.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16935" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a>.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>

City birds are developing smaller eyes due to light pollution

Researchers have discovered that two common birds are developing smaller...

Macro,Shot,Of,Dead,Bumblebee,With,Its,Parasites

<p>Australia has announced a significant policy shift in its approach to handling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee parasites</a>, Varroa mites. Previously focused on eradication, the country will now concentrate on managing the deadly pest's spread. </p>



<p>The decision comes after the pest posed increasing challenges to the country's pollination sector and beekeepers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-the-outbreak">History of the outbreak</h2>



<p>The Varroa mite was first discovered in Newcastle, New South Wales, in June 2022. Since then, almost 30,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-emerge-from-hibernation-6-5-days-earlier-for-each-degree-of-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee</a> hives have been euthanized in an attempt to curb its spread, according to reports by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-tactics">Changing tactics</h2>



<p>On Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.outbreak.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Management Group</a>, responsible for controlling the Varroa mite's distribution in Australia, reached a unanimous decision to alter its approach to this biosecurity challenge. </p>



<p>The shift was influenced by the non-compliance of some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-beekeeping-is-equally-productive-as-methods-using-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beekeepers</a> and a recent surge in new detections across large areas. The group stated that these challenges rendered eradication strategies impractical.</p>



<p>The New South Wales (NSW) government expressed concerns, stating that new detections signaled a more widespread infestation than initially believed. They emphasized that eradicating the Varroa mite is no longer a viable option. The focus now lies on collaborative efforts to manage and reduce its adverse effects.</p>



<p>The management group disclosed that an interim approach would be employed by NSW to mitigate the effects and decelerate the spread of the mite. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/plant/health/committees/ccepp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests</a> is tasked with formulating a fresh response strategy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-implications">Economic implications</h2>



<p>Australia's pollination industry, particularly vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-threatens-solitary-bees-and-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commercial crops</a> like almonds, apples, and avocados, is heavily reliant on European honey bees. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-bees-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> are transported in vast numbers during the spring flowering season to facilitate plant pollination. The policy change implies a probable surge in the costs associated with pollinating these crops.</p>



<p>A widespread mite infection poses a substantial threat to wild European bee nests and numerous managed hives not resistant to the parasite. The Australian government has warned of potential pollination deficits and potential annual losses exceeding A$70 million.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-varroa-response-strategy">Cost of Varroa response strategy</h2>



<p>The fight against the Varroa mite has been costly. The response strategy alone has consumed A$132 million, marking it as Australia's most significant biosecurity outbreak. Remarkably, until this outbreak, Australia was the lone continent that had remained untouched by the menacing mite.</p>



<p>Australia's transition from eradication to management strategies underscores the challenges the nation faces from the Varroa mite. As the country navigates these uncharted waters, collaboration, innovative strategies, and global insights will be vital to safeguarding its vital pollination sector.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-varroa-mites">More about Varroa mites</h2>



<p>Varroa mites have emerged as one of the most formidable threats to honeybee populations worldwide. These tiny pests, barely visible to the naked eye, have wreaked havoc in bee colonies, leading to significant declines in bee numbers and jeopardizing the world's pollination system. But what are these mites, and why do they pose such a significant threat?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introduction-to-varroa-mites">Introduction to Varroa mites</h3>



<p>Varroa mites, scientifically known as <em>Varroa destructor</em>, are reddish-brown parasites that attach themselves to honeybees. They specifically target the fat bodies of bees, a critical tissue that performs functions similar to a mammal's liver.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-varroa-mites-affect-honeybees">How Varroa mites affect honeybees</h3>



<p>Varroa mites latch onto adult bees and feed on their fat bodies, weakening the bees and shortening their lifespan. But the damage doesn't stop there. When these mites infest bee larvae, they can deform the emerging adults, leading to bees with disabled wings or other deformities.</p>



<p>Moreover, as they feed, varroa mites transmit deadly viruses such as the Deformed Wing Virus. These viruses further weaken the bee colonies, often leading to the collapse of entire hives.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-spread-of-varroa-mites">The global spread of Varroa mites</h3>



<p>Originally from Southeast Asia, varroa mites have found their way across the globe. They first infested European honeybees in the 1960s and quickly spread, reaching North America by the 1980s. </p>



<p>Due to their rapid proliferation and the ease with which they spread, varroa mites now affect bee colonies on every continent. As discussed earlier in this article, Australia is the last to report their presence, and they have given up on their eradication program.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-varroa-mites-are-a-cause-for-concern">Why Varroa mites are a cause for concern</h3>



<p>Honeybees play a pivotal role in pollinating many of the crops that humans consume daily. From fruits and vegetables to nuts and seeds, bees ensure the reproduction of these plants. </p>



<p>With the decline in bee populations due to varroa mites, food production faces potential threats. A decrease in pollination can lead to reduced yields and increased food prices, affecting economies and food security.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-back-against-varroa-mites">Fighting back against Varroa mites</h3>



<p>Beekeepers and scientists actively search for ways to combat varroa mites. Some methods include:</p>



<ul>
<li>Chemical Treatments: Many beekeepers use miticides to reduce mite populations. However, overreliance can lead to mites developing resistance to these chemicals.<br></li>



<li>Biological Controls: Researchers are studying the potential use of natural predators, such as certain strains of fungi, to target and kill varroa mites.<br></li>



<li>Bee Breeding: Efforts are underway to breed honeybees that display natural resistance or grooming behaviors that help them remove and kill mites from their bodies.</li>
</ul>



<p>Varroa mites pose a clear and present danger to global bee populations, affecting not only the bees but also the broader ecosystem and human food sources. As the world grapples with this challenge, it requires a combination of innovative strategies, global collaboration, and increased awareness to safeguard our invaluable pollinators from this menace.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>

Australia gives up on efforts to eradicate Varroa mites, which are wiping out bee colonies

Australia has announced a significant policy shift in its approach...

Spiochaetopterus iheyaensis

Taxonomic tree: