Odontophrynus juquinha

<p>In a study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>, researchers have unveiled striking dynamics in plant-pollinator networks, particularly highlighting the amplifying effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">urbanization</a> on seasonal variations. </p>



<p>This research, critical in the era of rapid urbanization, offers novel insights into biodiversity within tropical megacities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-biodiversity">Urbanization and biodiversity</h2>



<p>The global trend towards urbanization is often viewed as a threat to biodiversity. However, the researchers pointed out that flowering plants are often more diverse in cities than in the countryside.</p>



<p>This phenomenon is attributed to the proliferation of flowering plants and agricultural crops in urban areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-pollinator-interactions-nbsp">Plant-pollinator interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"All species engage in interactions, and the complex ecological networks resulting from these interactions - such as those between plants and their pollinators - are key components of ecosystems," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"While our knowledge on the structure of interaction networks has improved considerably in recent decades, we still know little about how dynamic these interactions are across environmental, spatial and temporal gradients."</p>



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



<p>The research team, led by Dr. Gabriel Marcacci, now a postdoc at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the University of Neuchâtel, embarked on an extensive year-long study in Bengaluru, India.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This bustling metropolis, emblematic of rapid urban growth in the tropics, provided a fertile ground for examining the interactions between plants and their pollinators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h2>



<p>The study encompassed all local seasons: the mild-dry winter, the hot-dry summer, and the rainy monsoon. By analyzing bee species, the plants they visited, and the frequency of these interactions, the team constructed detailed plant-pollinator networks for each location and season.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the interactions between plants and pollinators, which are important for agricultural production, are surprisingly dynamic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There was a significant variation in the plant and bee species involved in pollination across different seasons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To identify the factors contributing to the variations in plant-pollinator interactions, the team considered multiple elements: the time of year, proximity to the city center, and the degree of urbanization, indicated by the presence of "sealed surfaces" like roads and buildings.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Marcacci emphasized the significance of this research for understanding tropical urban ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our study provides new insights into the role of urbanization in the dynamics of networks involving plants and pollinators in the tropics, which have been little studied. This is particularly important as current and future urban expansions are largely occurring in tropical regions, where they are subject to different ecological, climate and social factors than in temperate zones," said Dr. Marcacci.</p>



<p>"Our results point to major changes in plant-pollinator networks over the course of the year and to the little-recognized importance of seasonality for the interactions between plants and their pollinators, especially in rapidly growing tropical megacities," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-planning">Urban planning</h2>



<p>This study not only contributes to our understanding of urban ecology but also calls for thoughtful urban planning and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical megacities facing rapid growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The unique dynamics of plant-pollinator networks in these settings are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable agricultural production - an aspect that city planners and environmentalists must consider in the face of escalating urban expansion.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Urbanization alters the dynamics of plant-pollinator networks

In a study led by the University of Göttingen, researchers...

<p>A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting range of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to rising global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>.</p>



<p>The Mediterranean green turtle is a species that is often overshadowed in climate change discussions.</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by Chiara Mancino has unveiled how global warming could reshape the nesting dynamics of these turtles, potentially altering the ecological landscape of the Mediterranean.</p>



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



<p>"Climate change is reshaping global ecosystems at an unprecedented rate, with major impacts on biodiversity. Therefore, understanding how organisms can withstand change is key to identify priority conservation objectives," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Marine ectotherms are being extremely impacted because their biology and phenology are directly related to temperature. Among these species, sea turtles are particularly problematic because they roam over both marine and terrestrial habitats throughout their life cycles."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-coastline-nbsp">Transforming the coastline&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts theorized that nesting ground availability for green turtles will increase in the Mediterranean following hotter summers and winters, shifting their nesting locations in response to rising temperatures.</p>



<p>Based on their modeling study, the team predicts that the turtles will expand their nesting range by 60 percent under the worst case emissions scenario.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This expansion is set to transform the Mediterranean coastline, extending the turtles' nesting grounds beyond their current range in Turkey and Cyprus to vast stretches of North African, Italian, and Greek shores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-predictive-accuracy-nbsp">High predictive accuracy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the investigation, Mancino and colleagues developed a model to predict the suitability of various points on the Mediterranean coastline as green turtle nesting locations.</p>



<p>First, the researchers tested the predictive accuracy of their model against 178 verified nesting sites recorded from 1982 to 2019. The findings revealed a high predictive accuracy, with sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density emerging as pivotal factors influencing nesting site suitability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-green-turtles">Key insights on green turtles</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed four distinct greenhouse gas emission scenarios and their implications for green turtle nesting by 2100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The correlation was clear: more severe climate conditions led to a broader nesting range. The worst-case scenario predicted a dramatic 62.4% increase in nesting range, extending to the North African coastline up to Algeria, significant parts of Italy and Greece, and the southern Adriatic Sea.</p>



<p>"Our models show an increase in nesting probability in the western Mediterranean Sea, irrespective of the climate scenario we consider. Contrary to what is found in most global change studies, the worse the climate change scenario, the more suitable areas for green turtles will potentially increase," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



<p>However, this potential expansion is not without its challenges. The experts warn that this increase in green turtle nesting range in the heavily populated central and western Mediterranean would bring them into increased contact with humans and urbanized beaches, which could negatively affect nesting success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers emphasize the urgency for future studies to focus on mitigating these potential negative impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"To better inform future management of marine turtles, there is the need to understand future threats, as well as to couple predictions of marine turtle distribution with an assessment of exposure to these threats," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-turtles-and-biodiversity-collapse">Green turtles and biodiversity collapse</h2>



<p>The Mediterranean Sea represents one of the most vulnerable regions in the world when considering the impacts of global warming, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"The Mediterranean has always been hugely exploited by humans, with important and potentially negative interactions between human activities and climate changes."</p>



<p>"The basin currently hosts more than 500 million inhabitants, a third of whom live along the coasts, and is the first tourist destination in the world with 360 million visitors per year."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The combination of climate change and human impacts clearly generate the starting baseline for a biodiversity collapse, especially for species exploiting at the same time marine and terrestrial habitats as sea turtles."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46958-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Nesting range of green turtles will explode in a warmer climate 

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting...

<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> reveals that paper wasps possess the ability to recognize individual faces, a skill that seems to enhance their social cooperation and potentially their cognitive abilities. </p>



<p>The research offers compelling behavioral evidence of an evolutionary link between individual recognition and social cooperation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions-and-intelligence-nbsp">Social interactions and intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study senior author Professor Michael Sheehan noted that the research delves into the relationship between social interactions and intelligence in animals.</p>



<p>The findings are particularly significant as they suggest that the ability to recognize individual faces may not just be a trivial aspect of wasp behavior but a fundamental feature that influences their social dynamics and cognitive development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-adaptations-nbsp">Genomic adaptations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Through genomic sequencing, the researchers discovered that populations of paper wasps capable of recognizing each other exhibited recent adaptations in brain regions associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-develop-sophisticated-cognitive-skills-by-the-age-of-four-months/">cognitive abilities</a>, such as learning, memory, and vision.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-wasp-populations-nbsp">Distinct wasp populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research was focused on two distinct populations of paper wasps (Polistes fuscatus): one from Louisiana, with more uniform appearances, and another from Ithaca, featuring diverse color patterns on their faces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The evidence for strong recent positive selection on cognition, learning and memory is much stronger in the northern populations compared to the southern populations," said Professor Sheehan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-differences-nbsp">Behavioral differences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Experiments indicated a stark behavioral difference between the two groups of paper wasps. Unlike the southern wasps, the northern population displayed the ability to recognize individuals and showed greater social cooperation.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study highlights the role of facial color patterns in these behavioral differences. Southern paper wasps exhibit similar red color patterns on their faces, whereas northern ones have varied black and yellow patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As you go further north, you find the individuals become more variable in their color patterning, such that roughly around the Carolinas, they start becoming substantially variable and continue to be more variable as you go further north,” said Professor Sheehan. In the Ithaca population, every individual was pretty distinct, he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aggression-levels-nbsp">Aggression levels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During lab experiments, aggression levels were recorded as wasps from both populations were introduced to strangers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Northern wasps showed aggression towards strangers but were less hostile towards wasps they had previously met, suggesting recognition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, the southern wasps treated all individuals similarly, indicating a lack of individual recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-cohesion">Social cohesion</h2>



<p>The ability to recognize individuals appears to make northern wasps more selective in their interactions, leading to more stable social groups.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, the southern wasps, with less individual recognition, tend to have less consistent and cohesive social interactions.</p>



<p>“Individuals in the southern population treat everyone the same,” said Professor Sheehan. “They don’t show any evidence of changing their behavior as a result of previously meeting that particular individual, which suggests they’re not recognizing them.”</p>



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



<p>While further research is needed, Professor Sheehan said there’s some indication that wasps from the northern population have more stable nesting groups, whereas the southern wasps had high turnover of members when they occasionally made nests.</p>



<p>The data suggests that being able to recognize individuals makes northern wasps more selective and better able to manage their social profiles, whereas the more homogenous-looking southern wasps interact more indiscriminately and have less consistent, cohesive social interactions, Sheehan said.</p>



<p>The study was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. The findings are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Paper wasps that can recognize faces are more cooperative

A new study from Cornell University reveals that paper wasps...

<p>Tropical coral reefs, celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and biodiversity, are facing significant challenges due to the relentless pace of global warming. However, a novel solution to boost reef recovery may be found in an unexpected ally: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-need-ocean-wide-protection-to-survive-human-impacts/">seabirds</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a> has uncovered a fascinating interaction between seabirds and coral reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-recovery-insights">Reef recovery insights</h2>



<p>According to the experts, the presence of seabirds on islands located nearby tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> can boost coral growth rates on such reefs by more than double. This discovery is not just about growth rates; it also pertains to the resilience of coral reefs. </p>



<p>Reefs located near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-journey-seabird-rode-out-a-typhoon-for-11-hours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabird</a> colonies can bounce-back much quicker from bleaching events. This is particularly significant given the increasing frequency of bleaching events due to rising sea temperatures, which often result in widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-fish-have-feces-that-is-deadly-to-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral mortality</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-reef-recovery">Studying reef recovery</h2>



<p>The focus of the study was on Acropora, a critical type of coral known for its structural complexity and importance in sustaining fish populations and reef growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted a significant difference in recovery times based on the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-are-causing-massive-seabird-mortality-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabirds</a>. For instance, Acropora around islands with seabirds were found to recover from bleaching events by around 10 months faster compared to reefs located away from seabird colonies.</p>



<p>The study highlights the crucial role of seabirds in shortening recovery times for corals, which could be pivotal in their ability to withstand the rapid pace of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The shorter recovery times could make the difference between continuing to bounce back for some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> in the face of climate change, due to which damaging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching events</a> now occur much more frequently than in earlier periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabird-derived-nutrients-nbsp">Seabird-derived nutrients&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The connection between seabirds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a> is rooted in the nutrient-rich guano produced by these birds. Seabirds that feed on fish in the open ocean far from islands return to islands to roost, while depositing nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich nutrients in the form of guano. </p>



<p>This nutrient transfer, critical for coral growth, occurs when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poo-from-fish-that-eat-coral-is-beneficial-for-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guano</a> is washed into the sea, fertilizing the corals and other marine species.</p>



<p>“Our results clearly show that seabird-derived nutrients are directly driving faster coral growth rates and faster recovery rates in Acropora coral,” said lead author Casey Benkwitt, an expert in Marine Biology at Lancaster.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-approach-nbsp">Experimental approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team conducted their study in a remote Indian Ocean archipelago, comparing reefs near seabird-populated islands to those near rat-infested islands, which negatively impact seabird populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also involved an experimental approach where some Acropora corals were transplanted between islands. This confirmed that the presence of seabirds, and not other factors, was responsible for the nutrient enrichment and enhanced coral growth.</p>



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



<p>“This faster recovery may be critical as the average time between successive bleaching events was 5.9 years in 2016 – a reduction from 27 years in the 1980s. Even small reductions in recovery times during this window may be key to maintaining coral cover over the short-term,” Benkwitt said.</p>



<p>These findings not only highlight a natural solution for enhancing coral resilience but also emphasize the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of biodiversity conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj0390" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Nutrients from seabird poop accelerate coral reef recovery

Tropical coral reefs, celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and biodiversity,...

3d,Render,Dinosaur.,This,Is,A,3d,Render

<p>An intriguing new study introduces the 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis, which suggests human aging may be intricately linked to the long period of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> dominance on Earth. </p>



<p>This concept was brought to light by Professor João Pedro de Magalhães, a renowned expert in the field of aging from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>. The hypothesis presents a fascinating connection between the reign of dinosaurs over 100 million years ago and the biological aging processes observed in mammals, including humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mesozoic-era-and-mammalian-aging">Mesozoic Era and mammalian aging</h2>



<p>The Mesozoic Era, marked by the domination of dinosaurs, posed significant challenges for early mammals. According to Professor de Magalhães, mammals during this era were under constant pressure for rapid reproduction, primarily due to the threat posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-are-helping-astronomers-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. </p>



<p>This prolonged period of evolutionary stress, spanning over 100 million years, is believed to have led to the loss or inactivation of longevity-related genes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-discovery-some-mammals-attacked-dinosaurs-and-they-often-won-the-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early mammals</a>.</p>



<p>Professor Magalhães elaborates on this theory. He states, "We and these mammals, such as elephants and whales, live with the genetic hangups from the Mesozoic era and we age surprisingly faster than many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-secrets-of-the-evolution-of-prehistoric-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a>."</p>



<p>He further adds, "The 'longevity bottleneck hypothesis' may shed light on evolutionary forces that have shaped the way that mammals have aged over millions of years. While humans are among the longest-living animals, there are many reptiles and other species that exhibit a much slower aging process and minimal signs of senescence."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-dominance-and-human-aging">Dinosaur dominance and human aging</h2>



<p>Professor de Magalhães explains that the earliest mammals, relegated to the lower tiers of the food chain, evolved to prioritize rapid reproduction as a survival strategy during the age of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. This evolutionary pressure, he proposes, significantly impacts how modern humans age.</p>



<p>"We see examples in the animal world of truly remarkable repair and regeneration. That genetic information would have been unnecessary for early mammals that were lucky to not end up as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-may-have-had-brains-and-brawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T Rex</a> food," says Professor de Magalhães. </p>



<p>He highlights that while mammals including humans, whales, and elephants have evolved to grow larger and live longer, they still bear the genetic consequences of the Mesozoic era, aging faster than many reptiles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-and-future-research">Broader implications and future research</h2>



<p>Professor de Magalhães suggests that this hypothesis, while still in the realm of theory, opens up numerous intriguing research directions. One such avenue is exploring why cancer may be more prevalent in mammals than in other species, possibly due to the rapid aging process instigated during the dinosaur era.</p>



<p>The 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis posits a profound and previously unexplored connection between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-winters-weakened-the-dinosaurs-before-the-asteroid-hit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reign of dinosaurs</a> and the aging process in mammals. This theory provides a novel perspective on the evolutionary history of aging, while also paving the way for further research into the genetic and environmental factors that have influenced mammalian longevity over millions of years. </p>



<p>Professor de Magalhães' pioneering work opens up a new frontier in understanding the complex interplay between evolution, genetics, and aging.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/bies.202300098" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioEssays</a></em>.</p>



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How dinosaurs influence human aging 65 million years after extinction

An intriguing new study introduces the 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis, which...

<p>In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon. People often turn to social media seeking advice on what to do when they find injured or disoriented wildlife. The answer typically lies with local wildlife rehabilitation centers. </p>



<p>These centers, run by licensed individuals and organizations, play a crucial role in caring for sick and injured wildlife. They handle hundreds of thousands of wild animals annually across the United States, offering a unique perspective on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thermal-imaging-can-help-monitor-animal-health-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal health</a> and environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-humans-impact-wildlife">Studying how humans impact wildlife</h2>



<p>A few years ago, Tara Miller, a biologist then with <a href="https://defenders.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defenders of Wildlife</a>, came across Wendy Hall, cofounder of the <a href="https://adirondackwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adirondack Wildlife Refuge</a>. Hall shared observations about unusual animal occurrences, like the appearance of black vultures, typically a southern species, in the Adirondacks. </p>



<p>These insights, linked to climate change, sparked Miller's interest in using wildlife rehabilitation data to study the environmental impact on North American wildlife.</p>



<p>Miller, who uses they/them pronouns, spearheaded a pioneering study while at <a href="https://sites.bu.edu/urban/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>'s Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health program. Collaborating with 94 wildlife centers across the U.S. and Canada, Miller's team analyzed records of over a thousand species. This study aimed to identify regional threats to wildlife and assess the effectiveness of rehab centers in treating these animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



<p>The research revealed alarming trends. Human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-ammunition-is-a-silent-threat-to-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a> in bald eagles and sea turtles entangled in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dynamic-ocean-closures-offer-protection-from-accidental-catch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing gear</a>, have a significant impact on wildlife. </p>



<p>The study also noted an increase in animals admitted to rehab centers following extreme weather events, a phenomenon linked to climate change. Miller emphasizes the importance of their findings in understanding the broader, direct impact that people have on wildlife. </p>



<p>“A lot of what we found in the research isn’t going to shock anyone, but you want to be able to tell people, ‘It’s not just this one animal. This is happening across the country,’” Miller says. “I think that was what was so cool about the work we were able to do with this huge dataset: tie together what rehabbers across the country are seeing and validate it. We were able to find a lot of these trends for the big picture of how humans are impacting wildlife.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-and-challenges">Data collection and challenges</h2>



<p>Initially, accessing wildlife rehab records was a challenge, as most were stored in physical formats. However, with digitalization efforts, like the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s <a href="https://www.wildlifecenter.org/training-opportunities/WILD-ONe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WILD-ONe</a> patient database system, researchers could analyze vast amounts of data. This system also plays a role in identifying wildlife diseases that might affect human and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock health</a>.</p>



<p>“This was a gigantic dataset, with more than 600,000 observations,” says <a href="https://www.bu.edu/biology/people/profiles/richard-b-primack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Primack</a>, a BU College of Arts &amp; Sciences professor of biology, who was Miller’s PhD advisor and a coauthor on the paper. Primack says he encourages all of his students to consider what questions they want their data to address. In Miller’s case, the big question was, “What are the major threats to wildlife?”</p>



<p>Miller's interactions with wildlife rehabilitators were integral to the study. These conversations often happened amidst the rehabbers' busy schedules, highlighting their dedication and willingness to contribute to the project.</p>



<p>“I had phone calls with rehabbers where they would have to jump off because they had a baby squirrel they had to go feed, or one time someone had a porcupine autopsy they had to get back to,” Miller says. “People were so generous with their time and of their data, and so enthusiastic about this whole project.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-threaten-wildlife-in-many-ways">People threaten wildlife in many ways</h2>



<p>The data showed that human disturbances caused injuries to 40% of the animals admitted to rehab centers. These disturbances included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-killed-roads-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle accidents</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building collisions</a>, and fishing incidents. </p>



<p>Miller, in a tone of incredulity, noted, "Forty percent of the animals arrive at wildlife rehab centers largely due to negative impacts from human activities. How can we modify our policies and behaviors to lessen our impact on these animals?"</p>



<p>Regarding seasonal trends, the researchers found that vehicle collisions, peaking from May to July, affected reptiles disproportionately. During spring, summer, and early fall -- periods of heightened agricultural and construction activities -- pesticide poisonings rose. </p>



<p>In the winter, following the hunting season, lead poisonings became more prevalent, especially in animals like bald eagles. This increase is often due to many hunters using lead ammunition for deer hunting. Lead from the bullets subsequently poisons scavengers like eagles and vultures feeding on the remains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-policy-and-environmental-health">Future policy and environmental health</h2>



<p>Wildlife rehab centers eventually release about one-third of the animals they receive back into the wild. However, this release rate varies significantly among different species.</p>



<p>“For example, pelicans are injured but then are often released [68%], whereas bald eagles have a very low chance of being released [20%],” Primack says. “This presents a very interesting question of why the threats to wildlife are so different between these two groups of large birds.”</p>



<p>The team hopes their research will aid wildlife rehab centers in securing grants and funding. It also aims to encourage community-level changes to protect wildlife from people. Their plans would include implementing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-animals-feel-safe-using-wildlife-crossings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife underpasses and overpasses</a>, using bird-friendly window designs, and promoting the use of non-lead fishing gear and ammunition.</p>



<p>Post-graduation, Miller has shifted focus to policy research at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>, addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vast-amounts-of-edna-captured-in-air-quality-monitoring-stations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a> issues affecting human communities. This transition underscores the interconnectedness of wildlife and human health and the broader environmental impacts of policy decisions.</p>



<p>In summary, this study, led by Tara Miller, marks a significant step in understanding the threats facing wildlife and the role of human activities in these challenges. It calls for a collective effort in policy-making, community awareness, and individual actions to create a safer environment for wildlife and, consequently, for ourselves.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006320723003968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a></em>.</p>



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People are a greater threat to wildlife than climate change or anything else

In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon....

<p>Animals use self-control to plan and achieve long-term goals. Birds, for instance, demonstrate delayed gratification when they resist a small, immediate reward in favor of waiting for a better one. Recent research has revealed intriguing differences in self-control behaviors between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> species, particularly in the presence of others. </p>



<p>This study was spearheaded by researchers from <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a> (ARU) in Cambridge, UK, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>. It presents a fascinating comparison of the behavioral patterns of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) in the context of delayed gratification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-self-control-in-bird-species">Studying self-control in bird species</h2>



<p>Eurasian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jays-with-greater-intelligence-have-more-self-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jays</a> and New Caledonian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-bodies-helped-crows-expand-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a>, both members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-crows-corvid-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corvid</a> family, are known for their high intelligence. This study specifically explored how these birds respond to food choices when another bird is present, focusing on their ability to exhibit self-control through delayed gratification.</p>



<p>The core of the study was a rotating tray task, where they gave the birds two food choices: a high-quality and a low-quality option. The birds had to remove these from under clear plastic cups. Mealworm served as the high-quality food for jays, and bread as the low-quality food, while crows preferred meat over the less desirable apple.</p>



<p>The team tested each bird individually, letting them observe as the researchers placed both food types on the rotating tray. Simultaneously, another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a>, either a competitor or a non-competitor, stayed in an adjacent compartment.</p>



<p>Right before the tray offered the less preferred food option, the researchers opened the door between the compartments. This allowed the second bird access. The tested bird then had the choice to either take the immediate option or wait 15 seconds for the preferred option to become available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delayed-gratification-and-self-control">Delayed gratification and self-control</h2>



<p>The study found a notable behavioral pattern among Eurasian jays. While alone, each jay chose the delayed reward (mealworm) but shifted to the immediate food choice (bread) when another bird was present, be it a competitor or a non-competitor. This flexibility in their decision-making underlines the influence of social context on their behavior.</p>



<p>In contrast, New Caledonian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jackdaws-reach-a-consensus-before-taking-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> demonstrated remarkable consistency. They demonstrated self-control by waiting for the high-quality, delayed reward (meat), regardless of whether another bird was present. This consistency was observed in all test conditions, emphasizing the crows' steadfastness in their preference.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/people/rachael-miller-harrison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Rachael Miller</a>, Co-lead author and Senior Lecturer in Biology at Anglia Ruskin University, highlighted the significance of delayed gratification as an indicator of self-control in birds. She drew parallels between this study and similar research conducted on young children, using the rotating tray task to measure self-control.</p>



<p>“Interestingly, we found that jays were highly flexible in their use of delayed gratification, and this was entirely influenced by the presence of other birds, but the crows consistently chose the better, delayed reward, regardless of rival birds being present," said Miller. </p>



<p>Miller pointed out the unexpected findings regarding the Eurasian jaybird's flexibility in using delayed gratification, influenced entirely by the presence of other birds. In contrast, the New Caledonian crows' consistent choice of the better, delayed reward, irrespective of rival birds, adds a new dimension to our understanding of animal behavior in social contexts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-conclusions">Implications and conclusions</h2>



<p>This research sheds light on the dynamics of self-control and factors influencing delayed gratification in animals. It suggests that a species' social tolerance and competition levels play a significant role in these behaviors.</p>



<p>Dr. Miller expounded, “These findings add to our understanding of self-control and the factors influencing delayed gratification in animals, which may relate to a particular species’ social tolerance and levels of competition."</p>



<p>Particularly, the more sociable nature of New Caledonian crows, compared to the territorial Eurasian jays, might explain their differing strategies. As Dr. Miller notes, the reliance of jays on hiding food for survival could be a key reason for their altered strategy in the presence of competitors, opting for immediate, less preferred food to avoid losing out.</p>



<p>In summary, this study not only enhances our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-dim-witted-pigeons-have-their-own-version-of-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian intelligence</a> but also opens up new avenues for exploring self-control mechanisms across different species in varying social settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-eurasian-jays">More about Eurasian jays</h2>



<p>Garrulus glandarius, commonly known as the Eurasian Jay, is a species of bird found predominantly across Europe and parts of North Asia. This bird is notable for its striking plumage, with a mix of pinkish-brown, black, white, and blue. Its size is comparable to that of a typical crow, but with a distinctive rounded tail and a slightly smaller build.</p>



<p>Eurasian Jays primarily inhabit woodlands, showing a preference for oak forests due to their reliance on acorns as a food source. Their diet, however, is omnivorous and varied, including insects, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small rodents or reptiles.</p>



<p>These birds demonstrate remarkable intelligence and self-control, a trait common in the corvid family. They are known for their ability to store food in numerous locations for later retrieval, showcasing an impressive memory. This caching behavior is crucial for their survival, especially in harsh winter conditions.</p>



<p>The Eurasian Jay is also famous for its vocal abilities, capable of mimicking the calls of other bird species and even human-made sounds. This skill plays a vital role in their social interactions and territorial behaviors.</p>



<p>In terms of reproduction, Eurasian Jays are monogamous, with pairs often forming long-term bonds. They build nests in trees, where the female typically lays between 4 to 6 eggs. Both parents participate in raising the young, which are ready to leave the nest within a few weeks.</p>



<p>Overall, the Eurasian Jay stands out as a resilient and adaptable species, thriving across various environments and exhibiting behaviors that reflect a high level of cognitive ability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-new-caledonian-crows">More about New Caledonian crows</h2>



<p>Corvus moneduloides, commonly known as the New Caledonian Crow, is a remarkably intelligent bird species endemic to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. This bird is medium-sized, predominantly black, and identifiable by its straight and relatively slim bill, which distinguishes it from other crow species.</p>



<p>The New Caledonian Crow inhabits various habitats on the islands, including dense forests and open areas. These birds have adapted well to human-altered environments, and are well-known for their impressive self-control instinct. </p>



<p>One of the most striking aspects of this crow is its advanced tool-making ability. These birds are famous for crafting and using tools, such as twigs and leaves, to extract insects and other food from hard-to-reach places. This behavior is not only rare among birds but showcases an exceptional level of problem-solving skills and cognitive complexity.</p>



<p>New Caledonian Crows are omnivorous, feeding on a range of insects, fruits, and small animals. Its tool use is primarily associated with foraging for larvae and insects. They are known to live in loose family groups and exhibit a range of complex social behaviors.</p>



<p>Reproduction in New Caledonian Crows involves nest-building, usually in trees. The female typically lays around three eggs, and both parents are involved in nurturing the young. The juvenile crows stay with the parents for extended periods, learning vital survival and tool-use skills.</p>



<p>In summary, the New Caledonian Crow is a species of significant interest due to its sophisticated tool-using abilities, indicating a level of intelligence and adaptability that is remarkable in the avian world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a></em>.</p>



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Crows exhibit more self-control than other bird species

Animals use self-control to plan and achieve long-term goals. Birds,...

Odontophrynus juquinha

Taxonomic tree: