Rachicerus aterrimus

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. 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. </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>



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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>



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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>



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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>



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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>



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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...

<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/wmon.1078"><em>Wildlife Monographs</em></a> is shedding light on the most critical considerations for grizzly bear conservation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research explores the intricate relationship between grizzly bears, their habitat, and human-induced challenges, painting a comprehensive picture of the elements threatening their survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts">Human impacts</h2>



<p>The greatest human impact on grizzly bear populations has been identified in two predominant forms: top-down influences and bottom-up effects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Top-down impacts include bear fatalities associated with illegal killings or direct conflict with humans. Road density and the amount of secure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-habitat-selection-is-heavily-influenced-by-human-disturbance/">habitat</a> away from roads are also top-down influences on grizzlies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, bottom-up effects are related to the indirect effects of human activities, such as a decline in food resources.</p>



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



<p>"The influence of bottom-up food resources and top-down mortality risk underlies the demographic trajectory of wildlife populations. For species of conservation concern, understanding the factors driving population dynamics is crucial to effective management and, ultimately, conservation," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In southeastern British Columbia, Canada, populations of the mostly omnivorous grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) are fragmented into a mosaic of small isolated or larger partially connected sub-populations. They obtain most of their energy from vegetative resources that are also influenced by human activities."</p>



<p>"Roads and associated motorized human access shape availability of food resources but also displace bears and facilitate human-caused mortality. Effective grizzly bear management requires an understanding of the relationship between habitat quality and mortality risk."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-bottom-factors-nbsp">Top-bottom factors&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During the study, the researchers radio-collared and meticulously followed several grizzly bears for multiple years in southeastern British Columbia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings revealed a significant interaction between the top-bottom factors, particularly the availability of huckleberry patches (a crucial food source for grizzlies) and the risk posed by the dense network of forestry roads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forestry-roads-nbsp">Forestry roads&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study demonstrated that the mere existence of forestry roads not only increases the mortality risk for grizzly bears but also restricts their access to vital food sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consequently, the fitness and population density of female grizzlies was diminished - which is similar to the detrimental effects of direct habitat loss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This two-fold negative impact highlights the adverse consequences of forestry roads for grizzly bear populations across western North America.</p>



<p>"At the intersection of top-down and bottom-up influences, we found that areas of higher road density offset food resources even if abundant, preventing effective use of the resource," said the researchers.</p>



<p>"With the omnivorous grizzly bear, top-down influences in our study area were not only associated with mortality risk, but they limited contributions of food resources to fitness and density, in essence having a similar effect as habitat loss."</p>



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



<p>“The securing of important food resources to make them accessible to bears is accomplished through some degree of restriction of human access,” said study lead author Dr. Michael Proctor of Birchdale Ecological Ltd. “Our results suggest that benefits of critical bear foods are not satisfactorily realized unless human access to nearby roads is reduced.”</p>



<p>This research emphasizes the intertwined relationship between human activities and grizzly bear protection. The preservation of this species depends not only on safeguarding their habitats but also on understanding and mitigating how humans influence their chances of survival.</p>



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Grizzly bear conservation must focus on habitat quality and mortality risk

A new study published in the journal Wildlife Monographs is...

<p>The Brazilian wandering spider is known to be one of the most dangerous arachnids, due to the extreme potency of its venom.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bites can cause extreme pain and inflammation, loss of muscle control, and breathing problems, potentially leading to paralysis and suffocation if not treated immediately.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-erectile-dysfunction-nbsp">Erectile dysfunction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, according to a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://ufmg.br/international-visitors">Federal University of Minas Gerais</a>, one unusual effect of this venom – the fact that men who are bitten can experience unwanted erections lasting for hours – could make this venom an effective treatment against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/car-exhaust-erectile-dysfunction/">erectile dysfunction</a>.</p>



<p>After already completing a phase one safety trial, the Brazilian experts are now preparing to launch a phase two clinical trial to test whether a part of the spider venom called BZ371A could work as a treatment for erectile dysfunction by boosting blood flow across the body in men who underwent the surgical removal of their prostate due to cancer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The previous trials aimed to make sure that this compound, isolated from other dangerous parts of the venom, did not cause any severe side effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pre-existing-health-conditions">Pre-existing health conditions</h2>



<p>Although medications for treating erectile dysfunction already exist – such as the well-known Viagra – it is estimated that about one out of three men cannot take them due to pre-existing health conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists working on BZ371A hope that this compound will help these men in particular.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-protection-nbsp">Species protection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Maria Elena de Lima, a biochemist at Minas Gerais, these findings could also boost efforts to protect species such as the Brazilian wandering spider.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This helps demonstrate why our fauna must be preserved: it is an inexhaustible source of bioactive molecules, and we do not know even one percent of this potential.”</p>



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



<p>While erectile dysfunction is a common problem in men - particularly over 40 years of age – beings caused by a variety of triggers, such as stress, tiredness, alcohol consumption, or as a side effect of some medicines, many women also struggle with sexual dysfunction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, the scientists hope that BZ371A from spider venom could also be used one day to help women suffering from such conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brazilian-wandering-spider-nbsp">Brazilian wandering spider&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Brazilian wandering spider (genus Phoneutria) is a group of large and aggressive spiders found primarily in tropical South America. They are sometimes called "armed spiders" or "banana spiders" due to their occasional appearance in shipments of bananas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venom">Venom</h3>



<p>They are considered to be one of the world's most venomous spiders based on the potency of their venom. A bite can be deadly to humans, especially children, but fatalities are rare due to the spider's tendency not to deliver a full envenomation and the availability of antivenom.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



<p>Unlike typical spiders that stay in their webs, Brazilian wandering spiders are active hunters, primarily at night, hence the name "wandering" spider.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



<p>They are relatively large, with a body length of up to 5 cm (2 inches) and a leg span of up to 15 cm (6 inches).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>Wandering spiders are typically found in the tropical regions of South America, especially Brazil. They inhabit a range of environments, from forests to urban areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bite-symptoms">Bite symptoms</h3>



<p>Symptoms from a bite can include severe pain, inflammation, increased heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, victims can also experience paralysis or death if not treated promptly.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatment">Treatment</h3>



<p>If you are bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, seek medical attention immediately. Antivenom is available in areas where these spiders are found.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warning">Warning</h3>



<p>Although they can be aggressive if threatened, Brazilian wandering spiders tend to avoid human interaction when possible. It's essential to be cautious and avoid handling them.</p>



<p>Remember, while they are dangerous, encounters with these spiders are relatively rare, and bites are even rarer. It's always good to be informed and take precautions if in an area where they could be present.</p>



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Spider venom might soon be the new Viagra

The Brazilian wandering spider is known to be one of...

Rachicerus aterrimus

Taxonomic tree: