Huntemannia biarticulatus

Rustic,Style,Birds,Feeder

<p>Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at <a href="https://fishwild.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, is challenging the traditional view of bird feeding as an activity solely beneficial for birds. </p>



<p>In a recent study, Dayer emphasizes the significance of <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> feeding not only for avian populations but also for human wellbeing. This perspective invites a broader discussion on integrating bird feeding into public policy and guidance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-aspect-of-bird-feeding">Human aspect of bird feeding</h2>



<p>Dayer's approach brings a novel dimension to wildlife management by considering the human aspect alongside avian wellbeing. </p>



<p>"Wildlife agencies and others making decisions on managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding need to be considering not only what the science is behind what’s going on with birds, but also the science behind what’s going on with people,” explains Dayer. </p>



<p>This perspective seeks to balance ecological concerns with the psychological and emotional impacts on people who engage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-traits-help-birds-thrive-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> feeding.</p>



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



<p>The importance of understanding human interactions with wildlife is further highlighted by Dayer's and her team's ongoing research. This unique study, perhaps the first of its kind, is not only observing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> but also the emotional responses of the people involved. </p>



<p>“People are not only reporting what they see at their bird feeders, but also their emotional responses to it,” Dayer said. “It’s pretty fun because most citizen science projects focus just on the natural or physical science, but we’re now able to look at the human piece of it.”</p>



<p>This approach, funded by a substantial grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, delves into the psychological aspects of bird feeding, a factor often overlooked in traditional wildlife studies.</p>



<p>Dayer's interest in this topic was sparked by the response of various state agencies to avian disease outbreaks, often advising the public to stop feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> without concrete evidence of its effectiveness in disease control. This observation led to the realization that current policies lack a comprehensive understanding of the human impact of such recommendations. </p>



<p>The ongoing research by Dayer and her team seeks to fill this gap, aiming to inform future guidelines that consider both avian health and human wellbeing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-with-project-feederwatch">Collaboration with Project FeederWatch</h2>



<p>To further their research, the team is collaborating with <a href="https://feederwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project FeederWatch</a>, a program by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada. </p>



<p>This partnership leverages FeederWatch's extensive network and long-standing practice of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-molting-patterns-may-have-saved-birds-during-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> observation, enriching the study with valuable data on bird counts and human interactions over the years.</p>



<p>Dayer's personal connection to birds, stemming from her family's practice, adds a heartfelt dimension to her scientific pursuit. Her mother always had bird feeders outside their family’s home, and the birds became almost like children for her.</p>



<p>“She’ll go on vacation and cut the vacation short because she needs to go home and feed her birds,” Dayer said. “So I’ve lived with someone who was really into bird feeding and have seen how important it can be to them.”</p>



<p>She reflects on how bird feeding can be a meaningful and accessible way for people from various backgrounds and abilities to connect with nature. “People in urban areas can feed birds. People with just a deck can feed birds. People with a wide range of physical abilities can feed birds. So it’s just a great way to keep that human connection to wildlife,” Dayer said.</p>



<p>This personal insight strengthens her advocacy for policies that recognize bird feeding as a valuable bridge between humans and wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-for-both-sides-of-bird-feeding">Policies for both sides of bird feeding</h2>



<p>Both Dayer and her colleague Dana Hawley, a professor of biological sciences, envision their work as a stepping stone towards developing guidelines that benefit both wild birds and the people who feed them. </p>



<p>“In all my years of studying how bird feeding impacts wild birds, I didn’t give much thought to how it can also impact the people that spend their time and money feeding and watching birds,” Hawley said. “I get calls every year from people who see a sick bird at their feeder and want to know how they can help prevent disease spread. All in all, this made me wonder about how policy decisions that aim to minimize disease spread can inadvertently impact the people who feed the birds.”</p>



<p>Their goal is to establish policies that ensure the health of bird populations while fostering a healthy relationship between humans and their feathered neighbors, especially in urban and suburban settings.</p>



<p>In summary, through this research and advocacy, Virginia Tech's team is reshaping the narrative around bird feeding, highlighting its role as a mutually beneficial activity that deserves recognition and support in wildlife management and policy-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-and-climate-change">Birds and climate change</h2>



<p>Climate change is significantly impacting bird populations worldwide. Rising temperatures are shifting habitats, compelling many species to migrate earlier or move to higher altitudes. For instance, in North America, birds traditionally seen in southern regions are now appearing further north. This shift disrupts ecosystems, as native birds compete with newcomers for food and nesting sites.</p>



<p>Moreover, altered weather patterns, like increased frequency and intensity of storms, are directly threatening birds. Severe weather events can destroy habitats, reduce food availability, and hinder breeding success. Coastal birds are particularly vulnerable, as rising sea levels and storm surges erode nesting sites.</p>



<p>Changes in seasonal cycles are also affecting birds. Earlier springs and later autumns disrupt the timing of food availability, particularly insects, which many bird species rely on for feeding their young. This mismatch between breeding times and food peak can lead to lower survival rates for fledglings.</p>



<p>Finally, climate change exacerbates other threats to birds, such as habitat loss and pollution. As natural habitats are altered or destroyed by climate-related factors, birds lose their homes and food sources. Pollution, intensified by climate change effects like warmer waters, further contaminates their habitats.</p>



<p>Overall, climate change poses a multi-faceted threat to bird populations, challenging their survival in rapidly changing environments. At the current rate, they're going to need a lot more help from bird feeders very soon just to survive.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.10566">People and Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Bird feeding benefits people as much as birds

Ashley Dayer, an associate professor in the Department of Fish...

<p>In a recent study led by <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, researchers found that in North America's hottest regions, mammals prefer forests over areas dominated by human activity. </p>



<p>The research revealed that mammals, including pumas, wolves, bears, rabbits, deer, and opossums, are 50% more likely to inhabit forests than open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/">habitats</a> in hotter regions, while the opposite is true in colder areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Different populations of the same species respond differently to habitat based on where they are,” said study lead author Mahdieh Tourani. “Climate is mediating that difference.”</p>



<p>An example of this is the eastern cottontail rabbit, which prefers forests in hotter areas but tends to occupy human-dominated habitats in colder regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-crisis">Biodiversity crisis</h2>



<p>"Addressing the ongoing biodiversity crisis requires identifying the winners and losers of global change," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Species are often categorized based on how they respond to habitat loss; for example, species restricted to natural environments, those that most often occur in anthropogenic habitats, and generalists that do well in both."</p>



<p>"However, species might switch habitat affiliations across time and space: an organism may venture into human-modified areas in benign regions but retreat into thermally buffered forested habitats in areas with high temperatures."</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, the researchers used data from Snapshot USA's extensive camera trap network.</p>



<p>“We analyzed 150,000 records of 29 mammal species using community occupancy models,” said Tourani.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These models allowed us to study how mammals respond to habitat types across their ranges while accounting for the fact that species may be in an area, but we did not record their presence because the species is rare or elusive.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-flexibility-nbsp">Ecological flexibility&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research challenges the traditional conservation biology practice of categorizing species into simple groups based on their compatibility with human environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers say there is growing recognition of ecological flexibility, and that species are more complicated than those two categories suggest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-conservation-nbsp">Habitat conservation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We can’t take a one-size-fits all approach to habitat conservation,” said study senior author Daniel Karp. “It turns out climate has a large role in how species respond to habitat loss.”</p>



<p>For example, if elk are managed under the assumption that they can only live in protected areas, there may be missed opportunities to conserve them in human-dominated landscapes.</p>



<p>“On the other hand, if we assume a species will always be able to live alongside us, then we might be wasting our effort trying to improve the conservation value of human-dominated landscapes in areas where it is simply too hot for the species,” said Karp.</p>



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



<p>The study highlights the growing importance of preserving forest cover for wildlife conservation in the context of a warming climate.</p>



<p>“If we’re trying to conserve species in working landscapes, it might behoove us to provide more shade for species,” said Karp. “We can maintain patches of native vegetation, scattered trees, and hedgerows that provide local refugia for wildlife, especially in places that are going to get warmer with climate change.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304411120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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North America's mammals are seeking refuge from the heat in forest habitats

In a recent study led by UC Davis, researchers found...

<p>A staggering event on October 4-5 in Chicago led to the demise of nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/">birds</a>, as they crashed into a brightly lit glass structure. While such extensive bird fatalities are uncommon, artificial light remains a significant and escalating hazard to migratory birds.</p>



<p>In a comprehensive study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43046-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>, researchers employed weather radar data to chart bird stopover densities across the U.S. The study revealed that artificial light is a prime factor influencing where birds land during migration.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-face-multiple-challenges-nbsp">Birds face multiple challenges&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Kyle Horton, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and the study’s lead author, explained that city lights can entice birds into hazardous urban environments.</p>



<p>The challenges for migrating birds in urban areas are manifold, including dangerous building collisions, habitat loss, limited food availability, and threats from humans and predators like cats. Urban parks offer some respite, but they come with their own set of challenges, such as competition for scarce resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-stopover-hotspots">Migration stopover hotspots</h2>



<p>Migration is fraught with peril for birds, involving extensive travel that can deplete up to half of their body mass. “These stopover locations are the fueling stations,” Horton said. “If they don’t have a good spot to rebuild energy supplies, migration can’t happen."</p>



<p>This study marks the first time migration stopover hotspots across the contiguous United States have been mapped on such a large scale. Understanding these patterns can aid in developing conservation strategies.</p>



<p>“Cities pose multiple risks to migrating birds,” explained co-author and <a href="https://msu.edu/">Michigan State University</a> Professor Geoff Henebry. “They also offer resources for the tired birds to rest and refuel."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our study is notable in that it combines big data – and a lot of processing – from the weather surveillance radar network with big data from multiple spaceborne sensors to address key questions regarding the influence of urban areas on bird migration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-birds-survive-artificial-light">Helping birds survive artificial light</h2>



<p>However, the attraction of birds to cities raises a conservation dilemma: should urban areas be preserved as vital stopover sites, or should efforts be concentrated on reducing urban lighting? Horton is collaborating with various organizations to tackle both issues, but the multifaceted nature of urban lighting presents complexities.</p>



<p>Light pollution not only affects birds but also disrupts human circadian rhythms, contributing to several health issues. “We don’t often think about light as a pollutant, but it checks all the boxes of what pollution is,” Horton said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-forecasts-nbsp">Migration forecasts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Initiatives like <a href="https://birdcast.info/">BirdCast</a> offer migration forecasts and real-time maps, enabling individuals and cities to minimize artificial light on critical migration nights. Simple measures, such as retrofitting windows with decals and adjusting light brightness and color, can significantly reduce bird collisions.</p>



<p>The tragic incident at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center is a stark reminder of the dangers of light pollution. Public awareness and simple actions, like turning off unnecessary lights, can have an immediate and beneficial impact on bird safety.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we turned off all lights tonight, there would be no birds colliding because of lights tonight,” Horton concluded.</p>



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Artificial light is luring birds to their deaths around the world by the millions

A staggering event on October 4-5 in Chicago led to...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of York</a> have made a breakthrough discovery in the field of evolutionary biology by mapping the family tree of crocodiles, including their extinct relatives known as Pseudosuchia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The comprehensive study offers new insights into the evolutionary history of crocodiles, particularly focusing on the question of why today's world has such a limited variety of croc species compared to their avian relatives, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-the-crocodile-family-tree">Building the crocodile family tree</h2>



<p>The team, led by Dr. Katie Davis from the Department of Biology, meticulously combined data from the fossil record with their detailed mapping of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodile-evolution-was-influenced-by-environmental-factors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodile</a> lineage. </p>



<p>This approach revealed significant insights into the factors influencing the survival and extinction of these species over millions of years. </p>



<p>A key finding of the research is the crucial role that ecology played in the survival of different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cultures-crocodiles-worshipped/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodile</a> species. The team discovered that changes in global temperatures affected sea-dwelling and land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-crocodilians-may-have-devastating-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodilians</a> differently than freshwater species. </p>



<p>Interestingly, while the diversity of sea-dwelling and land-based crocodiles increased with rising temperatures, they were more susceptible to extinction due to increased competition for resources, possibly with marine predators like sharks or dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bt contrast, freshwater species were less impacted by temperature changes but faced greater extinction risks due to rising sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-fossil-record">Valuable fossil record</h2>



<p>This study is not just a deep dive into the past, but holds significant implications for contemporary conservation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-crocodile-plant-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodile</a> species today classified as critically endangered or vulnerable, understanding the historical factors that influenced their survival becomes crucial in a world grappling with climate change. </p>



<p>“The fossil record is a rich source of valuable information allowing us to look back through time at how and why species originate, and crucially, what drives their extinction," said Dr. Davis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By examining this record and mapping it against the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodiles-birds-archosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodile</a> family tree, our research reveals how important it is to think about ecology when we're trying to predict how species might respond to today's climate change."</p>



<p>“With a million plant and animal species perilously close to extinction, understanding the key factors behind why species disappear has never been more important."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In the case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodile-distribution-past-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodiles</a>, many species reside in low-lying areas, meaning that rising sea levels associated with global warming may irreversibly alter the habitats on which they depend.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodile-family-tree-significance">Crocodile family tree significance</h2>



<p>The research highlights the interconnectedness of abiotic factors like climate and biotic interactions such as competition in shaping the evolutionary journey of species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By constructing a large phylogeny for all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodiles-have-had-great-success-through-rapid-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodiles</a> and their extinct relatives, the researchers could analyze speciation and extinction patterns in relation to historical climate changes. </p>



<p>The team employed a type of mathematics called the Information Theory to estimate the impact of these environmental and interactive factors on species emergence and extinction rates.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crocodiles-have-not-changed-much-in-200-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crocodiles</a> and their extinct relatives offer unique insights into climate change and its impact on biodiversity in the past, present and future," said Dr. Davis. "Our findings advance our understanding of what factors have shaped, and continue to shape, life on Earth.”</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, crocodiles, formidable and ancient reptiles, have roamed the Earth for millions of years, showcasing an evolutionary success that demands respect and fascination. These predators, primarily found in tropical regions, display a variety of species, each adapted to its unique environment, yet all sharing certain key characteristics that define their family.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodile-features">Crocodile features</h3>



<p>The most striking feature of a crocodile is its robust, elongated body, covered with tough, scaly skin, which provides defense against predators and harsh environments. Their eyes and nostrils, positioned on top of their heads, enable them to see and breathe while mostly submerged, a trait essential for their ambush hunting style. This positioning, coupled with their excellent night vision, makes crocodiles formidable nocturnal hunters.</p>



<p>Crocodiles boast an impressive set of sharp teeth, designed for gripping and tearing flesh, and their powerful jaws can exert tremendous pressure, ensuring that prey captured rarely escapes. They primarily feed on fish, birds, and mammals, showing a remarkable ability to adapt their diet based on the available prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodile-reproduction">Crocodile reproduction</h3>



<p>One of the most fascinating aspects of crocodiles is their nurturing behavior. Despite their fierce reputation, they exhibit a gentle side when caring for their young. Females vigilantly guard their nests and assist hatchlings to water, displaying a level of parental care not commonly associated with reptiles.</p>



<p>Their role in their ecosystems is crucial. As apex predators, crocodiles help maintain the balance by controlling the population of other species, thereby ensuring a healthy ecosystem. Moreover, their nesting behavior contributes to shaping their habitat, influencing the geography of their environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>Unfortunately, crocodiles face threats from habitat loss and human conflict. Their skins are highly valued in the fashion industry, leading to illegal hunting, which, along with habitat destruction, poses a significant risk to their survival.</p>



<p>In summary, crocodiles, with their ancient lineage and remarkable adaptations, are not just survivors of a bygone era but active, vital participants in their ecosystems. Their continued existence hinges on our ability to understand and protect these magnificent creatures, ensuring they continue to thrive in the wild.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02244-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Crocodile family tree reveals 250 million years of crocodile evolution

Researchers at the University of York have made a breakthrough...

<p>The results of a study led by <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL) are challenging long-standing beliefs about the development of human brains in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-are-born-with-the-ability-to-recognize-the-beat-in-music/">newborns</a> compared to other primates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the research, the idea that human newborns have underdeveloped brains is a misconception. The experts found that the brains of newborns are at a development level typical for primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-false-impression">False impression</h2>



<p>Human brains grow so much larger and more complex than other species after birth. This creates a false impression that newborns are underdeveloped, or “altricial.”</p>



<p>“This new work changes the overall understanding around the evolution of human brain development," said study lead author Dr. Aida Gomez-Robles.</p>



<p>"Humans seem so much more helpless when they’re young compared to other primates not because their brains are comparatively underdeveloped but because they still have much further to go.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-brain-development-nbsp">Human brain development&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research modifies the conventional view that human brains are less developed at birth due to evolutionary compromises, such as the need for babies’ heads to fit through the birth canal.</p>



<p>Traditionally, scientists have assessed brain development across species by comparing brain sizes at birth with adult brain sizes. This suggested that humans are born with a smaller percentage of their adult brain size compared to other primates, leading to the belief in their relative underdevelopment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the UCL study indicates that other measures of human brain development align closely with other primates like chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans.</p>



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



<p>The study also addresses the implications of these findings for the concept of brain plasticity in human evolution. It has been suggested that the perceived underdevelopment at birth results in greater brain malleability and sensitivity to environmental stimuli during early life, contributing to human intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers clarify that while human brains do take longer to reach full capacity, this does not stem from significant underdevelopment at birth. Thus, while brain plasticity remains critical in human evolution, it is unlikely to be a result of being less developed at birth than other primates.</p>



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



<p>To conduct this analysis, the team examined the brain development of 140 different mammal species, including modern primates, rodents, carnivores, and the fossils of early humans and ancestral hominins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers compared fetal gestation lengths, the relative size of newborn brains and bodies to adult sizes, and overall brain size at birth and adulthood across these species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings revealed that while there are considerable variations in brain development at birth among different mammal species, primates, including humans, show a consistent pattern of development.</p>



<p>This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> and the National Institutes of Health in the US, marks a significant shift in the understanding of human brain development and its evolutionary trajectory, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of anthropology and neurology.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02253-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a>.</p>



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Human brain development aligns closely with other primates

The results of a study led by University College London...

Polar,Bear,On,The,Ice,Sniffing,In,The,Air

<p>Polar bears, the majestic icons of the Arctic, are elusive and vulnerable, making their conservation a challenging task. However, a breakthrough in DNA analysis using skin cells shed in their footprints offers new hope for monitoring these endangered species.</p>



<p>This innovative method, developed by a team of international scientists, promises a less invasive and more efficient way to gather essential data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-direct-link-between-polar-bear-survival-and-harmful-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear populations</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-polar-bears-with-footprint-dna">Monitoring polar bears with footprint DNA</h2>



<p>Dr. Melanie Lancaster of the World Wide Fund for Nature <a href="https://www.arcticwwf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Arctic Programme</a> is the senior author of the study. “It is particularly challenging, expensive, and time-consuming to find polar bears in the Arctic, let alone count them and understand how they are coping with climate change,” said Lancaster.</p>



<p>The difficulties in locating and counting these bears, combined with the need to understand their response to climate change, has left a gap in critical data regarding their population size and connectivity.</p>



<p>Inspired by forensic techniques suited for tiny, degraded DNA samples, the scientists developed a method that avoids the physical capture of bears. This method avoids an often stressful and dangerous situation for both the animals and humans. Elisabeth Kruger of the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>, another author of the article, highlights the significance of this method. </p>



<p>“Many Inuit express concern about invasive research methods,” said Kruger. “People are concerned about the welfare of the individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-unravel-the-secrets-of-polar-bear-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> and the health and safety of people who may harvest the bear later. This is one of the reasons we are so excited about new methods like this - the person collecting the sample never needs to even see or be seen by the polar bear.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-edna-from-animal-tracks">eDNA from animal tracks</h2>



<p>A unique aspect of this research involves the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-help-monitor-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> (eDNA) found in the snow track footprints of polar bears. Dr. Micaela Hellström of <a href="https://www.mixresearch.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIX Research Sweden AB</a>, the lead author of the study, explains that the tracks contain fresh cells with intact DNA.</p>



<p>“The tracks usually contain fresh cells, and the DNA is intact because of the cold ‘storage’ temperature. DNA that has passed the gut is much more degraded and therefore more challenging to work on,” said Hellström.</p>



<p>The team collected snow from individual tracks of Alaskan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radar-imaging-will-help-protect-polar-bears-from-human-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a> and Swedish Eurasian lynxes, both in the wild and captivity, as well as from a captive snow leopard. Confirming the accuracy of the genotypes derived from this snow track DNA, additional materials like hair, saliva, and mucus were also sampled. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-footprint-dna-analysis-results">Footprint DNA analysis results</h2>



<p>The researchers sampled 24 wild polar bear tracks and 44 wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-habitat-selection-is-heavily-influenced-by-human-disturbance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynx</a> tracks. They melted and filtered the snow from these tracks to collect environmental DNA, which they then analyzed using microsatellite analysis. </p>



<p>Despite the low concentrations of DNA in the tracks collected from the wild, they successfully retrieved nuclear DNA from 87.5% of the wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-polar-bears-get-traction-on-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> tracks and 59.1% of the wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-population-in-france-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynx</a> tracks. They managed to genotype 13 of the wild polar bear samples, identifying 12 different individuals.</p>



<p>When focusing on the lynx tracks sampled by trained personnel, the genotyping success rate improved significantly. The scientists retrieved nuclear DNA from 76% of the samples collected by these trained individuals, and they successfully genotyped 24% of these samples.</p>



<p>This non-invasive sampling technique, despite a lower success rate compared to traditional methods, offers considerable advantages. It not only reduces the stress and danger associated with physical capture but also allows for larger sample sizes due to its ease of collection. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-conservation">Implications for conservation</h2>



<p>The potential of this technique to inform conservation strategies, understand animal populations and behaviors, and manage human-animal conflicts is immense.</p>



<p>Dr. Lancaster expresses hope that this method will be adopted widely by the polar bear research community, involving hunters, volunteers, and Indigenous communities. She says, “We hope this method will be taken up by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-threatened-by-toxic-chemicals-in-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> research community, with the involvement of hunters, volunteers, and Indigenous communities, as a new way to collect information on polar bears.”</p>



<p>The team also anticipates the expansion of this technique to other animals living in snowy environments, having already demonstrated its effectiveness with lynx and snow leopards.</p>



<p>In summary, this groundbreaking research in DNA analysis using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-vacuumed-animal-dna-from-a-forest-and-the-results-are-amazing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> from snow tracks and footprints opens a new chapter in wildlife conservation. It promises a more humane, efficient, and inclusive approach to studying and protecting one of the Arctic's most iconic inhabitants, the polar bear, and potentially other species in similar environments.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1250996/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Science</a></em>.</p>



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Footprint DNA helps scientists monitor elusive animals like polar bears

Polar bears, the majestic icons of the Arctic, are elusive...

Chinstrap,Penguin,,Antarctica,,January,2019

<p>In a new study, researchers have discovered that nesting chinstrap penguins in the wild manage to accumulate over 11 hours of sleep daily, not through extended rest periods, but via thousands of brief microsleeps. </p>



<p>This fascinating sleep behavior underscores the adaptability and resilience of these birds in maintaining continuous vigilance over their nests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-sleep-to-animals">Importance of sleep to animals</h2>



<p>Sleep, a state typically marked by immobility and a decreased sensory response to the environment, is a common trait across various species. Sleeping, while restorative, can make animals vulnerable to predators. </p>



<p>In humans, lack of adequate sleep often leads to microsleeps -- brief, seconds-long lapses in wakefulness characterized by eye closure and sleep-like brain activity. These involuntary pauses can be hazardous, especially in activities like driving. </p>



<p>However, the true restorative value of such microsleeps in comparison to longer sleep periods remains a subject of scientific inquiry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-chinstrap-penguins-sleep">Studying how chinstrap penguins sleep</h2>



<p>Paul-Antoine Libourel and his team spearheaded a comprehensive study on a colony of chinstrap penguins (<em>Pygoscelis antarcticus</em>) in Antarctica. </p>



<p>These penguins, while nesting, face the constant need to protect their nests from predators and other intruding penguins, especially when their partners are away. This situation demands that one parent remains vigilant, making extended sleep periods impractical and potentially dangerous.</p>



<p>The team employed remote electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, along with other noninvasive sensors, to record the sleep patterns of these freely roaming and nesting birds. Continuous video surveillance and direct observations complemented this study.</p>



<p>Contrary to typical sleep patterns observed in many animals, chinstrap penguins did not engage in long sleep sessions. Instead, they were found to frequently fall into microsleeps, each lasting about 4 seconds on average. Remarkably, they accumulated over 11 hours of sleep per day through more than 10,000 of these microsleep episodes.</p>



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



<p>The study's findings suggest that these brief sleep bouts, or microsleeps, can collectively fulfill some of the restorative functions traditionally associated with longer sleep periods. This adaptation appears to be a successful strategy for species like chinstrap penguins that require constant vigilance.</p>



<p>Christian Harding and Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, in a related perspective, highlighted the significance of these findings. They noted that the chinstrap penguins' microsleeps might represent one of the most extreme examples of how the benefits of sleep can accumulate incrementally. This observation opens new avenues for understanding sleep patterns and their variations across different species.</p>



<p>The research conducted by Libourel and colleagues sheds light on the remarkable adaptability of chinstrap penguins in fulfilling their sleep needs through microsleeps. This study adds to our understanding of sleep in wild animals. It also raises intriguing questions about the flexibility and functionality of sleep across different species. </p>



<p>The chinstrap penguins' unique sleep pattern is a testament to the diverse strategies employed by animals to balance the demands of survival and rest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-chinstrap-penguins">More about chinstrap penguins</h2>



<p>As touched on above, chinstrap penguins are easily recognizable by their distinctive facial markings. They are a fascinating species of penguins that reside primarily in the islands and shores of the Southern Pacific and the Antarctic Ocean. Let's dive deeper into their life, habitat, behavior, and the challenges they face.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Chinstrap penguins stand out with their thin black band under the head, resembling a helmet strap, which gives them their name. They are medium-sized penguins, typically weighing between 3 to 6 kilograms. Their bodies are adapted to the aquatic environment. Chinstraps have streamlined shapes, flippers for swimming, and a layer of insulating feathers to protect against the cold.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinstrap-penguins-habitat">Chinstrap penguins habitat</h3>



<p>Primarily found on the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands, chinstrap penguins thrive in large colonies on ice-free coastal areas. Their choice of habitat is largely influenced by the availability of their primary food source, the krill, which is abundant in these cold waters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-feeding-habits">Diet and feeding habits</h3>



<p>Krill constitutes the major part of a chinstrap penguin's diet, although they also consume fish and squid. They are excellent swimmers and can dive to depths of up to 70 meters in pursuit of prey. Their feeding expeditions can last several hours, during which they skillfully navigate through the water.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-and-lifecycle">Breeding and lifecycle</h3>



<p>Chinstrap penguins are monogamous and often return to the same mate each breeding season. The breeding season starts in November when they gather in vast colonies to nest. Females typically lay two eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The chicks fledge after about two months and are ready to go to sea.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinstrap-penguins-social-behavior">Chinstrap penguins social behavior</h3>



<p>These penguins are highly social birds. Their colonies, sometimes consisting of hundreds of thousands of individuals, are a hub of activity. The colonies help provide protection against predators and are also crucial for the birds' social interactions. This includes finding mates and caring for their young.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-and-conservation">Threats and conservation</h3>



<p>Chinstrap penguins face several threats. Most notably, climate change, which affects their food supply, and human activities such as fishing and pollution. While they are not currently endangered, their populations are under observation for potential decline due to these environmental pressures.</p>



<p>In summary, chinstrap penguins are a remarkable species, adept at surviving and thriving in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Their unique physical features, social behaviors, and breeding habits make them an important subject of study for understanding the dynamics of marine life in the Antarctic ecosystem. </p>



<p>As they navigate the challenges posed by a changing environment, the continued study and conservation of chinstrap penguins remain crucial for ensuring their survival.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh0771" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Chinstrap penguins take over 10,000 micro-sleeps per day

In a new study, researchers have discovered that nesting chinstrap...

Huntemannia biarticulatus

Taxonomic tree: