Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features shows wildfire smoke from Canada pouring into the northeastern United States.



"Winds typically move smoke from fires in Quebec toward the east and out to sea. But in June 2023, a persistent coastal low centered near Prince Edward Island instead steered smoke south into the United States. This image, from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 16 (GOES-16), shows smoke sweeping into New York and Pennsylvania on the morning of June 7, 2023," says NASA.



"Smoke reaching the northeastern United States from Canada in 2023 from fires raging in western Canada has mostly arrived at fairly high altitudes. But since the fires in Quebec are relatively close to the northeast U.S., a much larger proportion of the smoke arrived in surface-level air."



"Around the time of the image, AirNow air quality monitors measured levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) soaring above 400 micrograms per cubic meter of air in Syracuse, New York - the highest on record for the city since routine measurements began in 1999."



Ryan Stauffer, an atmospheric scientist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that the smoke pollution from New York to the D.C. region is the most significant since at least July 2002, when a similar situation occurred with nearby fires in Quebec. “This event is rivaling, and in some cases will likely surpass the observed 2002 smoke pollution.”



According to Stauffer, the air quality index for PM2.5 in New York City surpassed 175 (code red) on June 6, topping the previous record of 167 from 2002. On June 7, “the D.C. region joined New York City and experienced some of its most smoke-polluted air in the past 25 years,” he said.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Smoke from Canada pours into New York and Pennsylvania

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the largest man-made reservoir in California, Lake Shasta, which filled to nearly 100 percent capacity in May 2023. This is the highest level that Shasta has reached in four years.&nbsp;



"Since 2019, a prolonged period of extreme drought resulted in dwindling reservoir levels. In the early months of 2023, heavy rains and meltwater from an above-average mountain snowpack caused a notable turnaround," said NASA.



"Lake Oroville, the state’s second-largest reservoir, was also near capacity on May 29, at 97 percent full. Both Lake Oroville and Shasta Lake are critical not only for water storage, but also for flood control, recreation, irrigating cropland in the Central Valley, and preventing saltwater intrusion into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."



NASA noted that full reservoirs do not ensure plentiful water for years into the future, and that the past four years are a testament to how drastically reservoirs can change in a short amount of time.&nbsp;



"The California DWR is collaborating with other agencies to incorporate better forecasting and observation technologies in order to optimize water releases."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Lake Shasta reaches nearly 100 percent capacity

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Quebec, where about 160,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year.



"An unusually intense start to Canada’s wildfire season filled skies with smoke in May 2023. Then, at the beginning of June, scores of new fires raged in the central Canadian province of Quebec, some of which were ignited by lightning," says NASA.



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this view of smoke billowing from the fires on June 3. Shortly after the fires started, about 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate near the city of Sept-Îles in the province’s east."&nbsp;



"As the fires grew, evacuations were extended to an additional 9,000 people in surrounding communities and in western Quebec’s Val-d’Or and Normétal municipalities. As of June 5, more than 150 wildfires were active in Quebec."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Forest fires rage in Quebec

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the west coast of South America. The photo was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station while orbiting over the Atacama Desert and Central Andes Mountains near the border of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.



"Over the Pacific Ocean, marine stratocumulus clouds develop over cold water that rises from the ocean depths as the Peru current (Humboldt current) flows north along the west coast of South America," says NASA. "The coastline is marked by low mountains that are dissected by canyons carved by rivers that flow down the western side of the Andes."



The Atacama Desert receives less than 0.2 inches of rain per year on average. According to NASA, this dry environment provides an ideal setting to conduct Mars analog studies.



"Active and inactive volcanoes comprise the Central Andean Volcanic Arc within the Atacama Desert and Andes Mountains. One of the inactive volcanoes visible in this photo is Bolivia’s Nevado Sajama, which has a maximum elevation of 6,542 meters (21,463 feet). Nevado Sajama and other volcanoes in the region often have glaciers and snow cover due to their high elevation."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

The west coast of South America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Cape Cod peninsula, located in the easternmost portion of Massachusetts. The peninsula extends into the Atlantic Ocean and is a significant feature of the East Coast of the United States.



Cape Cod peninsula is characterized by its beaches, villages, and seafood. It's a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months, with people visiting for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture.



Cape Cod consists of 15 towns, including Provincetown, Hyannis, Falmouth, and Chatham. Each town has its own distinctive character and attractions. For example, Provincetown, located at the tip of the peninsula, is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, while Hyannis is famous as a ferry gateway to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.



The Cape Cod National Seashore, a national park covering much of the Outer Cape, including the entire east-facing coast, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and beachgoing.



Historically, Cape Cod was a landmark for early explorers of the Americas. It was among the first places settled by the English in North America in the Pilgrim Fathers' era, and it played a key role in the early history and development of the United States.&nbsp;



Today, the Cape's history is preserved in numerous museums, historic sites, and lighthouses. In addition, a variety of wildlife can be found in the region, such as whales, seals, and many species of birds.



"The variety of ecosystems within Cape Cod National Seashore sustain over 450 species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals, including 32 species that are rare or endangered," says NASA. "One of those species is the American oystercatcher, a large shorebird that uses a knife-like bill to eat shellfish."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



—--



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

Cape Cod peninsula in the northeastern United States

El Niño has arrived. The last month has seen an atmospheric shift in response to the unusually warm surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) forecasts that these conditions will extend into the winter season. The likelihood of this developing into a potent event stands at a solid 56%, with an 84% chance for at least a moderate event.



El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-La Niña climate oscillation. This meteorological phenomenon alters global atmospheric circulation in predictable ways, helping us anticipate potential future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/">weather</a> and climate patterns. As El Niño strengthens, its impact on global temperature, precipitation, and other patterns become increasingly evident.



<h2 id="h-what-to-expect-from-the-weather">What to expect from the weather</h2>



Take the monthly Niño-3.4 index, for example. This measures the temperature of the tropical Pacific Ocean's surface. It has been observed to be 0.5 °Celsius (0.9 ˚Fahrenheit) higher than the long-term average (1991–2020), according to the OISSTv2.1 monthly dataset.&nbsp;



A 0.5 °C anomaly signifies the arrival of El Niño, marking a remarkable transition from the recent La Niña phase. The NOAA recorded a temperature anomaly of 0.8°C over the last week, further signifying an upward trend.



These conditions, in line with climate model predictions and current tropical Pacific conditions, are expected to remain above the El Niño threshold for the next several months. This marks the fulfillment of the first two criteria of El Niño.



<h2 id="h-disrupting-normal-atmospheric-patterns-and-trade-winds">Disrupting normal atmospheric patterns and trade winds</h2>



The third criterion involves the indication of a weaker Walker circulation, which refers to the typical atmospheric pattern over the equatorial Pacific. Under normal conditions, warm western Pacific waters fuel rising air and storms, with winds blowing from the west to east high in the atmosphere. These give rise to surface winds known as trade winds that blow from east to west, maintaining the concentration of warm water in the western Pacific.



El Niño disrupts this system. Its warm surface waters shift rainfall and convection towards the central and eastern Pacific, which weakens the trade winds, allows further warming, and results in a backflow of warmer water to the east, reinforcing the El Niño sea surface temperature pattern. This feedback loop is a crucial sign of El Niño.



Recent evidence of this disrupted Walker circulation includes weaker trade winds over the western Pacific and increased cloud cover and rainfall over the equatorial Pacific. Reduced convection over Indonesia is another characteristic indicative of a weaker Walker circulation.



<h2 id="h-how-el-nino-is-measured">How El Niño is measured</h2>



To measure the atmospheric component of El Niño, the NOAA employs the Equatorial Southern Oscillation Index (EQSOI) and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Both of these indexes compare the surface atmospheric pressure in the western Pacific to that in the eastern Pacific.&nbsp;



In May, they measured -1.0 standard deviations, meaning these indexes were lower than about two-thirds of all measurements. This implies a significant indication of the weaker Walker circulation and evidence that the ocean-atmosphere system has coupled, marking the development of El Niño conditions.



<h2 id="h-why-forecasters-sound-the-alarms-for-el-nino">Why forecasters sound the alarms for El Niño</h2>



Why all this focus on El Niño (and La Niña)? Their impact on atmospheric circulation has global implications. Warm air rising near the equator moves towards the poles high in the atmosphere, descending near 30 °N and 30 °S, in a pattern known as the Hadley circulation. This process affects jet streams over the middle to high latitudes, which guide storms worldwide and separate cold and warm air masses.



As El Niño warms the atmosphere over the central and eastern tropical Pacific, it strengthens the Hadley circulation and alters the jet streams. For instance, an El Niño winter tends to bring more storms across the southern US and warmer air to the northern half of North America.



Given that El Niño can usually be predicted months in advance, the NOAA can anticipate these changes and their potential impacts. When this weather pattern intensifies, warming the sea surface temperature significantly above average, it wields greater influence on global circulation, making the impact patterns more likely.



<h2 id="h-expect-the-unexpected">Expect the unexpected</h2>



However, Mother Nature never fails to surprise. While El Niño increases the likelihood of certain patterns, exact predictions are elusive. In the words of two poignant post titles: "Not what I ordered: How El Niño is like a bad bartender," and "No, you can't blame it all on El Niño… but it's still a seasonal forecaster’s best friend."



Adding to the atmospheric signs, the subsurface ocean also lends support to the persistence of El Niño. Currently, the Pacific holds significantly warmer-than-average water beneath the surface. This is due to the passage of one downwelling Kelvin wave (an area of warm water that moves from west to east under the surface) and the emergence of another.&nbsp;



In fact, the average subsurface temperature for May 2023 was the fourth-warmest May value on record (1979–2023). This isn't a guaranteed predictor of a strong El Niño, but it certainly is suggestive. The top two May values were in 1997 and 2015, both of which preceded strong El Niño events, but the third in 1980 did not.



As always, nature's unpredictability makes it challenging to forecast several months ahead. Even though El Niño conditions have formed, there's a slim chance (4-7%) that it might fizzle out. NOAA considers this unlikely but not impossible. The global oceans' unprecedented warmth could throw us off track. Another potential, though less probable, outcome is a weak El Niño, with a 12% chance.



In the upcoming months, updates on this El Niño's development will be provided. We'll delve deeper into some of the impacts of El Niño, including a post on El Niño's interaction with global temperature in a couple of weeks. As noted in the previous month, global temperatures are significantly above average and have been steadily rising. Thank you for joining us on this journey into the heart of our changing climate!



<h2 id="h-a-summary-and-exact-explanation-of-an-el-nino-event">A summary and exact explanation of an El Niño event</h2>



 El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters along the tropical west coast of South America. It's part of what's known as the Southern Oscillation, a larger climatic phenomenon encompassing both the ocean and the atmosphere. Together, they're often referred to as ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation).



Typically, trade winds in the Pacific blow from east to west, pushing warm surface water towards Indonesia. When this happens, cold water from deep in the ocean rises up to replace it along the west coast of South America, a process known as upwelling. This cool, nutrient-rich water supports a rich ecosystem, including a thriving fishing industry.



During an El Niño event, the trade winds weaken or may even reverse direction. This change allows the warm water that was "piled up" in the western Pacific to slosh back towards the east. With the retreat of cooler water, sea surface temperatures along the western coast of South and Central America can rise significantly.



This significant warming of ocean water has substantial effects on global weather and climate patterns due to the large amount of heat energy transferred from the ocean to the atmosphere. For instance, it can lead to increased rainfall across the southern tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding, and drought in the West Pacific, affecting Australia and Indonesia.



These effects can also disrupt the marine ecosystem. The warmer surface waters of the Pacific Ocean during an El Niño can deplete the nutrients in the water, disrupting the food chain from its very base. For example, the anchovy industry in Peru and Ecuador can suffer during El Niño years as the anchovies, which prefer cooler water, disappear from their usual coastal habitats.



The frequency and intensity of these events vary. They tend to happen every two to seven years and can last anywhere from nine months to two years. Some can be more intense than others, and their effects can vary accordingly. However, predicting the exact timing and details of these events remains a significant scientific challenge.



On the flip side of El Niño is La Niña, which is essentially the opposite phase of ENSO. During La Niña, the trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing more warm water towards the west and causing cooler waters to rise along the eastern Pacific. This scenario leads to weather patterns that are generally the reverse of those during El Niño events.



It's important to note that while we understand the general patterns of El Niño and La Niña, each event is unique and can bring its own surprises, which makes studying and predicting them an ongoing endeavor for climatologists.



—-



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

Forecasters warn of weather chaos as El Niño arrives early

El Niño has arrived. The last month has seen an...

In a shocking study, Faysal Bibi of the <a href="https://museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/">Museum für Naturkunde</a> in Berlin and Juan L. Cantalapiedra of the University of Alcalá have unlocked key insights into the history of African large mammals.&nbsp;



Using measurements from thousands of fossilized teeth, the researchers have reconstructed the size and population data of these mammals over the past 10 million years. The task was not without its difficulties, especially due to the various uncertainties inherent to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-gibbon-fossil-discovered-in-china/">fossil</a> preservation.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



However, despite these challenges, their research has identified a significant correlation between the size of an animal and its population, a relationship which remains consistent across both fossil and extant communities. This discovery suggests that the same fundamental ecological principles shaping living communities today are also echoed in the ancient fossil record.



In creatures exceeding 45 kg, Bibi and Cantalapiedra uncovered evidence for a decrease in population density correlating with an increase in size. This finding corresponds with the known "rule of metabolic scaling," where larger species tend to have lower population densities compared to their smaller counterparts.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered</h2>



Interestingly, the experts discovered that mammals ranging between approximately 15 to 45 kg were less abundant than predicted, in both living and fossil communities. This unexpected observation, according to the researchers, is likely due to these species' rarity in savanna habitats, an ecosystem where monkeys and small forest-dwelling antelopes are scarce.



A major revelation came when they investigated how the relationship between size and abundance has evolved over time. Earlier communities, particularly those older than about 4 million years, displayed a markedly higher number of large individuals. Furthermore, a higher proportion of total biomass was found in larger size categories compared to younger communities.



This abundant presence of large mammals in ancient African ecosystems - some elephants weighed in at over 10 tons - is an extraordinary phenomenon seldom seen in today's ecosystems.&nbsp;



Over time, there has been a steady disappearance of large individuals from the fossil record. This slow loss reflects the long-term decline of large mammal diversity since the late Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, leading to the smaller and less diverse communities we observe today.



<h2 id="h-african-megafauna-began-vanishing-much-earlier-than-believed">African megafauna began vanishing much earlier than believed</h2>



This study bolsters recent arguments suggesting that the massive loss of African megafauna began significantly earlier than previously thought, challenging the prevalent belief that humans were the primary drivers of these declines.&nbsp;



While the dispersion of humans worldwide during the late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs coincides with significant extinction events, this new research supports the idea that megafaunal losses in Africa began as early as 4 million years ago, much before humans developed efficient hunting strategies. Instead, the researchers identify environmental factors, such as a decrease in global temperatures and the growth of tropical grasslands, as potential triggers for megafaunal extinctions.



Bibi and Cantalapiedra also found that the gradual disappearance of larger mammals and the consequent shift in biomass distribution could be associated with a reduction in primary productivity. Using a well-established relationship between mammalian tooth morphology and current plant productivity, they estimated past productivity for African communities.&nbsp;



The findings suggest a significant, approximately two-thirds decrease in productivity since the Late Miocene epoch, more than 5 million years ago. This global trend could have substantially reduced the carrying capacity of large mammal communities, thereby accelerating the decline of large species diversity and hastening their extinction.



<h2 id="h-ecosystem-dynamics-are-incredibly-complex">Ecosystem dynamics are incredibly complex</h2>



This research provides a fresh perspective on ecosystem dynamics and the complex interplay between individuals, species, and their environment. It demonstrates how using fossil abundance data and size-based methodologies can offer invaluable insights into the ecological factors driving extinction.



The findings of this study represent a significant step forward in our understanding of African megafaunal extinctions and the evolution of ecosystems over geological time. The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.add8366">Science</a>, has the potential to shape future conservation strategies and enhance our capacity to predict and manage biodiversity loss in response to environmental shifts.&nbsp;



The study emphasizes the deep-time origins of African megafaunal losses, challenging conventional wisdom and presenting a new timeline for these declines.



<h2 id="h-using-these-findings-to-slow-this-rapid-decline">Using these findings to slow this rapid decline</h2>



Understanding how environmental changes impacted past ecosystems can help predict how current and future shifts might affect biodiversity. The data provided by Bibi and Cantalapiedra's study may inform conservation efforts, highlighting the potential consequences of losing large individuals from our ecosystems.&nbsp;



The work provides a sobering reminder of the cascading effects environmental changes can have on biodiversity and the overall health of our planet. This study also highlights the importance of paleontological research in conservation science.&nbsp;



By peering into the past, scientists can gain a better understanding of how ecological communities are structured and how they respond to large-scale changes. This knowledge can, in turn, provide valuable insights for managing the impacts of ongoing environmental changes on our ecosystems.



In conclusion, the research has opened new avenues for understanding the dynamics of ecosystems and the complex interactions between individuals, species, and their environment. Their findings offer fresh perspectives that can contribute to mitigating the impact of biodiversity loss.&nbsp;



This in-depth exploration into the life and death of ancient African megafauna offers valuable lessons for the present and future, showing how vital it is to preserve our planet's biodiversity for generations to come.



<h2 id="h-more-about-african-megafauna">More about African megafauna&nbsp;</h2>



African megafauna refers to the continent's large animals, typically weighing over 100 pounds or around 45 kilograms. This group includes a diverse range of animals, from large herbivores like elephants and giraffes to large carnivores like lions and hyenas. It also includes a variety of lesser-known, yet equally impressive species such as the hippopotamus, rhinoceros, and the Cape buffalo.



The term "megafauna" is often associated with animals from a previous geological era, notably the Pleistocene epoch which ended around 11,700 years ago. During this time, Africa was home to a number of species that are now extinct, such as various species of proboscideans (the group that includes elephants and their extinct relatives) and the saber-toothed cat.



Africa is unique in that it's the only continent that has preserved a diverse range of megafauna to the present day. For instance, in many parts of the world, megafauna such as mammoths, mastodons, and giant sloths went extinct at the end of the Pleistocene, an event known as the Quaternary extinction. However, Africa retained much of its large mammalian biodiversity, with the extant fauna including charismatic species like elephants, rhinos, and big cats.



That said, Africa's megafauna has not been immune to decline. Many species have seen their ranges shrink and populations dwindle due to human activity such as habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. Even animals that are seemingly plentiful, like elephants, face significant threats that could lead to their extinction if not properly addressed.



Furthermore, the research conducted by Bibi and Cantalapiedra suggests that this trend is not entirely new. Their findings indicate that the loss of megafauna in Africa started around 4 million years ago, far earlier than the spread of humans. They argue that changes in climate and habitat, rather than human hunting, initiated this gradual decline in megafauna diversity and abundance.



Understanding Africa's megafauna and their history is crucial for conserving these magnificent animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. These creatures play vital roles in their environments, influencing everything from vegetation patterns to the behavior of other animals. Their loss would drastically alter African ecosystems and could have far-reaching impacts on global biodiversity.



—-



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

Vanishing giants: Study reveals shocking decline of large mammals in Africa

In a shocking study, Faysal Bibi of the Museum für...

The global COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-pandemic-affect-young-peoples-mental-health/">pandemic</a> and subsequent lockdowns led to a substantial shift in human behavior. As people huddled indoors, it appeared that land mammals seized the opportunity to explore more freely and widely, as per a recent study conducted by Marlee Tucker of <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/home-basis-seo">Radboud University</a> and his team of 174 colleagues.



In the first few months of the pandemic, when most countries were in stringent lockdown, reports of wildlife reclaiming spaces in urban areas began to circulate. One could spot cougars strolling down the streets of Santiago, Chile.&nbsp;



However, Tucker questioned, "Is there any evidence of this? Or were people simply paying more attention to everything while being at home?" This doubt inspired a global investigation into the behavioral changes of land mammals.



<h2 id="h-studying-the-movements-of-mammals-worldwide">Studying the movements of mammals worldwide</h2>



To dig deeper into the phenomenon, the team, which included members of the COVID-19 Bio-Logging Initiative, embarked on a mission to analyze GPS tracking data of land mammals worldwide.&nbsp;



They collected and scrutinized data from a diverse array of 43 different species, ranging from elephants and giraffes to bears and deer. The team studied more than 2,300 individual mammals in all.



The data under scrutiny was specifically from the first period of lockdowns, spanning from January to mid-May 2020. The team then compared these figures to movement data from the same months the previous year. The patterns they discovered were intriguing.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The research,&nbsp; published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo6499">Science</a>, revealed that animals traveled up to 73% longer distances within a span of 10 days during the strict lockdown period, compared to the same time the previous year when no lockdown was in place.&nbsp;



Additionally, animals were found to be on average 36% closer to roads. "This is probably because those roads were quieter during strict lockdowns," explained Tucker.



Fewer people outside, especially in heavily urbanized areas, offered animals an unprecedented opportunity to explore new territories. However, the results varied in regions with less stringent lockdown measures.



"In contrast, in areas with less strict lockdowns, we saw that animals traveled shorter distances," said Thomas Mueller of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and Goethe University Frankfurt, who co-designed the study with Tucker.



"This may have to do with the fact that during those lockdowns, people were actually encouraged to go into nature. As a result, some nature areas were busier than before COVID-19."



<h2 id="h-unique-opportunity-for-study-that-may-not-happen-again">Unique opportunity for study that may not happen again</h2>



The unique circumstances presented by the pandemic lockdowns allowed the researchers to observe the immediate effects of a sudden change in human presence on wildlife behavior.



"Our research has shown that animals can respond directly to changes in human behavior. This offers hope for the future, because in principle this means that making some adjustments to our own behavior could have a positive effect on animals," said Tucker.



This intriguing study provides crucial insights into how human activity impacts wildlife, potentially guiding our path towards more sustainable cohabitation with the natural world.



<h2 id="h-what-happens-when-mammals-lose-their-habitat-to-humans">What happens when mammals lose their habitat to humans</h2>



When humans encroach on the habitats of land mammals, it can lead to a variety of negative impacts on these animals and their environments, as well as potential negative effects on human populations. Here are several key issues:



<h3 id="h-habitat-loss-and-fragmentation">Habitat Loss and Fragmentation</h3>



When humans convert forests, grasslands, or other natural habitats into residential areas, commercial zones, farms, or roads, this results in habitat loss for many species. Furthermore, remaining natural areas often become fragmented, isolating wildlife populations. Fragmented habitats can prevent animals from moving freely to find food, mates, or new territory, leading to declines in population size and potentially even extinction.



<h3 id="h-conflict-with-humans">Conflict with Humans&nbsp;</h3>



As human settlements expand into wild areas, the potential for human-wildlife conflict increases. For instance, animals such as bears, coyotes, or elephants can encroach on human settlements in search of food, which can result in property damage or even human injuries or deaths. Conversely, humans may kill or injure animals perceived as threats or nuisances.



<h3 id="h-spread-of-diseases">Spread of Diseases</h3>



Encroachment can also facilitate the spread of diseases between wildlife and human populations. For example, the Ebola virus is believed to have jumped from wildlife to humans in areas where humans are encroaching on previously undisturbed habitats.



<h3 id="h-decreased-biodiversity">Decreased Biodiversity&nbsp;</h3>



Human encroachment can lead to decreased biodiversity as habitats are destroyed or altered, and certain species may not be able to adapt to the changes. This can result in a loss of species richness and an imbalance in ecosystems, which can lead to a decrease in ecosystem health and resilience.



<h3 id="h-disruption-of-animal-behavior">Disruption of Animal Behavior</h3>



Human encroachment can cause changes in animal behavior. For example, it can change migration patterns or feeding habits, causing stress to the animals and potentially impacting their survival. Animals might also start to avoid areas populated by humans, resulting in a reduced habitat area.



<h3 id="h-overexploitation-of-resources">Overexploitation of Resources</h3>



Humans often exploit natural resources within animal habitats, such as water, timber, or mineral resources. This exploitation can alter or destroy habitats and leave fewer resources available for animal populations.



Ultimately, the encroachment of human activities into animal habitats poses a significant threat to wildlife. It highlights the importance of sustainable development practices, habitat conservation, and coexistence strategies to mitigate these impacts.



—-



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

Behavior of land mammals changed dramatically during COVID-19 lockdowns

The global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns led to a...

<div id="58e3ebce955a315103d39bd1" class="vdb_player vdb_58e3ebce955a315103d39bd158d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49" data-placeholder="//img.vidible.tv/prod/2021-01/08/5ff86b6b9ae410478004c2aa/5ff86b9721c5340001f76415_1280x720_FES_v1.jpg?w=1600&amp;h=900&amp;q=60">
<script src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>

 The science of aging Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.salk.edu/">Salk Institute</a> investigates how we age, why we age, and how aging affects our cognitive function. 
Aging is one of the biggest risk factors for the most prevalent diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. In numerous diseases, age itself is the major risk factor. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and many other afflictions become profoundly more likely the older we get. Aside from extending our life spans, scientists want to know how we can also extend our health during advanced age.
The Salk scientists want to understand how cells and tissues change over the course of a lifetime. 
By comparing the biological aging rate of individuals with the same chronological age, the researchers hope to identify the mechanisms which allow some people to maintain health throughout life while others are not able to do so. While one important area of study in the field of aging involves studying telomeres in dividing cells, the body is full of cells that seldom replicate, such as those in the brain, heart, bones and pancreas. These long-lived cells have different pathways of aging, and must protect their DNA from damage and threats. 
Video Credit: Salk Institute 
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer