The rapid decline of many iconic animal species due to habitat loss presents one of the most critical challenges in modern conservation. <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, an organization typically associated with space exploration, has emerged as a valuable partner in the fight to save endangered animals. 



By utilizing cutting-edge satellite technology, NASA provides vital data on endangered wildlife habitats, informing and driving conservation strategies around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiger-conservation-nasa-maps-suitable-habitat">Tiger conservation: NASA maps suitable habitat</h2>



Tigers, once widespread across Asia, have lost a staggering 93% of their historical range. However, a recent NASA-backed study paints a more optimistic picture. 



Combining Earth observation data with extensive field research, the NASA wildlife <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemists-could-be-key-to-prevent-animal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> study revealed significant tracts of "empty forest" that still offer suitable tiger habitat. This finding suggests that if these areas are protected and managed effectively, the potential for tiger range expansion could be substantial.



"There's still a lot more room for tigers in the world than even tiger experts thought," explained Eric Sanderson, a conservationist at the <a href="https://www.nybg.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Botanical Garden</a> and lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jaguar-conservation-priority-zones-by-nasa">Jaguar conservation: Priority zones by NASA</h2>



In South America, jaguars face a similar crisis of shrinking territories, having lost roughly half of their original range. The Gran Chaco, the second-largest forest in South America, is a particularly crucial habitat for these elusive predators. By analyzing NASA satellite imagery and land-use data, scientists have mapped out priority conservation areas for jaguars within the Gran Chaco. 



Disturbingly, over a third of these core habitats lack sufficient protection, leaving them vulnerable to deforestation and development. This data empowers conservationists to advocate for stronger legal safeguards in the most vital areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephant-conservation-habitat-preferences-to-mitigate-conflict">Elephant conservation: Habitat preferences to mitigate conflict</h2>



African savanna elephants, now classified as endangered, struggle with the relentless expansion of human settlements into their native range. A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iss-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> study offers insights into elephant habitat preferences, particularly in less protected zones where conflict of with humans is more likely. The researchers found that elephants consistently favor dense forests, especially near waterways. 



Unfortunately, these same areas are often targeted for tourism infrastructure. Armed with this knowledge, conservationists and land managers can work together to identify areas where development poses less risk to elephant populations, striking a balance between economic needs and conservation goals. 



The experts can also strategically prioritize the protection of the dense forest habitats that elephants rely on for survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-a-technological-powerhouse-for-conservation">NASA: A technological powerhouse for conservation</h2>



The use of satellite data in wildlife conservation is a rapidly growing field. NASA's vast satellite network and expertise provide unprecedented opportunities to monitor endangered animals and their habitats in real-time. 



"Satellites observe vast areas of Earth's surface on daily to weekly schedules," said Keith Gaddis, ecological conservation program manager at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> headquarters in Washington. "That helps scientists monitor habitats that would be logistically challenging and time-consuming to survey from the ground - crucial for animals like tigers that roam large territories."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-for-wildlife-conservation-by-nasa">Future directions for wildlife conservation by NASA</h2>



Habitat loss is a major threat to wildlife around the world. Conservationists have traditionally relied on ground surveys to track animals and assess their environment. But this can be slow, expensive, and logistically challenging, especially for wide-ranging species or vast ecosystems.



This is where NASA is stepping in as a surprising hero for endangered animals. Their sophisticated satellites are providing a game-changing perspective on animal populations and their habitats.



Here's how NASA's technological advancements are revolutionizing wildlife conservation:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-detail-and-scope">Unprecedented detail and scope </h3>



NASA satellites can observe massive areas of land in incredible detail. This allows conservationists to monitor vast ecosystems and track animal movements across huge distances, providing a much more comprehensive picture than traditional ground surveys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-near-real-time-data">Near real-time data</h3>



Gone are the days of waiting weeks or months for data analysis. New satellite technology allows for near real-time data collection and analysis. This means conservationists can respond to threats to animal populations or their habitats much faster and more effectively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-warning-system">Early warning system</h3>



By tracking changes in vegetation health, deforestation patterns, and human activity, satellites can serve as an early warning system for conservationists. This allows them to identify potential threats before they become serious problems for endangered species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-conservation-efforts">Targeted conservation efforts</h3>



The detailed data collected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-rocks-nasa-dart-asteroid-deflection-mission-may-impact-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> satellites allows conservation experts to pinpoint exactly where endangered animals are located and what areas of their habitat are most critical for their survival. This empowers them to focus their conservation efforts on the areas that will have the biggest impact.



The future of wildlife conservation is becoming increasingly hi-tech. As NASA's satellite capabilities continue to develop, conservationists will have access to even more powerful tools to protect endangered species. This collaboration between space exploration technology and animal conservation holds immense promise for the future of our planet's incredible biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-get-involved">How you can get involved</h2>



Consider the following ways to get involved:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support">Support</h3>



<ul>
<li>Targeted donations: Instead of simply donating to a general cause, research organizations dedicated to protecting specific endangered species or ecosystems that align with your concerns. Effective organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) often have focused campaigns and projects for which your contribution can have a direct impact.</li>



<li>Beyond money: Consider volunteering your time or skills. Many conservation organizations need help with administrative work, fundraising, field research, or public outreach, offering a chance to make a tangible difference.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raise-awareness">Raise awareness</h3>



<ul>
<li>The power of your voice: Share articles, research findings, and success stories about endangered species conservation within your social circles. Frame the issue in a way that connects with your friends and family, sparking genuine interest and a sense of urgency.</li>



<li>Fact-based advocacy: Stay informed about threats to endangered species, legislative efforts to protect them, and the work of reputable conservation organizations. Share reliable information, counter misinformation, and encourage your network to make informed decisions as consumers and voters.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-informed-choices">Make informed choices</h3>



<ul>
<li>Sustainable consumption: Research the environmental impact of your everyday purchases (food, clothing, household goods). Choose products with minimal packaging, produced with sustainable practices, and certified as fair trade or "wildlife-friendly" whenever possible.</li>



<li>Scrutinize business practices: Support businesses with a proven commitment to reducing pollution, promoting responsible resource use, and reinvesting in conservation efforts. Let companies know that their environmental track record matters to you as a consumer.</li>



<li>Reduce, reuse, recycle: This classic mantra remains vital. Minimize consumption, repair and repurpose what you can, and properly recycle everything else. These small actions collectively protect vital habitats for endangered species.</li>
</ul>



By working together, we can help ensure a future where these magnificent creatures continue to thrive.



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NASA is tracking endangered animal habitats from space

The rapid decline of many iconic animal species due to habitat loss presents one of the most critical challenges in modern conservation. NASA, an organization typically associated with space exploration, has emerged as a valuable partner in the fight to save endangered animals. By utilizing cutting-edge satellite technology, NASA provides vital data on endangered wildlife habitats, informing and driving conservation strategies around the world. Tiger conservation: NASA maps suitable habitat Tigers, once widespread across Asia, have lost a staggering 93% of their historical range. However, a recent...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Guelph</a> in Canada has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-the-biggest-threat-to-wild-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> is increasingly posing a significant threat to bumblebee populations worldwide.&nbsp;



According to the experts, the perils that rising temperatures pose to bumblebee nest viability and larvae development should urgently be taken into account in order to protect these insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-bumblebee-populations-nbsp">Decline in bumblebee populations&nbsp;</h2>



“The decline in populations and ranges of several species of bumblebees may be explained by issues of overheating of the nests and the brood. The constraints on the survival of the bumblebee brood indicate that heat is likely a major factor, with heating of the nest above about 35 degrees Celsius being lethal, despite the remarkable capacity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-increasingly-stressed-over-the-past-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> to thermoregulate,” explained Peter Kevan, an expert in environmental sciences at Guelph.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-temperature-range-for-bumblebee-nests">Optimal temperature range for bumblebee nests</h2>



Bumblebees, diverse in species and widespread across various climates, have consistently shown an optimal nest temperature range between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. This similarity across species suggests a limited ability to adapt to rising temperatures outside of their thermal neutral zone, where they can maintain body temperature without expending much energy.&nbsp;



“Excessively <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high temperatures</a> are more harmful to most animals and plants than cool temperatures. When conditions are cool, organisms that do not metabolically regulate their body temperatures simply slow down, but when temperatures get too high metabolic processes start to break down and cease. Death ensues quickly,” Kevan said.



Through an extensive review spanning 180 years, the researchers have found that bumblebees can survive temperatures up to 36 degrees Celsius and thrive best around 30-32 degrees Celsius, though variations exist depending on species and geographic conditions. However, their innate ability to thermoregulate may not suffice against the escalating challenges posed by global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collective-health-of-the-bumblebee-colony">Collective health of the bumblebee colony</h2>



The study also emphasizes the concept of the bumblebee colony as a “superorganism,” highlighting that the reproductive success of the colony hinges on the collective health and survival of its members, not just individual bees. High nest temperatures, therefore, jeopardize the entire colony's future by potentially reducing the health and viability of new offspring.



“The effect of high nest temperatures has not been studied very much, which is surprising,” Kevan remarked. “We can surmise that nest temperatures above the mid-30s Celsius would likely be highly detrimental and that above about 35 Celsius death would occur, probably quite quickly.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elevated-nest-temperatures-nbsp">Elevated nest temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



Parallel findings in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-carrying-nectar-avoid-overheating-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> have shown that elevated nest temperatures can weaken bee queens and result in smaller, less robust worker bees. A similar impact on bumblebees could directly contribute to their decline, suggesting an urgent need for further research.



The scientists advocate for deeper exploration into the understudied areas of bumblebee ecology such as nest morphology, material properties, and temperature regulation strategies. Innovative methods like ground-penetrating radar and flow-through respirometry analysis might reveal how different colonies and species manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermal stress</a>, potentially uncovering broader thermal neutral zones in some species that could confer greater resilience.



“We hope that future scientists may take the ideas we present and apply them to their own research on bumblebee health and conservation,” Kevan concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebee-nests-nbsp">Bumblebee nests&nbsp;</h2>



Bumblebee nests are unique and fascinating structures usually found underground or in dense grass. Unlike honeybees, which build extensive hives, bumblebees often repurpose abandoned rodent burrows or thick grass clumps to create their homes. These nests are less populous, typically housing anywhere from 50 to 400 bees, which is considerably smaller than honeybee hives.



The queen bumblebee initiates the nest by laying the first batch of eggs, which she incubates with her body. As these hatch and mature into worker bees, they take over the duties of expanding the nest, foraging for food, and caring for subsequent broods laid by the queen. The interior of a bumblebee nest contains wax pots built by the workers for storing food and rearing young bees.



These nests have a relatively short lifespan. They are usually active for only a few months each year, from spring to late summer. At the end of the season, new queens are produced, which leave to mate and then find a place to hibernate through the winter.&nbsp;



The original nest is abandoned and generally does not get reused the following year. This cycle highlights the bumblebee's vital role in pollination and the ecosystem, despite their nests being less permanent than those of some other bee species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frbee.2024.1351616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Bee Science</a>.



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Rising temperatures are overheating bumblebee nests

A recent study led by the University of Guelph in...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagulls-birds-more-intelligent-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seagull</a> species with larger brains are more likely to choose cliffs for nesting and may also be better adapted to urban environments, such as the rooftops of buildings, according to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



Exploring the link between brain size, wing shape, nesting habits, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-lizards-show-physical-and-genetic-adaptations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban adaptation</a>, the experts discovered that over half of cliff-nesting gull species are nesting in urban settings, a significant contrast to the 11% of non-cliff-nesting species doing the same. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagulls-nesting-in-challenging-environments">Seagulls nesting in challenging environments</h2>



The research highlights a correlation between larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagulls-birds-more-intelligent-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain sizes</a> and the ability to adapt to more challenging nesting environments.



“Many people will be familiar with gulls nesting and foraging in urban areas,” said lead author Madeleine Goumas, a former postdoctoral research associate at Exeter's Center for Ecology and Conservation. “It's not something you might expect from a seabird, so we wanted to try to understand why they do it."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagulls-nesting-in-urban-settings-nbsp">Seagulls nesting in urban settings&nbsp;</h2>



The research involved a comprehensive review of existing studies, analyzing urban breeding and foraging behaviors among different seagull species.&nbsp;



The findings revealed that 13 of the 50 gull species have adapted to urban environments for breeding, with the same number identified as urban foragers; nine species engage in both behaviors.



The data showed that 53% of cliff-nesting gull species were found to nest in urban areas, compared to only 11% of non-cliff-nesters.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagulls-with-larger-brains">Seagulls with larger brains</h2>



“We found that gull species with larger brains are more likely to be cliff-nesters, and cliff-nesting species are more likely to breed in urban areas,” said senior author Neeltje Boogert, a senior lecturer in biosciences at Exeter.



“It's also not a fixed behavior in most gulls. While non-cliff-nesting species nest exclusively on the ground, most cliff-nesting species nest either on cliffs or the ground.”



“This suggests that bigger brains enable these gull species to be flexible with regard to where they choose to nest, and this allows them to use unconventional sites, like buildings, for raising their young.”



Regarding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foraging behavior</a>, the study concluded that neither brain size nor wing shape, which influences maneuverability, were definitive factors in predicting urban foraging activities.



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



The scientists also examined the conservation status of these seagulls, discovering that those with stable or growing populations were more likely to utilize urban habitats compared to those in decline. Among the ten gull species listed as Threatened or Near Threatened, only the black-legged kittiwake was observed using urban settings.



“Whether or not species use urban areas has important implications for conservation,” Boogert explained. “If we can understand the factors that allow animals to use urban areas, we can better understand how to help those that aren't faring so well.”



“Urbanization is a major problem for a lot of animals. It looks like some gull species have managed to overcome some of the challenges that prevent other animals from using urban areas, but we need more long-term studies as well as comparative studies on other taxa to fully understand the impacts of urban living,” Goumas added.



This research is part of a broader investigation into gull behavior, which includes studies on how gulls prefer food handled by humans and how maintaining eye contact can deter them from stealing food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-seagull-nesting-behaviors-nbsp">More about seagull nesting behaviors&nbsp;</h2>



Seagulls are fascinating creatures, particularly when it comes to their nesting behaviors, which exhibit some unique strategies adapted to their environments.&nbsp;



Generally, seagulls are colonial nesters, meaning they prefer to nest in large groups, which offers protection against predators. The location of these colonies can vary widely, including isolated, flat roofs of buildings, sandy beaches, or rocky cliffs near the sea.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nesting-strategies">Nesting strategies</h3>



A typical nesting site is chosen for its safety from ground predators and its proximity to food sources. Seagulls are quite adaptable and may adjust their nesting strategies based on their environment. For instance, urban gulls might nest on man-made structures, while those in more natural settings will choose spots that offer natural protection.



When building their nests, seagulls use a variety of materials, including sticks, seaweed, and feathers, constructing them to cradle their eggs securely. A seagull's nest is relatively simple, not much more than a scrape on the ground or a slight mound to keep the eggs in place.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mating-pairs-nbsp">Mating pairs&nbsp;</h3>



Seagulls are also particularly defensive of their nesting sites. Both the male and female participate in nest building and the care of the young. The mating pair typically forms a bond that can last many years and is reinforced each season through ritual behaviors and mutual care.



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



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-snowstorms-impact-breeding-success-of-petrels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> season is a noisy time in a gull colony, filled with calls and aggressive interactions between neighbors and intruders. Eggs are generally laid from late March through May, with the specifics depending on the location and species. The incubation period for seagull eggs lasts about three to five weeks, and both parents share the duty of warming the eggs.



Once hatched, the chicks are semi-precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth, yet remain dependent on their parents for food and protection. The young are usually ready to fly and leave the nest within six weeks after hatching, though parental care may continue until they are fully capable of independent survival.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2024.1256911" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Big-brained seagulls choose more challenging nesting sites

Seagull species with larger brains are more likely to choose...

Have you ever thought about FaceTiming your feathered friend? It turns out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parrots-blush-communicate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrots</a>, those amazing mimics with vibrant personalities, love a good video call. Just like us, they prefer the thrill of a live conversation over watching recordings.



A recent study by the <a href="https://www.gla.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Glasgow</a> has shown that these intelligent birds might be able to tell the difference between live interactions and pre-recorded ones on digital devices. 



This fascinating finding has the potential to completely change the way we use technology to enrich the lives of our feathered companions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parrots-are-social-animals">Parrots are social animals</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-grey-parrots-practice-self-control-and-patience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parrots</a> are naturally highly social creatures. In their natural habitat, they thrive within large, dynamic flocks. This environment provides constant interaction, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Sadly, many pet parrots are kept in solitary conditions, lacking this crucial social stimulation.



When pet parrots are kept in isolation, they are deprived of the opportunity to fulfill these crucial social needs. This deprivation can lead to a range of serious consequences, including:



<ul>
<li>Behavioral problems:&nbsp;Loneliness and boredom can manifest as screaming, feather-plucking, self-mutilation, aggression, and destructive behaviors.</li>



<li>Mental health decline:&nbsp;Isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, and a general decline in cognitive function.</li>



<li>Weakened immune system:&nbsp;Studies have linked stress and loneliness to compromised immune function, making isolated parrots more susceptible to illness.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parrots-on-video-calls-vs-pre-recorded-videos">Parrots on video calls vs. pre-recorded videos</h2>



Researchers equipped nine parrots and their owners with tablet devices, giving the birds the chance to choose between a live video chat with another feathered friend or a pre-recorded video. And the results were incredibly surprising.



The parrots jumped at the chance to initiate live video chats with their buddies, demonstrating much more interest and engagement. The study's findings clearly indicate several key behaviors:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-engagement-on-video-calls">Increased engagement on video calls </h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-insights-will-help-protect-the-kakapo-parrot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parrots</a> spent a significantly longer duration on live calls compared to the time they spent engaging with pre-recorded videos. This suggests a greater level of interest and active participation in live interactions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-video-call-initiation-by-parrots">Video call initiation by parrots</h3>



Parrots initiated far more live video calls than requests to watch pre-recorded sessions. This proactive behavior demonstrates the birds' desire to connect and engage in real-time interaction with another parrot.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mirroring-behaviors">Mirroring behaviors</h3>



Caregivers observed that during live calls, parrots would often mirror each other's actions and vocalizations. This natural social behavior is a strong indicator of their engagement with a live counterpart rather than a passive recording.



"Our previous research had shown that parrots seem to benefit from the opportunity to video-call each other, which could help reduce the mental and physical toll that living in domestic situations can take on them," explains Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, the lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-parrots-understand-live">Do parrots understand "live"?</h2>



While more research is needed, it seems our feathered friends are smarter than we might think. "The appearance of 'liveness' really did seem to make a difference to the parrots' engagement with their screens," Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas notes.



This discovery could open a whole new world of possibilities for keeping pet parrots entertained, happy, and better connected to their own kind. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-internet">Animal internet</h2>



The concept of an "animal internet" – a world where technology bridges communication gaps between humans and animals, and even between animals themselves – is no longer confined to science fiction. 



This field is rapidly evolving, with researchers exploring how digital tools can enhance animal welfare, conservation efforts, and our understanding of the animal world.



This innovative study on parrot video calls highlights the importance of tailoring technology to the specific needs and behaviors of different species. Here's why this approach is crucial:



<ul>
<li>Improving animal lives: Technology designed with a deep understanding of animal behavior can significantly enrich the lives of animals in captivity. It can provide outlets for natural social instincts, alleviate boredom, and promote mental and physical well-being.</li>



<li>Aiding conservation efforts: The "animal internet" has the potential to revolutionize conservation. Devices like GPS trackers, remote cameras, and bio-sensors already provide invaluable data for monitoring wildlife populations and protecting endangered species. The potential for real-time communication with and between animals could further transform how we understand and protect our planet's biodiversity.</li>



<li>Promoting inter-species connection: As technology enables deeper interaction and understanding between humans and animals, it could foster greater empathy and respect for the animal kingdom. This could lead to improved animal care practices and a stronger commitment to conservation.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parrots-fighting-loneliness-one-video-call-at-a-time">Parrots fighting loneliness, one video call at a time</h2>



Parrots are prone to loneliness, which leads to damaging behaviors like feather-plucking and excessive pacing. Imagine a future where pet parrots from across the globe can schedule virtual playdates to combat the downsides of solitary living.



"In this study, we wanted to see if we could identify differences in behavior when parrots were given agency over what they could see on their devices. ... And if so, what could that tell us about designing future systems to fit their needs?" asks Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas.



The parrot owners involved in the study were excited about the positive changes they saw in their pets. Many reported that the video calls helped them feel more connected to their feathered friends.



"Some caregivers believed that their parrots were capable of differentiating between the sessions. One told us that their bird enjoyed vocalizing with another live bird but quickly lost interest when there was no response to their calls during pre-recorded videos," shared Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas.



This compelling study provides a glimpse into the complex minds of parrots and hints at the untapped potential of technology in improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/which-birds-make-the-best-pet-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> lives. 



A virtual parrot get-together could be just what your lonely feathered friend needs. Further research will confirm the benefits. Could specially designed "parrot social networks" be in our future? Only time will tell.



Read the entire study <a href="https://ilyena.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hirskyjdouglas_parrotvideocalls.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Parrots prefer talking live on video calls more than watching videos

Have you ever thought about FaceTiming your feathered friend? It...

The Ediacaran Period, spanning from about 635 to 541 million years ago, marked a transformative era in the history of life on Earth. It was during this pivotal time that complex, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organisms</a> emerged, setting the stage for the explosion of life that would follow.



According to a captivating study led by <a href="https://www.sas.rochester.edu/ees/people/faculty/tarduno_john/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Tarduno</a>, the William Kenan, Jr. Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the <a href="http://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>, Earth's magnetic field was in a highly unusual state when the macroscopic animals of the Ediacaran Period diversified and thrived. 



The research raises the question of whether these fluctuations in Earth's ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> led to shifts in oxygen levels that may have been crucial to the proliferation of life forms millions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-fauna-were-earth-s-first-complex-lifeforms">Ediacaran fauna were Earth's first complex lifeforms</h2>



One of the most remarkable life forms during the Ediacaran Period was the Ediacaran fauna. As Tarduno explains, "They were notable for their resemblance to early animals -- some even reached more than a meter (three feet) in size and were mobile, indicating they probably needed more oxygen compared to earlier life forms."



The close timing between the appearance of the Ediacaran fauna and the ultra-low geomagnetic field motivated the researchers to revisit environmental factors, particularly atmospheric and ocean oxygenation, as potential drivers for the emergence of these complex life forms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-protective-magnetic-field">Earth's protective magnetic field</h2>



About 1,800 miles below us, liquid iron churns in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-outer-core-is-its-largest-carbon-reservoir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's outer core</a>, creating the planet's protective magnetic field. This invisible shield is essential for life on Earth, as it protects the planet from harmful radiation from the sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Deflecting solar wind and cosmic rays</h3>



The magnetic field's primary role is to deflect the high-energy charged particles that make up solar wind. Without this protection, these particles would strip away the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's atmosphere</a>, exposing life on the surface to the full force of the sun's radiation. 



The magnetosphere also shields the planet from cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles originating from outside our solar system that can cause genetic mutations and damage to living organisms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Preserving Earth's atmosphere and water</h3>



By deflecting harmful solar radiation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-surges-of-cosmic-radiation-from-space-directly-linked-to-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>, Earth's magnetic field helps to preserve the planet's atmosphere and water. 



The atmosphere, in turn, shields life on Earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation and helps to maintain a stable climate. 



The magnetic field also prevents the atmosphere from being stripped away by solar wind, which would lead to a gradual loss of water vapor and other essential gases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protecting Earth's ozone layer</h3>



The magnetic field also plays a crucial role in protecting Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone layer</a>, which filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 



Without the magnetic field, the ozone layer would be depleted by the constant bombardment of charged particles, exposing life on Earth to dangerous levels of UV radiation that can cause skin cancer and other health problems.



Earth's magnetic field is a vital component of the complex system that sustains life on our planet. However, Earth's magnetic field wasn't always as strong as it is today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-magnetic-field-strength-and-animal-life">Link between magnetic field strength and animal life</h2>



Researchers have proposed that an unusually low magnetic field might have contributed to the rise of animal life. However, examining this link has been challenging due to limited data about the strength of the magnetic field during the Ediacaran Period.



Tarduno and his team employed innovative strategies and techniques to study the strength of the magnetic field by examining magnetism locked in ancient feldspar and pyroxene crystals from the rock anorthosite. By dating the rocks, researchers can construct a timeline of the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-much-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-tools-reveal-earth-s-weakest-magnetic-moment">High-tech tools reveal Earth's weakest magnetic moment</h2>



Using cutting-edge tools, including a CO2 laser and the lab's superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, the team analyzed the crystals and the magnetism locked within with precision. 



Their data indicates that Earth's magnetic field at times during the Ediacaran Period was the weakest field known to date -- up to 30 times weaker than the magnetic field today -- and that the ultra-low field strength lasted for at least 26 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-oxygen-boom-may-have-triggered-life-expansion">Ediacaran oxygen boom may have triggered life expansion</h2>



A weak magnetic field makes it easier for charged particles from the sun to strip away lightweight atoms such as hydrogen from the atmosphere, causing them to escape into space. 



If hydrogen loss is significant, more oxygen may remain in the atmosphere instead of reacting with hydrogen to form water vapor. These reactions can lead to a buildup of oxygen over time.



Tarduno and his team's research suggests that during the Ediacaran Period, the ultraweak magnetic field caused a loss of hydrogen over at least tens of millions of years. This loss may have led to increased oxygenation of the atmosphere and surface ocean, enabling more advanced life forms to emerge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambrian-explosion-saw-earth-s-magnetic-field-recover">Cambrian explosion saw Earth's magnetic field recover</h2>



Tarduno and his research team previously discovered that the geomagnetic field recovered in strength during the subsequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Period</a>, when most animal groups begin to appear in the fossil record. The reestablishment of the protective magnetic field allowed life to thrive.



As Tarduno notes, "If the extraordinarily weak field had remained after the Ediacaran, Earth might look very different from the water-rich planet it is today: water loss might have gradually dried Earth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ediacaran-magnetic-fields-and-life-beyond-earth">Ediacaran magnetic fields and life beyond Earth</h2>



The work suggests that understanding planetary interiors is crucial in contemplating the potential of life beyond Earth. 



"It's fascinating to think that processes in Earth's core could be linked ultimately to evolution," Tarduno says. "As we think about the possibility of life elsewhere, we also need to consider how the interiors of planets form and develop."



In summary, the study by John Tarduno and his team uncovers a fascinating link between Earth's magnetic field and the rise of complex life during the enigmatic Ediacaran Period. 



Their research deepens our understanding of the intricate interplay between our planet's core processes and the evolution of life while raising intriguing questions about the potential for life on other planets. 



As we continue to explore the mysteries of our own planet's history and search for signs of life beyond Earth, studies like this remind us of the complex and interconnected nature of the universe, urging us to consider the crucial role that planetary interiors play in the development and sustenance of life.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01360-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Animals exist today because Earth had an issue 500 million years ago

The Ediacaran Period, spanning from about 635 to 541 million...

As dusk falls at the end of a hot day, the air is typically filled with the melodious chirping of crickets - a sound as familiar as it is enchanting. Yet, this natural concert is increasingly being drowned out by the pervasive noise produced by human activity. 



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.du.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Denver</a> have begun to unravel the extent to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/">noise pollution</a> impacts the survival and reproduction of crickets. 



The research team has dedicated three years to studying the effects of human-generated noise on field crickets, which make up a significant part of the terrestrial ecosystem. Despite invertebrates constituting over 95% of all animal species, they are seldom the focus of ecological noise research. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-pollution-is-a-growing-threat">Noise pollution is a growing threat</h2>



"Noise pollution is a ubiquitous anthropogenic stressor that accompanies expanding urbanization. We tested whether the amplitude of traffic noise influences a suite of fitness-related traits (e.g. survival, life history, reproductive investment, immunity) and whether that depends on the life stage at which the noise is experienced (juvenile or adult)," wrote the researchers.



"Our treatments mimic the conditions experienced by animals living in urban roadside environments with variable vehicle types, but continuous movement of traffic. We used the Pacific field cricket, an acoustically communicating insect that was previously shown to experience some negative behavioral and life history responses to very loud, variable traffic noise, as a model system."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crickets-exposed-to-noise">Crickets exposed to noise</h2>



The team exposed the crickets to four levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mating-crickets-lower-their-standards-when-exposed-to-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a> that they might encounter in their natural habitats: complete silence, 50 decibels, 60 decibels, and 70 decibels. To put this into perspective, 55 decibels is akin to the sound of constant rainfall, while 70 decibels can be compared to a busy street or the hum of a vacuum cleaner. 



The results were telling: crickets subjected to 70 decibels of noise had a 35% lower survival rate into adulthood compared to those raised in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cricket-song-silent-without-action-iucn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silence</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-subtle-language-of-crickets">The subtle language of crickets</h2>



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-health-ai-can-identify-insects-based-on-their-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> that communicate through sounds, like field crickets, are particularly vulnerable to noise pollution. These crickets use their airborne songs to communicate and are commonly found near urban areas, where noise is ever-present," explained Professor Robin Tinghitella, the study's principal investigator.



This backdrop of constant human noise, according to the study, acts as a stressor, significantly impacting their ability to survive and reproduce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cricket-responses-to-noise">Cricket responses to noise</h2>



While the study found a definite impact on survival and reproductive rates, it's interesting to note that 13 other measured traits in crickets remained unchanged despite the noise. This indicates a possible adaptation to the chronic presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human noise</a>.



“We found that juvenile traffic noise treatment impacted the percent of crickets that survived to eclosion, and the interaction between a female’s traffic noise experience during juvenile and adult life stages affected her reproductive success,” noted the researchers.



“However, the consistent traffic noise treatments (50dBA, 60dBA, 70dB) did not impact the other 13 fitness-related traits we investigated, irrespective of noise level and whether traffic noise was experienced by crickets during development only, at adulthood only, or during both life stages.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-study-insights">Valuable study insights </h2>



Mark Mitchell, a professor of Zoological Medicine at Louisiana State University, praised the study for its comprehensive approach and its importance in understanding how traffic noise affects the physiological traits of invertebrates. 



"This research provides valuable insights into the effects of anthropogenic activities on invertebrates, offering a foundation for future ecological planning and conservation efforts," said Professor Michell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-quieter-coexistence-is-needed">A quieter coexistence is needed</h2>



This pioneering research underscores a critical need for awareness and action concerning the ecological impacts of human noise. As we continue to encroach upon natural habitats, understanding and mitigating our auditory footprint on wildlife becomes not just beneficial but essential for sustaining biodiversity. 



"Our result that juvenile survival under noisy conditions is reduced is especially relevant for conservation and management decisions, and future work should clarify consequences in natural settings with varying noise characteristics and the generalizability across insects," wrote the study authors.



The survival of crickets may seem like a minor concern in the grand scheme of environmental issues, but it is a poignant reminder of the pervasive impact of human activities on the planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-023-02190-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Many juvenile crickets cannot survive the strain of human noise

As dusk falls at the end of a hot day,...

Did you know there's a whole playful side to chickens? If you've ever seen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicks-can-identify-an-object-just-by-touching-it-even-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chicks</a> frolicking around, you might have also noticed that the males seem to play more than the girls. Turns out, there's a fascinating reason why.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practice-for-adulthood">Practice for adulthood</h2>



A recent study shows us that our feathered friends aren't just playing around for fun (although it does look like it). It seems that their playtime could be vital practice for their adult lives. This is especially interesting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chickens-faces-change-color-depending-on-their-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chickens</a>, where the males and females act very differently.



The researchers involved in this study obtained a clutch of white leghorn chicken eggs and incubated them until they hatched. After the chicks emerged, they were placed in specially designed enclosures referred to as "playpens" within the study. These playpens were created to provide a safe and controlled environment for the chicks to explore and engage in behaviors.



To monitor the chicks' playtime activities, the researchers conducted observations over a period of several weeks. The observations began when the chicks were just six days old and continued until they reached 53 days old. This timeframe allowed the scientists to capture playtime behaviors across various stages of chick development.



During these observation sessions, which lasted 30 minutes each, the researchers meticulously recorded the chicks' playful interactions at 15-second intervals. This detailed observation method ensured that even brief bursts of play were documented. The observation sessions were repeated on 15 separate days throughout the study period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-chick-play-look-like">What does chick play look like?</h2>



You might think chickens just peck around all day, but their playtime is way more diverse. The scientists observe different playful behaviors:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locomotor-play">Locomotor play</h3>



This type of play focuses on movement. Chicks might engage in short bursts of running, flapping their wings excitedly, or displaying other energetic, seemingly random movements. These actions demonstrate basic motor skills while potentially burning off excess energy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-object-play">Object play</h3>



Object play involves interacting with the chick's environment. This could mean chasing a small object, pecking curiously at something they find, or even passing objects between other chicks. 



One specific example the researchers observed was "worm-running," where chicks picked up a rubber worm and ran with it. Interestingly, adult roosters sometimes display similar behavior with food items as part of courtship with hens.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-play">Social play</h3>



This category covers playful interaction with other chicks. Social play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-weight-keep-demand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chicks</a> might involve gentle wrestling, mock fighting without intent to harm, or engaging in competitive jumping displays. These interactions could be crucial for developing social skills and understanding their place within the flock's hierarchy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-difference-in-male-chicks-playing">Why the difference in male chicks playing?</h2>



"Here we show for the first time that there are clear sex differences in the age-related development of play in chickens,” said study first author Rebecca Oscarsson, a PhD student at <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a> in Sweden. “This difference is mainly because males engage more in social and object play.”



In the world of adult chickens, roosters and hens exhibit very distinct physical characteristics and behaviors. Roosters are typically larger than hens, showcasing more vibrant and colorful plumage. Their behavior also tends to be more assertive and dominant compared to the hens. They are responsible for protecting their territory, alerting the flock to danger, and locating food to share with the hens.



The researchers propose that the stark differences observed in adult chickens may explain why male chicks engage in more frequent play, especially social and object play.



By practicing rough-and-tumble play behaviors, they might be developing the essential skills needed for their future role as roosters. This includes building strength, practicing dominance displays, and potentially learning strategies for territory defense and resource competition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-play-picture-beyond-chicks">The bigger play picture beyond chicks</h2>



“We still don’t know the adaptive function of play for any species," noted Dr. Per Jensen from Linköping University. While play is a common behavior across many animal species, scientists are still seeking definitive answers as to why play evolved in the first place. 



Evolutionary forces typically favor traits and behaviors that directly contribute to survival and reproduction. It remains unclear how seemingly "fun" activities like play provide a direct advantage in this regard.



This study offers an intriguing perspective on the purpose of play. The results suggest that playtime could serve as a valuable training ground for animals, providing them with an opportunity to practice and refine essential skills they will need later in life. 



By engaging in playful activities, animals might gain proficiency in crucial behaviors tailored to their specific survival needs. This concept might hold true even for seemingly domesticated species like chickens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions">Future directions</h2>



“Many questions remain unanswered with respect to the adaptive functions of play, for example, its effects on later cognitive abilities. We now plan to look into the neurobiological and genetic mechanisms of play. For example, it’s possible that the early development of the cerebellum is linked to play behavior,” said Jensen.



There's still a lot to explore about playtime in the animal kingdom, but this study gives us a delightful glimpse into the secret world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-chicken/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chicks</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fetho.2024.1392378/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ethology</a>.



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Chicks prepare for challenges in adulthood with 'play time'

Did you know there's a whole playful side to chickens?...

Biologists from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB) in Germany and the <a href="https://www.unas.ac.id/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University</a> in Indonesia have discovered a male Sumatran orangutan using natural remedies to treat a facial wound. 



This finding marks the first recorded instance of an animal applying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/narrowing-the-search-for-new-medicinal-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing plants</a> to wounds, suggesting that such medical behaviors might have originated from a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.



The researchers noted that while self-medication through ingestion is common in various animal species, the application of biologically active substances to wounds has not been previously documented outside of human practices.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orangutan-treats-his-own-wound-nbsp">Orangutan treats his own wound&nbsp;</h2>



The experts, who led the study at the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia - a protected rainforest home to about 150 critically endangered Sumatran orangutans - witnessed the orangutan, named Rakus, engage in this unique behavior.



“During daily observations of the orangutans, we noticed that a male named Rakus had sustained a facial wound, most likely during a fight with a neighboring male,” reported lead author Isabelle Laumer, a primatologist at MPI-AB.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medicinal-plant-leaves-nbsp">Medicinal plant leaves&nbsp;</h2>



Rakus was observed selecting leaves from a liana known as Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria), chewing them, and applying the sap directly to his wound. He then covered the wound with the masticated leaves.&nbsp;



This plant is recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and contains compounds such as furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids, known for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.



“This and related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-lianas-impact-forests-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liana</a> species that can be found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia are known for their analgesic and antipyretic effects and are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as malaria,” Laumer explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-wound-treatment-nbsp">Successful wound treatment&nbsp;</h2>



The subsequent observations revealed no infection, and the wound had closed within five days.&nbsp;



“Interestingly, Rakus also rested more than usual when being wounded. Sleep positively affects wound healing as growth hormone release, protein synthesis, and cell division are increased during sleep.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-within-the-orangutan-population-nbsp">Innovation within the orangutan population&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers examined the intentionality and emergence of such behavior, emphasizing its potential innovation within the orangutan population at Suaq.&nbsp;



“The behavior of Rakus appeared to be intentional as he selectively treated his facial wound on his right flange, and no other body parts, with the plant juice. The behavior was also repeated several times, not only with the plant juice but also later with more solid plant material until the wound was fully covered. The entire process took a considerable amount of time,” Laumer said.



According to senior author Caroline Schuppli, an expert in cognitive evolution and animal behavior at MPI-AB, while the orangutans at Suaq rarely consume this plant, incidental contact during feeding might have introduced its therapeutic effects.&nbsp;



“It is possible that wound treatment with Fibraurea tinctoria by the orangutans at Suaq emerges through individual innovation,” she explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-wound-treatment-nbsp">Evolutionary roots of wound treatment&nbsp;</h2>



The study not only provides the first evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a> managing wounds with medicinal plants but also invites further exploration into the evolutionary roots of such behavior, hinting at a shared ancestral trait between humans and apes in recognizing and utilizing natural substances for medical purposes.



“As forms of active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-tend-to-each-others-wounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound treatment</a> are not just human, but can also be found in both African and Asian great apes, it is possible that there exists a common underlying mechanism for the recognition and application of substances with medical or functional properties to wounds and that our last common ancestor already showed similar forms of ointment behavior,” Schuppli concluded.



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



Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species of great ape native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Known scientifically as Pongo abelii, they are one of the three species of orangutans. Sumatran orangutans are distinguished by their lighter color and slightly smaller size compared to their Bornean counterparts.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-reproduction-nbsp">Lifestyle and reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



These apes are predominantly arboreal, spending most of their lives in the trees of tropical rainforests. Their diet is primarily frugivorous, consisting largely of fruits, but also includes leaves, bark, and insects.



These orangutans have a slow reproductive rate, which contributes to their vulnerability. Females give birth to a single offspring only once every eight years or so, making population recovery a slow process.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-threats-nbsp">Primary threats&nbsp;</h3>



The primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illicit-hunting-remains-a-major-threat-to-orangutans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> to their survival include habitat loss due to deforestation for palm oil plantations, logging, and agriculture. Illegal wildlife trade and conflict with humans, when orangutans venture into farmlands, also pose significant risks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-nbsp">Conservation&nbsp;</h3>



Conservation efforts are in place to protect the Sumatran orangutan, involving habitat preservation, anti-poaching patrols, and rehabilitation centers that rescue and return orangutans to the wild. International and local organizations collaborate to raise awareness and funds to support these initiatives, aiming to secure a future for the species in their natural habitat.&nbsp;



Despite these efforts, the Sumatran orangutan remains one of the world’s most endangered primates, with an estimated population of just over 14,000 individuals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58988-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



Image Credit: Armas / Suaq Project



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Wild orangutan treats his facial wound with a healing plant 

Biologists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB)...

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field of conservation medicine suggests that chemists and pharmacists could play a crucial role in reversing this grim <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-day-millions-of-species-share-the-earth-with-humans-and-they-need-our-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trend</a>. 



The researchers propose that integrating the expertise of medicinal chemists into wildlife conservation is a strategy that could potentially save numerous plant and animal species from the brink of extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemists-and-animal-extinction">Chemists and animal extinction </h2>



The scientist leading this initiative, Timothy Cernak, a professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> College of Pharmacy, emphasizes the critical need for medicinal chemistry in conservation. 



"Medicinal chemistry expertise is desperately needed on the frontlines of extinction," said Professor Cernak. "Animals are dying at staggering rates, but they don't have to. Modern bioscience has achieved enormous breakthroughs in treating human diseases, and the same medications and science can be applied in the wild."



Professor Cernak's lab not only focuses on drug discovery for human conditions but has also begun applying its findings to combat diseases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, such as the deadly fungus devastating amphibian populations. 



This multifaceted approach to both human and animal health is gaining traction, and the research actively promotes the role of chemistry in conservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-conservation-toolkit">Expanding the conservation toolkit</h2>



The push for a collaborative approach in conservation is evident as Professor Cernak and his team, including local high school students, encourage professionals from various fields to join forces. 



"We are chasing mass die-offs around the world," said Professor Cernak, listing species from lowland gorillas to the akikiki bird of Hawaii as being in critical danger. "It’s crucial to bring the power of modern pharmaceuticals and the dosing expertise of medicinal chemistry into conservation efforts."



By integrating medicinal chemistry, Professor Cernak believes that immediate, impactful interventions can be made in wildlife disease, a major driver of the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>. 



The work in his lab includes using advanced techniques to test chemical compounds on affected wildlife, identifying potential treatments for diseases that are currently decimating species like the Panamanian golden frogs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-conservation-efforts">Future conservation efforts </h2>



Beyond immediate interventions, Cernak envisions a larger role for pharmaceutical companies and emerging scientists in the field of conservation medicine.



“At the higher level, my mission is to have pharmaceutical companies be involved in this space and young scientists view this as the field they want to go into - a field that doesn’t really exist at this point,” he noted.



The immediate goal includes fundraising and expanding research to further establish the value of this nascent field.



The urgency of this mission is exemplified by recent incidents like the mass die-off of sea lion pups in Argentina from avian flu, highlighting the potential public health implications of wildlife diseases.



Additionally, the researchers are pioneering the use of AI and other technologies to expedite the drug discovery process, potentially enabling quicker responses to emerging threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-scale-wildlife-surveys-can-reveal-the-health-of-entire-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife health</a> and preventing further extinctions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-future-in-conservation">A collaborative future in conservation</h2>



The research efforts advocate for a harmonious integration of medicinal chemistry with the ongoing efforts of veterinarians and conservationists. 



"Bringing chemists and pharmacists into the conservation fold isn’t meant to diminish the roles of other professionals but to blend their experience and achieve the same goals of saving lives - and ecosystems," explained Professor Cernak.



The concept of "One Health Pharmacy," which recognizes the interconnected health of plants, animals, and humans, is central to Cernak's philosophy. 



This approach treats any living being - plant or animal - that is sick or in need, thereby reinforcing the link between human and environmental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-chemistry-to-combat-animal-extinction">Harnessing chemistry to combat animal extinction</h2>



The advancements in technology, particularly AI, are not only transforming drug discovery for human patients but are also setting the stage for future conservation efforts. 



"Streamlining drug and agrochemical discovery with automation and artificial intelligence is likely to usher in a future era of accelerated medicinal invention tailored to specific patient populations," said the researchers. 



They envision a future where medicinal chemistry can be directly applied to solve specific health issues in endangered species, offering new hope in the fight against extinction.



This innovative approach marks a significant shift in how conservation efforts may be conducted in the future, illustrating the potential for cross-disciplinary collaborations to foster solutions that benefit both wildlife and human populations alike.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02334" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Medicinal Chemistry</a>.



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Chemists could be key to prevent animal extinction

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field...

Africa's wildlife hotspots are renowned, but Asia harbors a lesser-known ecological treasure: the Mongolian steppe. This vast landscape of rolling hills supports millions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/western-mongolia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mongolian</a> gazelles, making it a crucial habitat for this iconic species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mongolian-gazelle">Mongolian gazelle</h2>



The Mongolian gazelle is a marvel of adaptation. Equipped with slender legs and powerful lungs, these antelopes can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour – a crucial skill when navigating an often unforgiving homeland. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/endangered-species/gazella-gazella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gazelles</a> migrate in vast herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands, in pursuit of fresh grass and to escape harsh conditions. Their collective hooves create a rhythmic drumming that resonates across the expansive wilderness.



In fact, a recent study reveals that Mongolia alone hosts a breathtaking 2.14 million individuals. That's nearly all the Mongolian gazelles left in the world. It's a testament to the steppe's health and a sign of hope in a world where wildlife habitats are shrinking under human pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mongolian-gazelle-as-invisible-ecosystem-architects">Mongolian gazelle as invisible ecosystem architects</h2>



It's easy to be awed by the sheer spectacle of these vast herds, but gazelles offer more than just a thrilling sight. They're a fundamental part of their environment, shaping the very landscape they call home:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-master-gardeners">Master gardeners</h3>



Gazelles graze constantly, their sharp teeth selectively pruning the grassland. This natural landscaping prevents any single plant from taking over and creates a rich tapestry of different vegetation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-fertilizer">Natural fertilizer</h3>



As they roam, gazelles deposit droppings across the steppe, enriching the soil and providing nutrients that support plant growth.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keystone-prey">Keystone prey</h3>



Wolves, snow leopards, and other predators depend on gazelles as a primary food source. Their presence keeps predator populations in balance, which in turn has ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-land-worth-fighting-for">A land worth fighting for</h2>



Mongolia's stewardship of these magnificent animals is an accomplishment we should all celebrate. "With the vast population size and extensive range of gazelles in Mongolia, a broad range of management options remain viable," noted Dr. Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar (Buuvei), a senior scientist at <a href="https://mongolia.wcs.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCS Mongolia</a>.



But this is also a time for vigilance, not complacency. Even a stronghold like Mongolia faces challenges:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Divided landscapes</h3>



As Mongolia develops, new railways, roads, and fences increasingly fragment the once vast and continuous Mongolian steppe. These infrastructures are crucial for economic growth but pose significant risks to wildlife, particularly to the Mongolian gazelles known for their extensive migrations. If migration routes are obstructed, the gazelle herds could become isolated. 



Fragmentation of habitats can cause several problems. It may lead to reduced genetic diversity among gazelles. This makes them more vulnerable to predators. They also have limited access to essential resources like food and water. 



To avoid these negative outcomes, it is crucial to plan carefully. Implementing wildlife corridors and crossings is vital. These measures help maintain connectivity within their habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Livestock boom</h3>



The rising number of domestic livestock in Mongolia competes directly with gazelles for grassland resources. As the availability of grassland diminishes, gazelles face increased competition for food, which is essential for their survival and reproductive success. Moreover, the close proximity between livestock and gazelles heightens the risk of disease transmission. 



Diseases can spread quickly through both populations, potentially leading to significant health crises among the gazelles. Managing livestock numbers and implementing health monitoring protocols are vital to mitigate these risks and ensure the coexistence of domestic and wild species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Invisible threats</h3>



The steppe's ecosystem is under threat from overgrazing, primarily by increasing numbers of livestock. Overgrazing damages the soil structure, reduces its fertility, and leads to erosion, making the land less resilient to environmental stresses. This degradation is particularly concerning given the looming threats of climate change, including more frequent and severe droughts and harsh winters. 



Climatic extremes can devastate the Mongolian gazelles, whose migratory patterns and survival strategies are finely tuned to specific environmental conditions. To protect the steppe and its inhabitants, sustainable grazing practices and proactive climate adaptation strategies are necessary to maintain the health of this critical ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-action-for-mongolian-gazelles">Government action for Mongolian gazelles</h2>



Just as the gazelle's strength lies in their numbers, the key to their survival relies on the combined efforts of people from all walks of life.



"Globally, these vast herds of Mongolian gazelle that still roam the Mongolian steppe are a unique phenomenon, the sheer size of the herds and their long-distance movements are unique," said Tserendeleg Dashpurev, Director of Hustai National Park.



Wildlife ecologist Nandintsetseg Dejid of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center (SBiK-F) in Germany has a vital warning: "If the new railroads are fenced without sufficient wildlife crossing structures, the Mongolian gazelle population could collapse and the largest remaining nomadic system on Earth could be in danger."



It's a sobering message, but also a call to action. Scientists are actively working on the ground. They aim to understand gazelle migration patterns. This knowledge will help plan developments to avoid severing these critical routes.



Governments need to set clear policies that balance economic progress with the protection of the steppe's natural heritage. And crucially, everyday people have a role to play through awareness, advocacy, and supporting the work of organizations dedicated to preserving these extraordinary creatures.



The Mongolian gazelle isn't just another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/case-study-how-african-antelopes-are-responding-to-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a>. It is living proof that wilderness can still exist on our planet on a grand scale, and a reminder of our responsibility to ensure this legacy continues for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/oryx/article/assessment-of-the-global-population-size-of-the-mongolian-gazelle-procapra-gutturosa/A29D1BEB17622290D9E079941AD4F1E9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oryx</a>.



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Two million Mongolian gazelles face major habitat loss from human activity

Africa's wildlife hotspots are renowned, but Asia harbors a lesser-known...

In a world where coral reefs are under constant threat from various stressors, scientists are searching for effective ways to protect and preserve these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital ecosystems</a>. A recent study has shed light on a promising approach: targeted surveillance and culling of crown-of-thorns starfish (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-are-natures-ultimate-coral-predators-and-they-are-winning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CoTS</a>).



The research, conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority</a> reveals that timely and sufficient control efforts during CoTS outbreaks can lead to a significant reduction in starfish numbers and a substantial increase in coral cover across impacted regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are crown-of-thorns starfish?</h2>



The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) is a large, predatory starfish that inhabits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-discover-huge-expanse-of-earths-coral-reefs-that-were-previously-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> in the Indo-Pacific region. It gets its name from the venomous spines that cover its upper surface, resembling a crown. These starfish can grow up to 40 cm in diameter and have up to 21 arms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Feeding habits</h3>



Crown-of-thorns starfish feed on coral polyps, using their extrudable stomachs to digest the coral tissue. A single starfish can consume up to 6 square meters of coral per year. 



In normal populations, these starfish play a role in maintaining coral diversity by preying on faster-growing coral species. However, when their populations reach outbreak levels, they can cause significant damage to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-superhighway-connects-remote-coral-reefs-seychelles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-posed-by-crown-of-thorns-starfish">Threat posed by crown-of-thorns starfish</h2>



Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) are native to coral reefs, as mentioned previously, but their outbreaks pose a major threat to coral health and resilience. 



These outbreaks, along with other stressors such as coral bleaching, cyclones, and anthropogenic disturbances, contribute to the decline and degradation of coral reefs worldwide.



A single crown-of-thorns starfish, measuring a meter in diameter, can consume up to 10 square meters of coral annually. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Factors contributing to outbreaks</h3>



Several factors can contribute to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks:



<ul>
<li>Nutrient enrichment: Runoff from agricultural and urban areas can increase nutrient levels in the ocean, promoting the growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>, which serves as food for crown-of-thorns starfish larvae.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Overfishing: The removal of natural predators, such as triton snails and humphead wrasse, can allow crown-of-thorns starfish populations to grow unchecked.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Larval survival: Environmental conditions that favor the survival and settlement of crown-of-thorns starfish larvae can lead to increased recruitment and population growth.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-targeted-culling">Power of targeted culling</h2>



To address this issue, the research team focused their efforts on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a>, engaging in a culling program from 2012 to 2022. 



They targeted 500 out of the park's 3,000 reefs, identifying individual crown-of-thorns starfish and injecting them with vinegar or ox bile, which not only killed the starfish but also prevented them from releasing larvae.



The results of this targeted culling were remarkable. In the areas where culling was conducted, the researchers observed a 44% increase in coral reef coverage. In contrast, nearby parts of the reef where no culling had occurred continued to experience unabated coral loss.



Furthermore, the team discovered that culling starfish in specifically targeted areas dramatically reduced the spread of larvae, effectively preventing outbreaks in other reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pest-management-approach-to-crown-of-thorns-starfish">Pest management approach to crown-of-thorns starfish</h2>



The researchers describe their effort as similar to pest management. As human activities have allowed starfish populations to explode, the need has arisen to cull them to protect the health and resilience of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>.



"Anthropogenically-driven disturbances are superimposing additional stressors upon the natural cycles of decline and recovery inherent to coral reef ecosystems," the researchers wrote in their paper. "Major drivers of coral mortality on Indo-Pacific coral reefs are cyclones, coral bleaching events, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish."



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



The test program conducted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has demonstrated that culling crown-of-thorns starfish can be an effective tool in helping to save not only the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-finds-chlamydia-like-bacteria-in-great-barrier-reef-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a> but also other reefs around the world.



The study found that "timely and sufficient control efforts during CoTS outbreaks resulted in a sixfold reduction in starfish numbers and a 44% increase in coral cover across impacted regions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desperate-times-desperate-measures">Desperate times, desperate measures</h2>



In summary, the targeted surveillance and culling of crown-of-thorns starfish have proven to be a powerful tool in the fight to save coral reefs from destruction. 



By proactively identifying and eliminating these coral-consuming predators, scientists have demonstrated that they can significantly reduce starfish numbers, prevent the spread of larvae, and promote the recovery of coral reefs. 



As we continue to face the challenges posed by climate change and human activities, this research offers a glimmer of hope for the future of these vital ecosystems. 



It is now up to us to support and expand these efforts, working together to protect and preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our world's coral reefs for generations to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS One</a>.



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Killing crown-of-thorns starfish could save the Great Barrier Reef

In a world where coral reefs are under constant threat...

An intriguing new study reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-have-an-incredible-sense-of-smell-to-find-their-way-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a>, known for their vital role as pollinators, possess an unexpected capacity for teamwork and cooperative problem-solving. 



This research suggests that complex social behaviors may not be solely reliant on large brain size, as commonly assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-bumblebees-teamwork">Unexpected bumblebees teamwork</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.oulu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oulu</a> in Finland got creative to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-may-be-capable-of-cultural-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> cooperate. They designed two clever experiments:



<ul>
<li>Teams of two bumblebees were trained to push a small Lego block towards a center target to earn a sweet nectar treat. This required them to figure out that they both needed to push at the same time.</li>



<li>In a different setup, bumblebee pairs faced a transparent tunnel with a door at the end. To reach the nectar reward, they had to figure out how to simultaneously touch the door to make it open.</li>
</ul>



The bumblebees didn't just learn these strange new tasks; they shocked the researchers. When one bumblebee in a pair was delayed, its partner often waited before starting the task. Even more, they were more likely to start pushing&nbsp;only&nbsp;when their partner joined in.



In the tunnel challenge, some bees turned around when their partners were delayed, even before reaching the door. Interestingly, when they saw their teammate heading the right way, they turned around again.



These actions suggest that bumblebees aren't just blindly going through the motions. They might be actively adjusting what they do based on what their teammate is (or isn't) doing!



"Our findings show for the first time that bumblebees can learn to solve novel cooperative tasks outside the hive. But the coolest part of this work is that it clearly demonstrates that bumblebee cooperation is socially influenced, and not just driven by individual efforts," states Dr. Olli Loukola, the study's lead researcher.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebees-evidence-of-intentional-teamwork">Bumblebees evidence of intentional teamwork</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-bumblebees-hold-their-breath-and-survive-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bumblebees</a> who were trained collaboratively demonstrated behaviors hinting at intentional cooperation. When a partner was delayed, they were more likely to wait before initiating the task and adjusted their actions based on their partner's movements. This raises the intriguing question of whether they actively coordinate their efforts to achieve a shared goal.



For a long time, scientists believed that complex social behaviors, like teamwork and understanding how to work together, required a big ol' brain. 



Humans, dolphins, elephants – these were the poster children for collaboration. But bumblebees? Their brains are incredibly tiny compared to ours!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-brains-can-accomplish-amazing-things">Small brains can accomplish amazing things</h2>



This research flips that idea on its head. It shows that even a creature with a miniature brain can work with others towards a common goal. This makes us question what's&nbsp;really&nbsp;needed for cooperation to develop.



If insects as seemingly simple as bumblebees possess teamwork skills, it changes how we think about the origins of cooperation. 



Maybe the ability to work together isn't something that suddenly appeared in big-brained mammals. Instead, it could have deeper evolutionary roots, starting with much earlier, simpler life forms.



"This research can contribute to a broader understanding of animal behavior and evolution. It may also inspire new research on the evolution of social intelligence and cooperation in different animal species," notes Dr. Loukola.



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



While it remains to be fully determined whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-have-unique-defense-tactics-against-asian-hornets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> grasp the full implications of their cooperative actions, this study offers strong evidence for their collaborative capabilities. 



"Whether bumblebees truly understand the role of their partner will require further research with more detailed monitoring of their behavior during cooperation," Dr. Loukola indicates.



Beyond its purely scientific value, this work on bumblebee cooperation carries significant potential applications in technology and robotics. 



Understanding the collaborative strategies of these insects could provide inspiration for designing robots that work together effectively, adapting to changing circumstances. 



These principles could help shape the next generation of robots used in fields like search-and-rescue or complex manufacturing tasks. 



Additionally, this research spotlights the unexpected complexity of insects, fostering a greater appreciation for their intelligence and social behaviors. 



This newfound understanding could bolster conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of protecting bumblebees and the delicate ecosystems they support.



The study is published in the journal in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0055" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



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Bumblebees show surprising and highly adept teamwork skills

An intriguing new study reveals that bumblebees, known for their...

European <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-work-increase-genetic-diversity-yellowstone-bison/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bison</a>, along with red deer and fallow deer, are part of an exciting ecological experiment unfolding at the El Encinarejo farm in the diverse and arid landscape of southern Spain.



Nestled in the Sierra de Andújar’s sprawling 1,000 hectares, this area serves as a sanctuary of Mediterranean scrubland, characterized by dense holm oak groves and a rich underbrush of mastic, lavender, and rosemary. 



This unique setting is the backdrop for an intriguing study into the habitat adaptability and biodiversity of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large herbivores</a>.



The research, conducted by a team from the <a href="https://www.uab.cat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona</a> and the <a href="https://www.csic.es/en/csic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spanish National Research Council</a>, delves into the dietary habits of European bison, comparing their feeding patterns across different seasons. 



Utilizing advanced microhistological analysis, the scientists have meticulously examined epidermal fragments in faecal samples to determine the composition of the animals' diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-dietary-patterns-of-the-european-bison">Seasonal dietary patterns of the European bison </h2>



The study reveals fascinating variations in plant consumption among the species and across seasons. 



During the colder months of autumn and winter, woody plants dominate the diet of European bison, as well as the deer species. In contrast, the warmer seasons see a shift towards grasses in summer and a mix of leguminous and herbaceous plants in spring. 



Remarkably, European bison show a distinctive preference for grasses, making up 21% of their diet, a stark contrast to the lesser 8% observed in red deer.



Jordi Bartolomé, the study's lead author, highlighted the significance of the findings: "This is the first study that evidences the consumption of mastic by European bison. The abundant presence in their diet in all seasons indicates that it is a very important food source."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-resurgence-of-a-species">The resurgence of a species</h2>



The European bison, the region's largest mammal and a poignant symbol of wildlife conservation, was once on the brink of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-american-buffalo-from-near-extinction-to-resurrection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>. Now listed as an endangered species, its past and ongoing reintroduction across Europe has showcased its remarkable adaptability to various bioclimatic conditions. 



The creation of new breeding groups in semi-free conditions is part of a broader strategy aimed not only at the survival of the species but also at enhancing the biodiversity of their new habitats.



"The main conclusion we can draw from this work is the existence of a distribution of trophic resources among the three species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivores-are-not-always-harmful-in-new-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivores</a> when they coexist in the same habitat," explained study co-author Jorge Cassinello. 



"This seems to demonstrate their ability to coexist together, and, moreover, the ability of the bison to adapt to the bioclimatic conditions of Mediterranean environments."



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



The implications of these findings pave the way for practical conservation measures that focus on the ecosystem functions of the species rather than their historical ranges. 



As the authors suggest, the time has come to implement strategies that enhance biodiversity and maintain the ecological roles of these majestic animals, whether or not they historically roamed the Iberian Peninsula.



The European bison's successful adaptation to the Mediterranean climate of southern Spain provides hope for its continued resurgence. It also underscores the importance of thoughtful, science-driven conservation efforts that can lead to a more biodiverse and resilient ecosystem.



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



The European bison, also known as the wisent, is a fascinating and majestic creature that plays a vital role in the biodiversity of Europe's forests. This species is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe and closely resembles the American bison, though there are some distinct differences in their morphology and behavior.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Successful restoration efforts</h3>



Historically, the European bison roamed across much of the continent, from Spain in the west to the Volga River and the Caucasus in the east. However, due to extensive hunting and habitat loss, their numbers drastically declined, leading to their extinction in the wild by 1927.&nbsp;



Remarkably, conservationists managed to save the species through a careful breeding program based on the few remaining individuals in zoos. This has been one of the most successful restoration efforts for a large mammal, with the species reintroduced into the wild in several European countries since the 1950s.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Current distribution&nbsp;</h3>



Today, the European bison is found primarily in Poland, Belarus, and other parts of Eastern Europe, with smaller reintroduced populations in places like Germany, France, and Spain. 



These bison prefer mixed woodland and grassland habitats where they graze on a variety of vegetation. Their diet helps maintain the ecological balance of their habitats, making them a keystone species in their ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Limited gene pool</h3>



Despite the success of reintroduction programs, the European bison remains classified as vulnerable due to its limited gene pool, which poses challenges for its long-term genetic diversity. Conservation efforts continue to focus on expanding and connecting different bison populations to enhance genetic exchange and ensure the species' survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural significance&nbsp;</h3>



The European bison holds significant cultural value in many countries where it has been reintroduced, symbolizing the wilderness and natural heritage of Europe. Efforts to protect and expand bison populations are seen as a commitment to preserving the continent's biodiversity for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-024-02832-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity and Conservation</a>.



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European bison, once nearly extinct, thrive in southern Spain

European bison, along with red deer and fallow deer, are...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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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 history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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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.

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...