Wildlife and Habitat
A shortage of acorns has left us vulnerable to Lyme disease
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The northeastern U.S. should prepare for a surge in Lyme disease this spring. And we can blame fluctuations in acorns and mouse populations, not the mild winter. So reports Rick Ostfeld, a disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. [Read more…] about A shortage of acorns has left us vulnerable to Lyme disease
Deer appetites shape the future of our forests
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Chances are good that either you or someone you know has had both positive and negative experiences with deer. Vehicle collisions, damage to landscape plantings, and intrusions into fruit and vegetable gardens are common negative occurrences. [Read more…] about Deer appetites shape the future of our forests
When it comes to tracking eels, citizens make a difference
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American eels are born way out in the Atlantic Ocean, between Bermuda and Puerto Rico. Juveniles, known as “glass eels,” migrate to freshwater habitats like the Hudson River when they are just a couple of inches long. There, they can spend up to twenty years maturing. They return to the ocean only to spawn. [Read more…] about When it comes to tracking eels, citizens make a difference
April showers bring May flowers
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The next time you hear the pitter-patter of rain drops on your rooftop, or find yourself reaching for your umbrella, take some time to consider the fate of rainfall. [Read more…] about April showers bring May flowers
Every Day is Earth Day
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Sunday is the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, which first took place on April 22, 1970 and helped to prompt an awakening of American citizens to the importance of the environment. [Read more…] about Every Day is Earth Day
Wonder fish or pink poison?
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Salmon consumption has been linked to improved cardiovascular health and brain function. But not all fish are created equal. In the U.S., two-thirds of salmon are farm-raised. Compared to their wild counterparts, these fish are often less nutritious and have a larger environmental impact. [Read more…] about Wonder fish or pink poison?
Succession – it isn’t just a change in government
In New England, many of our ecosystems are recovering from past disturbances, such as clearing for agriculture. When economic conditions caused farms to move westward, land was left fallow, allowing nature to take over again. [Read more…] about Succession – it isn’t just a change in government
Wet spots have lasting value
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Each spring, after snowmelt, the landscape becomes dotted with pools of standing water. It’s easy to dismiss these wet spots as puddles, but they play a vital role in preventing flooding, protecting groundwater, and providing habitat to wildlife. [Read more…] about Wet spots have lasting value
According to the birds, spring is arriving earlier
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From blooming to breeding, the lifecycle of plants and animals are closely tied to seasonal variations in climate. In fall, shorter, cooler days stimulate the onset of fall colors and eventual fall. In spring, following snow-melt, warm, wet nights herald the mating rituals of peepers. [Read more…] about According to the birds, spring is arriving earlier
Frogs are dying – And it looks the culprit is a fungus caused by illegal wildlife trade
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Forests normally humming with the chorus of calling frogs are falling silent and the forest floor is covered in dead or dying frogs. The animals seem to be losing their skin. This sounds like the makings of a science fiction movie – but it’s the stuff of real life. And it’s occurring in forests around the world. [Read more…] about Frogs are dying – And it looks the culprit is a fungus caused by illegal wildlife trade
From garbage baiting to climate change, humans continue to shape grizzly bear survival
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While the grizzly’s impressive stature renders them top predators, in the wild bears dine mostly on berries, plants, and insects. Outside of breeding and cub rearing, they are solitary animals. But they congregate around rich food resources and, if challenged, can pursue at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour. [Read more…] about From garbage baiting to climate change, humans continue to shape grizzly bear survival
Good intentions went awry with this invasive species
Can an ornamental bush displace native plants, degrade wildlife habitat, and alter forest soil? In the case of Japanese Barberry, the answer is yes.
[Read more…] about Good intentions went awry with this invasive species
When it comes to protecting polar bears, a threatened species, our hands are tied
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Polar bears are the largest terrestrial predators on Earth, outweighing lions, tigers, and all other bears. They have to be big to catch their preferred prey — seals and small whales. To do this, the bears prowl the edges of holes in the sea ice, waiting for seals and whales to surface. They pull their meal from the water and eat it on the sea ice.
[Read more…] about When it comes to protecting polar bears, a threatened species, our hands are tied
Domestic cats are an environmental issue
Ecologists talk a lot about invasive species. These are plants and animals that are not native to North America, and cause enormous economic and ecological damage when they establish. Examples include cane toads, kudzu, zebra mussels, and fire ants. [Read more…] about Domestic cats are an environmental issue
When a ship and a whale collide, the whale loses
The U.S. currently has 14 National Marine Sanctuaries; in total they encompass some 150,000 square miles of habitat. These protected areas are like national parks for marine life. Within their waters, giant humpback whales breed and temperate reefs flourish. [Read more…] about When a ship and a whale collide, the whale loses
What Happened To All The Bats?
