Biogeography
Biogeography is the study of the geographical distribution of plants and animals.
High Resolution Ecosystem Map of the Contiguous United States and Adjacent Areas
NatureServe has developed an updated 30-meter hexagon map of regional ecosystems in the contiguous United States and adjacent areas.
Defining How Much of the World is Covered by Forests
With no universal definition, mapping and comparing forest coverage around the world is challenging.
Number of “Dees” in a Chickadee’s Alarm Call is Related to the Danger Level of Nearby Predators
The number of "dees" in a chickadee's alarm call correlates with the size and threat level of the predator.
Geography of Giant Sequoias
Giant sequoias are one of the longest lived tree species, with the oldest giant sequoia living an estimated 3,400 years.
Urbanization is Shortening the Legs of Western Fence Lizards
Western fence lizards have adapted to manmade surfaces in urban areas by developing shorter limbs and toes.
Most Abundant Landbird in the United States and Canada
The American robin has the largest population among all landbirds in the United States and Canada.
Why Do Squirrels Lie Flat?
There are several reasons for why squirrels will lie flat on the ground, a patio railing, or tree branch.
How Mapping Mangrove Species Can Help With Coastal Erosion Mitigation
Species-specific mangrove maps aid conservation by targeting protection efforts and resources against storm surges and coastal erosion.
Witch’s Broom in Trees: Dense Clump of Leaves and Branches
Witch's broom affects trees like birch, spruce, and pine, causing dense twig and leaf clusters due to pathogens, parasites, and environmental stressors.
Tracking Penguin Colonies Through Their Droppings
Researchers are using satellite imagery to map Antarctica’s penguin population by estimating their numbers based on the large guano stains left behind.
Will Cool Air Pooling Protect Some Forests from Climate Change?
Researchers looked at the link between cool air pooling and cold-adapted forest composition.
Forecasting Phytoclimates
A study of 135,153 vascular plant species predicts that by 2070, 33-68% of land on Earth will experience significant phytoclimate changes.
Human-Driven Extinction of Birds
Researchers using models and historical records estimate that up to 11% of all bird species have gone extinct since the Late Pleistocene.
This Bird is Not the Only Crested Jay West of the Rocky Mountains
Since the 1960s, blue jays have gradually extended their range past the Rocky Mountains into the western United States and Canada.
Measuring Tree Height With a Two-Satellite Constellation
Researchers used synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from colocated satellites to estimate tree canopy height.
American Chestnut: the Struggle to Save the ‘Redwood of the East’
Scientists and conservationists are working to rescue the American Chestnut from going completely extinct.
Why Climate Change is Making Some Animals More Nocturnal
Increase daytime heat linked to climate change is driving some wildlife to become more active at night.
Individual Seabird Adaption to Climate Change
Scientists tracked the migratory patterns of 145 seabirds to map how individual shearwaters are adapting to climate change.
Using GIS to Map an Individual Animal’s Home Range
GIS can be used to map the estimated home range based on the collected point locations of individual animals as they move through an environment.
Sea Otters are a Keystone Species
Keystone species are plants or animals, like the sea otter, whose presence in an ecosystem plays a crucial role in its health.
Geography of Penguins
Penguin are agile swimming birds with habitat that ranges from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands.
Reintroduction of the Mexican wolf nears 25th anniversary
Reintroduction efforts to improve Mexican wolf populations in the wild began in 1998 and recent populations now exceed 200 wolves.
What are Those Clumps in Trees?
A dense clump of dried leaves and twigs in a tree is mostly likely a squirrel's nest, known as a drey.
Monarch Butterfly Overwintering in California
November and December are the best times to see large clusters of monarch butterflies overwintering in the coastal groves of California.
Benefits of Microforests
Microforest projects use the Miyawaki method fast-track the growth of dense, biodiverse forests, aiming to achieve full growth in 20-30 years.
What is the Difference Between a Crow and a Raven
Here are some ways you can determine the difference between the common raven (Corvus corax) and the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos).