animal news blog – Page 2

傳粉兩棲類動物

May 15, 2023

巴西一種樹蛙(Xenohyla truncata)可能是第一種傳粉兩棲類動物。一項研究發現，這種樹蛙會吸食一種破布木屬植物(Cordia taguahyensi) 的花蜜，其後背部及頭部會附有花粉，可能會為這種植物傳播花粉。

The Izecksohn’s Brazilian treefrog (Xenohyla truncata) might be the first amphibian pollinator. A study discovered this Brazilian tree frog feeds on nectar of milk fruit flowers ( Cordia taguahyensi) with pollen attached on its back and head, possibly spreading pollen for this plant.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/28/science/frogs-pollination-fruits.html

大象與人類衝突嚴重

May 12, 2023

今年首三個月，斯里蘭卡平均每天就有一隻大象死亡，而有一半都是與人類衝突有關，牠們主要死於槍擊、電圍欄或炸藥餌等。過去60年，當地政府為大象設立了一些保護區，但成效甚微，因這些保護區內沒有足夠資源，導致許多大象餓死。斯里蘭卡有44%的土地同時是人類及大象的棲息地。保育人士估計，如果情況得不到改善，多達 70% 的野生大象可能會死亡。

In the first three months of this year, an elephant died in Sri Lanka everyday in average. Half of the death are related to human-elephant conflict, and they are mainly killed by shooting , electric fences or explosive food baits. In the past 60 years, the government set up some protected areas for the elephants but it is ineffective; many elephant die of starvation in these areas because the lack of resources. Elephant and human inhabit the same landscape of 44% of Sri Lanka. Conservationists estimated up to 70% of wild elephants could die if the situation is not improved.

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/05/one-elephant-a-day-sri-lanka-wildlife-conflict-deepens-as-death-toll-rises/

鸚鵡也愛交網友

May 11, 2023

一項研究發現，寵物鸚鵡可通過視像通話與其他寵物鸚鵡聯繫並交朋友，更能從對話中學習新的發聲及飛行技巧。牠們學會用喙點擊屏幕上的照片來選擇致電給哪一位朋友。鸚鵡主人表示，這些互動有助改善牠們的行為並帶來幸福感，一些鸚鵡即使在研究結束後仍然繼續成為朋友。

A research discovers pet parrots can connect and make friends with other pet parrots through video calls. This group of parrots can learn new vocalization and flying skill from the video friends. They also learn to tap photo on screens with their beaks to call friends of their choice. Pet owners state that these virtual interactions can help improve their behaviors and bring joy. Some parrots still continue to be friends even after the study.

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/parrots-kept-as-pets-were-taught-to-video-call-each-other-and-they-loved-it/

為瀕危雀鳥繁殖暫停工程

May 9, 2023

在美國加州南部，一隻貝氏鶯雀在一個道路工程工區域內築巢，所以工程必須暫停，直到貝氏鶯雀的繁殖期於九月完結並遷徙。這工程原定於八月完工，但現在亦延期至明年二月才能完成。貝氏鶯雀是一種身長只有4-5英寸的小型雀鳥，於1980年被列為瀕危物種，至今仍受到保護。

A trail construction in Southern California has to stop temporarily because an endangered least bell’s vireo bird has arrived and nesting within the site area. the site is expected to stop until September when the bird’s breeding season ends and migrate. The construction was expected to be finished in August, but now has to delay and won’t be completed until next February. Least Bell’s vireo is a small bird which is just 4-5 inches long; it was listed as endangered since 1980 and still under protection.

https://original.newsbreak.com/@abu-writes-1608998/3013058188572-discovery-of-endangered-bird-delays-construction-on-santa-ana-river-trail

救火化學物影響蛙類發育

May 4, 2023

澳洲的一項研究發現，用於撲滅叢林大火的消防化學品會影響蛙類的發育。這些化學品被列為對環境友善，但研究對條紋沼澤蛙的蝌蚪進行了測試，發現這些化學品會減少蝌蚪的生長發育，甚至導致死亡，估計對其他蛙類及野生動物亦會造成影響

A study in Australia found firefighting chemicals used to flight brushfires can affect frog development. These chemicals are listed as environmentally friendly and commonly used, but study tested on tadpoles of the striped marsh frog, and discovered the chemicals can reduce tadpole growth and development or even cause death.

https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/phos-chek-blazetamer-pfas-frogs-bushfire/