果實豐收是繁殖關鍵

鴞鸚鵡是紐西蘭特有的鳥類，屬於極度瀕危物種，每2至4年才繁殖一次。牠們的繁殖季節取決於原生陸均松果實的成熟時間，因為雛鳥非常依賴這種特定的食物來源。今年陸均松果實豐收，幾乎所有成年雌鳥都已完成繁殖。除了陸均松果實，保育團隊也嘗試各種方法來促進牠們的繁殖，包括使用3D列印技術製作能發出雛鳥鳴叫聲的蛋模型來鼓勵雌鳥。目前紐西蘭共有236隻鴞鸚鵡，保育團隊希望在本繁殖季結束後，數量能達到300隻。

The kākāpō is native to New Zealand and is a critically endangered species that breeds only every two to four years. Its breeding season is triggered by the fruiting of rimu trees, because the chicks rely heavily on that specific food source. With an abundance of rimu fruit this year, nearly all mature females have bred. Besides rimu fruit, conservationists are trying various methods to boost breeding, including 3D‑printed egg models that play chick‑chirping sounds to encourage females. There are currently 236 kākāpō in New Zealand, and conservationists hope the population will reach 300 after this breeding season.

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/kakapo-cam-new-zealand

觀鳥有助減低老退化

研究發現，觀鳥有助於重塑人腦，從而改善視覺、感知、記憶力和注意力。神經科學家發現，與新手觀鳥者相比，經驗豐富的觀鳥者在負責辨識複雜物體的大腦區域中，組織更為緊湊。他們認為，這些技能及其引起的結構性變化，可能有助於提升老年人的認知能力。

Scientific research suggests that birdwatching can help reshape the human brain, improving visual perception, memory, and focus. Neuroscientists found that experienced birders have more compact brain tissue in the regions used to identify complex objects compared with novice birders. They believe these skills and the structural changes they produce could help preserve cognitive function in older adults.

https://www.earth.com/news/birdwatching-expert-birders-develop-lasting-brain-beneficial-changes/

樹冠橋梁減破碎化威脅

秘魯亞馬遜地區的一項研究表明，人工樹冠橋對於保護樹棲野生動物、減輕棲息地破碎化的威脅非常重要。這些低成本的橋梁可防止野生動物與車輛發生碰撞，並有助於減少遺傳隔離。研究人員設置了紅外線相機，以便更深入了解猴子、樹懶等物種的攀爬行為，並判斷哪些橋樑設計最適合牠們，因為有些動物會跳躍，有些則會在樹枝間移動。

A study in the Peruvian Amazon shows that artificial canopy bridges are important for protecting arboreal wildlife from the dangers of habitat fragmentation. These low-cost corridors help prevent wildlife–vehicle collisions and reduce genetic isolation. Camera traps were set up to help scientists gain deeper insight into the climbing behaviors of species such as monkeys and sloths and to determine which bridge designs are most suitable for them, since some animals jump while others move from branch to branch.

https://news.mongabay.com/2026/03/across-south-america-canopy-bridges-evolve-as-a-lifeline-for-tree-dwelling-wildlife/

吸引紅隼提升產量及品質

美國密西根州的農民在櫻桃園放置紅隼巢箱，以吸引牠們幫忙保護果實免受昆蟲、老鼠和小型鳥類的破壞。這不僅有助於保護紅隼並減少農作物損失，還能降低果實上的鳥糞數量，從而提高食品安全，因為鳥糞可能攜帶有害病原體。
Farmers in Michigan are installing kestrel nest boxes in their cherry orchards to attract kestrels that help protect fruit from insects, mice, and small birds. Besides helping to conserve kestrels and reduce crop damage, this practice can also improve food safety by lowering the amount of bird droppings on fruit, which may carry harmful pathogens.

https://scitechdaily.com/cherry-farmers-discover-an-unexpected-food-safety-ally-falcons/

野放河狸恢復濕地生態

歐亞河狸在四個多世紀前因過度捕獵而滅絕。為了幫助恢復自然生態系統，環保組織計劃今年在英格蘭和蘇格蘭野放約100隻河狸。河狸築壩有助於減緩洪水、改善水質，並為其他野生動物創造重要的濕地棲息地。

Eurasian beavers were hunted to extinction more than four centuries ago. Conservation groups are planning to release around 100 beavers across England and Scotland this year to help restore natural ecosystems. By constructing dams, beavers can help prevent flooding, improve water quality, and create important wetland habitats for other wildlife.

https://www.upday.com/uk/uknews/400-years-later-beaver-family-released-into-scottish-wilderness/bf2lt12