Hiding in plain sight, a new frog species with a ‘weird’ croak is identified in New York City

March 15, 2012

In New York City — in the midst of some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers — and within view of the Statue of Liberty, scientists have found a new frog species. While the discovery of new species are regularly made in remote rainforests, finding this one in the ponds and marshes of Staten Island, mainland [...]

Read the full article →

Common North American frog identified as carrier of deadly amphibian disease

March 15, 2012

Known for its distinctive “ribbit” call, the noisy Pacific chorus frog is a potent carrier of a deadly amphibian disease, according to new research. Just how this common North American frog survives chytridiomycosis may hold clues to protect more vulnerable species from the disease.

Read the full article →

Leatherback turtle migration study identifies Pacific danger zones for endangered species

March 15, 2012

The majestic leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world, growing to more than 6 feet in length. It is also one of the most threatened. A major new study of migration patterns has identified high-use areas — potential danger zones — in the Pacific Ocean for this critically endangered species. This new [...]

Read the full article →

Unlocking the secrets of sea turtle migration

March 1, 2012

Sea turtles have long and complex lives; they can live into their 70s or 80s and they famously return to their birthplace to nest. But new research suggests this isn’t the only big migration in a sea turtle’s life.

Read the full article →

Rare fungus kills endangered rattlesnakes in southern Illinois

February 22, 2012

A small population of rattlesnakes that already is in decline in southern Illinois faces a new and unexpected threat in the form of a fungus rarely seen in the wild, researchers report. The finding matches reports of rattlesnake deaths in the northeast United States.

Read the full article →

Tiny chameleons discovered in Madagascar: Small enough to stand on the tip of a finger

February 16, 2012

Four new species of miniaturized lizards have been identified in Madagascar. These lizards, just tens of millimeters from head to tail and in some cases small enough to stand on the head of a match, rank among the smallest reptiles in the world.

Read the full article →

The power of estrogen: Male snakes attract other males

February 11, 2012

A new study has shown that boosting the estrogen levels of male garter snakes causes them to secrete the same pheromones that females use to attract suitors, and turned the males into just about the sexiest snake in the neighborhood — attracting dozens of other males eager to mate.

Read the full article →

Castaway lizards provide insight into elusive evolutionary process, founder effects

February 2, 2012

A biologist who released lizards on tiny uninhabited islands in the Bahamas has shed light on the interaction between evolutionary processes that are seldom observed. He found that the lizards’ genetic and morphological traits were determined by both natural selection and a phenomenon called founder effects, which occur when species colonize new territory.

Read the full article →

Turtles’ mating habits protect against effects of climate change

January 26, 2012

The mating habits of marine turtles may help to protect them against the effects of climate change. The study shows how the mating patterns of a population of endangered green turtles may be helping them deal with the fact that global warming is leading to a disproportionate number of females being born.

Read the full article →

Snakes improve search-and-rescue robots: New design uses less energy

January 20, 2012

Researchers have studied the movements of snakes to create more efficient search-and-rescue robots.

Read the full article →