Urban Observation: Peacock Fly

Although many urban residents are woefully familiar with flies (Order: Diptera), I am willing to bet not many know about the Peacock Fly (Callopistromyia annulipes). A native of North America, this diminutive fly stands out from the rest of its kin due to its rather peculiar behavior, seen below! This otherwise cryptically-colored fly uses its... Continue Reading →

New Lit Alert: Urban environment determines population genetics in the green toad, Bufotes viridis

Urban environment determines population genetics in the green toad, Bufotes viridis Viktória Vargová, Damiána Gužiová, Monika Balogová, Natália Pipová, Marcel Uhrin & Peter Kaňuch Abstract Heavily urbanized areas can hinder dispersal and gene flow between amphibian populations. Given the growth potential of urbanization, it is important to examine how this specific environment shapes their genetic... Continue Reading →

New Lit Alert: Metabolic adjustment in urban birds: glycometabolic enzyme activities in urban and rural tree sparrows (passer montanus)

Metabolic adjustment in urban birds: glycometabolic enzyme activities in urban and rural tree sparrows (passer montanus) J Shang, S Cun, S Zhang, W Liang Abstract Urbanization is rapidly changing habitats of wild birds around the world. Food availability is one of the important factors leading to phenotypic differences between urban and rural bird populations. Comparing... Continue Reading →

New Lit Alert: Variation in Pheidole nodus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) functional morphology across urban parks

Variation in Pheidole nodus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) functional morphology across urban parks Y Luo, QM Wei, C Newman, XQ Huang, XY Luo, ZM Zhou Abstract Background Habitat fragmentation and consequent population isolation in urban areas can impose significant selection pressures on individuals and species confined to urban islands, such as parks. Despite many comparative studies on... Continue Reading →

Urban Observation: Groundhogs in Central Park

Have you ever seen a groundhog in Central Park? Or any other urban park? https://twitter.com/DiveArtist/status/1683549457999175680 According to @BirdCentralPark, these adorable rodents are not a common sight in Central Park, but there have been known individuals in the northern parts of the park. The groundhog (Marmota monax) is a very widespread North American species. Their range... Continue Reading →

New Lit Alert: Habitat Use, Terrestriality and Feeding Behaviour of Javan Slow Lorises in Urban Areas of a Multi-Use Landscape in Indonesia

Habitat Use, Terrestriality and Feeding Behaviour of Javan Slow Lorises in Urban Areas of a Multi-Use Landscape in Indonesia L Karimloo, M Campera, M.A. Imron, S Rakholia, A Mehta, K Hedger, K.A.I. Nekaris Abstract Urban areas are rapidly expanding into natural habitats worldwide. When species are threatened with habitat loss, it is vital to understand... Continue Reading →

Contribute to the New York Canid Project!

The New York Canid Project is a community science study led by Isabella Vinces, a Science research student at Ossining High School. The goal for this study is to determine the effects of coyote populations on previously residing red fox populations in urban and suburban areas throughout New York. To participate, you simply have to... Continue Reading →

From Isolation to Collaboration: How COVID-19 Lockdowns Inspired a Citizen Science Project Illuminating the Wonders of Urban Plant Diversity

By Veerle Langezaal During the Covid-19 lockdowns, a grassroots movement emerged where botanists in France, the UK, and the Netherlands began chalking plant species names on sidewalks. This initiative aimed to educate communities about the ecological importance of these plants, challenging the perception of them as mere weeds. This movement has since evolved into a... Continue Reading →

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