Evolution in an Urbanizing World
Within cities, the number of trophic levels present in the community can change when animals migrate there. Smaller predators can end up at the top of the trophic chain or a different species, like the domestic cat, becomes the apex predator of the city. How are apex predators like raptors thriving or at least surviving... Continue Reading →
An introduction to the city spider Spiders are the most diverse and abundant terrestrial predators on earth. This group of species is, in turn, a crucial contributor to the earth's ecosystems as we know them: they control insect populations directly, which indirectly changes plant diversity and productivity. Since many of the earths ecosystems are under... Continue Reading →
Cities are a special environment regulated by humans: planted green spaces, paved streets, large buildings, constant light and traffic. Some animals like meadow birds have disappeared from these landscapes, but other animals have not. Trashcans, littering, bird feeders, food laying around restaurants and cafés all attract animals to the cities. This leads to an increase... Continue Reading →
Some fries left on the ground, a half-eaten sandwich, or some breadcrumbs kindly given by someone on a park bench. Pigeons (Columba livia) in the city don’t shy away from eating human-derived foods. Although most pigeons are eager to eat our food scraps, this behaviour has been linked to a likely downside: the urban lifestyle... Continue Reading →
When people consider the causes of the decline in bird or small mammal populations most will first think of pesticides or vehicle deaths. However, one of the biggest threats to these birds and mammals may actually be our own dear pet cats. Domestic cats (Felis catus) contribute significantly to the decline in urban wildlife. Cats... Continue Reading →
Our typical urban rats, mainly brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), have undergone adaptations that enable them to thrive in urban environments. These adaptations distinguish urban rats from their wild relatives and highlight the impact of urbanization on species evolution. Genetic evolution and neighborhood adaptations In cities like New York City, with a rat population estimated to... Continue Reading →
When thinking about a city at night, chances are that you include some twinkling streetlights in your mental image. Billboards, streetlamps, and neon signs are no novel presence to city dwellers. These light sources are in technical terms called artificial lights at night, or ALAN for short. While thinking about a city at night can... Continue Reading →
In the heart of the city, dominated by human-made material, animals face more than cars and concrete—they face humans. And to survive, some of them have developed a surprising skill: reading human behaviour and recognizing people. They learn who feeds them, who ignores them, and most importantly, who poses a threat to them. They need... Continue Reading →
“Dad, what are those birds? I’ve never seen them before” I remember asking my dad when I was younger. We were outside having a barbecue and for the first time, I noticed several green birds flying overhead accompanied by a cacophony of sounds. I had never seen or heard them before, but suddenly there they... Continue Reading →
A number of years ago there was quite a lot of media attention regarding a possible case of in situ evolution of Culex pipiens form molestus in the London Underground metro system. This media buzz created speculation that this was a unique species that had risen during the over 160 year long existence of the... Continue Reading →
Have you ever seen a duck, goose, coot or any other waterbird laying long out on the ground or surface of the water? Do these birds look tired to you? If so, they might be suffering from botulism.Avian botulism, also known as Limberneck, is the most significant disease for migratory birds around the globe. Outbreaks... Continue Reading →
“Madrid declares war on plague of raccoon and parrot invaders” The Guardian (2013, July 22) “Toronto wages war on Raccoon Nation”The Canadian Press (2015, May 3) Many places have declared the war on raccoons in recent years. But is this war only making them stronger? Why declare war on racoons? The raccoon (Procyon lotor) originates... Continue Reading →
Domestic Cats (Felis silvestris catus; Felis catus) are a human commensal, said to have started their relationship with us during the era of the first settled farmers (approx. 12.000 years ago) within the Fertile Crescent region of the middle east.1 We took them into our homes and slowly transformed them into the royalty that a lot... Continue Reading →
As urbanization continues to reshape landscapes, its effects on wildlife have become a subject of growing concern. In the unique context of Cuba, a recent study focused on an endemic lizard species, Anolis homolechis, found in both natural and suburban environments. This in-depth study relied on adapted tracking methods deployed over several years and explored... Continue Reading →
[embedyt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obHtOIJrwh8[/embedyt] Our perceptions of wildlife and nature are shaped by the media which highlights. The mold has been set by great figures like David Attenborough, with his memorable narrative voice. However, these documentaries only explored 'pristine' landscapes in far away lands, while ignoring the creatures that must contend with the Urban Jungle. In my first... Continue Reading →
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