Biodiversity stories
Since the beginning of time, we’ve told stories to make sense of the world. Here, biodiversity comes to life through articles that blend science, wonder, and curiosity. These stories inform without overwhelming, explain without oversimplifying, and bring you closer to what keeps life in balance: the intricate beauty of nature.
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Allies to safeguard: swallows
By feeding on flies, they protect the health of livestock and avoid the use of insecticides
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, in which the University of Milan, MUSE – Trento Science Museum and Lipu participated, highlights the valuable role of swallows, effective biocontrol agents of flies in dairy cattle barns. The benefits of their presence are innumerable; yet, this function is little known, and not enough is still being done to remedy their drastic decline.
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The music of animals
Of all types of calls, chicks prefer consonant sounds, which have a positive valence
A recent study by the University of Trieste and La Sapienza University of Rome hypothesizes that the preference for consonant sounds (translated into notes: the intervals C – C; C – F; C – G) shares humans and animals, including non-singing species such as chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). To prove this, scientists recorded and analyzed hundreds of chick calls. The main premise of the research was that the preference for consonant sounds, observed in several animal species, including humans, might have biological roots and be reflected in the animals’ natural calls.
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The world heats up: what about dung beetles?
Research investigates thermal tolerance of these insects, indispensable guardians of biodiversity
A study conducted by the University of Turin investigated how climate change, and in particular global warming, affects the activity of dung beetles.
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Monitoring species by capturing their tracks
Using environmental DNA method, European otter and white-footed crayfish are confirmed in Liguria
To monitor the presence of two species considered endangered-the European otter and the white-footed crayfish-researchers from the University of Florence used the eDNA, or environmental DNA, method: an ideal approach for tracking rare or elusive animals. As reported by Conservation Genetics, the study started from the need to verify two presences in Liguria: that of the European otter (Lutra lutra), which after being considered extinct since the 1980s has recently been sighted again; and that of the white-footed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), which has suffered a drastic population decline in recent years.
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Appia Antica Park, the realm of many
A total of 120 species of spiders have been identified in the green area, testifying to the park’s rich biodiversity
Biodiversity is an asset, and spiders prove it too. A survey of terrestrial spiders conducted by Roma Tre University and the University of L’Aquila, and published in Biodiversity Data Journal, found high species diversity in the Appia Antica Regional Park in Rome, which also counts on new records.
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Climate change, engine of evolution
Using mathematical models helps reconstruct the earliest history of our ancestors
A recent study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, in which the University of Florence and the Federico II University of Naples participated, highlights, through the use of mathematical models, the role of climate change as a driving force in human evolution.
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Plant biodiversity, coming soon online
Digitization of more than four million botanical specimens will be available by 2025
Millions of artifacts digitized and soon online, available to botanists and enthusiasts around the world. This is the goal of the nearly 7million euro funded project promoted by NBFC (Italy’s first biodiversity research center supported by PNRR – Next Generation) that will make plant treasure available by 2025.
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Bees: why it is important to protect native ones
Genetic analysis confirms presence of alien subspecies, with less desirable characteristics
To protect the genetic integrity of Emilia-Romagna’s native bees, it is essential to monitor the spread of those imported from other places. And the law is not enough: stricter monitoring and policies are needed. This is according to an article, published in Scientific Reports, describing a study conducted by the University of Bologna.
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The healing forest
Thanks to volatile substances produced by plants, anxiety goes away
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in which CNR-Ibe researchers participated confirms this: forest therapy decreases anxiety. This expression (forest bathing) refers to immersion in green environments, particularly forests, to achieve physical and mental health benefits.
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Canada: traditional hunting is sustainable
Centuries of beluga whale hunting by indigenous peoples have not harmed the ecosystem
According to a study conducted by the University of Toronto and the University of Copenhagen, the hunting practiced for hundreds of years by the Inuvialuit people in Canada is sustainable-that is, it has not had a significant impact on the genetic diversity and survival of the beluga population in the region.
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Italian islands, resistant mice
Research identifies genetic mutations in seven island areas that cause rodenticide resistance
Resistance to rodenticides, or pesticides used to eliminate or repel the presence of rodents, is a widespread phenomenon on Italian islands. This is the finding of a study, published in Science of the Total Environment, carried out by a group of researchers from CNR-Iret and La Sapienza University.
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Solutions between timber and undergrowth
New study shows influence of forest management methods on functional structure of undergrowth
New research in which La Sapienza University of Rome participated analyzed how human intervention in forests, with its variety of strategies aimed primarily at timber production, significantly impacts understory vegetation and consequently its health.
