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Articles on Habitat

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The habitats used throughout the halibut’s life and the movements between them are difficult to characterize. (Charlotte Gauthier)

How do halibut migrate? Clues are in their ear bones

Atlantic halibut are making a strong comeback in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. But how do we know where the fish move throughout their lives?
The bow of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Duane, a decommissioned ship deliberately sunk off Florida to serve as an artificial reef. Stephen Frink via Getty Images

Not all underwater reefs are made of coral − the US has created artificial reefs from sunken ships, radio towers, boxcars and even voting machines

Artificial reefs are structures that humans put in place underwater that create habitat for sea life. A new study shows for the first time how much of the US ocean floor they cover.
The New York City borough of Manhattan at night, viewed from the Rockefeller Center observation deck. Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Artificial light lures migrating birds into cities, where they face a gauntlet of threats

Migrating birds need stopover locations en route where they can rest and feed. A new study shows that artificial light draws them away from sites they would normally use and into risky zones.
Habitat loss has driven Asian elephants, like these foraging at a garbage dump in Sri Lanka, into human areas. Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP via Getty Images

Human activities in Asia have reduced elephant habitat by nearly two-thirds since 1700, dividing what remains into ever-smaller patches

A new study looks back into history to assess human impacts on the range of Asian elephants and finds sharp decline starting several centuries ago.
A native Woodland Skipper butterfly sips nectar from a non-native Bull’s Thistle flower. Stephanie A. Rivest

Good or bad? Some ‘invasive species’ can help native ecosystems thrive

Conservation practitioners and policymakers must organize and prioritize the management of habitats around whether species are more beneficial or harmful to biodiversity.
The potential role of beavers in safeguarding against climate change risks has become an interesting point of discussion. RudiErnst/Shutterstock

Beavers can do wonders for nature – but we should be realistic about these benefits extending to people

The role of beavers in safeguarding against our heating climate has become an interesting point of discussion. But just how important remains subject to debate.

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