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All things wildlife. Wildlife management, ecology, eco-tourism, research, conservation, rehabilitation, photography, etc. For anyone who enjoys wildlife.

Location: Austin, TX
Members: 31
Latest Activity: yesterday

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Discussion Forum

Surprise! Male Spiders Eat Females, Too

Started by Dallas the Phallus. Last reply by Joan Denoo on Tuesday. 1 Reply 0 Likes

We’ve known for years that female black widow spiders and other arachnids eat males during mating.Now, new research shows that males of a type of ground spider…Continue

Tags: mating, sexual cannibalism, arachnids, spiders

Meet the World’s Largest Lethal Bird Trap

Started by Dallas the Phallus. Last reply by Joan Denoo on Tuesday. 1 Reply 0 Likes

Since the time of the pharaohs, Egyptians have raised nets every autumn along the Mediterranean, to capture golden orioles, nightingales and corncrakes as they wing their way south for the winter. It's an ancient tradition, but in recent years the…Continue

Tags: conservation, Egypt, hunting, birds

'Crazy' Ants Driving Out Fire Ants in Southeast

Started by Dallas the Phallus on Tuesday. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Invasive fire ants have been a thorn in the sides of Southerners for years. But another invasive species, the so-called "crazy" ant — that many describe as being worse — has arrived and is displacing fire ants in several places."When you talk to…Continue

Tags: invasive species, insects, ants

Unusual Offshore Octopods: The See-Through “Glass” Octopus [Video]

Started by Dallas the Phallus on Monday. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Octopuses that live in the deep open ocean are difficult enough to find. But try…Continue

Tags: cephalapods, marine life, octopus, octopods

10 of the cutest endangered species

Started by Steph S.. Last reply by Steph S. on Monday. 2 Replies 1 Like

Conservation competitionWhile all endangered species are worth saving, it…Continue

9 threatened animals of the Southeast

Started by Steph S.. Last reply by Steph S. on Monday. 2 Replies 1 Like

Diverse ecosystemsOne of the most populous areas of the United States,…Continue

The Mystery of the "Immaculately" Conceived Baby Anteater

Started by Steph S.. Last reply by Lillie on Sunday. 4 Replies 0 Likes

By Jen Doll | The Atlantic…Continue

The Desperate Fight to Save the Tasmanian Devil from Extinction

Started by Steph S. on Saturday. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Continue

Meanwhile, in a Chinese Zoo, a Man Bit an Ostrich to Death

Started by Steph S. on Saturday. 0 Replies 0 Likes

Alexander Abad-Santos 41,164 Views Jan 23, 2013You'd think the safest place for…Continue

Madness in the Village of Elephants: 26 Pachyderms Slaughtered

Started by Dallas the Phallus. Last reply by Steph S. on Saturday. 2 Replies 1 Like

Why I hate human greed so much. -- DallasIn the forest clearing locals call the “Village of Elephants,” or Dzanga Bai, 17 heavily armed men arrived on Wednesday, May 8, with AK-47s. They were bound for the observation tower where tourists in the…Continue

Tags: ivory, China, Africa, extinction., poaching

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Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 9:42pm

Comment by Steph S. on January 20, 2013 at 12:20pm: Tony - yes, it is so the seeds are spread further (relative abundance) - the article although about another species, answers the question of the plants role of ecology in the forest.

Comment by Steph S. on January 20, 2013 at 12:17pm: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534702024916
Here is an article discussing the role of the species and their role in the forest.
Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated the increasingly important role of lianas (woody vines) in forest regeneration, species diversity and ecosystem-level processes, particularly in the tropics. Mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of liana species diversity could yield new insights into the maintenance of overall species diversity. Lianas contribute to forest regeneration and competition, not only by competing directly with trees, but also by differentially affecting tree species and thus changing how trees compete among themselves. In addition, they contribute considerably to ecosystem-level processes, such as whole-forest transpiration and carbon sequestration. As the rate of tropical forest disturbance increases, they are likely to increase in relative abundance throughout the tropics and the importance of lianas to many aspects of forest dynamics will grow.

The ecology of lianas and their role in forests

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Volume 17, Issue 5, 1 May 2002, Pages 223-230

Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 12:11pm: I'm thinking easier for all animals to get to, so seeds from the fruit are spread further? The article didn't say.

Comment by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on January 20, 2013 at 12:08pm: Growing fruit on the trunk, interesting. I wonder what the adaptive value might be.

Comment by Steph S. on January 20, 2013 at 11:37am: Tony that Brazilian Grape Tree is beautiful. And yes, plants are an important part of wildlife habitat. Oh that albino Beta fish is so beautiful.

So, many thanks!

I hope everyone is having a relaxing day.

Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 11:21am: I know this isn't exactly wildlife, but I found it fascinating, and wanted to share. Brazilian Grape Tree (also known as Jabuticaba) does not use branches to grow fruits. It grows fruits (and flowers) directly on the trunk.

Fascinating.

Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 2:07am: Albino Betta.

Comment by Steph S. on January 19, 2013 at 10:37am: Tony I just love the horses and the very cool looking butterfly. It is really awesome that the butterfly is transparent.

Thanks very much.