Page 2 - Erick Lundgren News Today

It’s hard not to find the curious, fuzzy-eared equids endearing. Many do. But they can also mow down vegetation, stomp on the homes of native species and even disrupt military operations.

Feral donkeys are considered invasive in Death Valley National Park, but new research shows increased predation by mountain lions could help balance the treasured ecosystem.

Mountain lions play an important role in the Death Valley ecosystem by preying on the introduced species

"Despite the smaller body size of mountain lions compared to extinct big cats, they are still capable of learning how to hunt these introduced equids."

"Cougar predation appears to rewire an ancient food web, with diverse implications for modern ecosystems."

Scientists have discovered that cougars have taken the place of saber tooth tigers and dire wolves in the food chain.

One reason why many environmentalists consider these populations to be unwelcome pests and why the federal government spends millions of dollars annually eliminating them from the wild is because they are believed to lack predators that can hunt them.

When they sense predatory birds, voles cut grass to get a better view of where the birds might strike from, reports a group of experts at universities in China, Florida and Exeter.

Here are our editors’ picks for the most compelling wildlife findings of the year, from ants that can regrow their brains to the world’s tiniest reptile.

Field ecologist Erick Lundgren will share his knowledge and talk about his extensive work about the benefits wild horses and burros bring to the environment.