#Conphys
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One of the many peculiar features of the #H5N1 oubreak is that if often leaves gannets with deeply pigmented irises (apparently a known effect of uveitis in this species). In a new paper, Petalas et al. put this effect to good use, as a proxy for monitoring exposure
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
A figure showing photographs of the eyes of three gannets, the upper one barely pigmented, the second one with scattered pigmentation and the lower one heavily pigmented. The first column shows the original image, the second a modified image to highlight the pigmentation and the third column a binarised view of the processed iris, with the percentage of pigmented surface listed. Figure from https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/14/1/coag069/8835758
September 28, 2026 at 8:23 AM
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#HotOffThePress 🔥🖊️“Resource use and associated energy expenditure of African crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) in an urban-forest mosaic landscape” 🦅🏢🌲

Sept 2026. Conservation Physiology. L. Howard, @varalikajain.bsky.social ... & @pesumas.bsky.social

academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Resource use and associated energy expenditure of African crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) in an urban-forest mosaic landscape
Abstract. Rapid urbanization is a major driver of global change, making it increasingly important to understand how wildlife persists in highly transformed
doi.org
September 25, 2026 at 3:33 PM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
✳️ Special issue open for submission ✳️

We are inviting submissions to a new #SpecialIssue on wildlife endocrinology, in collaboration with the International Society for Wildlife Endocrinology.

Full details here ➡️ academic.oup.com/conphys/page...
September 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
We are happy to be sponsoring the Lund Thermal Biology symposium and #Conphys workshop. The workshop will be run by our current and former Editors in Chief @andreafuller.bsky.social and @sjcfishy.bsky.social along with @patricepottier.bsky.social & Natalie Briscoe.
cyanistesnord.bsky.social Andreas Nord @cyanistesnord.bsky.social · Sep 8
Interested in animals and temperature? 🗻🏜🐦🦭

Join the Third Lund Thermal Biology Symposium 27-29 Oct. Talks range social sciences and medicine to evolutionary biology and physiology. Workshop in conservation physiology on 30 Oct. All free. Travel grants. Register 👇
www.biology.lu.se/lundthermal2026
Animal health, reproduction and survival in the age of humans 27–29 October 2026
Lund University.
www.biology.lu.se
September 8, 2026 at 3:54 PM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

Yellowfin tuna feeding varies by location.

This #BioLogging study uses electronic tagging to show differences in energy intake across the tropical Pacific, explaining size variation and informing conservation.

Find out more here⬇️
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September 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites give a non-invasive view of wildlife stress.

This study validated three FGMs in hedgehogs, pinpointing one as the best marker of health and welfare, which could be a promising new tool for conservation.🦔

Read more ⬇️
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August 31, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

Impacts of climate change are hard to predict in birds and bats.🐦️🦇

This #Review examines approaches to predict thermal vulnerability and gaps in our understanding of heat management which could guide conservation as temperatures rise.

Read below⬇️
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Mechanistic insights into avian and chiropteran thermal risk exposure in a warming world
Abstract. Climate change threatens biodiversity by challenging animals’ ability to balance energy and water budgets, across timescales ranging from (i) acu
academic.oup.com
August 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

The second of two companion reviews: how animals survive shifting-sand deserts, providing key insights for conservation.🦎

🌡️💧How do they breathe, fuel, and retain water in such extremes?

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academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Physiology and the future of animals in shifting-sand deserts: respiration, energetics and water balance
Abstract. The many invertebrates and reptiles of the shifting-sand deserts, and their rare mammals, live in and on the sand. Their conservation requires a
academic.oup.com
August 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

The first of two companion reviews: understanding survival of animals in shifting-sand deserts for conservation of these species.🦎

This review explores movement and thermal tolerance of animals in their sandy fortress.
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Physiology and the future of animals in shifting-sand deserts: living, moving and thermoregulating in the sand
Abstract. The conservation of the animals of the shifting-sand deserts requires a thorough understanding of the physiological mechanisms that not only enab
academic.oup.com
August 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

Methods predicting responses of ectotherms to climate change which minimally disturb their behaviour need to be developed.

This #Toolbox study tests a non-invasive way to measure body temperature in hatchling desert tortoises. 🐢

Full article ⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Validating infrared thermography for non-invasive estimation of internal body temperature in hatchling Mojave desert tortoises
Abstract. Quantifying thermoregulatory parameters, such as preferred and realized body temperatures, is essential for predicting ectotherm responses to cli
academic.oup.com
August 24, 2026 at 8:01 AM
andreafuller.bsky.social
Our editorial: academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Tips and tricks for writing constructive peer reviews
Peer review has been the cornerstone of scientific inquiry for centuries and is considered the backbone of scientific quality and rigour (Spier, 2002). Des
academic.oup.com
August 21, 2026 at 3:49 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

New paper: A new blood screening method for Australian pelicans could help track health and population stability as climate change impacts their wetland habitats.

Discover more ⬇️
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Haematological and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for free-ranging Australian pelicans
The aim of this study was to establish haematological and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for free-ranging adult and pre-fledged juvenile Australia
academic.oup.com
August 20, 2026 at 8:01 AM
marcofesta.bsky.social
Hot sheep! Prentice: desert bighorn body temp lowers by 4˚C while drinking water. Males lower temperature by 0.2˚C for the rut, possibly to keep testes cool. Sheep with greater temp variability more likely to die 🧪 academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
August 19, 2026 at 1:07 PM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

Poor thermoregulation signals physiological stress in mammals.

This #BioLogging special issue study introduces a novel biologger to track body temperature in desert sheep, linking stress to mortality risk: a promising tool for conservation physiology.
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academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
August 19, 2026 at 8:01 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
Pollutants from agricultural runoff can disrupt freshwater fish physiology.

This study shows some contaminants disrupt hormonal signalling in eastern mosquitofish, diverting energy to reproduction at the expense of immune function.

Find out more ⬇️
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Androgenic agricultural pollution suppresses immune function and alters reproductive allocation in eastern mosquitofish
Abstract. Anthropogenic pollution poses a serious threat to wildlife. Particularly concerning are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their abilit
academic.oup.com
August 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
Faecal immunoglobin A is a non-invasive biomarker of immune function in mammals.

This #Review shows how IgA can assess health, welfare and disease risk in zoo and wild mammals, while stressing that context is key for interpretation.🐒 🐘

Read here⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Faecal immunoglobulin A as a non-invasive biomarker of mucosal immunity and health in zoo and wild mammals
Abstract. Non-invasive biomarkers of immune function are increasingly important for assessing health, welfare and disease risk in zoo and wild mammals, par
academic.oup.com
August 13, 2026 at 8:01 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
Keep calm and carry on:

🦈Greenland 'sleeper' sharks rarely encounter humans, making them vulnerable to man-made stress.🦈

This #ConsPhysinAction study measured catch-and-release responses, revealing a strong resilience and calm nature.

Read more⬇️
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Greenland sharks keep their cool under fishing pressure
Hidden under the Arctic ice lives the world’s oldest vertebrate, the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus). Quietly patrolling beneath the waves, these
academic.oup.com
August 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social

🦞Climate change and bait shortages are reshaping lobster diets and thermal stress in the Gulf of Maine.

This study shows temperature–diet effects on metabolism, stress tolerance, and survival. Bait guidelines are critical.

Full article ⬇️
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Thermal acclimation and meal item shape postprandial aerobic performance in the American lobster (Homarus americanus)
Abstract. Rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine and shifts in bait usage in Maine’s lobster industry are altering the thermal and nutritional landscapes for A
academic.oup.com
August 5, 2026 at 8:01 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
💡Nighttime artificial light is affecting coastal life.

🐟️ This study reveals that fish exposed to artificial light show metabolic changes which increase their predation risk.🐟️

Read here⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Artificial light at night suppresses the metabolic response of a coral reef fish to a virtual predator
Abstract. Artificial light at night is an increasingly widespread feature of coastal environments and is known to alter animal physiology, but its effects
academic.oup.com
August 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM
lbejder1971.bsky.social
How off the press: Hollers et al. quantify the energetic consequences of going from rest to non-resting in humpback whales. Super helpful when evaluating impacts of disturbance academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...

www.mmrphawaii.org/post/new-pub... @conphysjournal.bsky.social
New publication: Energetic benefits of resting behaviour in humpback whale mother–calf pairs revealed by biologging and UAS-photogrammetry
We are excited to share our newest publication in Conservation Physiology on humpback whale mother-calf energetics written by PhD candidate Gussie Hollers and coauthors! Link to the full paper: doi.or...
www.mmrphawaii.org
August 1, 2026 at 3:50 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
🐋 New #BioLogging article:

Human disturbance and ecosystem changes are driving higher energy depletion in humpback whale mother–calf pairs, raising concerns for whale health and population recovery.

Read here⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
July 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
Physiological monitoring is key to understanding animal responses to environmental stress.

This #toolbox study tests implantable biologgers in guanacos, highlighting why species-specific device choice matters for both welfare and data quality.

Read here ⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
Assessing the potential of subcutaneous biologging tools for physiological monitoring in a large terrestrial mammal, the Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
Abstract. Physiological responses of animals to environmental and anthropogenic stressors are fundamental to effective conservation and wildlife management
academic.oup.com
July 28, 2026 at 8:01 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
Live-traded aquatic animals like shrimp face fluctuating, stressful conditions during transport.

This review highlights how ecophysiological approaches can drive more ethical and sustainable aquaculture practices.

Read the full article ⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
An ecophysiological approach to improving health outcomes of ornamental shrimp during aquarium trade and transportation
Abstract. Ecophysiology examines the interactions between an organism’s physiology and its environment. It seeks to understand how an organism functions an
academic.oup.com
July 23, 2026 at 8:00 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
Reusing your own text - efficient or unethical?

Check out our new editorial exploring the ethics, limits, and implications of text recycling. 🖥️

With expert contributions from @andreafuller.bsky.social @kruthsatz.bsky.social & editorial staff

Read here⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
July 21, 2026 at 9:15 AM
conphysjournal.bsky.social
How do we test fish thermal tolerance on a warming planet?

Our latest #Perspective article examines current methods, and the authors propose more ecologically relevant alternatives.

Dive in⬇️
academic.oup.com/conphys/arti...
The relevance and application of measures of thermal tolerance to fish ecology, conservation and aquaculture
Abstract. Over the past 20 years, the fish research community has invested considerable effort into measuring the thermal tolerance limits of many freshwat
academic.oup.com
July 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM