25 September 2023 · First online (indexed publication record)
Emilio Guirado, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Blas M Benito and colleagues
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · Global environmental survey
A global survey identified fairy-circle-like vegetation patterns across multiple dryland regions, extending the discussion beyond the best-known examples in Namibia and Australia.
Method and scope
The study mapped 263 sites across 15 countries and compared climatic, soil and biological factors associated with the patterns.
What to keep in mind
Similar geometry does not guarantee one formation mechanism everywhere. Regional ecology and the difference between confirmed circles and lookalike patterns matter.
Original paper & source
Read the original source record →
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304032120
Related publication or contrasting perspective →
Indexed original abstract, citation and linked publication-status metadata reviewed through Europe PMC; full text not assessed. UKPX reference added and checked 7 November 2026. The date above belongs to the paper.