New research reveals that evidence of animal deaths after prescribed burns can disappear in under two weeks, significantly underestimating the true toll of fire on wildlife. Conducting wildlife surveys immediately after fires is essential to accurately assess the impact of prescribed burning on biodiversity and animal welfare.
The ESA's 2026 Annual Meeting will present new findings on wildlife ecology, focusing on the ecological relationships between animals, habitats, and human activities. Researchers will examine topics such as predator recovery, species declines, and rewilding, highlighting how wildlife ecology informs conservation strategies.
Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.
A team of wildlife health experts and surgeons from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and UC San Diego Health performed a groundbreaking mastoidectomy on Mizani, a 12-year-old western lowland gorilla. The procedure successfully treated an infection that had spread into portions of his skull, allowing him to make a full recovery.
The University of North Florida Institute of Environmental Research and Education is assessing the impact of road-stream crossings on river systems. The project aims to improve aquatic connectivity and strengthen coastal resilience, providing valuable insights for regional planning and flood hazard reduction.
The partnership aims to leverage SDSU's technology transfer expertise to commercialize innovations from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's research, conservation, and wildlife care initiatives. This collaboration will help translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions for society and wildlife populations.
The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK) improves conservation-led veterinary medicine by providing accessible diagnostic infrastructure. The lab, established through a collaborative partnership, serves the northern Kenya landscape and enhances the country's national wildlife health infrastructure.
A new automatic detection algorithm uses AI to spot commonly-smuggled sea creatures like shark fins, seahorses, and sea cucumbers with 92% accuracy. The system integrates into 3D scanners to help identify potential shipments for investigation.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that drought conditions in the Southwest have reduced the suitable habitat for herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores by at least 10%. The analysis of 12 years of data from GPS collars on mule deer, black bears, and cougars showed that drought is negatively impacting life across Utah a...
Scientists analyzed GPS tracking data from 37 animal species paired with cellphone location data to reveal how humans impact wildlife. The study found that 57% of species were impacted by human presence and landscape modification, with varied responses between species.
A new study found that wildlife responds to both direct human presence and landscape changes, such as agriculture and urbanization. The researchers tracked 37 species across the US using GPS devices and mobile phone data, finding that over 65% of species changed their behavior in response to human presence.
A large-scale study reveals that human presence is a major ecological force shaping wildlife behavior, with 65% of species affected by direct human activity. This has significant implications for conservation efforts, as it highlights the need to consider the impact of human presence on wildlife habitats and interactions.
Researchers at Washington State University and Google developed an AI system that can process hundreds of thousands to millions of camera trap images in just a few days, reducing analysis time from months to days. The results aligned with human experts' models in roughly 85-90% of cases, making it a significant breakthrough for conserv...
A study found that megafires force prairie grouse into sub-optimal habitats, including smaller patches near cropland. This can lead to reduced persistence and habitat quality for the species.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz are using eDNA to create a comprehensive biodiversity assessment tool, adding a broad biodiversity assessment to statewide management of freshwater ecosystems. The project aims to provide faster monitoring and a clearer picture of stream health across California's diverse watersheds.
A new study uses local news to assess wildlife poaching in Romania, revealing the roe deer as the most frequently poached mammal. The research highlights a darker side of human-wildlife conflict and underscores the need for community mindset shift and policy reform.
A global study led by UBC researchers found that pet cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats. The study analyzed data from over 174,000 cats across 88 countries and identified nearly 100 pathogens that can infect humans.
A new Northern White Rhino embryo has been successfully produced, boosting hopes for the species' survival. The BioRescue Consortium's work has also underscored the importance of public engagement, communication, and ethical reflection in wildlife conservation.
Researchers discovered highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife samples, including foxes and birds, indicating potential early warning system for AMR spread. The study highlights the need for environmental interventions to prevent resistance from reaching clinical settings.
Five early-career scientists have been named recipients of the 2026 BioOne Ambassador Award for their ability to communicate complex research to diverse audiences. The winners, recognized for their outstanding research in fields like wildlife conservation and botany, will receive a $1,000 award and have their work showcased.
A study led by Cleo Bertelsmeier found that wild mammals traded for pets, meat, or fur are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans. The risk is higher when species are traded illegally or alive.
A new study links global wildlife trade to increased transmission of human-infecting pathogens, with traded mammals 40% more likely to harbor these diseases. The duration of species in trade amplifies this risk, suggesting cross-species transmission is inherent to the trade.
Research conducted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Save the Elephants found that elephants' gut microbiomes shifted significantly when sharing habitat with livestock. Microbes commonly found in livestock became more abundant, while beneficial microbes decreased.
The partnership aims to boost conservation impact by harnessing advanced digital technology and biobanking techniques, focusing on three core areas: knowledge transfer, innovation, and student engagement. This collaboration seeks to address pressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity threats and emerging pathogens.
The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) aims to tackle the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, safeguarding wildlife and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on improving data, strengthening laws, engaging communities, and raising awareness.
A study analyzing dragonfly larvae found moderate to high-risk mercury sites across 30 US National Wildlife Refuges, posing threats to fish, wildlife, and human health. The research provides baseline measurements for tracking change and informs future management actions to reduce mercury bioaccumulation.
A global review of 32 wildlife management projects found that empowering women leads to improved species recovery, habitat restoration, and reduced poaching. Women's unique insights and knowledge, often overlooked in conservation research, are essential for effective community-based wildlife management.
A recent study found that public perceptions of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in wildlife conservation differ across EU countries. While respondents generally accepted ART as a complementary strategy to address biodiversity loss, there was variation in attitudes towards innovative approaches. The study highlighted the import...
A Stanford University study reveals that brain activity can forecast which wildlife images inspire people to engage online and donate to conservation causes. Socioemotional features, such as visible faces or cues encouraging emotional connections, play a key role in driving engagement.
A study using brain imaging identified the social and emotional features of wildlife photos that predict engagement on social media. The analysis found that animal faces and evolutionarily similar species in images boosted engagement and predicted actual likes on Instagram.
Research reveals fire-footed rope squirrels are a natural reservoir for the monkeypox virus, with evidence of interspecies transmission detected in Côte d'Ivoire. The study underscores the need for awareness among humans interacting with wildlife and deeper understanding of MPXV ecology to develop effective prevention measures.
A new study suggests that strategically removing sections of fencing in southern Africa could make both livestock and wildlife safer. The researchers found that the overall risk estimates of diseases were generally low, and removing fences may not increase the risk of pathogens crossing over.
Researchers analyzed over 25,000 YouTube comments on wildlife videos to find only 2% calling for conservation efforts. Despite the low number, experts believe there is an opportunity for improved conservation messaging on social media.
The high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 has caused the death of over 50 skuas in Antarctica, marking the first documented case of wildlife mortality due to the virus on the continent. The study found that the virus was primarily affecting the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
The partnership aims to support conservation genetics efforts globally by sequencing up to 4,000 unique animal samples across 1,300 species. The project will provide valuable genomic insights to inform conservation management decisions and promote ecological resilience.
A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
A study by researchers at UCLA and UC Davis found that climate change leads to more reported clashes with wildlife during droughts. The study analyzed data from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Incident Reporting database and found a 2-3% increase in conflicts for every inch of decreased annual rainfall.
A new study found that investing $7 per Ontarian in eight conservation strategies could help 75% of at-risk species recover. The strategies include habitat protection, wildlife management, and invasive species control, with a potential cost of less than one-tenth of Ontario's provincial budget.
A new study reveals the deep connection between wildlife trafficking and other serious crimes, including arms dealing and human smuggling. By mapping these intersections, researchers can focus on key players driving global networks, boosting anti-trafficking interventions.
A new Oxford-led study reveals Africa's wildlife ecosystems are running on less than two-thirds of their natural energy, posing risks to biodiversity and the livelihoods that depend on it. The research uses an ecosystem energetics approach to quantify how energy flows through food webs, finding that smaller species now dominate Africa'...
Spanish photographer Jon A Juárez's winning photo documents the world's first successful embryo transfer in southern white rhinos, offering renewed hope for saving its critically endangered northern relative. The successful transfer was a proof of concept allowing to safely move to the transfer of northern white rhino embryos.
A community-managed forest in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve supports a rich variety of medium-to-large mammals and birds comparable to those in protected national parks. However, some vulnerable species avoid areas with high human access, revealing subtle, cryptic disturbances that ripple through the forest.
A recent study found that 97% of scientists agree chemicals can impact wildlife behavior, yet only 30% of industry respondents support behavioral tests in chemical safety assessments. The researchers advocate for consistent testing methods and better cooperation between sectors to address the risks.
Researchers developed ECODATA, an open-source tool for exploring animal movements in the wild by creating animations that help ecologists study animal movement, climate change and conservation efforts. The software combines direct wildlife location observations with complex remote sensing data to create customizable maps.
Recent studies using portable nanopore sequencing technologies document and sequence Amazonian wildlife, increasing representation of Peruvian species in global genetic libraries. This initiative empowers conservationists to generate their own data, making informed decisions to combat species extinction.
A serological survey found antibodies against the virus in over 2% of cattle and wildlife samples in southern continental France. The detection highlights the risk of zoonotic transmission and underscores the need for further investigation into explanatory factors.
Researchers develop a framework for biologging-based surveillance to detect disease outbreaks in wildlife, providing insights into the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian flu and COVID-19. The approach aims to revolutionize public health interventions by enabling early detection and proactive prevention.
A new AI-powered satellite survey reveals a significant shortfall in estimated Serengeti wildebeest numbers, challenging traditional aerial surveys. The study's findings suggest at least 700,000 fewer wildebeest than previously estimated, highlighting the need for accurate data to inform conservation efforts.
The BioRescue consortium has produced 38 pure northern white rhino embryos, including three new ones, and initiated embryo transfers with southern white rhino mothers. The team is using cutting-edge assisted reproduction and stem cell technologies to restore the species.
A new study shows that mixing mice from different populations can create genetically healthier populations, increasing survival and reproductive success. The research challenges common perceptions about the risks of outbreeding depression, highlighting the benefits of genetic rescue in conservation programs.
A new study reveals how US national parks influence wildlife behavior, with some species avoiding humans while others adapt to developement, affecting ecological dynamics and conservation efforts.
A new study by Dr. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal presents an integrative approach to wildlife forensics, combining advanced genetic tools with local databases to solve complex environmental crimes involving multiple species. This method demonstrates the ability to identify species, trace their origins, and confirm criminal activity beyond reason...
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
A new study by Griffith University highlights the need to rethink wildlife tourism and move away from objectifying animals. The researchers argue that even non-consumptive wildlife tourism can result in harm if it distorts public perception of animals.
A new analysis reveals that religion, politics, and war can drive evolutionary changes in urban wildlife, leading to population differences and genetic drift. The study's findings have implications for city planning and management, highlighting the need for researchers to record changes as they happen using digital technology.
A comprehensive inventory of wildlife species dependent on rangelands has been published by Montana State University. The study identifies over 1,066 species that rely on these ecosystems for survival, with 33 endangered and vulnerable species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
A study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals how AI can help combat global wildlife trafficking by identifying key airport nodes. Researchers analyzed nearly 2,000 airports and predicted 307 potentially involved airports, including two US airports that had not been previously flagged. The model also identified signif...