A new study suggests that fencing in dryland ecosystems may disrupt migration pathways and reduce wildlife populations. Conservationists are calling for policies to evaluate the effectiveness of fences in protecting wildlife and balancing human interests.
A US Forest Service-led study found that 195 out of 201 bird and mammal species in northwest Alaska could face habitat loss or gain due to climate change. The research projects up to 52% of species may experience habitat expansion, while 45% will see contractions.
A study by University of Georgia ecologists found that supplemental feeding can affect the spread of infectious diseases in wildlife, with some pathogens increasing transmission and others reducing it. The study provides practical suggestions for wildlife disease management and a roadmap for future research.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that rural landowners who hunt and bird watch are more likely to engage in conservation efforts. These individuals, often referred to as 'hunter/bird watchers,' were found to be eight times more likely to participate in conservation actions than non-recreationists.
A new study by Clemson University and Cornell University found that birdwatchers are about five times as likely to engage in wildlife and habitat conservation as non-recreationists. Hunters were also found to be four times more likely to participate in conservation efforts. These findings suggest a strong connection between wildlife re...
A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology found that fully protected 'no-take zones' would have greater benefits for wildlife and fisheries than limited-take zones. Researchers propose a compromise between no-take and limited-take zones to balance ecological and economic objectives.
Researchers found that Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL) has little effect on bird, bat, and large mammal populations in Central Guyanese rainforests. RIL is a cost-effective option for timber companies to ensure long-term sustainability of biodiversity-rich tropical forests.
A study by University of Oxford researchers exposes shortcomings in the 'index-calibration' method used in tiger and rare wildlife surveys. The team found that this approach can produce inaccurate results, especially with high uncertainty in detection rates. They suggest alternative methods to improve conservation efforts.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that spiny lobsters are abundant and support local fisheries. The study recommends increasing the size limit to make the fishery more sustainable.
Researchers identified 32% of parasites found in rats also infecting humans, highlighting the importance of habitat overlap and species relationships. The study developed a new modeling approach to forecast parasitic infections and disease emergence globally.
A new report by UCSB researchers highlights the alarming rate of marine animal extinctions, driven by industrial activities such as factory farming and seafloor mining. Climate change is also degrading marine habitats, posing a significant threat to ocean wildlife.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that human behaviors, such as disturbance, may be driving changes to bird communities in residential areas. Despite contrasting geographies, exurban development appeared to have similar effects on birds in two regions, with some species benefiting and others negatively impacted.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that contact between humans and virus-infected bats may have originated the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The researchers found no evidence of larger wildlife being the source of infection, expanding the range of possible Ebola virus sources to insectivorous free-tailed bats.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global found that volunteers can accurately identify individual Andean bears after learning their unique markings. The study's success allows for citizen scientist engagement in species conservation, supporting the zoo's mission to bring endangered species back from extinction.
A new study reveals that citizen science projects increase environmental awareness, knowledge, and skills among participants, who often become advocates for conservation efforts.
A new study shows that citizen science projects contribute to direct impacts on conservation, including shift in formal professions, initiation of new organizations, and influencing social circles towards the cause. Volunteer participation has also been found to increase knowledge and concern for wildlife rooted in science.
Researchers used high-tech solutions to identify and relocate problem tigers in India, reducing human-wildlife conflict near protected areas. The stripe-matching software and individual histories helped make informed decisions on handling conflict-prone big cats.
The study highlights the top 10 ways remote sensing can be used in conservation, including species distribution, ecosystem processes, and climate change. The authors hope to jumpstart a new collaborative initiative that provides guidance for space agencies and partners on advancing wildlife protection and protected area management.
A Michigan State University study explores how attitudes about knowledge and power drive the wolf debate, identifying four themes: mistrust among decision-makers, special interest groups disenfranchising voters, political influencers overriding science, and local sources of information being ignored.
A study of US national wildlife refuge management plans reveals that while some show promise in adapting to climate change, many lack specific criteria for evaluating success. The authors highlight the need for improved planning and coordination to effectively address climate-related challenges.
A new study suggests that electrofishing can effectively remove non-native Brook Trout from small Rocky Mountain streams, preserving native Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations. The method involves using electrical shock to target and remove specific unwanted species, reducing impacts on native fish and macro-invertebrates.
Researchers create a new tool to study Ebola virus in wildlife using fecal samples, providing insights into the virus' distribution and potentially changing disease understanding. The method detects antibodies against Ebola virus in ape feces, suggesting some apes survive exposure.
A study comparing the Wolong Nature Reserve in China and Chitwan National Park in Nepal highlights the importance of considering human dynamics in conservation efforts. By understanding how people and wildlife interact, scientists can develop more effective policies for protecting endangered species like tigers and pandas.
A recent study published in Oryx, a conservation journal, indicates that lowland tapir populations in French Guiana are at risk despite recent hunting restrictions. The research highlights the need for additional restrictions to ensure the long-term survival of this vulnerable species.
Research suggests that wildlife corridors can facilitate the spread of invasive species, such as one type of fire ant, by creating connected habitats. The study found that polygyne fire ants, which are poorly dispersing, benefited from corridors, increasing their abundance and negatively impacting native ant diversity.
A new species of cetacean, the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis), has been officially named by researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Clymene Enterprises. The discovery provides taxonomic clarity to a previously taxonomically confused group of marine mammals.
A review of climate change impacts on species and ecosystems reveals a gap in conservation science focusing on indirect effects, such as seasonal changes and extreme weather events. Most studies (89%) exclusively examine direct threats, with no studies solely focusing on indirect threats.
A new policy paper highlights how declining wildlife populations drive violent conflicts, organized crime, and child labor worldwide. Biologists must join forces with experts from various fields to address this complex challenge.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society experts reveals that wildlife loss leads to conflict among people worldwide. The research highlights the link between biodiversity decline and exploitative labor practices, violence, and organized crime.
A new mathematical model helps understand how resource provisioning affects wildlife disease, with findings that more food doesn't always lead to better health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex interactions between food availability, immune defense, and disease transmission.
A study published in PLOS ONE uses satellite images to estimate polar bear population sizes, finding similar results to aerial and ground surveys. The technology holds promise for tracking Arctic wildlife, despite logistical challenges.
A team of researchers combined 3D technologies with advanced range estimator tools to provide detailed data on wildlife species' range and movements. This project utilized the San Diego Supercomputer Center's resources to create highly detailed data sets and visualizations, enabling faster calculations and improved accuracy.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers maps cultural ecosystem services to guide landscape-level natural resource management. Key findings include environmental quality, accessibility, and fish abundance as primary factors influencing angler enjoyment, with social capacity low in coastal plain areas.
Researchers found that Indiana bats make social contacts during foraging and that these connections can influence their roosting behavior. The study suggests that social dynamics play a crucial role in the survival of this endangered species.
A new smartphone-based system, WVC Reporter, increased reporting efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced data visualization. Reports using the app produced more accurate locations, were entered quicker, and had a lower data entry error rate than manual reports.
Researchers tracked two consecutive years of zebra migrations between Chobe River in Namibia and Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana, covering a straight-line distance of 250km (500km round-trip). The findings highlight the importance of trans-frontier conservation areas in preserving great terrestrial migrations.
Research by UCSB professor Hillary Young finds that large wildlife decline leads to an increase in rodent populations, resulting in more fleas and a higher risk of human disease. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting large and at-risk wildlife species to mitigate this risk.
The loss of large wildlife has been directly correlated with a significant increase in rodents and zoonotic diseases dangerous to humans. The study suggests that conservation efforts could help mitigate the problem of rodent-borne diseases.
Researchers analyzed breeding bird surveys for 40 songbird species over 35 years and found they shifted either northward or to higher elevation in response to climate change. This suggests previous studies may have underestimated the effects of environmental warming by only looking at one factor.
A new study by Stanford researchers challenges the long-accepted island biogeography theory, which predicts a decline in species abundance in fragmented landscapes. Instead, they found that farmland and forest remnants in human-dominated landscapes can support higher species diversity and slow extinction rates.
A recent review by EcoHealth Alliance calls for enhanced global surveillance to prevent future outbreaks of Ebola and other filoviruses. The organization's research suggests that focusing on wildlife, particularly bats, rodents, and non-human primates, is crucial in predicting and preventing local outbreaks.
A 20-year study found greatly reduced green turtle catch rates in Nicaragua's legal, artisanal fishery, likely resulting from over-fishing. The catch rates declined by 56% over two decades, posing a concern for conservationists and local communities.
The Mozambique Channel is identified as a priority for protection due to its high coral richness and sensitive species. The study found that northern reef systems in the channel are better protected from climate change and human pressures.
The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Alliance has found that lead poisoning is the primary cause of death in wild California condor populations. This finding highlights the need for conservation efforts to address widespread lead contamination in the environment.
Fencing for wildlife conservation has costs, including the loss of predators and other species, which can lead to further local extinctions. Alternative approaches, such as improved animal husbandry and community-based crop-guarding, can be more effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Fencing can disrupt predator-prey dynamics and limit access for migratory herbivores. The Zoological Society of London argues that fencing should be reconsidered as a conservation tool, prioritizing connected environments over physical barriers.
A data-driven approach has been developed to maximize the effectiveness of limited enforcement resources in protecting Africa's threatened wildlife. The method uses spatial planning software to identify weaknesses in current efforts and redirect patrols to increase deterrence, with a potential cost reduction of up to 63%.
African wildlife faces devastating effects from pesticide use, with a new study uncovering widespread killing of species. The research calls for regional centers to identify hotspots and promote chemical testing, education, and public engagement to combat poisoning.
A study reveals that US military helicopters are vulnerable to bird strikes, with 2,511 recorded incidents across the services. The majority of strikes involved birds, with a high number of incidents reported in Florida, New Mexico, and Georgia.
A recent study found that Burmese pythons present a low risk to people in Everglades National Park, with all reported incidents involving biologists being minor and non-fatal. The study suggests that pythons may abort strikes upon realizing the size of their potential prey, indicating they can assess size mid-strike.
A survey of Malagasy fishing villages found that most fishers support gear restrictions but are less supportive of protected areas and species restrictions. The study suggests an implementation approach prioritizing widely accepted restrictions to increase compliance with current and future fisheries regulations.
A new species of Stone Oak has been discovered in the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand. The species, Lithocarpus orbicarpus, is a medium to small tree with unique spherical acorns covered in dense scales.
A new paper proposes banning lead shot in Olympic shooting events to prevent wildlife poisoning and health threats to surface and groundwater. Non-toxic substitutes like steel shot have been available for two decades.
New data shows a continued decline of African forest elephants, with 65% lost between 2002 and 2013. The poaching rate is alarming, with 9% per year, resulting in over 96 elephants killed daily.
Researchers analyzed eight oil-soaked sand patties collected along Gulf shores, finding large amounts of water-repelling hydrocarbons that can harm wildlife. The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of persisting oil remnants and improve understanding of their toxicity.
A new paper provides recommendations for conserving migratory wildlife that inhabit U.S. national parks, leveraging diverse scientific expertise. Key findings highlight the importance of protected areas and public engagement in safeguarding long-distance species movements.
A recent study by Royal Holloway and the Natural History Museum revealed thousands of pieces of plastic submerged in the Thames Estuary, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The discovery highlights the vast amount of hidden waste flowing through London, with potential impacts on wildlife in seas that rivers feed into.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that protecting Fiji's forests near the sea is crucial for preserving coral reefs. The study found that terrestrial protected areas benefit both land and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the importance of integrated planning.
Conflicts between humans and wildlife in Serengeti National Park increase despite efforts to protect the environment and local communities. Research suggests that education and support are crucial for preventing attacks on livestock and crops.
The lab, a joint initiative between EcoHealth Alliance and Sabah Wildlife Department, will analyze wildlife health and genetic research, as well as assist in combating the spread of diseases. The facility is part of the USAID-PREDICT Project, aiming to strengthen public health work and protect the region's economic health.