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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London reveals that the Sahara has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its wildlife populations. Over 14 desert species have declined, with many becoming regionally extinct or confined to small areas of their historical range.
A new study found that only 28% of the bonobo's range is suitable for the great ape, and most areas with high human activity are avoided. The research team identified distance from agricultural areas as the most important predictor of bonobo presence.
A 10-year study on national wildlife refuges found frog abnormalities at less than 2% overall rate, but higher rates in specific 'hotspots'. The study suggests that these hotspots have local causes and can recover over time.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has improved African basket traps with escape gaps, reducing bycatch and increasing fish size. The new design caught larger fish while allowing undersized and non-target species to escape.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and others confirms the existence of two subspecies of Bryde's whales, one coastal and one offshore, with distinct genetic characteristics. The research informs the need to designate both subspecies as separate conservation units with specific management needs.
A study spanning two decades reveals that species in forest fragments are more likely to disappear than previously thought. Habitat fragmentation and invasive species like the Malayan field rat contribute to the rapid decline of native wildlife populations.
Scientists have created a vulnerability map to help governments and organizations invest in protected area establishment and restoration efforts in the most vulnerable regions. The map assesses ecosystems' intactness and stability under future climate change predictions, identifying southern Asia, Europe, and Australia as high-risk areas.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 unknown viral agents in mammals alone, potentially causing emerging diseases like SARS and Ebola. The study provides a new strategy to identify total viral diversity and estimate costs of discovery.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that 13 species of crocodilians consume fruit, including berries and legumes. The researchers suggest that these animals may function as significant seed dispersal agents in freshwater ecosystems, contributing to forest regeneration.
The loss of Arctic sea ice will have far-reaching ecological consequences, impacting the marine food web and wildlife species that depend on it. Human activity in the region is expected to increase, leading to increased oil spills and other disturbances.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of Minnesota reveals that the world's largest owl relies on old-growth forests for breeding and prey. Large trees provide critical habitats for salmon, supporting the owls' survival.
Researchers highlight climate change's role in spreading infectious diseases, affecting wildlife and agriculture, with potential consequences of extinction and human health risks
A study by Montana State University researchers found that the 25 wildlife crossings on the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff allow grizzly bears to access a prime patch of buffalo berries habitat safely. The crossings also enable bears to move between food, shelter and dispersal areas on both sides of the highway.
Scientists from Wildlife Conservation Society examine implications of economic development and climate change on conserving Myanmar's biodiversity. Recommendations include strengthening protected area systems and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to protect unique biodiversity.
A new study by WCS and Snow Leopard Trust reveals the link between cashmere trade and ecosystem decay in remote Central Asia. The cashmere industry's expansion leads to conflicts with pastoralists, wildlife displacement and even retaliatory killing of iconic species like snow leopards and wild yaks.
The Ecological Society of America examines ways to improve soil, water, and nutrient retention, pollinator support, and pest suppression. Sessions focus on land sharing, global-to-local connections, and resilient future interdependencies between conservation and agriculture.
The study warns that current hunting trends in Central African forests could lead to complete ecological collapse. The authors emphasize the need for sustainable hunting management plans to avoid an environmental catastrophe. Protecting megafauna like elephants and apex predators is crucial to maintaining intact ecosystems.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society establishes a conservation roadmap for Tanzania's 27 primate species, identifying priority areas for protection. The most vulnerable species, including the kipunji and Zanzibar red colobus, require adequate protection to prevent extinction.
Symposia focus on ecological dynamics of infectious diseases, examining human influences on viral and bacterial diseases through landscape alteration. Researchers aim to integrate biomedical and ecological approaches to address public health issues.
Researchers analyzed the social networks of wild chimpanzees to identify key individuals most likely to contract and spread pathogens. High-ranking mothers, juveniles with large families, and high-ranking males were found to be central to the network.
Ekwoge Abwe, a Cameroon conservationist, has won the prestigious Whitley award for his work preserving Ebo Forest and its wildlife. The award recognizes his community-led gorilla conservation initiative, which aims to secure a safe future for endangered species.
Policies in California's Salinas Valley are prioritizing food safety over wildlife habitat, resulting in the destruction of wetlands and riverside areas. The measures, driven by powerful buyers, create unnecessary costs for farmers and harm wildlife, despite low risk from animals.
A Virginia Tech study found that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where human numbers are limited. The research identified the coupled nature of humans, animals, and the environment across landscapes, posing a critical threat to human and animal health.
A new study by WCS-India reveals leopards inhabit landscapes with high human populations and no wilderness, defying conventional conservation strategies. Camera traps captured five adult large carnivores per 100 square kilometers, showcasing adaptability of humans and wildlife to each other's presence.
A recent study suggests that well-managed residential development, such as provided by homeowners associations, can support native wildlife and promote species diversity in suburban neighborhoods. HOAs manage multiple properties, covering larger areas and implementing coordinated urban conservation initiatives.
Conservationists and representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda have joined forces to highlight the plight of threatened wild cheetahs due to the illegal pet trade. The CITES Conference of the Parties has accepted a proposal for a study on the cheetah trade, which could impact the survival of cheetah populations in Africa.
African lion populations face extinction due to human-lion conflicts. Fencing can protect people and wildlife; a global funding agency could fund large-scale fencing projects. The 'Marshall Plan' for African wildlife conservation is proposed by the leading lion researcher.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that homes in neighborhoods with protected open space have sales prices 20-29% higher than those without such features. The 'conservation development' approach protects natural resources while providing social and economic benefits to people.
A new study shows that children can influence their parents' attitudes and behaviors towards the environment through education. The research, conducted in the Seychelles, found that children participating in wildlife clubs increased their parents' knowledge of wetlands and led to more environmentally friendly practices.
The four-year study aims to collect data on eastern brown pelican migrations, demographics, and reproductive success. Researchers will gather data using satellite and GPS transmitters, as well as physical examinations and blood-chemistry profiles to assess body condition and health.
Lowland tapirs, the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, have been found thriving in a protected area spanning five national parks. Camera trap data reveals higher abundance under protection than outside, and estimates at least 14,500 individuals exist, making it one of the continent's most important strongholds for conservation.
Researchers have successfully photographed a male jaguar and an adult male ocelot using automated wildlife monitoring cameras in the Santa Rita Mountains. The images provide clear evidence that the big cats travel between Southern Arizona's mountain ranges, shedding light on their distribution and ecology.
Prominent wildlife biologists advocate for a national network to coordinate state, federal, and private initiatives. The proposed network aims to identify at-risk species, coordinate conservation efforts, and share information to address threats like climate change and novel diseases.
A proposed state-based national conservation-support network aims to improve coordination of resources and planning among states, regions and nationwide. The network would facilitate the resolution of large-scale conservation challenges and advance collaborative conservation.
A new study identifies 27 countries most vulnerable to declining coral reef fisheries, with low-income nations lacking adaptation capacity and middle-income nations sensitive to climate change. The top two countries at risk are Indonesia and Liberia, while Malaysia and Sri Lanka are the least vulnerable.
A new report by Panthera reveals widespread illegal hunting and bushmeat trade in African savannas, posing significant ecological, economic, and social impacts. The report highlights the urgent need for greater efforts to address this issue, or risk losing valuable wildlife resources.
A new study reveals that Indonesia's coral reefs in Aceh are benefiting from the 'Panglima Laot' customary system, which has resulted in higher fish biomass and hard-coral cover due to mutually agreed gear restrictions. The system's success lies in its design principles promoting social harmony and sustainable resource management.
The South Central Climate Science Center has received funding for seven projects, including studies on terrestrial connectivity, marsh types, and submersed aquatic vegetation in the Gulf of Mexico. These projects aim to improve management decisions for wildlife populations and coastal ecosystems.
A free high-tech tool called SMART has been launched to combat wildlife poaching. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool uses GPS data to identify poaching hotspots and enable rapid responses, ultimately maximizing the impact of anti-poaching efforts.
A North Carolina State University survey finds that feral cat management is a contentious issue between 'cat people' and bird conservationists, with differing opinions on the impact of feral cats on wildlife. The study suggests that common ground can be found in caring for animals, and collaborative solutions such as involving cat care...
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a list of Asian species at the conservation crossroads, calling for governments to take immediate action. These species face daunting challenges from habitat loss, hunting, and trade, but WCS believes they can be saved using the 'three R's approach: recognition, responsibility, and recovery.
The Wildlife Conservation Society and partners are calling on governments to take urgent action to save shark and ray species from over-fishing for international trade. Currently, only a handful of species are listed under CITES, but numerous others qualify for protection.
A study finds that citizens do a better job of picking threatened species than the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Citizen-initiated listings are more likely to pose conflicts with development, but those species are also significantly more threatened on average.
A recent study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of the Azores identifies additional risks to coral reefs from pollution and overfishing. The proliferation of microbes, sponges, and worms further degrades corals, highlighting the complexity of reefs and possible solutions.
Researchers deployed a combined sonar system to monitor fish and diving seabirds interacting with tidal turbines. The study aims to understand how water flow and turbulence affect marine wildlife, informing the development of renewable energy structures.
Conservationists hope that Cambodia's vultures can come back from the brink as a study reveals critical steps towards saving these scavengers. The creation of new feeding stations and restoration of wildlife populations represent next important steps in vulture conservation.
Wildlife researchers at UMass Amherst have captured photographs of the rare Sumatran striped rabbit, which may now be found only in two remote national parks on the Indonesian island. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these areas from encroachment and development, which threaten the survival of the species.
A recent study recommends focusing on collecting animal samples from carcasses during Ebola outbreaks, with a 50% success rate compared to less than 6% when sampling live animals. This approach is crucial for early detection and learning more about the virus.