A Gombe Stream National Park study reveals that people are likely exposing endangered primates to Cryptosporidium, a parasite that may be contributing to their decline. The researchers found that some chimpanzees are infected with a species of Cryptosporidium associated with pigs, suggesting cross-species contamination.
A University of Kent study reveals supplemental feeding improves Mauritius parakeet brood productivity, but increases disease susceptibility. Long-term monitoring highlights the importance of evidence-based conservation strategies.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.
Researchers have gathered rare photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah, shedding light on its elusive behavior and habitat requirements. The study's findings suggest that these large cats are more nocturnal, wide-ranging, and occur at lower densities than other cheetahs in Africa.
The study reveals that dam-induced changes in riverine sediment transport lead to reduced oxygen levels, causing hatched pallid sturgeon embryos to die. The research provides vital information for pallid sturgeon conservation and is a significant breakthrough in understanding the species' decline.
A recent study by MSU-led researchers found that oxygen-depleted dead zones between dams in the upper Missouri River are directly linked to the failure of endangered pallid sturgeon hatched embryos to survive to adulthood. This is a major breakthrough in understanding the decline of this species, which can live up to 100 years.
Climate change threatens Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees with drastic habitat loss, including the savanna-woodland habitat of central Cameroon. The subspecies has only about 6,000 individuals in the wild, making it particularly vulnerable to extinction.
Research on endangered monkey species in the Amazon reveals new insights into their diversity and evolutionary history. Genetic analysis shows that some species have distinct groups, while others have smaller habitats threatened by climate change.
A study by Temple University researchers found that an estimated 28,000 endangered Madagascar lemurs are being illegally kept as pets in urban areas, threatening conservation efforts. The trade may drive some species closer to extinction and cause populations to go extinct altogether.
Climate change is expected to surpass ectotherms' capacity for acclimation, leading to catastrophic consequences for biodiversity. The rapid fluctuations in temperature will require animals to function across a broader range of conditions.
Naturally spawned juvenile sockeye are migrating to the ocean and returning as adults at a much higher rate than others released from hatcheries. The analysis indicates that the program to save the species has succeeded in rebuilding populations in the wild, with the species regaining fitness.
Biologists believe the increased return rate of naturally spawned sockeye is high enough for the species to eventually sustain itself in the wild. Naturally spawned fish are returning at rates up to three times higher than those released from hatcheries.
Research suggests that Peruvian coastal waters provide suitable habitat for endangered South Pacific green turtles, with healthy populations found in two sites off the southern and northern coasts. The study highlights the importance of conservation measures to protect these vulnerable species from pollution, bycatch, and illegal catch.
Researchers found that businesses with more natural land cover, such as tall grass and trees, are more welcoming to raptors. Minor landscape changes can attract this wildlife, making areas more suitable for raptor presence.
The Law of the Sea Convention permits researchers to track migratory marine animals using bio-logging techniques without advance permission from coastal nations. This allows for essential conservation data to be collected remotely, but can take too long to obtain consent for some nations' waters.
The critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal has extremely low genetic diversity, which continues to decline due to its isolated population and limited migration. A recent study developed a method to identify individual seals using DNA samples from placentas collected from birth-lair sites.
A new study reveals that slime-producing molecules produced by seaweed aid in the transmission of diseases like Toxoplasma gondii from land animals to sea otters. The parasite can be embedded in particles bound together by these polymers, which are then ingested by marine snails and eventually otters.
A new genetic operating system enabled the emergence of bilateral animal body plans by facilitating the formation of a mesoderm layer, which is absent in radial organisms. This 'operating system' was linked to an ancient protein called TRF2, found in bilateral animals but not non-bilaterian animals.
A new study published in PeerJ found that pollution in urban and farm runoff in Hawaii causes tumors in endangered sea turtles. The researchers discovered that high levels of nitrogen in the runoff promote the formation of tumors on the animals' eyes, flippers, and internal organs.
A new scientific review from UC Davis reports that genetically engineered feed has no impact on animal health and nutrition. The review analyzed nearly 30 years of studies involving over 100 billion animals, finding no differences in the nutritional makeup of meat, milk, or other food products derived from GMO-fed animals.
A new scientific review of genetically engineered feeds in livestock diets concludes that feeding these crops has no impact on the health or productivity of animals. The review examines nearly 30 years worth of data from over 100 billion animals, revealing comparable performance and health between GE-fed and non-GE-fed animals.
Researchers use fossils to reconstruct ancient ecosystems on the Bahamian island of Abaco, where megafauna like crocodiles and tortoises once flourished. The study's findings suggest that reptiles played a dominant role in these ecosystems, providing vital clues for conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting bovine paratuberculosis using lymphatic fluid, which yields more positive results than traditional methods. The test has shown to be effective in identifying infected animals, with about 70% of tested animals being culled from their herds after one year.
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 conservation biologist's study provides crucial guidance for rescuing the critically endangered pupfish by establishing a captive breeding program. The research found that transferring pupfish eggs to a facility in the fall and limiting adult migrations are critical for reducing impact on the wild population.
Rising geothermal water temperatures threaten the Devils Hole pupfish population, with a shortened recruitment period and reduced food availability. Climate change could lead to further decline of this rare species, which has numbered as few as 35 individuals.
A 560-million-year-old fossil discovery in Newfoundland, Canada, has provided the oldest evidence of muscle tissue in animals. The find, named Haootia quadriformis, is a rare example of an Ediacaran animal with bundles of fibres similar to those found in modern cnidarians.
The National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities have awarded over $4 million to support the documentation of nearly 40 endangered languages. These awards will build research infrastructure and encourage long-term collaboration with host countries, as well as involve significant community engagement.
A new species of Hibiscadelphus was discovered in a remote valley on Maui, with over 99 trees found, exceeding all previously known combined. The discovery is a significant contribution to Hawaiian natural history and offers hope for the conservation of this highly endangered plant species.
A new review in Science cautions that the loss and decline of animals are contributing to what appears to be the early days of the planet's sixth mass biological extinction event. Human activity and habitat loss are driving the die-off, with large animals facing the highest rate of decline.
A study reveals that over half of meat sold as bushmeat in Africa is from birds, with large raptors like eagles and vultures being disproportionately consumed. The findings highlight the significant impact of bushmeat trade on endangered species and human health globally.
The Duke Lemur Center has made nearly 50 years of life history data for endangered primates available online. The database contains detailed records of over 3600 animals representing 27 species, including birth and death dates, breeding habits, and health information.
Scientists propose using eDNA sampling to monitor invasive species, save endangered ones and inform policy. The technique has the potential to overcome traditional sampling methods' limitations, including expense and focus on single species.
A new University of Florida study found that great white shark numbers are likely growing and not endangered along the California coast. The research team reanalyzed data from multiple aggregation sites and estimated a total population of at least 2,000 sharks, contradicting earlier claims of alarmingly low numbers.
The public has its first view of a live vampire squid and other deep-sea cephalopods in the ongoing Tentacles special exhibition at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. A collaborative effort with the aquarium's partner institution, MBARI, this exhibit provides new scientific insights into these mysterious animals.
A NOAA regulation has been effective in lowering ship speeds in areas with North Atlantic right whales, helping protect these critically endangered animals from collisions. The policy of notifying speeding vessels resulted in improved compliance rates, especially among cargo vessels.
A study published in Science reveals that eradicating invasive species can sometimes harm endangered ones, such as the California Clapper Rail. The researchers found that slowing down invasive species eradication allows for restoration or natural recovery of the ecosystem, providing suitable habitat for the endangered species.
Researchers from Virginia Tech developed an efficient placement method for acoustic bat detectors to improve species detection and monitoring of endangered bat species impacted by white-nose syndrome. The technique allowed for non-invasive tracking without transferring fungal spores, enabling conservation efforts.
A new study published in Science examines the conflict between invasive species removal and endangered species recovery. Researchers at UC Davis recommend slowing down invasive species eradication to allow restoration or natural recovery of habitats.
A new Ebola vaccine has been successfully tested on captive chimpanzees, producing a robust immune response and showing safety. The researchers argue that this could be a turning point in saving endangered ape species from extinction, but the need for captive chimps testing raises ethical concerns about animal welfare.
Researchers identify two new bacterial causes of pneumonia in chamois, highlighting risk of inter-species transmission with domestic animals. The combination of parasite infestation and harsh winter conditions weakened the immune systems of the affected animals.
A new study suggests that Tanzanian communities are rejecting the traditional practice of rewarding lion hunters for killing non-threatening lions, which could help conserve endangered species.
Researchers challenge FIFA and Brazilian government to protect the critically endangered Caatinga ecosystem and its iconic species, the three-banded armadillo. The authors suggest promoting eco-friendly stadiums and instituting conservation plans for the armadillo's habitat.
Researchers discovered that finches in the Galapagos Islands use treated cotton to kill parasitic fly maggots, protecting baby birds and potentially helping endangered species. The biologists tested this self-fumigation method on Darwin's finches, showing that it is effective against the nest fly Philornis downsi.
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that reading picture books with toddlers exposes them to sophisticated information about animals in a way that allows children to apply this knowledge broadly. Moms use generics and provide facts about animals when reading picture book stories.
Biologists at ASU and Plymouth University suggest non-lethal techniques like high-resolution photography, audio recordings, and DNA sampling can identify species without harming small populations. The researchers aim to minimize the impact of scientific research on endangered animals.
Researchers suggest using non-lethal techniques such as high-resolution photography and DNA sampling to identify species, avoiding harm to small populations. The goal is to balance scientific understanding with conservation concerns and minimize the impact of field collections.
Research reveals that wood-boring clams serve as 'ecosystem engineers,' making organic matter available to other colonizing animals. Larger logs support more diverse communities, while smaller ones have fewer inhabitants.
Post-wildfire stabilization treatment has not helped restore habitat for the greater sage grouse, a critically endangered species in the US Great Basin. The study highlights the challenges of managing non-native plants and climate change in the region, suggesting that recovery time may be longer than previously thought.
Researchers found that giant pandas possess functional sweet taste receptors and show a strong preference for natural sweeteners. The study used behavioral and molecular genetic studies to investigate the giant panda's taste preferences and diet selection.
A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that kids' books with anthropomorphized animals lead to less factual learning and misattribution of human behaviors in children. Using realistic animal portrayals can promote more accurate biological understanding.
Researchers used remote acoustic monitoring to analyze North Atlantic right whale behavior and found that males produce a loud 'gunshot' sound mainly in autumn at night. The study confirms Roseway Basin as a vital habitat area for endangered whales, supporting conservation efforts to save this critically endangered species.
A Michigan State University study reveals that livestock, particularly horses, are devastating panda habitats by competing for food and resources. The research highlights the importance of addressing competition from livestock in sensitive ecosystems.
A study of a sea sponge reveals that complex life can survive with extremely low oxygen levels, challenging the long-held theory that high oxygen levels were necessary for animal evolution. This finding suggests alternative ecological and evolutionary mechanisms may have played a role in the origin of animals.
A new recording system at the University of Southern Denmark has revealed two bat species not believed to live in the area, including Nathusius' pipistrelle and the Danish pond bat. The monitoring system also found that bats often fly in the rain and their activity slows down when weather is clear and cool.
Zoos spend significant resources on endangered species, but their efforts are often ineffective due to a lack of coordination and international legislation. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that certain groups of threatened species are overrepresented in zoos, while others are underrepresented.
A recent study by a MU researcher found that human occupation of an area may not contribute to population decline of endangered species. The study discovered a resident population of African forest elephants in an unprotected region, highlighting the importance of this habitat for conservation efforts.
Researchers warn that US government's plan to end wolf protection could harm other endangered species due to habitat suitability rules. The proposed rule contradicts existing research and law, putting human intolerance as a reason for land being unsuitable.
A new study provides guidance for conserving endangered marine species in a changing climate. The research outlines the most likely future scenarios for aquatic animals, helping decision makers and biologists assess impacts and incorporate that information into conservation decisions. Trends such as increased ocean acidification and wa...
A new study has identified five distinct humpback whale populations in the North Pacific Ocean, which could impact conservation efforts. The research used genetic analysis to determine population differences and migratory patterns.