A new snake species, Matilda's horned viper, has been discovered in a remote area of Tanzania with unique horn-like scales above its eyes. The species is estimated to have only a few square miles of habitat and is expected to be classified as critically endangered due to severe degradation from logging and charcoal manufacture.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that a pneumonia outbreak among endangered markhors in Tajikistan reduced their numbers by as much as 20 percent. The disease is believed to have been transmitted from domestic goats, highlighting the need for continuous disease surveillance.
A recent USGS literature review emphasizes the importance of studying the impact of large-scale solar energy developments on wildlife, particularly in sensitive habitats like the desert Southwest. The study found that only one peer-reviewed study has addressed the direct impacts of solar energy development on any kind of wildlife.
Threats to biodiversity and endangered species exist due to planned solar power installations in the desert Southwest of the United States. The region's unique ecosystem and habitat fragmentation caused by roads and power lines may impact wildlife biologists, including Agassiz's desert tortoise.
Conservation biologist Krithi K. Karanth receives National Geographic's 10,000th grant to study human-wildlife conflicts and habitat destruction in five Indian parks. The project aims to identify risks and consequences for local people and wildlife species like elephants, wild pigs, leopards, and tigers.
The University of Arizona's Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center will monitor jaguar occurrence and movement in the US borderlands area over three years. The study aims to provide information on jaguar presence, which is critically needed for conservation purposes.
A University of Adelaide scientist highlights the potential of freely available software tools to predict the spread of diseases in Australian wildlife and commercial stock. The team used these tools to estimate that up to 100,000 buffalo would need to be culled annually for 15 years to reduce TB prevalence near zero.
A study by Christopher Golden found that lost access to bushmeat led to a 30% relative increase in malnutrition among children under 12, with iron deficiency anemia being the most prevalent form of malnutrition globally. The research suggests a balance between conservation and human health is needed.
Researchers discovered a powerful connection between loss of wildlife access and micronutrient deficiencies in children. Losing access to wildlife induces a 30% relative increase in anemia prevalence among pre-adolescent children. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent severe health consequences.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that bushmeat consumption had a positive effect on children's nutrition, raising concerns about the impact of conservation efforts on local communities. The study estimated that a loss of access to wildlife as a food source would lead to a 29% increase in child anemia.
A recent study from Michigan State University reveals that zoning can be an effective tool for balancing human activities with wildlife habitat. The analysis of a nature reserve in southwestern China shows that zoning ordinances are helping protect endangered giant pandas, but also highlights critical weaknesses such as ambiguous rules...
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that wind energy production can be compatible with wildlife conservation in Kansas. The researchers identified areas to avoid and quantified offset projects needed to make up for ecological effects, allowing for the potential development of up to 10 million hectares of land.
Scientific studies show mercury concentrations in inland lakes and rivers exceed EPA health criterion, affecting fish and wildlife populations. Research indicates improvements in air emission controls have slowed mercury contamination, but some areas still pose serious risks to human health.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been chosen to lead a consortium of seven universities in hosting the Northeast Climate Science Center, a five-year, $7.5 million grant. The center will study climate change effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and resources in the region.
Scientists argue that when a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, state management should follow the public trust doctrine, which guides conservation for the public good. The researchers apply this principle to the gray wolf case in the northern Rocky Mountains.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society identified 8 changes that occur on coral reefs before they collapse due to overfishing. Researchers found a 'window' of maximum sustainable yield between 300-600 kilograms per hectare, but when fish stocks drop below this threshold, reef degradation accelerates.
African ranchers may need to rethink their approach to managing savanna rangelands, as a new study suggests that coexisting with wildlife can enhance cattle growth. Grazing by wild animals like zebras can actually improve the quality of grass for cattle during the wet season when grass becomes rank and unproductive.
Research found that wolves and elk avoided high-quality habitat near trails with human activity above two persons per hour, suggesting a refuge zone for elk from predators. Thresholds of human activity on trails lead to wildlife disturbance and ecological change, according to the study.
A new study reveals that wild animals like zebras can sometimes enhance cattle growth and production, especially during times of plenty. Grazing by zebras reduced weight gain for cattle in the dry season but increased it in the wet season due to improved grass quality.
A species of mosquito capable of transmitting West Nile virus has been found on Galapagos Islands, posing a significant risk to the archipelago's unique wildlife. Strict insect control measures and further research are recommended to prevent the disease from reaching the islands.
Scientists have developed a new skin test that can determine the age of wild animals while they are still alive. The test detects advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in skin tissue, providing valuable information for wildlife management and population control.
A Wildlife Conservation Society program, COMACO, has improved rural livelihoods while restoring local wildlife populations. The study found that COMACO farmers had higher crop yields and improved soil quality, contributing to the stabilization of wildlife populations.
A recent paper by Elizabeth Bennett highlights the alarming rate of wildlife extinction driven by organized crime syndicates. The trade, fueled by wealthy East Asian markets, uses sophisticated smuggling methods, including e-commerce and hidden compartments, to wipe out species at an unprecedented scale.
A surprisingly healthy population of rare snow leopards has been discovered in northeastern Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, according to a new study. WCS-trained community rangers used camera traps to document the presence of snow leopards at 16 different locations across the region.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that current and proposed border fences pose significant threats to wildlife populations along the US-Mexico border. The study identifies four species listed as threatened globally or by both the US and Mexico, and another 23 with small range sizes.
Karen Hixon, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission member, will receive the ESA's 2011 Regional Policy Award for her dedication to informing policy decisions with ecological science. The award recognizes her outstanding record of promoting environmental stewardship in local communities.
A 73-percent decline in fisher density has been documented on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation in northwestern California between 1998 and 2005. The study suggests that changes in prey habitat, disease, and increased predation by bobcats may be responsible for the population decline.
A recent aerial survey of northern Botswana shows a significant decline in wildlife populations, with wildebeest populations plummeting by almost 90% over the past 15 years. Habitat fragmentation, drought effects, human encroachment, and poaching are major contributing factors to this decline.
A recent study found that modern fish communities in coastal Kenya have significantly different life histories compared to ancient Swahili refuse heaps. This shift is attributed to overfishing, which has reduced larger species and increased smaller species with shorter life spans.
The Conservation Genetics Lab uses genetic techniques to identify inbred populations and introduce new genetic variation. They also apply this technique to endangered species in captive breeding programs and use DNA evidence to catch wildlife criminals.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has received a $150,000 grant to support efforts by eco-guards to protect Grauer's gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The grant will help equip park rangers with field equipment to monitor and limit poaching within the park.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society recommends a disease screening program for farm-raised caiman in Argentina's caiman ranches. The researchers found Salmonella bacteria in 77% of samples, posing health risks to humans and wild animal populations.
Researchers discovered infected cats and wildlife with Toxoplasma gondii in a natural area, suggesting feral cats are the source of infection. The parasite is shed in cat feces and transmitted to animals through soil, water, or contact with infected animals.
Existing protected areas may be insufficient to safeguard sea turtles from fishing nets, according to a new study. International cooperation is needed to extend and manage the waters where olive ridley sea turtles spend most of their time.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that rotational grazing techniques can benefit both cattle and wildlife in native pasturelands. The results show a greater forage base, producing larger, more valuable cattle while reducing incentives for deforestation and habitat loss.
A European study finds that over 60% of key wildlife sites receive excessive aerial nitrogen pollution, threatening biodiversity. Concerted action is needed to address the issue and link conservation, air pollution, and agricultural policies.
Researchers have observed a rise in 'naked' penguin chicks with feather-loss disorder in both Argentina and South Africa, causing concern among scientists. The disorder is thought to be related to increased energy spent on thermoregulation, potentially linked to pathogens, thyroid disorders, or nutrient imbalances.
Two new studies by UC Davis researchers found a direct link between lead ammunition and lead poisoning in scavenger birds like eagles and turkey vultures. The studies suggest that hunting with lead ammunition can have devastating effects on these bird species, causing inability to fly, starvation, anemia, blindness, seizures and death.
Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and AMNH discover genetic distinct populations of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin formed by currents, surface temperature differences, and environmental barriers. The study sheds light on how environmental factors influence population structure in marine species.
Researchers found that 55 white-lipped peccaries tested positive for Leptospirosis, with older animals showing higher serovar diversity. The study highlights the need for further research on disease transmission between livestock and wildlife.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.
Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society have developed a 'stress test' for coral reefs to prioritize areas most likely to survive climate change factors. The model considers environmental stressors like rising sea temperatures and their impact on coral and fish diversity.
The study found that the Teshekpuk Lake region contains some of the highest nesting bird densities and nest productivity across Alaska's Arctic. Additionally, nests at the site showed higher nest survivorship rates compared to another site in the Prudhoe Bay region with oil extraction activities.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is the oldest known US wild bird, returning to Midway at age 60 to raise her chick. She has likely raised over 30 chicks in her breeding life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and parenting skills.
Fire, cattle, and prairie dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of vegetation on the western Great Plains. This mosaic of diverse vegetation supports various wildlife species, including declining populations of grassland birds and ground-nesting birds.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has released a report listing 25 most endangered turtle species, many of which are found in Asia and are threatened by illegal hunting for food and the pet trade. The report calls for better enforcement of trade laws, habitat protection, and captive breeding to prevent extinction.
A 10-year study found that restricting fishing gear, including small-mesh seine nets, promotes predatory fish species and increases body length. Even unregulated areas saw improvements to the fish community. Strong management can also benefit adjacent weakly managed areas.
A study by Michigan State University found that students enrolling in fishery and wildlife programs are leaving after completing coursework due to limited hands-on experiences and challenging academic requirements. The researchers identified seven categories for student departure, including engagement, employment, and academic rigor.
A new conservation index helps policy-makers deal with the effects of climate change on birds in Africa, suggesting that international cooperation is essential to protect species. The study predicts that one-third of protected areas will undergo significant changes due to climate change.
The partnership will bring new benefits to members, including an online-only relaunch of the Wildlife Society Bulletin. Wiley-Blackwell's diverse publication portfolio and global reach make them a natural fit for publishing The Journal of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Monographs.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of California at Santa Cruz found that overfished reef systems have fewer sea urchins, leading to higher coral growth rates and more structure. Reefs with complete fish communities outperform those without predators, which allows coralline algae to thrive.
Scientists seek to create rat poisons that specifically target rats without posing a threat to people, pets, or wildlife. Researchers are working on tracking rodent consumption and studying resistance mechanisms to develop safer alternatives.
Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.
Researchers found that polar bear populations could decline by two-thirds by mid-century, but emissions reduction can mitigate this. Sea ice habitat won't face a catastrophic 'tipping point' under mitigation scenarios.
Researchers argue that the US Fish and Wildlife Service should consider societal values when determining whether species need protection from extinction. A study analyzing public opinions on wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains found mixed results, contradicting the agency's claim that attitudes have improved over time.
Researchers at UC discover that rabbit food can effectively reduce estrogen levels in wastewater, with a potential impact on the environment and wildlife. The study found that the rabbit food reduced estrogen hormone levels by more than 80%, making it a promising alternative for treatment.
Two new tools, Wildlife Health Event Reporter and Outbreaks Near Me, enable public reporting of sick or dead wild animals to detect wildlife disease outbreaks that may pose a risk to humans. These tools can also provide early warnings of emerging diseases.
Researchers investigate White pox disease, a human strain of Serratia marcescens transmitted to elkhorn corals, which may indicate a new phenomenon of diseases jumping from humans to wildlife. The study aims to understand transmission mechanisms and develop control strategies.
A WCS study found that higher temperatures and rainfall in Argentina result in more parasitic fly larvae, leading to increased mortality and impaired growth for chicks. The researchers also found a positive correlation between climate variables and parasite loads on nestlings.
A new peer-reviewed paper reveals most of the world's remaining tigers are clustered in just six percent of their available habitat. Effective conservation efforts focused on these 42 'source sites' can prevent extinction and seed a recovery of the wild tiger, requiring an additional $35 million annually.