A new partnership between Roots of Peace and Conservation International aims to remove landmines from critical access corridors used by elephants in Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The project will create a conservation and development area, promoting sustainable reserve and ecotourism programs.
Emerging diseases can move between species, mutating into more virulent forms; WCS proposes 'One World, One Health' concept to prevent outbreaks. The global trade in wildlife poses a significant challenge, with estimated $100 billion losses due to livestock pathogens and pandemic diseases.
Conservation International launches unprecedented marine conservation initiatives, including seascapes and a Global Marine Species Assessment, to protect critical marine ecosystems. The programs aim to address declining ocean wildlife, pollution, and other conservation issues.
A new long-haired forest primate, named Highland Mangabey, has been discovered in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. The critically endangered species is characterized by a distinctive call and adaptation to the cold climate, with an estimated population of between 500-1,000 animals.
A new rodent species, Kha-Nyou, has been discovered in Central Laos with distinct characteristics. The species is estimated to have diverged from other rodents millions of years ago and is found to be a nocturnal vegetarian, giving birth to one offspring at a time.
The ivory-billed woodpecker's reappearance sparks concerns over its long-term survival due to inadequate refuge funding. The Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest in the country, struggles to meet basic needs despite its extensive forests, which have provided a haven for the species.
A research team has rediscovered the ivory-billed woodpecker in the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas, with multiple sightings and frame-by-frame analyses of brief video footage. The evidence gathered during an intensive year-long search confirms that at least one male ivory-bill still survives in vast areas of bottomland swamp forest.
A new generation of smart gear has been developed to minimize the accidental deaths of hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and juvenile fish. The innovations include weighted, deep-set lines that reduce encounters with sea turtles while increasing tuna catch, as well as avoidable, detectable gear for marine mammals.
A new study in Gabon reveals that poverty alleviation efforts may inadvertently increase bushmeat consumption and threaten local wildlife populations. The research found that growth in poor families' income led to increased consumption of bushmeat, highlighting the need for holistic strategies that balance conservation with development.
Research reveals that Ebola viruses can spread from wild animals to humans through handling or consuming animal carcasses. This finding emphasizes the need for improved awareness and monitoring of wildlife in Central Africa to prevent future outbreaks.
Wildlife species are declining at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution. Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have developed a new method using satellite technology to monitor endangered populations in hard-to-reach locations.
Researchers propose a novel approach to battling Lyme disease by vaccinating mice, which can reduce the number of infected ticks that transmit the disease. The study shows an overall 16% reduction in nymphal infection prevalence after immunizing mice, highlighting the potential of this method to combat Lyme disease.
A four-year study by Yale researchers found that vaccinating white-footed mice reduced the number of deer ticks carrying Lyme disease. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in risk for humans getting Lyme disease from tick bites, but not as great as expected. Further development of oral vaccines is proposed to reduce human risk.
Researchers developed a new live rabies vaccine by manipulating the virus, making it weaker and more effective in provoking an immune response. The vaccine has shown promise in preventing the spread of rabies in wildlife and humans, with potential applications for stray dogs and animals.
The Texas Bison Herd is struggling due to inbreeding depression, a condition caused by lack of genetic variation. The herd's average age has increased, and birth rates are low, posing a threat to its survival.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is using high-tech satellite maps to count and track endangered species, including elephants and giraffes. The project aims to help conserve wildlife populations living in hard-to-reach locations, such as the Serengeti and South America.
UBC researchers found a direct link between fish supply and the demand for bushmeat in Ghanaian villages, with bushmeat contributing to a 76% decline in mammal biomass since 1970. The study suggests that EU fishing fleets may be to blame for reduced fish stocks.
A 30-year study suggests that declines in fish supply in Ghana lead to increased hunting, trade, and human consumption of wildlife. The researchers propose establishing alternative protein supplies and increasing protection of wildlife reserves to conserve biodiversity.
A new study found a strong link between low fish supply in Ghana and increased bushmeat hunting, leading to dramatic declines in terrestrial wildlife abundance. The research suggests that subsidized foreign fleets from the European Union are exacerbating the problem.
Krill populations in Antarctica have declined dramatically, with an 80% drop since the 1970s, primarily due to warming and reduced sea-ice. This decline has significant implications for commercial fisheries and the region's unique wildlife, which rely on krill as a food source.
The use of artificial reproduction technologies in wildlife conservation aims to understand fundamental reproductive mechanisms in various species. Dr. David Wildt highlights the importance of collaboration between specialists from different disciplines to achieve genuine conservation.
Researchers at the Wildlife Conservation Society discovered a large population of jaguars in Bolivia's Kaa-Iya Park, estimated to be one of the largest in any protected area. The park, which covers over 34,000 square kilometers, is also home to a diverse range of other wildlife, including endangered species such as the Chacoan guanaco.
Australian researchers introduce a simple method to collect, archive and process DNA from wildlife samples using FTA databasing paper, which preserves DNA integrity despite temperature fluctuations. This technique enables the transport of large reference collections over long distances, enabling extensive wildlife studies.
A new map developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society predicts wolf attacks in Wisconsin and Minnesota based on road density, farm size, deer availability, and other factors. The maps identify high-risk townships with moderate to high risk of wolf attacks, which are clustered along the edge of the wolf population.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will use the grant to establish a conservation network throughout the region, providing support for various activities and funding a student grants program. WCS plans to expand its programs in these regions over the next 15 years, covering approximately five percent of the Amazon Basin.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that simultaneous Ebola outbreaks consist of multiple viral strains originating from different areas. The authors recommend establishing a monitoring network to look for dead and dying large animals as an early warning system to minimize damage to both people and wildlife.
Researchers found high concentrations of BDEs in peregrine falcon eggs, suggesting the deca formulation may not be harmless. The study's findings add to concerns about the safety of BDEs and their potential impact on wildlife.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that non-lethal repellent methods, such as motion-activated devices with strobe lights and random noises, were effective in keeping predators away from deer carcasses. The methods outperformed traditional deterrents like electronic training collars.
Researchers find that movement-activated guards deter predators from feeding by up to two-thirds, offering a non-lethal alternative to lethal control methods. The study suggests promoting coexistence between humans and large carnivores through real-world problem-solving.
The study found that large game animal populations existed in higher numbers where human populations were low, but decreased significantly near Native American settlements. Human influence on the environment has been going on for a long time, even before European settlement.
Research at Purdue University found that re-established elk herds in Pennsylvania and California have lost significant amounts of genetic diversity due to poor management and small reintroduction numbers. This loss can make them more vulnerable to environmental changes, highlighting the importance of effective herd management.
The agreement creates a transboundary protected area combining the Takamanda-Okwangwo complex in Cameroon and Nigeria. The plan aims to conserve gorillas and their habitat through measures such as revised land-use practices, corridor establishment, and increased protection.
The World Parks Congress has established a new reserve in Brazil that supports local communities and balances conservation with development. The Piagaçu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve is part of six new reserves totaling 10.4 million acres, doubling the Amazonas State protected area system size.
Researchers tracked Miss Pearl's epic journey and welcomed her back to her nesting beach in Nicaragua after three years, gaining crucial insights into hawksbill sea turtle behavior and habitat protection. The satellite transmitter on Miss Pearl's back provided vital information on her location and diving patterns.
The UC Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Zoology is conducting a new wildlife survey in Yosemite National Park, following the same transect as Joseph Grinnell and Tracey Storer's landmark survey between 1914 and 1920. The team aims to gather baseline data for comparison with historic species abundance and distribution.
Researchers have developed a DNA-based test to accurately distinguish great white sharks from other species, even when only dried fins or meat are available. This new test will help conservationists and fisheries managers better regulate and protect great whites, a species that has declined by up to 79% in the northwestern Atlantic.
New research reveals that baby albatrosses are still eating lead-based paint chips from buildings around the island, leading to severe poisoning. The study found a high rate of droopwing chicks and potential risks for human children on the island.
The Wildlife Conservation Society reports a substantial increase in Tibetan antelope, wild yaks, and other species due to enhanced protection. The increased numbers are attributed to better enforcement and education, but challenges persist in managing human-wildlife conflicts.
A new UC Davis analysis reveals that adult sea otters in California are dying at an alarming rate due to diseases and parasites. The study found that nearly two-thirds of the otters died from disease, with parasitic infections being a major cause, including thorny-headed worms and protozoa.
A 22-page technical review explores the relationship between economic growth and wildlife conservation, revealing a high correlation between the two. The review aims to increase awareness about the fundamental conflict and identify potential solutions.
A year-long study on Texas A&M University campus found that male urban squirrels are more likely to die on roads, with males darting about through streets more frequently. In contrast, female squirrel death was mostly attributable to predation, highlighting the need for effective wildlife management strategies in urban landscapes.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that increased robusta coffee production has led to widespread deforestation in Indonesia's lowland forests. As a leading consumer of robusta coffee, the US can play a key role in halting this wave of deforestation by reasserting itself as a strong member of the International Coffee ...
A recent study warns of a dramatic decline in western equatorial Africa's great ape populations, with gorillas and chimpanzees facing nearly 60% decline since 1983. The research highlights the urgent need for aggressive investments in Ebola prevention, law enforcement, and protected area management to ensure their survival.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Virginia Tech's Conservation Management Institute a contract to develop a national database for chronic wasting disease (CWD) research. The database will enable scientists to share information on the disease, improving their ability to address it nationwide.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have made significant contributions to understanding bear behavior, including the impact of radio-collars on survival rates and the role of dispersal distance in helping bears evade hunters. Their findings also led to the development of a morphometric-based dichotomous key for age identification.
The proposed 'Millennium Highway' would disrupt the migrations and destroy calving grounds for Mongolian gazelles. The Eastern Steppe is home to Asia's last great spectacle of migrating hoofed animals, a ecosystem worth preserving.
A study by Michigan State University scientist Jianguo Liu and colleagues found that household dynamics, including smaller households and urban sprawl, contribute to biodiversity loss and increased resource consumption. The results highlight the need for policy changes to protect wildlife habitats and ecosystem services.
A recent study found that green sturgeon in Oregon's Rogue River have extremely small home ranges, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and exploitation. The fish can grow up to 19 feet long, but are only protected by regulations for those under five feet.
Marcella Kelly uses infrared remotely triggered cameras to photograph jaguars in Belize's Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Her research estimates the presence of at least eight jaguars per 100 square miles, highlighting the species' endangered status due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting.
A new map shows that 83 percent of the land's surface is under human influence, but still, wild areas remain, offering opportunities for conservation. The study also found that even in heavily influenced areas, wildlife can thrive, such as in India where tigers coexist with one billion people.
Using a unique land-based population research technique, Dr. Vaughan improved the accuracy of bighorn sheep counts in the Grand Canyon by analyzing lamb-to-ewe ratios and survival rates. The innovative method allows for helicopter counts while minimizing disruptions to wildlife habitats.
A University of Florida-led study examines the effects of wildlife corridors on plant pollination and seed dispersal. The findings suggest that corridors encourage the movement of plants and animals, improving ecosystem health. The large-scale experiment provides valuable insights into the benefits of wildlife corridors.
Bushmeat consumption has been linked to chemical poisoning, with 30% of samples containing organochlorines, carbamates, and organophosphorus. The Ghana government aims to reverse the extinction of wildlife through sustainable alternatives like wildlife farming and education campaigns.
Research by University of Georgia wildlife scientists found that clover strip-cropping and conservation tillage systems in cotton provide critical habitat for threatened songbirds. Clover offers cover from predators, insects for food, and time to nest and fledge young between field operations.
A long-term study found that habitat fragmentation has a far-reaching impact on rainforests, increasing local extinction rates and altering species richness. To maintain diversity and dynamics, Amazonian nature reserves will need to be very large to withstand human disturbances.
A study by Kevin Lafferty and Leah Gerber found that non-otter diseases, such as parasitic worms and toxoplasmosis, are contributing to the decline of California sea otter populations. Improving waste disposal and reducing human exposure to these diseases may help protect the otters.
A new program helps protect Asian elephants from crop-raiding by implementing a coordinated effort to deter them, reducing farmer risk and protecting the environment. The initiative uses trip wires, sirens, spotlights, and firecrackers to scare off aggressive elephants, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A recent review article reveals that horseshoe crabs have an impressive survival rate of 7.5% after undergoing biomedical bleeding, suggesting their 350 million-year-long survival is remarkable. The research also provides new information on the habitat, migration patterns, and nursery grounds of horseshoe crabs.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a significant increase in wildlife vehicle collisions across Canada. The research highlights the growing concern of these accidents, which can result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Research by James Rodgers and Stephen Schwikert found that flush distances for motorboats were greater than those for personal watercraft (PWC), allowing for more effective protection of waterbirds. The study recommends customized buffer zones to protect vulnerable species, such as great white herons.