Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a method to analyze airborne DNA, tracking species and pathogens in the air. This technology has vast potential applications for studying wildlife, human health, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
A new genomic study offers a unique lens for understanding the extinction crisis in Hawai'i, revealing that there is still time to save the critically endangered honeycreeper 'akeke'e. With only 17 species of iconic honeycreepers remaining, efforts to control mosquito populations and conservation breeding programs are underway.
Oregon State University scientists have improved AI's ability to identify wildlife species in photos taken by motion-activated cameras. By limiting the training data to one species and including images from diverse environments, they achieved almost 90% identification accuracy with a small fraction of the required training data.
A new study shows that wildlife underpass tunnels can dramatically reduce amphibian deaths, with an 80.2% reduction in road mortality observed. The design details of the underpasses matter, and this research provides long-term evidence of their effectiveness in preserving ecosystems.
A new scientific study sheds light on the social dynamics driving demand for bear bile in Vietnam, highlighting the role of gift-giving among close social networks. The findings suggest that targeting key individuals within influential groups could reduce demand and support conservation efforts.
A groundbreaking study finds North Korea engages in unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade, breaching its own laws and posing a threat to biodiversity recovery. The country's economic hardship drives black market trade, with hunters simultaneously engaging in state-sanctioned and black market trade.
A new study published in Environmental Pollution found that plastic ingested by northern fulmars can leak chemicals that interfere with the birds' hormone systems. The chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, can impair fertility, development, and behavior, posing a significant threat to species survival.
A study found DDT residues in trout from Canadian lakes, with levels up to ten times the recommended safe limit. The persistence of these residues poses a risk to wildlife that consumes the fish.
The Endangered Species Act has become a battleground for partisan ideology, with politicians, NGOs, and legal advocates influencing wildlife management decisions. Despite population recovery, grizzly bears remain listed, and delisting is threatened by competing interests.
Researchers identified three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The study found 15 rodent species as carriers, including six new hosts, and explored the impact of climate change on transmission.
Researchers discovered that exposure to clobazam increased the migration success of juvenile Atlantic salmon, allowing them to navigate through dams more efficiently. The study highlights the potential risks of pharmaceutical pollution on wildlife behavior and ecology.
New research found pet dogs disturb and directly harm wildlife, even when leashed, leading to reduced animal activity and avoided areas. Dog waste contributes to water pollution and inhibits plant growth.
A research team at Oxford is developing a machine learning-based filtering tool to accurately distinguish between genuine wildlife references and unrelated content. The project aims to reduce misclassification, misinformation, and misinterpretation of wildlife data, enhancing media-based conservation research.
A new study led by the University of Exeter shows that social media can be used to monitor animal species relocating due to climate change. The researchers examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr, finding they are unexpectedly common in towns and cities.
A study published in Human-Animal Interactions found that US war veterans with PTSD experienced improved psychological symptoms after participating in wildlife immersion experiences. Researchers discovered that interactions with animals, such as bird watching and assisting with wildlife care, had a positive impact on anxiety levels and...
New research reveals that human disturbances near southern sea otters can increase their energetic costs, potentially affecting their health and survival. The likelihood of disturbance decreases with distance from the otters, but even small craft within 29 meters can have a significant impact.
Researchers found that larger areas of restored habitat reduced both human-wildlife conflicts and social conflicts in Kenya's Chyulu Hills. The more local grassland is restored, the less conflict there is, with benefits including lower levels of social conflict and perceptions of insecurity.
A new study finds that restoring degraded grasslands in Chyulu Hills, Kenya, significantly reduces human-wildlife and social conflicts. By expanding restored areas, local Maasai communities experience fewer competitions over limited resources.
Researchers mapped global distribution of wildlife species carrying human-disease pathogens in the wildland-urban interface. The study emphasizes the need to limit animal exposure and wildland encroachment to manage disease risk, particularly in lower-income countries with high biodiversity and limited data on disease ecology.
Researchers at University of Oxford critically evaluated CITES effectiveness, highlighting critical flaws in state-led law enforcement approach and socio-economic analysis exclusion. They propose a new decision support tool based on inclusive governance processes to revise or redesign CITES rules and regulations.
A recent study by HKU ecologist Professor Alice C. Hughes reveals that almost 30,000 wild species were traded globally between 2000 and 2022, with over 50% sourced directly from the wild. This highlights the critical need for systematic monitoring of wildlife trade to assess its sustainability.
The study found that wind turbines hinder the ability of bat species to access drinking sites, particularly during hot and dry summers. This can lead to reduced survival rates among female bats and their young, highlighting the need for careful consideration in wind turbine siting to avoid conflicting with species conservation.
A recent study published in PNAS found almost 30,000 wild species were traded in the US over a 22-year period, with 50% sourced from the wild. The majority of these species were not subject to assessments ensuring sustainable harvest, highlighting a major gap in global monitoring and management.
New research predicts that wildlife species in the continental US will experience year-long droughts nearly five times as often in the coming decades. Three-year droughts may become nearly seven times more frequent, with implications for conservation strategies and wildlife management.
A new AI image tool, INQUIRE, can aid in analyzing millions of wildlife images uploaded to the internet for insights into climate change impacts on species. Current AI algorithms can identify species but struggle with more complex questions.
Researchers found that remote monitoring devices were being misused by local governments and men to intimidate and humiliate women in northern India. The study highlights the need for conservationists to consider the social implications of using surveillance technologies and explore less invasive methods.
Red squirrels adapt their diurnal activities to minimize predation risk from domestic cats, while avoiding humans and wildlife. During COVID-19 lockdowns, they increased activity in gardens with food sources.
The GAIA Initiative uses AI algorithms to classify white-backed vulture behaviors and automatically locate carcasses, providing an early warning system for environmental changes. By combining animal tag data with artificial intelligence, scientists can quickly recognize critical incidents like droughts or disease outbreaks.
A study found that mountain lions in areas with high human recreation are more nocturnal, adjusting their activity to avoid interactions. The animals' flexibility in timing allows for coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...
A study published in Environmental Communication found that social media can harness public awareness and engagement to support wildlife conservation. The caracal, a small wild cat native to Africa, has gained popularity on Facebook and Instagram, leading to increased support for its conservation.
The German wolf population boasts the world's highest survival rates of wolves, with young wolves reaching 75% annual survival probability. The expansion is attributed to suitable habitats and protection, leading to a median survival time of three years.
Researchers have trained African giant pouched rats to detect illegally trafficked wildlife species, including pangolin scales, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and African blackwood. The rats showed perfect retention scores after months of non-exposure, suggesting their cognitive performance resembles that of dogs.
The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.
A recent study found that reducing moose populations to historical levels through hunting can help reduce wolf numbers and protect caribou populations. In regions where moose populations were reduced, 3.2 times fewer wolves were killed to protect caribou populations.
Wildlife rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority successfully monitored lion populations in the Murchison Falls Nile Delta, estimating a density of 13.91 lions per 100 km². The study highlights the cost-effectiveness and value of rangers' skills in conservation efforts.
A decade-long analysis of wildlife rescue records in NSW reveals a bias towards larger reptiles, with two species accounting for almost two-thirds of all rescues. Human behavior and environment play significant roles in shaping these interactions.
A new report highlights the perils and promise of wild meat hunting, consumption, and trade in Africa and Southeast Asia. The report proposes a four-pronged approach to make wild meat value chains fairer, safer, and more sustainable, while reducing zoonotic disease risks.
A new study provides further evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, likely originated from animals sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. The analysis of genetic data found that wildlife species such as raccoon dogs and civet cats were present at the market and may have carried the virus.
A University of Maryland study highlights the complexity of designing wildlife corridors, which can vary widely in their effectiveness depending on the evaluation method used. The research found that none of the tested corridor designs captured all black bear movements, and some even failed to account for unique dispersal behaviors.
The BioRescue team evaluated ethical considerations for biobanking, including animal welfare, sample ownership, and good scientific practice. It introduced a modified ETHAS tool to provide a structured approach for biobank managers, enabling them to make wise decisions on conservation and research.
A recent genomics study of prairie chickens in five states has found evidence of hybridization between the two species, with no clear indication of genetic problems. The study suggests that these species may belong to the same species and challenges wildlife management nationwide.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that aoudad can catch and spread the same respiratory illnesses as bighorn sheep, which could exacerbate existing diseases and impact both species' populations. The research aims to promote better management of both species.
By 2070, human-wildlife overlap is projected to increase in about 57% of global lands, primarily due to expanding human populations. This shift will lead to more conflicts between humans and animals, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
The WPI team will develop an inexpensive test kit that can quickly identify vulnerable species and track illegal wildlife trade on social networks. The project aims to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar industry by providing law enforcement with real-time results and long-term trends.
A team of scientists identified 30 new Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Southern Ocean that are crucial for conserving native wildlife populations. These areas were found to be vital for foraging, breeding, and migration, and are under threat from human activities such as fishing and tourism.
Researchers have trained dogs to sniff out Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the droppings of farmed and wild deer. This method offers a promising non-invasive approach for detecting CWD.
A global analysis of wildlife on money reveals that native fauna are depicted on 15.2% of banknotes, with a strong bias towards terrestrial species and bird and mammal representations.
Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in six common backyard species, including deer mice, Virginia opossums, and raccoons, with unique viral mutations found in some animals. The study highlights the need for broad surveillance and suggests that areas with high human activity may serve as points of contact for cross-species transmission.
New research found that non-native burros are altering plant growth, reducing ground cover and foliage density, and negatively impacting native wildlife species in the Sonoran Desert.
A recent study published in Current Biology indicates that outdoor recreation noise can trigger a fear response in wildlife, altering their behavior and habitat use. The research, conducted in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, found that different types of recreation noise, group size, and human presence affected animal responses.
Intensive wire snare removal efforts reduced snaring by almost 40% in protected areas of Viet Nam, according to an 11-year study. The effectiveness of snare removal was mainly achieved within the first 6 years, but its impact alone is unlikely to protect wildlife due to ongoing snaring threats.
A new study highlights the human impacts of endangered species mating with domestic relatives, causing economic loss and death. Conservation efforts are also overlooked for marginalized pastoralist populations, who often lack effective defense against aggressive wild males.
A new study improves statistical methods to protect wildlife populations by considering emigration and immigration processes. This allows for more accurate demographic projections and informed conservation strategies.
Researchers argue that mobility data can help understand human-wildlife interactions and inform policy decisions on sustainability-related issues. They propose aggregating datasets without personal identifiers to make them accessible to researchers, benefiting both conservation and private companies.
A study led by Lincoln Park Zoo's Urban Wildlife Institute found that gentrified areas have more urban wildlife, limiting access to nature for marginalized communities. The analysis of data from 23 cities showed a 13% increase in species diversity in gentrified neighborhoods.
Researchers found that birders with disabilities face constraints such as lack of accessible features and safety concerns, but also expressed interest in access to high-quality birding locations and information. The study aims to promote broader social inclusion for people with disabilities through wildlife recreation.
A global wildlife study during COVID-19 lockdowns found that animal responses to humans varied by landscape conditions and trophic group. Herbivores became more active around humans, while carnivores tended to avoid them.
A new AI-powered study reveals the global extent of threats to bats from hunting and trade, using online records from social media platforms. The research identifies 22 new countries involved in bat exploitation, covering regions such as Bahrain, Spain, and Sri Lanka.