A new study uses transnational genetic monitoring to track population dynamics of brown bears, wolves, and wolverines in Norway and Sweden. The approach reveals evidence of recovery and highlights the impact of humans on apex predator populations.
Research found that people in developing countries consume less bushmeat over time as they migrate to cities, possibly due to increased access to alternative protein sources and changing social norms. Children in urban areas tend to have lower appetites for wild game than their parents.
Researchers developed statistical methods to track and forecast wildlife populations across borders, revealing detailed dynamics of entire populations across large spatial scales. The study's findings provide new insights into wildlife management and conservation efforts for species like brown bears, grey wolves, and wolverines.
Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.
Researchers found that feeding animals is the strongest influence on animal activity in yards, with species like squirrels and raccoons being most common. The study confirms the urban-wildlife paradox, showing that suburban areas can have an abundance of wildlife compared to wild areas.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Wildlife Institute of India found that large male lion coalitions consist mainly of brothers and cousins, while pairs of unrelated males also team up for better territory and mate acquisition. This study provides new insights into male cooperation among lions.
A University of Adelaide-led research project will analyze clinical data from injured koalas to inform future bushfire response and treatment strategies.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants to five studies aiming to improve care and rehabilitation of wildlife impacted by wildfires. The studies will develop guidelines for rescue and rehabilitation, track outcomes, and improve antibiotic treatments.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor wildlife and human trail use in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, finding that wildlife tends to avoid places recently visited by recreational users. The study highlights the need to balance outdoor recreation with potential disruption of ecosystems and loss of species.
A recent study by a URI graduate student found significant concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seabirds from offshore areas, including Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Fear. The research highlights the environmental persistence of these compounds, which can remain in animal tissues for many years.
A recent study reveals significant genetic diversity among Four-eyed turtles, highlighting the importance of genetic screenings to prevent extinction. The research emphasizes the need for stricter laws and regulation in releasing confiscated animals back into the wild.
A new study reveals that civil wars have a negative impact on native mammal populations, with increased access to automatic weapons and suspension of anti-poaching patrols leading to population collapse. The authors warn that restoring depleted wildlife populations may take many decades and require active intervention efforts.
Researchers discovered a complex chemical system in the neotropical shrub Piper sancti-felicis that helps it balance attraction and repulsion from wildlife. The plant produces alkenylphenol compounds with antifungal properties, which protect its fruit from harmful fungi but also make it less appealing to seed dispersers like bats.
Researchers found distinct categories of UK cat owners, including 'conscientious caretakers' and 'freedom defenders', with differing views on cat welfare and wildlife conservation. The study aims to find a win-win solution for managing cats that benefit both pets and the environment.
The study found that Laotians rely heavily on wildlife for food and income, driving the illegal trade of terrestrial vertebrates. Approximately 90% of respondents confirmed using wildlife products, highlighting the need for conservation measures to protect native species.
A new oral anthrax vaccine is being developed by Texas A&M researchers to protect livestock and wildlife from the deadly disease. The vaccine, which uses a gel-like suspension of live bacteria, could potentially be distributed through bait to reach animals more easily.
A study published in PLOS ONE detected coronaviruses in bats and rodents, with increased detection rates found along the wildlife supply chain. The study highlights the importance of improving coronavirus surveillance and implementing targeted wildlife trade reform to minimize public health risks.
A team of researchers argues that investing $30 billion annually could pay for itself quickly by preventing the emergence of new viral pathogens. The proposed strategy focuses on monitoring and regulating the wildlife trade and reducing tropical deforestation, which are linked to two-thirds of emerging diseases in the past 50 years.
A University of Michigan study found that Michigan coyotes in the Upper Peninsula have a less meat-based diet due to coexistence with gray wolves. The researchers analyzed scat samples and gut microbiomes to determine the animal's position in the local food web.
A study in Côte d'Ivoire found that preferences for bushmeat vary widely among hunters, traders, and consumers, driven by factors such as nutritional needs, cultural practices, and economic incentives. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize targeted conservation strategies that account for individual motivations and user groups.
A study by University of Alberta ecologists reveals that industry-created borrow pits provide homes for beavers, supporting the survival of wolverines. The research, funded by various organizations, highlights the unexpected benefits of industrial development on local wildlife habitats.
A global system is proposed to monitor wildlife pathogens and prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks. Decentralized surveillance using portable molecular diagnostic technology could identify emerging diseases before they become global health crises.
A decentralized global system could screen wild animals and their products for disease-causing viruses, allowing for early detection of potential pandemics. The proposed system would use rapid genetic sequencing on site and upload to a central database for analysis.
Researchers recommend a decentralized disease surveillance system to monitor pathogens in wildlife and humans, expanding beyond human disease outbreaks to encompass broader understanding of pathogens. The network aims to provide early warnings of spillover potential and assist in containment and development of therapeutic treatments.
A new study found widespread use of products made from vulnerable species like sun bears, Asiatic bears, and serows in northern Laos. The demand for these products poses a significant threat to their populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce unsustainable harvests.
A study found that conservation messaging is lacking in mainstream wildlife-based tourism operations, failing to provide information on wildlife conservation and opportunities for tourist action. The researchers propose a toolbox of ideas to improve conservation messaging using five principles: promote positive messaging, provide actio...
A global initiative is investigating how animals are responding to reduced levels of human activity during the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing insights into human-wildlife interactions. The study aims to improve understanding of space sharing on a crowded planet with benefits for both wildlife and humans.
A team of scientists from the University of Portsmouth has developed a new forensic fingerprinting technique to lift finger-marks from pangolin scales, enabling wildlife crime officers to identify poachers and bring them to justice. The method uses gelatine lifters and has been successful in producing clear finger-mark detail on 74% of...
A new study found that European roads are a significant threat to wildlife, with over 194 million birds and 29 million mammals killed annually. The research ranked the most vulnerable species, including the hazel grouse and russet ground squirrel, which are classified as Least Concern but face high roadkill rates.
The study finds that rampant human population growth is causing massive reductions in global mammal populations, including iconic species like Tibetan wild yaks and African zebras. The researchers warn that future ecosystems will be drastically different without drastic changes in human behavior.
A study from UC Davis maps 15% of California's natural lands as 'climate refugia' where existing vegetation can buffer climate change impacts. These areas are priority targets for conservation and wildfire restoration efforts, offering a chance to conserve habitat and services for wildlife.
The global wildlife trade encompasses all major branches of life, from fungi to plants and animals, but more attention is given to charismatic species. Research found that even small organisms like sea cucumbers and anemones are traded, with extensive data needed on the trade's consequences.
LSU's wildlife management program offers students a unique educational experience through hunting, connecting them to the wildlife resource and promoting stewardship. The program aims to create the next generation of conservation professionals by teaching holistic knowledge of wildlife.
A recent study found that reptile poaching in Balochistan has decreased since 2013, but the trade continues to pose a significant threat to biodiversity. The research team interviewed 73 illegal collectors and recorded 5,369 specimens of 19 species, all of which are protected under the Balochistan Provincial Wildlife Act.
A new study reveals a direct link between virus spillover and environmental change, which threatens wildlife populations. The research highlights how human activities such as hunting, trade, and urbanization increase the risk of virus transmission to humans.
A new study by University of Michigan-led researchers found that West African lions do not favor life inside park boundaries over hunting concessions. Habitat quality in national parks is inadequate, leading to a lack of preference among lions.
A new framework understanding how light and noise pollution impacts wildlife has been developed by worldwide experts in ecology and physiology. Sensory danger zones have been identified as areas where sensory pollutants influence animal activity, posing a threat to imperiled species and urban wildlife.
A new study reveals that house cats have a two- to 10-time larger impact on wildlife than wild predators. The research found that most pet cats hunt in disturbed habitats and kill an average of 3.5 prey items per month, leading to an estimated ecological impact per cat of 14.2-38.9 prey ha-1 yr-1.
A new analysis of 92 studies from 27 countries highlights common pitfalls in multi-species wildlife monitoring, including under-reporting and reporting bias. The study recommends best practices for future research, focusing on the use of appropriate methods and tools to ensure accuracy and precision in inferences made.
To create more corridors for wildlife movement, researchers apply a new mapping system to areas next to streams in Okanogan County. The system uses weighted scales to rate naturalness and legal authority, helping organizations prioritize conservation projects and reveal potential areas of coordination.
Research identifies high-risk locations and times for disease transmission between elk and cattle, highlighting the importance of minimizing contact between species. Guidelines provide actionable steps to reduce the risk of infection.
Ranchers in Chile's Andes region blame guanacos for competing with livestock for pastures, but a study reveals that climate change is the key driver of this conflict. As temperatures rise, guanacos are forced to seek better grazing, leading to increased competition and tensions between humans and wildlife.
A new study highlights the need for systematic surveys and novel data collection methods to assess poaching's impact on biodiversity in forested areas. The research provides critical information for protecting rare species in landscapes with severe defaunation.
Researchers found that African lions' genetic diversity loss in the KAZA region was caused by their need to adapt to different habitats. This suggests that ecological factors, rather than human impacts, are responsible for this loss. The study's findings have important implications for wildlife conservation managers.
A review paper in Science highlights the challenge of assessing chemical risks to wildlife, citing the need for computer modelling and long-term ecological monitoring. The authors recommend a more consistent retrospective risk assessment approach to better understand the impacts of chemicals on wildlife populations.
A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.
Angola's rich biodiversity is under threat due to illegal hunting and bushmeat trade. The study found that despite existing legislation, there is no effective law enforcement mechanism to control the trade.
Researchers have found that wildlife populations are abundant in areas void of human life near the Fukushima nuclear accident zone. Over 20 species were documented, including wild boar and Japanese macaques, in zones with varying levels of radiation contamination.
Scientists have identified wildlife corridors that should be protected to help the jaguar's survival. The study found that conservation efforts can focus on the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Maya Forest Corridor.
A new study reveals that forest fragmentation has a greater impact on wildlife in tropical regions, where species are less adapted to disturbances. The research suggests that conserving habitat and minimizing edge creation is crucial for preserving biodiversity in these areas.
New research highlights the urgent need to protect national parks from invasive animal species, which can cause loss of wildlife, decrease visitor enjoyment, introduce diseases, and have significant economic impacts. The National Park Service has taken steps to combat this issue, but more action is needed.
A new national analysis in Japan highlights the potential of entertainment-conservation partnerships to increase public interest in wildlife. The research found that animated shows with animal characters can boost donations to zoo conservation programs, with Kemono Friends being a notable example of its positive impact on public interest.
A growing digital connection to wildlife is crucial for securing broad public support for wildlife protection, according to a new study. Digital innovations such as fitness apps, live feeds, and virtual reality experiences are changing cultural relationships with wildlife.
A recent study found high prevalence and diversity of antibiotic-resistant genes in wildlife enteric bacteria from Catalonia. The study highlights the risk of human exposure to these resistant traits through wildlife.
Conservationists have rediscovered the silver-backed chevrotain, a small deer-like mammal with a silver sheen, in southern Vietnam. Camera trap surveys revealed 275 photos and 1,881 photographs of the species over five months.
Researchers found that despite turtles using open roadside habitats, none attempted to cross the road. The highway acts as a complete barrier, potentially separating the local population and decreasing its ability to cope with threats. Corticosterone levels were not affected between Bypass and roadless sites.
A University of Montana undergraduate student's research published in Ecological Applications found that a double-observer method significantly reduces false-positive errors in wildlife surveys. The study also highlighted the importance of proper training and species-specific characteristics in minimizing misidentifications.
The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded over $1 million in wildlife health research grants to support studies on low fertility in elephants, rabies in bats and amphibian fungal disease. These studies aim to address critical health challenges in various species and promote conservation strategies.
Researchers are combining supply chain and conservation datasets to predict and respond to weaknesses in illegally trafficked wildlife supply chains. The team aims to develop tools to interfere with wildlife trafficking, potentially influencing other transnational crimes.