A new study reveals that humans' presence creates a 'landscape of fear,' causing large carnivores to suppress their behavior and allowing rodents to forage more intensively. This shift has significant consequences for the entire food web, highlighting the need for ecologists to understand human-wildlife interactions.
Small mammals use roadside vegetation foraging in Canada, contrary to assumptions that wildlife passages are only for crossing. The study suggests maintaining habitat between highways could attract animals to roads, increasing the risk of collisions.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield discovered how climate change and deforestation interact to disconnection natural habitats, leaving wildlife with limited escape routes from rising temperatures. The study highlights the urgent need to fund reforestation efforts and stop tropical forest loss.
A study on the cultural status of saltwater crocodiles in East Timor reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals. The research highlights the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into wildlife management to address severe human-crocodile conflict.
A new study found that people in the US are wary of using CRISPR-based genetic engineering to achieve wildlife conservation goals. The research, conducted by a University of Central Florida researcher, suggests that the public perceives the risks of gene editing as outweighing the benefits.
Scientists found high levels of clinically relevant AMR bacteria in urban wildlife in Nairobi, carrying a significant risk to human health. The study highlights the importance of taking an ecological approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance by improving urban planning and waste management practices.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation highlights the importance of incorporating animal social structure into conservation plans. By analyzing individual animal social interactions before, during, and after human intervention, wildlife managers can increase post-translocation success rates.
The world's protected areas are failing to conserve biodiversity due to inadequate resources, with only 4-9% of species represented within adequately resourced PAs. The study recommends using simple indicators to measure PA effectiveness and prioritizing conservation actions to address the growing biodiversity crisis.
A new study finds that hunting and defaunation can have cascading effects on forest structure and dynamics. Loss of wildlife affects the survival of tree species, potentially impacting tropical forests' carbon storage capacity.
Scientists studied Namibian pastoralist attitudes towards human-wildlife conflicts, finding they proposed solutions that suggest tolerance for predators. The findings highlight the complexities of managing human/wildlife coexistence in agricultural areas.
A new study has found cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides in UK river wildlife, highlighting the presence of 'invisible' chemical pollution that poses a risk to wildlife health. The study detected illicit drugs and banned pesticides in freshwater shrimp, revealing a surprising occurrence in smaller rural catchments.
A new study finds large declines in traditionalist views on wildlife management, with a rise in mutualists believing animals have the same rights as humans. The study's findings have implications for wildlife managers to engage diverse state residents in conservation efforts.
A La Trobe University study has found that wildlife restores itself after bushfires, but the surrounding habitat determines which species survive. The research highlights the importance of considering landscape context when planning strategic burns to protect native wildlife.
A study of 400,000 camera-trap records from 36 mammal species on three continents found that tropical mammals respond to changing local temperatures and other species nearby. Temperatures did not increase drastically overall during the study period, but micro habitat use changed over time due to temperature fluctuations.
A study by Syracuse University professor Mark Ritchie observed a 400% spike in human population and a 75% drop in larger wildlife species populations near the iconic ecosystem. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to sustain coexistence between local people and wildlife.
A new study in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem highlights how human activity near protected areas affects wildlife and ecosystem function. The results show that human pressure has caused wildlife to migrate to the core of the park, resulting in changes to fire regimes, grazing patterns, and increased vulnerability to droughts.
A pilot project aims to convert 15.5 ha of palm oil plantations back into rainforest, creating a wildlife corridor for endangered species. The project contributes to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and climate goals by reforested 350 million ha of rainforest and renaturising degraded land by 2030.
A recent study found that coyotes are not limiting white-tailed deer populations in eastern US states. In fact, coyote removal programs will have little impact on increasing regional deer numbers.
A global wildlife map identifies areas where threatened species can find refuge, but also highlights shrinking refuges and high levels of species richness threatened by human activities. The study provides a roadmap for conservation investment and mitigation strategies to save endangered species.
A recent review paper by San Francisco State University Professor Jonathon Stillman examines the potential impacts of future heat waves on humans and wildlife. The study suggests that extreme heat events could become more frequent and intense, posing significant threats to human mortality and wildlife populations.
A seven-year study found that translocating bighorn sheep in Arizona increased genetic diversity without eroding ancestral lineage. The research suggests that targeted translocations can maintain or enhance genetic outcomes, contrary to previous studies indicating 'genetic bottlenecks'.
A new study finds that 28% of endangered species are unprotected by CITES, with 62% needing up to 24 years for protection. Experts recommend speeding up the policymaking process to prevent extinction.
A significant gap exists between scientific identification of species threatened by international trade and their provision of international protection. One-third of currently endangered species due to trade are not protected, highlighting the need for accelerated action.
Scientists have developed a methodology to assess fish stocks by combining modern underwater surveys with historical records dating back to the 8th Century AD. The analysis found that some previously classified as
The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund has awarded grants to 13 US non-profit organizations implementing on-the-ground projects to help wildlife and ecosystems adapt to climate change. The funded projects, which span various geographies and ecosystems, aim to improve resistance to climate-induced loss of tree canopy, erosion, and invasive pests.
A new method uses machine learning to automate the process of preparing digital photos for analysis, allowing researchers to identify individual animals by their unique markings more efficiently. The system will accelerate studies on giraffe populations and can be applied to other species with similar identifying patterns.
A recent study found that elk avoid areas with extensive tree mortality due to bark-beetle epidemics. This avoidance leads to a decline in preferred habitat for elk, impacting wildlife and land managers managing populations in affected areas.
Researchers used scavenger study to find evidence of wildlife diversity in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The team observed 10 mammal and five bird species using fish carcasses as bait.
A recent study reveals that wildlife classification, particularly for similar species like bobcats and lynx, is a challenging task. Even experts had difficulty agreeing on the species in images, leading to potential errors in conservation and management efforts.
Scientists have identified regions with high diversity of potential wildlife hosts for flaviviruses, including primates and birds. The study's model predicts hundreds of previously unobserved host species, which can help with disease detection and surveillance efforts.
A new research from Imperial College London found that social marketing campaigns play a crucial role in the recovery of threatened wildlife populations. The study examined the success of a conservation campaign for the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot and identified behavior change campaigns as a key factor in its population growth.
Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.
Researchers used radar data to observe wildlife behavior during the eclipse, finding a decrease in daytime activity but no increase in nighttime activity. Insect and bird behavior was stifled by the sunset-like sky produced by the eclipse, with some sites experiencing a sudden burst of activity during totality.
Researchers aim to combat white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus affecting bat populations, by exploring the use of ultra-violet light to clean cave environments. The study, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, could potentially enhance bat survival rates, supporting critical ecosystem services.
A new study maps high-probability hot-spots for human-bear conflicts, helping wildlife managers mitigate mortality as bears expand their ranges. Conservation efforts in the Great Basin have led to an increase in bear population and geography, resulting in conflicts with humans.
A research team from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul has published data on bird and reptile roadkill on Brazil's notorious BR-262 highway. The study found 930 animals representing 29 reptile and 47 bird species, with new records including the Black-and-white hawk-eagle.
Researchers found that integrating livestock and wildlife on the same lands can reduce tick abundance, enhance biodiversity, and increase revenue for local farmers. The practice of regularly spraying cattle with acaricides also played a key role in reducing ticks and associated diseases.
The PPR virus poses a significant threat to conservation efforts, with mass mortality events in critically endangered species like the Mongolian saiga. This highlights the urgent need for explicit inclusion of wildlife protection in the global eradication campaign.
A joint study by University of Sheffield and National University of Singapore found that combined impacts of deforestation and wildlife trade on Sundaland bird species are underestimated, with 50-90 species at risk of extinction by 2100.
Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.
The Bureau of Reclamation is supporting a six-year study to assess the impact of its projects on endangered pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River. The study aims to preserve the species and potentially lead to its downlisting, with data gathering focused on reproduction conditions and habitat analysis.
The Morris Animal Foundation is providing $850,000 in grants to support critical health challenges facing wildlife, including lead poisoning and a newly discovered cancer. These studies will help ensure the survival of endangered species through improved veterinary care and disease prevention.
Scientists at UMass Amherst have published the first-ever whole genome of the Canada lynx, a key conservation tool for studying evolution, disease, genetics and habitat connectivity. The release provides critical information on genetic health, demographic history and adaptive variation to inform wildlife management and policy decisions.
A recent study by WCS and WWF suggests that the decline of Grevy's zebras may be linked to competitive displacement by livestock, rather than lion predation. The population of Grevy's zebras is stabilizing with recruitment tripling since 2004.
Research reveals that ancient herders' livestock dung created fertile environmental niches for diverse wildlife over three millennia. Fertile sites attracted wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and carnivores, influencing migration patterns.
A new paper uses social and ecological theory to analyze human-black bear conflicts in Colorado, highlighting the importance of understanding both animal and human behavior. By incorporating efforts to study humans alongside animals, researchers can better address conservation challenges.
A recent study found that installing wildlife crossing structures over highways has increased the success rate of pronghorn crossings, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 70 percent. Pronghorn adapted to using these structures within four years, increasing their crossing success rates and decreasing stress levels.
A study by Penn State researcher Derek E. Lee found that community-based conservation management in Tanzania increases wildlife densities and giraffe population growth. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring wildlife management rights to local communities.
Researchers combined NASA satellite imagery with wildlife surveys to model the effects of plant productivity on mule deer and mountain lion populations. They found that prey and predator abundance both increased with plant productivity, leading to potential conflicts with humans.
Researchers use drones to remotely photograph wilderness areas, then analyze images using object recognition software and verified by humans. The AI system learns to distinguish wildlife from inanimate features, making it possible to cover vast areas economically.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that many wildlife-vehicle collisions in Ontario can be prevented with cost-effective strategies. The study recommends integrating effective measures into wildlife conflict zones during major road work, which could save millions in taxpayer money and insurance costs.
A new study finds that blues and whites are worst for wildlife, while yellow, amber, and green are more benign. The research provides a method for developers and policymakers to choose wildlife-friendly lighting colors.
Meredith McClure's research uses circuit theory and least-cost path models to predict animal movement patterns, finding that circuit theory is more effective for wolverine dispersal while least-cost path models are better for elk migrations. This work informs conservation efforts by providing more accurate wildlife corridor maps.
A new study uses deep learning to automate wildlife data collection, improving the ability to study and conserve wildlife. The technology can accurately identify species, count individuals, and describe behavior, saving significant volunteer time.
A team of researchers studied the narrow-footed Hygrotus diving beetle native only to central Wyoming, discovering its unique habitat in small streams with high salt concentrations. The study found that maintaining hydrologic integrity of prairie streams is vital for the conservation of this rare species.
A new study provides a framework to identify geographical hotspots that can protect wild places and species from biodiversity loss. The study suggests that the exact location of protected areas is vital to wildlife survival, and that Canada's diverse ecosystems require careful consideration in their conservation.
A new WCS paper finds that global demographic and economic trends could create conditions for a possible renaissance of nature. The authors propose protecting threatened wildlife and wild places, creating sustainable cities, and inspiring consumer choices to conserve the natural world.
Researchers have developed biomarkers to detect harmful environmental contaminants in wildlife, enabling faster development of diagnostic tools. Additionally, scientists have created a more sustainable method for producing biodiesel from low-cost cooking oil waste using nanoparticles.
A study found that larger reserves and species similarity are key to effective conservation, but not all species receive equal protection. The research highlights the need for targeted attention for certain species in sagebrush country.
A new study warns of the high risk of extinction for rare coastal martens in Oregon and northern California within the next 30 years. The researchers estimated that only 87 adults remain in two subpopulations, with an extinction risk ranging from 32% to 99%. Habitat loss and human-caused deaths are major threats to their survival.