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.
New research from Virginia Tech shows that personal outreach to landowners is vital to the success of conservation programs. Landowners who accompanied conservation biologists on site visits had higher trust in the agency and better perceptions of program outcomes. The study highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions in sha...
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.
Researchers developed a new approach to measure the impact of natural disasters on wildlife populations, finding that frequent intense events exert strong selection pressures on species. The study suggests that the 2011 tsunami had a relatively small impact on organisms living in Japan's intertidal zone, comparable to a Pacific storm.
Research reveals that vampire bats in areas with high livestock abundance have different immune profiles, investing more in adaptive immunity to fight infections. The study's findings also suggest a higher risk of virus transmission to humans through cross-species contact, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices.
A new study suggests that certified logging operations can protect jaguars and other large wildlife species. Camera trap surveys in Guatemala and Peru found high jaguar densities in managed concessions, with an average of 1.5 to 4.5 jaguars per 100 square kilometers.
Human-provided food resources can alter animal migration patterns and increase disease transmission, as they allow some animals to forego migration and form resident populations. This can lead to a longer parasite transmission season and support more virulent parasites, posing risks to public health and conservation.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found disparities in wildlife management approaches across Europe, leading to worsening conflicts. The team assessed nine different schemes involving large grazing birds and discovered a lack of adaptation to changes in bird numbers and damage levels.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki are using artificial intelligence to monitor and combat illegal wildlife trade on social media. Machine learning algorithms can automatically identify species, classify sentiment, and process visual content to aid law enforcement and conservation efforts.
A new study predicts that climate change will severely impact the Albertine Rift, one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. Nearly 50% of endemic mammals, birds, plants, and other species found nowhere else on earth are expected to become threatened by 2080.
A study found that trappers in Madagascar do not perceive conservation as important to their work, and the income from wildlife trade is not enough to create incentives for species and habitat protection. The research suggests that local people's engagement in biodiversity conservation needs to be better incorporated into policies.
Researchers analyzed 667 hunt management systems across US and Canadian states, identifying hallmarks of science-based management such as clear objectives, evidence use, transparency, and external review. However, only 60% of these systems met these criteria, casting doubt on the science-based nature of North American wildlife management.
A new ecotourism strategy has been tested in Lao PDR, reducing illegal hunting and increasing wildlife sightings. The direct payment approach incentivizes local communities to conserve wildlife, resulting in a three-fold increase in non-tourism sector hunting signs and an overall increase in wildlife sightings.
Intact forests are crucial for addressing climate change and protecting wildlife, critical watersheds, indigenous cultures, and human health. The study recommends prioritizing forest conservation based on their relative values, highlighting the need for global policy interventions to safeguard remaining intact forests.
A University of Adelaide study found that monitoring wildlife using drones is more accurate than traditional counting approaches. The #EpicDuckChallenge used fake bird colonies to test the technology, with citizen scientists tallying the number of birds in drone photos, resulting in a higher accuracy rate.
A NUS study has identified complex networks driving international wildlife trade, with large portions of markets remaining unknown. The findings suggest a nuanced approach to regulation is needed to address unsustainable harvesting and species extinction.
Mercury is a toxic contaminant with significant health risks to humans and wildlife, primarily through methylmercury in fish consumption. The international treaty on mercury, the Minamata Convention, has been ratified by 84 nations, emphasizing the need for scientific understanding to inform policy decisions.
Researchers used a combination of conventional and remotely-sensed climate measurements to model the future distributions of bamboo species in southwestern China. This approach increased confidence in model results, providing valuable guidance for conservation planning and nuanced decision-making.
A new study evaluates the prevalence of scientific rigor in wildlife research, finding that only 56.1% of studies tested hypotheses. The authors outline a rigorous scientific method to produce reliable knowledge, which is crucial for effective wildlife management and conservation.
A study by the University of Alberta found that reimbursing ranchers for livestock killed by predators supports conservation efforts. The compensation program helps maintain wildlife habitats on private lands, with a notable increase in claims due to rising wolf populations.
A new study from WCS, Duke University, and the Centre for Wildlife Studies in India found that communities near Rajasthan wildlife reserves show a high tolerance for wildlife. Despite experiencing losses, 85% of respondents believed protecting wildlife was important.
The Journal of Wildlife Management study highlights the importance of timing and location in grizzly bear translocations. Researchers found that early spring releases in low-mortality-risk areas near rivers led to higher success rates, emphasizing the need for further scientific data collection and publication of translocation results.
A recent study found that conflict in Africa's protected areas has led to a consistent decline in large mammal populations. Despite severe impacts, these populations rarely collapse and can recover with the right policies and resources. The research suggests that avoiding even low-level conflicts is crucial for conservation efforts.
A recent study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation reveals that a decrease in wildlife populations leads to an increase in local tick populations, potentially threatening human and animal health. The research found that large mammals play a vital role in regulating tick numbers, with conservation efforts showing promise in reducing ...
A new study found that black-backed jackals have a preference for eating livestock, including sheep and goats, over similarly sized wild prey. This has significant consequences for farmers and the management of predators in South Africa, highlighting the need to protect livestock from these animals.
A recent study has made wilderness area maps freely available to aid researchers and conservationists in mitigating climate change. The majority of remaining wilderness areas are found in Central Australia, the Amazon rainforest, and boreal forests.
Researchers from UBC's Okanagan campus found that female grizzly bears with cubs prefer using wildlife overpasses to cross the highway, highlighting the importance of designing structures that prioritize bear safety. The study also suggests that a diverse range of crossing design types can help mitigate road-bear conflicts.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has awarded $2.5 million in new grants through its Climate Adaptation Fund to support innovative conservation projects addressing the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems. The grants aim to help species, ecosystems, and communities adapt to rapidly shifting environmental conditions.
Research found that large mammals are 146% more likely to use wildlife crossing structures than pass at random in surrounding habitat. White-tailed deer and mule deer were particularly frequent users of underpasses, while carnivorous species moved similarly through passages as they would naturally.
Researchers have developed a method to flag up potentially illegal wildlife trade by analyzing the growth rates of certain species. A study published in Biological Conservation has found that understanding these growth rates can help identify when an item is not yet legally available for sale, allowing authorities to act earlier.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have identified 52 potential wildlife corridors in Tanzania, linking protected areas across the country. The study found that nearly a sixth of previously identified corridors may be separated by land conversion.
A Baylor University professor and his team have developed a method to measure recreation disturbance across large landscapes, enabling better understanding of its impact on wildlife. The study aims to provide recreation managers with a tool to mitigate negative effects on wildlife while allowing for responsible recreation use.
A cultural backlash from US populism limits opportunities for state fish and wildlife agencies to adapt to changing social values. Traditionalist values are associated with lower trust in wildlife agencies, while mutualist values support restrictions on humans.
Climate change poses a major threat to desert wildlife in central Australia, with feral animals such as cats and foxes exacerbating the issue. Removing introduced predators could boost rodent populations by nearly one in 10, according to new research from the University of Sydney.
Research by Melanie Flynn, a University of Huddersfield lecturer, has led to Malaysia setting up environmental courts to deal with wildlife crimes. In contrast, the UK has made slower progress in tackling the issue, with inconsistent sentencing and limited resources hindering efforts.
A new framework describes the complex dynamics of the illicit wildlife trade by combining biological, anthropological and socioeconomic data to provide a holistic picture of the problem. This framework can help practitioners untangle the complexities underlying the wildlife trade.
A new study reveals that lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of mortality in adult common loons, resulting in 43% population decline over 24 years. The study found that jigs and sinkers accounted for most lead tackle objects ingested by loons.
Recent study in Journal of Wildlife Management suggests trophy hunting doesn't drive artificial selection, altering horn and antler sizes. Researchers argue that numerous obstacles counteract hunter selection, minimizing population-level changes.
Research shows prairie strips reduce soil and nutrient loss from steep ground, providing habitat for wildlife. Integrating prairie strips with rowcrops increases biodiversity and ecosystem services, with minimal impacts on crop production.
A study by WWF and UCF found that more than 47% of rangers selected 'I have no other job option' as the most motivating factor, highlighting the need for better work environment and compensation. The research aims to bring policy changes to improve ranger conditions and ultimately protect wildlife and forests.
Research monitored wildlife acoustic activity before, during and after major forest fires in Southeast Asia, revealing a 37.5% decline during the haze. The damage was likely greater near fires, where air pollution levels were 15 times higher.
A new study predicts that six planned dams in the Amazon river system could reduce sediments and nutrients by 69% and 51%, respectively, threatening regional food security. The construction of these dams could have catastrophic effects on the entire Amazon River basin and its wildlife.
A recent study analyzed feral pigs, gray squirrels, and waterfowl from uncontaminated and contaminated habitats to assess environmental contamination. Many waterfowl tissues exceeded safe consumption levels, posing health concerns for both birds and humans.
Researchers will use genomic technologies to understand genetic basis of traits influencing wildlife and plant survival in changing environments. The project aims to advance understanding of how organisms cope with environmental challenges and develop guidelines for genomic interventions.
A new royalty system for wildlife imagery could generate significant revenue for conservation efforts, particularly for carnivorous species like lions. The idea proposes that a portion of income from products featuring wildlife images be allocated to support conservation initiatives.
Researchers discovered anthrax prevalent among Taï National Park's mammal carcasses, killing 31 of 55 chimps. The disease poses a significant threat to endangered species and emphasizes the need for long-term infectious disease studies.
Leading scientists from around the world gathered to discuss leveraging science to combat illegal wildlife trade. They identified opportunities to bring scientific knowledge to bear on the problem, including using data, collaborating on problem-solving, and assessing interventions.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that urban food demand in the Amazon can impact wildlife as far as 1,000 km away from the city. Researchers found a 50% reduction in fish size and catch rate near Manaus due to overfishing by city-based boats, which also led to larger fish being more common and easier to catch further away.
A recent study calls for strengthened human-wildlife conflict management in India due to the damage caused by up to 32 wildlife species. The research identifies effective prevention techniques, improved compensation schemes, and open dialogue between communities, governments, and conservationists as key solutions.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society found that Congo's miners often hunt wildlife for food due to lack of alternative protein sources. The authors suggest strengthening wildlife-friendly mining regulations and increasing domestic food sources as solutions.