Researchers propose regional networks to link remote camera data globally, mirroring the success of standardized weather stations. This collaboration aims to monitor biodiversity trends and track wildlife populations in real-time, facilitating evidence-based conservation decisions.
The little-known impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa) has expanded its range by 528 miles to northern Myanmar. The species is considered Vulnerable due to unsustainable subsistence harvesting and habitat destruction.
A recent study in Science highlights a devastating crisis in Asian forests due to snaring, causing unprecedented extinctions. The authors recommend managing this issue by regulating homemade snares and preventing 'empty forests', emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action.
Researchers found that livestock can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on rare wildlife, such as argali and wolves. While livestock reduces available pasturage for argali, it also serves as an alternative prey source for wolves, relieving predatory pressure. In contrast, herding dogs pose a threat to argali populations.
A study led by Colorado State University found that outdoor recreation in protected areas leads to negative effects on wildlife, including decreased species diversity and survival rates. However, some studies suggest positive effects on certain species, such as birds and rodents, with increased abundance and reduced stress.
Researchers found that traditional bullets for muzzleloading rifles and black powder rifle cartridges fragment less than modern high-velocity rifle bullets, suggesting a reduced risk of secondary lead poisoning. This could benefit hunters using these styles of guns and scavenging animals that consume game meat.
A new study reveals that the illegal snake trade in Australia poses a serious threat to human lives and the environment. The research found that 5 out of 28 alien species were likely to succeed in becoming established, while 10 out of 28 were venomous snakes.
A study by Duke University researchers found that bushmeat hunting is drastically shaping wildlife communities, leading to sharp declines in large mammal populations and increases in rodent and small bird populations. The research suggests that the problem will worsen as the human population in the region increases.
A University of Kent study suggests that rural areas can provide for both people and wildlife if agriculture is administered sustainably. The study recommends a policy mix combining regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, including strategic land use planning and incentives for sustainable agricultural practices.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests Grauer's gorillas are Critically Endangered due to a 77% population decline over one generation. The research identifies three key areas critical for the remaining population and calls for greater conservation efforts, including halting mining and protecting wildlife.
A new report highlights the need for better data recording on seized live wild animals, as only one in three CITES countries provide data. The study found that two out of three countries did not report any live wildlife seizures, despite poaching and the estimated $8-10 billion global wildlife trafficking industry.
A new study finds China's Grain-for-Green Program, the world's largest reforestation effort, has planted mostly monoculture forests with limited biodiversity benefits. Researchers recommend restoring native or mixed forests to protect wildlife and mitigate climate change.
Researchers found that bird habitat and parasite interactions significantly impact malaria infection risk, with co-infections occurring in 36% of infected birds. The study advances understanding of parasitic disease in both humans and wildlife.
Researchers from the University of York have developed a new method to detect and decrease wildlife poaching in protected areas, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness for ranger patrols. The approach uses data analysis and patrol optimization to target high-risk areas and reduce costs without additional resources.
A new method developed by WCS, University of York, and Uganda Wildlife Authority improves ranger patrol allocation and targets specific conservation priorities. This resulted in a 250% increase in detections of illegal activities such as poaching and cattle encroachment without changing the number of rangers.
New research from North Carolina State University and USGS reveals that meeting bioenergy demands involves trade-offs regarding wildlife habitats. The specific mix of biomass sources used can shape ecosystems, especially in forests with high biodiversity.
A new study by Western University found that smaller carnivores like European badgers fear humans more than their traditional enemies, leading to altered ecosystem processes. This discovery highlights the impact of human activity on wildlife and conservation efforts.
A new study from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, WCS, and CSU finds that dramatic increases in residential and energy development are associated with declining early winter recruitment in western Colorado's mule deer populations. The study suggests that these impacts on habitat may be having a greater effect on deer populations than previ...
A recent survey led by UMass Amherst researcher Zulmai Moheb confirms the existence of a small population of Bactrian deer in northern Afghanistan, a sub-species believed to have been extinct since the 1970s. The animals urgently need conservation due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Researchers found that female deer typically travel twice as far and take more convoluted paths than males, making it harder to contain chronic wasting disease. Dispersal rates are density-dependent, meaning higher deer densities lead to greater dispersal.
A study finds that fishing closures in Indonesia's shark sanctuary increase shark abundance, while also forcing fishermen to fish in unprotected areas, often turning to illegal practices. Ecotourism may provide an alternative livelihood, but its impact on fishing pressure and illegal activity is uncertain.
A North Carolina State University study found that hiking and hunting caused minor effects on wildlife distribution in protected Eastern forests. The study, which used citizen science camera traps, compared protected areas with similar habitats but different hunting regulations, and sites on and off hiking trails.
Researchers developed a code of best practices to reduce disturbance to wildlife from drone use. The guidelines emphasize the need for consultation with experts and adherence to relevant regulations.
University of Adelaide researchers recommend a 'code of best practice' to minimize the impact of drones on wildlife and mitigate potential disturbances. The guidelines cover various factors, including species, environment, and UAV operation, to ensure informed use of drones in field research.
Researchers documented significant reductions in wildlife-vehicle collisions after construction of overpasses and underpasses along a Wyoming highway. The study found that these structures can improve safety for motorists while enhancing habitat connectivity for migratory species.
The loss of oldest female elephants guides their families to resources and holds decades of social knowledge. This could cause cascading effects on ecosystem function, as these females play a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining habitats.
Researchers at the University of Leicester aim to develop a test using portable nanopore DNA sequencers to identify species at crime scenes in under an hour. This technology has the potential to combat wildlife trafficking by detecting traces of endangered species, such as elephant and rhino blood.
The study found that fisheries management types, distance to fish markets, and water temperatures are crucial in predicting fish biomass levels. It also suggests a recovery time of 8.1 years for individual reef systems to reach a critical level of 1,150 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare.
A North Carolina State University study surveyed elementary students' priorities for wildlife conservation, finding that children's choices mirrored those of conservation biologists. Students prioritized species with rapid population declines and those important in nature over other attributes.
Researchers found that visitors to national parks are half as likely to see wolves when hunting is permitted outside park boundaries. In contrast, when hunting was prohibited, visitors were twice as likely to spot a wolf. The study suggests a tradeoff between harvesting and viewing wolves.
A new study from Michigan State University found that local perceptions of illegal biodiversity exploitation and environmental insecurity can help predict buy-in for risk-management strategies. Understanding local attitudes and behaviors is crucial to addressing wildlife crime and its ramifications.
Researchers found that animal sign-based methods are more reliable than direct encounters in estimating wildlife populations. This study highlights the importance of using alternative assessment methods to ensure accurate conservation status assessments and protect local communities.
A new study from Colorado State University found that improving habitats for game animals has mixed consequences for other wildlife in the same setting. The research calls for a more holistic approach to current management efforts.
Researchers found that small sanctuaries allow threatened blackbucks to survive in densely populated Maharashtra region. The study suggests that these micro-refuges can help preserve biodiversity in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
A recent study found that wild orchids were being traded from all over the world, with rare and threatened species including one assessed as Critically Endangered. The high proportion of wild collected orchids for sale supports calls for better monitoring of social media for trade in wild collected plants.
Research by the University of Kent finds that illegal wildlife trade is facilitated by the global internet, but trade on the darknet is surprisingly low. The study suggests that poor enforcement and easy access to online platforms have led to a negligible amount of trade on anonymous networks.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that China's National Forest Conservation Program increased forest cover and improved wildlife habitat, particularly for the giant panda. The program's payment scheme proved effective in engaging local residents to monitor and protect forests.
Katherine Zeller, a UMass Amherst doctoral candidate, won a Switzer Environmental Fellowship to develop effective corridors for wildlife between protected areas and populations. Her research uses GPS telemetry collars and genetics to model animal movement and design conservation strategies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that treating ear mites in Santa Catalina Island foxes reduced ear tumor prevalence by 99% and inflammation by 90%. The success story highlights the impact of preventative treatments on wildlife populations, with improved conditions for foxes' ear canals and a notable decline in tumors.
A team of scientists reconstructed wildlife populations across Africa to better understand how they shaped the world. They focused on large mammal herbivores and found that dry areas had fewer animals, while wetter savannas were dominated by elephants and fire.
A new farming scheme has been found to support 20% more species of butterflies while producing the same amount of crops as conventional farms. Farmers who sign up to the non-organic Fair to Nature growing protocol gain a premium price for their crops, in return for setting aside and actively managing wildlife habitat.
Scientists have developed best practice principles for assessing the impact of new roads and railways on bats, highlighting the need for a more rigorous approach to protecting wildlife. Existing mitigation structures, such as underpasses and wire gantries, are often ineffective, while green overpasses and underpasses show promise.
Research published in PLOS ONE suggests that restricting wildlife access to rivers and floodplains in dryland regions can impact water quality and human health. The study found significant relationships between increased concentrations of E. coli and animal densities, fecal counts, and land characteristics.
A WSU study suggests linking isolated wildlife sanctuaries by a national network of protected river corridors to provide animals with connected habitats. The research builds on existing environmental policies, including the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.
Researchers find abundant wildlife populations in Chernobyl site, including elk, wolves, and deer. Long-term census data reveal a bounce-back of mammal populations after the devastating nuclear accident.
A team of international researchers has found abundant wildlife populations at Chernobyl, including moose, roe deer, wild boar, and wolves, contrary to previous studies showing significant radiation effects and reduced populations.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that nearly half of endangered social carnivores were threatened by disease, compared to 3% of solitary carnivores. The team will investigate the interaction between sociality and infectious disease in highly social species, such as the banded mongoose.
The New England Wild Flower Society and partners have launched a $2.3M project to collect native seeds for coastal habitat restoration from Maine to Virginia. This initiative will supply seeds sustainably collected from the local area, targeting 50 species common throughout the project range, plus regional and site-specific species.
Researchers will investigate greenhouse gas exchanges, permafrost thawing, and wildlife habitat changes in the Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE). The study aims to better understand the ecological impacts of climate change on forests, wildlife, and communities in Alaska and northern Canada.
A research team used ancient-DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct population histories for prehistoric seabirds in New Zealand. They found that mainland populations were rapidly decimated after human arrival, while Stewart Island populations remained relatively stable due to a decline in human numbers.
Scientists at Australian National University have developed a world-first radio-tracking drone to locate radio-tagged wildlife. The system has successfully detected tiny radio transmitters and has been tested by tracking bettongs at the Mulligan's Flat woodland sanctuary.
The National Oceanography Centre has launched a robot technology to measure UK's marine wildlife in the Celtic Sea, working with WWF. The two vehicles will investigate why certain areas are attractive to marine predators like dolphins and seabirds., The mission aims to increase understanding of marine animals' habitats and behaviors.
Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria were widespread among African wildlife, including species with high exposure to antibiotics through diet. These findings suggest that wildlife may serve as sentinels for antimicrobial resistance in ecosystems, providing clues to the spread of resistant microbes.
Researchers found that just ten diseases account for around 50% of all published knowledge on diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface. The study emphasizes the need for sustained investments in research to evaluate risks and improve responses to disease epidemics in animals and humans.
A team of wildlife experts has successfully revealed the black leopard's spots using a modified infrared flash on automatic camera traps, allowing scientists to study and monitor this unique population. The research provides a new tool for conservation efforts, which are critical due to widespread poaching and habitat loss in Malaysia.
A new study found that cat owners are unaware of the number of animals killed by their pets and resist control measures. Despite this, many owners agree to neutering as a method of improving cat welfare.
A University of South Florida study confirms the dilution effect hypothesis, suggesting biodiversity loss poses a public health threat by causing disease outbreaks. The research found broad evidence that species-rich communities suffer less infectious disease, implying maintaining biodiversity could reduce parasite abundance.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society presents a more complex model that incorporates multiple environmental factors and field observations to predict coral reef resilience. The model challenges traditional 'temperature threshold' predictions, suggesting a more nuanced and spatially complex future for coral reefs.
New research highlights the need for improved monitoring of supply and demand in CITES to inform interventions addressing demand and promoting social responsibility. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding markets and addressing socio-economic drivers to effectively conserve trade-threatened species.