Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
Researchers discovered highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife samples, including foxes and birds, indicating potential early warning system for AMR spread. The study highlights the need for environmental interventions to prevent resistance from reaching clinical settings.
A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.
A new study reveals that risk-prone animals tend to stay near human activity, while more cautious individuals avoid humans and survive longer. This finding highlights the importance of individual behavior in adapting to human-driven environmental change.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.
A new study by University of Maryland researcher Meredith Gore and colleagues found that traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans than species not involved in trade. The risk is higher for animals traded illegally or sold live, which fuels the demand for exotic pets.
A study analyzing dragonfly larvae found moderate to high-risk mercury sites across 30 US National Wildlife Refuges, posing threats to fish, wildlife, and human health. The research provides baseline measurements for tracking change and informs future management actions to reduce mercury bioaccumulation.
A new study reveals that protecting polar bear habitat naturally safeguards the resources they rely on to survive, providing critical benefits to the ecosystem. By analyzing tracking data from 355 bears, researchers identified a high-use area near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting it as a prime location for a Marine Protected Area.
A new study reveals that Australia's national park expansion has not effectively protected threatened species and ecosystems. Despite doubling the size of protected areas since 2010, critical conservation priorities are being overlooked.
Despite good rainfall improving soils and vegetation, marine ecosystems and wildlife continue to bear the cost of a warming climate. The report found 2,175 species listed as threatened under federal law, with heat stress exceeding thresholds at 79% of reef locations.
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
Researchers tracked 48 urban coyotes and found that over half of their dens were in natural structures, while others incorporated human-related items to create strong, hidden shelters. The study highlights the adaptability and intelligence of coyotes, which play a crucial role in urban ecosystems as apex predators and ecosystem engineers.
Researchers observed finless porpoises in Ise Bay, Japan, interacting with adults beyond their mothers, challenging the long-held assumption of their solitary nature. Infants approach and swim alongside adults who are not their mothers, suggesting a potential weaker mother-calf bond compared to other species.
A new special edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B provides a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed studies on disease management in marine wildlife. The issue examines emerging pathogens, methodological advances, climate change, and ecosystem-based management.
A Purdue University-developed contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in feral horses, deer, swine, and other animals, overcoming limitations of existing models. The vaccine, based on a male sperm protein, induces a long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals, with promising results for wildlife management.
A new study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that released animals, like Bengal slow lorises, are at risk of being attacked by territorial peers. Only two out of nine released animals survived, with the others dying due to fatal attacks.
A solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon is monitored by researchers who assess its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. The team highlights the need for human behavior management to ensure the dolphin's welfare, rather than focusing on wildlife protection measures.
The North American wild mountain sheep is losing its habitat to industrial mining, human activity, and climate change. The book highlights the risks faced by this species, which nearly collapsed in previous decades but now faces grave risks from disease and habitat loss.
Researchers developed a new theoretical framework that links individual animal movements to population dynamics across space and time. The range-resident logistic model incorporates interactions between multiple animals, providing a more accurate prediction of population sizes and helping inform real-world conservation recommendations.
A new study suggests that strategically removing sections of fencing in southern Africa could make both livestock and wildlife safer. The researchers found that the overall risk estimates of diseases were generally low, and removing fences may not increase the risk of pathogens crossing over.
Research finds that reducing wolves improves caribou calf survival in mountainous regions due to the inability of bears and wolverines to catch older calves. In contrast, flatter landscapes with accessible trails see no improvement in survival rates as other predators fill the gap.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.
A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.
A three-month study using hair snares and remote cameras collected data on coastal marten population and habitat in a 150-square-mile area. The findings indicate that martens are most numerous at high elevations with consistent winter snowpack, and at lower elevations in ravines and riparian areas.
A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.
New research from Simon Fraser University finds that Canada is failing to monitor the health of Pacific salmon populations, with 44% lacking sufficient data. The decline in monitoring is particularly concerning as salmon face the dual threat of climate change and industrial projects set to be fast-tracked by the federal government.
A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Research shows that conservation efforts can be more effective if they focus on why people buy ivory rather than just promoting its illegality. Studies suggest that targeting specific audiences and using behavioural theory can help change consumer behaviour.
Research led by UMass Amherst has pinpointed suitable habitats for Myanmar's Bengal tigers, Indochinese leopards, and Mainland clouded leopards. The study suggests that many existing protected areas will continue to be critical in the future, but require additional protection and connectivity solutions to ensure the big cats' survival.
A new study reveals that elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are unable to get enough salt from their habitats, leading to sodium deficiency. The researchers found that larger-bodied species are more affected by sodium scarcity, which influences their habitat selection and behavior.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia argue that placing social justice at the heart of global restoration initiatives is vital for success. The study found that ecological targets should be aligned with local social, economic, and cultural ones to ensure holistic and long-term thinking.
A new study in Botswana explores the effectiveness of bee-sound barriers in deterring elephants from raiding crops. While results show a positive reaction from some elephants, differences in response rates between Botswana and other countries suggest context-specific factors are at play.
A recent study found that releasing rehabilitated Golden Eagles can be an effective means of compensating for eagle deaths due to human actions. However, the study revealed that only a few rehabilitated eagles survive and integrate into the wild population, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of rehabilitation efforts.
A new analysis challenges traditional conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of sustainable pastoralism in protecting global biodiversity. Rangelands harbor vast biodiversity and support millions of people, yet only a small percentage receive formal protection.
A new study led by UBC with Coast Salish Nations and regional research partners identifies Indigenous-led hunting as the most successful strategy for managing hyperabundant deer on the Southern Gulf Islands. This approach delivers significant ecological and cultural benefits, increasing human and ecological wellbeing by nearly 60%.
A new study suggests that coyotes are more likely to overlap with humans in areas with high levels of open space, such as parks and golf courses. The analysis found that coyotes were attracted to areas with moderate levels of open space, like parks or golf courses, where they could find food and shelter. In contrast, coyotes may be les...
A new study from the University of Illinois found that about half of Oregon's elk population carry a gene variant that makes them less susceptible to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This could help slow down the spread of the disease in the state. The research also highlights the importance of monitoring and managing cervid populations.
Research analyzing over 170 studies reveals human impacts like hunting and land-use changes have a greater impact on prey populations than large carnivores. Large predators do control populations of prey species under specific conditions, but effects are often spatially constrained or influenced by competing species.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
Researchers at UT Austin discovered that destroying ant nest structure prevents disease transmission, allowing natural pathogens to collapse infestations. The study's findings provide a reliable way to introduce biocontrol agents into uninfected colonies, making it easier to control the invasive species.
A new study warns that the quiet abandonment of conservation projects is undermining global biodiversity and carbon targets. At least one-third of conservation programs are abandoned just a few years after implementation, compromising progress announced at events like COP.
Researchers have identified three new species of tree-dwelling toads from Africa that skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets. This rare reproductive strategy is found in less than 1% of frog species, making these toads exceptionally interesting.
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
Researchers found that roe deer restrict natural forest regeneration, despite abundant light. The team's study suggests that controlling deer densities is crucial for maintaining tree-species diversity in forests.
Scientists suggest that managing pond conditions can tip the balance in favor of native species. Research found that longer hydroperiods, typically over 110 days, lead to larger and more stable populations.
A new study reveals the deep connection between wildlife trafficking and other serious crimes, including arms dealing and human smuggling. By mapping these intersections, researchers can focus on key players driving global networks, boosting anti-trafficking interventions.
A study of nine large mammal species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem found that their behavioral responses to summer heat were influenced more by environmental structure than biological traits. Populations living in homogeneous environments altered their behavior more dramatically, seeking shade and cooler conditions.
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
Two muriqui species, largest primates in the Americas, face significant habitat loss due to climate change. By 2090, up to 61% of their suitable habitats may be reduced, mainly confined to coastal regions of the Atlantic Forest.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
Researchers developed an environmental quality standard to evaluate reindeer populations, finding most areas rated as poor or medium. The standard aims to inform management efforts and secure long-term conservation of wild reindeer.
A new analytical method reveals that 65.5% of unhatched eggs were fertilized, contradicting previous assumptions. The study's findings can inform management decisions for threatened bird species and potentially accelerate their recovery.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that social pressure is the primary driver behind farmers' willingness to protect their livestock from wolves. Financial support, such as subsidies for electric fences, also encourages farmers to take action. However, guard dogs are not a preferred option.
Researchers have identified distinct genetic adaptations in European cisco populations adapted to fresh, saline, or brackish water, as well as varying spawning times. These findings can inform sustainable management practices and improve our understanding of the impact of environmental factors on roe quality.
Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.
Researchers analyzed over 2,000 hours of underwater recordings to detect subtle shifts in red hind spawning behavior and population dynamics. The study found a notable shift in the balance of mating calls over the 12-year period, with calls linked to competition becoming dominant.
Climate change is warming rivers in Alaska, posing a threat to Chinook salmon populations and Indigenous food security. The study found that summer river temperatures could rise by 1.26°C by mid-century, surging above what juvenile Chinook salmon can tolerate in four out of seven river basins.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
Researchers found that the island has enough trees, hedgerows, and seeds for the estimated 3500 red squirrels to thrive and grow. The study also discovered signs of genetic mixing between the east and west populations, suggesting a bright future for the island's squirrel population.
A new study by Bournemouth University confirms that red squirrel populations across Europe are resilient to the effects of climate change, but highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitat. The study found that temperature changes and low rainfall do not directly affect the survivability of red squirrels.