Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
Research articles explore relative effectiveness of wildfire fuel treatments, geese impact on Arctic breeding grounds, bumble bee foraging behavior in agricultural areas, and the discovery of epiphytes in cities.
Researchers found significant implications for water management and wildlife due to the decline in snowpack, affecting the Sainte-Anne River and its streamflow patterns. The study's findings align with historical records of droughts and heavy precipitation, highlighting the importance of protecting old growth forests.
Research uncovering rapid changes in river temperatures across the US highlights importance of observational records for environmental variability. The findings provide insights into managing habitats and understanding impacts on socioeconomic activities.
A study analyzed conservation actions for endangered species and found that targeted efforts have driven improvements in over 100 species. However, only half of assessed species have conservation actions in place, and roughly six times as many species have deteriorated in recent decades than have improved.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
Researchers found that brown trout can successfully pass through beaver dams under favorable conditions, such as high river flows. However, low flow periods pose a significant obstacle, delaying or preventing fish movement upstream. Climate change may exacerbate this issue, particularly in Great Britain.
Researchers at Cornell Lab of Ornithology use acoustic monitoring to track forest bird species and inform forest management decisions. The study creates detailed maps showing where different birds are likely to live, helping managers make better-informed decisions about thinning forests or conducting controlled burns.
A voluntary pledge made by UK shooting organisations in 2020 to replace lead shot with non-toxic alternatives has failed, analysis by Cambridge researchers reveals. The team found that lead shot was not being phased out quickly enough to achieve a complete voluntary transition by 2025.
New research reveals that human disturbances near southern sea otters can increase their energetic costs, potentially affecting their health and survival. The likelihood of disturbance decreases with distance from the otters, but even small craft within 29 meters can have a significant impact.
Researchers at UCalgary suggest a holistic approach to conservation by analyzing individual movement patterns of caribou. The study identifies six distinct behavioural groups that deserve separate conservation actions, providing a framework for habitat protection and restoration strategies.
A new study reveals detailed insights into polar bear denning behavior, showing altered emergence periods and variable den presence. The research highlights the importance of protecting denning areas to ensure cub survival and species conservation.
A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.
Scientists have released new high-quality genome sequences for two critically endangered pangolin species, revealing genetic vulnerabilities and extinction risks. The research provides essential information for rescue operations and focusing on the best ways to conserve these unique animals.
A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability has led to a 30% increase in India's tiger population over the past two decades. The country's unique approach to coexistence between humans and predators involves protected reserves and multi-use landscapes where tigers and people share space.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified priority areas for prairie dog conservation, which benefits not only the prairie dog but also other grassland species. The study provides a blueprint for conserving habitats that could help revitalize North America's Central Grasslands.
Researchers in Montana used drones to haze grizzly bears away from towns, homes, and livestock. The results showed that the technology was effective at moving bears away from desirable areas, but not necessarily teaching them to avoid humans long-term.
Researchers warn of the risks of spreading invasive species via untreated water transfers, which can move between different environments. The study highlights the need for coordinated surveillance and management plans to tackle this threat and conserve freshwater biodiversity.
A recent study by HKU ecologist Professor Alice C. Hughes reveals that almost 30,000 wild species were traded globally between 2000 and 2022, with over 50% sourced directly from the wild. This highlights the critical need for systematic monitoring of wildlife trade to assess its sustainability.
A recent study published in PNAS found almost 30,000 wild species were traded in the US over a 22-year period, with 50% sourced from the wild. The majority of these species were not subject to assessments ensuring sustainable harvest, highlighting a major gap in global monitoring and management.
A new map reveals unique 'geologic fingerprints' across most of the African continent, enabling researchers to match artifacts and remains with their likely region of origin. The tool is particularly valuable for understanding human migration patterns, modern wildlife trafficking, and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
The creation of more fox-free safe havens is crucial to ensure the survival of the Parma wallaby. The species faces threats from fox predation, bushfires, and habitat loss, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between government and landowners.
Researchers used bioacoustics to identify individual leopards through their vocalisations, which proved 93.1% accurate in identifying each leopard's distinct 'sawing roar'. This technique has the potential to aid in population estimates and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
A recent UC Riverside study found that raking dead grass can boost California's native wildflower diversity, reducing fire danger and increasing plant community changes. The simple, low-cost method of removing invasive grass layers allows native seeds to germinate and grow.
Researchers found Andean bears prefer to forage in dry season for young, tender bromeliad plants on east-facing slopes of puna grassland. They actively select specific food resources within the grasslands, indicating their nutritional importance, while avoiding areas with livestock.
A new database reveals significant gaps in hippo population knowledge, with fragmented populations relying on protected areas. The research calls for coordinated surveys and a centralized spatial database to improve conservation efforts.
A research initiative by Sapna Dass aims to identify pathogens, monitor transmission pathways, and implement rapid responses to address potential danger from unidentified pathogens. The project employs SARS-CoV-2 as a model virus to study spillover events from wildlife to livestock.
A new study assesses the sustainability of varying Pacific walrus harvest rates under different climate and human disturbance scenarios. The research finds that current harvest levels are within a sustainable range if assessed regularly and adjusted accordingly.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a groundbreaking method for detecting the DNA of invasive snakes in Florida. The tetraplex digital PCR assay can identify four species simultaneously and has been shown to be highly accurate, even weeks after the snakes have left an area.
A new study highlights the importance of protecting Earth's oldest and wisest creatures due to human intervention. These individuals provide unique biological functions and ecological knowledge, essential for ecosystem services.
New information and guidance on monitoring and managing ranaviruses are provided in the second edition of Ranaviruses: Emerging Pathogens of Ectothermic Vertebrates. Ranavirus infections have been confirmed in over 177 species, causing mass die-offs and affecting biodiversity.
A study found that mountain lions in areas with high human recreation are more nocturnal, adjusting their activity to avoid interactions. The animals' flexibility in timing allows for coexistence between humans and wildlife.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...
A study published in Environmental Communication found that social media can harness public awareness and engagement to support wildlife conservation. The caracal, a small wild cat native to Africa, has gained popularity on Facebook and Instagram, leading to increased support for its conservation.
A new study has found that grey squirrels are more likely to visit bait feeders in the spring, making it a suitable time to deliver oral contraceptives. The research developed a bait and monitoring system that demonstrated high species-specificity, with only grey squirrels accessing the feeder bait.
Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington are conducting a DNA analysis project to determine the genetic differences between the rare Dixon's whiptail and the common checkered whiptail. If the two species are found to be distinct, Dixon's whiptail may become eligible for endangered species protection.
Researchers have trained African giant pouched rats to detect illegally trafficked wildlife species, including pangolin scales, elephant ivory, rhino horn, and African blackwood. The rats showed perfect retention scores after months of non-exposure, suggesting their cognitive performance resembles that of dogs.
Researchers confirm beehive fences as highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, deterring 76-86.3% of elephants from raiding crops during peak seasons. However, ongoing habitat degradation and droughts may compromise the long-term effectiveness of this nature-based solution.
A recent study found that reducing moose populations to historical levels through hunting can help reduce wolf numbers and protect caribou populations. In regions where moose populations were reduced, 3.2 times fewer wolves were killed to protect caribou populations.
The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.
A three-decade study found polar bears exposed to increased pathogens due to environmental changes, with females at higher risk. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the need for further disease screening in polar bear populations.
A new genomic study reveals high genetic diversity and low inbreeding in the endangered Oriental Stork population, a common finding in many critically endangered species. The study provides hope for the species' long-term survival and suggests that protecting its habitats could rapidly rescue this species from extinction.
A study found that western spotted skunks have a home range of up to 12 square miles, exceeding similar size mammals and even deer. The skunks' extensive range is likely due to limited food resources. Their sensitivity to winter weather also raises concerns about climate change impacts.
Wildlife rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority successfully monitored lion populations in the Murchison Falls Nile Delta, estimating a density of 13.91 lions per 100 km². The study highlights the cost-effectiveness and value of rangers' skills in conservation efforts.
A recent study led by University of Wyoming scientists found that managing free-roaming horses within the Bureau of Land Management's maximum appropriate management levels would benefit sage grouse populations. Grazing by wild horses can reduce shrub density, vegetation cover, and abundance of key forbs used by sage grouse.
A decade-long analysis of wildlife rescue records in NSW reveals a bias towards larger reptiles, with two species accounting for almost two-thirds of all rescues. Human behavior and environment play significant roles in shaping these interactions.
Climate change affects deer populations by altering their physiology, behavior, and distribution. As temperatures rise, some species adapt to milder winters, while others struggle with heat stress and parasites.
Research shows that poverty and inadequate food supply drive poaching in East African national parks. The study found that alleviating food insecurity and poverty are key to building cooperation between parks and local villages. By addressing these needs, conservation efforts can be more effective.
The Safe-Hub platform provides a harmonized and standardized database for pollinator health, monitoring, distribution, and conservation. It offers various tools and resources, such as species distribution maps, knowledge library, and events calendar, to support recommendations and co-design solutions for wild pollinator decline.
A University of Maryland study highlights the complexity of designing wildlife corridors, which can vary widely in their effectiveness depending on the evaluation method used. The research found that none of the tested corridor designs captured all black bear movements, and some even failed to account for unique dispersal behaviors.
New study challenges prevailing conservation theories by finding no discernible impact of Maasai cattle grazing on the reserve's ecological well-being. The research confirms that large wild herbivores share spaces with cattle and that their direct effect is minimal.
A new Conservation Letter reviews the impact of built environments on raptors, identifying vehicles, wind turbines, and windows as consistently problematic obstacles. Proposed solutions include flight diverters, bird-friendly products, and habitat management to reduce collision fatalities and support conservation efforts.
A recent study reveals that red-backed salamanders are more abundant than expected in eastern North American forests, with an estimated 5,300 individuals per football field-sized patch. The discovery highlights the ecological importance of these small but mighty creatures in maintaining forest health.
Researchers will develop an AI-driven system for photo-identification and tracking of Florida manatees, optimizing the cost-precision trade-off in traditional tracking methods. The project aims to streamline conservation efforts while providing essential information on population dynamics, health, risks, and vulnerability.
Researchers used a dog-like robot integrated with AI to automate the identification and control of Red Imported Fire Ants, detecting three times more nests with greater precision. The system's effectiveness was tested in field trials, but challenges remain in scaling up production costs.
Research by University of Queensland reveals that Australian environmental laws are inadequate in stopping high rates of tree clearing for agriculture and development. The study found that 75% of cases in Queensland were exempt from assessment under the state's main vegetation management law, leading to severe deforestation rates.
A new study found that Lake Erie walleye growth is influenced more by the size and experiences of their parents than by recent environmental conditions. The study analyzed data from 1982 to 2015 and found that cold winters and larger mothers were associated with faster growth in offspring.
The American Ornithological Society has announced its 2024 award winners in recognition of outstanding contributions to the scientific study and conservation of birds. Juan Carlos Reboreda and René Duckworth were awarded for their significant work on behavioral ecology, conservation, and evolutionary changes in bird behavior.
Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.