Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
Researchers created a model to predict extinction likelihood based on human hunting and environmental pressures. The model accounted for interactions between humans, animals, and their environment, considering factors like climate change and life history traits.
Research shows that long-term declines in pronghorn productivity are associated with increased oil and gas development and woody encroachment. Manual removal of trees and controlled burning could help protect iconic rangeland species like pronghorn.
A global wildlife study during COVID-19 lockdowns found that animal responses to humans varied by landscape conditions and trophic group. Herbivores became more active around humans, while carnivores tended to avoid them.
A new study reveals that prairie dogs are a crucial prey source for four species of raptors, including bald eagles, overwintering in the Southern Great Plains. The relationship between prairie dogs and their aerial predators has implications for raptor conservation through climate change.
Researchers propose releasing a parasitic wasp to control an invasive avian vampire fly threatening Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands. The study found only two native fly species, emphasizing the urgent need to protect these native species alongside the iconic birds.
Researchers found that brown bears' digging for cicada nymphs damages tree roots and alters soil nitrogen content, limiting tree diameter growth. This phenomenon is unique to human-planted conifer forests, with no similar effects in natural forests.
Climate change threatens the survival of African elephants due to habitat loss and water resource depletion. Policies protecting vital habitats can mitigate these impacts, with increased forest and savanna areas benefiting all age groups.
A global survey of 200+ major cultural organizations reveals significant room for improvement in social and environmental sustainability. However, top performers like the National Galleries of Scotland and Sydney Opera House showcase successful integration of sustainability into strategy and operations.
A new analysis of 14,000 fish surveys in 216 MPAs across 43 countries reveals that no-take MPAs are effective in restoring fish populations but come at a cost to coastal communities. The study suggests multiple-use MPAs, where fishing is regulated, can be a more equitable alternative.
A genetic study reveals two distinct clusters of deer populations in Nara, Japan, highlighting the need for reconciliation among stakeholders. The research emphasizes the importance of careful management to address conflicts between preserving sacred deer lineage and allowing admixture for conservation.
A recent study found that polar bears, closely observed by scientists, struggled to maintain weight when their preferred seal prey was out of reach during longer ice-free seasons. Despite trying various strategies, including resting and foraging, nearly all the bears lost weight rapidly, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.
A new study found that relocated songbird chicks can successfully learn the diversity of songs they need to communicate and survive. Despite an initial lack of song diversity, the population recovered as it increased in size, suggesting that translocating nestlings may not lead to long-term problems.
Fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time, providing a rare and unusual behavior that sheds light on their ecology. This unexpected finding may help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
A spatial model predicts pesticide exposure in bumblebees, explaining nearly 75% of the spatial variation. The model uses data on pesticide application and crop characteristics, but not flower attractiveness or chemical persistence.
Wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and UC Riverside student Phillip Sternes observed a 5-foot-long pure-white shark pup shedding its embryonic layer. The location off central California's coast is proposed as a potential great white breeding ground, which could help protect endangered species.
A study published in Science found that an invasive ant species is altering tree cover in an East African wildlife area, making it harder for lions to hunt their preferred prey, zebras. The ant's arrival has shifted predator-prey behavior, potentially jeopardizing lion populations already on the brink of endangerment.
A three-year study has provided the first reliable estimate of giraffe population size for the region, revealing a mere 27 individuals remain within Bénoué National Park. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this subspecies from extinction due to threats from poaching and human pressures.
A study published in People and Nature found that large parts of the participants supported the return of wolves and elk to the Oder Delta region, with a strong appetite for rewilding initiatives. Locals, however, showed mixed feelings, with some reservations about the presence of large carnivores like wolves.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have created a standardized safety test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. The test uses specially designed hedgehog crash test dummies and has found that many models pose a threat to these animals, especially at night when they are most active.
A new study has provided critical information for improving koala care during subsequent fire seasons. Koalas affected by the Australian bushfires were found to have severe footpad burns and lung damage due to smoke inhalation, hindering their tree-climbing abilities and escape from fires.
Research reveals that prolonged exposure to plantations during infancy triples the likelihood of infant mortality. Exposure to pesticides and agricultural chemicals may negatively affect infant development and lead to increased mortality rates.
Researchers at Ohio State University explore how technology and economics can be used to protect endangered species. By leveraging tools like camera traps and smartphone apps, scientists can monitor populations more efficiently. Additionally, economists can develop policies that protect species before they become threatened, reducing t...
A new study led by Dr. Tyler Frankel has identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary, highlighting the importance of considering exposure pathways in conservation strategies.
Researchers used genetic information from 104 aardvark poop samples to study their distribution and movement across the African landscape. They found regional divisions and larger home ranges, but also restricted movement through arid areas due to climate change.
A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to quickly detect the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in shipments and captive settings. The new approach tests environmental DNA for Bsal DNA to assess the pathogen's prevalence, providing a way to make an essentially invisible pathogen visible.
A new study identifies the best regions for rewilding European bison, pinpointing areas where conservation efforts can be most effective. The research suggests that understanding the species' decline is crucial to ensuring long-term protection and recovery.
The University of Illinois initiative brings Denali neighbors together in an online discussion forum to share views on protected area conservation and land management. The study finds that engaging diverse stakeholders leads to collaborative dialogue and thoughtful discussions, despite differing priorities.
Researchers found that commercial ship noise completely masks Cook Inlet beluga whales' most commonly used calls, compromising their critical communication. The study documents the complex vocal repertoire of the population and provides a quantified measure of masking by ship noise on their communication.
A study by the University of California, Davis, found that North American mammals consistently depend on forests and avoid cities, farms, and other human-dominated areas in hotter climes. This suggests that preserving forest cover will be increasingly important for wildlife conservation as the climate warms.
Researchers have identified Australia's most hard-to-find species using over 3.8 million volunteer hours of birdwatching data, including the elusive Coxen's fig-parrot.
The study found that England's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins has declined to just 48 individuals due to various human impacts. The researchers call for urgent measures to protect the population and its habitats.
A team of researchers used trail cameras and GPS collars to track the effects of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park's mammal community. They found that body size was a key predictor of survival, with smaller animals more vulnerable to the storm's impact.
A new framework has been developed to guide ethical decision-making in wildlife management. The framework integrates three domains: moral theory, principle- and rule-based approaches, and virtue ethical therapy.
A study by the University of Washington and NOAA found that upgrading a culvert in Washington improved fish traffic for four species of interest: cutthroat trout, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and sockeye salmon. Meanwhile, a smaller culvert replacement had less impact on fish populations.
Researchers will study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among deer, including captive and wild populations, as well as its relationship with humans and the environment. The project aims to understand disease ecology in whole systems and inform better management practices for deer producers.
A study found that wildlife exits designed for ocelots in Texas were used by 10 mammal species, including bobcats and coyotes, to exit highways. The exits function as designed, but ongoing research aims to improve their effectiveness.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.
A study by Washington State University researchers found epigenetic alterations associated with elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, suggesting a systemic impact. The findings also suggest that the disease may be heritable, raising concerns about its transmission and susceptibility.
Researchers developed an analysis framework to predict wolf movement and conflict risk in advance, identifying a complex of federal Wilderness areas as the best location for reintroduction. The study highlights the critical role of Wilderness areas in providing habitat and connectivity for species with a history of conflict with humans.
The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.
Researchers have developed an AI-based camera alert system to detect endangered species like tigers and elephants. The TrailGuard AI system transmits images to park managers in real-time, enabling rapid responses to poachers or human-tiger conflicts.
Researchers found that huckleberry patches and forestry road density significantly affect grizzly bears' mortality risk. Securing critical food resources through reduced human access near roads is crucial for bear conservation.
A study of five case studies reveals the benefits of incorporating ecological connectivity into environmental assessments. The research emphasizes the need for guidance on conducting connectivity analyses and monitoring project impacts.
A recent UTSA study reveals that 51% of Texas owls have high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides in their systems. The research team recommends using natural methods to control rodents and increasing awareness of the effects on non-target wildlife.
A team of researchers led by Penn State aims to test 58 wildlife species for SARS-CoV-2 using a $4.5M USDA grant. The goal is to monitor potential spillback to humans and understand cross-species transmission, which poses a risk to human health and agricultural systems.
A new study from the University of Washington and Polar Bears International reveals a direct link between cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear demographic changes. The study shows that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect polar bears, with implications beyond just this species.
A breakthrough study on kākāpō population sequencing is helping New Zealand manage the health of this critically endangered species. The study reveals genetic characteristics crucial to survival and has massive implications for conservation genomics in other species.
Researchers analyzed data from 31 studies and found that cattle face a higher risk of getting tuberculosis from wildlife through indirect interactions. Indirect interaction rates were 154 times higher than direct interaction rates.
A new study reveals that large national parks can enhance bird diversity inside their borders and boost mammal diversity in nearby unprotected areas by up to 194 per cent.
Researchers found a high incidence of systemic amyloidosis in Japanese squirrels, characterized by severe glomerular amyloid deposition. The study suggests that fibrinogen Aα-chain is a precursor protein and the amino acid sequence plays a crucial role in maintaining protein stability.
The recovery of gray wolf populations in the United States has been broadly successful over the past 30 years, with many regions now sporting robust populations. However, these growing populations face significant threats, including fragmented habitats, barriers to dispersal, and increased encounters with humans, pets, and livestock.
A new study identifies over 800 bivalve species that humans harvest and find to be more resilient to extinction due to their adaptability in various climates. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management to preserve these populations, but also warn of potential risks if human demand exceeds their capacity.
A new study has found a much smaller range of suitable habitat for the grey-necked rockfowl, a critically endangered African bird species, in Central Africa. The research suggests that changing the species' IUCN conservation status to Vulnerable could help prevent further land use damage.
Researchers analyzed aerial images of seal colonies to study distribution patterns and found harbour seals stay at larger distances from conspecifics than grey seals, suggesting an evolutionary response to respiratory virus susceptibility. This finding provides opportunities to gather more information about pinnipeds in remote regions.
A new study published in the Journal of Raptor Research found that two colonies of white-rumped vultures in Nepal demonstrated stable reproductive rates over an 11-year period. The number of occupied nests and productivity appeared to be stable, indicating a potential turning point for the critically endangered species.
A study reveals that cattle stock tanks can provide crucial water sources for raptors in the Southwestern US, helping them cope with heat stress. The research found that these tanks are used by various raptor species, including barn owls and Swainson's hawks, to drink and bathe.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A survey of 1,000 Japanese respondents found that people's attitudes towards lethal wildlife management (LWM) were more species-specific than previously thought. Largemouth basses, crows, and wild boars were deemed most acceptable for LWM, while carp, parrots, and monkeys were considered the least acceptable. The study also revealed no...