Articles tagged with Endangered Species
Two independent research groups use airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect a wide range of animal species, including those in zoos and beyond. The technique shows promise for monitoring biodiversity and conservation efforts, especially for vulnerable or endangered species.
Researchers discovered that California mice consume monarch butterflies, which could disrupt ecosystems due to declining western monarch populations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species and the importance of conservation efforts to protect native animals.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.
A group of Croatian students used photographs from iNaturalist to describe a new species of pygmy grasshopper, challenging traditional methods. The study highlights the potential of citizen science and encourages people to engage with nature to raise awareness about conservation.
Researchers identified 187 North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a 40% segment of the catalogued population, with most returning every year for up to 5 months. The study highlights the importance of the Gulf as a habitat and provides valuable information for developing protection measures.
Researchers found that topical ivermectin treatment is highly effective against hookworm infection in Australian sea lion pups, with a success rate of 96.4 percent. Early treatment before disease development significantly improves overall survival rates.
A team of researchers has developed a deep-learning model that can count the number of seals in aerial photos considerably faster than manual identification, allowing for more efficient ecological surveys. The new approach eliminates the need for labeling individual animals and can be applied to various types of objects or animals.
Researchers found two prion gene variants in Père David's deer that may reduce susceptibility to CWD. The genetic variants were surprising given the population's small founder size and conserved prion protein gene. Studies are needed to confirm whether these variants provide protection against CWD.
Researchers highlight the need for disease transmission assessments and mitigation measures to prevent pathogen spread from humans to wild animal populations. The study's recommendations include disease risk analysis to identify gaps in data and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.
A new study suggests that larger conservation areas are ineffective in protecting threatened species in central Africa, citing a lack of funding and resource management issues. The research found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations due to the lands being too large to manage effectively.
A new study found that female bushbabies experience sharper increases in glucocorticoid hormones than males, indicating they may be under more stress and have less wiggle room to survive in a changing environment.
Researchers confirmed the presence of dentin and enamel in the teeth of Gastrotheca guentheri, a species long believed to have lost this trait. The discovery challenges Dollo's Law, which states that lost traits are never re-evolved.
A new study combines water-quality data with satellite imagery to estimate the full extent of water-quality degradation from mountaintop removal mining. The research found that chronic and acute toxicity thresholds for chemicals were exceeded thousands of times in areas far removed from mines.
A study quantifying Nigeria-linked seizures of pangolin products suggests levels of trafficking are far greater than previously thought. Researchers found 190,407 kilos of scales taken from at least 799,343 animals, with 77 seizures analysed revealing connections to ivory-smuggling networks.
Researchers found that roads can be deadly for species survival, with certain traits like early age of sexual maturity helping some species bounce back from roadkill deaths. However, others like brown and black bears are particularly vulnerable due to late maturity age and small litters.
A recent study found that whale sharks in Panama may originate from the Arabian Gulf and Western Indian Ocean, highlighting their ability to travel long distances. This discovery underscores the need for transboundary conservation measures like marine corridors to protect this endangered species.
A team of scientists tracked individual endangered Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats to understand their foraging behaviors and habitat preferences. The results show that most timber harvest strategies are neutral or even positive for the bats, with smaller patch cuts and thinning being compatible with conservation.
Researchers monitored the temporal niche partitioning of 73 cameras over six years in Malaysia's Sabah state. The study found that some species, like wild cats and civets, segregate their activities by time of day to avoid competition.
A modelling study suggests that COVID-19 could lead to the collapse of a population of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The risk is higher due to lower availability of treatments for gorillas, but measures like mask-wearing and vaccination can limit transmission.
A new study finds that the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires increased the number of threatened Australian native bee species by nearly five times. The research assesses the long-term environmental damage from the natural disaster and highlights the need for urgent conservation action.
Camille Goblet is conducting genomic analysis to strengthen zoo management and save the critically endangered black rhinoceros from extinction. The project will aid in establishing pedigree and understanding species' adaptability to different environments, informing strategies to conserve the species.
A new study reveals that male giraffes have higher social connectedness than females, with males forming more acquaintances and older males having shorter social paths. This complexity could impact conservation efforts for endangered giraffes.
A recent study found that roads can extend the impact zone for western chimpanzees by an average of 17.2 km from major roads and 5.4 km from minor roads. This results in a significant decrease in population density, with the species facing mounting pressure from infrastructure expansion.
Researchers developed a new, accurate method to detect North Atlantic Right Whale up-calls using Multimodal Deep Learning algorithms. The technology outperformed conventional methods in detecting up-calls, non-up-calls, and false alarms.
Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.
Elizabeth Freeman's project aims to aid management and conservation of critically endangered black rhinoceros through genetic analyses. The study will strengthen zoo management by facilitating strategies to save the species from extinction, with data also informing understanding of environmental responses.
A study published in Biological Conservation enlisted the help of 80 citizen scientists to collect 1500 naturally detached Posidonia shoots washed up on the beach after storms. The 'Storm Squad' successfully rehabilitated populations of NSW's endangered Posidonia australis, with most transplanted fragments producing new shoots after on...
Despite 10,000 years of inbreeding, the kākāpō genome sequencing reveals that the species has lost potentially deleterious mutations and now carries fewer harmful mutations than extinct mainland populations. This finding suggests that natural selection may have facilitated genetic purging in small populations.
Researchers successfully used cryopreserved sperm to fertilize coral eggs from hundreds of miles away, demonstrating the reproductive compatibility of distant coral colonies. The technique, known as assisted gene flow, has potential as a conservation tool for endangered corals and could accelerate their adaptation to climate change.
Researchers used flight efficiency estimates from museum specimens to predict bird dispersal distances, revealing that species with elongated wings can disperse farther. This study has applications in biodiversity conservation, as reduced flight capabilities may threaten bird populations.
A comprehensive list of threats to Australian plants and animals reveals stark news about the future for some iconic species. The study provides precise data to better direct conservation efforts, categorizing and addressing threats like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change.
A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...
A Cornell-University of South Carolina-led report warns that warming oceans are driving North Atlantic right whales towards extinction. The calving rate has declined by 26% since 2010, with the population now estimated at just 356 whales.
Researchers in Peru have estimated the population density of spectacled bears and identified an unknown hotspot, revealing over 10 bears per 100 square kilometers. The team also observed the first 'golden' bear with nearly golden fur, sparking further investigation into its unusual characteristics.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that unregulated reptile trade in the US drives demand for illegal reptiles in Australia. Three reptile families had the highest probability of being smuggled, with species listed in CITES Appendices I having a higher smuggling probability
A new study highlights how rapid climate change and extreme events are accelerating species extinction risk, particularly for emperor penguins. The research proposes listing the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act to support conservation efforts and mitigate climate change impacts.
Chapman's Pygmy Chameleon, one of the world's rarest chameleons, has been found in surviving patches of forest in Malawi. The species was feared extinct due to forest loss and habitat fragmentation, leading to reduced genetic diversity and increased extinction risk.
A recent analysis reveals that Shark Week prioritizes sensationalism over scientific accuracy, with hosts relying on unproven methods and making false statements about shark biology. Researchers suggest improving diversity in expert representation and factually accurate storytelling to boost the program's credibility.
A long-term study tracked macaw movements using satellite telemetry over eight years, revealing large home ranges and daily travel distances. The research highlights the importance of conservation strategies for the scarlet macaw and similar species, which share habitats with endangered species and influence ecosystems.
A third of EU-regulated eel products were found to be mislabelled, with some species originating from China and the US. The study highlights the need for straightforward labelling requirements that include the scientific name of the species.
A University of Guam study highlights the importance of traditional practices in conserving endangered species like the Marianas fruit bat and Micronesian cycad. The research found that restoring these species could also restore traditional Chamoru practices, improving food security and biodiversity in the region.
A new study from the University of Utah reveals that more bird species in the Philippines may be endangered than previously thought, including those yet to be discovered. The research identifies key traits that make certain species more at risk of extinction, such as narrow elevation ranges and dependence on forests.
Researchers used a new survey method to detect Eastern spadefoots in Rhode Island, finding 42 individuals over 10 nights, contradicting previous assumptions of their rarity. The study also revealed sub-adult frogs were common, and the species' social structure is more complex than previously thought.
A new study suggests that excluding individuals with harmful mutations and selecting those from multiple source populations can improve the success of translocation programs for threatened species. Computer simulations show that this approach can minimize inbreeding depression and ensure population survival.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique to detect North Atlantic right whales by listening for their sounds underwater. The technology can remove unwanted noises, increasing the reliability of detecting right whales in adverse conditions, and offers hope for the species' survival and population increase.
Research reveals that genetic differences within microscopic algae living inside corals correspond to the coral species they inhabit, suggesting a coevolutionary relationship. This partnership optimization may hold key insights into improving conservation efforts for critically endangered coral species.
A recent study found that conservation efforts have led to an increase in mountain gorilla population densities, which may raise their risk of infectious diseases. The research also discovered striking geographic differences in parasite infections across the entire range of the mountain gorilla.
A new method developed by evolutionary biologists improves current species delineation methods and can help determine the threatened status of species. The DELINEATE approach models the speciation process, allowing researchers to understand how populations evolve into distinct species.
Researchers have developed 29 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers to accurately census endangered Sumatran rhinos. These markers are ideal for non-invasive wild sampling and can help determine genetic diversity, aiding conservation plans.
A new study reveals that sifakas, a genus of lemurs found only in Madagascar's forests, have taste preferences and digestive adaptations that allow them to thrive on tough leaves, fruit, and even pine needles. This dietary flexibility may give them an advantage over their strictly leaf-eating or fruit-only cousins.
A team of scientists compared different methodologies to count African forest elephants, including dung analysis and camera traps. The study found that a new DNA-based method was comparable in accuracy to traditional methods but less expensive on larger scales.
A new online database, CarniDIET, has been created to provide detailed information on the diets of carnivores worldwide. Users can search for data by species or country and access interactive maps to understand geographical variations in diet.
Genetic sleuthing reveals that Indus and Ganges river dolphins are separate species, differing in tooth count, coloration, growth patterns, and skull shapes. This distinction is crucial for conservation efforts, with only a few thousand individuals remaining, making them critically endangered.
Researchers found that climate change poses a significant extinction threat to Tidestrom's lupine, a plant with only seven known populations. A 1°C temperature increase is projected to reduce individual plants by 90%, with local extinction likely for one population.
The review paper highlights extinction risks of cycad species in U.S. controlled lands due to geopolitical boundaries. Coordinating conservation measures across multiple governments and countries is necessary to mitigate these risks.
Researchers have discovered that soupfin sharks undergo a triennial migratory cycle and reproductive cycle, returning to the same location every three years. This finding has significant implications for conservation and management of the species in U.S. waters, highlighting the need for revised management strategies.
Researchers found that wolf social groups affect disease transmission within and between groups. The models account for individual death rates, group split or combination, and Allee effects, showing pathogens reduce population size mainly through reduced group numbers.
A new study proposes a plan for farmers to protect themselves from financial losses while preserving endangered predators, such as snow leopards. Community livestock insurance contracts could benefit both farmers and conservation efforts.
A recent study published in Conservation Science and Practice found that known deaths of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales account for only 36% of the true death toll. The study analyzed data on whale encounters, animal health, serious injuries, and necropsies to determine undercounting of human-caused mortalities.