Articles tagged with Wild Populations
A study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers found that hatchery-raised fish are interbreeding with wild populations, reducing diversity and increasing resilience. This can have long-term consequences for wild population recruitment and adaptation to future changes.
Researchers found that herring gull chicks fed a marine diet preferred fish over urban foods, indicating they may prioritize seafood for nutrition. The study suggests that early life dietary influences do not impact adult fish preferences in herring gulls.
The study, published in PNAS, used ancient dingo DNA to analyze the genetic landscape of dingoes before European settlement. The research found that modern-day dingoes retain much of their ancestral genetic diversity and are distinct from domestic dogs.
Human disturbance disrupts leopard-hyena competition, favoring hyenas. The study shows that male leopards retain dominance over hyenas but female leopards change behavior due to size disadvantage. Human expansion poses threat to leopards' survival and ecosystem balance.
A team of researchers uncovered the geographical origins of farmed foxes and understood the role of genetic diversity in their domestication. The study found that every captive population originated from wild North American foxes, with greater genetic diversity observed in Eurasian populations.
A new study found that neonicotinoid-treated seeds led to an 8% drop in butterfly species diversity, with the pesticide also affecting monarch butterfly populations. The research calls for publicly available data on pesticide use to understand the causes of butterfly decline.
Researchers studied the impact of Cyclone Ilsa on seabird populations on Bedout Island, finding that at least 80% of birds were killed. The study highlights the potential for climate change to have deadly consequences for seabirds, which transport nutrients from the sea to land via their guano.
Intensive wire snare removal efforts reduced snaring by almost 40% in protected areas of Viet Nam, according to an 11-year study. The effectiveness of snare removal was mainly achieved within the first 6 years, but its impact alone is unlikely to protect wildlife due to ongoing snaring threats.
Researchers found metal-tolerant trout populations in British and Irish rivers are genetically distinct due to high levels of metal pollution. The lack of genetic diversity in these populations makes them more susceptible to environmental changes.
Researchers identified a novel virus in pet trade zebrafish that causes hemorrhaging in laboratory fish, revealing a risk of viral transmission. The study found that viruses circulating in healthy pet trade zebrafish can transmit to laboratory animals and cause severe disease.
Harbor porpoises spend up to 60% of their day hunting small fish to stay warm in cold waters. New research shows that this strategy makes them more vulnerable to noise from motor boats and disturbances from humans.
A new study found that genetically engineered canola plants with pesticide resistance are persisting in roadside populations, but may be losing their engineered genes. Almost a quarter of the feral plants were found to not contain transgenes.
A new pupfish family member has been discovered in New Mexico through genetic analysis. The study found that genetic drift was the primary driver of speciation, rather than natural selection. The researchers sequenced the entire genome of individual pupfish and compared them to previous genetic sampling.
Researchers confirm Atlantic cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) has made a novel migration to Bermuda, using citizen science and morphological/data analysis. The species likely resides in Bermuda for extended periods due to the islands' mild sea temperatures.
Research from Stockholm University found that translocated pied flycatchers retain songs from their ancestral Dutch population while learning those of their new Swedish environment. This suggests that genetics play a role in shaping bird songs.
Researchers have found that a parasitic worm, Eleaophora schneideri, is likely contributing to the decline of moose populations in some regions. The study found microfilariae scattered throughout the brains of infected animals, leading to potential increased morbidity and mortality.
New research predicts that seven of eight modeled species will move further north in the Arctic Ocean due to climate change. This shift could have cascading effects on Arctic Ocean fish populations and overall ecosystem dynamics.
A male Sumatran orangutan applied sap from a climbing plant with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to a facial wound, closing it within five days. This self-medication behavior may have originated in a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.
Domestic dog attacks on mountain tapirs in Colombia's cloud forests threaten their physical wellbeing and reproductive performance. Conservationists urge population management and control of domestic dogs to protect these endangered species.
Researchers found that first-generation, wild-born descendants of hatchery-origin Chinook salmon produced more adult offspring than hatchery-origin salmon, improving reproductive success. This study offers hope for recovering endangered populations using hatchery-origin salmon.
A study found that when adult male blue tits were absent, young males had higher success rates in fathering offspring outside of their breeding pair. Young males' poor performance was due to competition with older males, not lack of experience. In the absence of adult males, 33% of young males fathered at least one extra-pair offspring.
The study charts the family history of Arabica through Earth's heating and cooling periods over the last millennia. The research found that Arabica developed over 600,000 years ago in Ethiopia via natural mating between two other coffee species.
A new project investigates how and why groups of animals fight each other, with implications for human evolution. The study focuses on warlike species like mongooses and termites to understand the factors that lead to extreme aggression and peace.
Researchers found high concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in peregrine falcon eggs across North America, indicating long-term exposure to phased-out flame retardants. The study highlights the persistence of flame retardant pollution in wildlife and potential health risks for humans.
A landmark study by Macquarie University researchers shows that juvenile 'taster toads' can teach goannas to avoid eating poisonous cane toads, preventing population collapse. Goanna populations increased by up to 140% in areas where the 'taster toad' method was trialled.
The study revealed three genetically distinct populations of rusty-patched bumblebees, highlighting the need for tailored conservation efforts. The analysis showed low colony abundance and high rates of inbreeding, threatening the long-term viability of the species.
A recent study suggests that Canada lynx had a broader past range in the US, potentially including parts of Utah, central Idaho, and Yellowstone National Park. The researchers used a validated model to estimate the species' historic distribution, taking into account factors such as climate change and land use.
The grey seal population is facing new challenges due to climate change and a shortage of prey fish. Hunting quotas of up to 3,000 animals per year may threaten the species' survival if not reduced.
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.
The study emphasizes the need for international cooperation to implement ecological interventions, such as protecting food sources and natural habitats, to prevent pathogen spillover. By conserving biodiversity, bats can be less stressed, reducing their shedding of viruses that can infect humans.
Researchers studied a subpopulation of transient killer whales that prey on marine mammals in the open ocean. They found two distinct foraging behaviors: independent diving and coordinated groups hunting along submarine canyons.
Researchers found high genetic diversity in Cape lions prior to their extinction, contradicting colonial descriptions. The study suggests that the species exhibited significant phenotypic variation, including diverse mane coloration.
Increasing sea surface temperatures have led to a five-fold increase in juvenile bull sharks in Mobile Bay. The study found that warmer waters made habitats more suitable for these sharks. Computer modeling revealed that temperatures above 22.5°C were associated with higher shark presence.
Researchers used VHR satellite imagery to monitor emperor penguin global population trends, finding nearly 10% fewer birds in 2018 compared to 2009. This new monitoring methodology could help with adaptive conservation management efforts and provide insights into the causal factors behind the population trend.
A new paper published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that pronghorn productivity is declining due to oil and gas development and woody encroachment. The study recommends preemptive management of woody vegetation to ensure sufficient forage for pronghorns, a crucial step in preventing population decline.
A new eight-year study found that about 60 species of deepwater sharks and rays are threatened with an elevated risk of extinction due to overfishing. The analysis highlights the need for regulating international trade in shark liver oil and protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.
The Belt Sea population of harbour porpoises is declining at a rate of 2.7% annually due to by-catch, deoxygenation, pollution, and lack of fish. Limiting net usage or using acoustic alarms on nets could be an immediate solution to mitigate the issue.
A study predicts African great apes will experience more wildfires and flooding due to climate change. Temperatures are projected to increase at all sites, with frequent heatwaves and crop failures anticipated under a 2°C warming scenario.
A new study reveals that walleye are struggling to survive in warming waters of the Midwestern United States and Canada. Climate change is disrupting the historical pairing of ice-off and walleye spawning, which threatens the persistence of walleye populations across the Upper Midwest.
Researchers in New Hampshire are investigating the decline of the state's fisher population with a new $1.2 million grant, tracking populations and analyzing tissue samples for toxins and diseases.
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 published in Biological Conservation reveals that NY bobcat populations remain critically low, with occupancies below detectable limits. Researchers used trail cameras to monitor wildlife populations in central and western NY state, tracking white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, eastern wild turkey, and gray fox numbers.
A population of Baird's beaked whales has been found in shallow water near the coast, deviating from the typical deep-sea habitat. The study suggests that social learning plays a role in their behavior, with individuals following peers to discover valuable resources.
A 20-year experiment at Yellowstone National Park found that removing apex predators led to persistent changes in the ecosystem, which may not be reversed even with their reintroduction. The study challenges the common belief that wolf reintroduction restored the ecosystem and highlights the importance of preserving the natural food web.
A long-term study on wild orangutan males found that habitats with plentiful food increased the likelihood of social learning and cultural innovation. The researchers discovered that individuals from areas with high food availability spent more time peering at others, suggesting an animal's environment modulates social learning.
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.
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 new study reveals how sika deer foraging is causing soil erosion, reducing the growth of Japanese beech trees. The research found that exposed roots are more vulnerable to water loss, affecting tree health and increasing vulnerability to climate change and pests.
A study of 370 documented cases found that almost half of hedgehogs injured by electric gardening tools did not survive. The data also show a growing conservation problem due to declining hedgehog populations in Germany.
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.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that marine heat waves trigger earlier reproduction and high mortality in early life stages of Pacific cod. The study found these changes persisted in subsequent years, potentially impacting the future of Gulf of Alaska's Pacific cod population.
A recent study reveals that solar energy facilities planted with native grasses and wildflowers can rapidly support thriving insect populations. Total insect abundance tripled at the studied sites, providing additional pollination services to adjacent agricultural fields.
A study published in Science reveals that 82% of endemic species and 65% of all tree species in the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction. The researchers used a novel conservation assessment methodology to estimate the degree of threat, which significantly increased the number of threatened species.
Researchers tracked 87 Adélie penguins using electronic tags, revealing how they interact with sea ice during their long-distance migrations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species in the Southern Ocean and how climate change may impact Adélie penguin populations.
A study found that human hunting reduces red deer density more than large carnivore presence, while land use increases density. The return of the wolf to Central Europe has limited impact on red deer populations due to high mortality rates from road traffic.
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.
A recent study using DNA barcoding technology has updated the list of Israel's freshwater fish species, revealing 37% previously unknown. The research highlights the unique genetic distinctiveness of these populations and their implications for conservation efforts in arid regions.
A recent study suggests that many nocturnal Strepsirrhines live in pairs of males and females, challenging the long-held assumption that these primates are solitary. Researchers found that pair-living was the most common social organization among ancestors 70 million years ago.
A new method can help estimate the prevalence of disease in free-ranging wildlife by accounting for animal clustering. This approach may reduce the number of samples needed to detect a disease. The researchers focused on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, which tends to cluster in family groups, making this method particularly useful.
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.