Articles tagged with Wild Populations
Aspen recovery in Yellowstone National Park has been found to be less robust than previously believed due to biased sampling methods. Random sampling of all young aspen within a stand revealed a slower rate of recovery compared to the five tallest young aspen, which were used in previous studies.
Scientists call for scientifically-informed reforms to manage overabundant kangaroo populations, addressing animal welfare, conservation and environmental concerns. The special edition of the journal features research papers on sustainable monitoring and management practices to reduce harm to wildlife species.
A new study reveals that spring soundscape acoustic diversity and intensity are declining due to changes in bird communities. The research suggests that reductions in natural soundscapes may be the primary mechanism through which population declines impact humans.
Researchers found that in dry years, birds funnel into riparian environments due to increased greenness, leading to overcrowding and decreased bird populations. The study highlights the importance of understanding how birds respond to climate change for conservation purposes.
Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.
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.
Researchers found fish, reptiles, and mammals made up the jaguar's diet, with aquatic prey providing energy to burn or play. The high density of jaguars was attributed to abundant aquatic subsidies in the region.
Researchers have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that respiratory diseases can spread rapidly within wild mountain gorilla groups but are less likely to spread between neighboring groups. The study suggests that strategies preventing initial transmission into a group may be most effective in limiting disease spread.
A new study found that consuming sustainably sourced wild meat instead of domesticated livestock reduces greenhouse gas emissions and retains precious tropical forest systems. This can lead to significant financial incentives for forest conservation through carbon credit revenues, totaling millions of dollars per year.
A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.
Researchers sequenced genomes of 90 Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and found that potentially damaging gene mutations were less abundant. This suggests that inbreeding might not be as detrimental as theory predicts, as beneficial mutations can easily purge bad ones. The study's findings could influence management decisions.
A new OSU study on African buffalo offers insights into the persistence of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease pathogens. Researchers found that carrier transmission among certain strains can allow them to persist in populations, highlighting the need for public health interventions to limit transmission and endemicity.
A new study led by Rachel Penczykowski investigates the hydra effect in water fleas, where parasite infections trigger a counterintuitive increase in population density. The researchers found that infected water fleas consume less algae, leading to an abundance of resources for uninfected individuals.
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 found that areas protected under 'whole-site' Marine Protected Area (MPA) status have four-fold increases in fish abundance and diversity compared to unprotected areas. The study also showed significant benefits for commercially important fish species and conservation.
Researchers found that young female black bears in Asheville, NC, weigh nearly twice as much as those in national forests and reproduce at a younger age, producing cubs by their second birthday. The study's findings raise questions about the diet and foraging activities of urban bears.
Researchers found that temperature during insect development impacts the protective effect of Wolbachia against viruses. Lower temperatures reduce protection, while higher temperatures enhance it. This discovery has significant implications for initiatives like the World Mosquito Program and understanding Wolbachia biology.
Researchers found that many collectors are planting seeds in forests to conserve wild populations, but also using commercially acquired seeds from online purchases, threatening the plant's gene pool. The study aims to better understand ginseng forest farming and promote conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Researchers create synthetic fly species with a genetic barrier to limit gene drive spread, offering a safe and reversible method of controlling populations. The technology has potential applications in disease elimination, crop protection, and pest management.
The 'Looking for Cowslips' campaign has started successfully, collecting data on the spring flower Primula veris and its populations across Europe. Over 120,000 cowslip observations have been recorded so far.
A Washington State University study links alterations in hatchery-raised steelhead trout's epigenetic programming to reduced fertility and abnormal health. The research suggests that faster growth practices and environmental factors can lead to epigenetic changes passed down through generations, impacting wild fish populations.
Researchers tracked African wild dog movement and found suitable corridors within the KAZA, but country-specific differences hinder animal movements. The study's findings support conservation efforts and suggest benefits for other species like lions, elephants, and cheetahs.
A new study by the University of Melbourne found that combining fishing and ocean warming has a devastating impact on fish populations. The research, published in PNAS, discovered that four generations are needed for the effects to manifest, with strongest declines observed where large individuals were fished out.
Researchers used GPS data from 164 wild primate populations to analyze mental abilities that guide travel decisions. The findings provide insight into the cognitive development of these species and enhance approaches to studying primate cognition.
A new study classifies different types of wildlife traffickers and sellers in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. The findings help conservation and law enforcement authorities prioritize efforts on professional criminals and identify patterns among repeat offenders.
A recent study by Duke University researchers reveals that male baboons who attain high social status experience accelerated aging due to the physical and energetic demands of competing for dominance. This is in contrast to humans, where high social status typically predicts better health.
Researchers found that native bee species with adaptable pollination behaviors are better equipped to thrive in fragmented habitats. By studying the interactions between bees and plants, scientists identified key factors that promote ecosystem health and biodiversity.
A new study reveals tilapias adapt to stress by growing smaller, not reproducing earlier. The Gill Oxygen Limitation Theory explains how fish like tilapia survive in rough environments by stopping growth and stunting reproduction.
A new study shows that almost all wild canines in Australia are genetically more than half dingo, highlighting the need to reevaluate lethal measures and terminology. Dingo-dog hybrids make up only a small percentage of the population.
A new study using genetic techniques found that both large and small fish play a crucial role in sustaining fisheries. The researchers discovered that older fish are more fertile and contribute significantly to replenishing populations.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new 'split-drive' system that harnesses the spread of cargo carried by gene drives, providing more control over their releases. The system uses a non-spreadable Cas9 component to separate genetic implementation processes, increasing safety and control.
A study analyzing 100-year-old salmon scales found a 70% decline in wild sockeye salmon populations and diversity in the Skeena River. This decline has weakened the adaptive potential for salmon to survive climate change.
A recent study confirmed that a genetic modeling technique accurately predicts the extinction of an isolated bobcat population. The research found that the Cumberland Island bobcats have lost about 15% of their genetic diversity over the past 30 years, with low levels of inbreeding.
Researchers propose that human behavior, including psychological and socioeconomic factors like hunting and poaching, plays a significant role in shaping wildlife movement. The study highlights the importance of considering 'anthropogenic resistance' in connectivity-planning to ensure sustainable landscapes for both humans and wildlife.
A new study published in Nature Sustainability found that more management measures employed in fisheries lead to better outcomes for fish populations. The research team analyzed data from nearly 300 fish populations and confirmed that increased management attention is linked to healthier fisheries.
A new study identifies three main groups of Indonesian songbird owners: hobbyists, contestants, and breeders. The research suggests that up to 7 million households represent the greatest threat to Indonesia's avian biodiversity, with a preference for convenience and availability driving demand.
Researchers found that toxic substances can affect wildlife mobility and population sizes, leading to increased risk of zoonotic spillover. In contrast, pristine habitats may act as a trap for pathogens, reducing infection prevalence in the overall population.
A new study by Oregon State University researcher Will White found that most Channel Islands marine protected areas have no poaching and fish populations are thriving. Harvest rates were essentially at zero for four species of kelp forest fish inside the protected areas between 2003 and 2017.
Global study reveals optimum breeding dates vary by species, population, and year, with some females adjusting their dates to buffer natural-selection variability. The findings have implications for understanding animal adaptation and conservation efforts.
Researchers developed statistical methods to track and forecast wildlife populations across borders, revealing detailed dynamics of entire populations across large spatial scales. The study's findings provide new insights into wildlife management and conservation efforts for species like brown bears, grey wolves, and wolverines.
A study based on genomic analysis of 51 viral isolates extracted from mosquitoes and monkeys reveals three waves of the disease swept the state between 2016 and 2018. The use of MinION genetic sequencing technology allowed researchers to pinpoint the virus entry, spread speed, and geographical distribution of different lineages.
The causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew, Pseudoperonospora cubensis, has two genetically distinct host-adapted clades, with Clade 1 infecting squash, pumpkin, and watermelon, and Clade 2 impacting cucumber and cantaloupe. Wild cucurbits serve as reservoirs for the pathogen.
A new study found that early-arriving endangered Chinook salmon experience an additional 20% mortality due to sea lion predation. The study also showed that the numbers of California sea lions are highest at the mouth of the Columbia River, increasing exposure to predation.
A new study found that pesticide exposure and limited forage reduced blue orchard bee reproduction by 57%, with females producing fewer offspring. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple stressors on bee populations in agricultural systems.
Domestication led to reduced genetic diversity and elimination of beneficial traits like robustness in drought stress and resistance to pathogens. The study identified key genes and metabolites influencing fruit quality, including health-promoting flavonoids and defensive compounds.
A UTEP-led research team will investigate the adaptive consequences of hybridization between wild and domesticated animal populations using the mallard duck as a model organism. The project aims to understand the genetic and adaptive implications of interbreeding, which can lead to non-adaptive traits in the wild.
A genetics study in wild turquoise killifish reveals that small population sizes contribute to the accumulation of harmful mutations, leading to shorter lifespans. The findings provide insights into how population dynamics influence aging and could inform new approaches to understanding human aging.
A study reveals genetic similarities between New Guinea highland wild dogs and captive NGSDs, suggesting a shared ancestry. The discovery could help bolster NGSD populations through conservation efforts.
Researchers found that prior exposure to powdery mildew makes plants more susceptible to subsequent disease. In experiments and in the wild, early infection facilitated later infection, with some pathogen strains promoting infections from later-arriving strains. The findings highlight the importance of understanding interactions among ...
Researchers used genomics to discover the New Guinea singing dog still thrives in the Highlands of New Guinea. The study reveals that captive dogs have lost genomic variation due to inbreeding, threatening their survival.
A study led by Virginia Tech researchers explores the effects of mobile phones on Maasai women's lives, revealing that technology both empowers and hinders gender dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding context-specific empowerment in rural communities.
Alaska's chinook salmon populations are declining due to climate-driven changes in their freshwater habitats. Productivity decreased when stream temperatures rose above 64 degrees Fahrenheit, and heavy rains led to lower spawn production.
Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.
Researchers correlated poisoned red kites with local extinction and declining breeding populations in Spain between 1994-2014. Wildlife poisoning from pesticides and lead ammunition may contribute to species declines across the country.
Exposure to wildfire smoke affects the body's respiratory and cardiovascular systems almost immediately, according to a UBC study. The researchers found that even within one hour of exposure, ambulance dispatches related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions increased.
A recent NTNU study on wild boars in France reveals that rapid growth and early maturity may not come at a cost. In fact, faster-growing males had lower mortality rates due to hunting and natural causes, while females showed no significant impact from early reproduction.
A genetic analysis of brook trout in Loyalsock Creek drainage reveals that fish are moving between tributaries, using the mainstem as a seasonal corridor. This finding contradicts previous research and suggests that conservation efforts should focus on larger streams and rivers to protect critical movement corridors.
A new study finds that certain stream pools act as drought refuges for salmon, providing conditions necessary to support survival during extreme conditions. The research provides insight into the role of habitat fragmentation in threatening salmon survival and informs strategies for conservation efforts.