Wildlife Management
Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
April research news from the Ecological Society of America
Complex habitat crucial to brush-tailed rock-wallaby survival
New research reveals that complex terrain is vital to brush-tailed rock-wallaby habitat choice, essential for conservation and reintroduction programs. The study suggests shelter from predators and environmental extremes is the key factor influencing den site selection.
Trafficked pangolin DNA reveals hotspots of illegal wildlife trade
Do megafires drive prairie grouse into sub-optimal habitats?
A study found that megafires force prairie grouse into sub-optimal habitats, including smaller patches near cropland. This can lead to reduced persistence and habitat quality for the species.
More people are eating wild meat across Central Africa, raising urgency for sustainable wildlife management
A study in Nature reveals a sharp increase in wild meat consumption across Central Africa, driven by urban populations. The total annual biomass of wild meat consumed has increased from 0.73 million tonnes in 2000 to 1.10 million tonnes in 2022.
Hidden in the headlines: New study uses local news to assess wildlife poaching in Romania
A new study uses local news to assess wildlife poaching in Romania, revealing the roe deer as the most frequently poached mammal. The research highlights a darker side of human-wildlife conflict and underscores the need for community mindset shift and policy reform.
Deforestation policies are failing to protect against a potentially bigger threat to the Brazilian Amazon
A study found that policies reducing deforestation in Brazil have failed to stop forest degradation, a slower and more dangerous form of destruction. Forests are becoming increasingly fragile due to fires, logging, and other human activities.
How papayas benefit cocoa cultivation
A study found that leaf-cutter ants can provide ecological services to cocoa agroforests, reducing damage caused by the insects. By using simple methods like planting papayas as a 'distraction' and preserving surrounding forests, farmers can produce good cocoa while maintaining biodiversity
Foxes and birds could be ‘early warning system’ to survey spread of antibiotic resistance into ecosystems
Researchers discovered highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife samples, including foxes and birds, indicating potential early warning system for AMR spread. The study highlights the need for environmental interventions to prevent resistance from reaching clinical settings.
Elephant genomes reveal a past of continental connectivity and a future of increasing isolation
African elephants' genetic history shows they once moved across large distances, exchanging genes throughout the continent. However, current patchy habitats and human activities have led to genetic consequences of isolation, affecting conservation approaches.
Birds caught stealing from their neighbors
A new study reveals that birds in Hawaiian forests engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing materials from neighboring nests. The behavior, common among the scarlet I'iwi and crimson Apapane, could threaten species already under stress due to habitat loss and climate change.
Personality shapes survival as wildlife faces growing human pressure
A new study reveals that risk-prone animals tend to stay near human activity, while more cautious individuals avoid humans and survive longer. This finding highlights the importance of individual behavior in adapting to human-driven environmental change.
Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.
Study: Wildlife trade raises risk of disease spread to humans
A new study by University of Maryland researcher Meredith Gore and colleagues found that traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans than species not involved in trade. The risk is higher for animals traded illegally or sold live, which fuels the demand for exotic pets.
The polar bear ‘umbrella’: How protecting one species saves many
A new study reveals that protecting polar bear habitat naturally safeguards the resources they rely on to survive, providing critical benefits to the ecosystem. By analyzing tracking data from 355 bears, researchers identified a high-use area near Cape Churchill, Manitoba, highlighting it as a prime location for a Marine Protected Area.
Are mercury levels elevated across US conservation lands?
A study analyzing dragonfly larvae found moderate to high-risk mercury sites across 30 US National Wildlife Refuges, posing threats to fish, wildlife, and human health. The research provides baseline measurements for tracking change and informs future management actions to reduce mercury bioaccumulation.
Quantity not quality: Australia’s conservation expansion is failing biodiversity
A new study reveals that Australia's national park expansion has not effectively protected threatened species and ecosystems. Despite doubling the size of protected areas since 2010, critical conservation priorities are being overlooked.
Australia's environment is improving in many ways, but climate change is ‘accelerating’ damage to our marine ecosystems and wildlife at rapid pace
Despite good rainfall improving soils and vegetation, marine ecosystems and wildlife continue to bear the cost of a warming climate. The report found 2,175 species listed as threatened under federal law, with heat stress exceeding thresholds at 79% of reef locations.
FAU-FWC Study: Endangered smalltooth sawfish make a comeback in a historical Florida nursery
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
It’s coyote puppy season. Here’s what you need to know.
Researchers tracked 48 urban coyotes and found that over half of their dens were in natural structures, while others incorporated human-related items to create strong, hidden shelters. The study highlights the adaptability and intelligence of coyotes, which play a crucial role in urban ecosystems as apex predators and ecosystem engineers.
Narrow-ridged finless porpoises are more social than assumed, study finds
Researchers observed finless porpoises in Ise Bay, Japan, interacting with adults beyond their mothers, challenging the long-held assumption of their solitary nature. Infants approach and swim alongside adults who are not their mothers, suggesting a potential weaker mother-calf bond compared to other species.
Special issue elevates disease ecology in marine management
A new special edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B provides a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed studies on disease management in marine wildlife. The issue examines emerging pathogens, methodological advances, climate change, and ecosystem-based management.
Contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in animals to address wildlife overpopulation
A Purdue University-developed contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in feral horses, deer, swine, and other animals, overcoming limitations of existing models. The vaccine, based on a male sperm protein, induces a long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals, with promising results for wildlife management.
Celebrity dolphin of Venice doesn’t need special protection – except from humans
A solitary bottlenose dolphin in the Venetian Lagoon is monitored by researchers who assess its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. The team highlights the need for human behavior management to ensure the dolphin's welfare, rather than focusing on wildlife protection measures.
The wild can be ‘death trap’ for rescued animals
A new study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that released animals, like Bengal slow lorises, are at risk of being attacked by territorial peers. Only two out of nine released animals survived, with the others dying due to fatal attacks.
The North American wild mountain sheep could face extinction unless we act to protect their habitat
The North American wild mountain sheep is losing its habitat to industrial mining, human activity, and climate change. The book highlights the risks faced by this species, which nearly collapsed in previous decades but now faces grave risks from disease and habitat loss.
Wolf reduction boosts caribou survival—but only in rugged terrain
Research finds that reducing wolves improves caribou calf survival in mountainous regions due to the inability of bears and wolverines to catch older calves. In contrast, flatter landscapes with accessible trails see no improvement in survival rates as other predators fill the gap.
Model connects animal movement and population dynamics
Researchers developed a new theoretical framework that links individual animal movements to population dynamics across space and time. The range-resident logistic model incorporates interactions between multiple animals, providing a more accurate prediction of population sizes and helping inform real-world conservation recommendations.
Removing southern African fences may help wildlife, boost economy
A new study suggests that strategically removing sections of fencing in southern Africa could make both livestock and wildlife safer. The researchers found that the overall risk estimates of diseases were generally low, and removing fences may not increase the risk of pathogens crossing over.
FAU ‘shark-repellent’ method could reform fisheries by curbing bycatch
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.
Meet the marten: Oregon State research provides updated look at rare, adorable carnivore
A three-month study using hair snares and remote cameras collected data on coastal marten population and habitat in a 150-square-mile area. The findings indicate that martens are most numerous at high elevations with consistent winter snowpack, and at lower elevations in ravines and riparian areas.
Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival
A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.
Science solves South Australia’s koala dilemma
A study led by Dr. Frédérik Saltré suggests that sterilizing 22% of adult females annually could stabilize the population at an estimated cost of $34 million over 25 years. This approach prioritizes both animal welfare and ecosystem health, offering a humane solution to the unsustainable koala numbers.
Canada losing track of salmon health as climate and industrial threats mount
New research from Simon Fraser University finds that Canada is failing to monitor the health of Pacific salmon populations, with 44% lacking sufficient data. The decline in monitoring is particularly concerning as salmon face the dual threat of climate change and industrial projects set to be fast-tracked by the federal government.
Overlooked decline in grazing livestock brings risks and opportunities
A new global study finds that nearly half of livestock production occurs in areas with destocking, a process that poses new ecological and land management challenges. Destocking can increase wildfire risk and biodiversity decline, but also enables ecosystems to capture more atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Strategy over morality can help conservation campaigns reduce ivory demand, research shows
Research shows that conservation efforts can be more effective if they focus on why people buy ivory rather than just promoting its illegality. Studies suggest that targeting specific audiences and using behavioural theory can help change consumer behaviour.
UMass Amherst leads effort to save Asia’s big cats from catastrophe
Research led by UMass Amherst has pinpointed suitable habitats for Myanmar's Bengal tigers, Indochinese leopards, and Mainland clouded leopards. The study suggests that many existing protected areas will continue to be critical in the future, but require additional protection and connectivity solutions to ensure the big cats' survival.
Elephants, giraffes and rhinos go where the salt is
A new study reveals that elephants, giraffes, and rhinos are unable to get enough salt from their habitats, leading to sodium deficiency. The researchers found that larger-bodied species are more affected by sodium scarcity, which influences their habitat selection and behavior.
Social justice should not be tokenistic but at the heart of global restoration efforts
Researchers from the University of East Anglia argue that placing social justice at the heart of global restoration initiatives is vital for success. The study found that ecological targets should be aligned with local social, economic, and cultural ones to ensure holistic and long-term thinking.
Unbee-lievable: scientists trial unique solution for human-elephant conflict
A new study in Botswana explores the effectiveness of bee-sound barriers in deterring elephants from raiding crops. While results show a positive reaction from some elephants, differences in response rates between Botswana and other countries suggest context-specific factors are at play.
What happens to eagles after rehab?
A recent study found that releasing rehabilitated Golden Eagles can be an effective means of compensating for eagle deaths due to human actions. However, the study revealed that only a few rehabilitated eagles survive and integrate into the wild population, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of rehabilitation efforts.
Sustainable pastoralism is an asset, not a threat, in stemming biodiversity loss
A new analysis challenges traditional conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of sustainable pastoralism in protecting global biodiversity. Rangelands harbor vast biodiversity and support millions of people, yet only a small percentage receive formal protection.
Study finds Indigenous-led hunting most effective for tackling deer overabundance on B.C. islands
A new study led by UBC with Coast Salish Nations and regional research partners identifies Indigenous-led hunting as the most successful strategy for managing hyperabundant deer on the Southern Gulf Islands. This approach delivers significant ecological and cultural benefits, increasing human and ecological wellbeing by nearly 60%.
Open spaces in cities may be hotspots for coyote-human interaction
A new study suggests that coyotes are more likely to overlap with humans in areas with high levels of open space, such as parks and golf courses. The analysis found that coyotes were attracted to areas with moderate levels of open space, like parks or golf courses, where they could find food and shelter. In contrast, coyotes may be les...
Almost half of Oregon elk population carries advantageous genetic variant against CWD, study shows
A new study from the University of Illinois found that about half of Oregon's elk population carry a gene variant that makes them less susceptible to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This could help slow down the spread of the disease in the state. The research also highlights the importance of monitoring and managing cervid populations.
What happens to ecosystems when you restore iconic top predators? It’s more complicated than you might think.
Research analyzing over 170 studies reveals human impacts like hunting and land-use changes have a greater impact on prey populations than large carnivores. Large predators do control populations of prey species under specific conditions, but effects are often spatially constrained or influenced by competing species.
Reducing the risks of wildlife corridors
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
Destroying crazy ant nest structure makes them vulnerable to pathogens
Researchers at UT Austin discovered that destroying ant nest structure prevents disease transmission, allowing natural pathogens to collapse infestations. The study's findings provide a reliable way to introduce biocontrol agents into uninfected colonies, making it easier to control the invasive species.
COP30: Global nature goals at risk as conservation projects quietly fail
A new study warns that the quiet abandonment of conservation projects is undermining global biodiversity and carbon targets. At least one-third of conservation programs are abandoned just a few years after implementation, compromising progress announced at events like COP.
Deer slow down forest diversity – even in the light
Researchers found that roe deer restrict natural forest regeneration, despite abundant light. The team's study suggests that controlling deer densities is crucial for maintaining tree-species diversity in forests.
Three new toad species skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets
Researchers have identified three new species of tree-dwelling toads from Africa that skip the tadpole phase and give birth to live toadlets. This rare reproductive strategy is found in less than 1% of frog species, making these toads exceptionally interesting.
FAU secures $1.4 million grant to save wildlife in Florida Everglades
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
Managing ponds may help save native salamanders
Scientists suggest that managing pond conditions can tip the balance in favor of native species. Research found that longer hydroperiods, typically over 110 days, lead to larger and more stable populations.
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem study examines large mammals’ responses to heat
A study of nine large mammal species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem found that their behavioral responses to summer heat were influenced more by environmental structure than biological traits. Populations living in homogeneous environments altered their behavior more dramatically, seeking shade and cooler conditions.
Wildlife trafficking within a web of organized crime
A new study reveals the deep connection between wildlife trafficking and other serious crimes, including arms dealing and human smuggling. By mapping these intersections, researchers can focus on key players driving global networks, boosting anti-trafficking interventions.
Extinction rates have slowed across many plant and animal groups, study shows
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
African wildlife poop sheds light on what shapes the gut ecosystem
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
The largest primate in the Americas could lose up to 61% of its climatically suitable habitat by 2090
Two muriqui species, largest primates in the Americas, face significant habitat loss due to climate change. By 2090, up to 61% of their suitable habitats may be reduced, mainly confined to coastal regions of the Atlantic Forest.
Method to assess the status of wild reindeer may help with conservation efforts
Researchers developed an environmental quality standard to evaluate reindeer populations, finding most areas rated as poor or medium. The standard aims to inform management efforts and secure long-term conservation of wild reindeer.