Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
A new study identifies nearly 130 bird species at risk due to climate change, with 72% of threatened and endangered species projected to be further impacted. The research provides a comprehensive list of vulnerable species for conservation action, prioritizing wetland birds and those dependent on sea or near-shore habitats.
A new study by the University of California, Berkeley, and Wildlife Conservation Society uses a scientific methodology to establish marine protected areas in Madagascar. The approach identifies conservation priorities across the country's west coast, highlighting areas with high biodiversity value.
A new snake species, Matilda's horned viper, has been discovered in a remote area of Tanzania with unique horn-like scales above its eyes. The species is estimated to have only a few square miles of habitat and is expected to be classified as critically endangered due to severe degradation from logging and charcoal manufacture.
The Wildlife Conservation Society won the grand prize with its solution, Bycatch Escape Gaps for Fish Traps in Curaçao and Kenya, receiving a $20,000 prize. The two runners-up received prizes of $5,000 each for their respective solutions. The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on February 8.
A study on free-living female Alpine marmots found that prenatal testosterone exposure gives females an edge in a population, allowing them to become more aggressive and dominant. This is contrary to previous findings in other species, where being exposed to males can make females less reproductively successful.
The University of Arizona's Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center will monitor jaguar occurrence and movement in the US borderlands area over three years. The study aims to provide information on jaguar presence, which is critically needed for conservation purposes.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that bushmeat consumption had a positive effect on children's nutrition, raising concerns about the impact of conservation efforts on local communities. The study estimated that a loss of access to wildlife as a food source would lead to a 29% increase in child anemia.
The University of Oklahoma will host a regional climate science center, providing expertise and strength to address climate variability and change. The center will link weather and climate projections with operational decisions made by land managers, supporting natural resource management.
Nine LCC science projects have received $1.2 million in WaterSMART funding to support research on climate change impacts, water efficiency, and ecosystem health. These projects will inform federal, state, and local managers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, and Northern Mexico.
A new fungus has killed over 1 million bats in the eastern US, with the disease expected to spread to California in the next several years. UC Davis experts are calling for a national response to combat the threat, which could have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
The partnership will bring new benefits to members, including an online-only relaunch of the Wildlife Society Bulletin. Wiley-Blackwell's diverse publication portfolio and global reach make them a natural fit for publishing The Journal of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Monographs.
Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.
A rare saola was photographed for the first time in over a decade in Laos, shedding light on its critically endangered status. The species, found only in dense forests along the Lao/Vietnamese border, is one of the most threatened large mammals globally.
A new peer-reviewed paper reveals most of the world's remaining tigers are clustered in just six percent of their available habitat. Effective conservation efforts focused on these 42 'source sites' can prevent extinction and seed a recovery of the wild tiger, requiring an additional $35 million annually.
A study found that organic farms have more butterflies than conventional farms, but a combination of conventional farming and nature reserves could support even more butterflies. The research suggests that the trade-off between food production and wildlife conservation depends on the quality of the spare land.
The USGS has released a detailed national map of land-cover vegetation, which will enable conservation professionals to identify places with suitable habitat for wildlife. The map, produced by the USGS Gap Analysis Program, provides critical data for determining biodiversity status and assessing climate change impacts.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers indicates that an ancient aquifer under the Nevada Test Site is feeding an oasis near Ash Meadows, a site home to unique plant and animal species. The water's journey takes 15,000 years to reach its destination, with radioactive water potentially surfacing in the future.
A new study found that protected areas with strong anti-poaching efforts are critical for maintaining populations of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees in the Ndoki-Likouala Conservation Landscape. The region is considered one of the most important sites in Central Africa for all three species.
Scientists analyzed eagle bone and feather remains to determine their diet from 20,000-30,000 years ago. The study found that eagles primarily fed on seabirds before humans introduced sheep, providing a critical understanding for successful reintroduction to the Channel Islands.
The World Wildlife Fund's latest report reveals that the China-Myanmar border is allowing illegal wildlife trade, with vendors selling tiger bone wine and other products to buyers in China. The report highlights the need for effective enforcement of laws to end all illegal trade.
A new tool has been developed to analyze and manage a wide range of ecological services in agricultural ecosystems. Ecosystems that maximize agriculture tend to have fewer hidden ecosystem services, such as water purification and climate moderation, compared to more diverse landscapes.
A new Excel-based application, Spatio-Temporal Animal Reduction (S.T.A.R.), aims to optimize culling strategies for invasive species in Australia. The model was developed by ecologists at the University of Adelaide to improve the success of wildlife managers tasked with eradicating feral animals.
The Cree people's centuries-old method of rotating hunting territories and killing only adult animals ensured stable moose populations. Modern authorities' reliance on aerial surveys and statistics led to a severe decline in Zone 17's population, but the traditional approach was initially disregarded.
Researchers analyzed mink carcasses to determine diet and movement patterns, revealing a reliance on seafood and coastal habitats. The findings will aid in the eradication of this invasive species from native ecosystems.
UC Davis launches PREDICT initiative to detect disease-causing organisms in wildlife before they spill over into people. The team aims to minimize pandemic impact by being ready for early detection and rapid response.
The new management plan for Panama's Coiba National Park and World Heritage site identifies seven terrestrial zones and two marine areas. Nearly $11 million will be sought to establish public outreach and resource management programs.
A recent study reveals that Texas' farms, ranches, and forests are losing land, with 156 counties losing 2.1 million acres between 1997 and 2006, according to Dr. Neal Wilkins and American Farmland Trust.
MSU researchers are leading an international project to develop systems to measure, monitor, and manage carbon in landscapes worldwide. The goal is to help growers around the world better protect their land, improve productivity, and fight global climate change by providing a tool to assess their carbon and climate impact.
Two federal scientists, Martin Raphael and Eric Forsman, have won national awards for their research on the habitat and ecology of the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl. Their work emphasizes a strong partnership between research and management to improve the status of these bird species.
The Urban Wildlife Institute aims to mitigate wildlife and human conflicts in Chicago through holistic ecosystem health research. The institute will utilize sound science to create pragmatic solutions for zoonotic disease threats and urban habitat preservation.
Researchers found that native fence lizards are adapting to fire ant attacks by developing twitching behavior, running away, and longer hind legs. Lizards from sites invaded longest were more likely to perform these survival behaviors.
A report by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals a large population of threatened monkeys, including 42,000 black-shanked douc langurs and 2,500 yellow-cheeked crested gibbons, in Cambodia's Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area. The populations have remained stable since 2005 and are estimated to be the largest known in the world.
Researchers found two distinct species of grouper in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, despite their identical physical appearance. The study reveals that the Pacific grouper is a separate species from the Atlantic goliath grouper.
Researchers found that unverifiable observations can lead to the overestimation of rare species' ranges and abundance. A 'sliding scale' of evidentiary standards was developed to help managers determine the suitability of evidence in conservation decisionmaking, prioritizing physical evidence for extinct or highly rare species.
A new study by Brigham Young University shows that bear spray is an effective deterrent against bears, with a success rate of 92% in halting aggressive behavior. The study also found that running away from bears can actually attract them, and users should take precautions when using the product.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that white-tailed jack rabbits were once abundant in Greater Yellowstone but have disappeared since 1991. The disappearance may be causing elevated predation by coyotes on juvenile elk and other ungulates, highlighting the need for reintroduction.
Cross River gorillas are restricted to Nigeria and Cameroon, with only around 300 individuals remaining due to habitat loss. The Wildlife Conservation Society announces new field surveys to catalogue potential gorilla habitat and protect this endangered subspecies.
The Wildlife Conservation Society's study found that 21 reserves have the potential to support between 58% and 95% of South Asia's tiger capacity, estimated at 3,500-6,500 tigers. Improvements in protected area management, including better funding and enforcement activities, could lead to a doubling of tiger numbers.
Researchers used fingerprints to count fisher populations, identifying individual animals and tracking their numbers in the wild. This method is simpler and less expensive than DNA fingerprinting, offering a promising tool for conservation.
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies has been recognized for its innovative deer management program, which balances forest health with deer populations. The program's success has informed deer management initiatives across the northeastern US and beyond.
The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a simpler, four-tiered system to measure conservation success for wildlife populations. The system aims to move beyond demographic sustainability and focus on ecological functionality, where species serve their role in ecosystems.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will use the grant to upgrade its software infrastructure, improving collaboration and communication among agencies. The donation is part of a $41 million Microsoft grant to support non-profit organizations globally.
The red knot's dependence on horseshoe crab eggs for survival is a major concern for wildlife management officials. Researchers have found that the number of horseshoe crab eggs is the most important factor determining the use of beaches by red knots.
The Bornean elephant has been confirmed as a separate sub-species, with an estimated 1,100-1,500 individuals remaining in the wild. The Cardiff University study will provide essential conservation information and training for Malaysian organizations on wildlife monitoring techniques.
Increased dampness in Dutch dune valleys creates favourable conditions for certain plant species. Research reveals that restoration projects can be effective when specific characteristics are met.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that white-tailed deer in the chronic wasting disease (CWD) zone use very small home ranges, typically half a square mile in size. This suggests that deer may not be spreading CWD through long-distance travel, contradicting previous assumptions.
Conservation International launches unprecedented marine conservation initiatives, including seascapes and a Global Marine Species Assessment, to protect critical marine ecosystems. The programs aim to address declining ocean wildlife, pollution, and other conservation issues.
The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Alert System tracks the spread of invasive aquatic species across the US. The system allows users to report sightings, receive automatic alerts, and search for specific species.
A study found that men and women have distinct answers when asked about their favorite outdoor activities, with women often citing family-oriented pursuits. This suggests that traditional questionnaire structures may not account for differences in how men and women interpret questions about outdoor recreation preferences and behavior.
A new map developed by the Wildlife Conservation Society predicts wolf attacks in Wisconsin and Minnesota based on road density, farm size, deer availability, and other factors. The maps identify high-risk townships with moderate to high risk of wolf attacks, which are clustered along the edge of the wolf population.
A new Web site allows users to compare greenness from one year to the next, between years, against a 14-year average and at two-week intervals. This information is invaluable for making long-term land management decisions, enabling natural resource managers to monitor vegetation dynamics through time and across landscapes.
Researchers from WCS successfully tag seven great white sharks using a novel technique, resulting in valuable data on their movements and behavior. The sharks spend only three to seven minutes out of the water, showing minimal trauma, and one shark traveled over 2,000 miles before being tracked again.
Researchers find that movement-activated guards deter predators from feeding by up to two-thirds, offering a non-lethal alternative to lethal control methods. The study suggests promoting coexistence between humans and large carnivores through real-world problem-solving.
Virginia Tech's HCRC is the largest horseshoe crab research institution in the country, supporting research on sustainable management practices. The new funding will support a range of studies, including population size estimation, spawning habitat identification, and dynamics between horseshoe crabs and shorebirds.
Research at Purdue University found that re-established elk herds in Pennsylvania and California have lost significant amounts of genetic diversity due to poor management and small reintroduction numbers. This loss can make them more vulnerable to environmental changes, highlighting the importance of effective herd management.
The SCOPE/IUPAC project aims to assess the environmental and health impacts of endocrine active substances. A comprehensive review will facilitate risk assessment and inform policy decisions on addressing these issues.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new approach to managing natural resources using advanced mathematics. By applying mathematical models to predict the behavior of complex ecosystems, they aim to improve conservation efforts and address issues such as fisheries management and disease spread.
A year-long study on Texas A&M University campus found that male urban squirrels are more likely to die on roads, with males darting about through streets more frequently. In contrast, female squirrel death was mostly attributable to predation, highlighting the need for effective wildlife management strategies in urban landscapes.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Virginia Tech's Conservation Management Institute a contract to develop a national database for chronic wasting disease (CWD) research. The database will enable scientists to share information on the disease, improving their ability to address it nationwide.
A recent study reveals significant discrepancies in shark fin trade reports, with estimates suggesting under-reporting of 24-49% compared to Hong Kong's quantities. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and analysis in key seafood trading centers like Hong Kong.