Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
A new study reveals that bats' diets are more similar than previously thought, with both species eating a variety of insects and agricultural pests. The research found that the northern long-eared bat tends to pick up larger prey items due to its gleaning strategy.
Researchers found parotoid gland sizes were significantly smaller in urban toads compared to rural populations, while body mass was not different. Urbanization also caused increased sexual dimorphism in leg length.
Research reveals that wildlife hunting motivations differ across Africa and Europe, shifting from economic to socio-cultural and recreational factors as socio-economic conditions increase. Hunting intensity is surprisingly constant, while densely populated areas experience increased conflict-related killings.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cameroon used camera trap surveys to predict the total biomass of large rodents and duikers in southeast Cameroon. They developed six candidate indicators, including the ratio of red duikers to blue duikers, which showed positive linear correlations with total bushmeat biomass.
A UBC Okanagan researcher suggests changing fur trapping practices to prevent accidental grizzly bear toe amputations. By delaying the start of the trapping season from November 1 to early December, trappers can avoid catching bears during their hibernation period.
A new study found nearly half of Florida panther mutations originated from Texas and Central American pumas, bringing both good and bad genetic material. Researchers emphasize the need to monitor genetic health due to potential risks, especially with small population sizes. Genetic screening for future introductions may be necessary.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a new analysis model to estimate the number of wild animals harvested through hunting in Sweden. The model provides a better estimation of wild animal populations and reduces uncertainty, making it easier to track changes in ecosystems.
Two new-to-science scorpions, Paruroctonus soda and P. conclusus, are described by Bay Area high school students Harper Forbes and Prakrit Jain in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences. The species are alkali sink specialists found only in playas from Central and Southern California.
A new study suggests that investing $16 billion a year can restore 65% of fire-impacted species habitat and sequester up to 291 megatons of carbon dioxide. The research also highlights the need for urgent removal of invasive species, replanting, and stopping native forest logging.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
A team of US scientists proposes a 'Western Rewilding Network' to conserve and restore ecosystems in the region. The plan aims to reintroduce keystone species like gray wolves and North American beavers to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Researchers monitored elephant movements through wildlife corridors in urban and farm landscapes, finding that elephants use corridors predominantly at night in agricultural areas, but overlap with humans during the day in cities. The study highlights the need for considering daily activity patterns in conservation planning.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
A new platform called MoveApps enables scientists and wildlife managers to explore animal movement data with little more than a device and a browser. The system uses open-source code and allows users to create complex analyses with simple clicks.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
The IPBES assessment report reveals that billions of people rely on wild species for food, energy, and income, with 10,000 species harvested for human consumption. However, the report warns that unsustainable use is threatening the survival of these species, driven by drivers such as land changes, climate change, and pollution.
A study reveals over 50 common toads in UK woodlands, defying expectations of their terrestrial lifestyle. The discovery highlights the importance of tree cavities as a habitat for amphibians and encourages conservation efforts.
The California Conservation Genomics Project is generating high-quality data to inform conservation policy, mapping genetic diversity across the state's diverse ecosystems. By analyzing over 22,000 genomes, researchers aim to identify critical habitats for protection and create a snapshot of genomic biodiversity.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.
Researchers found that climate change is shifting the risk of human-wildlife conflicts in Thailand, with northern areas more vulnerable to elephant-human interactions. The study suggests that as natural habitats become fragmented, conflicts may intensify in rural areas where agriculture relies heavily on land.
A new study by Oregon State University reveals that large wood in streams plays a significant role in supporting land-based animal populations. Researchers observed various species, including birds and small mammals, using the wood for shelter, food, and breeding grounds.
A new study finds that Florida panthers are the primary cause of white-tailed deer mortality in Southwest Florida, with 96 deer killed by the big cats. Habitat changes and population shifts pose challenges for sustainable hunting opportunities, highlighting the need for further research.
Several salamander species in eastern US and Canada face drastic habitat loss due to climate change, threatening ecosystem stability. Proportions of suitable habitats predicted to decline significantly, with some species facing up to 96% reduction.
Vertebrate scavengers prefer to dine on the carcasses of herbivores like mallard ducks and chickens, rather than higher-trophic-level vulture remains. This study found that avian and mammal scavengers only consumed a small portion of the vulture carcasses, highlighting the complexity of nutrient cycling through food webs.
A new analysis found that citizen science data from apps like eBird can be a valuable resource for researchers and managers, offering insights into wild bird populations. By comparing publicly-produced data with officially tracked numbers, researchers have identified patterns and potential areas for improvement.
A new study finds that California coastal condors are at increased risk of reproductive impairment due to consuming dead marine mammals contaminated with banned chemicals like DDT and PCBs. Baja California, Mexico, presents a reduced risk compared to the California coast.
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
Researchers assessed metabolites in African savanna elephants for the first time, finding little variation among six healthy adults on the same diet. The study establishes a technique to accurately capture metabolites and provides insights into metabolism and health relationships in these endangered animals.
A study found that protected conservation areas in Madagascar experienced unprecedented spikes in fires during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when on-site management was suspended. The team suggests that governments should consider keeping some staff in protected areas to mitigate this impact.
Researchers used weather radar data to identify areas where large numbers of migrating birds fly through the rotor-swept zone and stopover in high densities. This information can guide the placement of new wind energy development and turbine operation to minimize collisions and habitat loss.
Researchers created a warbler distribution map to identify areas important for conservation, indicating places where habitat improvement and restoration can benefit the species. The model suggests promoting woodlands with high tree canopy cover, 60–80% Ashe juniper composition, and tree heights over 3 meters.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
Researchers at Gauhati University studied roadkill on a 64-kilometer stretch of National Highway 715 in India's Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape. They found dramatic mortality rates among frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards, with over 6000 animals killed annually.
Researchers at Kyoto University have produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the endangered Grévy's zebra, showcasing similarities with human and mouse stem cells. The study's findings provide insight into evolutionary conservation between mammals and may help advance research on endangered species.
A new study found that native species in southwestern Washington floodplains adapt to bullfrogs and sunfish by changing their feeding strategies. The researchers analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in predators and prey to understand food webs, finding that some species shifted towards more abundant food sources.
The Bird Language Diversity app provides a 'birds eye view' of vital information on bird species globally. Researchers found that 1587 species have 10 languages or more spoken within their distributions, highlighting the importance of overcoming language barriers for effective conservation measures.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
New research from The University of Manchester found that poaching combined with individual rhino's reproductive variance significantly increases the risk to black rhino survival. Reproductive skew, or variation in breeding success between females, can exacerbate extinction risk by up to 70% in small populations.
Researchers at Flinders University found that sharks can learn to avoid wasting time and energy on inaccessible food sources. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, reveals the decline of shark's natural response to prey when reward frequency is decreased or non-existent.
Researchers found varied diversity of gut microbiomes among brown bears at three national parks in Alaska, with Katmai showing the most diversity due to its diverse food sources. The study advances understanding of wildlife habitat, diet, and gut microbiome diversity.
A new study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found that perennial grassland cover affects duck nest survival differently depending on its dominance as a landcover type. In the Prairie Pothole Region, intermediate levels of perennial cover (30–60%) showed no additional benefits for nest survival.
The American marten study found that monitoring the species has an 'umbrella effect' on 11 other mammals, detecting population declines. However, habitat loss and climate change threaten the marten's survival. The researchers developed a monitoring protocol for the winter season to detect protected species.
Scientists from around the world gather to discuss various amphibian and reptile diseases, with a focus on conservation and management strategies. The conference aims to identify solutions to mitigate the impact of these diseases on herpetofauna populations, which are currently experiencing alarming extinction rates.
A comprehensive study analyzing international literature on wildlife rehabilitation found that human activity is a significant factor influencing outcomes. The study identified five key categories of factors impacting survival outcomes for rescued wildlife, highlighting the need for rehabilitators to mitigate threats and address these ...
A new study found that preserving tree cover is essential for gray fox survival with coyotes in rural areas. Gray foxes can coexist with coyotes in suburban forest fragments but avoid areas without adequate tree cover in rural zones.
A team of researchers has developed a new method using environmental DNA analysis to track the source of fecal contamination in surface water. By analyzing specific DNA sequences, they can identify the main contributors to pollution and potentially pinpoint areas with faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure or poor manure management.
A review by Nathan et al. showcases big-data revolution in movement ecology, revealing new insights into animal behavior and habitat use. Reverse-GPS systems, such as ATLAS, track animals with high accuracy, while acoustic telemetry tracks aquatic life, providing crucial data for conservation.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
A team of scientists used genetic testing to uncover the tactics of international criminal networks behind ivory trafficking out of Africa. The analysis linked most large ivory shipments to a handful of interconnected smuggling networks, expanding efforts to track and seize illicit shipments.
A recent study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management found that vulture declines are linked to increased disease risks due to their absence. With no natural clean-up crew, diseases spread rapidly among scavenger communities, including feral dogs, which fill the ecological gap left by vultures.
A study by the University of Queensland found that strong demand for tropical sea cucumbers as a delicacy is putting these species at risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to protect the remaining populations and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
A new study by University of Western Ontario researchers finds that fear of predators can reduce prey population growth rates over generations. The study, led by Professor Liana Zanette, demonstrates for the first time in any free-living wild animal that fear itself can halve populations in a short period.
A new study suggests that implementing primary pandemic prevention actions, such as better surveillance and wildlife management, can reduce the economic costs of emerging infectious diseases by up to 10%. These actions have a substantial co-benefit of preventing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving water supplies.
A study from North Carolina State University demonstrates the accuracy of a less invasive technique for monitoring wildlife health using dried blood spots. Researchers found that this method is comparable to traditional techniques, allowing for easier and less stressful data collection from wild populations.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that a mange outbreak in San Guillermo National Park, Argentina decimated the wild vicuña and guanaco populations, with nearly three-quarters of the animals lost between 2017-18. The authors suggest domestic llamas introduced to the site may have triggered the outbreak.
Researchers found that large, intense and controlled burns increased grassland bird richness by 85% in targeted areas. The study suggests that targeted grassland restoration focusing on preventing woody plant encroachment will be most successful in conserving and increasing grassland bird diversity.