Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
A new study found that emotions and cultural importance of large carnivores are stronger predictors of local community acceptance than livestock depredation. The Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania favour no action towards the carnivores, rejecting relocation and lethal control.
Researchers analyzed data from GPS radio collars on over 600 deer in Missouri to discover an adult white-tailed deer traveled 300 kilometers in 22 days. The finding has important implications for population management and disease transmission, particularly chronic wasting disease.
Researchers found that landowners who have talked to a wildlife professional are more likely to secure attractants, emphasizing the importance of collective factors in improving wildlife-human coexistence. Effective communication and outreach could increase behaviors by highlighting social influence and neighborly norms.
Researchers estimate that UK road verges, covering 1.2% of land in Great Britain, can be managed for nature by reducing frequent mowing and planting trees. This approach could create better habitats for pollinators, capture carbon, and contribute to the UK government's tree-planting ambitions.
New research from Trinity College Dublin suggests a correlation between increasing Sika deer populations and higher local bovine TB infections in Ireland. The study found that County Wicklow is a hotspot for both Sika deer and TB infections.
A new USGS study reveals lower reproductive rates and higher movement patterns among piping plovers in the Northern Great Plains, suggesting a higher extinction risk than previously assumed. Habitat quality appears to be key, with better habitats supporting improved reproductive output.
The BioRescue consortium has developed an ethical risk assessment framework called ETHAS to evaluate the use of assisted reproductive technologies in species conservation. The tool assesses animal welfare, safety, and ethics, helping the team make informed decisions.
A new paper argues that healthy ecosystems are vital in reducing the risk of future pandemics by managing invasive alien plant species. The study recommends practices such as removing invasive plants to balance wildlife-pathogen interactions and fostering 'landscape immunity' in conserved areas.
Research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry shows a sustained 3.8% annual decline in PBDE concentrations in bald eagle nestlings' blood samples across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The findings are instructive for regulators to set protective levels for wildlife and fish consumption advisories for humans.
A study by researchers at Penn State found that juvenile white-tailed deer dispersal does not result in added mortality. Contrary to expectations, survival rates of dispersers were comparable to those of non-dispersers, with only two female deer killed by vehicular collision during their movement.
A new tool helps managers balance benefits and drawbacks of wildlife tourism, considering factors like conservation, animal welfare, and ecosystem impacts. The framework reveals the wholistic acceptability of white shark cage-diving and identifies areas for improvement.
The BioRescue project, a northern white rhino conservation program, faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite international travel restrictions and revenue losses, the consortium successfully continued research and made progress in embryo creation and stem-cell techniques.
A new study introduces a Resistance-Resilience-Transformation (RRT) classification to assess transformative actions in climate adaptation projects. The RRT classification shows a shift towards more transformative actions, such as species translocation, in recent years.
A new study found that fences in the Western US region pose a significant barrier to migratory wildlife, with mule deer and pronghorn antelope encountering over 200 fence encounters per year. The study highlights the need for more 'wildlife-friendly' fences and encourages prioritizing fence modifications or removals.
A Cornell University research team will use acoustic technology to monitor and manage soil-dwelling pests, preventing damage from predators. The project aims to provide turfgrass managers with greater knowledge and decision-making power about pest distributions and management strategies.
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.
Researchers found that recent population fragmentation has resulted in a significant decrease in genetic diversity among lions, with males responsible for the movement of genes. However, compared to other mammalian species, lion genetic diversity remains high across all populations.
Researchers found distinct categories of UK cat owners, including 'conscientious caretakers' and 'freedom defenders', with differing views on cat welfare and wildlife conservation. The study aims to find a win-win solution for managing cats that benefit both pets and the environment.
Researchers reveal that private game farms and reserves offer unequal protection for free-ranging carnivore species in South Africa. The study found that carnivore richness was highest in formal protected areas, with occupancy rates also higher compared to communal lands.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that can measure toxic lead in sediments and water samples within minutes. This affordable technology has the potential to enable municipalities, schools, and homeowners to quickly test their water supplies for contamination.
A study by Oregon State University found that Caspian terns have a significant impact on steelhead survival, with predation adding to the annual death toll. The birds' presence was connected to statistically significant decreases in steelhead survival rates, highlighting the need for effective predator management.
A genetic study spanning seven countries has identified distinct population clusters of the American Crocodile, with regional differences found in Northern, Central, and Southern America. The findings highlight the importance of habitat conservation and management strategies tailored to each population's unique needs.
Researchers found that watching positive videos about wolves increased participants' tolerance and willingness to act for wolf conservation. The largest changes in tolerance were seen among older age groups, regardless of political affiliation.
A study by Chinese researchers suggests that fencing is necessary in severely overgrazed areas but short-term fencing options should be considered. The authors propose encouraging traditional free grazing practices and removing existing long-term fences to benefit wildlife.
Researchers found high gene flow among herds with shared translocation sources, and distinct population clusters aligning with current management units. Despite historical losses and translocations, bighorn sheep maintained a unique genetic structure in Wyoming.
Australian archaeologists have discovered rare, small-scale rock art in the form of miniature stencils in a rockshelter traditionally owned by the Marra people. The discovery adds another dimension to the Australian and global rock art record, highlighting the use of beeswax as a material for making these tiny artworks.
LSU's wildlife management program offers students a unique educational experience through hunting, connecting them to the wildlife resource and promoting stewardship. The program aims to create the next generation of conservation professionals by teaching holistic knowledge of wildlife.
A study led by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that effectively reducing encounters between domestic prey and wild predators requires knowing the principles governing ecological interactions among these players and their surrounding landscape. By considering the ecology of how predators hunt, how their prey beha...
Research identifies high-risk locations and times for disease transmission between elk and cattle, highlighting the importance of minimizing contact between species. Guidelines provide actionable steps to reduce the risk of infection.
Ranchers in Chile's Andes region blame guanacos for competing with livestock for pastures, but a study reveals that climate change is the key driver of this conflict. As temperatures rise, guanacos are forced to seek better grazing, leading to increased competition and tensions between humans and wildlife.
A new study from the University of Vermont suggests that ecological systems exhibit high levels of randomness, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness of management strategies. The research found that intermediate levels of management effort can lead to higher variability in outcomes.
A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.
A growing digital connection to wildlife is crucial for securing broad public support for wildlife protection, according to a new study. Digital innovations such as fitness apps, live feeds, and virtual reality experiences are changing cultural relationships with wildlife.
Researchers documented the movement of a big brown bat colony's relocation in response to naturally occurring tree loss. The study suggests general patterns may exist across bat species and forest types for how bats respond to roost tree loss.
Researchers are combining supply chain and conservation datasets to predict and respond to weaknesses in illegally trafficked wildlife supply chains. The team aims to develop tools to interfere with wildlife trafficking, potentially influencing other transnational crimes.
In a recent study, male Trinidad Guppies were found to reach more novel food patches when in the presence of females. In contrast, female foraging was independent of male presence. The researchers suggest that life in a group can be advantageous, allowing individuals to share information and find food more easily.
Introduced parrot species can cause environmental damage, but severe impacts are rare and localized. Most reports of damage link to ring-necked and monk parakeets, which compete with native species for resources.
A study on the cultural status of saltwater crocodiles in East Timor reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals. The research highlights the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into wildlife management to address severe human-crocodile conflict.
A new study found that people in the US are wary of using CRISPR-based genetic engineering to achieve wildlife conservation goals. The research, conducted by a University of Central Florida researcher, suggests that the public perceives the risks of gene editing as outweighing the benefits.
A new study led by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that elk primarily rely on environmental cues, such as a retreating snowline and greening grasses, to decide when to migrate. The study used GPS tracking data from over 400 animals and satellite imagery to create a comprehensive model of the migrations.
Research by Caroline Ng'weno and colleagues suggests that strategic placement of cattle corrals can create glades that attract zebras, reducing encounters between lions and hartebeest. This approach could lead to an increase in hartebeest populations, while lions focus on their primary prey.
A new study finds large declines in traditionalist views on wildlife management, with a rise in mutualists believing animals have the same rights as humans. The study's findings have implications for wildlife managers to engage diverse state residents in conservation efforts.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that people who feed birds notice natural changes in their backyards and respond to these events. Most often, they take action against cats or sick birds, but some also adjust their feeding habits based on weather conditions.
A new study of eastern US deer numbers found that coyote predators did not significantly affect deer population sizes. Despite coyotes preying on vulnerable individuals, predation on healthy adults is uncommon and may not impact deer populations at large scales.
A seven-year study found that translocating bighorn sheep in Arizona increased genetic diversity without eroding ancestral lineage. The research suggests that targeted translocations can maintain or enhance genetic outcomes, contrary to previous studies indicating 'genetic bottlenecks'.
A new study explores the reasons behind declining northern spotted owl populations, forecasting future habitat conditions and species interactions. Researchers suggest a two-fold approach to manage spotted owl survival: short-term barred owl removal and long-term forest preservation.
New research finds elk in Wyoming's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest avoid beetle-killed areas during summer months. Elk strongly avoid these areas due to the need to expend significant amounts of energy to walk over downed logs and cool themselves.
A recent study found that elk avoid areas with extensive tree mortality due to bark-beetle epidemics. This avoidance leads to a decline in preferred habitat for elk, impacting wildlife and land managers managing populations in affected areas.
Researchers catalogued every pollinator protection policy enacted by US states between 2000-2017, finding 109 innovative solutions and just four federal bills
A recent study reveals that wildlife classification, particularly for similar species like bobcats and lynx, is a challenging task. Even experts had difficulty agreeing on the species in images, leading to potential errors in conservation and management efforts.
A study of a long-protected northeastern virgin forest plot found that small forest fragments may not provide conservation benefits. Nearly half the species present at initial protection are now gone, and yearly species composition is highly dynamic. Effective management is needed to prevent degradation of habitat.
A study published in PLOS Biology warns that Alaska's management plan, which prioritizes reducing bear and wolf populations for hunters, lacks scientific monitoring and may interfere with important ecosystem services. The plan has led to an increase in reported brown bear hunting kills over the past three decades.
Conserving Alaska's large carnivores demands an overhaul of state policies that prioritize human harvests over predator populations. Science-based management is necessary for effective conservation, involving monitoring trends and impacts on ecosystems.
A new study reveals that gardens and allotments are crucial for pollinators, with lavender and borage being key food sources. Cities can play a vital role in conserving pollinators by incorporating these plant species into urban landscapes.
A study by the University of Wyoming research team found strong population genetic structure among California mountain lions, with some populations exhibiting extremely low levels of genetic diversity. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further fragmentation and ensure connectivity among habitats.
Researchers found that those involved in field sports prioritize human mastery over wildlife rights, while conservation groups support protection and monitoring. Diversionary feeding was the most favoured technique among surveyed groups.
Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.
Scientists criticize Indonesia's method of assessing management impacts on wildlife trends, highlighting a mismatch between government reports and independent data. Orangutans are facing serious threats from deforestation and killing, with populations declining by at least 25% over the past decade.
A new study maps high-probability hot-spots for human-bear conflicts, helping wildlife managers mitigate mortality as bears expand their ranges. Conservation efforts in the Great Basin have led to an increase in bear population and geography, resulting in conflicts with humans.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals certain nonlethal methods are effective for managing predators in agricultural landscapes. Livestock guardian dogs, livestock enclosures, and fladry were scientifically shown to be effective conflict deterrents.