Articles tagged with Wildlife Management
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.
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 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.
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.
A study by Penn State researcher Derek E. Lee found that community-based conservation management in Tanzania increases wildlife densities and giraffe population growth. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring wildlife management rights to local communities.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that many wildlife-vehicle collisions in Ontario can be prevented with cost-effective strategies. The study recommends integrating effective measures into wildlife conflict zones during major road work, which could save millions in taxpayer money and insurance costs.
A new study found that most gates installed at abandoned mine entrances do not impede bat usage, with species adapting over time. Factors like elevation, portal area, and bat agility influenced bat behavior around gates.
Meredith McClure's research uses circuit theory and least-cost path models to predict animal movement patterns, finding that circuit theory is more effective for wolverine dispersal while least-cost path models are better for elk migrations. This work informs conservation efforts by providing more accurate wildlife corridor maps.
A team of researchers studied the narrow-footed Hygrotus diving beetle native only to central Wyoming, discovering its unique habitat in small streams with high salt concentrations. The study found that maintaining hydrologic integrity of prairie streams is vital for the conservation of this rare species.
A study published in Biological Conservation identified suitable areas for wolf expansion in Sweden, aiming to increase social acceptance and reduce conflicts. The researchers found that expanding the wolf population to southern Sweden and the reindeer husbandry area could decrease densities in high-conflict areas.
The Bumble-BEEHAVE model predicts individual and interacting effects of stressors on bumblebee survival and informs management recommendations. The tool aids in designing field experiments, risk assessments, and assigning bespoke management advice.
A study found that larger reserves and species similarity are key to effective conservation, but not all species receive equal protection. The research highlights the need for targeted attention for certain species in sagebrush country.
New research from Virginia Tech shows that personal outreach to landowners is vital to the success of conservation programs. Landowners who accompanied conservation biologists on site visits had higher trust in the agency and better perceptions of program outcomes. The study highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions in sha...
A new study suggests that certified logging operations can protect jaguars and other large wildlife species. Camera trap surveys in Guatemala and Peru found high jaguar densities in managed concessions, with an average of 1.5 to 4.5 jaguars per 100 square kilometers.
A new study by University of Stirling researchers found disparities in wildlife management approaches across Europe, leading to worsening conflicts. The team assessed nine different schemes involving large grazing birds and discovered a lack of adaptation to changes in bird numbers and damage levels.
Researchers analyzed 667 hunt management systems across US and Canadian states, identifying hallmarks of science-based management such as clear objectives, evidence use, transparency, and external review. However, only 60% of these systems met these criteria, casting doubt on the science-based nature of North American wildlife management.
Researchers found that prescribed fire reduced bird species diversity, while mastication led to a 50% decrease in bird species and 60% reduction in total numbers of birds. The study suggests that current fire management practices harm wildlife and increase fire risk.
In a recent study, red foxes and coyotes were found to coexist in the urban environment of Madison, Wisconsin, due to abundant food resources. The animals' home ranges were classified into five categories based on human development, with coyotes preferring natural spaces and red foxes opting for developed areas.
Researchers found that coyotes preferred natural areas with high proportions of open space, while red foxes selected moderately developed areas. This spatial partitioning may promote coexistence between the two species in urban landscapes. The study's findings have implications for wildlife management in human-dominated environments.
A new study evaluates the prevalence of scientific rigor in wildlife research, finding that only 56.1% of studies tested hypotheses. The authors outline a rigorous scientific method to produce reliable knowledge, which is crucial for effective wildlife management and conservation.
A new review article challenges current methods for forecasting the persistence of slow-growing species, finding that reproductive success is a more reliable predictor. Researchers argue that conservation planners often get it wrong and suggest alternative tools based on realistic parameters.
Wildlife researchers developed a structured decision-making process to set sustainable wild turkey harvest targets when reliable abundance estimates are not available. The approach incorporates uncertainty about population and harvest parameters, allowing managers to apply principles of structured decision making.
A cultural backlash from US populism limits opportunities for state fish and wildlife agencies to adapt to changing social values. Traditionalist values are associated with lower trust in wildlife agencies, while mutualist values support restrictions on humans.
A Baylor University professor and his team have developed a method to measure recreation disturbance across large landscapes, enabling better understanding of its impact on wildlife. The study aims to provide recreation managers with a tool to mitigate negative effects on wildlife while allowing for responsible recreation use.
A new study reveals that lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of mortality in adult common loons, resulting in 43% population decline over 24 years. The study found that jigs and sinkers accounted for most lead tackle objects ingested by loons.
A new study examines the impact of rotational grazing and rest on greater sage-grouse nests, finding no significant increase in survival rates from rest periods. The research suggests that various grazing management systems can coexist with sage-grouse conservation.
Researchers discover that coyote populations are difficult to control due to increased immigration of younger animals vying for territories. The population's reduced reproductive capacity, largely composed of juveniles that rarely breed, contributes to the challenge.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers emphasizes the need to sustain benefits from voluntary conservation incentive programs after they end. The authors identified five research-based explanations for persistence outcomes, including landowners' attitudes and motivations, habit formation, access to resources, and social influences.
A recent study calls for strengthened human-wildlife conflict management in India due to the damage caused by up to 32 wildlife species. The research identifies effective prevention techniques, improved compensation schemes, and open dialogue between communities, governments, and conservationists as key solutions.
New UAlberta research reveals female elk adapt their behavior to avoid hunters as they get older, showing social learning plays a key role. After 10 years, female elk become almost invulnerable to hunting, adjusting their movements and behavior to safer areas.
A new study by Cornell University researchers estimates the densities of black bears in southern New York, finding an average density of about 13 bears per 38.6 square miles. The findings provide clues for how bears might continue to use landscapes farther north as their ranges expand.
A new species of fungus gnat has been discovered in Finland, with the scientific name Sciophila holopaineni honoring Tuomas Holopainen. The insect thrives in shadowy environments and is part of a larger group of insects that can indicate the state of natural biodiversity.
A proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Sea of the Hebrides, Scotland, would provide essential conditions for basking sharks to forage and possibly breed. Satellite tracking data from 36 sharks showed 86% residency within the proposed area.