Articles tagged with Wildlife Refuges
A University of Utah-led survey found that 69% of Salt Lake County residents are concerned about the Great Salt Lake's decline, with habitat loss and risks to human health ranking as top issues. Concern varies by social group, birthplace, and personal experiences.
A global analysis of zoo records shows a 21-44% increase in life expectancy for African and Asian elephants since 1960, mirroring improvements in their wild counterparts. These gains are attributed to advancements in management standards, veterinary care, and socialisation strategies.
A University of Göttingen study reveals that traditionally farmed landscapes can produce food while protecting nature and preserving cultural traditions. The research highlights four key strategies for adapting these systems to local environments and markets.
A new study by Charles Darwin University and BirdLife International estimates that fewer than 500 Timor green pigeons remain in the wild, with the species thought to be functionally extinct in Indonesia. The authors urge governments, conservation organizations, and local communities to take urgent action to save the species.
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.
Researchers have discovered a new species of glassfrog in Ecuador named after Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win an Olympic gold medal. The Dajomes glassfrog has uniformly green skin with a pebbly texture and a white membrane covered in light-reflecting cells on its underside.
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.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
Researchers from São Paulo State University detected plastic rocks on Trindade Island, Brazil's easternmost territory, where green turtle nests are conducive to plastic accumulation and burial. The study highlights the need for public policies to manage plastic waste and coordinated actions to clean up beaches.
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.
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.
A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.
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.
Research from ESA's journals reveals that tiger populations are limited by prey scarcity, not protection. Invasive grasses also boost tick survival in Florida's longleaf pine forests.
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.
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.
Researchers found that Eastern coyote populations stabilize faster than they can be reduced due to their unique reproductive ability. The study suggests a need for alternatives in habitat management and biodiversity.
Researchers found that bat boxes can reach lethal temperatures if not designed properly. Simulations showed that adding insulation, light colors, and thoughtful orientations can make the boxes safer. The study's code is publicly available, allowing conservationists to tailor their solutions to specific climates.
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
Researchers highlight the underuse of Japanese bird banding data in avian movement research, revealing gaps in our understanding of East Asian migratory birds. The study proposes improving data accessibility and integrating traditional methods with modern tracking technologies to advance conservation efforts.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that even within protected habitats, tropical species are still vulnerable to threats from beyond their borders. Human population density and habitat disturbance in surrounding areas can lead to a decline in species richness by up to 1% per 16 persons per square kilometer.
Researchers argue that rewilding productive farmland or forestry in industrialised nations with low biodiversity may do more harm than good on a planetary scale. Efforts to conserve nature can displace production to more biodiverse regions, leading to increased demand for commodities like red meat.
The Ecological Peace Corridors concept aims to connect fragmented protected areas across international borders, promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes over resources. By leveraging artificial intelligence and zoning systems, these corridors could foster peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in post-conflict efforts.
A new study highlights the devastating impact of illegal ritualistic hunts in West Bengal, India, where over 5,000 animals are estimated to be killed annually. The research reveals that these large-scale events target more than 90 species, including those at risk of extinction.
Researchers found that remote monitoring devices were being misused by local governments and men to intimidate and humiliate women in northern India. The study highlights the need for conservationists to consider the social implications of using surveillance technologies and explore less invasive methods.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Research shows that poverty and inadequate food supply drive poaching in East African national parks. The study found that alleviating food insecurity and poverty are key to building cooperation between parks and local villages. By addressing these needs, conservation efforts can be more effective.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that wolves' return to northeast Washington has had a limited impact on white-tailed deer populations. Habitat quality and cougar predation were the primary factors shaping deer populations, with wolf predation having a smaller effect.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Researchers identified 16,825 Conservation Imperatives covering 164 Mha, which could prevent all predicted extinctions if adequately protected. Protecting these sites would cost approximately $34 billion per year and represent less than 0.2% of the US GDP.
Conservationists and researchers propose preserving just 1.22% of the Earth's surface to protect threatened species from extinction, safeguarding wildlife for future generations. Protecting these sites could cost around $34 billion per year, but represents less than 0.2% of US GDP.
Researchers confirmed that elephant calls contained a name-like component identifying the intended recipient through machine learning analysis. Elephants responded affirmatively to calls addressed to them and less so to those meant for others, suggesting an ability to learn and use arbitrary vocal labels like humans.
A 20-year experiment at Yellowstone National Park found that removing apex predators led to persistent changes in the ecosystem, which may not be reversed even with their reintroduction. The study challenges the common belief that wolf reintroduction restored the ecosystem and highlights the importance of preserving the natural food web.
A new study reveals that large national parks can enhance bird diversity inside their borders and boost mammal diversity in nearby unprotected areas by up to 194 per cent.
A team of researchers used genetic and isotopic analyses to study jaguar scat in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve, revealing habitat needs and conservation insights. The study demonstrates a novel approach to surveying wildlife without direct interaction.
A new study highlights the potential of living cell banks to contribute to global conservation priorities. Cryo-banked samples provide crucial genetic diversity and reintroduction opportunities to increase adaptability and resilience in threatened species.
A study in Washington state found that when wolves and cougars moved into an area, coyotes and bobcats shifted their movements into regions with higher levels of human activity. However, it was humans who finished off the smaller predators, with over half of the coyotes killed by people during the study period.
A new study reveals that the most endangered turtles and crocodiles are those with unique life strategies, which carry out critical processes in their ecosystems. The researchers highlight the urgent need for effective conservation management plans to protect these species and their habitats.
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
Researchers found that female caribou shed their antlers within days of giving birth, leaving behind a record of their annual travels across Alaska and Canada's Yukon. The study demonstrates how important the area is for an animal that native Alaskans and Canadians still depend on for sustenance.
A recent study found that human-caused mortality triggers instability in wolf packs in national parks, decreasing the chance of pack persistence and reproduction. Wolves living outside park boundaries are at a higher risk of being killed by humans, with poaching being the most common cause of death.
A study by Rice University researchers found that tropical mammal communities divide their days similarly, with feeding routines and body sizes influencing activity patterns. The study confirms consistent patterns across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
A University of Washington-led study found that even low levels of human activity in protected areas can alter wildlife behavior. Wildlife activity dropped to zero when outdoor recreation levels reached around 40 visitors per week in Glacier Bay National Park.
A recent study of Alaskan brown bears reveals that their gut microbiomes play a crucial role in supporting health and achieving comparable size despite eating vastly different diets. The research sheds light on the importance of diverse dietary niches for bears, which can help them extract nutrition from various food sources.
Researchers have discovered rare colonies of Rock Doves, the wild ancestors of common domestic and feral pigeons, on secluded Scottish and Irish islands. The findings provide valuable insights into how the domestic pigeon came to be, with varying degrees of interbreeding between the two forms of the species.
UK wildlife recorders generally welcome newly arrived bird and insect species due to climate change, but have reservations about invasive species that harm native animals. The survey suggests that public opinion plays a crucial role in managing these arrivals, with scientific evidence being a key factor.
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.
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.
Researchers found that an intranasal application of oxytocin could make lion interactions less life-threatening. After the treatments, lions displayed reduced vigilance towards other lions and became more tolerant of their presence.
A team of scientists has developed a pioneering approach to combine advances in computer vision with ecological expertise to analyze wildlife populations. By leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms, researchers can extract key features from images and videos to quickly classify species, count individuals, and track behavior.
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.
Researchers found that illegal human settlements have surged to over 50,000 in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary, posing a significant threat to the remaining 250 elephants. The team believes that addressing environmental, poverty, and security challenges jointly is crucial to restoring the sanctuary's integrity.
Researchers found two prion gene variants in Père David's deer that may reduce susceptibility to CWD. The genetic variants were surprising given the population's small founder size and conserved prion protein gene. Studies are needed to confirm whether these variants provide protection against CWD.
A study found that large herbivore biomass is only present in African reserves, with a close correlation between plant productivity and consumer biomass. In contrast, non-African ecosystems have low herbivore densities, even in protected areas.
A new study quantifies landscape changes on barrier islands, revealing that storms can create habitat for coastal species. The research found varying impacts from two hurricanes, Irene and Sandy, which reshaped Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
A recent study published by the University of Cincinnati identified a shift in caribou movement patterns after the 1970s that coincided with changes in herd size, climate change, and human development. Researchers tracked the movements using antlers shed by female caribou, which contain an isotopic fingerprint of their summer range.
A new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis, has been described from Phnom Chi mountain in the sanctuary. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation and underscores the need to strengthen management of the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.
A newly discovered water beetle was given the name Grouvellinus leonardodicaprioi in honor of Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental work. The beetle was found by citizen scientists during a Taxon Expedition in Malaysian Borneo, with the expedition marking the 20th anniversary of DiCaprio's foundation.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences identified a new species of catfish in the Mali Hka River drainage in Myanmar. The newly discovered Oreoglanis hponkanensis has distinct morphological features, including unusual teeth and coloration.
A new technique uses remote sensing to assess coastal salt marshes' potential to survive environmental challenges. The UVVR ratio is a good surrogate for labor-intensive field studies, tracking the main destructive processes in marshes.