Articles tagged with Zoos
Researchers found that over 80% of carnivore species in zoos reproduce during the same time of year as their natural habitats. The study suggests that seasonality is an innate characteristic linked to daylight length and genetic adaptations. This discovery sheds light on evolutionary processes influencing reproductive behavior.
Researchers at zoos and aquariums have published a substantial number of papers on biodiversity conservation and other scientific topics. The study highlights the importance of age, size, and mission statements in determining research output.
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 finds that large forest birds such as raptors and hornbills are being killed for bushmeat, leading to a decline in their populations. The research also reveals a surprising link between education levels and hunting habits, suggesting that higher education levels may be contributing to the problem.
A new study found that declines in specific Amazonian tree communities are linked to the loss of large vertebrate populations. The research, published in the Journal of Ecology, suggests that defaunation may not lead to massive biomass losses, but further on-the-ground research is needed to understand its long-term impact.
Research shows that Tasmanian devil populations are declining by 80 percent due to devil facial tumor disease, a rare and contagious cancer. Despite this, some wild populations are adapting with slight reproductive changes, such as younger breeding and more pouch young.
A new study reveals polar bears have higher metabolic rates than previously thought, emphasizing their energy demands and foraging success. As Arctic sea ice declines, polar bears will face reduced access to seal prey and increased travel costs, potentially leading to population decline.
A recent study has made wilderness area maps freely available to aid researchers and conservationists in mitigating climate change. The majority of remaining wilderness areas are found in Central Australia, the Amazon rainforest, and boreal forests.
Researchers found that tigers are clinging to survival in low-density populations due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The study revealed that primary forests are 47% more abundant than degraded forests, and extensive clearing has disproportionately reduced tiger numbers.
A recent study by Nanyang Technological University found that while anti-poaching efforts have increased tiger population densities, habitat destruction poses a significant threat to the species' survival. The researchers highlight the urgent need for protecting remaining forests like Gunung Leuser National Park.
Researchers found that captive gorillas can learn to clean food without witnessing others do it first. In 75% of trials, gorillas demonstrated food cleaning techniques when given dirty apples coated with sand.
A recent study published in Biological Conservation highlights the effects of selective logging on great ape populations before, during, and after timber extraction. The research found that western lowland gorillas avoided areas during logging but returned after it passed through, while chimpanzees were less likely to return to their n...
Researchers used 'poo science' to analyze glucocorticoid hormones in Cape mountain zebra droppings, revealing chronic stress impacting their health and reproduction. The study identified seven populations with distinct profiles, enabling conservationists to identify at-risk populations and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation plans.
A new study shows that chimpanzees can work together without external cues to complete a number sequencing task, demonstrating advanced coordination skills. Young chimpanzees showed higher accuracy and speed in taking turns, while mothers were faster individually, highlighting asymmetry in information transmission.
A study by San Diego Zoo Global found that changing diets for southern white rhinos to low phytoestrogen levels improved reproductive success. The switch resulted in two females becoming pregnant and giving birth to healthy calves.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that chimpanzees can spontaneously learn to use sticks to scoop food from water surfaces. The study suggests that some tool-use behaviors are within their pre-existing behavioral repertoire, contradicting the assumption that apes must observe others to learn new behaviors.
Researchers have developed a new welfare assessment grid to help zookeepers monitor the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in their care. The grid provides daily monitoring of factors such as environment quality and daily procedures, enabling zookeepers to identify potential problems and improve animal welfare.
A new study from Lund University reveals that both humans and chimpanzees engage in similar levels of imitation in zoo settings, suggesting a more complex understanding of ape cognition than previously thought. The study highlights the social and communicative role of imitation in these species.
Kasey Fowler-Finn's research explores how temperature variation affects treehoppers' ability to recognize potential mates and reproduce. The study aims to understand the potential impact on ecosystems if some species drop out due to temperature changes.
A new WCS study reveals that leopards are abundant in tea-garden landscapes in north-eastern India, but their presence doesn't lead to conflicts with people. The research found that leopards use tea-gardens due to dense ground vegetation cover and avoid developed areas.
New research suggests that captive meerkat groups in zoos are more susceptible to chronic stress due to their small group sizes and constant exposure to human visitors. The study measured stress levels by analyzing hormone samples from the meerkats' droppings, revealing a link between small group sizes and high visitor numbers.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global discovered that compatible panda personalities play a crucial role in breeding success. The study found that certain traits, such as excitability and aggression, are more effective when paired together.
A study by University of York researcher Emma K Wallace found that captive chimpanzees did not benefit from being played classical or pop/rock music, nor did they show preferences for specific genres. The research suggests that music may be a uniquely human trait and should not be considered a form of enrichment for these animals.
A new study found that birds of prey interact more with scented packages than unscented ones, suggesting they associate the scent of peppermint oil with food. This method can be used to encourage species-specific feeding behaviors in zoos.
A study published in Animal Behaviour documents changes in the 'alalā's vocal repertoire, including a reduction in alarm calls and territory broadcasts. This cultural shift may be related to differences in behavior necessary for survival in protected aviaries.
The San Diego Zoo's Frozen Zoo cell cultures contain genetic variation missing in surviving individuals of the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros. Genome-wide levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding in both southern and northern white rhinos were examined to aid future efforts toward genetic rescue and assisted reproduc...
The cheetah is sprinting towards extinction with only 7,100 individuals remaining, highlighting the need for landscape-wide conservation efforts. The species' dramatic decline is driven by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trafficking, requiring a paradigm shift in conservation approaches.
Studies have shown that most mammals live longer in zoos compared to their wild counterparts, with smaller species exhibiting the greatest increase in longevity. This is likely due to reduced mortality rates from predation and intraspecific competition, which are prevalent in the wild.
A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology found that juvenile desert tortoises released into habitat with vegetation, rocks, and animal burrows had lower mortality rates. The researchers also discovered that tortoises on rocky ground were less likely to disperse away from their release site.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that orangutans have the potential capacity to control their voices, which could have led to the evolution of human speech. The research found that an adolescent orangutan named Rocky was able to copy the pitch and tone of sounds made by researchers, mimicking vowel-like calls.
A European-wide research programme is investigating why great apes are prone to heart disease, with a focus on chimpanzees and gorillas. The Ape Heart Project aims to improve heart screening in zoos and gain insights into the management and welfare of primates in human care.
A newly released study analyzed the lives of 255 African and Asian elephants in 68 accredited North American zoos, revealing that social interactions and having an array of opportunities to engage with their surroundings may be more important for elephants than space. The research found that spending time alone was a risk factor for el...
Two volunteer participants in Radio Galaxy Zoo discovered a rare C-shaped galaxy cluster that they pieced together from much smaller images of cosmic radio waves. The team's dataset, with over 1.6 million images classified by 10,000 volunteers, has already reached almost 60% completeness.
A study found that human-specific variants of four microRNAs may have altered expression levels and gene targets compared to other great apes. The variations were linked to neural functions and development, suggesting a possible role in shaping human-specific traits.
A team of experts aims to use cutting-edge techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells and gene editing to bring back the critically endangered species. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is leading the effort, which also involves collaborations with international partners.
A study found polar bears are swimming more due to reduced summer sea ice, with adult females covering distances of up to 249 miles in search of food. Climate change is linked to the increased swimming behavior, which may have serious implications for polar bear populations.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation reveals that giant pandas can detect sound into the ultrasonic range, potentially disrupting their reproductive success due to noise from human activities. The San Diego Zoo's contribution to this research has provided crucial insights into panda hearing sensitivity.
The San Diego Zoo Global has fully sequenced the 'Alalā, or Hawaiian crow's genome, which will help track genetic challenges in a species reduced to 20 birds. The sequencing is crucial for understanding how to reintroduce the species into prepared habitat on the island of Hawaii.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a novel method for noninvasive genetic sampling using spider webs. This approach enables biomonitoring without direct observation or disturbance of target organisms, with potential applications in conservation research, pest management, and biogeography studies.
Scientists studied 12 incidents of starling drownings and found that on 10 occasions, more than 10 birds drowned. The team suggests that younger birds may be inexperienced in identifying water hazards, contributing to the phenomenon.
In a study published in Animal Cognition, researchers found that captive elephants blast air through their trunks to obtain inaccessible food, revealing an advanced understanding of their physical environment. The dominant female, Mineko, was more proficient in adjusting her trunk to target the air and push food towards her.
The Queensland University of Technology has created a virtual dinosaur zoo featuring five iconic Australian species, including Australovenator and Muttaburrasaurus. The interactive learning display allows for realistic movements and behaviors, backed by the latest research and evidence.
A recent study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that trained volunteers can identify jets shooting from massive black holes and match them to their host galaxies with high accuracy. The project, Radio Galaxy Zoo, uses online tutorials to teach volunteers how to spot black holes and other objects emit...
A chimpanzee at the Royal Burgers' Zoo in the Netherlands deliberately used a stick as a weapon to bring down an aerial drone. This incident highlights the apes' ability to plan ahead and utilize tools in innovative ways, even without explicit training.
Conservationists at Lincoln Park Zoo successfully reproduced black-footed ferrets using frozen semen from a deceased ferret, significantly increasing the species' genetic diversity. The offspring will help recover the endangered population and increase its chances of survival.
A new study reveals that captive black rhinos are at high risk for inflammation and insulin resistance, conditions commonly seen in humans. The finding suggests that the animals' diets, which often consist of high-quality food, may be too rich, contributing to these health problems.
A new study published in Animal Behaviour found that male mountain gorillas' relationships with infants are influenced by their social rank, not paternity. Dominant males tend to be more nurturing and have stronger relationships with infants in the troop.
A new study suggests that fencing in dryland ecosystems may disrupt migration pathways and reduce wildlife populations. Conservationists are calling for policies to evaluate the effectiveness of fences in protecting wildlife and balancing human interests.
A study at Lincoln Park Zoo found that chimpanzees prefer to travel longer distances for their preferred food source, grapes, over carrots. The apes demonstrated innovative problem-solving behavior as they adapted to the situation.
A new study identifies 15 animal species at the highest risk of extinction due to low conservation opportunities. Researchers estimate that conserving these species would require a significant investment of $1.3 billion annually.
New research from the University of Warwick found that zoos and aquariums can increase respondents' understanding of biodiversity and conservation after a visit. The study involved 5,661 respondents at 26 zoos and aquariums worldwide, showing an increase in positive evidence of biodiversity understanding from pre-visit to post-visit.
The study found that millions of dollars are spent annually on animal translocations to mitigate human interference, but outcomes are often poor and rarely monitored. Successful science-based translocations provide a model for improving mitigation efforts and achieving legislative goals for species conservation.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global found that volunteers can accurately identify individual Andean bears after learning their unique markings. The study's success allows for citizen scientist engagement in species conservation, supporting the zoo's mission to bring endangered species back from extinction.
A recent survey in Honduras found that residents prefer to hunt and consume female Valle de Aguán spiny-tailed iguanas carrying eggs. This unsustainable practice is threatening the species' extinction. The study recommends educating residents on sustainable harvesting methods to mitigate the impact.
A team of astronomers has discovered a rare type of galaxy, named J1649+2635, that has prominent 'jets' of subatomic particles propelled outward from its core at nearly the speed of light. The unusual feature is unexpected in spiral galaxies.
Scientists discovered 39 different koala retroviruses passed down from parent to offspring, offering insights into the human viral lineage and koala conservation. The study found that these retroviruses integrated into the host genome less than 50,000 years ago and are linked to health issues in koalas.
Scientists investigated how scent communication affects polar bears, which is vital for reproduction and social behavior. The study suggests that climate change may disrupt this communication, threatening the species' survival.
A team of researchers from Texas is studying the impact of urban noises on captive rhinoceros reproduction. They found that infrasonic sounds, often unnoticed by humans, could be distressing for the animals, negatively impacting their health. To mitigate this effect, zoos can implement simple strategies such as sound-absorbing barriers...
Zoos and aquariums are vulnerable to disasters, but experts say preparedness training and planning can minimize risks. The University of Illinois veterinarian Yvette Johnson-Walker brings emergency training to accredited institutions, focusing on scenarios like avian influenza and hurricane floodwaters.
A recent study found that viruses normally infecting Asian elephants, not those from African elephants, cause severe cases of a mysterious illness. The research also identifies 12 new herpesviruses and sheds light on the evolution of these viruses.