Articles tagged with Hunting
Domestic cats hunt less when owners feed them high-meat-content food and engage in play mimicking hunting. This reduces predation by 25%, with a 36% decrease seen in prey animals brought home to cat owners.
A new study reveals that wolves have evolved specific ambushing tactics to catch and kill beavers by exploiting their poor eyesight and well-developed sense of smell. Researchers found that 89-94% of ambushing sites were downwind, allowing wolves to remain undetected.
Researchers found that women's involvement with dogs strengthened the human-dog bond, leading to increased personhood and utility. Hunting cultures also showed a stronger connection between humans and dogs.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found electric eels working together to herd small fish into tightly packed balls. The eels then launch simultaneous electric attacks, stunning the prey into submission.
A long-term study reveals that barnacle geese are resilient to environmental changes, despite a 10% decrease in body weight, which doesn't seem to affect population numbers. The researchers found that other factors like earlier springs and fox predation play a more significant role in shaping the geese's survival.
A 9,000-year-old female hunter burial in the Andes Mountains overturns the long-held 'man-the-hunter' hypothesis, revealing that female participation in big-game hunting was nontrivial. Statistical analysis suggests that 30-50% of hunters in these populations were female, contradicting recent societal norms.
A new species of small pterosaur with a long, skinny beak like that of a Kiwi has been discovered. The fossilized piece of beak revealed an incredible network of internal canals for nerves that helped detect prey underground.
Researchers discovered a vestigial first metacarpal in African wild dogs, reorganizing associated muscles for proprioceptive functions. They also identified stout ligaments and muscular adaptations for long-distance running, enabling the species to pursue prey to exhaustion.
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 found two neighboring bonobo groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo to have distinct hunting preferences for different types of prey. The study suggests that these differences are likely a result of learned social behavior, challenging the idea that cultural traits only exist in human societies.
A new global review found that big mammals like elephants, rhinos, and primates are threatened with extinction in national parks of the world's poorest countries. Illegal hunting is a major driver of population declines, particularly in Asia where stricter protected areas have higher rates of illegal hunting.
A new study found that solitary outdoor activities, such as fishing or hunting, are key to building a strong connection between children and nature. Social activities outdoors also help cement this bond. Children who engage in these activities enjoy being outside and feel comfortable, leading to mental and physical benefits.
A study in Côte d'Ivoire found that preferences for bushmeat vary widely among hunters, traders, and consumers, driven by factors such as nutritional needs, cultural practices, and economic incentives. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize targeted conservation strategies that account for individual motivations and user groups.
Researchers study Tarahumara runners to dispel stereotypes about their athletic prowess. They find that traditional long-distance running is a socially vital form of prayer and develops endurance through regular hard work and physical activities like walking and dancing.
Researchers found that chimpanzees are more motivated to cooperate and warn others than bonobos, who rely less on each other. This suggests that the interdependence hypothesis may be supported, where humans' reliance on cooperation evolved from hunting large prey or conflict with other groups.
A recent NTNU study on wild boars in France reveals that rapid growth and early maturity may not come at a cost. In fact, faster-growing males had lower mortality rates due to hunting and natural causes, while females showed no significant impact from early reproduction.
Researchers have found evidence of the earliest use of bow-and-arrow technologies in the tropical rainforests of Sri Lanka, dating back to ~48,000 years ago. This discovery challenges traditional assumptions about human innovation and cultural development in extreme environments.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 25 Stone Age individuals and found that those buried in typical Pitted Ware culture graves were genetically similar to earlier Scandinavian hunter-gatherers. The presence of Battle Axe culture influences in some graves suggested trade and cultural exchange between the groups, rather than genetic migration.
Migratory shorebird species in the Asia-Pacific region are under threat from widespread and unsustainable hunting. The study found that hundreds of thousands of birds are killed annually, with several species on the brink of extinction.
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 new study by University of Michigan-led researchers found that West African lions do not favor life inside park boundaries over hunting concessions. Habitat quality in national parks is inadequate, leading to a lack of preference among lions.
Research shows that bats rely on listening to their fellow bats' echolocation calls when hunting over insect-poor farmland. In contrast, they hunt individually in forest areas with more abundant prey. The study highlights the importance of population density for successful joint hunting and potential extinction threats
A study by researchers from the University of York found that local communities in the Lomami National Park are struggling to balance the bushmeat trade with conservation efforts. The study revealed four species of conservation concern, including the Dwarf crocodile, and estimated over 40,000 carcasses were sold annually in the market.
A study by CCNY researchers found that flying foxes are dwindling in population due to overhunting, with potential consequences for human health and ecosystem conservation. The findings highlight the critical role of islands in species evolution and diversity.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has confirmed the presence of a specialized sheep-hunting camp in prehistoric Lebanon, dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A period. The site, located in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, shows that sheep were the primary game hunted by its temporary inhabitants.
Researchers found that dragonflies and damselflies share key neurons in their neural system, indicating a common ancestor. The two insects have distinct hunting strategies, but similar neurons are responsible for processing visual information, informing technological advancements.
A study found that lynx reintroduction in Europe led to changes in deer behavior, with humans influencing their day-night rhythm. Deer reduced daylight movements by 1.37 when faced with human disturbances, while the presence of lynx increased daytime activity.
Researchers suggest that Norse hunters over-exploited walrus populations for their tusks, leading to a decline in the animal's population and making it harder for the communities to survive. This finding sheds new light on the mysterious disappearance of Greenland's Norse colonies in the 15th century.
A new study by Russian and American scientists reveals that female tigers face significant challenges balancing work and family life. After giving birth to their cubs, tiger mothers must reduce their home range size, spend less time moving, but move faster when needed to keep their young safe from predators.
A recent survey suggests that nearly one in four Californian adults lives in a household with a gun, with an estimated 7.3 million residents state-wide owning or living with someone who owns a firearm. This equates to a collective tally of 19.9 million firearms in the state.
Researchers found that small forest remnants on farmland can store more carbon in the topsoil layer and host fewer ticks than larger forests. These tiny woodlands also provide benefits for roe deer populations and offer a lower risk of contracting tick-borne diseases.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that regular foot patrols in two forest reserves reduced illicit activity by over half between 2012 and 2016. The patrols led to the arrest of six poachers, destruction of hundreds of hectares of cocoa farms, and a significant decline in gunshots and snares used to capture game.
A new study finds that illegal hunting using indiscriminate snares is more severe than forest degradation through selective logging for ground-dwelling mammal and bird communities. The research suggests maintaining habitat quality may not be sufficient to protect tropical biodiversity, and overhunting should be prioritized.
Researchers suggest that trophy hunting undermines biodiversity conservation efforts and instead offer land-use and ownership reforms, diversified tourism, and environmental investments as more effective solutions. This approach aims to benefit and empower local communities, rather than just generating economic benefits.
A Baylor University study explores how Tsimane' people's beliefs about a good life influence their cardiovascular health. Key findings include the importance of traditional knowledge, social wealth, and embodied wealth in maintaining health, highlighting the need to consider cultural factors in addressing health disparities.
New study reveals earliest microliths in South Asia and any rainforest environment worldwide, alongside tree-dwelling monkeys and tropical plants. The toolkits date back to 48,000-45,000 years ago and suggest the ecological flexibility of early Homo sapiens.
Researchers discovered mechanically delivered projectile weapons in Europe dating back 45,000-40,000 years, indicating modern humans had a hunting advantage over Neanderthals. The spearthrower and bow-and-arrow technologies allowed for higher impact energy hunting strategies, leading to the replacement of Neanderthals.
Bats employ a range of hunting strategies, from echolocation in open spaces to listening for prey sounds in enclosed areas. They also utilize eavesdropping on prey communication and social interactions to locate prey and minimize search effort.
A new study found that elk in northern Yellowstone avoid both cougars and wolves by selecting specific habitats. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple predator species when studying prey populations and ecosystems.
A recent survey of the Bornean orangutan population in Sabah, Malaysia shows that populations have remained stable within well-managed forests, but declined in areas with extensive oil palm plantations. The study, published in PLOS ONE, provides valuable insights into the conservation management of this endangered species.
Research found that wild boars, hunting dogs, and hunters in Brazil are carriers of Rickettsia bacteria, transmitted through ticks. The study highlights the importance of public action planning to prevent neglected vector-borne diseases in overlapping areas.
Subsistence hunters face threats from fragmented habitats, modern hunting methods, mining, and tourism, impacting local food security and species persistence. WCS suggests banning large species, shifting to smaller ones, strengthening protected areas, and diversifying income sources.
A new study finds that hunting is reducing large mammal populations by 40% in intact tropical forests. Hunting impacts are expected to be high in areas with high human population density and hunter access points.
Scientists have mapped the expected decline for each mammal species across all tropical forests due to hunting. The study found that more than half of tropical forests are under hunting pressure, with hotspots in Western and Central Africa and South-East Asia.
A new study finds that hunting and defaunation can have cascading effects on forest structure and dynamics. Loss of wildlife affects the survival of tree species, potentially impacting tropical forests' carbon storage capacity.
The study identifies regions under high-intensity threat from commercial harvesting of species, highlighting urgent need for sustainable use and protection. High-risk areas contain 82% of impacted species, with only 16% covered by protected areas on land.
A study analyzed biomarkers in bird feces from pond sediment cores to reconstruct seaduck population changes throughout the 20th century. The analysis revealed long-term declines in seaducks across colonies facing high hunting pressure, likely linked to Inuit community relocation and gun introduction.
A new study suggests that road construction in the Serengeti could lead to increased poaching and land conversion, contradicting proponents' claims of economic growth. Local communities prefer traditional livelihood activities over new wage-earning opportunities.
New research maps the distribution of destructive human activities impacting threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians globally. The study identifies hotspots of human impact, including South East Asia and South America, where tropical forests are rich in biodiversity.
A new study reveals that Homo sapiens colonized the South Asian rainforest by hunting primates and other small mammals 45,000 years ago. The researchers found remains with cut-marks and burning at the oldest human archaeological site in Sri Lanka, alongside sophisticated bone and stone tools.
A new paper in Current Anthropology proposes that early human ancestors acquired a taste for fat by eating marrow scavenged from large animal skeletons. This fatty diet provided the necessary calories to develop bigger brains, contradicting the widely held view that meat consumption was crucial for human evolution.
A new study reveals that Neanderthals had the technological capabilities to hunt at a distance using advanced wooden spears, contradicting previous theories that they only hunted at close range. The spears, dating back to 300,000 years ago, were found to be effective in hitting targets up to 20 meters away.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that early dogs helped humans hunt smaller prey like hares and foxes, driving them into enclosures. This technique may have led to an increase in hare populations at the site of Shubayqa 6 in northeast Jordan.
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 study of cat owners reveals a spectrum of views on hunting, from positive pest control to deep concern for wild animal populations. Researchers aim to find practical ways to reduce hunting while enhancing cat welfare.
The survival of the Asian Houbara depends on regulating trapping and hunting to stabilise populations. Captive breeding can help but must be complemented by sustainable hunting strategies.
Researchers developed a new model to calculate optimal hunting thresholds, taking into account population growth rates and environmental fluctuations. The 'bang-bang' approach is proposed as the most effective strategy to control animal populations and reduce extinction risk.
Researchers studied food sharing in Tai chimpanzees and found they favor friends over strangers, rewarding cooperation
Researchers applied job search theoretical models to study hunters' decision-making, identifying optimal stopping points and dietary trait thresholds to manage hunting pressure. The model could be used to infer changes in harvested prey communities and evaluate the efficacy of hunting regulations.
A team of researchers observed an adult male praying mantis catching and devouring guppies in a pond in Karnataka, India. The insect returned five days in a row, catching a total of nine fish with impressive learning abilities.