Articles tagged with Hunting
Recent excavations on Pedro González Island in Panama found dolphin bones at an archaeological site dating back 6,000 years. The absence of dolphin hunting evidence elsewhere in Central America suggests that islanders used innovative methods to catch the marine mammals.
The article highlights four ways in which current hunting policies for large carnivores do not align with ecological theory and data. The authors emphasize the need to account for different methods of sampling effort and detection, as well as evaluate policies state by state.
A team of biologists found that current harvest levels for gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains lead to decreased survival and reproduction, smaller packs, and social disruption. The research highlights the need for stronger science-based policies to guide regulated carnivore hunting.
A team of researchers found that current harvest levels for gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains have led to decreased survival and reproduction rates. The study suggests that policies regulating wolf hunting are not sustainable and should be revised to prioritize population growth.
A study by Deakin University researchers found that little penguins associate with each other to hunt schooling prey, despite not being more successful individually. The birds may trade off solo hunting benefits for improved prey detection and avoidance of predation.
Researchers found that hippos consume meat, challenging their dietary status as herbivores, and increasing their susceptibility to anthrax outbreaks. This behavior may be linked to the unique characteristics of antelope carcasses infected with anthrax.
A team of evolutionary biologists used mathematical models to determine that ancient carnivores could bring down massive herbivores like mastodons and giant ground sloths. The largest cave hyena might have been able to take down a 5-year-old juvenile mastodon weighing over a ton.
Researchers at San Diego State University discovered that bacteriophages employ subdiffusive motion to find and kill bacteria in mucosal surfaces. This novel hunting strategy is more effective when bacterial concentrations are high, making it a unique approach among predators on Earth.
Researchers found that weaning age decreased by about three years over 30,000 years leading up to the woolly mammoth's extinction. This shift suggests hunting pressure was a primary cause of extinction, contradicting previous hypotheses pointing to climate change.
A research team used ancient-DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct population histories for prehistoric seabirds in New Zealand. They found that mainland populations were rapidly decimated after human arrival, while Stewart Island populations remained relatively stable due to a decline in human numbers.
Scientists observed a rare Pacific striped octopus species exhibiting unusual cohabitation, hunting, and mating behaviors. The species challenges conventional understanding of octopus reproduction, displaying intimate beak-to-beak interactions during mating.
A study describes general structure of scavenger communities worldwide, revealing that birds dominate consumption with 65.8% frequency, while mammals and large predators also play key roles in structuring these communities. The findings highlight the global impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
A 13-year study found that bushmeat sales rose steadily with economic growth, while unenforced environmental conservation laws led to increased hunting. The research highlights the need for strong governance and enforcement of wildlife protection laws to mitigate the impact of commercial hunting on threatened species.
Researchers found that equatorial bats in Panama do not employ the sophisticated echolocation technique used by other bat families, instead using a simpler method to locate prey. This lack of refinement may be due to the abundance of food at the equator, making advanced hunting techniques unnecessary.
A study by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology found that Montagu's harrier nests in France are vulnerable to predation after harvesting, highlighting the need for effective conservation measures. Fencing off nests is proposed as a solution to mitigate damage and optimize efforts.
Researchers found female chimps predominantly hunt with tools, using a spear-like tool to capture galagos. This technique may be due to social tolerance and access to prey in the Fongoli savanna habitat.
The study found a strong correlation between men's endurance running ability and prenatal testosterone exposure, with good runners having greater reproductive potential. Researchers suggest that female selection for athletic endurance in males may have been driven by the importance of persistence hunting in hunter-gatherer societies.
A study by UC Santa Barbara anthropologists found that Tsimane men's oxytocin levels increase when they come home to their families after a day of hunting, positively correlating with changes in testosterone. This hormonal response may serve as a balance between social bonding and competition.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that rural landowners who hunt and bird watch are more likely to engage in conservation efforts. These individuals, often referred to as 'hunter/bird watchers,' were found to be eight times more likely to participate in conservation actions than non-recreationists.
A new study by Clemson University and Cornell University found that birdwatchers are about five times as likely to engage in wildlife and habitat conservation as non-recreationists. Hunters were also found to be four times more likely to participate in conservation efforts. These findings suggest a strong connection between wildlife re...
A new study reveals that climate change is affecting male and female yaks differently, with females shifting to steeper terrain in search of snow for milk production. The research team analyzed historical data and recent observations to find that females are 20 times more likely to be found near snow patches than males.
Researchers analyze ancient wooden bows found in La Draga, Spain, and conclude that bowhunting played a significant community and social role among early peasant societies. The discovery provides new evidence on the social role of hunting in the first farming societies.
Bats utilize a unique 'supper's ready' homing call that alerts other bats to the presence of enticing prey over 328 feet away. This reciprocal eavesdropping mechanism enhances their collective chances of feeding, even in highly-dispersed insect patches.
A Michigan State University study explores how attitudes about knowledge and power drive the wolf debate, identifying four themes: mistrust among decision-makers, special interest groups disenfranchising voters, political influencers overriding science, and local sources of information being ignored.
A new study suggests that the flightless birds, moa, were completely extinct when New Zealand's human population reached around 2500 people. Researchers found that during the peak period of moa hunting, there were fewer than 1500 Polynesian settlers in NZ, with a population density of about 1 person per 100 square kilometers.
A survey of 577 people in southern Ghana reveals that hunters and consumers perceive the risk of infection from eating bat meat as low, despite handling live bats and coming into contact with bat blood. The study finds that regulations alone are not effective solutions to reduce the practice.
Researchers found that hunters reduced small animal hunting and switched to cheaper ammunition, but large animals remained threatened. Taxing gunshots is an effective conservation measure for small animals, but higher taxes are needed for large ones.
A recent study published in Oryx, a conservation journal, indicates that lowland tapir populations in French Guiana are at risk despite recent hunting restrictions. The research highlights the need for additional restrictions to ensure the long-term survival of this vulnerable species.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that coral trout are as proficient as chimpanzees in determining when to collaborate and selecting the most effective partner. The study showed that the fish can learn quickly and make informed decisions about their collaborators, mirroring human-like abilities.
Researchers found that stone-tipped spears created larger and wider wound cavities than sharpened wooden spears, despite not penetrating deeper into gelatin. This could indicate a greater 'killing power' for tipped spears.
A University of Utah researcher found that the Aboriginal Martu people's traditional hunting and fire practices help maintain ecosystem stability, increasing kangaroo populations. The study suggests encouraging small-scale burning to bolster wildlife populations in certain areas.
Researchers have found evidence of prehistoric dairy farming in Finland dating back to 2500 BC, despite harsh winter conditions. The discovery suggests that Stone Age people were able to domesticate and care for animals over four months of snow, paving the way for modern-day Finland's high milk consumption.
Regulated hunting has spurred regrowth of native tree seedlings and wildflowers, improving forest health. Plant cover increased by 100% and native species recovered, while invasive species declined.
A 9,000-year-old caribou hunting drive lane has been found beneath Lake Huron, revealing distinct seasonal approaches used by Late Paleoindian/Early Archaic caribou hunters. The complex structure, known as Drop 45 Drive Lane, features stone lanes and blinds that suggest a larger cooperating group of individuals was involved in the hunt.
In a study of 31 cougars, 62% of mortalities were attributed to human influences, including collisions and snaring. Human interactions with cougars are a growing concern for conservationists as the species recolonizes their historic habitats.
Researchers at Imperial College London have devised a simple and reliable method to set sustainable hunting quotas for lions. The new algorithm estimates the number of adult males that can be hunted while allowing lion populations to grow, benefiting both conservation efforts and hunters.
A new study from Indiana University and Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation found that indigenous hunting with fire maintains ecological integrity and sustains vegetation recovery in areas previously deforested by agribusiness. This practice effectively manages carbon emissions over the long term.
The article reviews the biology of orchardgrass and its associated billbug pests, emphasizing the need for effective control methods. It highlights the economic damage caused by these pests and discusses available cultural, biological, and chemical control options.
A study by Stanford Woods Institute researchers reveals that Aboriginal hunting practices, using fire to clear land, nearly doubles lizard populations and improves habitat. The approach combines practical knowledge with ecological co-evolution, challenging conservation policies.
Two new enigmatic spider species, Chaco castanea and Chaco costai, have been discovered in Uruguay. These middle-sized spiders build intricate silk-lined burrows and use a flap-like door to ambush prey, revealing unique insights into their behavior.
A study by Imperial College London finds that EU law could reduce tolerance for brown bears in Croatia, leading to increased conflict between humans and bears. The current system involving hunting ensures local support for the animals' survival, but EU legislation may disrupt this.
A 14-year study in the Parc National des Écrins reveals human occupation and activity from Mesolithic to Post-Medieval periods, with complex Bronze Age structures and evidence of pastoralism. The research highlights the role of climate and human activity in shaping Alpine landscapes.
A CU-Boulder-led study found that Maasai pastoralists hunt lions for multiple overlapping reasons, including predation on livestock and political discontent. Conservation efforts have either failed or incited more hunting in some cases.
The study warns that current hunting trends in Central African forests could lead to complete ecological collapse. The authors emphasize the need for sustainable hunting management plans to avoid an environmental catastrophe. Protecting megafauna like elephants and apex predators is crucial to maintaining intact ecosystems.
A study by University of Missouri-Columbia biologists reveals that hundreds of black bears inhabit southern Missouri's Ozark forests, indicating a return to healthy forests. The bear population is small but growing, and experts warn of potential conflicts with outdoor recreationists and homeowners.
Researchers tracked thresher shark activity and analyzed instances of tail-slapping to stun or kill sardines. The study highlights the diversity of shark hunting strategies in the ocean, where top predators adapt to prey's evasion behaviors.
Harvard researchers discovered that humans store and release energy in the tendons and ligaments crossing the shoulder, allowing for rapid throws. The team used a 3D motion-capture camera system to analyze collegiate baseball players' throws, finding that elastic energy storage occurs during the 'cocking' phase.
A team of scientists, led by Professor Alan Wilson, tracked domestic cats in Surrey using GPS collars and cat-cams, revealing the extent of their daily roams. The study, funded by EPSRC, BBSRC, and DARPA, aimed to showcase scientific research methods to the public and demonstrate the utility of tracking technology.
The number of big game hunters in Spain has risen significantly over the past three decades, driven by urban tourists seeking trophy hunting experiences. This trend is linked to economic factors, including increased purchasing power and the growth of commercial hunting activities.
A recent study challenges traditional views on Bechstein's bat distribution, suggesting that historical changes in its habitat rather than climate may be responsible. The research found that the species' ecological niche is narrow and flexible, with adaptable roosting and hunting habits.
A study found that humpback whales can learn new feeding techniques by observing others, with a new technique called lobtail feeding spreading to 40% of the population. This demonstrates the importance of cultural transmission in shaping whale behavior and cognition.
Researchers found that bear baiting in Wisconsin, which starts earlier and lasts longer, increases the likelihood of encounters between wolves and hunting dogs. In contrast, Michigan's regulations on bear baiting may help reduce wolf attacks on dogs. Compensation for dog owners killed by wolves varies between states.
Researchers found that swallow-tailed gulls hunt most often under a new moon, when fish come to the surface under cover of darkness. The lunar cycle also influences the behavior of various marine species, including fish and squid.
Scientists found that chimpanzees coordinate actions and understand the need to help a partner perform their role to achieve a common goal. In trials, pairs of chimpanzees solved problems together, even swapping tools, to get food out of a box, demonstrating strategic coordination similar to humans.
A new study reveals that male lions use dense savanna vegetation to hunt prey successfully, often ambushing them from behind vegetation. The findings suggest that changes to vegetation structure could impact the balance of predators and prey.
A new study reveals that the decline in duck hunting, with annual sales of 'duck stamps' falling by 36%, is resulting in a significant financial loss for conservation efforts. The loss of revenue could have resulted in up to $126 million being invested in habitat conservation, with potentially 42,495 ha of wetlands being made available.
A new study by researchers at the University of Washington and in Indonesia has found that the population of critically endangered Sulawesi black macaques has stabilized over the past decade. The long-term survey, which began in 1999, shows a gradual increase in the number of groups and individuals per square kilometer, with the popula...
Scientists have created chemical modules that replicate complex interactions between plants, animals, and molecules, opening the door to more sophisticated molecular machines and computers. By using DNA and enzymes, researchers can now reproduce predator-prey interactions, mutually beneficial relationships, and competitive conditions.
A University of Toronto-led team identified spear tips used in hunting 500,000 years ago, pushing back the timeline of human adaptations and capacities. The discovery highlights the importance of early hafted tools in hunting weaponry.
A new report by Panthera reveals widespread illegal hunting and bushmeat trade in African savannas, posing significant ecological, economic, and social impacts. The report highlights the urgent need for greater efforts to address this issue, or risk losing valuable wildlife resources.