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Nuke test radiation can fight poachers

Researchers developed a new method using radioactive carbon-14 from nuclear bomb tests to determine the age of ivory, helping to combat illegal poaching. The method has immediate applications in enforcing international trade bans and reducing demand for ivory.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2013

Forest elephants at risk from the illegal ivory trade

A new study warns that forest elephants are facing intense poaching pressure due to the illegal ivory trade. The researchers found only 1,900 elephants remaining in Salonga National Park, with the probability of encountering them increasing with distance from roads.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 2, 2007

Elephant highways of death

A new study reveals that forest elephants are being pushed into remote depths of national parks due to heavy poaching for ivory near roadways. Protected areas, however, are critical to elephant survival, with some areas experiencing increased abundance despite road access.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 2, 2007

Wild tigers need cat food

A new study by WCS and USGS found that wild tigers in India's Nagarahole National Park lose nearly a quarter of their population each year, but total numbers remain stable due to high reproductive rates and abundant prey. The study highlights the need for protected areas with high prey densities and anti-poaching efforts.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEcology·DateDec 13, 2006

Poachers also disupt plants

New research reveals poaching's significant effects on forest plants, including increased palm regeneration despite reduced mammal populations. The study found that poaching increased beetle predation of dispersed seeds, while rodent predation decreased.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 1, 2000