Articles tagged with Carnivores
The recovery of gray wolf populations in the United States has been broadly successful over the past 30 years, with many regions now sporting robust populations. However, these growing populations face significant threats, including fragmented habitats, barriers to dispersal, and increased encounters with humans, pets, and livestock.
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.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg discovered that Triphyophyllum peltatum can transform into a carnivorous plant under phosphorus deficiency. The plant captures small insects using adhesive traps to access essential nutrients.
Researchers discovered that scalloped hammerhead sharks close their gill slits during deep dives to prevent heat loss and keep warm. This unique behavior allows them to hunt effectively in cold water depths.
A study found that human-caused mortality is the leading source of death for mountain lions in California, primarily driven by conflicts with humans over livestock and collisions with vehicles. The research also suggests that human tolerance plays a crucial role in conserving large carnivores in landscapes shared with humans.
Researchers confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus in tigers and leopards in Nepal, which can cause fatal neurological disease. The study found that 11% of tigers and 30% of leopards had antibodies to CDV, indicating prior infection with the virus.
A new study has identified the top factors that determine the success of large carnivore relocation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting existing habitats. The findings could support global rewilding efforts and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
A global survey of large carnivore attacks found that attacks in high-income countries occurred mostly during recreation, while those in low-income countries were linked to livelihood activities. The study also highlighted the importance of tailored approaches to prevent such attacks.
A study by University of Reading ecologists suggests that social and economic factors drive the decline of large carnivore species, with habitat loss being less significant. The researchers propose a sustainable model of development to protect carnivores, but note that this may come at the cost of locking people into poverty.
Researchers found wolves in Alaska replaced deer with sea otters as their main food source within a few years. The wolf pack's diet changed dramatically, with sea otters making up 57% of their diet by 2017, while deer frequency declined to 7%.
Researchers have discovered that ancient crocodilian hemoglobin required 21 interconnected mutations to develop its hyper-efficient oxygen-binding properties. This complexity, not found in other vertebrates, enabled crocodilians to exploit their onboard oxygen stores for extended periods underwater.
A modelling study published in Scientific Reports found that raising the minimum age threshold for trophy hunted male lions to eight years could increase hunting sustainability. This approach limits the impact of poaching and conflict with livestock owners on lion populations.
Researchers used dental microwear texture analysis to infer feeding habits of large theropods, including T. rex and Allosaurus. The study found that these dinosaurs did not eat bones as frequently as thought, with juveniles having a different feeding behavior.
Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that a domestic dog lived in the Palaeolithic period 17,000 years ago in the Erralla cave in the Basque Country. The bone remains identified as Canis lupus familiaris, making it one of Europe's most ancient domestic dogs.
Researchers found distinct gut microbiomes in wild marten from pristine and heavily impacted areas, highlighting a tool for assessing ecosystem health. The study's findings suggest that human disturbance affects carnivores' diets, reflected in their gut microbiomes.
Research from the University of Oxford and Yellowstone National Park found that wolves with black coats are more likely to survive canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreaks. This suggests that the gene for a black coat may provide protection against the virus, leading to its increased frequency in areas with CDV outbreaks.
A new study using zinc isotope analysis found that Neanderthals were probable carnivores, contrary to earlier research suggesting a plant-based diet. The analysis of a tooth enamel sample from the Gabasa site in Spain revealed a carnivorous diet without blood consumption.
Researchers have found that captive bears prefer a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet, which is different from the typical high-protein diet they receive in zoos. This dietary preference is consistent with the bears' natural diet in the wild and may contribute to their shorter lifespan in captivity.
Researchers used a random forest model to analyze hyena whoops and found that individual signatures are distinct enough for identification. Repeating calls can improve identification accuracy, peaking at seven repetitions.
Large carnivore populations show genuine improvement in extinction risk when protected by international legislation and have controlled hunting plans. Marine mammals are most likely to recover, while rays and sharks face significant threats.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that African wild dogs, a highly endangered species, shifted their breeding dates later in response to changing temperatures, leading to reduced pup survival rates. The study highlights how large predators can be vulnerable to climate change and its impact on life history events.
Two fossil skulls of a 12- to 15-million-year-old hyena from China suggest the animal was on its way to becoming an insectivore, like the modern aardwolf. The fossils show characteristics intermediate between those of bone-cracking hyenas and termite-eating aardwolves.
A study has discovered that humans are disrupting a fundamental pattern in ecosystems, which dates back at least 66 million years. The U-shaped relationship between diet and size in modern land mammals has been found to span across multiple vertebrate groups, including birds, reptiles, and fish.
A new study found that preserving tree cover is essential for gray fox survival with coyotes in rural areas. Gray foxes can coexist with coyotes in suburban forest fragments but avoid areas without adequate tree cover in rural zones.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that ancient dolphins, including the false killer whale and orca, ate fish instead of other marine mammals. The findings suggest that these species evolved similar cranial anatomy and feeding behaviors within the last five million years.
Researchers used Hi-C sequencing to identify three-dimensional chromosome structures in 11 carnivore species, showing conserved chromatin structures across families despite millions of years of evolution. This approach could facilitate identifying related genes and placing them in context.
A recent study challenges the idea that meat consumption drove major evolutionary changes in humans, suggesting instead that increased research attention may have skewed evidence. The research team analyzed data from nine sites across eastern Africa and found no sustained increase in carnivory after Homo erectus appeared.
The study found that most USSE facilities were installed on grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands, potentially impeding Florida panther dispersal. Restoration of dispersal corridors and gene flow is critical to the species' survival, benefiting biodiversity and resiliency at the landscape-scale.
A recent study reveals significant differences between the gut microbiomes of male and female American minks, suggesting a surprising sexual distinction in carnivores. The findings have implications for future wildlife research, as analyzing fecal samples may not provide accurate assessments of population sex.
A long-term monitoring program found that wildfires and salvage logging negatively affected fisher abundance by 27% and population density. The study suggests that increased severity and frequency of wildfires will have negative impacts on fishers and change community composition for medium-size predators.
Researchers analyzed the largest cross-species database to assess species-specific cancer mortality rates and found conclusive proof that cancer risk is largely independent of body mass and life expectancy. The study highlights potent mechanisms of cancer resistance in larger species, contradicting intuitive expectations.
Researchers discovered that these 'meat-eating' bees have a unique gut microbiome enriched with acid-loving bacteria, similar to those found in vultures. The bees' ability to eat dead bodies is surprising, but they can also store honey and have special chambers for meat storage.
Researchers found fish, reptiles, and mammals made up the jaguar's diet, with aquatic prey providing energy to burn or play. The high density of jaguars was attributed to abundant aquatic subsidies in the region.
Scientists have discovered two new species of spinosaurid dinosaurs on the Isle of Wight, providing significant insights into the UK's spinosaurid population. The newly found fossils, including Ceratosuchops and Riparovenator, measure around nine meters in length and suggest a diverse ecosystem with multiple predators.
Researchers have discovered a new species of otter in Germany that dates back to 11.4 million years ago. The Vishnu otter genus was previously known only from Asia and Africa, but this finding suggests they also occurred in Europe.
New research explores conditions for humans and wolves to coexist peacefully in rural communities. Successful approaches to supporting communities have been identified, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating traditional knowledge and skills in living alongside large carnivores.
Carnivorous animals lack key genes needed to detect and respond to infection, making them asymptomatic carriers of disease-causing pathogens. This can lead to the formation of undetected disease reservoirs that can mutate and become a risk to human health.
A new study predicts that the population of San Nicolas Island foxes will remain at a low risk of extinction due to their isolated habitat and relatively dry environmental conditions. The researchers suggest strategies such as biosecurity, restoration of habitats, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict to increase the foxes' resilience...
Researchers have discovered a new carnivorous plant, Triantha occidentalis, that traps insects near its insect-pollinated flowers, avoiding the death of potential pollinators. The plant's sticky hairs only entrap small midges and insects, allowing larger bees and butterflies to act as pollinators.
A study examining the impact of human activity on carnivore niches found that more than a quarter of average carnivore diets consist of human food. Human disturbance leads to significant dietary changes, increasing trophic niche overlap and conflict among species.
A study of Serengeti National Park camera-trap data found that leopard population densities are similar to other protected areas but fluctuate between wet and dry seasons. The fluctuations appear to be driven by the abundance of prey and interactions with other large carnivores like lions.
Researchers found similarities in northern quoll skulls across a 5000km range, raising hopes for conservation. The study suggests cross-breeding isolated populations may be feasible without losing adaptations.
Researchers reveal that private game farms and reserves offer unequal protection for free-ranging carnivore species in South Africa. The study found that carnivore richness was highest in formal protected areas, with occupancy rates also higher compared to communal lands.
Researchers found that primates have evolved larger, more variable larynges with faster adaptation rates compared to carnivores. This difference is linked to vocal communication systems, suggesting a key role for the larynx in primate behavior.
A recent study found that protected areas in Finland do not harbor higher densities of large carnivores than unprotected lands, with wolverine populations declining within some areas. However, the study also suggests that protected areas can support seasonal habitats and prey for these mobile species.
Three carnivorous plant species, including Venus flytrap, sundew, and waterwheel, have a shared genetic basis for their insect-trapping mechanisms. Despite their unique adaptations, these plants are among the most gene-poor known, with fewer genes than most other plants.
A new species of dromaeosaurid, Dineobellator notohesperus, has been discovered in the Ojo Alamo Formation in New Mexico. The dinosaur's unique features, including curved vertebrae near the base of its tail, suggest increased agility and improved predation success.
A recent camera trap study in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in southern Sumatra has captured images of dozens of species, including critically endangered Sumatran tigers and Sunda pangolins. The study provides valuable insights into the habits and habitats of these rare beasts.
Researchers discovered cortisol in Egyptian mongoose hair, providing a long-term biomarker for stress. The study's results could help monitor the impact of habitat changes on mongoose populations and their competitors, such as the Iberian lynx.
Researchers have discovered that multiple ancient groups of crocodyliforms were not the carnivores they are known for, but rather plant-eaters. The study found evidence of herbivory in extinct relatives of modern crocodiles up to six times, suggesting a wide range of dietary ecologies.
Researchers used microscopic images to differentiate between carnivores and herbivores among lepidosauria species. Fine distinctions were made between algae-, fruit-, and mollusk-eating species, pointing towards the discovery of first herbivorous terrestrial vertebrates.
Researchers used nutritional geometry to assess giant pandas' macronutrient mix, revealing a high protein content similar to hypercarnivores. Despite their plant-based diet, pandas' energy intake comes from protein-rich bamboo, blurring the line between herbivore and carnivore.
A recent study reveals that giant pandas' protein and carbohydrate intake resembles a hypercarnivore's diet, with 50% of energy coming from protein. The findings suggest that the transition to an extreme specialized herbivorous diet was not as drastic as previously thought.
The discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found sheds new light on the lives of these massive predators. The specimen, weighing over 40% more than the next largest known taxon, suggests that different types of dinosaurs may have grown to significantly greater sizes than previously thought.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that human disturbance can have varying effects on different species of carnivores in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. While some species, such as lions, decline in population due to increased human activity, others, like hyenas and black-backed jackals, thrive in areas with hi...
Herbivore species lost genes related to triglyceride digestion inhibition and pancreatic enzyme secretion, enabling efficient digestion. Carnivores lost genes linked to appetite regulation, glucose production, and detoxification of plant compounds, indicating reduced gut microbial diversity.
A study by Radboud University ecologist Luca Santini found that mammals living in urban environments produce more young, which is likely due to high mortality rates. Different groups of mammals use various strategies to adapt, such as producing larger litters, having brains and bodies better suited for their environment.
A global study using camera trap data found that large-bodied mammalian carnivores exclude other carnivore species, shaping local communities. This leads to a chain reaction affecting prey species, plant communities, and even insect populations.
A new review of evidence suggests the brown bear may have gone extinct earlier than thought, with dates ranging from late Neolithic to early medieval periods. The study aims to clarify the unclear previous evidence and sheds light on the possible reasons behind their extinction.