Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers at TUM found that when food is scarce, male pigeons spend more time incubating eggs, allowing females to forage and maintain high parental care levels. Females are affected most by local food availability and have lower energy reserves, but males compensate by increasing their share of incubation effort.
A review paper highlights the importance of insect biodiversity in supporting vertebrate life, from food sources to shelter and medicine. The study emphasizes the need for insect conservation to address the decline of insect populations, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers found that sharks can detect low-frequency sounds from considerable distances and respond by dramatically changing direction away from the source. They detected sounds from up to 243 feet away and were more sensitive to lower frequencies.
Researchers found that hyper-local conditions shape eastern grey squirrel coat colors in Montreal, with factors like forest canopy cover and river presence influencing population traits.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that North Atlantic right whales spend an average of 11.4 hours per day feeding, with a significant portion of that time spent feeding at night near the surface. This behavior was previously unknown and may reduce the effectiveness of conservation protection measures.
Researchers found that adult chimpanzees in Senegal intentionally hand over tools to infants and youngsters, facilitating learning. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, reveals a unique form of teaching where adults deliberately provide tools and food to younger individuals.
A viper's tail looks like a spider to lure birds, but scientists found its inner workings are normal. Researchers used X-ray scans to study the snake's tail, revealing that its vertebrae are typical of most vipers.
A recent study found that coyote density in Seattle is 9 times higher than in wild areas, with urban coyotes benefiting from abundant food and reduced predation. Coyotes' diets are also more diverse in cities, with a wider variety of food options available, including berries and rabbits.
Preliminary analysis suggests dolphin milk microRNAs are substantially similar to those of terrestrial mammals, sharing dominant microRNA families. This finding indicates potentially similar lactation mechanisms in dolphins, despite their adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle
A study published in PLOS One found that Asian elephants can resist impulsive behavior and choose a more effective route to problem-solving, even when it requires adjusting a previously effective approach. This ability may be important for elephants' social interactions and cognition.
A new analysis from the University of Illinois suggests that tree cavities can stay cooler than the outside air, providing crucial thermal protection for animals. The study finds that tree cavities can buffer animals from temperature extremes, including hot and cold days, and offers insights into forest management decisions worldwide.
Researchers at Adelaide University found an active online ivory market in Australia, worth over $1.3 million, with most listings lacking proof of legality. The study's findings highlight the need for a domestic ivory ban to combat poaching and trafficking.
A study found that feeding and watching birds positively impacts people's well-being, reducing stress and increasing feelings of joy, gratitude, and calm. The activity also fosters engagement and a sense of meaning, as participants feel they are connecting with nature and contributing to science.
Researchers used infrared cameras to create a 3D view of biodiversity in the Congo Basin, revealing which mammals share the forest and how they use that space. The study identified 47 mammal taxa and found that 25% of arboreal mammals preferred the understory, highlighting the value of surveying the lower-mid forest strata.
A comprehensive guide to the native reptiles of the Turks and Caicos Islands has been published after 20 years of collaborative fieldwork. The guide documents 11 native species, eight of which are found nowhere else on Earth, and includes original photographs, distribution information, and conservation assessments.
Capuchin monkeys turn to vertebrate prey during times of plant food scarcity, a pattern similar to human carnivory. Males hunt more often and prefer fat-dense tissues, suggesting a preference for brains and guts.
Researchers have developed an interactive platform to identify future trafficking hotspots, revealing where criminal networks are most likely to strike next. The tool combines landscape ecology with criminology to identify high-risk corridors, particularly across southeastern Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula.
Northern spotted owl populations are approaching functional extinction across the Pacific Northwest, with AI-powered monitoring identifying critical habitats and ecological threats. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies, including barred owl removal and habitat conservation, to prevent further decline.
Research shows that young Bewick's swans that lose their parents during winter migration have a significantly lower survival rate, dropping from 86% to 40%. The study highlights the importance of family ties for migration and survival in these long-lived social birds.
A new species of groundsnake, Lielaphis slashi, has been discovered in New Guinea and named after Slash from Guns N' Roses. The snake's unique characteristics and genetic makeup set it apart from other similar species.
Research at Kyoto University's gardens revealed seven species of frog and one species of newt, highlighting the importance of culturally managed water features as habitats for urban amphibians. The study's findings emphasize the need to consider these sites as biodiversity hotspots, promoting coexistence with nature.
A study found anticoagulant rat poisons in 78% of tested caracals, highlighting a hidden problem for the city's wildlife. Researchers call for tighter control over the sale, distribution, and use of these poisons, which can accumulate in animals' bodies and harm non-target predators.
Dolphins use acoustic cues to navigate and find food, with whistles associated with social behavior and echolocation linked to sound-producing fish. The study reveals distinct patterns in dolphin communication, suggesting dolphins favor different habitats for socializing and hunting.
Researchers found Asian small-clawed otters to be generally more active and visible when people were present, suggesting a possible positive effect of visitors on their welfare. However, the study's findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the complex interactions between zoo animals and humans.
Researchers found that preserving native vegetation and tree cover between homes led to a wider variety of bird species remaining, particularly sensitive species like the Wilson's warbler and Swainson's thrush. This suggests that balancing human development with ecosystem health can benefit both.
Researchers found that each of three mosquito species has its own type, driven by human body chemistry, and prefers a different subset of people. This discovery could lead to novel strategies to combat vector-borne diseases.
Scientists are helping to safeguard UK's rarest orchard wildlife through a three-year conservation initiative focusing on four threatened species. Innovative techniques like pheromones and DNA will be used to improve monitoring of noble chafer and red-horned cardinal click beetle populations.
A study found that coating developing raven eggs with non-toxic mineral oil helps protect sensitive prey populations. Raven nests treated with egg oil showed more than doubled sage-grouse nest survival and a 44% increase in relative abundances of sage-grouse.
A recent study on orphaned grizzly bears found a high mortality rate of 83%, largely due to human-bear conflicts, illegal killings, and intraspecific killing. The study also highlights the risk of habituation to humans, which can lead to serious conflicts, particularly when combined with oversized size from excessive growth during reha...
A new study documents how an Indonesian Indigenous community adapted their sacred Cidaku initiation ceremony to protect the endangered salmon-crested cockatoo. The ceremony now uses naturally moulted feathers collected from wildlife rescue centres, preserving spiritual integrity and ensuring species survival.
Researchers at Emory University developed an AI system, CapuchinAI, to automate cognitive studies of capuchin monkeys in the wild using facial recognition and real-time testing. The system identifies individual capuchins with 97% accuracy and provides a scalable field method for cognitive testing.
Intensive feeding by tourists is altering the island's ecosystem, leading to unusual interactions among animal species. The study highlights the need for careful management of wildlife tourism practices to avoid unintended consequences for the environment.
The BirdNET Live app can identify over 8,900 bird species and thousands of other animal sounds in real-time and offline. It is designed for nature conservation professionals, researchers, and amateur ornithologists, offering a practical solution for field conditions.
A field experiment on wild kittiwakes found that birds with high energy costs during breeding raised more chicks the next year, but at a cost to their own survival. The study reveals how flexible energy use can lead to hidden trade-offs in life-history strategy.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers documented a previously undescribed orca behavior in the Gulf of California, where orcas hold and then ram sunfish to cause tissue fragmentation. The observed behavior may be a form of parental investment or simply entertainment, with potential benefits for the calf's nutrition.
Researchers have identified a unique type of melanoma that spreads between catfish in Lake Memphremagog, behaving like parasites. The discovery sheds light on the spread of cancer in wild animals and raises questions about its origin and ecological impact.
A global analysis of zoo records shows a 21-44% increase in life expectancy for African and Asian elephants since 1960, mirroring improvements in their wild counterparts. These gains are attributed to advancements in management standards, veterinary care, and socialisation strategies.
Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.
A previously unknown species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis, has been identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species, known locally as Likweli, features a distinctive orange face patch and is one of the rarest discoveries in modern primatology.
Researchers found that elephants' bone-conduction hearing is significantly improved due to their larger middle ear structures and ability to voluntarily close their ear canals. This allows them to transmit lower frequency sounds to the cochlea, enhancing low-frequency hearing by up to 30 times
A study found that some toad populations recover from a deadly fungus due to the early maturation of antimicrobial peptides in their tadpole stage. This immunity allows them to survive as adults, suggesting that environmental factors such as temperature may play a role in disease progression.
The American Ornithological Society has awarded seven 2026 Kessel Fellowships to support early-career researchers investigating avian ecology, behavior, conservation, genetics, and climate change. The fellowships aim to address the growing gap in understanding Arctic wildlife responses to environmental change.
A recent study found that protecting primates in China's Yunnan province can also protect other animals and plants, highlighting the importance of umbrella species conservation. The research showed that large-bodied vertebrates need vast areas to support populations, which are habitats for many other species.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that 80% of bighorn sheep exposed to respiratory pathogens from invasive aoudad died from pneumonia. The study highlights the risk posed by aoudad to native bighorn sheep and provides new information for conservation efforts.
Two studies found that California gray wolves primarily eat cattle, with 72% of scat samples containing cattle DNA. Elevated cortisol levels in cattle grazing near wolf packs also indicate chronic stress, affecting their physiology and potentially production rates.
Researchers found that beavers are widespread in tidal wetlands and create deep pools of water at low tide, providing habitat for threatened species like Chinook salmon. The study expands the known habitat distribution of beavers and highlights their potential role as ecosystem engineers in estuaries.
Researchers analyzed over 3,500 incidents to find that low-impact activities and species like elk, grizzly bears, and mule deer are more likely to lead to aggressive encounters. Visitors can take simple precautions such as announcing themselves, keeping leashes short, and checking park information to minimize risks.
The Bird Sonic system is being used to prevent bird strikes at Narita International Airport and nine other Japanese airports. The system uses high-frequency sound to deter birds from approaching aircraft, reducing the risk of collisions and accidents.
Researchers tracked Arabian Sea humpback whales' movements, revealing the first direct evidence of a whale crossing the Arabian Sea. The study found that these whales have adapted to their habitat in a unique way, deviating from traditional migration patterns.
A new study analyzed data from GPS tracking collars on 36 wild pumas in the Santa Cruz Mountains, finding that they proactively avoid heavily trafficked trails to minimize conflicts with humans. The research suggests that more human-tolerant pumas may actually help share landscapes with people by minimizing habitat loss.
A new study reveals that threatened amphibian species are being inadvertently sold under incorrect names in digital marketplaces. Genetic barcoding analysis identified four frogs advertised as Chinese edible frogs as actually being Chinese spiny frogs, classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Dwarf mongooses alter their behavior in areas where fights with rivals are most likely, even without another group present. The study shows that the biggest changes occur when the anticipated threat is greatest, allowing them to tailor their pre-emptive behavior accordingly.
Researchers have digitally preserved the vaquita by scanning a complete skeleton and creating interactive 3D models. The technology enabled the team to capture microscopic skeletal details and make the information accessible to anyone, with the resulting models being made freely available through MorphoSource.
Research reveals that leaving deadwood in forests and creating artificial gaps can increase the diversity of bats and birds, with some species responding strongly to these changes. The study found that forest interventions can promote biodiversity even in previously monotonous ecosystems.
A comprehensive study reveals the Bornean ferret badger is found only in Sabah's western highlands, with a previously unknown population discovered in Nuluhon-Trusmadi Forest Reserve. The species' range and distribution are largely confined to mountain landscapes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect its habitat.
Researchers detected pathogenic species of Sporothrix in the internal organs of mammals, birds, and reptiles that were killed by vehicles on Brazilian roads. The study reveals a new reservoir for fungi, highlighting the need for surveillance.
The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK) improves conservation-led veterinary medicine by providing accessible diagnostic infrastructure. The lab, established through a collaborative partnership, serves the northern Kenya landscape and enhances the country's national wildlife health infrastructure.
Researchers found that pregnant Pacific pocket mice trained to fear snakes produce more vigilant offspring, which survive better in the wild. This method of antipredator training may improve conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.
Honeybee queens are created through an elaborate process involving young worker bees constructing customized wax chambers with unique physical and chemical properties. Researchers identified a previously unrecognized class of young worker bees dubbed 'queen cell builders' that appear uniquely adapted for the task.