Articles tagged with Wildlife
Research finds LA mountain lions are avoiding burned areas but crossing roads and traveling longer distances to find resources. The population is increasingly at risk due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
A Washington State University study showed that drone photography can effectively estimate the number of rocky hollows in the Wenatchee River where salmon create their eggs. The researchers found roughly double the number of redds using drones compared to ground-level observations, but with high variability. This technology has potenti...
A study by University of Utah professor Thure Cerling and colleagues used carbon isotope science to analyze four seizures of ivory in Angola, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Uganda. The results show that the ivory dates back to the 1980s, similar in age to ivory in Burundi's national stockpile, strengthening suspicions of ivory stockpile theft.
A University of Washington-led study found that even low levels of human activity in protected areas can alter wildlife behavior. Wildlife activity dropped to zero when outdoor recreation levels reached around 40 visitors per week in Glacier Bay National Park.
The study finds that many species are protected too late, with insufficient time to recover and breed, and with limited financial resources to support conservation efforts. This analysis highlights the need for improved policy and increased funding to effectively protect endangered species in the US.
A new study reveals that losing endangered fruit-eating animals in the Atlantic Forest could severely disrupt seed-dispersal networks, leaving plants without an effective means to regenerate. Nearly 55% of specialist plant species rely solely on these frugivores for seed dispersal.
Researchers have discovered that erect-crested penguins, an endangered species, lay a smaller first egg and reject it in favor of a larger second egg. This reproductive strategy allows the bird to better feed its chicks and increases the chances of survival for both eggs.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have successfully decoded the genome of Aldabrachelys gigantea, one of the world's two remaining giant tortoise species. The reference genome provides crucial information for breeding programs in zoos to represent genetic diversity and conservation efforts across East Africa and Madagascar.
The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that more than three times the number of unregulated animal species are being imported into the US compared to regulated species. The trade in these species is putting them under increasing threat.
A new study found that daytime pastoralist activities do not negatively affect spotted hyenas in Tanzania, contrary to previous research. The study analyzed 24 years of data from eight hyena clans and found that the hyenas' reproductive performance and physiological stress levels remained similar to those of unexposed clans.
Researchers found pelagic seabirds fly into the eye of a storm to reduce risk of injury or death. The birds' unique flight style allows them to navigate strong winds.
Invasive alien species threaten EU biodiversity, causing harm to wildlife, crops, and human health. The new awareness campaign urges people to 'Beware of Aliens' and report sightings to prevent their spread.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
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 documented social ties between individual chimpanzees and gorillas that persisted over years and across different contexts. The study found enhanced foraging opportunities to be a key benefit of interspecies social interactions, with apes sharing knowledge of diverse plant species.
Researchers confirm that turtles rehabilitated in the aftermath of the Kalamazoo River oil spill had high long-term survival rates, with up to 11 years post-spill showing nearly imperceptible differences in monthly survival probability. The study's findings suggest that rehabilitation efforts increased the monthly survival probability ...
Researchers found that kinship dynamics vary across species and sex, influencing helping behavior. In spotted hyenas, females' relatedness decreases with age, while males' increases, affecting their willingness to help groupmates.
A team of scientists studied how relatedness to a social group changes with age in seven mammal species, finding that incentives to help or harm shift depending on the species' social structure and gender. This understanding can explain differences across species and sexes.
A recent study of Alaskan brown bears reveals that their gut microbiomes play a crucial role in supporting health and achieving comparable size despite eating vastly different diets. The research sheds light on the importance of diverse dietary niches for bears, which can help them extract nutrition from various food sources.
Researchers used computer models to link red squirrel sightings to environmental parameters, identifying areas with missing ecological corridors. The study aims to improve urban planning by understanding the challenges faced by urban squirrels due to habitat fragmentation and climate change.
Researchers discovered three new cryptozoic snake species in Ecuador's Andes, named after institutions supporting cloud forest conservation. The discovery highlights the need for habitat protection due to widespread destruction of native habitats.
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.
A UC researcher is using information technology to track and study the endangered little brown myotis bat species in Ohio. The team has established a summer roost at Clendening Marina, where they are collecting data on the population's size and trajectory.
In southern Sydney, cockatoos have developed a unique behavior of opening garbage bins to eat food waste. Humans have responded by using various inventive methods to secure the bins, sparking an 'arms race' between the two species.
Researchers found two distinct populations of the invasive American bullfrog in Brazil, one descended from 1935 introductions and another from the 1970s. The study highlights the need for law enforcement to prevent escape from frog farms.
Researchers developed a methodology to forecast outbreaks of pathogens such as coronavirus and monkeypox, identifying host species at risk of infection. The machine-learning approach analyzes variables like location and climate to predict community hot spots at risk.
A study by King's College London found that visiting canals and rivers has a positive association with mental wellbeing, feeling happy, and social inclusion. The combination of blue and green space with wildlife is believed to contribute to these benefits.
Research reveals that wildlife hunting motivations differ across Africa and Europe, shifting from economic to socio-cultural and recreational factors as socio-economic conditions increase. Hunting intensity is surprisingly constant, while densely populated areas experience increased conflict-related killings.
A study published in the Transportation Research Record found that wildlife crossings in Washington state can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. The research analyzed collision data from 2011 to 2020 and found a significant reduction in deer-related crashes near bridges.
A UBC Okanagan researcher suggests changing fur trapping practices to prevent accidental grizzly bear toe amputations. By delaying the start of the trapping season from November 1 to early December, trappers can avoid catching bears during their hibernation period.
Scientists have developed network-based models to prioritize novel viruses for their zoonotic transmission risk, with coronaviruses found to be the riskiest. The models also ranked paramyxoviruses, such as those causing measles and respiratory tract infections, as high priorities.
The study analyzed blood samples from bottlenose dolphins in the northern Gulf of Mexico, finding changes in gene expression related to immune response and oxidative stress. The results provide new insights into the health impacts of oil spills on marine life.
A study published in PNAS confirms the single-origin hypothesis for Australia's invasive rabbits, tracing their ancestry back to Thomas Austin's family in England. Genetic diversity declined as the population spread across the continent, revealing a possible genetic advantage that enabled the rabbits to adapt to Australia's climate.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a new analysis model to estimate the number of wild animals harvested through hunting in Sweden. The model provides a better estimation of wild animal populations and reduces uncertainty, making it easier to track changes in ecosystems.
The winning image depicts a parasitic fungus infecting a fly, while other images showcase the relationships between species, biodiversity under threat, and research in action. The competition highlights the intersection of art and science, celebrating ecologists' creativity to protect the natural world.
Researchers deployed video cameras on Navy dolphins to study their hunting behaviors in San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The footage revealed the dolphins' prey preferences, hunting strategies, and even encounters with a sea snake.
Growing up in harsh conditions has a lasting impact on hyenas' performance and social relationships. Early-life adversity affects their ability to thrive in the wild.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee are investigating the movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks, with a focus on disease mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand how socio-economic factors impact pathogen dynamics and develop market-based mechanisms to promote healthy trade.
Researchers aim to uncover information on blotchy bass syndrome's prevalence, distribution, and potential risks through data collected by citizens. The study will help determine which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune.
A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
Researchers monitored elephant movements through wildlife corridors in urban and farm landscapes, finding that elephants use corridors predominantly at night in agricultural areas, but overlap with humans during the day in cities. The study highlights the need for considering daily activity patterns in conservation planning.
A new study found that North American mammal communities have become more than twice as homogenous as they were 10,000 years ago, primarily due to early human hunting and farming activities. The accelerated homogenization is likely linked to the spate of large-mammal extinctions, which increased similarity among remaining species.
The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.
Researchers confirm COVID-19 originated from live animals sold at Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market was the epicenter of the epidemic, with vendors getting infected first and setting off a chain of infections.
A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that ageing female wild red deer on the Isle of Rum in Scotland tend to adopt a life of solitude as they grow older. They interact with fewer other individuals within their home ranges and shift to less populated areas of their habitat.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
A study by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that the scaly-breasted wren's song consistently kept time for its duration, even as pauses increased in length. The results suggest that birds can track time more accurately than expected, challenging conventional wisdom on animal cognition.
A new study investigates how birds experience neophobia, which could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. The research gathered data on the behavior of captive Bali myna birds, revealing that juvenile birds may be more suitable for reintroduction than adults.
A new platform called MoveApps enables scientists and wildlife managers to explore animal movement data with little more than a device and a browser. The system uses open-source code and allows users to create complex analyses with simple clicks.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats could recognize ringtones indicating a food reward up to four years later. The bats learned to associate specific tones with rewards and were able to recall these associations even after long periods of time.
Scientists argue that system thinking can better understand the world's rapidly changing dynamics, considering both social and ecological factors. The article highlights the importance of this approach in addressing climate change-induced natural disasters, such as increased frequency and danger of wildfires.
A study reveals over 50 common toads in UK woodlands, defying expectations of their terrestrial lifestyle. The discovery highlights the importance of tree cavities as a habitat for amphibians and encourages conservation efforts.
Save Our Seas Foundation joins Wildscreen Festival as a Principal Sponsor, focusing on marine conservation and storytelling. The partnership will promote impactful storytelling through the Panda Awards' new 'Impact' category.
Researchers at NIST found that gecko setae are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids, which repel water and help maintain grip on wet surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of biomimetic products, such as gecko boots or gloves for improved traction.
A new UTSC study analyzed Statistics Canada data to examine environmental behaviors and attitudes across Canada. The research found that Canadians are not deeply divided on many important environmental issues, with some common ground potential in drafting national policies.
Researchers have discovered rare colonies of Rock Doves, the wild ancestors of common domestic and feral pigeons, on secluded Scottish and Irish islands. The findings provide valuable insights into how the domestic pigeon came to be, with varying degrees of interbreeding between the two forms of the species.