Articles tagged with Wildlife
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers found traces of plastics in over half of the species examined, including polyester, polyethylene, and polynorbornene. Four out of seven species, such as European hedgehogs and field voles, were identified as 'plastic positive', highlighting potential impacts on conservation status.
The BirdNET app uses AI to automatically identify bird species by sound, allowing users to contribute data without expertise. Since its launch in 2018, over 2.2 million people have contributed data, successfully replicating known patterns of song dialects and mapping bird migration across continents.
A team of researchers, led by Jason Ladner, conducted a genetic study to determine the origin of snake fungal disease in the US. The study revealed that there were likely multiple introductions of the fungus from other countries, shedding light on the emergence of the disease.
Research reveals that elephant migration routes in Namibia are experiencing declining vegetation due to human activities. The study, published in Sensor journal, used remote sensing data to assess the impact of wildlife on vegetation cover change.
A new UBC study finds that southern resident killer whales have been in an energy deficit for six of the last 40 years, with three recent years (2018-2020) being particularly dire. The researchers attribute this decline to lower Chinook salmon abundance and size, which are the primary food source for these whales.
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.
Three African vulture species have significantly larger home ranges than existing protected areas, increasing exposure to human-related food sources and environmental toxins. Conservation efforts require addressing challenges outside protected areas.
Researchers found that frog-eating bats trained to associate a phone ringtone with a tasty treat could remember what they learned for up to four years in the wild. The study, led by May Dixon at Ohio State University, used 49 bats and introduced three other ringtones without food rewards.
A new study finds that Florida panthers are the primary cause of white-tailed deer mortality in Southwest Florida, with 96 deer killed by the big cats. Habitat changes and population shifts pose challenges for sustainable hunting opportunities, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study found that banded mongooses engage in lethal intergroup battles, with the number of adult males and age of oldest male being crucial factors. Experienced individuals are vital for success, while older males become liabilities beyond a certain age.
A new study finds that monarch butterflies are stabilizing their breeding trends, with some regions experiencing population declines while others show increases. The research suggests that changing environmental variables are offsetting negative factors, such as the impact of glyphosate on monarchs.
Old World vultures are vulnerable to chronic chemical exposure through the food chain, posing a threat to ecosystem health. Environmental chemicals such as legacy and emerging pollutants contribute to their decline, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A study by Leibniz-IZW scientists reveals that the death of common noctule bats at wind turbines interrupts natural food chains, compromising ecosystem services like pest control. The loss of these insectivorous bats has significant consequences for agriculture and forestry in Germany.
Researchers found that otters learn to extract food from unfamiliar natural prey with their own wits, not just by observing others. Eleven of the 20 otters in the study successfully extracted meat from rainbow trout, shore crabs, and blue mussels.
A new study finds the Red-billed Leiothrix, a small songbird native to subtropical Asia, has become an invasive non-native species in Britain. The species' potential impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is being highlighted by researchers, who note that it could cause significant changes if widely established.
A new study reveals that red pandas are being driven closer to extinction due to human activities such as infrastructure projects and habitat fragmentation. The research suggests that minimizing human-induced disturbances is crucial for the survival of this species.
Debilitating snare injuries in female spotted hyenas of the Serengeti delayed their age at first reproduction and reduced litter size, while also decreasing offspring survival rates. This long-term decrease in reproductive performance may result from increased inflammatory and immune responses to snare injuries.
New research from the University of British Columbia creates the world's first global map of mammal movement between protected areas. The study reveals that Canada has critical areas for connectivity, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and animal populations.
A study estimates that old wind turbines can be deadly for protected bat species, with some turbines claiming up to 70 bat victims per year. The researchers recommend adjusting the operation of old turbines to current regulations, or even dismantling them if they are located in unfavorable sites.
A new study has discovered that the raw material for evolution is much more abundant in wild animals than previously believed. Researchers found that many populations of birds and mammals can evolve surprisingly fast, with their genetic difference in survival and reproduction being two to four times higher than previously thought.
Vertebrate scavengers prefer to dine on the carcasses of herbivores like mallard ducks and chickens, rather than higher-trophic-level vulture remains. This study found that avian and mammal scavengers only consumed a small portion of the vulture carcasses, highlighting the complexity of nutrient cycling through food webs.
A study comparing whole genomes of several mustelids, including the tayra and wolverine, identifies multiple sources of genomic variation contributing to species-specific traits. The research sheds light on how these adaptations evolved in response to different ecological challenges.