Articles tagged with Wildlife
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.
New computer simulations predict that farmland and suburban moths are struggling to move across landscapes due to landscape features such as rugged hills. Habitat restoration in these areas could help species adapt to climate change by shifting their ranges across the country.
The snake trade in Indonesia is plagued by unsustainable practices, including underreported and illegal international trade in blood pythons. Research suggests that the current quota system may not be effective in ensuring sustainable harvesting, highlighting the need for urgent action to address these concerns.
A new study reveals which bird species are driving the global spread of avian influenza, identifying ducks and geese as super-spreaders. The research also highlights the crucial role of gulls in transmitting the virus over long distances, with their ability to fly over oceans playing a significant role in its rapid spread.
A new study finds that California coastal condors are at increased risk of reproductive impairment due to consuming dead marine mammals contaminated with banned chemicals like DDT and PCBs. Baja California, Mexico, presents a reduced risk compared to the California coast.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
A recent study found that boosting the pink pigeon's numbers is not sufficient to prevent its extinction in the future. The species has a high genetic load of bad mutations, which puts it at risk of collapse if conservation efforts do not continue.
Researchers assessed metabolites in African savanna elephants for the first time, finding little variation among six healthy adults on the same diet. The study establishes a technique to accurately capture metabolites and provides insights into metabolism and health relationships in these endangered animals.
Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.
A study led by Washington University in St. Louis found that nonlethal parasitic infections reduce herbivory rates and trigger trophic cascades impacting plant communities. The research used a mathematical model and global meta-analysis to highlight the ecological consequences of common parasitic infections in wild animals.
A recent study suggests that tree density in the Cerrado biome has been controlled mainly by the length of the dry season over the past 45,000 years. The research found a link between changes in the dry season and variations in Earth's axial tilt, which may lead to similar trends in the late 21st century.
A threatened South American coati was recorded in Canoas, Brazil's fourth most populous city, using a camera trap at a remaining green space. The finding underscores the significance of urban areas for species adaptation and highlights the need for conservation efforts beyond protected zones.
A new study by Cornell University found that rare and endangered insects and spiders can be easily purchased without adequate oversight through basic internet searches. Many species, including those with valuable ecological services like ladybugs and pollinators, are being sold illegally online.
A recent study found that microplastics in the ocean can carry land-based parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, which can infect humans and animals. The researchers used laboratory experiments to test whether these pathogens could associate with plastics in seawater.
Research suggests that ecotourists' sugar-fed wildlife interactions are causing northern Bahamian rock iguanas to develop high blood sugar levels. The study found that iguanas on islands frequently visited by tourists had higher glucose peaks and difficulty regulating their blood sugar.
Researchers discovered MRSA in 10% of hedgehogs in Helsinki, including a successful clone with global spread potential. The study suggests spillover of antimicrobial resistance from anthropogenic sources to urban wildlife, posing a risk for human patients.
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.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
New research from The University of Manchester found that poaching combined with individual rhino's reproductive variance significantly increases the risk to black rhino survival. Reproductive skew, or variation in breeding success between females, can exacerbate extinction risk by up to 70% in small populations.
Researchers propose that wildlife can return phosphorus to the land by restoring interconnected animal communities, revitalizing ancient pathways of natural fertilization. This approach aims to generate sources of fertilizer for farmers and increase ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
Researchers used GPS data from 65 bird tracking studies to identify areas where migrating birds are more sensitive to onshore wind turbine or power line development. These 'collision hotspots' are concentrated along important migration routes, coastlines, and near breeding locations in Europe and North Africa.
A recent study combining climate data with fossil records of large mammals in Africa found that times of erratic climate change do not lead to major evolutionary changes. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that environmental variability and species turnover may not be closely related.
Researchers at Flinders University found that sharks can learn to avoid wasting time and energy on inaccessible food sources. The study, published in Animal Behaviour, reveals the decline of shark's natural response to prey when reward frequency is decreased or non-existent.
Researchers used network science to distinguish between viruses that can infect human cells and those that cannot. They identified a region on the virus spike protein critical for cell infection, which could inform vaccine development.
Researchers found varied diversity of gut microbiomes among brown bears at three national parks in Alaska, with Katmai showing the most diversity due to its diverse food sources. The study advances understanding of wildlife habitat, diet, and gut microbiome diversity.
A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.
A new study reveals that eating wild animals, known as bushmeat, is associated with reduced anaemia cases among children living in the Amazon rainforest. The researchers found that bushmeat consumption can partially protect the health of vulnerable rural children by increasing their iron levels.
The American marten study found that monitoring the species has an 'umbrella effect' on 11 other mammals, detecting population declines. However, habitat loss and climate change threaten the marten's survival. The researchers developed a monitoring protocol for the winter season to detect protected species.
Scientists have developed a method using DNA from blood meals of blood-sucking leeches to survey vertebrate species in large areas. The study, led by Harvard researchers, identified 86 vertebrate species in the reserve, including near-threatened and threatened species.
Researchers found that forced proximity increased social grooming in random pairs of vampire bats, which persisted for over two months. The study suggests a causal relationship between being forced into close proximity and forming preferences for each other, echoing the human experience of college roommates.
A study published in Animal Behaviour found that individuals from urban environments differ more in their behavior from each other than those from rural populations. This suggests that high spatial and temporal heterogeneity in urban environments may contribute to the development of distinct 'city personalities' among shrews.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
Researchers found that an intranasal application of oxytocin could make lion interactions less life-threatening. After the treatments, lions displayed reduced vigilance towards other lions and became more tolerant of their presence.
A study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data on wildlife roadkill in Flanders found that some species are more prone to being killed by vehicles. The research used data from online platforms like Waarnemingen.be, which has collected over 90,000 roadkill records since 2008.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found a natural fungus that can kill off local populations of tawny crazy ants, with 62% of infected populations disappearing entirely. The fungus is specific to crazy ants and has no effect on native species, making it a promising biocontrol agent for protecting sensitive habitats.
A new study finds that forest bird nestlings are smaller and less likely to survive extreme heat, while urban birds seem to adapt better. The research highlights the fragility of natural populations and the need for further understanding and protection.
A comprehensive study analyzing international literature on wildlife rehabilitation found that human activity is a significant factor influencing outcomes. The study identified five key categories of factors impacting survival outcomes for rescued wildlife, highlighting the need for rehabilitators to mitigate threats and address these ...
A review of 1,987 conservation reports found that only 8.8% reported total costs, making it difficult to determine cost-effectiveness and make informed decisions on funding allocation. Standardized cost reporting is crucial for efficient decision-making in biodiversity conservation.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that humans have transmitted diseases to wild animals nearly 100 times, with most cases occurring in captive settings like zoos. The study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and better understanding of wildlife disease to mitigate risks for human health and conservation.
A recent Cornell University study reveals that white-tailed deer can shed and transmit the COVID-19 virus for up to five days following infection. The virus replicates in the deer's respiratory tract, lymphoid tissues, and central nervous system, making them a potential reservoir for the virus in nature.
A new analysis from Emory University reveals a significant increase in the parasitism rate of monarch butterflies over 50 years, with the O.E. parasite infecting up to 10% of eastern monarch populations. The rise in infection rates may endanger the mass migration of monarchs, threatening their survival.
A team of scientists found that Olalla's titi monkey adapts to a fragmented forest by switching to alternative foods like seeds, lichens, and fungi. The monkeys also reduce movement during lean times, enabling them to inhabit the Llanos de Moxos landscape.
Research found that adult howler monkey play increases when faced with competition over fruit, a valuable resource. This playful behavior helps regulate relationships within the social group and avoid conflict, unlike collective grooming used by some other primates.
A team of researchers found significant differences in lipid profiles between sperm and erythrocytes, with more closely related species showing similarities. The study's results help improve understanding of oxidative stress on reproductive processes and assisted reproduction measures.
A study has decoded the DNA of the Arabian Oryx, a vulnerable species that was on the brink of extinction. The researchers analyzed the genetic data to inform breeding programs and found moderate diversity in the population's gene pool.
A study has found that lead poisoning from gun ammunition has suppressed the populations of birds of prey across Europe, resulting in a loss of around 55,000 adult birds. The impact is particularly significant for species like eagles and Red Kites, which are long-lived and breed later in life.
Researchers found a new form of ant society that emerged in one species and then spread to other species through hybridization. This allowed the ants to outcompete single-queen colonies and become more successful.