Articles tagged with Wildlife
A new study has shed light on the gut microbiome of gorillas, revealing significant diversity among individuals and institutions. The research found that even healthy gorillas can have unique microbial profiles, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual context for health assessment.
Research found that bats can adapt to diverse climates by finding similar roosting conditions, but those with high water loss are more heavily impacted by white-nose syndrome. This study highlights the importance of understanding bat hibernation patterns for conservation efforts.
Researchers highlight the need for disease transmission assessments and mitigation measures to prevent pathogen spread from humans to wild animal populations. The study's recommendations include disease risk analysis to identify gaps in data and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.
A new study reveals that the Pantanal, a vast wetland in central South America, can reconcile healthy jaguar populations with economic activities. Ecotourism lodges have been found to be suitable habitats for jaguars, allowing for a landscape of tolerance where the species is no longer persecuted.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, used eDNA sequencing to investigate fish diversity in the Amazon River basin. Researchers found that only 26% of species identified with precision at the species level could be linked to traditional catch data.
Research reveals that captive animals on soft food diets may experience weaker skulls and reduced bite effectiveness when released back into the wild. The study found that rats fed softer diets had weaker skulls, but those switched from hard to soft food as juveniles also showed signs of weakened bone growth.
A comprehensive survey conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society and partners estimates that 95,000 forest elephants live in Gabon, confirming it as the principal stronghold for this species. The study provides hope for the future of the critically endangered African forest elephant population.
A new study used machine learning to predict the zoonotic capacity of 5,400 mammal species, identifying those at high risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The model, which combined data on biological traits with ACE2 receptor information, predicted 72% accuracy and identified numerous additional species with potential to transmit the virus.
A new study found that free-roaming domestic cats are the likely cause of toxoplasmosis in wildlife, with healthy ecosystems providing protection against these pathogens. The researchers suggest limiting cat roaming can reduce the impact of Toxoplasma on wildlife.
An updated vaccination strategy is credited with averting an outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, according to research published in Scientific Reports. The study found that the virus spread rapidly, reaching cities never affected before, and that a high number of cases were reported in areas with low vaccination coverage.
A study quantifying Nigeria-linked seizures of pangolin products suggests levels of trafficking are far greater than previously thought. Researchers found 190,407 kilos of scales taken from at least 799,343 animals, with 77 seizures analysed revealing connections to ivory-smuggling networks.
Zhisheng Yan and his collaborators propose a framework for collaborative local and networked storage to archive high-resolution video data for long-lived wildlife monitoring. They aim to develop the first research CI that collects 360-degree videos for wildlife monitoring, transforming scientific monitoring in field studies.
Researchers tracked black-tailed deer before, during, and after the Mendocino Complex Fire, finding that all 18 deer survived. Despite burned areas with no vegetation, most deer returned home within hours, potentially due to their loyalty to habitat. However, some deer's body condition declined as they expanded their range.
Researchers found that in dry years, birds funnel into riparian environments due to increased greenness, leading to overcrowding and decreased bird populations. The study highlights the importance of understanding how birds respond to climate change for conservation purposes.
A modelling study suggests that COVID-19 could lead to the collapse of a population of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The risk is higher due to lower availability of treatments for gorillas, but measures like mask-wearing and vaccination can limit transmission.
Researchers monitored the temporal niche partitioning of 73 cameras over six years in Malaysia's Sabah state. The study found that some species, like wild cats and civets, segregate their activities by time of day to avoid competition.
A study explores how human activities on land can affect aquatic animals, specifically the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus gattii. The research found that terrestrial hotspots were likely where spores settled before infecting marine mammals in the Salish Sea.
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.
Wildlife trade is a pervasive issue affecting ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. IUWT can drive biodiversity loss, invasive species, and zoonotic diseases, highlighting the need for cooperation and sustainable management.
A new study led by a University of Maine graduate student found that 50% fewer frogs died from vehicle collisions in spring 2020 compared to previous years. This decline was part of a broader reduction in animal road fatalities during the pandemic, similar to findings in other studies worldwide.
Researchers have confirmed cases of leprosy in two unconnected West African populations of chimpanzees, in Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast. The strains identified are different and rare among humans. Long-term health monitoring is needed to establish the scale and possible effects of leprosy on critically endangered western chimpanzees.
A new study shows that gorillas can distinguish between human voices, reacting with distress when hearing unfamiliar or negative voices. The apes' ability to gauge threats by familiarity of human voices has implications for their wild cousins.
A unique form of English rewilding is emerging as domesticated and scaled-down compared to global efforts. This approach requires human intervention to restore ecological function and increase biodiversity.
Research found mixed effects of hunting regulations on sage grouse populations, with some areas experiencing increased growth rates after discontinuing harvest. State wildlife agencies have adjusted hunting seasons to conserve the species, but more work is needed to understand patterns and focus conservation efforts.
A new study found that consuming sustainably sourced wild meat instead of domesticated livestock reduces greenhouse gas emissions and retains precious tropical forest systems. This can lead to significant financial incentives for forest conservation through carbon credit revenues, totaling millions of dollars per year.
A new study found that beaver dams in Scottish streams increase the availability of suitable habitat and abundance of food for brown trout, benefiting their growth and abundance. The research showed that beaver-modified streams had larger trout populations with greater sanctuary from predators.
A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.
The WSU-led DEEP VZN project aims to detect and characterize unknown viruses that can spill over from wildlife to human populations. The project plans to collect over 800,000 samples and screen the genomes of novel viruses with high zoonotic potential.
A novel nairovirus, Yezo virus, has been identified in Japan causing a disease characterized by fever and reduced blood platelets and leucocytes. The virus is transmitted through tick bites and has been linked to at least seven human infections since 2014.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that domestic cats rely almost entirely on their owner-provided food for nutrition. Despite being prolific hunters, cats only consume a small percentage of the prey they catch.
A new study quantifies landscape changes on barrier islands, revealing that storms can create habitat for coastal species. The research found varying impacts from two hurricanes, Irene and Sandy, which reshaped Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Researchers tracked 50 vampire bats, including those with social relationships, to find that they hunt together and coordinate their efforts. The study suggests that forming friendships in the roost can create more interdependence among socially bonded bats, increasing their success at obtaining blood meals.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that pocket gophers are biofluorescent, emitting a colored glow when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The phenomenon has been documented in flying squirrels and opossums before, but this is the first time it has been observed in pocket gophers.
A recent study found that roads can extend the impact zone for western chimpanzees by an average of 17.2 km from major roads and 5.4 km from minor roads. This results in a significant decrease in population density, with the species facing mounting pressure from infrastructure expansion.
Researchers found that boldness, aggressiveness, activity level, and sociability are key personality traits in golden-mantled ground squirrels. These traits impact their access to food, territory, and predators, highlighting the importance of understanding animal personalities in wildlife conservation.
Researchers found that young female black bears in Asheville, NC, weigh nearly twice as much as those in national forests and reproduce at a younger age, producing cubs by their second birthday. The study's findings raise questions about the diet and foraging activities of urban bears.
Scientists have sequenced the Indian wolf genome, revealing it to be one of the world's most endangered and evolutionarily distinct populations. The study suggests that Indian wolves may represent the most ancient surviving lineage of wolves.
A study by Greta Wengert and colleagues found that illegal cannabis farms overlap with habitat ranges of endangered Pacific fisher, threatened Humboldt marten, and northern spotted owl. The researchers mapped 1469 illicit cultivation sites using location data and compared them to habitat distribution models.
A study of 20 US cities reveals that urban intensity, characterized by paved landscapes and high population density, is a stronger correlate with mammal biodiversity than income. While the 'luxury effect' shows some correlation between income and biodiversity, it's not strong enough to explain the observed patterns.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.
A new study from Oregon State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center found that beavers in the Coast Range of western Oregon exhibit relatively strong genetic differentiation, shaped by watershed boundaries and past relocations. The researchers recommend relocating beavers within watershed...
A new research project by the University of South Australia aims to identify ways for people to grow and sustain meaningful connections as they age. Older adults participating in environmental citizen science projects, such as weekly guided nature walks and wildlife photography, may experience improved physical activity, health, and we...
Researchers captured footage of a tortoise attacking and killing a tern chick on Frégate Island. The tortoise approached the chick with its jaws open, suggesting it was an experienced hunter. This unusual behavior challenges previous assumptions about tortoises' diets and hunting habits.
Researchers have discovered that bat pups 'babble' as part of their initial language-learning stage, mirroring human infant babbling. This behavior suggests social feedback is crucial during vocal development in this species, similar to humans.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that unregulated reptile trade in the US drives demand for illegal reptiles in Australia. Three reptile families had the highest probability of being smuggled, with species listed in CITES Appendices I having a higher smuggling probability
A new method validates up to 70% of diurnal bird image identifications on Flickr. The technique uses image features and machine learning algorithms to identify bird species.
A new study finds that male acorn woodpeckers breeding in polygamous groups with one or two other males sire significantly more chicks over their lifetimes than males breeding alone. In contrast, females in polygamous groups leave behind fewer offspring than those in monogamous pairs.
A study by Duke University researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the guts of lemurs living close to humans. The closer the contact, the more resistant bugs were found. Proximity to humans determined the type and abundance of resistance genes acquired.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed granular formulations of insect-killing fungi that effectively killed up to 98% of winter tick larvae under laboratory conditions. The findings provide proof of concept for a safe and effective management strategy to protect moose from the devastating impact of winter ticks.
During the pandemic, mountain lions in Greater Los Angeles occupied smaller territories and traveled shorter distances. This suggests that humans were a major deterrent to their movement, with even reduced traffic not enough to overcome the barrier effect of large roads like freeways.
A new study by Point Blue Conservation Science found that protected areas in central coastal California effectively safeguard bird populations from decline. The research analyzed population trends of 14 bird species and found that 9 had better population trends within protected areas compared to average trends outside.
A revised model of wildlife conservation, I-NAM, incorporates Indigenous histories, perspectives, and knowledge systems into the original NAM framework. The new approach emphasizes continuous learning, listening, and respecting diverse views to improve wildlife management.
A new DNA study provides critical information on conserving rough-nosed horned lizards in Sri Lankan rainforests. The research found that the lizards are separated into four forest groups, which can inform guidelines for forest landscape restoration and habitat connectivity.
A recent call for expanded research into climate change's impact on human-wildlife interactions aims to mitigate conflicts and alert policymakers, experts, and citizens. Climate-related changes in ecosystems and animal behaviors increase contact and competition between people and animals.
A 17-year study found that removing invasive barred owls arrested the population decline of northern spotted owls. Spotted owl populations stabilized in areas where barred owls were removed, while declining sharply without removals.
A recent study by Nova Southeastern University found that schools of coral reef fish react more slowly to predators when surrounded by strangers, increasing the risk of being eaten. In contrast, familiar friends trigger a faster response, indicating trust and improved information sharing among neighboring fish.
A computer simulation model of the mammalian female genital tract identifies essential physical characteristics and abilities for successful sperm migration. The study's findings have potential to improve assisted reproduction techniques in endangered species, livestock, and humans without animal experiments.
Researchers found that fawns in areas with multiple predators and humans tend to relax instead of being hypervigilant. The study used trail cameras to analyze the behavior of fawns, adult deer, and predators in different landscapes.
A new surveillance system has been developed using data from wildlife rehabilitation organizations across California, enabling the detection of unusual patterns of illness and death in near real-time. The system has identified several key events, including domoic acid poisoning in seabirds and canine distemper in raccoons.