Articles tagged with Wildlife
A new study found that emotions and cultural importance of large carnivores are stronger predictors of local community acceptance than livestock depredation. The Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania favour no action towards the carnivores, rejecting relocation and lethal control.
Ecologists from HKU have developed a novel forensic tool using stable isotope techniques to determine whether birds in the pet trade are captive or wild-caught. The tool uses carbon and nitrogen values to analyze amino acid isotopes, distinguishing between diets of captive and wild birds.
A new study found that Red Dead Redemption 2 players were able to identify 10 of 15 American animals in a multiple-choice quiz, with those who completed the game's main storyline performing best. The game's high level of detail and realistic animal behavior also taught players about animal behaviour and ecology.
A new study documents how Indigenous Warli people in India worship Waghoba, a leopard/tiger deity, to gain protection from leopards. The researchers identified over 150 shrines dedicated to the deity and found that such relationships facilitate coexistence between humans and leopards in their shared landscape.
Researchers observed an egalitarian community among female vampire bats, with no specific quality predicting dominance. The study found that adult females had an equal opportunity to rank high or low in a dominance scale, and young males were subordinate to adults.
Male jackdaws don't provide consolation to their mate after a traumatic experience, focusing on self-preservation instead. Researchers found that males decrease their nest visits and time with the female after an attack, suggesting they prioritize their own safety over comforting their partner.
Scientists have developed new methods to retrieve mammalian viruses from water and leech samples, providing a novel approach to pandemic prevention research. The techniques used environmental DNA and invertebrate-derived DNA, allowing for the identification of known and novel viruses in wildlife reservoirs.
The release of the European water vole genome provides a comprehensive set of genetic tools to support conservation efforts, helping to understand genetic diversity and structure of water vole populations. The reference genome will aid in reintroduction efforts and inform management strategies for sustainable species survival.
A new rapid assessment framework offers a simple tool to facilitate climate-informed conservation and nature-based solutions. The '5Ws' framework helps practitioners consider the what, when, where, why, and who of climate-informed action, enabling them to adapt investments in reforestation, fire management, and habitat protection.
A new study suggests accredited zoos have acquired the rare and legally protected earless monitor lizard without export permits, raising concerns about their involvement in wildlife trade. The acquisition of these protected lizards by zoos is contrary to international regulations and national laws.
A team of researchers tracked the movements of hippos in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, to better understand how anthrax outbreaks spread. They found that infected individuals roamed just as much as healthy hippos, highlighting the importance of wildlife movement in disease transmission.
Researchers argue that targeting high-risk wet markets, particularly those selling live wild animals, can mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks while minimizing disruption to food supply chains. These informal markets pose little risk to human health or biodiversity, with most selling processed domesticated animals.
A new study led by WCS has updated the global population estimate for Critically Endangered Grauer's gorillas to 6,800 individuals from a previous estimate of 3,800. The findings provide hope for the conservation of this subspecies in eastern DRC.
The first-ever nationwide mammal survey in the US has been published, utilizing 1,509 motion-activated camera traps from 110 sites across all 50 states. The data reveals that urban areas tend to have higher overall mammal detections, with three top sites being urban locations.
A new study uses cultural data to inform gray wolf recovery efforts in the US, highlighting Colorado's supportive social environment for wolf reintroduction. The research reveals a shift towards mutualism, where people view animals as companions and part of their social networks.
Researchers found that black bears provided a top-down buffering effect, helping to protect gray foxes from coyote competition for food and space. However, this 'bear shield' was only seasonal and disappeared during bear hibernation.
Researchers surveyed 1,554 people to understand how message framing affects perceptions of zoonotic diseases. They found that liberals were more likely to accept evidence for the wildlife origin of COVID-19, while conservatives had mixed results with different frames.
Researchers analyzed nearly 40 years of research to find the point where outdoor recreation starts to harm wildlife. They found that certain species, like shorebirds and songbirds, require a distance of 100m or less from humans to feel comfortable.
Scientists used accelerometers and audio recorders to study the behavior of Canada lynx, capturing detailed sounds of hunts, escapes, and social interactions. The findings provide valuable insight into the hunting habits and social dynamics of this elusive species.
Researchers developed a method using trained ferrets to identify low pathogenic avian influenza A virus in mallard feces. The technique shows promise as an early warning system for detecting the disease.
Researchers successfully implemented a headstarting method to protect juvenile bridled nailtail wallabies from feral cats, resulting in an 89% survival rate. The technique involves fencing off areas to raise young animals until they are large enough to be released back into the wild, demonstrating its effectiveness as a cost-effective ...
Scientists have identified areas at high risk for conflicts between humans and elephants and lions in Africa. The study estimates that mitigation fences could provide considerable return on investment via reduced cattle loss and crop damage.
A new study led by Russ Van Horn finds that steep terrain and rugged spots are crucial for female Andean bears to choose suitable dens for their cubs. The research may aid conservation efforts by providing critical information on managing human activities near bear habitats.
A new study suggests that the pet trade in bushbabies could be causing genetic changes within their wild populations, affecting their ability to adapt to human expansion. Researchers analyzed DNA samples from bushbabies across South Africa and found unusual gene mutations that may indicate secret animal trafficking.
A new study found that people blame wild animal trade or government preparation for epidemic outbreaks instead of animal agriculture and global meat consumption. The research highlights the critical need to understand the causes and risks posed by animal agriculture in preventing future pandemics and zoonotic diseases.
A new study by WCS found that 53% of households in the area had eaten lemur meat over the past year, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce hunting and consumption of these protected species. The study aims to assess the impact of ongoing conservation initiatives and promote alternative protein sources.
A study suggests reintroducing jaguars into the US Southwest could be a viable alternative to recovery, as the region provides suitable habitat for 90-150 jaguars. Reintroduction could also enhance local economies and ecology.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University found that wealth inequality is the key driver of global wildlife trade. Wealthier countries are responsible for the majority of the world's demand, with top importers including the US, France, and Italy.
A new global atlas of ungulate (hoofed mammal) migrations will help stakeholders identify threats and create conservation measures to sustain them. The initiative, partnering with the UN's Convention on Migratory Species, aims to raise awareness globally of the issues faced by ungulates.
A nationwide survey found a diverse group of college students interested in trying hunting, unlike current active hunters. The study identified key motivators, such as getting ethically sourced meat and ecological conservation, to attract new hunters.
Researchers tracked African wild dog movement and found suitable corridors within the KAZA, but country-specific differences hinder animal movements. The study's findings support conservation efforts and suggest benefits for other species like lions, elephants, and cheetahs.
A new global atlas of ungulate (hooved mammal) migrations will help governments and conservationists identify threats to migratory species and advance conservation measures. The initiative, launched with UN support, aims to sustain wildlife migrations in the face of expanding human footprint.
The Bornean subspecies of Rajah scops owl may be its own unique species and deserving of a conservation designation. Researchers recommend nocturnal surveys to study habitat, record vocalizations, and collect blood or feather samples to resolve the taxonomic relationship.
Researchers have sequenced high-quality genomes for 16 vertebrate species, revealing new avenues for increasing immune defenses against emerging diseases. The study also standardizes genome assembly quality metrics using novel algorithms, paving the way for thousands of future genome assemblies.
The Vertebrate Genomes Project has produced 16 diploid high-quality vertebrate reference genome assemblies, showcasing technological improvements and standardization for genomics. These assemblies enable unprecedented novel discoveries in biodiversity, conservation, and human health and disease.
A new study classifies different types of wildlife traffickers and sellers in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. The findings help conservation and law enforcement authorities prioritize efforts on professional criminals and identify patterns among repeat offenders.
A team of scientists compared different methodologies to count African forest elephants, including dung analysis and camera traps. The study found that a new DNA-based method was comparable in accuracy to traditional methods but less expensive on larger scales.
A new study uses eBird data to identify areas of low Bald Eagle abundance, paving the way for citizen-science data to shape policy decisions. The research finds that eBird data is the most accurate and reliable source for assessing eagle populations, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.
Recent wildlife documentaries have been found to create problems for public understanding of wider conservation by spreading significant misinformation through personification of animals. The researchers emphasize the importance of factually correct information in these documentaries.
International scientists agree that chemical pollutants can impact wildlife and human behavior, calling for improved methods to study contaminated-induced behavioral changes. The recommendations include developing standardized toxicity tests and integrating behavioral toxicology into environmental risk assessments.
A global analysis of protected areas found that only 30% of forest loss in protected areas has been prevented, highlighting the need for improved enforcement and targeted conservation efforts. Protecting forests is crucial for sustainability, and scrutinizing protected areas across the globe can help direct efforts to the right places.
A team of researchers used satellite imagery to study the interactions between cows and elk at the interface of wildland and rangeland. Their findings suggest that elk have acclimated to cattle by avoiding cow pastures and selecting separate foraging sites, reducing potential grazing conflicts.
A study examining deceased US eagles found that 82 percent had detectable levels of rat poison in their systems. The presence of these toxins was linked to mortality rates, suggesting a potential public health concern for bird populations.
A new interactive tool, SpillOver, prioritizes wildlife-origin viruses based on their risk of spreading to humans. The tool identifies 12 known human pathogens and several newly discovered viruses as being at high risk of spillover.
A recent study found that African elephants' actual range has shrunk to just 17% of its potential due to human pressures, including ivory killing. Despite this, the researchers suggest that elephants can still recover into areas with light human footprint for peaceful coexistence.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that female putty-nosed monkeys recruit males to defend them from predators using alarm calls. The results suggest that females' general alarm requires males to assess the threat and ensure group defense.
Research finds that urban squirrels' success rates increase with repeated solving of a novel food-extraction task, suggesting adaptability to urban stressors. The study also reveals that direct human disturbance is a major stressor, while green coverage and squirrel population size have less impact on problem-solving performance.
Researchers sequenced fecal samples from over 180 species, revealing nearly 1,000 previously unknown microbial species. The dataset provides insights into the functional roles of gut microbiota across animals with diverse adaptations.
A new study published in Science has mapped the gut microbiota of over 200 species of animals in the wild, discovering millions of previously unknown potential human therapeutics. The study's findings add 30 million genes to Wild Biotech's database, which now comprises hundreds of animal species and 100 million genes.
Biologists Auke-Florian Hiemstra and Liselotte Rambonnet found reports of various animals becoming entangled in corona waste, including foxes, birds, hedgehogs, seagulls, crabs, and bats. The diversity of affected species is considerable, with vertebrates and invertebrates on land, in freshwater, and seawater also impacted.
A new study finds that restaurants in urban areas of Central Africa are key drivers in keeping protected wildlife on the menu. The study reveals that procurement of wild meat by restaurants is more targeted than opportunistic, with monkeys identified as hot products.
A new study led by University of Maryland researchers found that DNA from tissue samples can be used to accurately predict the age of bats in the wild. The study showed age-related changes to DNA are different between long-lived and short-lived bat species, especially near genes associated with cancer and immunity.
Research found that Mexican wolves were 121% more likely to disappear when legal protections were weakened, contrary to theories that lethal removal would reduce poaching. The disappearances were likely caused by poachers hiding evidence of their activities, leading to underreported poaching.
A coordinated conservation strategy removed invasive rodents from Hawadax Island, leading to the return of native species and a restoration of the island's ecosystem. The study found that removing the rats allowed the seabirds to replenish the seashore invertebrate population, driving down kelp abundance.
Research reveals that legal wildlife trade averages $220 billion per year, but lacks adequate traceability, leading to unnoticed over-exploitation of common species. The study suggests refining the HS Code system to improve tracking of wildlife trade and protect biodiversity.
A new study by Oxford Brookes University warns that the legal wildlife trade poses a significant risk of spreading zoonotic diseases, with many diseases originating in animals. The researchers emphasize that monitoring the legal trade is crucial to prevent future pandemics.
A large-scale citizen science project in NC captured over 2.2 million wildlife photos, increasing verified mammal records by a factor of five. The project trained 580 volunteers to take candid animal photos and gathered data on wildlife abundance, reproduction, and behavior.
A study published in FACETS highlights how misinformation and polarization are eroding conservation efforts worldwide. Researchers found examples of good intentions leading to harm, such as the case of Huemul deer in Patagonia National Park, Chile, where removing domestic livestock led to a decline in deer population.
Researchers analyzed camera-trap data from 15 tropical rainforests to find a predictable relationship between mammal communities and plant productivity. The study suggests that unique species are more common in forests with high productivity, allowing them to thrive without intense competition.
A long-term study found that bottlenose dolphins in Louisiana's Barataria Bay, exposed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, show abnormal immune responses and are more susceptible to pathogens. The researchers observed dysfunctional T-reg cells, which may be irreversible, raising concerns for the long-term recovery of these dolphins.