Articles tagged with Wildlife
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 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.
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.
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.
A global survey found significant international support for governments to take more action on the environment, with high levels of agreement in seven major countries. The study suggests that voters across party lines want to see more government action, with a majority supporting policies such as protecting wildlife and planting trees.
New research reveals chimpanzees use areas away from villages more intensively, but enter human-occupied land for fruit when scarce. The study provides insights into how wildlife balance risks and rewards in anthropogenic landscapes, informing coexistence strategies.
A recent study confirmed that a genetic modeling technique accurately predicts the extinction of an isolated bobcat population. The research found that the Cumberland Island bobcats have lost about 15% of their genetic diversity over the past 30 years, with low levels of inbreeding.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global have successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cells from frozen fibroblast cell lines of northern and southern white rhinoceroses. This groundbreaking achievement marks the first step towards potentially bringing back this critically endangered species through gamete creation.
A new study found that desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave National Preserve and surrounding areas are more resilient than thought to a respiratory disease. The overall number of infected animals has declined since 2013, but additional ranges with pathogen presence were identified.
A study by Oregon State University found that converting electrical transmission tower bases into habitats can increase population density and diversity among wildlife, including arthropods and small mammals. The project, conducted in Spain's Andalusia region, showed significant increases in species diversity and bird populations after...
A recent study found that wolves in Mongolia primarily feed on wild ungulates like Siberian roe deer, contrary to previous research suggesting a diet of mainly grazing livestock. The researchers believe this shift may be due to the availability of easier and less dangerous prey in near-natural regions.
A study in India found that human fatalities from wildlife conflict result in much higher damages than crop and livestock losses, highlighting the need to focus on reducing negative interactions with high-risk species. The researchers estimated that farmers in conflict with elephants suffer up to 900 times higher damages.
A new study found that introducing premium commercial food with high protein content from meat reduced the number of prey animals brought home by 36%, while five to ten minutes of daily play resulted in a 25% reduction. These non-invasive methods offer a solution for reducing hunting without restricting cat access.
A recent review of over 300 studies found that cancer is linked to pollution in around 30 aquatic species, including skin and liver cancers. The study highlights the need for further research on the effects of chronic low-to-medium level exposure to oncogenic pollutants on wild animal health.
Researchers found gulls carrying resistant strains of Campylobacter and Salmonella, causing gastroenteritis in humans. The study highlights the importance of wildlife fauna as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for a one health approach.
A global study led by UCC researcher Samantha Ball found 'runway roadkill' increasing by up to 68% annually, costing aviation authorities millions per annum. The study identified 47 countries with reported mammal strikes, including bats, rabbits, and coyotes, highlighting the need for effective Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.
Researchers introduce metacoupling, an integrated approach that considers local and global scales to tackle environmental crises. The framework allows scientists to view the world as it truly is, with human actions influencing nature across space and time.
Researchers propose that human behavior, including psychological and socioeconomic factors like hunting and poaching, plays a significant role in shaping wildlife movement. The study highlights the importance of considering 'anthropogenic resistance' in connectivity-planning to ensure sustainable landscapes for both humans and wildlife.
The Critically Endangered shorttail nurse shark has been found in Mozambique, expanding its range southward from Tanzania and westward from Madagascar. The species benefits from some degree of protection within large coastal marine protected areas but is under threat due to overexploitation by coastal fisheries.
Researchers successfully counted African elephants using satellite images and deep learning algorithms, achieving accuracy comparable to human observers. This new surveying technique offers an efficient alternative to manual counting from low-flying airplanes, enabling vast areas of land to be scanned rapidly.
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have successfully produced in-vitro embryos from vitrified African lion oocytes, demonstrating a promising method for genetic resource banking. The study showed that half of the vitrified oocytes matured, with seven early embryos developing, providing hope for the conse...
Two new northern white rhino embryos were created in December 2020 using advanced assisted reproduction technologies. This brings the total number of viable embryos produced to five. The successful embryo creation is a result of a regular rhythm of repeated oocyte collections, which will continue if possible.
A new study found that fences in the Western US region pose a significant barrier to migratory wildlife, with mule deer and pronghorn antelope encountering over 200 fence encounters per year. The study highlights the need for more 'wildlife-friendly' fences and encourages prioritizing fence modifications or removals.
Researchers captured rare footage of a jaguar killing an ocelot at a waterhole in Guatemala, highlighting competition for scarce resources. Climate change and droughts are predicted to worsen, putting wildlife survival at risk.
Researchers from the University of Kent's Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology found that elephant ivory is still being sold on eBay, often disguised as bone. The study reveals that only a small percentage of these items were removed by eBay, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers analyzed 20,000 Facebook posts about wild pet trade and found thousands of ads for exotic pets, with only 0.44% mentioning COVID-19. The study urges stronger governance on social media to curb wildlife extinctions and pandemic risks.
A global team of researchers has proposed a four-part approach to detect and contain zoonotic diseases in Africa. The strategy involves gathering information on diseases that can jump from animals to humans, testing hospital patients with fevers, analyzing blood serum in high-risk groups, and utilizing archived samples.
A DNA catalogue of Indian greater one-horned rhinoceroses has been created using dung samples, allowing researchers to identify unique individuals and track their populations. This forensic tool helps pinpoint poaching hotspots and trade routes, aiding conservation efforts.
After 40 years of civil war, Gorongosa National Park's animal population has rebounded, with most species returning to the park through conservation efforts. However, researchers found that large herbivores like zebra and wildebeest are rare, while baboons and waterbuck dominate the landscape.
Researchers found that toxic substances can affect wildlife mobility and population sizes, leading to increased risk of zoonotic spillover. In contrast, pristine habitats may act as a trap for pathogens, reducing infection prevalence in the overall population.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive technique to assess genetic toxicity in bats, highlighting the need for monitoring wildlife health due to declining biodiversity. The study found higher levels of micronuclei frequency in bats roosting near agricultural lands.
Scientists track animal activity levels using new satellite technology, providing insights into their responses to environmental changes. The study's findings open up new research opportunities for understanding climate change impacts on marine species.
Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.
A new study reveals that up to 20% of the world's most connected cities are at risk of harboring spillovers from wildlife, potentially leading to global pandemics. The research identifies areas with poor health infrastructure and high human pressure on wildlife as hotspots for potential outbreaks.
A team of researchers discovered that young alligators can regrow their tails up to three-quarters of a foot, or 18% of their total body length. The new tails are complex structures composed of cartilage surrounded by connective tissue with blood vessels and nerves.
A new report outlines key considerations for using drones in conservation, including a precautionary principle, ethical rules, and minimizing wildlife disturbance. The guide provides practical case studies and drone best practices to ensure safe and responsible use of this technology.
A new study found that climate warming increases infectious disease risk in cooler-climate species, while reducing the risk for species from warmer climates. Small-bodied pathogens have a greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations than larger hosts.
African elephants in Tanzania show limited gene flow between protected areas, highlighting the importance of preserving wildlife corridors for conservation. The study found that some areas, like Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, were once connected but now have limited genetic exchange.
A new study highlights the link between COVID-19 and wildlife trade, emphasizing the need for effective legislation to regulate the trade of wildlife and reduce consumer demand. The research suggests that addressing wildlife trade and habitat fragmentation can help prevent future zoonotic diseases.
Research found that people in developing countries consume less bushmeat over time as they migrate to cities, possibly due to increased access to alternative protein sources and changing social norms. Children in urban areas tend to have lower appetites for wild game than their parents.
A new study uses transnational genetic monitoring to track population dynamics of brown bears, wolves, and wolverines in Norway and Sweden. The approach reveals evidence of recovery and highlights the impact of humans on apex predator populations.
Pumas and culpeo foxes can successfully coexist due to distinct diets, with pumas primarily feeding on introduced hare species and foxes on smaller mammals. This study sheds light on predator interactions and ecosystem balances in the Andes.
A team of conservation scientists and ESA policy experts recommend deeper improvements to the rules governing the US Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service. The goal is to make the Act more effective in protecting species, particularly in a warmer future.
Researchers found Ebola virus antibodies in 10% of patients seeking care in the year before the 2018 outbreak, highlighting potential for more frequent exposure. Women were significantly more likely to be exposed, consistent with other studies.
Osaka University researchers developed an innovative AI-assisted video camera system that improves the detection of specific target behaviors in seabirds. The new system, combined with machine learning techniques, increased detection accuracy by up to 15-fold and reduced runtime limitations.
Researchers found that feeding animals is the strongest influence on animal activity in yards, with species like squirrels and raccoons being most common. The study confirms the urban-wildlife paradox, showing that suburban areas can have an abundance of wildlife compared to wild areas.
A recent study in northern Uganda found that bushmeat hunters and women who cook the meat are aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases, but their practices are often driven by financial gain rather than precaution. The survey also revealed that many hunters disguise primate meat to avoid detection, posing a risk to public health.
A new study found that light pollution draws mule deer to artificial lighting, making them more active at night, while cougars exploit dark spots to hunt successfully. The research combined satellite data with GPS location information from hundreds of animals, providing the largest dataset on cougar-mule deer interactions.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Wildlife Institute of India found that large male lion coalitions consist mainly of brothers and cousins, while pairs of unrelated males also team up for better territory and mate acquisition. This study provides new insights into male cooperation among lions.
Researchers characterize a new bacterial species causing severe respiratory disease in peccaries, contributing to better understanding of rare pathogens. The discovery uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid and reliable identification.
A University of Adelaide-led research project will analyze clinical data from injured koalas to inform future bushfire response and treatment strategies.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded grants to five studies aiming to improve care and rehabilitation of wildlife impacted by wildfires. The studies will develop guidelines for rescue and rehabilitation, track outcomes, and improve antibiotic treatments.
A study of fossil records reveals that human arrival in the Bahamas caused devastating effects on birds, with some species losing their habitats and going extinct. The researchers found that many bird species, such as parrots and hawks, were still present in the islands until around 1,000 years ago.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor wildlife and human trail use in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, finding that wildlife tends to avoid places recently visited by recreational users. The study highlights the need to balance outdoor recreation with potential disruption of ecosystems and loss of species.
A recent study by a URI graduate student found significant concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seabirds from offshore areas, including Narragansett Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Fear. The research highlights the environmental persistence of these compounds, which can remain in animal tissues for many years.