Articles tagged with Wildlife
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new framework examines human-nature interactions across space and time to reveal successes and setbacks in achieving sustainable development goals. The analysis found 33 synergies and 14 trade-offs among 10 SDGs, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to sustainability.
Researchers found that human activity such as habitat change and overhunting are responsible for the overwhelming loss of mammal diversity across Latin America. More than half of species in medium and large mammals have died out since European colonization.
A recent study reveals significant genetic diversity among Four-eyed turtles, highlighting the importance of genetic screenings to prevent extinction. The research emphasizes the need for stricter laws and regulation in releasing confiscated animals back into the wild.
A new study reveals that civil wars have a negative impact on native mammal populations, with increased access to automatic weapons and suspension of anti-poaching patrols leading to population collapse. The authors warn that restoring depleted wildlife populations may take many decades and require active intervention efforts.
The 'Barcoding Galapagos' scheme trains naturalist guides to survey wildlife and plants using genetic techniques, providing an alternative income source for a population reliant on eco-tourism. The project aims to fill gaps in biological knowledge of the islands and lessen the impact of illegal harvesting.
A new study suggests that drastically shifting agricultural production from animals to plant-sourced foods could remove more than a decade of global carbon dioxide emissions. The research found that this change could free up space for ecosystems to regrow, effectively doubling Earth's rapidly shrinking carbon budget.
Research by a University of Queensland-led team shows that protected areas have doubled the populations of 80% of monitored mammal species over the last 50 years. Protected land is home to 10% of analysed species, highlighting their importance in conserving biodiversity.
Researchers found distinct categories of UK cat owners, including 'conscientious caretakers' and 'freedom defenders', with differing views on cat welfare and wildlife conservation. The study aims to find a win-win solution for managing cats that benefit both pets and the environment.
A study of Serengeti National Park camera-trap data found that leopard population densities are similar to other protected areas but fluctuate between wet and dry seasons. The fluctuations appear to be driven by the abundance of prey and interactions with other large carnivores like lions.
Researchers have successfully replaced fishmeal and fish oil in farm-raised Kampachi diets with algae oil, a cost-effective alternative that maintains growth rates and fillet yield. The study's findings have significant implications for ocean sustainability and the growing demand for seafood worldwide.
Researchers have discovered hundreds of massive stone structures in northwest Saudi Arabia, dated to 7,000 years ago, suggesting they were used for rituals and social bonding exercises. The structures, called mustatils, consist of two large platforms connected by long walls and lack obvious openings.
The study found that Laotians rely heavily on wildlife for food and income, driving the illegal trade of terrestrial vertebrates. Approximately 90% of respondents confirmed using wildlife products, highlighting the need for conservation measures to protect native species.
A University of Utah study found that genetic variations in brown howlers may have helped them survive the devastating yellow fever virus outbreak in Argentina's El Piñalito park. The researchers discovered three mutations in the immune genes of surviving brown howlers, which could affect their response to the disease.
A new oral anthrax vaccine is being developed by Texas A&M researchers to protect livestock and wildlife from the deadly disease. The vaccine, which uses a gel-like suspension of live bacteria, could potentially be distributed through bait to reach animals more easily.
A study by WCS and partners pinpointed the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea as crucial countries for safeguarding biodiversity and intact forests. The analysis combines datasets to highlight regions with high conservation value, guiding national development plans towards sustainabl...
A recent study found that air pollution in Bangalore City leads to lower flower visitation rates and altered physiological responses in Giant Asian honey bees. The research suggests widespread negative impacts on these critical pollinators, threatening India's food security and ecosystems.
A study published in PLOS ONE detected coronaviruses in bats and rodents, with increased detection rates found along the wildlife supply chain. The study highlights the importance of improving coronavirus surveillance and implementing targeted wildlife trade reform to minimize public health risks.
A new study found that animals carrying diseases known to infect humans are more common in landscapes intensively used by people. The research suggests altering land use to reduce the risk of future spillovers of infectious diseases.
A new analysis found that microorganisms causing human diseases can be present in vultures, including multi-resistant bacteria. However, there is no clear evidence that vultures spread pathogens to humans and other species, but they may help prevent disease transmission by consuming carcasses.
Researchers estimate that reducing transmission of new diseases from tropical forests would cost between $22.2 and $30.7 billion annually, compared to the COVID-19 pandemic's estimated $8.1 to $15.8 trillion cost. Investing in prevention measures could save lives and reduce economic losses.
Research shows a correlation between epidemics in humans and local biodiversity loss, with the number of epidemics increasing as endangered species disappear. Livestock expansion worldwide exacerbates this risk, facilitating the transmission of pathogens.
A team of researchers argues that investing $30 billion annually could pay for itself quickly by preventing the emergence of new viral pathogens. The proposed strategy focuses on monitoring and regulating the wildlife trade and reducing tropical deforestation, which are linked to two-thirds of emerging diseases in the past 50 years.