Articles tagged with Wildlife
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A recent study found high prevalence and diversity of antibiotic-resistant genes in wildlife enteric bacteria from Catalonia. The study highlights the risk of human exposure to these resistant traits through wildlife.
Conservationists have rediscovered the silver-backed chevrotain, a small deer-like mammal with a silver sheen, in southern Vietnam. Camera trap surveys revealed 275 photos and 1,881 photographs of the species over five months.
Researchers found that despite turtles using open roadside habitats, none attempted to cross the road. The highway acts as a complete barrier, potentially separating the local population and decreasing its ability to cope with threats. Corticosterone levels were not affected between Bypass and roadless sites.
Researchers have discovered that genetic changes caused by natural selection are contributing to an early shift in the birth dates of wild red deer on Scotland's Isle of Rum. The deer population has been adapting to a warming climate, giving birth three days earlier per decade since the 1980s.
A new chimeric ranavirus, RCV-Z2, discovered in North America has the potential to decimate tadpole populations quickly through multiple transmission pathways. The virus can spread efficiently through direct contact, necrophagy, and waterborne transmission.
A study reveals that bats can transmit filoviruses to humans during bat-hunting festivals in Nagaland. The team found antibodies against two distinct filoviruses in human and bat blood samples, suggesting bats are the source of viral spillover events.
Researchers suggest that trophy hunting undermines biodiversity conservation efforts and instead offer land-use and ownership reforms, diversified tourism, and environmental investments as more effective solutions. This approach aims to benefit and empower local communities, rather than just generating economic benefits.
A study found that local people in Nepal's Himalayan regions have mixed views on snow leopard conservation, with some valuing the species' cultural significance and others fearing its impact on livestock. Conservation efforts that benefit both humans and snow leopards are crucial for their coexistence.
Timothy Young, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow by the International Academy of Wood Science. This international honor recognizes his significant contributions to wood science and research globally.
A University of Montana undergraduate student's research published in Ecological Applications found that a double-observer method significantly reduces false-positive errors in wildlife surveys. The study also highlighted the importance of proper training and species-specific characteristics in minimizing misidentifications.
A new virus, BeHV, has been found in nearly a third of the US bald eagle population, causing seizures and liver damage. The virus is related to human hepatitis C and was found in eagles without symptoms of the fatal disease, Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that climate change increases the risk of mercury contamination in Arctic areas. The study reveals that thawing permafrost releases mercury into surrounding waterways, soil, and air, leading to increased levels of methylmercury, a neurotoxin.
A new study investigates how wild pig invasions are dependent on the availability of crops and non-agricultural food sources. The researchers found that pigs eat and damage agriculture more when it is highly available, but this behavior lessens when non-agricultural food sources are also highly available.
The study found that at least 5,579 animals are currently being traded globally, with impacts tend to be higher among certain groups and in threatened species. The researchers predict that up to 8,775 species could soon be at risk of extinction due to future commodification.
Scientists have observed a rare instance of interspecific feeding among songbirds, where an adult male Eastern bluebird is caring for the young of another species, the tree swallow. The unusual behavior is thought to be caused by the bluebird's confusion and 'place-based decision' to care for the wrong chicks.
Research found that vehicles and aircraft are the main culprits masking iconic natural sounds in peaceful national parks. The study analyzed nearly 47,000 hours of audio clips from 66 national parks, revealing that anthropogenic noise causes a ten-fold increase in natural background sound levels in over a third of parks.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded over $1 million in wildlife health research grants to support studies on low fertility in elephants, rabies in bats and amphibian fungal disease. These studies aim to address critical health challenges in various species and promote conservation strategies.
Researchers are combining supply chain and conservation datasets to predict and respond to weaknesses in illegally trafficked wildlife supply chains. The team aims to develop tools to interfere with wildlife trafficking, potentially influencing other transnational crimes.
A new Mersey barrage concept proposes a holistic approach to tidal energy projects, incorporating benefits such as transport links, tourism, and habitat creation. The design aims to balance environmental concerns with economic opportunities.
The report examines wind energy impacts on sensitive wildlife, citing the need to balance wildlife conservation with rapid greenhouse gas emissions reductions. It highlights areas where further research is needed to minimize wind turbine effects on birds and bats.
A study by University of Michigan wildlife ecologist Nyeema Harris found that human pressures on mammals in West African protected areas are driven primarily by livestock grazing and forest product gathering, not poaching. The research highlights the need for conservation efforts to incorporate livestock husbandry into management plans.
A study on Soay sheep reveals that their immune responses to parasitic worms decline through adulthood, leading to increased mortality rates. The findings provide the first evidence linking declining immune function and survival in wild animals, highlighting a critical issue for human health as well.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of Danish hedgehogs carried mecC-MRSA, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, there was no evidence of transmission from hedgehogs to humans or rehabilitators, dispelling fears about hedgehog visits in gardens.
Over 1,600 scientists endorse letter calling on Congress to fully fund conservation programs to stem biodiversity decline. Funding would accelerate species recovery and ensure a stable Earth.
The Pan-Borneo Highway will severely degrade Borneo's last expanses of intact forest, increasing pressures on loggers, poachers, and farmers. The network of highways would isolate Sabah's forests from the rest of Borneo, cutting off endangered species' habitats.
Researchers discovered cortisol in Egyptian mongoose hair, providing a long-term biomarker for stress. The study's results could help monitor the impact of habitat changes on mongoose populations and their competitors, such as the Iberian lynx.
Researchers discovered that providing native foods to captive rodents preserves their gut microbiome diversity, whereas artificial diets lead to significant changes. The study found that feeding woodrats with prickly pear cactus maintained around 90% of their original microbiome diversity.
A new study reveals that global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands, with many species changing drastically without altering the overall number of species present. The research, published in PNAS, found that grasslands can resist the effects of global change for up to a decade, but eventually transform as conditions b...
A community-based wildlife mortality surveillance system has been implemented in Republic of Congo to detect Ebola outbreaks early. The program, developed by WCS and NIH, reaches over 6,600 people and covers an area of 50,000 km2.
A US land-use program has led to a rebound in white-tailed deer numbers and other wildlife in North Dakota. The Conservation Reserve Program provides permanent cover and high-quality forage, promoting fawn survival and increasing biodiversity.
Researchers relocated sage-grouse from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to Washington state to boost populations. However, it took about a year for the birds to settle in and reproduce effectively. The study shows that relocation can be a viable tool in conserving threatened species like sage-grouse.
A study from the University of California, Davis, identifies the specific strains of Toxoplasma gondii killing southern sea otters as connected to a bobcat and domestic cats from nearby watersheds. The researchers found that infectious agents can spread from cat feces on land to the sea, harming marine wildlife.
Observational fieldwork provides valuable insights into evolutionary function, conditions for cognitive skill employment, and brain plasticity. Janmaat's five-step guideline guides scholars in studying cognition in wild animals through a suite of behaviours and statistical models.
A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that blockbuster movies like Finding Nemo and Zootopia do not drive demand for live animals, but instead increase information-seeking behavior. The research found that exposure to these films can bring attention to lesser-known species and environmental threats.
Researchers found that female Tasmanian devils can be polyandrous, having multiple male partners, which could increase genetic diversity but also pose challenges for captive breeding programs. The study's findings offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against devil facial tumor disease, which has devastated wild populations.
A new study from Michigan State University found that transnational environmental crime drives social conflicts globally, threatening development and undermining peace and security. Researchers highlight potential solutions, including cooperation, engagement of local communities, and legislative reform.
A study has found high concentrations of lead in the livers of Amazonian wildlife, with 91% of analyzed samples exceeding suitable levels for human consumption. Lead contamination is linked to oil extraction and the use of lead-based ammunition, posing a significant health risk to local indigenous populations.
A new study reveals that road verges can provide essential food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. However, areas closer to busy roads and cut during the peak flowering season are less beneficial to these species.
Researchers capture first evidence of leopard seals sharing food, challenging their solitary reputation. The footage reveals two seals feeding on the same penguin carcass, raising questions about true cooperation vs. tolerance.
Expert agencies play a critical role in assessing the impacts of proposed federal actions on threatened and endangered species. New research from Defenders of Wildlife shows that limiting or removing these services could have disastrous consequences, while suggesting areas where the consultation process can be made more efficient witho...
Researchers found a positive correlation between economic growth and wildlife abundance, as well as more gender-equal societies and lower corruption levels. However, denser human populations reduced wildlife numbers, and some aspects of urbanization had negative impacts on certain species.
The global price of ivory has increased tenfold since the 1989 CITES ban, leading to higher poaching incentives and greater numbers of elephants being killed. This study provides new insights into the factors driving increases in ivory prices, shedding light on how conservation efforts can be improved.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that animals' responses to climate change are insufficient to cope with rising temperatures. The analysis of over 10,000 studies suggests that even common and abundant species struggle to adjust their traits in time.
Researchers analyzed 25,000 tourist photographs to estimate population densities of five top predators in northern Botswana. The study found that tourist-contributed data can accomplish similar goals as traditional surveying approaches at a lower cost.
A Louisiana State University biologist conducted a groundbreaking study using PET scans on wild songbirds to understand the role of dopamine in stress resilience. The research found that dopamine receptors decrease over time during captivity, leading to anxiety-related behaviors.
A new study documents the impacts of selective logging on Congo's intact forest landscapes, highlighting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Researchers found that logged habitats have lower tree densities and reduced ape resources, while IFLs retain higher tree densities and more abundant ape populations.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield discovered how climate change and deforestation interact to disconnection natural habitats, leaving wildlife with limited escape routes from rising temperatures. The study highlights the urgent need to fund reforestation efforts and stop tropical forest loss.
A new study found that people in the US are wary of using CRISPR-based genetic engineering to achieve wildlife conservation goals. The research, conducted by a University of Central Florida researcher, suggests that the public perceives the risks of gene editing as outweighing the benefits.
A new hypothesis, the Coevolution Effect, proposes that habitat loss facilitates the emergence of infectious diseases in humans by increasing diversity of disease-causing microbes. This research could provide a new perspective on the association between habitat fragmentation and disease spillover.
Scientists found high levels of clinically relevant AMR bacteria in urban wildlife in Nairobi, carrying a significant risk to human health. The study highlights the importance of taking an ecological approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance by improving urban planning and waste management practices.
The world's protected areas are failing to conserve biodiversity due to inadequate resources, with only 4-9% of species represented within adequately resourced PAs. The study recommends using simple indicators to measure PA effectiveness and prioritizing conservation actions to address the growing biodiversity crisis.
Research from the University of California, Davis suggests that working with landowners to conserve or restore forests on working landscapes can help protect wildlife. Focusing on reforesting private lands in regions that are wetter and already forested yields the greatest gains for bird communities.
Researchers found a significant amount of overlap between their data and citizen sightings, with roughly 65% for red foxes and 56% for coyotes. The study highlights the potential of citizen science to inform urban canid management and monitor human-carnivore interactions.
Research reveals that pop-up parks (PUPs) can significantly boost insect and spider diversity, providing habitat refuges for threatened species. PUPs also offer social benefits, including opportunities for physical and psychological restoration, and increased time spent outdoors.
A new study by Macquarie University reveals that more protected areas are needed in New South Wales' west to safeguard native species from climate change. The researchers identified suitable habitats for vulnerable species like the spotted-tailed quoll and squirrel glider but found inadequate protection in central-western NSW.
Subsistence hunters face threats from fragmented habitats, modern hunting methods, mining, and tourism, impacting local food security and species persistence. WCS suggests banning large species, shifting to smaller ones, strengthening protected areas, and diversifying income sources.
Researchers developed a syndromic surveillance system to detect respiratory disease outbreaks in wild chimpanzees. The system identified 14 outbreaks from 2005 to 2012, including eight previously unrecorded cases, allowing for early interventions and potential disease transmission understanding worldwide.
Researchers studied bushmeat markets in Lao PDR to understand the risks of disease transmission. High contact rates between consumers and bushmeat were found, highlighting the need for integrative approaches to conservation, public health, and rural development.
Researchers have identified a new strain of canine distemper virus in wild animals in New Hampshire and Vermont, which is highly contagious to domesticated dogs. The virus has been found in eight infected mammals, including gray foxes, raccoons, and skunks, and is significantly distinct from vaccine strains.
Scientists studied Namibian pastoralist attitudes towards human-wildlife conflicts, finding they proposed solutions that suggest tolerance for predators. The findings highlight the complexities of managing human/wildlife coexistence in agricultural areas.