Articles tagged with Wildlife
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.
A new scat study provides insights into the diets of Humboldt martens, revealing a diverse range of prey species including voles, birds, and berries. The research suggests that vegetation in coastal forests offers an ideal environment for these martens, with less competition from predators.
A new study suggests that vaccination could reduce the impact of white-nose syndrome in bats by providing immunity against the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Bats immunized against Pd were less likely to develop WNS or die from the disease in two initial scientific trials.
A new study has found cocaine, pharmaceuticals and pesticides in UK river wildlife, highlighting the presence of 'invisible' chemical pollution that poses a risk to wildlife health. The study detected illicit drugs and banned pesticides in freshwater shrimp, revealing a surprising occurrence in smaller rural catchments.
A team of scientists has identified five priority measures for Madagascar's new government to prevent species and habitats being lost forever. Investing in protected areas and local community tenure over natural resources are key strategies to address the country's biodiversity crisis.
A new study finds large declines in traditionalist views on wildlife management, with a rise in mutualists believing animals have the same rights as humans. The study's findings have implications for wildlife managers to engage diverse state residents in conservation efforts.
A La Trobe University study has found that wildlife restores itself after bushfires, but the surrounding habitat determines which species survive. The research highlights the importance of considering landscape context when planning strategic burns to protect native wildlife.
Researchers discovered a potentially devastating foot disease in Chile's endangered huemul deer population, with severe pain and death caused by the condition. The study's findings highlight the need for improved monitoring and collaboration to help protect the critically endangered species.
A study published in Biological Conservation highlights the importance of tree dens for pandas raising infants in native habitats. Tree dens provide a more stable microclimate than cave dens, facilitating offspring survival. This research emphasizes the need to preserve large old trees for giant panda conservation.
A study found that carnivores interact with each other more frequently when sharing green spaces in suburbs, contrary to previous theories. Preserving green space is crucial for wildlife species, providing cover, food, and navigation without human danger.
A new international protected area target is necessary to effectively conserve biodiversity, according to a study published in Science. The current target has led to perverse outcomes, with nations unable to account for real progress.
The study identifies four major problems with the United Nation's Aichi Target 11, including perverse outcomes and ineffective conservation efforts. The authors argue that outcome-based targets for protected areas are needed to achieve biodiversity goals.
A study of 400,000 camera-trap records from 36 mammal species on three continents found that tropical mammals respond to changing local temperatures and other species nearby. Temperatures did not increase drastically overall during the study period, but micro habitat use changed over time due to temperature fluctuations.
Researchers at Stanford University and India's National Centre for Biological Sciences have developed a new approach to extract genetic clues from degraded DNA samples. This method uses a sequencing technique that amplifies small bits of DNA with unique differences in each sample, allowing for the use of contaminated or mixed samples. ...
Living near protected areas designated by IUCN can have a positive impact on children's wealth levels, reducing poverty by 17% compared to those far away. Children also experience improved growth outcomes, with higher height-for-age scores and lower risk of stunted growth.
Researchers developed a behavior recognition model using biomechanical principles to accurately determine an animal's activity, such as resting or searching for food. The model uses wearable accelerometer signals to provide detailed information about specific behaviors, which can inform conservation efforts.
A study by Syracuse University professor Mark Ritchie observed a 400% spike in human population and a 75% drop in larger wildlife species populations near the iconic ecosystem. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to sustain coexistence between local people and wildlife.
Researchers found that cities like Chicago, Houston, and Dallas have the highest levels of exposure to artificial lights, disrupting nocturnal bird migration patterns. A study also showed that humans' connection to nature decreases with age, particularly in teenagers and males. Meanwhile, a network for tracking urban wildlife and using...
A new census using the IUCN A.P.E.S. database estimates that 52,800 western chimpanzees live in western Africa, primarily outside protected areas. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts to reduce habitat loss and connectivity due to development corridors.
A new study has found that increased human activity along the boundaries of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is having a detrimental impact on plants, animals, and soils. The study reveals how population growth and livestock in buffer zones are reducing available migration routes for wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
Increased human activity along the boundaries of protected areas is degrading vegetation, altering grazing opportunities, and cascading down the food chain, favoring less palatable plants. This could make the ecosystem less resilient to future shocks such as drought or climate change.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that people who feed birds notice natural changes in their backyards and respond to these events. Most often, they take action against cats or sick birds, but some also adjust their feeding habits based on weather conditions.
Research suggests genetic tagging is a powerful tool for ecology and conservation, providing non-invasive methods to track animal populations. The method offers benefits over traditional approaches, such as scalability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
A pilot project aims to convert 15.5 ha of palm oil plantations back into rainforest, creating a wildlife corridor for endangered species. The project contributes to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and climate goals by reforested 350 million ha of rainforest and renaturising degraded land by 2030.
A new study reveals that high numbers of tourists can lead to aggressive behavior in free-ranging African elephants. Elephant herds are more likely to move away from multiple vehicles and tourist areas when stressed by human presence.
Two isolated mountain lion populations in southern California are threatened by low genetic diversity and mortality, which can be addressed through conservation strategies focused on connectivity and coexistence. Research suggests that connecting these populations could help prevent extinction within the next 50 years.
Researchers found that bonobos reacted more strongly to camera traps than chimpanzees, while younger apes were more curious and explored them longer. The study highlights the need for scientists to consider animal responses to unfamiliar monitoring equipment in their natural habitats.
A recent study using camera traps in African forests found that wild apes exhibit varied reactions to unfamiliar objects, including poking, staring, and attempting to bite cameras. The study highlights the need for scientists to consider how animals will respond to monitoring equipment in their natural habitats.
Researchers found that 86% of East Africa's ecoregions have achieved the Aichi Target 11 goal of protecting at least 10% of each region by 2020. However, three ecoregions are poorly represented with less than 10% coverage. Protected areas cover at least 10% of endemic species' ranges, but many species still lack full protection.
A nationwide investigation found no presence of the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in UK wild newt populations. To safeguard wild and captive amphibians, private owners are urged to enforce strict biosecurity measures.
A global wildlife map identifies areas where threatened species can find refuge, but also highlights shrinking refuges and high levels of species richness threatened by human activities. The study provides a roadmap for conservation investment and mitigation strategies to save endangered species.
A recent study has identified Corynebacterium ulcerans, a close relative of the diphtheria-causing bacterium, in diseased hedgehogs. The discovery raises concerns about animal-to-human transmission and emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene measures and vaccination for protection against diphtheria.
Research found that mule deer shift to higher, steeper elevations away from roads and toward brushy terrain when faced with wolves. White-tailed deer stick to normal behavior, sprinting across open terrain with good visibility. The changes may affect hunting opportunities and ecosystem dynamics.
A new study found that giraffes living near human settlements have larger home ranges than those living far from towns, while areas with more rain have smaller home ranges. This suggests that humans are impacting giraffe habitat and forcing them to travel longer distances to access critical resources.
Researchers document a new 'behavioral realm' in Eastern chimpanzees of the Bili-Uéré region, characterized by novel tool use and expanded food processing technologies. This discovery sheds light on the likely incipient traditions of early hominin ancestors and highlights the importance of studying intact ape cultures.
Researchers found that zebra stripes deter flies from landing due to visual disruption and twitching behavior. Zebras swish their tails constantly and run away if flies are persistent, whereas horses primarily twitch and swish to ward off flies, allowing them to be dislodged.
A new study measures the effectiveness of underground passageways that let fauna cross highways safely, finding higher road mortality at fence ends. Fencing and underpasses can reduce roadkill numbers by discouraging animals from crossing busy lanes.
A new study finds that 28% of endangered species are unprotected by CITES, with 62% needing up to 24 years for protection. Experts recommend speeding up the policymaking process to prevent extinction.
A significant gap exists between scientific identification of species threatened by international trade and their provision of international protection. One-third of currently endangered species due to trade are not protected, highlighting the need for accelerated action.
The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund has awarded grants to 13 US non-profit organizations implementing on-the-ground projects to help wildlife and ecosystems adapt to climate change. The funded projects, which span various geographies and ecosystems, aim to improve resistance to climate-induced loss of tree canopy, erosion, and invasive pests.
A new method uses machine learning to automate the process of preparing digital photos for analysis, allowing researchers to identify individual animals by their unique markings more efficiently. The system will accelerate studies on giraffe populations and can be applied to other species with similar identifying patterns.
Research finds less than a third of world's Key Biodiversity Areas have pristine night skies, while over half are under artificially bright skies. This study highlights the significant impact of light pollution on ecosystems, causing changes in species behavior and ecosystem cycles.