Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
A new study finds that mountain-dwelling species may move to higher elevations to escape human pressure, which could reduce their extinction risk. The research suggests that these high-elevation areas tend to have more intact land for species due to reduced human activity.
Scientists at Forschungsverbund Berlin found that anti-oxidative enzymes, particularly SOD2, contribute to the unusual longevity of the corpus luteum in lynxes. This discovery provides important insights into lynx reproduction and may support conservation breeding programs.
A new study reveals a direct link between virus spillover and environmental change, which threatens wildlife populations. The research highlights how human activities such as hunting, trade, and urbanization increase the risk of virus transmission to humans.
Researchers attach backpacks with sensors to tiny animals like vampire bats, enabling precise mapping of their social networks and flight trajectories. The system conserves energy and provides robust results for studying animal behavior and conservation.
A new study found that Vermont has conserved 33% of its highest priority targeted lands, with 87% of those acres also considered critical for wildlife habitats and corridors. However, lower elevation targets and riparian areas remain underprotected, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to achieve a sustainable future.
Researchers, led by Professor Edward Holmes, have identified a similar coronavirus in pangolins that may hold the key to understanding SARS-CoV-2's emergence. The study suggests that pangolins could be intermediate hosts for the novel virus and highlights the importance of banning 'wet markets' to prevent zoonotic transmission.
A new Stanford study found that diversified farms in Costa Rica provide a more secure habitat for birds and shield against the impacts of climate change. Diversified farms are more stable in supporting bird populations and offer refuge to threatened species.
A new framework understanding how light and noise pollution impacts wildlife has been developed by worldwide experts in ecology and physiology. Sensory danger zones have been identified as areas where sensory pollutants influence animal activity, posing a threat to imperiled species and urban wildlife.
Researchers found that commonly used hormone analysis method in animal hair can overestimate cortisol levels by up to ten times. A more comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant discrepancies and suggested the need for careful validation of each enzyme immunoassay before using it on hormone analysis from hair samples.
A new study reveals that house cats have a two- to 10-time larger impact on wildlife than wild predators. The research found that most pet cats hunt in disturbed habitats and kill an average of 3.5 prey items per month, leading to an estimated ecological impact per cat of 14.2-38.9 prey ha-1 yr-1.
Researchers observed that male macaques were more likely to interact with humans for food rewards, disrupting normal social behaviors and reducing opportunities for positive interactions such as grooming. This disruption can have detrimental effects on the monkeys' health, life span, reproductive success, and infant survival.
Research shows that people approach and interact with dominant monkeys despite perceiving them as more threatening. In reality, dominant primates often get closer to humans due to increased human interaction.
Researchers found that captive wild boars developed greater muscle force than their natural counterparts, transforming them into 'bodybuilders'. This study provides a new methodology for archaeologists to analyze domestication processes and could aid in reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild.
Researchers at North Carolina State University attempted to measure how much pet cats supplement their diets with wild prey using isotopic analysis. However, they found that cat food manufacturers regularly change ingredient composition within the same flavors, preventing accurate identification of a cat's diet.
A new study from UBC Okanagan campus suggests that monitoring and protecting multiple species habitats offers better conservation outcomes than relying on a single representative species. The research found that a mixture of five to 10 game and non-game species serves as the best surrogates for biodiversity conservation.
A new analysis of 92 studies from 27 countries highlights common pitfalls in multi-species wildlife monitoring, including under-reporting and reporting bias. The study recommends best practices for future research, focusing on the use of appropriate methods and tools to ensure accuracy and precision in inferences made.
The Himalayan wolf has been found to be a genetically distinct species adapted to harsh high-altitude environments, posing key threats from human activities such as livestock herding and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these ecosystems and the wolves' populations.
The University of Guam has received a $856,000 grant for innovative coral restoration work on the island, with an additional $596,000 match from the university. The project aims to develop best practices and genetically diverse populations of staghorn corals.
To create more corridors for wildlife movement, researchers apply a new mapping system to areas next to streams in Okanogan County. The system uses weighted scales to rate naturalness and legal authority, helping organizations prioritize conservation projects and reveal potential areas of coordination.
A pilot study by the University of South Australia has successfully recorded heart and breathing signals from nine species of Adelaide Zoo's animals using high-resolution digital cameras. The technique allows for remote monitoring of wild animals, potentially leading to earlier detection of illness and reduced vet visits.
Research identifies high-risk locations and times for disease transmission between elk and cattle, highlighting the importance of minimizing contact between species. Guidelines provide actionable steps to reduce the risk of infection.
Ranchers in Chile's Andes region blame guanacos for competing with livestock for pastures, but a study reveals that climate change is the key driver of this conflict. As temperatures rise, guanacos are forced to seek better grazing, leading to increased competition and tensions between humans and wildlife.
Researchers found that elephants display a generalized interest in their dead, with common behaviors including touching, approaching, and investigating carcasses. This suggests that elephants may be experiencing some form of emotional response to death, potentially related to grief or memory.
A new study highlights the need for systematic surveys and novel data collection methods to assess poaching's impact on biodiversity in forested areas. The research provides critical information for protecting rare species in landscapes with severe defaunation.
A study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that zoos with diverse animal collections, especially mammals, and large animals like elephants and tigers, attract more visitors. Higher attendance leads to increased conservation contributions in the wild.
Wild grey seals can clap their flippers underwater during breeding season, using the loud high-frequency noise to warn off competitors and advertise themselves to potential mates. This unique form of communication may help protect the species from human noise pollution.
A four-year study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are prevalent in people, wildlife, and water sources in northeastern Tanzania. The researchers suggest that environmental transmission is the primary driver of resistance, making hygiene and sanitation a critical factor in combatting the issue.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that wearing orange shirts resulted in more water anoles being seen per hour and a higher capture percentage. Contrary to expectations, green shirts were less effective than bright orange, highlighting the complexity of animal color perception.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies use fly-fly interactions to establish regular spacing in clusters, driven by a balance between congregating and maintaining personal space. Depriving the flies of their senses results in abnormal responses and high failure rates in cluster formation.
Research at Duke University found that older male swamp sparrows sing less frequently and consistently, leading other males to approach them closer. This suggests that a decline in song quality may indicate to other males that an aging rival is no longer a threat.
A new study found that 85% of terrestrial vertebrate species are under intense human pressure, with 16% entirely exposed. Threatened species and those with small ranges are disproportionately affected.
Scientists from Arizona State University led a broadest study to date assessing how Bornean elephants utilize different landscapes in Sabah. They found that elephants actively avoided urbanized areas, preferring to travel along ridgelines, and that they required less space than previously thought.
Researchers found genetic signs of Borna disease virus in brain tissue from patients with unknown cause of encephalitis, indicating a potential link to severe and deadly cases. The study suggests clinicians should test for BoDV-1 more often in patients with rapidly evolving central or peripheral nervous system disorders.
Researchers have developed predictive tools to tackle childhood diarrheal disease outbreaks in Botswana by analyzing atmospheric conditions and environmental variables. The study found a critical link between ENSO, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, and diarrhea rates, enabling the prediction of outbreak reoccurrence.
Researchers have found that wildlife populations are abundant in areas void of human life near the Fukushima nuclear accident zone. Over 20 species were documented, including wild boar and Japanese macaques, in zones with varying levels of radiation contamination.
Angola's rich biodiversity is under threat due to illegal hunting and bushmeat trade. The study found that despite existing legislation, there is no effective law enforcement mechanism to control the trade.
Researchers from Forschungsverbund Berlin isolated and cultured different cell types from domestic cat corpus lutea tissue, enabling detailed characterization of their function. This breakthrough can aid in understanding the causes and mechanisms behind the longevity of corpus luteum in lynxes.
A new study by Russian and American scientists reveals that female tigers face significant challenges balancing work and family life. After giving birth to their cubs, tiger mothers must reduce their home range size, spend less time moving, but move faster when needed to keep their young safe from predators.
Bears prefer small streams to catch salmon due to easy prey and early spawning times, which provide a crucial feeding opportunity after hibernation. This study highlights the importance of protecting smaller habitats in environmental impact assessments.
Researchers found domestic animals share viruses with many species, enabling pathways for future disease emergence. Ungulates play a central role in spreading both RNA and DNA viruses.
A recent study found that conservation programs like China's Grain-to-Green Program can increase crop raiding by 64% on remaining cropland, resulting in significant economic losses. The hidden costs of conservation are being borne by poor farmers, who are also receiving lower yields and farming smaller areas.
A new species of freshwater fish, Garra surinbinnani, has been discovered in Western Thailand's Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. The unusual fish, which features a deep gash with blue spikes on its forehead, is named after conservationist Surin Binnan.
A recent study found that managed rivers in California are compromising the diversity of native Chinook salmon, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes. The researchers suggest that restoring natural flows and habitats could improve their survival rates, while also preserving a 'portfolio effect' that allows for adaptabili...
A ground-breaking new study has found that conservation charities face numerous hurdles, including funding issues, inadequate leadership, and a lack of strategy. The research suggests that a typology of barriers can help conservationists identify and manage risks to their projects.
A school-based citizen science project improved children's knowledge of UK mammals, increasing their ability to name species and distinguish between native and introduced species. The project also fostered a connection to nature, leading to increased outdoor learning in schools.
A new study reveals that forest fragmentation has a greater impact on wildlife in tropical regions, where species are less adapted to disturbances. The research suggests that conserving habitat and minimizing edge creation is crucial for preserving biodiversity in these areas.
New research highlights the urgent need to protect national parks from invasive animal species, which can cause loss of wildlife, decrease visitor enjoyment, introduce diseases, and have significant economic impacts. The National Park Service has taken steps to combat this issue, but more action is needed.
Researchers analyzed bushmeat samples from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and found 27 different groups of bacteria, including those causing anthrax, brucellosis, and Q fever. The team identified a high prevalence of Clostridial species, which cause diseases like botulism and tetanus.
A new national analysis in Japan highlights the potential of entertainment-conservation partnerships to increase public interest in wildlife. The research found that animated shows with animal characters can boost donations to zoo conservation programs, with Kemono Friends being a notable example of its positive impact on public interest.
A study reveals that endangered monkey species in national parks make calculated decisions to balance risks and rewards of sharing space with humans. The research highlights the negative impact of human food consumption on their physical health and the need for sustainable conservation programmes to save declining species.
A growing digital connection to wildlife is crucial for securing broad public support for wildlife protection, according to a new study. Digital innovations such as fitness apps, live feeds, and virtual reality experiences are changing cultural relationships with wildlife.
Research by Colorado State University found the endangered Hawaiian duck, koloa, has high genetic diversity, which enabled conservation efforts on Kauai to be successful. The study's results offer hope for recovering this species and other endangered birds.
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.