Articles tagged with Wildlife
The FAU Queen Conch Lab has developed mobile lab hatcheries to restore threatened Caribbean queen conch populations and promote sustainable seafood production. These self-contained units bring advanced aquaculture capabilities to coastal communities, supporting education, employment, and food security.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
A global study has discovered that birds' fear of novelty is strongly linked to their dietary specialization and migratory behavior. The research found that species with narrower diets and those that migrate may exhibit higher levels of neophobia, or fear of new things.
A community-managed forest in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve supports a rich variety of medium-to-large mammals and birds comparable to those in protected national parks. However, some vulnerable species avoid areas with high human access, revealing subtle, cryptic disturbances that ripple through the forest.
A team of researchers has shed light on how Europe's largest bat hunts and consumes small birds. The bats use loud and low-frequency ultrasound echolocation calls to detect prey at great distances, then pursue it in steep dives towards the ground, catching and eating birds in mid-air.
Researchers assessed the impact of reactivity in red brocket deer on training efficiency, finding that calm individuals can learn commands like 'Come'. In contrast, more restless individuals had difficulty learning and following instructions.
A study by PLOS reveals significant differences in gut microbiomes between captive and wild bears and pandas, particularly among giant pandas which have less diverse microbiomes than their wild counterparts.
Researchers developed an environmental quality standard to evaluate reindeer populations, finding most areas rated as poor or medium. The standard aims to inform management efforts and secure long-term conservation of wild reindeer.
A new study found that snow leopards have very low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. The research suggests that the snow leopard's low genetic diversity is due to its persistently small population size over time.
A new vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) has been shown to be safe and trigger a strong immune response, with the potential to prevent deadly EEHV disease in young Asian elephants. The vaccine was tested in adult elephants at Chester Zoo and successfully activated key parts of the immune system.
A study by researchers at Kyoto University found that Asian elephants understand the importance of visual attention for effective communication. The elephants gestured most when both the experimenter's body and face were oriented towards them, suggesting they use a combination of cues to recognize human visual attention.
Recent studies using portable nanopore sequencing technologies document and sequence Amazonian wildlife, increasing representation of Peruvian species in global genetic libraries. This initiative empowers conservationists to generate their own data, making informed decisions to combat species extinction.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that heat does not significantly affect the cognitive ability of sea turtle hatchlings. However, higher incubation temperatures negatively impact their physical traits, including shorter incubation durations, lower hatching success, and more frequent scute anomalies. The stud...
A year-long study on Japanese macaques found that their gut microbiome composition and fermentative ability adjust seasonally to improve digestive efficiency. The study reveals that mature leaf consumption boosts the fermentative ability of the gut microbiome, helping monkeys handle chemically defended foods during harsh winters.
Researchers found bite-resistant materials in wetsuits can reduce damage from large white and tiger sharks, even from moderate and severe bites. The study suggests these suits can save lives by reducing blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures.
Researchers have found a clear relationship between koala stress and increased risk of disease, including Chlamydia. The study suggests that high KoRV loads may be weakening the immune system, making koalas more susceptible to diseases such as blindness and infertility.
A new study by Shedd Aquarium found that at least 24 species of fish have been documented to breed in the Chicago River, showcasing a remarkable comeback for a once severely polluted river. The research also revealed differences between sites, suggesting opportunities to augment spawning habitats for fishes.
Researchers develop a framework for biologging-based surveillance to detect disease outbreaks in wildlife, providing insights into the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian flu and COVID-19. The approach aims to revolutionize public health interventions by enabling early detection and proactive prevention.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that every arm is capable of performing all action types, with front arms mainly used for exploration and back arms supporting movement. Octopuses demonstrated remarkable flexibility, showcasing complex motor control.
A new study finds that sargassum seaweed can significantly slow down sea turtle hatchlings in Florida, increasing their risk of predation and heat exposure. Researchers found that even small amounts of sargassum can impede hatchlings' progress, with leatherbacks taking 54% longer to crawl through light sargassum.
A genetic test developed by Dr Lauren Lansdowne can reliably determine the species of individual gibbons, helping to preserve vulnerable populations. The test uses DNA sequencing and has been validated using large-scale samples from over 200 gibbons in European zoos.
Researchers found that sharks' teeth become structurally weaker and more prone to break in acidic oceans. The study suggests that even small damage can have significant effects on these apex predators.
A new study shows that mixing mice from different populations can create genetically healthier populations, increasing survival and reproductive success. The research challenges common perceptions about the risks of outbreeding depression, highlighting the benefits of genetic rescue in conservation programs.
Research found birds in light polluted areas sing later into the night, with some species staying up by nearly an hour due to increased sensitivity to artificial light.
Dwarf Channel Island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) have larger brains than their mainland gray fox counterparts, contradicting the notion of island-specific evolutionary pressures leading to reduced brain size. This finding suggests little evidence of domestication in these isolated California islands.
A recent study co-authored by UCF Assistant Professor of Biology Robert Fitak reveals that the 1990s translocation of Texas pumas improved the Florida panther's genetic health while preserving its unique ancestry. The study found increased genetic variation, retention of unique traits, and a decrease in harmful mutations.
Researchers have found that Black Mambas accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury in their scales. This allows them to serve as a natural indicator of environmental pollution levels. By analyzing scale clippings from these snakes, scientists can accurately measure spatial patterns of pollution without harming the snakes.
A new study sheds light on how river birds adapt their communication depending on social and environmental cues. White-throated dippers use visual signals, such as blinking bright white eyelids, to convey messages when noise levels are high.
The winner of the 2025 BMC journals Image Competition is a photograph of two male saigas sparring on the banks of a steppe lake. The image, taken by Andrey Giljov, showcases the unique characteristics of saiga antelopes and their survival strategies.
Researchers found that translocating Cooper's Hawks away from Los Angeles airports can reduce the risk of aircraft collisions. The study, published in Journal of Raptor Research, showed that age and sex of individual hawks impact return rates to their airport of origin.
A recent study found that Arizona Bald Eagles migrate north instead of south, unlike most migratory birds in temperate zones. This adaptability allows them to take advantage of ephemeral food sources, such as spawning salmon or ungulate carcasses.
A new statistical model using GPS tracking data accurately predicted nest success for the California Condor, demonstrating its potential to inform conservation decisions. The model's results were corroborated by field observations and camera footage, allowing researchers to assess nest fate with high accuracy.
Female gorillas avoid groups with males they grew up with and instead seek out familiar females, highlighting the importance of social relationships in dispersal decisions. The study reveals that investing in these relationships can be crucial for cooperation within groups.
Researchers found that cockatoos display a wide repertoire of dance moves, with at least 10 out of 21 species exhibiting this behavior. The study reveals that dancing may have originated as courtship behavior redirected towards owners, and playing music to parrots could improve their welfare.
A new study has coined the term 'scrumping' to describe great apes' fondness for eating ripe, fermented fruit from the forest floor. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have played a significant role in the evolution of human alcohol tolerance.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that introducing new genetic variation from Texas reduced the influence of harmful mutations in Florida panthers, improving their fitness. However, the effect of this intervention may be temporary, and continued protection is needed to preserve the subspecies.
Wild great tits exhibit clear behaviors signalling 'divorce' long before the breeding season, according to a study by Oxford researchers. The team used data from the Wytham Woods great tit project and found that faithful birds visited feeding stations with their partners more often than those that went on to divorce.
A study analyzing data from 10 species at 14 national parks found that animals avoid human infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings. However, responses varied across populations, species, and individual animals, with some adapted to human presence.
A new study reveals how US national parks influence wildlife behavior, with some species avoiding humans while others adapt to developement, affecting ecological dynamics and conservation efforts.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute have developed a multi-sensor biologging tag on the whitespotted eagle ray, enabling long attachment times and detailed data collection. The study provides insights into the rays' behavior, habitat use, and social interactions.
A new study by Dr. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal presents an integrative approach to wildlife forensics, combining advanced genetic tools with local databases to solve complex environmental crimes involving multiple species. This method demonstrates the ability to identify species, trace their origins, and confirm criminal activity beyond reason...
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
A new study reveals that koalas only spend around 10 minutes per day on the ground, which is linked to two-thirds of recorded koala deaths. The research used GPS loggers and accelerometers to analyze fine-scale movement patterns, finding that koalas move with little urgency and spend most of their time in trees.
A new international study reveals that Skagerrak likely serves as a nursery area for young Greenland sharks, contrary to common associations with Arctic waters. The research also confirms that newborn sharks are born in undisturbed deep-sea areas near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, south of Iceland.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers found that mixed deciduous-conifer forests promote coexistence between red squirrels and dormice. The team observed both species living side by side in these forests, suggesting a potential role for mixed forest management in supporting biodiversity.
A new study found that domesticated carp have lower chronic stress levels than their wild counterparts, despite regular angling capture. The researchers compared scale cortisol data from domesticated and wild carp and found that the former had significantly lower levels of chronic stress.
Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.
Researchers from The University of Osaka found that Japanese macaques remain close to and care for their dying companions, displaying human-like reactions. The study reveals strong social bonds can affect behavior even after death, suggesting emotional capacities in non-human primates.
Meerkat research reveals how desert specialists handle environmental change, while a new study outlines a pathway to co-management with Tribal Nations, and another finds that marine heatwaves affect fish development, leading to a delayed maturation process. Drylands also contribute to increased methane emissions.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has identified four species of snail parasites in Japanese sea cucumbers, including two previously unknown species. The study provides insights into the geographic distribution and invasion routes of these tiny parasites, which have a significant impact on the health of their host species.
An international study found that dehorning rhinos resulted in a drastic reduction of poaching, with a 78% decrease in poaching rates. The study analyzed data from 11 Greater Kruger reserves and found that dehorning reduced incentives for poaching, making it an effective conservation strategy.
The Nature FIRST project, a £4.9m Horizon Europe-funded initiative, aims to protect endangered species and their habitats across Europe. The project's tools and training will help rangers detect and respond to wildlife crime and other threats using digital technologies and forensic investigation techniques.
A study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals how AI can help combat global wildlife trafficking by identifying key airport nodes. Researchers analyzed nearly 2,000 airports and predicted 307 potentially involved airports, including two US airports that had not been previously flagged. The model also identified signif...
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a method to analyze airborne DNA, tracking species and pathogens in the air. This technology has vast potential applications for studying wildlife, human health, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
Researchers documented an unusual feeding aggregation of oceanic whitetip and tiger sharks scavenging concurrently on a carcass off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island. The study reveals that despite their different habitats, these shark species can peacefully coexist and establish a social hierarchy.
A new genomic study offers a unique lens for understanding the extinction crisis in Hawai'i, revealing that there is still time to save the critically endangered honeycreeper 'akeke'e. With only 17 species of iconic honeycreepers remaining, efforts to control mosquito populations and conservation breeding programs are underway.
Oregon State University scientists have improved AI's ability to identify wildlife species in photos taken by motion-activated cameras. By limiting the training data to one species and including images from diverse environments, they achieved almost 90% identification accuracy with a small fraction of the required training data.