Articles tagged with Wildlife
Researchers at ZSL's Institute of Zoology have reclassified the world's largest bird as a distinct species, Vorombe titan. The giant elephant birds, thought to be extinct for over 1000 years, had unexpected diversity across three genera and four distinct species.
Researchers found that eBay sellers used similar code words to disguise ivory sales, with 80% of items grouped around six common terms. The study suggests standardizing code words could help law enforcement agencies identify and track illegal online sales.
The Morris Animal Foundation is providing $850,000 in grants to support critical health challenges facing wildlife, including lead poisoning and a newly discovered cancer. These studies will help ensure the survival of endangered species through improved veterinary care and disease prevention.
Ecologists from UMass Amherst report documenting rare Asian wild goat species markhor and Siberian ibex in northern Afghanistan. The species are found along the Amu Darya River, with populations declining due to hunting, making conservation efforts necessary.
Scientists at UMass Amherst have published the first-ever whole genome of the Canada lynx, a key conservation tool for studying evolution, disease, genetics and habitat connectivity. The release provides critical information on genetic health, demographic history and adaptive variation to inform wildlife management and policy decisions.
A recent study reveals that global shark catches have more than doubled since 1960, threatening almost 60% of shark species. The Hong Kong-based research highlights the need for consumers to reject shark fin products, which are often sourced from unsustainable and illegal fisheries.
Researchers found evidence of captive jaguar and puma in ancient Mesoamerica, used in rituals and trade networks across the region. Stable isotope analysis suggests some animals originated from distant regions, confirming earlier research on animal captivity and trade.
Researchers mapped 329 primate electrocutions in Diani, Kenya, highlighting hotspot areas and patterns of association. The study aims to inform conservation strategies by providing a framework for systematic spatial prioritization of power lines to reduce primate electrocution risks.
A team led by UTIA faculty members will study the epidemiology of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, a fungus causing salamander population declines in Europe. The research aims to find ways to combat the fungus and has significant implications for US wildlife health.
A recent study by WCS and WWF suggests that the decline of Grevy's zebras may be linked to competitive displacement by livestock, rather than lion predation. The population of Grevy's zebras is stabilizing with recruitment tripling since 2004.
Research reveals that ancient herders' livestock dung created fertile environmental niches for diverse wildlife over three millennia. Fertile sites attracted wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and carnivores, influencing migration patterns.
A new study uses modeling tools to identify areas where forest conservation in Fiji can reduce harm to coral reefs and their fish populations. The research found that protecting or restoring native forests can provide the most benefit to downstream coral reef systems.
A geographic profiling tool used to catch serial criminals could help reduce the casualties of human-tiger conflict. By analyzing data from 2,386 Sumatrans and 13 years of human-tiger encounter records, scientists identified three places with high risk and low tolerance for tigers.
A long-term study found that drought helped ecological underdogs by stressing dominant species, while carnivores suffered when their prey became scarce. The Carrizo Plain National Monument revealed patterns relevant for climate change, with implications for conservation efforts.
A recent study found that installing wildlife crossing structures over highways has increased the success rate of pronghorn crossings, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 70 percent. Pronghorn adapted to using these structures within four years, increasing their crossing success rates and decreasing stress levels.
A study by Penn State researcher Derek E. Lee found that community-based conservation management in Tanzania increases wildlife densities and giraffe population growth. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring wildlife management rights to local communities.
Researchers combined NASA satellite imagery with wildlife surveys to model the effects of plant productivity on mule deer and mountain lion populations. They found that prey and predator abundance both increased with plant productivity, leading to potential conflicts with humans.
A study analyzing records of timber elephants in Myanmar found that even years after capture, wild-caught elephants' mortality rate remains increased and their average life expectancy is several years shorter compared to captive-born animals. This highlights the negative effects of capture on the long-term well-being of elephants.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that capturing wild-caught elephants from the wild significantly reduces their lifespan compared to captive-born animals. The research analyzed data from timber camps in Myanmar and found that even years after capture, mortality rates remain increased.
Research shows that Kodiak brown bears can consume up to 2 tons of fish in one summer by syncing their stream-to-stream movements with salmon spawning patterns. This study links actual bear consumption to their foraging behavior and movements, highlighting the importance of diverse salmon populations.
Researchers predict Acadian flycatcher populations will decline substantially due to reduced breeding productivity and increased nest predation under severe warming projections. Climate change poses a significant risk of quasi-extinction to this common Midwestern songbird species by the twenty-first century.
A new study reveals that Indigenous Peoples have ownership, use and management rights over at least 38 million square kilometers of land. This land is spread across 87 countries and overlaps with about 40% of all terrestrial protected areas.
Scientists estimate 84 remaining Amur leopards in the wild across southernmost border of Primorskii Province in Russia and Jilin Province of China. Camera traps provided more precise estimate, highlighting transboundary movements and differences in population dynamics between Russia and China.
Researchers use drones to remotely photograph wilderness areas, then analyze images using object recognition software and verified by humans. The AI system learns to distinguish wildlife from inanimate features, making it possible to cover vast areas economically.
Scientists have developed a new cryoprotective mixture that significantly improves the motility of frozen rhinoceros sperm after thawing. The new mixture has been successfully tested with sperm samples from three rhino species and shows potential for increasing the success rate of artificial insemination.
Male cheetahs employ two space use tactics: floaters roam over vast areas and territory holders mark and defend small territories. Females use home ranges with sizes between those of territory holders and floaters, highlighting the need for huge natural areas to conserve these cats.
Research shows that illegal lynx hunting is a major factor in declining populations in the Šumava national park, with mortality rates increasing from 3-4% to 15-20% between 1998-2014. The study suggests that stopping hunting and preserving habitats are crucial to maintaining the population.
A study using high-resolution MRI found that domesticated rabbits have reduced amygdala size and enlarged medial prefrontal cortex compared to wild rabbits. This led to a diminished flight response and slower reaction time, as the brain's white matter structure was also compromised.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that many wildlife-vehicle collisions in Ontario can be prevented with cost-effective strategies. The study recommends integrating effective measures into wildlife conflict zones during major road work, which could save millions in taxpayer money and insurance costs.
In water-limited landscapes, sick animals may have more contact with others due to lethargy, leading to faster pathogen transmission. The study suggests that understanding sickness behavior can help predict and control disease transmission in wildlife and domestic animals.
A University of Guelph study found residues of neonicotinoids in the livers of nearly 10% of wild turkey carcasses, suggesting that free-ranging animals are ingesting these insecticides. The researchers also discovered corn and soybean seeds coated with neonicotinoids in some birds' digestive systems.
Researchers argue that current conservation targets are insufficient to support critical ecosystem services. They propose area-specific targets for retaining important natural systems to safeguard humanity.
A new study finds that human disturbance is causing mammals to become more nocturnal, with animals increasing their nighttime activity by up to 68% in response. The shift is consistent across species and types of human disturbance, suggesting a widespread impact on wildlife behavior.
A new study finds that blues and whites are worst for wildlife, while yellow, amber, and green are more benign. The research provides a method for developers and policymakers to choose wildlife-friendly lighting colors.
A new study found that white shark activity increases dramatically when interacting with cage-diving operators, indicating potential behavioral changes. The researchers tracked ten white sharks at South Australia's Neptune Islands, showing a 61% higher dynamic body acceleration when interacting with tourists.
Meredith McClure's research uses circuit theory and least-cost path models to predict animal movement patterns, finding that circuit theory is more effective for wolverine dispersal while least-cost path models are better for elk migrations. This work informs conservation efforts by providing more accurate wildlife corridor maps.
Research reveals that desert bighorn sheep have begun crossing Interstate 40, potentially increasing genetic diversity among populations but also risking disease transmission. The ability to cross may be attributed to individual animals discovering a new route.
A new study uses deep learning to automate wildlife data collection, improving the ability to study and conserve wildlife. The technology can accurately identify species, count individuals, and describe behavior, saving significant volunteer time.
Young orphaned elephants alter their home ranges due to poaching risks and need for food, shifting towards novel areas with easier access to green pasture. This inter-generational response has significant implications for elephant populations as habitats are increasingly squeezed by human activity.
Researchers from Arizona State University warn that human activities are influencing cancer rates in wild animal populations. Studies have shown that pollution, pesticides, microplastics, and artificial light pollution are contributing to the prevalence of cancer in various species.
A recent study in Current Biology identifies the giant Chinese salamander as having five distinct species, all of which are critically endangered and face imminent extinction. The researchers highlight the importance of genetic assessments and conservation efforts to protect these unique animals.
A shocking study reveals that one third of the world's protected areas, covering twice the size of Alaska, are under intense human pressure. The authors warn that this will undermine biodiversity loss goals if widespread degradation continues.
A study found six million square kilometers of protected land, equivalent to two-thirds China's size, are unlikely to conserve endangered biodiversity. Human activities like road infrastructure and agriculture are damaging these areas.
A new study provides a framework to identify geographical hotspots that can protect wild places and species from biodiversity loss. The study suggests that the exact location of protected areas is vital to wildlife survival, and that Canada's diverse ecosystems require careful consideration in their conservation.
A new study reveals that the removal of roadkill by urban scavengers is a significant factor in underestimating roadkill numbers, particularly for small animals. The study found that scavengers such as crows, gulls, and foxes play an under-appreciated role in removing carcasses from roads.
A new Danish-Vietnamese study has found that Vietnamese consumers buy rhino horn for symbolic gestures to console terminally ill family members, rather than traditional medical reasons. The study suggests that a legal trade of farmed rhino horn is unlikely to reduce poaching, and that other strategies are needed to address the problem.
Researchers challenge trophy hunting's effectiveness in wildlife conservation, citing moral concerns and advocating for ecotourism alternatives. They argue charging hunters to kill animals is a last resort rather than a fallback plan.
Researchers found that gorillas' and chimpanzees' gut microbes fluctuate seasonally in response to diet changes, similar to those observed in human hunter-gatherers. This study highlights the importance of dietary fiber on microbiome diversity and may have implications for intestinal health and disease.
Researchers found that fawn survival is higher in landscapes with mixed forest and agricultural cover, but human-caused mortalities are greater. The study suggests that efforts to alter fawn survival may be challenging due to predation, and that reducing antlerless harvests may be more effective.
Increasing temperatures and mercury pollution shift female-to-male ratios in snapping turtles, favoring male offspring in agricultural habitats. Field experiments found that temperature profiles and soil moisture content influenced sex determination, while mercury levels correlated with the development of more male offspring.
A new WCS paper finds that global demographic and economic trends could create conditions for a possible renaissance of nature. The authors propose protecting threatened wildlife and wild places, creating sustainable cities, and inspiring consumer choices to conserve the natural world.
A study found that larger reserves and species similarity are key to effective conservation, but not all species receive equal protection. The research highlights the need for targeted attention for certain species in sagebrush country.
A study reveals that charismatic species are often misperceived as having healthy populations, leading to complacency and reduced conservation efforts. The researchers propose that companies contributing to the creation of these representations should support conservation initiatives.
A new study re-examines a 17th-century Scottish natural history book, revealing insights into the country's pre-industrial environmental change. The research, published in the Royal Society Journal of the History of Science, highlights Scotland's lost wildlife species and its ecosystem's preservation of ancient species.
A new study warns of the high risk of extinction for rare coastal martens in Oregon and northern California within the next 30 years. The researchers estimated that only 87 adults remain in two subpopulations, with an extinction risk ranging from 32% to 99%. Habitat loss and human-caused deaths are major threats to their survival.
Researchers developed a new approach to measure the impact of natural disasters on wildlife populations, finding that frequent intense events exert strong selection pressures on species. The study suggests that the 2011 tsunami had a relatively small impact on organisms living in Japan's intertidal zone, comparable to a Pacific storm.
A themed issue in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B gathers researchers exploring collective movement ecology, merging movement ecology and collective animal behavior. New technologies and data from wild groups are being integrated to inform conservation decision-making.
Research reveals that vampire bats in areas with high livestock abundance have different immune profiles, investing more in adaptive immunity to fight infections. The study's findings also suggest a higher risk of virus transmission to humans through cross-species contact, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices.
Researchers analyzed animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, and found that dogs, turkeys, and cats were raised for ceremonial purposes, with dogs being traded across the landscape. The study sheds light on the role of animals in Maya civilization and challenges previous assumptions about their management.
A study found that restoring Putah Creek in California increased the bird population by twice as much, with more common riparian birds visiting in increasing numbers. The restoration also improved the ecosystem's function and had benefits beyond the water's edge.