Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
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. ...
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.
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.
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.
The study highlights the importance of riverside corridors in helping animals navigate a changing climate, with the Northwest's mountainous regions emerging as critical habitats. Riparian areas along rivers and streams will become vital 'superhighways' for wildlife seeking refuge from warmer or drier conditions.
A new book review clarifies the rewilding concept as an adaptive approach to regaining wildness in degraded ecosystems. The authors highlight similarities and differences between methods and discuss how they work in practice.
Researchers used scavenger study to find evidence of wildlife diversity in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The team observed 10 mammal and five bird species using fish carcasses as bait.
Researchers debunk Burrows hypothesis suggesting researchers led to the demise of the Serengeti wild dogs. Instead, lions were a key reason for their departure from the park. Wild dog populations survived in other parts of the greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem.
The San Diego Zoo's breeding program for endangered Hawaiian birds aims to strike a balance between animal welfare and conservation needs. Researchers studied the welfare of several species, including the 'alalā and 'akikiki, using guidelines from the 'Opportunity to Thrive' model.
Researchers found genetic material and antibodies from the virus in a Greater Long-fingered bat in Liberia's Nimba District. The discovery adds to evidence suggesting bats serve as natural wildlife reservoirs for Ebola and other related viruses, shedding light on how outbreaks occur.
A recent study reveals that wildlife classification, particularly for similar species like bobcats and lynx, is a challenging task. Even experts had difficulty agreeing on the species in images, leading to potential errors in conservation and management efforts.
A new WCS study examines the job satisfaction of front-line conservation rangers working in challenging conditions at Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The research reveals that rangers' motivation decreases over time, but provides suggestions for improvement, including better salaries, recognition, and security guarantees.
Scientists at ZSL urge governments to prioritize the conservation of small mangrove patches despite their size, highlighting the critical ecosystem services they provide. The loss of these habitats threatens critically endangered species and coastal communities, and could exacerbate climate change impacts.
A new study found that American black bears can habituate to repeated drone exposure, showing increased tolerance to the flights over time. The researchers suggest that other animals are less likely to adapt to such disturbances.
Researchers observed cyclical weight fluctuations in zoo elephants that correlate with tooth change process, finding a yo-yo effect in their weight. This phenomenon is unlikely to be observed in wild elephants due to seasonal food availability differences.
A study of cat owners reveals a spectrum of views on hunting, from positive pest control to deep concern for wild animal populations. Researchers aim to find practical ways to reduce hunting while enhancing cat welfare.
Scientists have identified regions with high diversity of potential wildlife hosts for flaviviruses, including primates and birds. The study's model predicts hundreds of previously unobserved host species, which can help with disease detection and surveillance efforts.
A study by the University of Wyoming research team found strong population genetic structure among California mountain lions, with some populations exhibiting extremely low levels of genetic diversity. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to prevent further fragmentation and ensure connectivity among habitats.
Researchers found the Conchos shiner in the mainstream of the Rio Grande at a site previously thought to be free from non-native species. The discovery highlights the need for further research and conservation efforts in the Rio Grande drainage system.
A Rutgers-led study challenges conventional expectations that fast-growing resources are unlikely to collapse. The study found that those who start conserving can often stick with it, but when conservation is not in place, the opposite is true.
A citizen science project in Vienna analyzed fox sightings and found that encounters were more likely in gardens with low building density, parks, or squares. The level of education also influenced reported fox sightings, with higher levels of education leading to more sightings.
A new study reveals that animal movements can trigger direct or indirect feedback effects altering landscapes' capacity to absorb or release carbon. This integration of animal ecology and remote sensing can improve predictions and management of carbon cycling across ecosystems.
A new research from Imperial College London found that social marketing campaigns play a crucial role in the recovery of threatened wildlife populations. The study examined the success of a conservation campaign for the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot and identified behavior change campaigns as a key factor in its population growth.
A two-year study reveals pangolin hunting is a major conservation issue and devastating animal welfare concern in Assam. Interviews with local hunters found that pangolins are targeted for their scales, which are sold for a premium on the black market.
Researchers developed a computer model that accurately identifies animal species in camera-trap images from across the US with a 97.6% accuracy rate, surpassing human volunteers.
Researchers use camera-trapping to study the Annamite striped rabbit in Vietnam and Laos, revealing its limited range and vulnerability to extinction. The findings highlight the need for effective conservation efforts to protect this critically endangered species.
A mathematical model revealed that spotted hyenas take over a decade to recover from the CDV epidemic due to their slow reproduction rate. The study emphasizes the importance of age and social status in disease spread, with high-ranking females playing a crucial role in population recovery.
A new study reveals the importance of 'cryptic' connections in disease transmission between species and among individuals. The researchers used fluorescent dust to track the dynamics of disease transmission in bat populations devastated by white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has killed millions of bats in North America.
A study using animal-attached technology has revealed that animals using high-risk food-finding strategies are particularly susceptible to extinction. The research found that these animals fail to gather food for their young before they starve, leading to catastrophic results.
A recent study using computer vision technology reveals how diverse fish species make decisions when fleeing from predators. The researchers found that neural circuits previously identified in lab animals are also present in wild fish shoals, governing escape decision-making.
A research team from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul has published data on bird and reptile roadkill on Brazil's notorious BR-262 highway. The study found 930 animals representing 29 reptile and 47 bird species, with new records including the Black-and-white hawk-eagle.