Articles tagged with Wildlife
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
The atlas uses state-of-the-art data and cartography to visualize the finely choreographed movements of migratory big-game species. The maps reveal how animals have perfectly tuned their movements to landscapes and seasons, highlighting the challenges faced by conservation efforts.
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.
A new tool, Recovery Explorer, was developed to help conservation scientists make informed decisions on how to allocate limited funds for species recovery. The tool evaluates potential consequences of alternative resource allocation strategies and allows decision makers to examine alternative approaches.
Researchers at UNH found a high infestation of winter ticks on 179 radio-marked moose calves, causing emaciation and severe metabolic imbalance leading to 125 calf deaths over three years. Most adult moose survived but were severely compromised.
The PPR virus poses a significant threat to conservation efforts, with mass mortality events in critically endangered species like the Mongolian saiga. This highlights the urgent need for explicit inclusion of wildlife protection in the global eradication campaign.
Researchers found that integrating livestock and wildlife on the same lands can reduce tick abundance, enhance biodiversity, and increase revenue for local farmers. The practice of regularly spraying cattle with acaricides also played a key role in reducing ticks and associated diseases.
A new study suggests that surface water dynamics are a crucial contributor to the global health concern of antibiotic resistance. The research team found that land use and season were statistically significant predictors of antibiotic resistant bacteria presence in surface water.
A joint study by University of Sheffield and National University of Singapore found that combined impacts of deforestation and wildlife trade on Sundaland bird species are underestimated, with 50-90 species at risk of extinction by 2100.
A large-scale study using camera trap images from hundreds of citizen scientists reveals that suburban areas have a higher variety of mammal species than expected. The researchers found that some mammals, such as coyotes and bobcats, are adapting to urban environments, while others, like bears, are still found in nearby exurban areas.
Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.
The Bureau of Reclamation is supporting a six-year study to assess the impact of its projects on endangered pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River. The study aims to preserve the species and potentially lead to its downlisting, with data gathering focused on reproduction conditions and habitat analysis.
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.
Researchers are testing pinger systems to deter diving ducks from gill nets, a major threat to sea bird populations. The study aims to determine the optimal frequency for these devices, which could save hundreds of thousands of birds annually.
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.
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.
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.
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.