Articles tagged with Wildlife
A Southern California mountain lion population is plagued by inbreeding due to urbanization and highway barriers. Conservation efforts proposed a network spanning the Santa Ana Mountains and Eastern Peninsular Mountains to promote genetic diversity and connectivity.
A recent study found that polar bear mercury levels are declining, indicating a change in their diet and weight as they adapt to reduced sea ice. The researchers attribute the drop to increased consumption of lower-mercury prey, such as bowhead whales and bearded seals, in place of ringed seals.
Capuchin monkeys adopt most efficient technique for opening fruit quickly through social learning and individual experience. Older monkeys rely on their own experience, while younger ones pay more attention to watching others.
Researchers found that tourists often mistake wild monkeys' aggressive facial expressions for friendly or neutral ones, leading to increased risk of injury and disease transmission. The study suggests educating tourists through videos or guided visits with expert guides could improve both animal welfare and tourist experience.
A 10-year, $2.7 million project in Ontario reduced turtle deaths on a causeway by 89%, offering global lessons for protecting endangered species. The initiative included fencing, culverts, and public awareness campaigns to reduce roadkill, with significant success.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society found that Congo's miners often hunt wildlife for food due to lack of alternative protein sources. The authors suggest strengthening wildlife-friendly mining regulations and increasing domestic food sources as solutions.
A new study finds that private land conservation data is often inaccessible, hindering effective conservation efforts and taxpayer investments. The researchers suggest addressing capacity shortfalls in federal agencies and revising policies to improve transparency and accountability.
A new study by scientists from the Universities of Oxford, Montana, and the US Forest Service highlights novel approaches to tackling deforestation. The team built a multi-scale model of deforestation on Borneo's island using machine learning algorithms, predicting future deforestation risk faced by remaining forests.
A new study co-authored by WCS explores the impact of reduced Arctic snow cover on tundra-dwelling wolverines. The research found that wolverines rely heavily on snow for denning, caching food, and other needs, making them more vulnerable to climate change.
A new WCS study reveals that leopards are abundant in tea-garden landscapes in north-eastern India, but their presence doesn't lead to conflicts with people. The research found that leopards use tea-gardens due to dense ground vegetation cover and avoid developed areas.
A UC Davis study reveals that baboons position themselves strategically within their troop to optimize access to food and safety. Younger males tend to occupy central positions, while adult males take a more exposed role at the front of the group.
The study reveals three primary genetic clusters of snow leopards, each found in a distinct geographical region. The discovery sheds light on the species' evolution, ecology, and conservation, highlighting the need for transboundary initiatives to protect this majestic big cat.
A new study reveals that African lions and other big cat species are facing a high risk of extinction due to declining prey populations. The research suggests that the loss of prey species during the last Ice Age is continuing today, with only 25% of preferred prey remaining for African lions.
The Massachusetts Wildlife Climate Action Tool has received a national award for its exemplary leadership in addressing climate change impacts on fish and wildlife species and their habitats. The tool, launched in 2015, provides information on climate change vulnerabilities and offers adaptation strategies to protect natural resources.
Researchers from Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit found that less affluent countries are more committed to protecting large animals than richer ones. The Mega-Fauna Conservation Index reveals that African nations, including Botswana and Tanzania, contribute significantly to conservation efforts.
A 35-year study of a protected alligator population has found that male and female alligators exhibit 'determinate growth,' stopping at some point after reaching sexual maturity. Females are reproductive far longer than previously thought, with one case reaching 46 years past onset of sexual maturity.
A new system aims to protect bald eagles from wind turbine collisions by detecting approaching birds and triggering deterrents. The technology, developed at Oregon State University, uses a camera-mounted system to identify eagles in flight and deploy colorful human-like figures to scare them away.
A study found low gene flow between Bengal tiger populations in western Himalayan foothills, highlighting the need for conservation strategies. Relocating villages and industries, reducing human dependency, and banning mining can help maintain genetic variation and spread beneficial genes.
The Wildlife Conservation Society emphasizes the importance of science in wildlife conservation, citing numerous examples including the prevention of American Bison extinction and forest elephant population recovery. Science informs their work through research papers, protected areas establishment, and policy development.
A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global discovered that compatible panda personalities play a crucial role in breeding success. The study found that certain traits, such as excitability and aggression, are more effective when paired together.
Children from island locations in the Bahamas prefer invasive species like feral cats and pigs, while mainland children prefer mammals. Island children also show a greater preference for native species, highlighting the need to consider human factors in conservation decisions.
Researchers discovered blood-sucking flies can act as 'flying syringes' to detect emerging infectious diseases in wild animals. The method analyzes the origin of the blood and species of malaria parasites present, with potential implications for controlling global outbreaks.
Scientists from WCS have discovered a new species of wild ginger, Aframomum ngamikkense, in the Kabobo Massif, one of Africa's most biodiverse sites. The discovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts for this region, which has already yielded eight endemic species.
A new project led by UTIA faculty will recruit 14 undergraduate Research and Extension Fellows to explore agro-ecological farming in western Belize. The team will work with local partners to empower forest and wildlife stewardship while increasing the students' skills to become leaders in agricultural and conservation efforts globally.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that allowing livestock to graze amidst protected wildlife disrupts their survival. Wildlife reacts differently to livestock invasions, requiring diverse policies for each species.
Researchers from the University of Washington and US agencies propose strategies for sustainable subsistence hunting, reducing crowding and ensuring ecological space. They emphasize the importance of monitoring subpopulations regularly and adjusting harvests accordingly to mitigate negative effects of habitat loss.
A new oral Ebola vaccine has shown effectiveness in a chimpanzee trial, offering hope for conserving wild ape populations threatened by diseases like Ebola and anthrax. However, the closure of captive chimpanzee facilities due to changing laws may hinder further research and development.
Native animals are declining on Melville Island due to reduced habitat and increased cat populations. Rangers are using fire management techniques to create more habitat for native wildlife by burning vegetation in the early season.
Researchers found that 83.7% of colic surgery patients returned to their previous activity level, with 78.5% regaining pre-surgical performance. Owners were highly satisfied with veterinary care (96.3%) and recovery (98.5%).
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has launched a $2.5 million fund to support projects that help wildlife adapt to climate change in wild landscapes and urban areas. The fund will focus on enhancing ecological processes and ecosystem functions, rather than just conserving or restoring historic conditions.
A new report led by Panthera suggests that Africa's protected parks and reserves can conserve up to 83,000 wild lions if well funded and managed. The study found that less than one third of the parks examined are currently conserving lions at more than 50% of their carrying capacity.
A new study led by Duke University finds that over 25,000 elephants were killed for their ivory between 2004 and 2014 in Gabon's protected area. The loss of forest elephants has significant implications for the preservation of the species.
Researchers found that tree encroachment in hirola habitats reduced grasslands, impacting the antelope's primary food source. Overgrazing, loss of elephants from poaching, and lack of fires also contributed to the decline. Solutions like elephant conservation and grass reseeding offer hope for hirola recovery.
A new analysis found that climate change is having a massive impact on threatened species, with nearly 700 species affected. The study suggests that negative responses to climate change have been vastly underreported, with only 7% of mammals and 4% of birds previously estimated to be impacted.
Researchers have found that drone noise does not travel far into the water, posing little threat to marine mammals. The study suggests that UAVs can be used safely in marine environments with proper permits and guidelines.
Male banded mongooses that faced poor conditions in their first year lived longer than those with an easier start, while variable conditions seemed to be beneficial for longevity and reproduction. The researchers used 14 years of data on wild banded mongooses in Uganda.
Researchers mapped the long-distance movements of four goliath catfish species and found that adult dorado catfish take up to 1-2 years to reach their spawning grounds in or near the Andes. The study reveals the incredible life histories of these fish, which migrate thousands of kilometers in both directions to complete their life cycle.
Researchers found that vampire bats are feeding on the blood of feral pigs and wild boars in Brazil and the Americas, increasing the risk of rabies transmission. The study highlights the alarming link between invasive feral pig populations and the spread of diseases among livestock.
Researchers propose regional networks to link remote camera data globally, mirroring the success of standardized weather stations. This collaboration aims to monitor biodiversity trends and track wildlife populations in real-time, facilitating evidence-based conservation decisions.
A University of Queensland-led study warns that over 100 Natural World Heritage Sites are being destroyed by encroaching human activities, with 63% experiencing increased Human Footprint over the past two decades. The most impacted sites were found in Asia, including India and Indonesia, which have suffered significant deforestation.
A recent study found that more than 100 natural World Heritage sites are being severely damaged by encroaching human activities, with many at risk of irreversible damage. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these globally important assets.
A study published in Animal Behaviour documents changes in the 'alalā's vocal repertoire, including a reduction in alarm calls and territory broadcasts. This cultural shift may be related to differences in behavior necessary for survival in protected aviaries.
The little-known impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa) has expanded its range by 528 miles to northern Myanmar. The species is considered Vulnerable due to unsustainable subsistence harvesting and habitat destruction.
A recent study in Science highlights a devastating crisis in Asian forests due to snaring, causing unprecedented extinctions. The authors recommend managing this issue by regulating homemade snares and preventing 'empty forests', emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action.
Researchers found that livestock can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on rare wildlife, such as argali and wolves. While livestock reduces available pasturage for argali, it also serves as an alternative prey source for wolves, relieving predatory pressure. In contrast, herding dogs pose a threat to argali populations.
Synthetic microfibers from clothing shed during washing, ending up in surface waters and affecting fish and wildlife. Researchers are working on solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.
A recent study finds that urban centers like Hong Kong can play a crucial role in conserving globally threatened species. Introduced populations of these species have been thriving outside their native habitats, providing an opportunity to augment declining populations in their native ranges and mitigate threats to local ecosystems.
A new study reveals that varmint hunters' choice of ammunition plays a crucial role in the amount of lead ingested by scavenger birds, such as golden eagles. Researchers found that smaller-caliber bullets produce more fragments, which are more likely to be eaten by wildlife.
The cheetah is sprinting towards extinction with only 7,100 individuals remaining, highlighting the need for landscape-wide conservation efforts. The species' dramatic decline is driven by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trafficking, requiring a paradigm shift in conservation approaches.
Researchers found that juvenile IGF-1 concentrations predict heavier weight, greater survival to reproductive maturity and earlier birth, but also shorter adult lifespans. Measuring IGF-1 during the first year of life can be used to predict later-life traits in wild mammals.
A study led by Colorado State University found that outdoor recreation in protected areas leads to negative effects on wildlife, including decreased species diversity and survival rates. However, some studies suggest positive effects on certain species, such as birds and rodents, with increased abundance and reduced stress.
The University of Nevada, Reno's Global Water Center is launching a new 5-year initiative to preserve the Mekong River's biodiversity and ecosystem. The project aims to study the river's climate, hydrology, and biodiversity, build partnerships for sustainable development, and educate communities about the importance of a healthy Mekong.
Researchers at Stockholm University found thiamine deficiency in blue mussels, eiders, eels, salmon, and sea trout across the Pacific Ocean, North America, and northern Europe. The study reveals impaired health, reproduction, and behavior due to vitamin B1 deficiency, posing a significant threat to animal species extinction.
A new river basin classification system will help safeguard region's biodiversity and monitor infrastructure development in the Amazon. The framework provides a dynamic way to map natural resources and possible infrastructure impacts on them.
Researchers developed a system using acoustic beamforming to detect and locate Mojave Ground Squirrels on Edwards Air Force Base. The technology, inspired by WWI-era sound detection, is unobtrusive and can pinpoint animal locations over a large area. This innovation aims to support conservation efforts in harsh environments.
A recent study by WCS found over 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles at Glover's Reef, indicating a positive conservation effort. The protected waters provide a safe haven for the species to thrive, with a high survival rate and promising implications for the Caribbean region.
A new study reveals that the illegal snake trade in Australia poses a serious threat to human lives and the environment. The research found that 5 out of 28 alien species were likely to succeed in becoming established, while 10 out of 28 were venomous snakes.
Researchers explore how Pokémon Go inspires high levels of behavioral change among users, discovering non-virtual wildlife and learning basic natural history concepts. The game's success highlights opportunities for conservation, but also potential challenges such as replacing real-world nature interactions with virtual ones.
A new study in Science says climate change is impacting every aspect of life on Earth, including genes and entire ecosystems. The study found 80% of 94 ecological processes show signs of distress due to climate change.