Articles tagged with Wildlife
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.
A Nagoya University research team used a new image processing tool to confirm that humans have evolved specifically to detect snakes. Humans were able to identify snakes in much blurrier images than other harmless animals, suggesting heightened visual awareness of snakes.
A study by Duke University researchers found that bushmeat hunting is drastically shaping wildlife communities, leading to sharp declines in large mammal populations and increases in rodent and small bird populations. The research suggests that the problem will worsen as the human population in the region increases.
A University of Kent study suggests that rural areas can provide for both people and wildlife if agriculture is administered sustainably. The study recommends a policy mix combining regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, including strategic land use planning and incentives for sustainable agricultural practices.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests Grauer's gorillas are Critically Endangered due to a 77% population decline over one generation. The research identifies three key areas critical for the remaining population and calls for greater conservation efforts, including halting mining and protecting wildlife.
The study reveals that overhunting of mammals is concentrated in countries with poorer populations, threatening their livelihoods. The researchers suggest five broad steps to address the issue, including changing laws and providing property rights to communities benefiting from wildlife presence.
Researchers found that distance to active lek sites was the best predictor of female space use in prairie chickens, suggesting habitat management strategies can ensure long-term stability. The study published in Ecosphere provides valuable insights into female grouse behavior and lek mating system.
The international trade of threatened cacti on the Internet is unregulated and poses a threat to species survival. A study found that many online stores sell these plants without proper documentation, indicating a need for regulation and education.
A new report highlights the need for better data recording on seized live wild animals, as only one in three CITES countries provide data. The study found that two out of three countries did not report any live wildlife seizures, despite poaching and the estimated $8-10 billion global wildlife trafficking industry.
Researchers report catastrophic declines in global wilderness areas over the last 20 years, with an estimated 3.3 million km2 of wilderness lost, primarily in South America and Africa. The study emphasizes the urgent need for proactive global interventions to protect remaining wilderness areas.
In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, scientists found that wolves are consistently more prone to take risks when gambling for food than dogs. The researchers trained 7 wolves and 7 dogs to choose between a safe option and a risky option with uncertain rewards, and the results showed that wolves chose the risky option in 80%...
Researchers tested an oral rabies vaccine in wild populations of Ethiopian wolves, with promising results. The trials found that 86% of vaccinated wolves had sufficient levels of protective antibodies, and all but one were alive 14 months later.
The Great Elephant Census reports a 30% decline in savannah elephant populations over the last decade, primarily due to poaching. The census estimates that there are currently around 352,271 savannah elephants in Africa, with conservation efforts facing significant challenges to protect these endangered animals.
A recent study confirms forest elephants as one of the world's slowest reproducing mammals, with females taking up to 23 years to breed and giving birth only once every five to six years. This low birth rate means that forest elephant populations will take nearly a century to recover from poaching since 2002.
Researchers from the University of York have developed a new method to detect and decrease wildlife poaching in protected areas, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness for ranger patrols. The approach uses data analysis and patrol optimization to target high-risk areas and reduce costs without additional resources.
A new method developed by WCS, University of York, and Uganda Wildlife Authority improves ranger patrol allocation and targets specific conservation priorities. This resulted in a 250% increase in detections of illegal activities such as poaching and cattle encroachment without changing the number of rangers.
Researchers found high levels of pesticides and contaminants in California condors near the coast compared to inland birds. The study suggests that feeding on marine mammal carcasses could complicate condor recovery due to potential harm from toxic substances.
A study published in the journal mSphere found that a deadly bat fungus in Washington state is genetically similar to strains found in the eastern United States, suggesting it did not originate in Eurasia. The findings have implications for resource managers battling white-nose syndrome in North American bats.
New research from North Carolina State University and USGS reveals that meeting bioenergy demands involves trade-offs regarding wildlife habitats. The specific mix of biomass sources used can shape ecosystems, especially in forests with high biodiversity.
Researchers found that eastern and red wolves are not evolutionarily distinct species but a hybrid of gray wolf and coyote ancestry. The study concludes that the ESA should protect hybrid species due to common interbreeding in the wild, which may not be harmful.
A global plan is necessary to prevent the extinction of megafauna, including elephants, rhinos, and big cats, which play critical roles in ecosystems. The study highlights the need for coordinated conservation efforts to address threats like illegal hunting, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.
A group of international conservation scientists has issued a call for actions to halt further declines of large wild-animal species. The authors emphasize that an extinction crisis is unfolding for megafauna, with 59% of carnivores and 60% of herbivores classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List.
A new study from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, WCS, and CSU finds that dramatic increases in residential and energy development are associated with declining early winter recruitment in western Colorado's mule deer populations. The study suggests that these impacts on habitat may be having a greater effect on deer populations than previ...
The study found a 60% decline in breeding white-naped crane populations in the Ulz River basin, with only 17 pairs remaining. The species is classified as 'vulnerable' due to habitat loss and fire threats. Conservation efforts are crucial to address declining numbers and protect this critical ecosystem.
A recent survey led by UMass Amherst researcher Zulmai Moheb confirms the existence of a small population of Bactrian deer in northern Afghanistan, a sub-species believed to have been extinct since the 1970s. The animals urgently need conservation due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
A study by WCS and University of Queensland found that countries most in need of conservation are not investing enough, despite being home to most of the Earth's biodiversity. The researchers recommend adopting culturally-appropriate conservation efforts to promote economic development and wealth before acting on conservation.
Researchers from Michigan State University create a new model to estimate summer monarch abundance in Ohio and Illinois through their migration through Texas. Higher populations are associated with average to above-average precipitation and cooler temperatures in Texas during spring.
A North Carolina State University study found that hiking and hunting caused minor effects on wildlife distribution in protected Eastern forests. The study, which used citizen science camera traps, compared protected areas with similar habitats but different hunting regulations, and sites on and off hiking trails.
Research by Sebastian Vetter and colleagues found that personality traits of female wild boars impact their ability to raise offspring. Shy females, with more careful behavior and high maternal care, had greater success in rearing offspring in good mast years.
Researchers tracked harbour porpoises with tiny computers, revealing they hunt small fish nearly continuously at ultra-high rates, catching up to 550 fish per hour. This success rate of over 90% makes them vulnerable to disturbances, as there's no room for compensation.
University of Adelaide researchers recommend a 'code of best practice' to minimize the impact of drones on wildlife and mitigate potential disturbances. The guidelines cover various factors, including species, environment, and UAV operation, to ensure informed use of drones in field research.
Researchers developed a code of best practices to reduce disturbance to wildlife from drone use. The guidelines emphasize the need for consultation with experts and adherence to relevant regulations.
Researchers documented significant reductions in wildlife-vehicle collisions after construction of overpasses and underpasses along a Wyoming highway. The study found that these structures can improve safety for motorists while enhancing habitat connectivity for migratory species.
A recent 'HogWatch' survey conducted in England has provided new insights into the country's declining hedgehog population. The study suggests a moderate decline of up to 7.4% in areas frequented by hedgehogs, with possible constraints due to habitat fragmentation.
The loss of oldest female elephants guides their families to resources and holds decades of social knowledge. This could cause cascading effects on ecosystem function, as these females play a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining habitats.
Researchers at the University of Leicester aim to develop a test using portable nanopore DNA sequencers to identify species at crime scenes in under an hour. This technology has the potential to combat wildlife trafficking by detecting traces of endangered species, such as elephant and rhino blood.
Research finds TB transmission in mongooses occurs through social behavior, with scent marks and urine allowing pathogen spread. Smaller social groups are most threatened by the disease.
A North Carolina State University study surveyed elementary students' priorities for wildlife conservation, finding that children's choices mirrored those of conservation biologists. Students prioritized species with rapid population declines and those important in nature over other attributes.
A team of experts aims to use cutting-edge techniques like induced pluripotent stem cells and gene editing to bring back the critically endangered species. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is leading the effort, which also involves collaborations with international partners.
Researchers found that visitors to national parks are half as likely to see wolves when hunting is permitted outside park boundaries. In contrast, when hunting was prohibited, visitors were twice as likely to spot a wolf. The study suggests a tradeoff between harvesting and viewing wolves.
A new study published in Science reveals that only 5% of global biodiversity datasets meet the 'gold standard' required for effective conservation. The lack of reliable and accessible data threatens our ability to understand and address key threats to biodiversity, such as invasive species, logging, and illegal wildlife trade.
Researchers use AI and game theory to improve anti-poaching patrols, reducing poacher activities per kilometer and saving time and energy. The system also incorporates complex terrain information and natural transit paths to create practical patrol routes.
Researchers have identified two key traits that contribute to chemicals reaching toxic levels in aquatic food webs: easy breakdown and solubility in water. This study provides a screening technique to determine which chemicals pose the greatest risk to ecosystems.
A new study from Michigan State University found that local perceptions of illegal biodiversity exploitation and environmental insecurity can help predict buy-in for risk-management strategies. Understanding local attitudes and behaviors is crucial to addressing wildlife crime and its ramifications.
NSF-funded researchers develop computational sustainability to tackle ecological and economic problems. A new field combines computer science with environmental sciences to address challenges such as wildlife management and poverty-reduction.
Researchers found that animal sign-based methods are more reliable than direct encounters in estimating wildlife populations. This study highlights the importance of using alternative assessment methods to ensure accurate conservation status assessments and protect local communities.
Researchers assess impact of past land use change on current biodiversity by analyzing woodlands planted over 160 years. The project provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of historical land use on modern ecosystems.
The Grauer's gorilla population has plummeted due to warfare, illegal hunting, and mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Conservation efforts recommend controlling militias, protecting reserves, and raising awareness about the crisis faced by wildlife.