Research on wild animals and their conservation. Covers marine mammals, elephant cognition, tree and habitat protection, and the illegal wildlife trade.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers found that small sanctuaries allow threatened blackbucks to survive in densely populated Maharashtra region. The study suggests that these micro-refuges can help preserve biodiversity in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
A £1.1 million international study, funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant, aims to solve the conflict between food security and biodiversity conservation. The ConFooBio study will produce a new model to predict and resolve these conflicts in seven locations across the Arctic, UK, Europe, and Africa.
Researchers at Monash University found that drones are more precise than traditional ground counts for monitoring seabird colonies. Drones' down-facing perspective reduces the likelihood of missing birds and provides a more accurate count.
A Dartmouth College-led team used Wild-ID tracking technology to examine the link between wildebeest abundance and their ability to freely move within the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem. The study found diminished connectivity, reduced population size, and increased variability over time.
Research suggests that if males traveling from far-off areas are less attractive to females, connectivity between populations can be greatly reduced. This finding has significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for better understanding of animal dispersal and habitat fragmentation.
A recent study found that wild orchids were being traded from all over the world, with rare and threatened species including one assessed as Critically Endangered. The high proportion of wild collected orchids for sale supports calls for better monitoring of social media for trade in wild collected plants.
A long-term study on Scottish island red deer reveals that inbred hinds raise significantly fewer offspring to adulthood due to increased mortality rates. Inbred males also sire fewer offspring, highlighting the adverse effects of inbreeding on adult wild animals.
Research by the University of Kent finds that illegal wildlife trade is facilitated by the global internet, but trade on the darknet is surprisingly low. The study suggests that poor enforcement and easy access to online platforms have led to a negligible amount of trade on anonymous networks.
A study confirms that a Thai sanctuary is the only site in Southeast Asia where tigers are increasing in number. The sanctuary's tiger population has recovered thanks to enhanced protection measures and intensive patrol systems, which have led to improved survival and recruitment rates among the iconic carnivores.
New research suggests that upscale brands can benefit from cause-related marketing at the point of sale, reducing consumer guilt and increasing sales of luxury products. A study found that customers are more likely to choose premium brands when charity is advertised, suggesting a viable strategy for luxury marketers.
A new study finds that steelhead trout hatchery fish differ from wild fish at the DNA level after one generation of culture. The research identified over 700 genes with changed activity levels, showcasing substantial and rapid genetic changes.
The EPA underestimated mercury emissions' benefits, which far exceed the cost to industry. Research shows that reducing coal-fired power plant emissions can result in tens of billions of dollars in health benefits.
Researchers develop a vaccine vector based on cytomegalovirus expressing Ebola virus glycoprotein, demonstrating protection in rhesus macaque model. The study's findings suggest a unique immunological response, producing high levels of antibodies with minimal T cell responses.
A recent AAAS panel discussed the potential of citizen science and information technology to drive sustainability. Projects like eBird and Aviaching are collecting valuable data on bird occurrences and habitat representation, while UDiscoverIt accelerates the discovery of new sustainable energy materials.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
Chronic low radiation exposure damages animal eyes, causing increased cataract frequency and reproductive issues in females. New study supports ecosystem-wide effects of radiation on wild populations.
Research finds traditional agroforestry systems enhance endangered and vulnerable species diversity in Southeast Asian forests. Fruit gardens introduce native trees with fleshy fruits, increasing food resources for frugivorous animals.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that China's National Forest Conservation Program increased forest cover and improved wildlife habitat, particularly for the giant panda. The program's payment scheme proved effective in engaging local residents to monitor and protect forests.
Researchers from Université Laval and Quebec's Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks have developed a new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) to effectively estimate fish populations in lakes. The approach shows strong correlation with traditional methods, providing a reliable and accurate indication of fish abundance at lower costs.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that 17% of monitored species populations increased, while 22% remained constant and 22% decreased in tropical forest protected areas. The results suggest that these areas can effectively maintain biodiversity, contrary to previous reports of declining species numbers.
A study of wild sheep on St Kilda island found that high levels of vitamin D are associated with improved fertility and reproductive success. Sheep with higher vitamin D levels had more lambs in the following spring, suggesting an evolutionary advantage.
Researchers developed two monitoring indicators for hunting levels of rainforest mammals and birds, adapting fisheries monitoring methods. The study found that hunters may be shifting to smaller species over time and increasing pressure on bird and mammal populations.
SUNY Downstate researchers identified areas of high probability of plague bacteria in the western United States. Their findings can be used by public health agencies to target specific areas for enhanced plague surveillance, particularly in regions with significant animal hosts.
Katherine Zeller, a UMass Amherst doctoral candidate, won a Switzer Environmental Fellowship to develop effective corridors for wildlife between protected areas and populations. Her research uses GPS telemetry collars and genetics to model animal movement and design conservation strategies.
New projections suggest the mean annual ground temperature at the top of permafrost on the North Slope has risen from 17.6 degrees Fahrenheit in 1988 to 28.5 F now, and is expected to reach 32 F by 2100, leading to substantial thawing in certain areas and widespread instability beneath infrastructure.
The Planetary Health Alliance aims to improve understanding of environmental change and human health. The alliance will foster research, training, and policy action at the intersection of environment and public health.
Research finds nearly 4% annual decline in Northern spotted owl populations from 1985 to 2013. Barred owl invasion is a major factor, but habitat loss and climate also contribute to population declines, with some areas experiencing up to 77% reduction in Washington.
Research reveals that genetically predisposed timid swans are more likely to inhabit non-urban areas, while bolder swans colonize cities. The study found a significant association between specific DRD4 gene variants and wariness levels.
The conservation community has taken swift and coordinated action to prevent the introduction and spread of Batrachocytrium salamandrivorans, a deadly fungal pathogen threatening North American salamander populations. Conservation organizations have called for policy changes to aid in preventing the disease's entry into the region.
A new study suggests that lifting the EU pigswill ban could save around 1.8 million hectares of land by using heat-treated food waste as pig feed, cutting land use by 21.5% and feed costs in half. The model also shows that swill feeding is a safer alternative to grain-based diets.
Researchers have discovered a new strain of Candidatus Neoehrlichia in an Austrian red fox, sparking concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. The bacterium is genetically intermediate between two previously recognized forms and has been linked to flu-like symptoms in humans and pets.
Scientists studied 12 incidents of starling drownings and found that on 10 occasions, more than 10 birds drowned. The team suggests that younger birds may be inexperienced in identifying water hazards, contributing to the phenomenon.
Research suggests that wild pumpkin and squash were initially used for non-food purposes, such as containers and tools, before humans discovered their edible value. The loss of megafauna allowed wild plants to grow in new environments, leading to the evolution of palatability.
The new Peatland Code targets the restoration of one million hectares of peatlands over five years, which could save up to 220 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2050. UK peatlands are a natural filter for drinking water and store more than three billion tonnes of carbon.
A new farming scheme has been found to support 20% more species of butterflies while producing the same amount of crops as conventional farms. Farmers who sign up to the non-organic Fair to Nature growing protocol gain a premium price for their crops, in return for setting aside and actively managing wildlife habitat.
A new study suggests that protected areas are failing to meet biodiversity goals due to inadequate science and management. The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a three-point plan to improve the effectiveness of protected areas, including establishing ecologically sensible targets and identifying performance metrics.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that fishers in California are being poisoned by rat poisons used on illegal marijuana farms, leading to a 233% increase in poisoning-related deaths. The toxicants are particularly deadly for male fishers, which are five times more likely to die from poisoning than predation compared to females.
The number of American alligators in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge decreased following dry years and recovered later, according to a USGS study. The decrease was proportional to the intensity of the dry event, highlighting the impact of hydrology changes on alligator populations.
Scientists have developed best practice principles for assessing the impact of new roads and railways on bats, highlighting the need for a more rigorous approach to protecting wildlife. Existing mitigation structures, such as underpasses and wire gantries, are often ineffective, while green overpasses and underpasses show promise.
A study found that larger protected areas, especially those in high population density regions, are more likely to undergo a downgrading event. The researchers highlight the need for conservation planners to consider the robustness of protected areas towards future economic and demographic changes.