Articles tagged with Wildlife
A survey of 577 people in southern Ghana reveals that hunters and consumers perceive the risk of infection from eating bat meat as low, despite handling live bats and coming into contact with bat blood. The study finds that regulations alone are not effective solutions to reduce the practice.
A recent study by UC Davis found that mountain lions in southern California are experiencing severe genetic diversity loss, with the Santa Ana Mountains displaying lower genetic diversity than other regions. The study highlights the urgent need to maintain connectivity for coastal mountain lions across I-15.
Researchers found that hunters reduced small animal hunting and switched to cheaper ammunition, but large animals remained threatened. Taxing gunshots is an effective conservation measure for small animals, but higher taxes are needed for large ones.
A new study suggests that electrofishing can effectively remove non-native Brook Trout from small Rocky Mountain streams, preserving native Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations. The method involves using electrical shock to target and remove specific unwanted species, reducing impacts on native fish and macro-invertebrates.
The study found that mountain lions use a 'stalk and pounce' strategy due to its high energy efficiency, with costs varying depending on prey size. The new SMART collar technology enabled researchers to track and quantify the energetic costs of these behaviors.
A study identifies dense natural gas field developments, highways, and fencing as threats to the pronghorn's migration in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The research found that migrating pronghorn avoid high-quality forage on both sides of highways with bottlenecks, highlighting the need for wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Researchers create a new tool to study Ebola virus in wildlife using fecal samples, providing insights into the virus' distribution and potentially changing disease understanding. The method detects antibodies against Ebola virus in ape feces, suggesting some apes survive exposure.
A study comparing the Wolong Nature Reserve in China and Chitwan National Park in Nepal highlights the importance of considering human dynamics in conservation efforts. By understanding how people and wildlife interact, scientists can develop more effective policies for protecting endangered species like tigers and pandas.
A new study found that in India's human-dominated landscapes, leopards primarily feed on domestic dogs (39%) and domestic cats (15%), rather than livestock. This is due to the relative accessibility of dogs, which are often allowed to roam freely.
A new report confirms the American peregrine falcons' recovery trajectory is within predicted trends, with volunteer-generated data supporting population viability analysis. The study highlights the importance of considering geographic group health and behavior for threatened species, such as sea turtles and grizzlies.
Researchers studied genetic variation in wild and domesticated rabbits to understand the domestication process. The study found that genes controlling brain development and nervous system were key to transforming wild rabbits into tame ones.
Researchers have identified key genetic changes responsible for rabbit domestication, including modifications to brain and nervous system development. The study shows that small changes in many genes led to the inhibition of the strong flight response in domestic rabbits.
Compromise solutions are needed when building roads through sensitive tropical and subtropical areas, say experts. The authors propose four measures to mitigate tensions between roads and protected areas, including early involvement of infrastructure engineers and natural resource managers.
A new peer-reviewed paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests that all ivory markets must be closed to conserve Africa's elephant populations. The paper argues that corruption and organized crime make legal trade in ivory a major factor contributing to the decline of elephants.
A review of climate change impacts on species and ecosystems reveals a gap in conservation science focusing on indirect effects, such as seasonal changes and extreme weather events. Most studies (89%) exclusively examine direct threats, with no studies solely focusing on indirect threats.
Conservation translocation is being explored as a means to combat biodiversity loss. Researchers suggest creating 'wildness' rather than restoring 'wilderness'. Reintroduction of species and ecological replacement are controversial methods being considered.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society experts reveals that wildlife loss leads to conflict among people worldwide. The research highlights the link between biodiversity decline and exploitative labor practices, violence, and organized crime.
A new policy paper highlights how declining wildlife populations drive violent conflicts, organized crime, and child labor worldwide. Biologists must join forces with experts from various fields to address this complex challenge.
A new mathematical model helps understand how resource provisioning affects wildlife disease, with findings that more food doesn't always lead to better health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex interactions between food availability, immune defense, and disease transmission.
Research shows eastern grey squirrels modify their behaviour when approached by humans, reducing unnecessary responses and improving urban survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding animal adaptations to urbanization, enabling conservation efforts and habitat management.
Researchers used 3-D technology to track and visualize the movements of California condors, giant pandas, and dugongs. The study provided highly detailed data on their range and habitat use, informing conservation efforts to restore populations.
A new University of Michigan study simulates the effects of an oil pipeline break in the Straits of Mackinac, finding that oil would quickly contaminate shorelines in both lakes Michigan and Huron. The straits' powerful currents and frequent reversals make it a highly vulnerable location for an oil spill.
A study published in PLOS ONE uses satellite images to estimate polar bear population sizes, finding similar results to aerial and ground surveys. The technology holds promise for tracking Arctic wildlife, despite logistical challenges.
Scientists have discovered a new pathogen, Trichomonas stableri, linked to recent mass die-offs of Pacific Coast band-tailed pigeons. The parasite, along with ancient species Trichomonas gallinae, causes severe lesions that can block the esophagus or trachea, leading to suffocation.
Researchers found Arctic birds are initiating nests earlier in spring, with snowmelt being the primary driver of this change. The study suggests that climate change is causing long-distance migrants to adapt their breeding cycles, potentially impacting population viability.
A new study reveals that existing protected areas are insufficient in safeguarding the world's most threatened species, with 85% of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians unprotected. The authors recommend expanding protected areas to target high-threat species currently lacking protection.
A new study found that existing protected areas are insufficient in safeguarding the world's imperilled biodiversity, with 85% of threatened mammal, bird, and amphibian species not adequately protected. The authors recommend linking protected area expansion to high-threat species coverage to increase conservation chances.
A new study found that wild yak mothers venture on steeper terrain than either males or females without young, accessing more nutritious food and avoiding predators. The researchers believe this strategy is an adaptive way to cope with climate change and biological challenges in their high-altitude habitat.
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy reforms are too weak to positively impact farmland biodiversity, with over half of all farmland exempt from ecological measures. Experts call on member states to take action to address declining biodiversity and intensification of agricultural practices across Europe.
A new smartphone-based system, WVC Reporter, increased reporting efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced data visualization. Reports using the app produced more accurate locations, were entered quicker, and had a lower data entry error rate than manual reports.
Researchers tracked two consecutive years of zebra migrations between Chobe River in Namibia and Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana, covering a straight-line distance of 250km (500km round-trip). The findings highlight the importance of trans-frontier conservation areas in preserving great terrestrial migrations.
Researchers identify two new bacterial causes of pneumonia in chamois, highlighting risk of inter-species transmission with domestic animals. The combination of parasite infestation and harsh winter conditions weakened the immune systems of the affected animals.
Research by UCSB professor Hillary Young finds that large wildlife decline leads to an increase in rodent populations, resulting in more fleas and a higher risk of human disease. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting large and at-risk wildlife species to mitigate this risk.
The loss of large wildlife has been directly correlated with a significant increase in rodents and zoonotic diseases dangerous to humans. The study suggests that conservation efforts could help mitigate the problem of rodent-borne diseases.
Researchers analyzed breeding bird surveys for 40 songbird species over 35 years and found they shifted either northward or to higher elevation in response to climate change. This suggests previous studies may have underestimated the effects of environmental warming by only looking at one factor.
A new study by Stanford researchers challenges the long-accepted island biogeography theory, which predicts a decline in species abundance in fragmented landscapes. Instead, they found that farmland and forest remnants in human-dominated landscapes can support higher species diversity and slow extinction rates.
Recent research on large herbivore domestication reveals little control of breeding and significant gene flow, challenging traditional assumptions. This lack of genetic isolation threatens livestock diversity and survival in the face of climate change and disease.
A recent review by EcoHealth Alliance calls for enhanced global surveillance to prevent future outbreaks of Ebola and other filoviruses. The organization's research suggests that focusing on wildlife, particularly bats, rodents, and non-human primates, is crucial in predicting and preventing local outbreaks.
A new study confirms three species of alligator snapping turtles, including two recently discovered, are threatened by conservation efforts. The turtles' restricted range and habitats make them vulnerable to catastrophic events such as chemical spills or river pollution.
A recent survey by an international research team found that Liberia's chimpanee population is one of the most viable in West Africa, with over 70% living outside protected areas. The results provide crucial information for site prioritization and conservation efforts.
The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Alliance has found that lead poisoning is the primary cause of death in wild California condor populations. This finding highlights the need for conservation efforts to address widespread lead contamination in the environment.
Fencing for wildlife conservation has costs, including the loss of predators and other species, which can lead to further local extinctions. Alternative approaches, such as improved animal husbandry and community-based crop-guarding, can be more effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Fencing can disrupt predator-prey dynamics and limit access for migratory herbivores. The Zoological Society of London argues that fencing should be reconsidered as a conservation tool, prioritizing connected environments over physical barriers.
Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA found that immunization alters urine odor in similar ways, while immune-activated responses produce qualitatively different odors. This discovery suggests a pathway between immune activation and changes in body odor compounds, potentially enabling non-invasive disease detection.
Researchers found biting flies, including horseflies and tsetse flies, drive zebra's black and white stripes. The study ruled out other hypotheses such as camouflage and social function.
The Jamaican iguana population has grown to over 200 individuals due to conservation efforts. However, a recent proposal to develop the Hellshire Hills area poses a significant threat to the species' survival.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that newborn male deer with high testosterone levels are less likely to survive their first year compared to peers. The study also showed that testosterone levels in offspring are linked to their mother's condition, suggesting a potential survival advantage for younger calves.
A data-driven approach has been developed to maximize the effectiveness of limited enforcement resources in protecting Africa's threatened wildlife. The method uses spatial planning software to identify weaknesses in current efforts and redirect patrols to increase deterrence, with a potential cost reduction of up to 63%.
African wildlife faces devastating effects from pesticide use, with a new study uncovering widespread killing of species. The research calls for regional centers to identify hotspots and promote chemical testing, education, and public engagement to combat poisoning.
A study reveals that US military helicopters are vulnerable to bird strikes, with 2,511 recorded incidents across the services. The majority of strikes involved birds, with a high number of incidents reported in Florida, New Mexico, and Georgia.
Research shows that temperate ecosystems consisted of a mosaic of closed and semi-closed forests and parkland created by large grazers. The study also found that woodland beetles were less dominant in the previous interglacial period than in the early Holocene, indicating a shift towards more forested landscapes after human arrival.
A recent study found that Burmese pythons present a low risk to people in Everglades National Park, with all reported incidents involving biologists being minor and non-fatal. The study suggests that pythons may abort strikes upon realizing the size of their potential prey, indicating they can assess size mid-strike.
The 2014 AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film competition recognized four engaging science books exploring school gardens, fossil discovery, backyard bird watching, and biotechnology. Winners received $1500 and a plaque for their outstanding contributions to science writing and illustration.
A new paper proposes banning lead shot in Olympic shooting events to prevent wildlife poisoning and health threats to surface and groundwater. Non-toxic substitutes like steel shot have been available for two decades.
New data shows a continued decline of African forest elephants, with 65% lost between 2002 and 2013. The poaching rate is alarming, with 9% per year, resulting in over 96 elephants killed daily.
A recent study in Nature finds that the Arctic tundra during the last ice age was teeming with colorful wildflowers, providing sustenance for giant grazing animals like woolly mammoths. The research, led by Kansas State University's Joseph Craine, challenges conventional views of the region's vegetation history.
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered a direct link between urbanization and increased parasitic infections in wild house finches. The study found that birds from more urbanized areas were heavier and more infected by internal parasites, which disrupt the animal's ability to get nutrients.
The new field of macrosystems ecology is being touted as a solution to tackle environmental problems such as climate change and invasive species. By integrating biology with other fields and using vast amounts of data, ecologists can study complex systems at broad scales.
A new wireless surveillance system, TernCam, reduces battery life without compromising image quality. The system enables real-time visual data collection and has successfully transmitted signals in severe weather conditions.
Researchers found numerous bird nests and a greater diversity of species in no-till soybean fields compared to tilled fields. The study highlights the importance of agricultural practices in supporting bird abundance and diversity.