Articles tagged with Wildlife
A 10-year study on national wildlife refuges found frog abnormalities at less than 2% overall rate, but higher rates in specific 'hotspots'. The study suggests that these hotspots have local causes and can recover over time.
Researchers found that female mice who competed socially for mates produce more urinary pheromones, making their sons more attractive to females. However, this increased attractiveness comes at a cost, as the sons have shorter lifespans due to the energy-intensive production of pheromones.
Scientists from ZSL and Imperial College London capture images of five wild cat species, including the elusive bay cat, in a logged area of forest. The study reveals that large carnivores can survive in commercially logged forests, challenging conservation assumptions.
Researchers at University of British Columbia studied the energy cost of satellite tags on aquatic animals, finding significant drag increases on smaller or juvenile animals. The study provides a universal formula to calculate drag for various marine species, promoting accurate data collection and conservation strategies.
Scientists have isolated a live SARS-like virus from Chinese horseshoe bats, providing evidence for direct transmission. The discovery highlights the importance of surveillance and research programs targeting high-risk wildlife groups to predict and prevent pandemics.
A team of researchers has identified a new species of humpback dolphin swimming in the waters off northern Australia. The study, published in Molecular Ecology, analyzed physical features and genetic data to determine that the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin includes at least four member species, one of which is completely new to science.
Research suggests that moonlight affects prey species differently depending on their sensory systems, with some using vision as a backup defense. Moonlight benefits visually oriented prey, while negatively impacting predators' hunting success.
A study of wild mice found they prefer to sleep and eat near used nesting material and droppings, outweighing risk of disease. This contrasts with clean-living domesticated animals, which tend to avoid dirt due to plentiful food and reduced predator risks.
Researchers used GPS sensors to track fishers' movements and discovered they chose routes that deviated from predicted models, highlighting the importance of considering animal behavior in landscape planning. This approach could lead to more accurate corridor predictions and improved species conservation.
Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA have discovered that avian influenza virus can be detected based on odor changes in infected birds. The study identified specific chemical compounds associated with the odor changes, which may also serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in humans.
Researchers found high concentrations of PCBs, dieldrin, and DDE in river otters, indicating potential risks to human health. The study highlights the need for further research on factors contributing to wildlife exposure to these chemicals.
A team of researchers found that a single gene controls the shift between repulsion and attraction in strawberry fruit, influencing ripening and pest defense. The enzyme anthocyanin reductase plays a crucial role in this process.
A study spanning two decades reveals that species in forest fragments are more likely to disappear than previously thought. Habitat fragmentation and invasive species like the Malayan field rat contribute to the rapid decline of native wildlife populations.
EcoHealth Alliance has been awarded a three-year, $2 million grant by the US Agency for International Development to address land use alteration as a significant driver of disease emergence and climate change in Asia. The project aims to capture the value of ecosystems in mitigating disease emergence and enhance carbon storage.
Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London capture images of golden eagle attacking a young sika deer on camera trap. The event, which occurred six years ago, is extremely rare and has no impact on deer populations.
Scientists have created a vulnerability map to help governments and organizations invest in protected area establishment and restoration efforts in the most vulnerable regions. The map assesses ecosystems' intactness and stability under future climate change predictions, identifying southern Asia, Europe, and Australia as high-risk areas.
Wild male orangutans demonstrate remarkable planning skills by facing their intended travel direction and emitting specific vocalizations before embarking on journeys. Females within earshot often follow these planned paths, while subordinate males tend to avoid similar routes.
Scientists estimate a minimum of 320,000 unknown viral agents in mammals alone, potentially causing emerging diseases like SARS and Ebola. The study provides a new strategy to identify total viral diversity and estimate costs of discovery.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that 13 species of crocodilians consume fruit, including berries and legumes. The researchers suggest that these animals may function as significant seed dispersal agents in freshwater ecosystems, contributing to forest regeneration.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of Minnesota reveals that the world's largest owl relies on old-growth forests for breeding and prey. Large trees provide critical habitats for salmon, supporting the owls' survival.
A study by Montana State University researchers found that the 25 wildlife crossings on the Trans-Canada Highway in Banff allow grizzly bears to access a prime patch of buffalo berries habitat safely. The crossings also enable bears to move between food, shelter and dispersal areas on both sides of the highway.
Climate change is affecting infectious diseases worldwide, causing human health and biodiversity conservation impacts. The study proposes modeling disease systems to predict and mitigate the spread of lethal diseases.
A recent study has discovered an unexpected density of six tigers per 100km2 in Tambling, a privately managed concession in Sumatra. This estimate is nearly double the highest recorded for the island to date, making it a critical site for tiger conservation.
Researchers identified non-disease causing fungal relatives of WNS-causing fungus, which live in bat hibernation sites and on bats. This discovery may aid in understanding the molecular toolbox used by the deadly fungus to kill bats.
A new study by WCS and Snow Leopard Trust reveals the link between cashmere trade and ecosystem decay in remote Central Asia. The cashmere industry's expansion leads to conflicts with pastoralists, wildlife displacement and even retaliatory killing of iconic species like snow leopards and wild yaks.
The Ecological Society of America examines ways to improve soil, water, and nutrient retention, pollinator support, and pest suppression. Sessions focus on land sharing, global-to-local connections, and resilient future interdependencies between conservation and agriculture.
The study warns that current hunting trends in Central African forests could lead to complete ecological collapse. The authors emphasize the need for sustainable hunting management plans to avoid an environmental catastrophe. Protecting megafauna like elephants and apex predators is crucial to maintaining intact ecosystems.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society establishes a conservation roadmap for Tanzania's 27 primate species, identifying priority areas for protection. The most vulnerable species, including the kipunji and Zanzibar red colobus, require adequate protection to prevent extinction.
Researchers mapped attitudes toward tigers in Nepal's Chitwan National Park, finding that those with higher social status tend to be more positive towards tigers. The study suggests that addressing economic inequality is crucial for effective conservation efforts.
Researchers have characterised new sequences of endogenous retroviruses in polar bears and pandas, dating back 45 million years. The viruses are suspected to play a role in human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study reveals that grassland fencing is threatening the survival of wild ungulates in Asia. The fencing has restricted their movement and reduced their habitat, making it harder for them to migrate and find food. This can lead to genetic isolation and increased extinction risk.
A new method for dating elephant tusks using radiocarbon levels could help enforce the ivory ban and save African elephants from extinction. The technique, developed by Columbia University researchers, can be applied to other endangered wildlife and is affordable for government agencies.
Scientists discuss spillover of infectious diseases among wildlife, domestic animals and people; find links between environment and human health. The symposia will address human influences on viral and bacterial diseases through alteration of landscapes and ecological processes.
Symposia focus on ecological dynamics of infectious diseases, examining human influences on viral and bacterial diseases through landscape alteration. Researchers aim to integrate biomedical and ecological approaches to address public health issues.
Researchers found tigers in central Sumatra live at lower than expected densities due to high levels of human activity. The study suggests that legal protection and intensive management can reduce human disturbance and facilitate tiger recovery.
A recent study by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station reveals that female fishers living near areas with high concentrations of illegal marijuana sites have higher exposure to rodenticides and lower survival rates. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for regulating pesticide use in these areas.
Researchers treated wild mice for a gut worm infection and found that treating one bug allowed other infections to flourish. The study suggests that co-existing infections can compete with each other and alter disease progression.
Researchers analyzed the social networks of wild chimpanzees to identify key individuals most likely to contract and spread pathogens. High-ranking mothers, juveniles with large families, and high-ranking males were found to be central to the network.
Ekwoge Abwe, a Cameroon conservationist, has won the prestigious Whitley award for his work preserving Ebo Forest and its wildlife. The award recognizes his community-led gorilla conservation initiative, which aims to secure a safe future for endangered species.
Researchers found that the banded mongoose in Botswana carries Leptospira interrogans, the pathogen that causes leptospirosis. The study highlights the widespread but neglected disease as a significant public health risk in Africa.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified leptospirosis as a significant health threat in Botswana, where the disease can cause flu-like symptoms, meningitis, and even death if untreated. The pathogen was found in banded mongoose, which can transmit the disease to humans through contaminated water or soil.
A study by Yale University researchers found that traditional African ranching techniques create fertile glades that support high native animal populations. These glades persist for over a century after the initial use, influencing plant and animal growth across the entire savanna ecosystem.
A Virginia Tech study found that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where human numbers are limited. The research identified the coupled nature of humans, animals, and the environment across landscapes, posing a critical threat to human and animal health.
A Canadian lynx, a carnivorous predator twice the size of a domestic cat, was found to have prowled the British countryside at the turn of the last century. The discovery provides evidence against a popular hypothesis that wild cats entered the country following the 1976 Wild Animals Act.
A team of researchers from Stephen F. Austin State University has confirmed that the Neches River rose-mallow is a unique species using genetic fingerprint analyses. The plant's DNA profile shows distinct differences from other related species, making it eligible for government-funded restoration efforts.
A study by Spanish researchers found that roe deer accidents peak between April and July, particularly at nightfall, while wild boar accidents occur between October and January. The risk is also higher on Sundays due to increased night-time traffic.
Researchers found that bear baiting in Wisconsin, which starts earlier and lasts longer, increases the likelihood of encounters between wolves and hunting dogs. In contrast, Michigan's regulations on bear baiting may help reduce wolf attacks on dogs. Compensation for dog owners killed by wolves varies between states.
A new genus of bat, Niumbaha superba, has been identified in South Sudan with a unique pattern of spots and stripes. The discovery highlights the country's rich biodiversity and underscores the need for conservation efforts.
The rapid development of synthetic biology presents new dialogue opportunities between conservation and synthetic biology communities to address ecological and ethical concerns. The authors highlight five emerging issues requiring discussion, including potential impacts on biodiversity and conservation strategies.
A new study by WCS-India reveals leopards inhabit landscapes with high human populations and no wilderness, defying conventional conservation strategies. Camera traps captured five adult large carnivores per 100 square kilometers, showcasing adaptability of humans and wildlife to each other's presence.
A new study reveals that Nevada's black bear population is increasing and expanding its former range due to conservation efforts. The study analyzed historic records and found that the bears were once widespread but vanished by 1931, only to rebound in recent years.
Researchers found that carnivores, including lions and hyenas, can share space with humans without major conflicts. The Maasai people's unique approach to managing their environment allows for coexistence between humans, livestock, and carnivores.
Conservationists and representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda have joined forces to highlight the plight of threatened wild cheetahs due to the illegal pet trade. The CITES Conference of the Parties has accepted a proposal for a study on the cheetah trade, which could impact the survival of cheetah populations in Africa.
African lion populations face extinction due to human-lion conflicts. Fencing can protect people and wildlife; a global funding agency could fund large-scale fencing projects. The 'Marshall Plan' for African wildlife conservation is proposed by the leading lion researcher.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that homes in neighborhoods with protected open space have sales prices 20-29% higher than those without such features. The 'conservation development' approach protects natural resources while providing social and economic benefits to people.
A study by Brigham Young University reveals that mothers prioritize their male offspring with high leadership potential, providing better nourishment and habitats. This investment has a lasting impact on the males' survival and health even after independence.
Conservationists confirm a staggering 62% loss of African forest elephants over the past decade due to poaching. The species' survival is threatened by human density, infrastructure development, and poor governance.
Researchers studying the endangered lemur found that females live longer than males, on average into their early 30s. The team's findings suggest that age-specific dispersal behavior may carry greater costs for males, leading to earlier mortality.
Researchers observed wild meerkat groups in the Kalahari Desert, where dominant females yield to lower-ranked individuals to cross roads, revealing a complex adaptation mechanism. This phenomenon may be an innate response, allowing animals to cope with novel threats and minimizing group risk.
Researchers at Harvard University challenged long-held assumptions about juvenile primate tooth development and weaning by studying chimpanzees in the wild. The study found that many young chimps continued to nurse as much, if not more, than before after their first molar erupted.